Above the Dead, EP 2.6 "Grover"

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Season 2, Episode 6 (51 pages)

"Grover"

 

INTRO

 

BLACK...

 

FADE IN:

 

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

 

POV travels through the quiet woods…

Eventually, some kind of commotion can be heard, far off in the distance...

 

POV comes out of the woods, into a clearing, and finding a prison. The commotion appears to be a large group of people. It's still fairly far off, but mass excitement/cheering can faintly be heard...

 

POV goes toward the cheering, through the prison yard, and other abandoned parts of the prison. Eventually, someone can faintly be heard, yelling over the cheers. He and the others can't be seen, just heard, as POV continues toward them...

 

MAN

(OS)

BECAUSE WE'VE GOT MANPOWER! (More cheering)

WE HAVE LEADERS! (cheering) LEADERS AT BOTH

CAMPS, WITH ARMIES, TO RULE OVER THE DEAD AND

THOSE WHO WOULD THREATEN OUR SURVIVAL!

(mass cheering) AND WE HAVE GUNS TO DO THAT

WITH! (cheering) AMMUNITION! (cheering) FOOD!

(cheering) AND A PLAN TO HARVEST PLENTY MORE!

(cheering) WATER TO WASH IT DOWN WITH!

(cheering) AND NOT JUST WATER, BUT HOW ABOUT

SOME MOONSHINE! (mass cheering) AND WOMEN

TO SHARE IT WITH! (mass cheering) WHAT GOOD IS

SURVIVING THE APOCALYPSE WITHOUT WOMEN

AND BOOZE!? (cheering) AND SURVIVE IT YOU WILL!

 

More cheering, with POV becoming closer, but the crowd is still unseen, as he continues with his speech.

 

MAN

(OS)

With an entire team of loggers, we’ll soon have walls

to keep out the dead, and to keep your WOMEN

AND MOONSHINE SAFE! (mass cheers) YEEEAH!

NOW WHO'S ON BOARD? (cheering) DO YOU WANNA’

GO TAKE YOUR CHANCES OUT THERE, ON YOUR OWN,

AGAINST THIS KIND OF AN ENEMY, IN AN UNCERTAIN

NEW WORLD? OR DO YOU WANT TO COMMIT TO

GROVER, AND BE A PART OF THOSE WHO REBUILD

THE WORLD?!

 

Everyone cheering before going into a chant, of “Grover! Grover! Grover!”...

 

They continue to chant his name as POV finally finds them. You can see Grover's lower half, as he climbs into a truck. They continue chanting, as he drives away. His face never seen, while driving off, with his truck full of supplies, as are the handful of trucks that follow behind him, as they drive off-screen.

 

The men settle down and look to Swish (38, in guard uniform, bruised face), as he looks over a dead prison guard, who is now a huff and handcuffed to a bar, surrounded by all the prisoners (well over 100 of them, one of them (GW, 35) is as big as a professional wrestler). Stix (30, in prison uniform, like everyone else) comes next to Swish, who takes his arm and raises it.

 

SWISH

Every leader needs his number two, and here is mine!

 

The men cheer!

 

                                                  RANDOM CONVICT

(cheering)

STIX!

 

DIFFERENT CONVICT

STIX AND SWISH! TAKE US TO THE PROMISE LAND,

BABY!

 

Mass cheering, Swish lowering Stix's arm...

 

SWISH

In my first act, as camp leader, I'll use one stone,

to knock out two birds. One of you is not a part

of the new world. You're not getting in...not if I

have anything to do with it…and well, I do!

(staring at the huff) That second little birdie is an

interesting one...what the hell is this thing going

to do when it gets its hands on you...or should I

say teeth...

 

Everyone silent, as two convicts arrive, holding another convict, handing off to Swish, who stares the man in the face, before instantly turning him, pushing face first, right into the huff's reach, and forcefully holding him there.

 

The man screams as the huff bites into him. Swish keeps holding him until the man falls helplessly, bleeding out from his bites to the throat. Everyone watches, in silence. Swish smiles...

 

SWISH

Now...that is interesting!

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

THEME TUNE/CREDITS

 

Shots of all the chaos in the city, on day 1 of the “zombie” apocalypse, followed by bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highways, and tons of angry/nervous people honking or trying to pull off the road. Shot of Mt. Hood, followed by shots of a huge tree house overlooking a lake, which dissolves into the Columbia River, and traveling down it, through a huge forest fire, before reaching the Bonneville Dam. POV continues down the river, past the Glen Jackson bridge, flowing by tons of houseboats where the dead are falling into the river, chasing after whoever is drifting by…

 

POV of the Willamette River as it goes under the St. Johns bridge, and up into the hills of Portland. It travels over them, into the Beaverton area, crossing over the top of the Nike World Headquarters, and keeps traveling over farmlands, and into the coast range, finding the Glenwood Market, and a large camp with log walls, across the creek and behind the store…

 

POV speeds over the Tillamook Forest, Highway 26, and a bunch of other lands, before coming to the Columbia River, traveling west, under the Megler bridge, and into the ocean. It continues along the shoreline, past Astoria, the Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach, coming to a pair of jetties, and following through the channel between them. POV continues up into the nearby hills, finding a large camp, protected by a large log wall…

 

POV travels back down to the shoreline, and over a huge hotel, with a shot of the Twin Rocks in the ocean. POV travels by the bay of Tillamook, and along Highway 6, back into the coast range, until leaving the road, back into the Tillamook Forest, until coming to a very large compound, hidden away by all the brush and mountain-side, as opening credits roll…

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. HIGHWAY 6 - NIGHT

 

POV from herd of convicts, of two cars (Travis (Zane's baseball player) and his family) turning and speeding away, as the herd crosses the road.

 

POV of the convicts, as some of them snicker or laugh, at the cars speeding away. One of them even begins to aim a gun toward the cars, before another convict calms him down. A ton of them continue piling out of the brush, into the road (GW towering over them all), as POV travels through them, coming to the front, where Stix and Swish lead the way.

 

SWISH

There's no one better to follow, than Grover. We

go way back. You can count on him making good

on his promises.

 

STIX

The camp he's running is dangerously close to

the city. I just hope we see him again.

 

SWISH

Even if we don't, you heard him. The loggers are

waiting for us at the location we're currently en

route to, equipment is already there, and the

walls go up before he's even supposed to return...

 

STIX

And he's just been planning for this his entire

life, or what?

 

SWISH

(with a laugh)

It’s been a while… (Stix looking at him) What? It's

Oregon, all the rich survival enthusiasts live here,

and we're lucky enough to have crossed paths

with one of them crazy b******s...

 

They walk in silence for a moment, until Swish comes to a stop, looking straight ahead, as does Stix.

Their POV of a bar, where a curtain window moves. The parking lot has plenty of vehicles.

Swish smiling as he looks at Stix, and moves toward the bar...

 

STIX

We...we don't have time for that... 

 

SWISH

 I don't think Grover would mind...

 

STIX

The world hasn't completely fallen apart, just yet.

We need to be smart. Pretty sure he mentioned

that, himself.

 

SWISH

He also mentioned me, being in charge. (looking

back at the men) These men need something to

fuel them, toward this new chapter in life... Or

one last fling, in case it all ends tomorrow...

 

All the men beginning to smile and muttering their excitement, toward the bar in front of them...

Suddenly, a shot is fired at them! They begin to scatter at first, before Swish leads them charging forward.

 

SWISH

CHARGE!

 

He fires his gun, as do the others, and with their overwhelming numbers, they simply charge right inside the bar, with screams and gunshots...

 

Stix watches from outside, with a shake of his head, before turning to watch those same two vehicles, from a few moments ago, now speeding back the original way they were heading...He watches, then flinches, as another car engine comes to life, from the parking lot. He turns and watches, as the car is flooded with convicts, who rip the person out of the vehicle.

 

Another convict jumps in the car and peels off, driving away and toward the city. Some convicts are walking away, in same direction the car fled. A few other convicts are looking through the other cars.

The majority of the convicts work to all fit inside the overcrowded bar…

 

Dissolve to convicts now bringing dead bodies outside, and dumping on the ground...

Dissolve to the convicts now reacting with excitement, as one of the bodies begins coming to life, as a huff. They play with it, and tease it, knocking it around and to the ground, laughing at it. More come to life, some men get nervous, while others are amused.

 

Some begin firing shots at the dead, but not at the head. They're laughing and being careless. Eventually, a drunken convict is bitten in the leg. Many of the others just laugh, before suddenly the huff is killed with a flying hatchet, followed by several kill shots from a gun, as Stix puts down all the huffs...  

 

Dissolve to most convicts now inside the bar, drunkenly partying as if it were the end of the world...

The rest of them are outside, drinking and celebrating...

 

Dissolve to morning, with everyone passed out, all around the bar, and inside...

A few of them slowly waking, from inside... A few waking from outside...

 

Dissolve to all the convicts exiting the bar, hungover and struggling with the sunlight, as they begin hiking down the road, following Swish and Stix. There are still well over a hundred of them...

 

SWISH

Looks like our numbers have dropped.

 

STIX

People want to look for their families...

 

Swish smiling with a shake of his head, as scene dissolves to them all arriving at a store, off to the side of the road. Most of them begin breaking open the door, and entering store. Many of them help themselves inside, and eventually there are screams upstairs, followed with a few gunshots. The others are pigging out down below...

 

Dissolve to the convicts now going around the side of the store, onto a back road, and over a small bridge (Glenwood Lane), that crosses a large creek (Gales Creek). The road leads to an old outdoor school area, with large structures and a bunch of homes and yurts...

 

The men eagerly cross the bridge, arriving at the location they had been looking for. But suddenly, they are approached by army vehicles, coming to a halt in the road. The convicts do not hesitate to open fire on the soldiers, who hop out, take cover, and begin firing back...

 

Convicts are on the bridge, in the water below, behind the store, in the brush, firing shots back at the soldiers, who are in the road, behind their vehicles. Some of them are off to the side, behind trees, firing at the convicts...

 

Suddenly, in the background you can see hummers coming to a stop, in the road. They hesitate there, while the soldiers and convicts continue to exchange gunfire...

 

Eventually, one of the hummers comes forward, chasing away the soldiers, who briefly fire on the hummer, before clearing away from it, and taking cover from oncoming fire, as the hummer pushes through their army vehicles, clearing a path for the other two hummers...

 

The soldiers are now in trouble of being overtaken by the convicts, while the last two hummers drive by. They both stop, while the soldiers fight for their lives...

Suddenly Zane, Scout, Dakota, Wyatt, and Rich begin opening fire on the convicts...

Jason, Porter, Weston, and Colton all arrive, near Zane and the others, and open fire on the convicts, who begin backing off...

 

Now Leo, Mason, Gunner, and Chasin, all join the fight, as the soldiers become more aggressive. The convicts become overwhelmed, and begin to retreat into the woods...

The soldiers go after them, but Zane and his group hold back...

 

Swish and Stix lead the convicts through the woods, upward as they flee the scene below. In the background you can hear one of the soldiers, shouting back at Zane.

 

SOLDIER

(OS)

Come on! We need your help!

 

ZANE

This isn't our fight! We just saved your lives.

Now get out of here, like we are!

 

Swish and Stix continue to lead them away, while keeping fire on the soldiers, who begin falling back...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. WOODS �" DAY

 

Convicts all walking upward through the brush and trees. Stix holds up a hand, as they all pause. Swish looks ahead, staring at something, before walking toward it...

 

He approaches a large bundle of something, covered by tarps. He begins uncovering it, with the help of others. GW grabs the tarp and single-handedly rips it off the huge bundle.

Underneath lays a pile of supplies. Tents, clothes, food, traps, and tons of it. Swish grabs a walkie talkie. The men all begin going through it all...

 

STIX

Some kind of enthusiast, this Grover is...

 

Dissolve to the same location, now with tents set up, as some men continue to organize the camp, while most lounge around.

 

Swish and Stix stand near a tent, where the man who had been bitten by a huff, now lays with fever...

 

STIX

You think just being bitten makes you sick?

 

SWISH

Who knows what to expect. Maybe we're all

bound to get sick and turn into these damn things.

 

Couple men approaching them...

 

CONVICT 1

We lost at least six more men down there.

 

CONVICT 2

The others want to know what the plan is?

 

SWISH

You guys all heard him say it. If we run into trouble,

there'd be supplies in the hills, for camping, until

things settle down. The plan is exactly that.

 

STIX

With any luck, the loggers will come let us know

when it's safe...

 

CONVICT 2

What about...(motioning inside tent) him? Do we

need to worry about him making us all sick?

 

Swish walks into tent, while Stix and the other men just watch. A loud gunshot is suddenly fired. Swish walks back out...

 

SWISH

Nope...

 

Many of the others simply looking over toward that tent, and Swish...

Dissolve to them all lounging around, snacking, drinking water, with some of them restless...

One of the men shouts over at Swish.

 

MAN

So, how'd you know exactly where to find those

supplies?

 

SWISH

Weren't you listening while the all-mighty Grover

delivered his speech? The one you all cheered and

chanted, “Grover, (rolling eyes) Grover”. I've been

on the man’s payroll for years, now. I've been to

this spot before, I know the routine. Just never

thought I'd actually be following it.

 

Suddenly, someone is heard coming over the radio.

 

RADIO

Swisher?... This is Camp Glenwood, looking

for Swisher.

 

Swish grabbing the radio, with all nearby eyes (including Stix) on him...

 

SWISH

(into radio)

This is Swish...

 

RADIO

Glad you're still with us, Swisher.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

It's Swish. Who is this?

 

RADIO

You tell me. That is the procedure, here...

 

SWISH

(into radio)

So, it is…yet, I don’t remember, other than you're

Grover's guy, and you're with the loggers.

 

RADIO

Look, Swisher...we were paid good money to pay

attention, to a well-thought-out plan, that we

never thought would play out...yet, here it is, as

surreal as it may be, and �"

 

Swish clicking the radio several times, interrupting the other guy.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Look, I can't remember your damn name. I've told

you mine, yet you still can't get it right, so you'll

have to forgive me if I can't recall the freaking

name of someone I never expected to meet...

 

Silence for a bit, as they wait for a response...

 

RADIO

Let’s see if multiple choice is your cup of tea. It's

either that, or Grover chose the wrong guy to

co-lead this group. Rick? Lonnie? Shane? Eric?

Eddie? Anyone of those ring a bell, sweetheart???

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Erica, that's right. I knew it was something feminine.

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Comedians are good, we need comedians in the

new world. People need a reason to laugh.

Maybe you'll be useful after all.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

How ‘bout you tell me what you're good for? Besides

playing with lincoln logs. Speaking of such, I take it

you're using break time from tearing down trees and

putting up walls, to make this call? And I imagine it's

safe for us to come on back down there, without U.S.

soldiers firing at us?

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Lincoln logs, that's funny, coming from a man who

babysat adult children, for a living. A man whose

job in the new world, is yet again, babysitting

adult children.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Battle of wits? Or do me and my adult children get

an update, from the ever-so-brave man who stands

behind a radio, while he tests my patience?

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Get comfortable up there. The reason those soldiers

were so concerned with you, is the fact they too, have

plans for this location. They appear to be setting up a

perimeter here, a much smaller version of the one we

have planned.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

So, you're saying we're absolutely screwed?!

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Not absolutely. Could actually work in our favor,

with updates and such. If this really is the end,

they'll leave us within a week, month at the most.

Grover prepared us for this kind of thing.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

We're supposed to camp up here for a week?

Maybe a month?!

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Or you can come down here and overpower

these sob's, smart guy.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

How many of them are there?

 

ERIC

(over radio)

I was being sarcastic. Even if you beat them, you'd

lose most your men. You've got plenty of supplies.

People all over the planet have it much worse. I'll

update you daily. Lincoln log Erica, out...

 

Swish puts down radio, with a look at Stix...

 

SWISH

We'll see just how useful that guy is, once the

walls go up.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" DAY

 

Man watching from house window, as POV pans back to where soldiers work to put up a fence, while others stand guarding, with guns. They're using a large building (old outdoor school mess hall) as a base camp. A soldier there is on the radio...

 

SOLDIER

(over radio)

No! Don't go anywhere near the city!

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. CONVICT CAMP �" EVENING

 

Convicts all lounging around, bored...

 

CONVICT (GARY, 40)

So, what do we do if a bunch of the dead begin

coming up here?

 

STIX

We're too far up, and too far from the city.

 

CONVICT (CONNER, 20)

Even Grover couldn't have predicted this, but he

picked this location for a reason. We should just

stick to his plan.

 

SWISH

We're sticking to the plan, but have to be ready

to improvise, to think on our own, and be ready

for whatever Grover didn't plan for. 

 

Many convicts nodding in agreement.

 

GARY

Yeah...

 

STIX

We have to be smart, though. Like you said, think,

but not react.

 

GARY

What about the U.S. dickheads down there?

 

STIX

As Eric said over the radio, it could be a good thing.

We need information, right now. We need to know

what exactly we're trying to survive. I don’t know

about the rest of you, but I’m still trying to figure

that out.

 

Many of the convicts nodding...

 

STIX

Maybe it's a world where savages like us, are

at an advantage...

 

CONVICT

Hell yeah...

 

Swish smiling as he looks at Stix…

 

SWISH

I knew I made you my number two, for a reason.

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

EXT. BACKYARD �" DAY

 

An airplane flies by, as POV pans back, dropping into yard, where a ton of family/friends are having a party. A guy flips grub on the grill, while looking back at all the commotion behind him. He watches as another guy uses fancy moves while tossing several knifes into a watermelon, to much applause.

 

The guy is Stix, who smiles as his little 7-year-old niece (Anna) runs over into his arms. He hugs her, and picks her up swinging her around. She laughs and runs back off with her friends, who mimic the way Stix had tossed the knifes...

 

Stix walks over toward the guy flipping grub (his brother, Adrian). He passes his sister-in-law (Abigail) with a warm smile and touch of her arm, who then gives her brother a hug, (Juan) a hug, as well as her cousin (Jerry).

 

ABIGAIL

You made it!

 

JUAN

Hey, sis.

 

Stix arriving next to his brother, at the grill. Anna runs over to Juan and Jerry, with excitement.

 

ANNA

Did you see Uncle Stix, with the knives?!

 

ADRIAN

(talking to Stix)

You're always the cool one to her, with all your

tough-guy knife tricks.

 

STIX

That's just because she's too young to realize how

lucky, and how awesome a father is, who gives her

a home and yard like this, to run around celebrating

life, with her family. Someday she'll realize her Uncle

Stix is just the broke one, who rents a basement

apartment from his little brother.

 

ADRIAN

And you save us a fortune in daycare!

 

Abigail close by (feeding an infant in baby-chair), and chiming in.

 

ABIGAIL

Not to mention the kids have a loving family member

at home with them, rather than spending half their

lives with people paid to give them their attention.

So, stop with the self-guilt trips. We bought this home

hoping you'd stay part-time, and help run this family

the way you do.

 

She kisses his forehead, then kisses her baby’s forehead, and Stix does the same, as the baby cracks up laughing...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. WOODS �" DUSK

 

Close-up of someone at creek, filling up water bottle. The water settles, as you can see Stix's reflection in it, and he stares at himself a moment...

He then dumps some water over his head, cooling off, before refilling, rising, and walking back toward the camp...

 

Dissolve to the convicts lounging around, bored/annoyed, very restless. They looked uncomfortable, hot. Many of them are/were down at the creek, inside cooling off.

GW is doing pushups, over the creek, splashing down into the water, with each repetition, while others watch…

                                                   

CONNER

What does GW stand for?

 

RANDOM CONVICT

Great White… He killed some big-time drug lord

in prison, named Shark.

 

CONNER

Great… I was already scared of him…

 

Dissolve to dawn, with all the convicts sound asleep...

A few quick hard drops begin falling, picking up pace very quickly, and turning into a complete downpour...

 

Convicts begin waking, yelling/complaining, coming out and trying to do what they can to stay dry, and keep their things dry...

 

Dissolve mid-day, with everyone laying/sitting around, sweaty and uncomfortable...

 

CONVICT 1

I'll take the rain over this muggy s**t.

 

CONNER

I'll take my cell bunk back, over this post-

apocalypse crap.

 

A few laughs...

 

GARY

I'll take a new apocalyptic leader, if the next guy

remembers to stash some damn booze, with

the supply bundle!

 

More laughs...

 

RANDOM CONVICT

Or at least a damn playboy magazine, or something!

 

More laughs...

 

GARY

What about you, Stix? You been pretty quiet,

since this whole thing started.

 

STIX

Just thinking about my family...if they made it...

 

Some silence...

 

GARY

Thought you didn't talk to your family, anymore.

 

Silence...

 

STIX

Doesn't mean I don't think about them...

 

GARY

Well so, when you're not thinking about things that

no longer matter, what are your thoughts on our

present predicament?

 

STIX

My current thought is that if you ever speak to me,

or of my family with disrespect, like that again, you'll

find yourself in a whole new kind of predicament.

 

Conner smiling, as are some of the others...

 

SWISH

Relax Stix...if not for how well-liked you are, Gary

here would have been my number two, so show

some respect of your own...

 

Gary smiling, as are some of the others. Stix slowly rises, and suddenly flips a knife right at Gary, sticking the sleeve of his shirt directly into the tree, where he sat up against, leaving him with a face of shock/anger, as Stix walks away, with a look at Swish.

 

STIX

Respect must be earned...

 

Swish smiles, as Stix walks away.

 

SWISH

See...I knew there was another reason I made

you my number two.

 

CONNER

I think he just made Gary make a number two!

 

Convicts cracking up, as Gary gleams at Swish. (one guy next to Gary tries not to laugh)

 

GARY

You're just going to let him get away with that s**t?!

 

SWISH

From where I'm sitting, it looks like you're the

one who let him get away with it.

 

Stix continues walking away, out of camp...

Dissolve to him walking through the woods, far from the camp. He stops, stands there a moment, before suddenly pulling out a hatchet, and violently chopping it at the tree, in a complete rage...

 

He eventually turns and flips it at a different tree, sticking right into it, and screaming as loud as he can...

He begins to calm, standing there in silence... Suddenly, something is heard, racing away, as he turns quickly to look. He slowly begins walking toward it...

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

EXT. BACKYARD �" NIGHT

 

An airplane flies by, as POV pans down into backyard, where the party is over, with nothing but leftover party supplies/garbage), and the shadow of someone running through the yard. A baby can be heard crying, in the background...

POV comes to find Adrian, desperately racing through the yard, looking around every corner...

 

ABIGAIL

(OS)

Adrian, tell me you see her!?

 

Adrian runs inside. Abigail is in there, frantic as she holds the crying baby.

 

ABIGAIL

Downstairs, she has to be downstairs!

 

ADRIAN

Stix is already gone, for work.

 

ABIGAIL

Maybe she hid down there, and he left without

knowing.

 

Adrian running back outside, around corner of house, and using key to unlock side door...

Dissolve to same POV, but now with sirens flashing on the house, and officers coming out from basement apartment. Another officer walks through the yard, shining a light around...

 

The parents nervously speak with an officer, in the front yard. A car comes speeding to the scene, stopping in front of the house. Stix comes running out of the car...

 

STIX

Tell me you've found her!? Tell me she's okay?!

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

INT. CONVICT CAMP - DUSK

 

All the convicts huddled together around multiple fires...

 

CONVICT

(in background)

Gotta’ love this bi-polar Oregon weather. Wet, hot,

and cold all in one damn day.

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Swisher? This is Glenwood Camp, over...

 

Convicts all hushing, as Swish goes for radio.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Tell me you've got good news for us? Tell me we

can come share those nice living conditions of

yours, down there, before we simply storm our

way down the hill, and take it.

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Jesus Christ, you guys were just in prison. You're

used to roughing it. I bet a bunch of dead school

teachers, and office workers would be happy to

trade places with you women. But they're too busy

eating the faces off of people, who have no place

to hide from them. People who'd take your supplies

and location in a damn heartbeat.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Just like we'd all trade our situation for yours.

 

Convicts all voicing their agreement...

 

ERIC

(over radio)

All I can tell you, is that if Grover isn't showing up,

then we have to wait. He's smart enough to avoid

these a******s, and so should you.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Do you at least have an update on the long-term

plan of these a******s, or if the world is making

any progress?

 

A pause...

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Due to the fact the world is making absolutely no

progress, I believe most of these guys will go

looking for their families, like I think some already

have. Some may try to settle down, here. They’ll

either join us, or give you fellas something to take

your frustration out on.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

What makes you say there has been no progress?

 

ERIC

(over radio)

I've made an ally with one of them. He knows he

can survive here and be a part of our plan, and

because of that, he gives me stuff.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Stuff like what?

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Stuff like whatever functioning government we

have left, is vacationing somewhere over the

North Atlantic. Communications are going down

all over the place. Word has it there might even

be some bombing in the cities, maybe even the

beaches...it's a real mess, out there... Grover's

plan is a reality, boys. Get used to that concept...

 

SWISH

Any good news, sweetheart?

 

Suddenly, everyone turns at the sound of something...

Eric comes over radio as they all stare into the dark woods.

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Yeah, you're a part of Grover's plan!

 

Someone or something, is coming out of the dark woods, right toward the convicts and their campfires...

It's someone maybe carrying something/someone...

It's Stix, carrying a deer, as everyone watches…

 

ERIC

(over radio)

You still there?

 

Stix walks right into Swish's area, dropping the deer down in front of them, and turning away...

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Swishy?

 

STIX

Tomorrow, we go see for ourselves what's going

on down below... (turning and walking away)

Tonight...we feast!

 

Convicts all erupting with applause/cheers...

Swish smiles, and turns on the radio for Eric to hear all the excitement.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Oh, we're still here, baby...

 

Swish puts down radio, smiling...

 

SWISH

I'm beginning to think that Stix wants me to be

his number two.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. WOODS �" DAY

 

Gary, Conner, and a couple other convicts, leading Swish, Stix, and most of the other convicts (with guns), through the woods...

 

SWISH

(talking to Stix)

I've been waiting for you to start leading like this...

 

Stix not replying, just walking on in silence, as Swish watches him...

 

SWISH

You know, the other guys being so fond of you, is

not the only reason you came to be my number two.

 

Swish giving Stix a chance to respond, but still walking on in silence...

 

SWISH

Grover himself, ordered me to do so...

 

Stix a look at Swish...

 

STIX

I don't even know Grover.

 

SWISH

He knows you... We all know you...what you did.

 

Stix walking in silence...

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

EXT. ADRIAN'S FRONT PORCH �" MORNING

 

Adrian and his hysterical wife Abigail, on the porch, several squad cars are parked in front of their house.

 

ABIGAIL

(sobbing)

I don't get it. Why do they keep talking to your

brother? What does he have to do with this?

 

Adrian pacing, taking a few steps toward porch steps, but stopping at the sight of an officer standing down below, next to basement apartment door...

 

Cut to several officers in basement apartment, speaking to Stix, whose face is full of tears.

 

OFFICER

So, you're sure you never saw her again, after she

went back upstairs, or that she went back up there

at all?

 

STIX

I told you, I'm certain. I hugged her goodnight,

kissed her on her forehead, and watched her

walk out, followed by her footsteps (motioning

toward window) right up the front porch.

 

Stix sobbing...

 

OFFICER

It's okay, calm down, Mr. Vasquez. How come

you're so upset?

 

All officers closely watching his reaction, as he looks up at the officer who asked him that, with astonishment...

 

STIX

What do you mean, why am I so upset? Are you FU...

 

The rest of what Stix asks is heard out on porch, by Adrian and Abigail.

 

STIX

(OS)

CKING KIDDING ME?!

 

Abigail looks at Adrian with fear and shock...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" DAY

 

POV through binoculars (from behind a fence), of the Glenwood camp, with soldiers out and about, and some guarding the gates. A couple different soldiers can be seen up in each other’s faces, on the verge of fighting...

 

Yelling can be heard, from inside one of the command center areas. It sounds like one pissed-off Colonel, frustrated and shouting profanity, along with knocking things over, before storming outside, walking further away, as he tries to reach someone over his radio...

 

POV Swish coming out from behind binoculars, next to Stix, Conner, Gary, GW, and two other convicts.

 

SWISH

Well...guess we're getting all paranoid over

nothing. These guys are on the verge of losing it.

 

GARY

We could take these guys! Let’s just storm them.

 

Swish shaking his head, with a relieved look from Stix.

 

SWISH

Naw, I don’t care for Erica, but he’s right, we’d lose

men. (Looks at Gary and the others) Fall back.

 

Suddenly, a gunshot is fired, from up the hill a ways. Swish and them freeze, with a look up ahead, then back toward the camp, before running up ahead. Swish getting on his radio.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Divit? What's happening?!

 

Swish and them keep running, before Divit finally answers...

 

DIVIT

(over radio)

We had to shoot a couple...dead people... One

of them got Miller.

 

Swish and them, can already hear excitement growing from the camp, as they continue uphill, toward the growing sound of someone in agony. They eventually reach Divit and the others.

 

Swish takes a look at the dead bodies, and Miller on the ground, crying out in pain from a terrible bite. Suddenly, he's stuck in the head with a hatchet. Swish turns back to look at Stix. He nods and then begins leading everyone back uphill...

 

Cut down below, at the Glenwood Camp, where soldiers are arming up and some already leaving through the gates, on foot, and in vehicles...

 

Dissolve to Swish and all the others (tired and out of breath), arriving back at the camp…

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Everything still good at your point, Divit?

 

DIVIT

(over radio)

No sign of them.

 

CONNER

(over radio)

Clear here, too. I don't think they'll waste their

time coming up this far.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Alright, keep the radio open, but warn us asap,

if we're going to war.

 

Stix looks around at all the others...

 

STIX

We need to be smarter...more prepared...

 

GARY

What the hell does that mean?

 

STIX

Grover said they aren't hard to kill. They're brainless,

and the brain is exactly what takes them down.

 

GARY

Again, I have to ask, where the hell are you

going with this?

 

STIX

We need to be educated enough against these things,

to take them out without wasting precious ammo, not

to mention sounding off an alarm, for the U.S. military.

 

SWISH

That's not the U.S. military. It's a bunch of scared

slaves with no one to take command from…but Stix

is right... Those dead f***s should have been taken

down without using a gun.

 

Everyone silent a moment, before Eric comes over radio.

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Swisher, what in the hell are you jailbirds doing

up there, or should I say, down here?

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Jailbirds, that's funny, after the view I just had of

your glorious living situation. At least we're free,

up here.

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Then why the rush to come down here?!

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Valid point, but we had to see for ourselves.

Can't blame us for being skeptical.

 

ERIC

You might have actually helped your cause.

They appear more paranoid than ever.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Then perhaps it's time to have some fun...

 

Stix an unsure look at Swish, while Gary and some of the others, look excited...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" NIGHT

 

Swish, Stix, Gary, Conner, Divit, and other convicts crouched down in the brush. Swish is holding the radio.

 

ERIC

(over radio)

Your light is green. I repeat, your light is green.

 

Swish, the others, and tons of other convicts, all rise and exit the brush. They charge forward and take aim. They open fire on all the nearby guards, taking down several of them. They briefly open fire on the command center, before turning and running back into the brush, disappearing...

 

Dissolve to dawn, and a car on fire, rolling fast, down the hillside, crashing into the Glenwood perimeter fence, and rolling on inside. Soldiers are scrambling to the scene.

POV Gary and other convicts smiling, and disappearing into the brush...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. CONVICT CAMP �" DAY

 

Swish sleeping in his tent, as Stix comes to wake him...

 

STIX

(handing him the radio)

Grover's back.

 

Swish quick to rise and take radio, as he comes out of tent, with gathering curious convicts...

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Grover?

 

GROVER

(over radio)

Swish, buddy! I hear you've been proving just how

valuable you and your men are. Eric, here, has

nothing but good things to say about you, and your

developing relationship with one another. I'm glad

to hear that, I really am. ‘Cause listen up, and play

this for everyone to hear. I come with good and bad

news. First the bad. I won't be staying, not even long

enough to greet you boys down from the hill. Things

are not going as smooth at the other camp. It's too

close to the city, and swamped with the dead. You

guys have no idea how good you have it, out here.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

And how good we have it, isn’t the good news is it?

 

GROVER

(over radio, laughing)

You're right, Eric, he is funny. No, Swish, it's not.

The good news is, I'm a man of my word. I've not

only brought the supplies, heavy machinery, and

equipment, to build the safest possible way of living,

in this new world, but I've also brought the WOMEN!

 

Convicts cheering with excitement, as Grover goes on.

 

GROVER

(over radio)

I've brought the BOOZE! (more cheers) I've brought

the supplies and personnel, to make that moonshine,

I promised! (more cheering) I've brought more

weapons (cheering), more ammo (cheering), and did

I mention WOMEN?!

 

The convicts erupting with excitement!

 

GROVER

(over radio)

So, get on down here! Get started on your new lives,

your new home. Follow the plan I've set in motion...

and make me proud, upon my return!

 

More cheering which develops into chanting, “Grover, Grover, Grover”, as Swish plays their chanting over the radio, for him to hear...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" DAY

 

Convicts coming out of the brush, toward the fenced perimeter. They begin approaching the gate, which is wide open...

The soldiers appear to be gone, other than one army jeep and a few guys in uniform, among all the other tons of people. There are also tons of equipment, trucks, and even semis with long flatbeds. There is a logging team of guys, sitting or standing on the flatbeds, watching the convicts arrival...

 

Everyone begins watching them. The others appear to be mostly loggers, their families, and single mothers, with their children. The younger of the women appear not to have children, but even those who do, are fairly young themselves. Some of them are gawking over the size of GW, intimidated, by how intimidating he appears…

 

Suddenly, one of the loggers stands up and pulls out a blowhorn.

 

ERIC

It's nice to officially meet you, Swisher.

 

Everyone (including the women and their families) turn to give their attention to Eric...

 

ERIC

(over blowhorn)

It's nice to meet you all. My name is Eric, and I'm

one of the three co-leaders here, at Camp

Glenwood. I share that responsibility with Mr.

Swisher, who I believe likes to go by Swish. The

two of us, share our leadership with Ramiro

Vazquez, who I believe goes by Stix. I guess he

has a special skill set that goes along with that

name. (looking over all the convicts) Would the

two of you like to present yourselves? 

 

Stix a strange look at Swish, as they both walk out in front of all the other convicts...

 

ERIC

(over blowhorn)

We all know that Grover is our one true leader. It's

up to the three of us, to ensure he doesn't have to

worry about how we run this place, how we live

our new lives. You already know what he wants in

return, for everything he's provided us…and that's

loyalty. Loyalty to the camp, and loyalty to him and

the other camp. We have their backs, and they

have ours. It's really that simple...

 

SWISH

(muttering)

Nothing's that easy...

 

ERIC

(over blowhorn)

Anything you guys would like to add before we get

started? Because we are about to be very busy,

building ourselves a safe place from what's going

on (motioning at gate), out there.

 

Stix silently looking at Swish, as scene dissolves...

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

INT. ADRIAN'S FRONT ROOM �" EVENING

 

Abigail is pacing around. She looks outside, at the police car, parked across the street. She turns back around, facing Adrian, who is holding their baby.

 

ABIGAIL

They're here for him, they're watching him! (becoming

hysterical) He did this. (Adrian trying to calm her) Your

brother did something to her. He did something to our

baby! (running for the door) He knows where she is!

 

She goes out front door, running down the steps. Adrian is inside placing baby in playpen, then running after Abigail. She reaches bottom of steps, turning and going for basement door. Officers from the squad car are now running to the scene...

 

She barges through basement door. Stix, with tears, comes toward her. She grabs him.

 

ABIGAIL

WHAT'D YOU DO TO HER!? WHERE IS MY BABY!?

YOU DID THIS!!! (crying) What did you do to her!?

(crying hysterically) Oh my God, what did you do

to my baby!?

 

Officers running through door, grabbing her. Stix is crying. Adrian comes in, grabbing his wife.

She continues to sob hysterically...

 

ABIGAIL

Our little girl, our baby. She can't be gone, she

has to be alive, oh my God...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" EVENING

 

Stix walking alone, with a look of anger. He approaches Swish...

 

SWISH

Before you even get all pissy with me, don't bother.

I had no idea you were included in this co-leadership

crap. Okay, I did, but I didn't agree with it.

 

Stix rolling his eyes.

 

STIX

I can already see my role here. The two of you are

going to compete for my loyalty, simply to be the

most powerful of the so-called co-leadership. Which

of course leaves me as the real one, leading things...

 

Swish amused and laughing out loud, with a pat on Stix's back.

 

SWISH

(laughing)

Now see, that's the Stix right there, that I don't

mind sharing a true co-leadership with.

 

POV pans back over all the different people inside the camp, hard at work, moving supplies, fueling trucks, loading supplies...

 

Dissolve to dawn, with loggers and many of the convicts (finally dressed differently) and even some of the teenage boys, all loaded up (in the trucks/semis, and flatbeds) and driving through the gates of the camp. Stix standing on the end of one of the flatbeds,  with Swish nowhere around...

 

Dissolve to all the vehicles coming to a stop, in an area full of trees. All the men begin piling out or jumping down off the flatbeds. Eric jumps out in front of everyone, to get their attention.

 

ERIC

So...a dozen men working as guards. You'll be armed

with guns, but unless you absolutely can't avoid it,

it's required you use your axes. If a group of them

show up, make sure everyone stops what they're

doing, and we work together to take care of the

problem. We came out this far, to avoid the dead,

but we'll be making a ton of noise, so who knows.

 

Dissolve to midday with tons of noise, as POV pans over the guards. One of them watches as another uses his axe, to kill a huff. Another guard actually laughs over the death of it, while another shakes his head, in disbelief...

 

Loggers, with help of convicts, are hard at work using their equipment to bring down tree after tree...

POV of them loading tree after tree onto the flatbeds...

 

Dissolve to everyone now loaded up, as the vehicles begin driving away from that location...

Eric is on the same flatbed as Stix, approaching him...

 

ERIC

I actually think I saw you smile, out there today.

 

Eric taking a seat right next to him...

 

ERIC

I take it that means you didn't mind me suggesting

that Swisher remained at camp, rather than you?

 

STIX

I didn't mind...

 

ERIC

This way he gets a chance to lead without us. I get

the feeling that's how he prefers to lead. (looking

right at him) What about you, Ramiro? How do you

feel about Grover's plan?

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" AFTERNOON

 

Most men are way outside the original army-fenced perimeter, hard at work, putting up the first tree logs, as part of their new perimeter...

The women watch from behind the fence, curiously and gratefully...

Some of the convicts are killing off approaching huffs...

Swish is arriving next to Stix...

 

SWISH

So, how'd it go, out there? Erica make her move

on you, yet?

 

Stix a faint laugh, as he shakes his head…

Dissolve to evening, with everyone wrapping it up. Many men entering through the gates, some of them simply dropping down on the green grass. Others are greeted by women, with cold drinks and happy smiles. Many men look happy, while some without women, are struck with envy…

 

CONVICT

(mumbling to himself)

I work all day, and no one gives a damn about me...

 

Dissolve to night, with everyone celebrating/drinking, at the backend of the camp. It's fairly noisy.

Guards are patrolling the fences…

Cut to guards at the gate, running through, toward some huffs, and taking them down...

Cut back to the party. Some women are happily drinking/celebrating with loggers/convicts, while other women remain alone, as do some of the men...

 

One convict begins forcing himself on a woman, trying to lead her away...

Eric arrives, trying to calm the him down. The guy slowly walks away, mumbling something under his breath...

 

ERIC

What was that? You mumble your s**t at me, you

best mumble it loud enough for me to hear what

you’re saying, son.

 

Eric watches him continue to walk away, then turns to see most eyes on him...

 

ERIC

Let me be clear about this one. There will be laws,

here... There will be respect for women, here…

There will be consequences for those who don't

understand this.

 

Suddenly, the man Eric had stopped, from assaulting the woman, is now holding a gun to Eric's head...

 

CONVICT

I didn't follow rules too well in the last world, and

it's not looking so great in this one. I’m pretty sure

my other co-leaders, won't trouble me with any of

your so-called consequences...

 

Suddenly, a hatchet sails through the air, with its backside hitting the gun, knocking it out of the convict’s hand. Stix is coming directly at him, swinging a knife in his hand, on the verge of easily tossing it right at him, if needed...

 

STIX

How sure are ya’???

 

Dissolve to Swish and Stix alone in a house.

 

STIX

You do realize if that guy had blown his head off,

then that wall out there would not finish going up.

Do you really think the rest of those loggers are

just going to fall in line with you? They know

where the other camp is. They'll just go there,

and tell Grover what happened, and then what? I

mean, you are actually smarter than this, right?

 

Swish just staring at him with a smile...

 

SWISH

I didn't say I was concerned with you saving your

new buddy...I just expressed concern with how

close you and that new buddy, are becoming...

 

Swish a look at him, while heading out the door...

 

SWISH

Don't want the next gun being pointed at my head...

 

DISSOLVE TO: MONTAGE

 

A montage of a couple weeks or so...

 

Everyone waking with the sunrise, loading up the trucks, hopping on, and driving away...

Arriving at the same location, to cut down more trees...

Tree after tree drops to the ground. Guards take out a couple huffs. More trees going down. Trees being

loaded on the flatbeds...

 

The truck cavalry back on the road, loaded with trees...

Truck cavalry arriving at Glenwood Camp...

Trees being unloaded...

Trees being put up...

 

Mothers bringing drinks/food to their teenage sons and daughters, who are hard at work. Other mothers supplying drinks/food to hard-working convicts/loggers...

 

Some of the guards are showing some of the women (and/or their teens) how to use/load guns, and how to use spears to approach huffs. The women are showing an interest to learn how to survive, in the new world...

 

Days turn into nights, and nights into mornings...

 

The women continue to be useful in helping around camp, some of them now even joining the truck cavalry. Some of them as guards, some of them hard at work. Some of them now in relationships, kissing their men before those men climb on the flatbeds, waving or blowing kisses, as they drive away, being made fun of by some of the other men.

 

More trees coming down, more trees going up...

Days into nights, nights into mornings...

 

Stix throwing his hatchet...

Stix carrying a deer into camp, dropping down where others are quick to begin gutting it...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

 

A few men and women are setting up the “moonshine kitchen.”

 

Days to night, night to morning...

 

A woman guard at the Glenwood gate, killing her first huff, then celebrating with some others...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Days getting dark, dark turning to dawn...

 

Teenagers yawning, as they dress for the day...

Teenagers half asleep, as they sit on the flatbeds, while driving through the gates...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

 

Campfires, meat cooking, people drinking and having good times...

The campfires go out, dark becomes dawn, campfires still smoking...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Days burns out, night gives way to dawn...

 

Truck cavalry on the road...

Suddenly, they are stopping/pulling over to side of road. Everyone is curiously watching, as a vehicle can be heard approaching...

 

It's a hummer, slowly making its way by them. Stix stands to watch. Porter can be seen in front passenger seat, looking out at them...

It goes by, and keeps driving...

Stix jumps down, as Eric comes running over...

 

ERIC

That wasn't Grover, was it?

 

STIX

He would have stopped, right?

 

ERIC

Yeah, so...then who the hell was that?

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Days to night, nights to days...

 

Truck cavalry going down the road. Eric sitting with Stix, on flatbed...

 

STIX

Another hummer? Not the same one?

 

ERIC

This one was supposedly in bad shape, barely

running. Josh and Larry were right at the road

when it went by, early this morning. They said

it looked like that thing had been through

World War 3...

 

STIX

I think we're all going through World War 3...

 

ERIC

Fair point... But whoever they are, and whoever

they went to war with, sure means we’re not

alone out here...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

POV begins panning around the progress of the wall and the camp. There is much progress, yet so much still to be done, when it comes to building the entire perimeter...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Days to nights, nights to days...

Trees coming down, trees going up...

 

Teenagers in the woods, watching and learning how to build traps...

Teenagers bringing  dead squirrel and rabbit into the camp...

Teenagers learning how to clean/cook the animals...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Days to nights, nights to days...

 

Two men working in the moonshine kitchen…

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

 

Guards at the Glenwood Camp, killing multiple huffs...

Guards in the woods (while others work), killing a huff...

 

Trees coming down, trees going up...

Days to nights, nights to days...

 

Truck cavalry riding down road. Stix enjoys the fresh air, and the view, but suddenly something catches his attention...

His POV of a little girl (Sam) in the brush, with someone else (DJ), hiding and watching them drive by...

 

Stix looks around at the others, making sure no one else noticed...

He says nothing, as they keep going...

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

EXT. ADRIAN'S BACKYARD �" NIGHT

 

POV pans in on basement window, as it eventually begins to slowly come ajar, with Stix climbing out...

POV from inside of window, of Stix outside, as he creeps through the yard, hops a fence, and disappears down an alley...

 

Cut to him hiding in a bush, watching a house window, as someone inside, goes upstairs, and shuts off lights...

 

Dissolve to Stix crawling through a window, into the house...

He begins creeping around...

He checks closets, spare rooms, before going down into basement (pulling out and turning on a flashlight)

He looks all around, in every room. He finds nothing, and goes back upstairs...

 

Dissolve to him now slowly creeping up the staircase to the upper level (flashlight now off, but in hand)

He comes to a bedroom, listens, and slowly opens. He shines light. It's a spare room, from the look of it...

 

He walks inside, looking around, and walking toward closet. He peeks inside, before turning and leaving, while shutting off his flashlight...

 

He crosses hall, over into next room, creeping inside. Keeping his flashlight off, he walks over to where a small child is sleeping. He stands there over the child’s bed, just staring down at him. He looks around, before slowly creeping back out…

 

He leaves the room, and stares ahead, at the only other room...

He walks over to it, placing ear against it...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" DAY

 

Trees being taken off the flatbeds...

Trees being mounted into the ground...

 

Everyone suddenly gathering inside the camp, around Eric (holding blowhorn), standing next to a man holding a helmet, with a motorcycle right next to him.

In the background, a few men take care of a couple of huffs, who were approaching the area. They take them down, then approach all the others…

 

ERIC

(over blowhorn, waving letter)

An update from Grover...(he begins reading) It's

quite simply too dangerous for me to travel, at

this time. I will do my best to continue

communication. And on that note, I need to

warn you of an enemy. Somewhere in Beaverton,

between us and you, is where they reside. They've

killed over a dozen of our men, and are a large part

of the reason I won't be traveling for the time being.

There is way too much going on, to be going to war

with anyone, at this time. So, for now, continuing to

build and secure our camps, is the best course of

action. That, and continue to grow. The more people

you bring in, the bigger our army becomes. But be

wise in who you offer this sanctuary. There will be

those who’d prefer to simply take it for them greedy

selves… Now, If trouble comes to you, then defend

yourselves and your land, with every damn thing you

have. Leave Beaverton alone, for now, but if

Beaverton comes to you, let them know just who

Grover is!

 

The men cheering, Eric waiting to finish...

 

ERIC

(over blowhorn)

The sooner we finish our camps...the sooner we

can invade Beaverton, together, and show these

b******s, who runs this part of the new Oregon...

 

More cheering...

Dissolve to trees coming down, trees going up...

Men busy working all around the camp. A motorcycle is in the background, leaving the camp, as Eric approaches Stix, who’s next to logger equipment, as men use it to set up the next log…

 

Stix staring right at Eric, as he arrives…

 

ERIC

What?

 

STIX

Nice letter… Any more to it?

 

ERIC

That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. (Eric

looking around) He asked me how things were

going. I shared some concerns with him…

 

STIX

Concerns?

 

ERIC

You and me, Stix, we’re on the same page, which

makes this new life and responsibilities we share,

much easier to go about. But your buddy, Swish,

who I’m not even sure, is actually your buddy, is the

one part of Grover’s plan, that I have concerns with.

 

STIX

And how do you figure Grover will react to that news?

 

ERIC

He’s a fair man. I’m not worried about his reaction.

I’m more focused on yours?

 

STIX

Figured that’s where the conversation was heading…

 

ERIC

I think you share my concerns, and I understand that

might feel risky, for you to voice, but we have a great

plan here, in front of us, to follow. There’s a flaw in

that plan, and we have to get out in front of it, before

it spreads…

 

Stix looking around, hesitating to respond…

 

STIX

The men are loyal to him. Thinking whatever you’re

thinking, might be an even bigger flaw than the one

you seek to illuminate.

 

ERIC

Hence the reason I’m sharing those thoughts

with you…

 

Stix just looking at him…

 

STIX

Tell me about your connection to Grover?

 

ERIC

Like Swish, he hired me. Paid once a year, at

Christmas, in person, and we’d go over the

routine, (gesturing around them) and thank

God we did.

 

Stix shaking his head…

 

STIX

You knew him better than that.

 

Eric looking right at him…

 

ERIC

Alright…I’ll be transparent with you. I knew him

when younger, in high school. He moved on to

bigger and better things, eventually became

loaded, and I had no idea at first, why he

contacted me again after so many years.  He

seemed very interested in (gesturing around

them) my line of work, as a logger.

 

Stix looking right at him…

 

ERIC

The thing you need to know about Grover, is that

he’s exactly where he wants to be. I’m not

questioning his ability to get here, but his real

people, family, and friends, are at his present

location. That’s why this one here, is all about you

and I…at least it can be…

 

Stix looking away, thinking…

 

ERIC

I know your story, Stix. (Stix looking right at him)

I know what kind of human being you are…

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

EXT. PARKING LOT �" NIGHT

 

Stix carefully sneaking around a parking lot. He ducks down as a car goes by, followed by a happy couple, laughing and holding hands as they get into their car. They start the engine and exit the parking lot. Stix slowly rises, and begins breaking into a car. He looks all around, finding a spare key. He starts engine, and drives away…

 

Dissolve to him parking car on side of street, shutting off engine, and staring across the street, at that same house…

Dissolve to a while later, as he continues to watch the house. No lights come on, but the door comes open, as a man slowly comes outside, and just as slowly closes the door, before walking over to his vehicle. Stix eagerly watching, as the guy drives away. Stix ducks down to avoid being seen. Then rises, watches him drive away, and then stares back over at the dark house…

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP �" MORNING

 

Eric leaving with the logger caravan, as Stix watches, while gathered up with a group of his own. Stix and his group (all with packs, and hunting gear) begin heading out on foot.

Suddenly, Swish opens the door to his cabin. He’s geared up and ready to go. Two women are inside, lazily lounging around.

 

SWISH

I’m coming, I’m coming.

 

Stix stops, looking, as Gary and a large handful of Swish’s other loyal buddies, are also geared up, ready to go, and heading their direction…

Stix just watching them arrive, as Swish flashes a smile at him…

 

SWISH

I’ve always wanted to learn how to hunt…

 

Dissolve to Swish, Stix, and all the rest of them, hiking through the woods, searching for something to hunt…

 

SWISH

We’re worried about ya’, Stix. You’ve been spending

a lot of time with our new “co-leader”.

 

Stix hesitates before responding…

 

STIX

Keep your friends close, enemies closer…

 

SWISH

(nodding)

Now, that’s what I like to hear… What else I’d

like to hear, is what has it gotten you, so far?

 

STIX

What do you mean?

 

SWISH

(shaking head)

Anything interesting you’ve learned from your

new buddy?

 

STIX

Not really. He’s rather boring. Grover hired him

due to his logging team, and like you, was paid

every Christmas. He did mention that Grover’s

with family and friends, at the other camp. He

thinks we could end up on our own, here.

 

Swish taking in the information…

 

SWISH

What do you think?

 

STIX

I think Grover went through too much effort to

have us here…he’ll be back.

 

SWISH

Agreed, at least eventually, but I do think we

have some time.

 

STIX

Time for what?

 

SWISH

To plot…

 

Stix a look at Swish, as they all walk along…

 

STIX

Maybe Eric’s a problem, maybe he’s not, but what

you’re thinking, certainly is.

 

SWISH

Why is that, Stix?

 

STIX

How many people are already aware of your plan

to plot? You really think you can keep all that

plotting, from Grover?

 

SWISH

That’s why I’m here talking to you about it. You can

plot with the best of them. Come up with something

Grover will never think twice about.

 

Stix just looking back at Swish, when suddenly commotion comes from up front, as everyone begins pulling out their weapons. Swish and Stix run to the front, finding their men holding guns on a man and his three kids (boys-15, 16, girl-14). They are all filthy and look exhausted. They all aim their guns at the man, who aims a gun back at them…

 

SWISH

Whoa, whoa. Easy, now.

 

MAN

We don’t want any trouble. We were only hiding

so that you’d pass by and go on your way. We’re

just trying to survive, like you guys.

 

SWISH

Then it’s your lucky day.

 

STIX

He’s not lying, we have a camp. We’re putting

up walls, and need more people.

 

Man nervously pointing gun from Swish to Stix.

 

MAN

I heard these guys talking about prison. We saw

some of you when this first started. You’re all

convicts. I can’t trust my kids’ lives, with you

people! They’ve already lost their moth -

 

SUDDENLY BOOM! A shot is fired directly into the man’s head, as he goes down, with the kids in shock, behind him. Some of the convicts laugh, some of them continue aiming guns at the kids…

 

STIX

Hold your fire! No more shooting!

 

Swish coming over, with a look right at the kids. The girl is scared and weeping. The younger boy is frightened and staring at the men, while his brother looks right at Swish, with hate and anger…

 

SWISH

I don’t know, Stix. This one looks like he wants

me dead.

 

STIX

Once we give him a life and a duty, he’ll understand,

this was an accident.

 

Swish staring right into his eyes…

 

SWISH

No, I don’t think he will. Maybe he’ll pretend for a

day, a week, hell maybe a year…but eventually he

already knows there’ll be a day when he puts a

knife in my back, for the death of his father, that

he obviously blames me for.

 

Suddenly, the kid bolts, yelling for his brother and sister

 

BOY

RUN!

 

They all dash for the woods, but the oldest is quickly shot in the back. The girl screams as she and her brother continue to run. Several men go after her, but are quickly out ran by Stix, who reaches for his hatchet, while in pursuit…

 

STIX

I got this!

 

Dissolve to the same location, as the dead teenage boy begins coming to life, as a huff. He slowly rises, as the convicts watch in awe. They circle him, pushing him back as he goes for them…

 

GARY

There’s gotta’ be a way to train these things.

 

Some laughs, before suddenly, a hatchet comes out of nowhere, right into the huff’s head, taking him down. The men all watch, as Stix goes right to the kid, removing his hatchet from his skull…

 

SWISH

The girl didn’t outrun ya’, did she? (some laughs)

I know you didn’t kill a little girl.

 

STIX

I didn’t plan to… I wanted to bring them both

back to camp…

 

Everyone just staring at him…

 

GARY

So, what the hell did you do?

 

STIX

The boy broke his ankle. The girl wouldn’t stop

crying. I didn’t want to, but… I put em’ down…

 

SWISH

Such the sweetheart, Stix…

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. GLENWOOD CAMP CREEK �" DAY

 

A little boy (Coke, 8) skipping rocks over the creek (next to another boy, Chance, 6), as his mom (Pepsi, 26, Australian accent) washes clothes (next to many other women) and looks up at him.

                                   

                                                           PEPSI

Try not to make much noise, Coke.

 

She looks all around. They are at the creek, with highway 6 on the other side, and the gate to the Glenwood camp back behind them. Women are washing clothes, while a few men stand around, with guns.

 

PEPSI

We don’t want the sick to hear us.

 

COKE

They’re dead, not sick.

 

One of the men (Damon, 35) is standing up on the bridge, looking over them.

 

DAMON

(holding gun)

He’s okay, go ahead and have your fun. We can

handle the dead… And who the hell names they

kid, Coke? (laughing)… Is it cause his daddy black?

 

Coke begins skipping more rocks. Damon smiles as Pepsi turns toward him.

 

PEPSI

I’m just worried about a bunch of them, showing up.

And everyone calls me Pepsi…so, Coke made sense.

 

DAMON

(laughing)

Pepsi and Coke, (laughing) You the same, but you not. I

like it! And you can run, can’t you? (laughing, gesturing

toward the gates/walls) Gate’s right there. If you can’t

make that, then you ain’t lasting long, anyhow. (laughing)

 

PEPSI

(smiling)

I can make that with my kid over my shoulders, and

my eyes closed. I was just worried about an army of

them blocking our gates… What happens then?

 

DAMON

Well they ain’t getting’ in, that’s for sure.

 

PEPSI

Yeah, but then how do we get out?

 

DIFFERENT GUY

(GENO)

She’s got a point. Eventually, there will be much

more of them, then there are of us.

 

PEPSI

I think it’s already that way…

 

A woman (Kaiden, 25), washes clothes next to Pepsi.

 

KAIDEN

Guess we can’t blame Grover for not counting on

a billion or so dead people, roaming the planet.

 

DAMON

I bet most of em’ all stay in the city…and they gotta’

die eventually, right? When they run out of food,

or some s**t.

 

Pepsi responding, but quietly and only to Kaiden.

 

PEPSI

I wouldn’t count on it…

 

Kaiden staring at Pepsi…

 

KAIDEN

So, how do you know Grover?

 

PEPSI

(shaking head)

I don’t, actually. I was invited by a friend of mine,

over four years ago. I haven’t even seen her in at

least two years, and she doesn’t appear to be here.

She herself didn’t even know who was in charge of

it all, and said a friend of hers told her about it. We

were just doing play dates with our kids, and one

day she mentioned this interesting thing about a

group of rich people, who had a D-Day plan, for the

apocalypse, if and when it happened. She told me

that if things ever went to hell, to meet at George

School, our old middle school. (looking at Kaiden,

who’s nodding) Is that how you got here?

 

KAIDEN

Not at George. It was a different school, on the

other side of town. Did you guys get picked up

by buses, too?

 

PEPSI

Bus, singular. It only had room for half of us. Those

of us left behind, were told more would come…

 

KAIDEN

And did they?

 

PEPSI

Not until the next morning, and this time there

were four busses, and it was still not enough for

everyone… People kept showing up all night. I

guess the D-Day plan was really spread. We

waited, and waited. Eventually, it got so crowded,

and so much was going on, that someone broke

into the school, and everyone began piling inside.

The alarm was going off, and I was considering

leaving. I heard sirens close by. We’d been hearing

them all day and night, but this one was now

coming right our way. I remember Coke asking,

“Are they coming for us, for breaking into the

School…?.” And then we watched, as an ambulance

crashed right into a house across the street. It went

right into their living room! I just watched for a

moment, until the people who live there, came out

screaming, and just running away from the house.

At that point, it appeared going inside the school,

was our best option. We’re here now, but…

 

Pepsi just shaking her head…

 

KAIDEN

What happened inside?

 

PEPSI

At first it wasn’t too bad, but more and more people

kept showing up, and it got crazy crowded, in there.

A few of the dead began showing up, too. Everyone

was panicking, but thankfully there were only a few

of them, and they weren’t able to get inside. As the

night went on, and some people began to sleep.

Coke drifted, and I was almost out, until I heard

someone screaming. Some guys went down the hall,

to see what was happening. Eventually, word had

spread that someone tried raping a girl, and killed

her father or boyfriend, I’m not sure. We all piled

into the gym, at least those who could fit. Some

people chose their own spots, in the school to

“camp”. As the night went on, you could hear

random screams, throughout the dark halls.

Knowing someone there had killed someone, no

one dared to enter those halls, to see what was

happening, and going outside didn’t seem like

much of an option, as well. It was the longest night

of my life…

 

KAIDEN

What was all the screaming?

 

PEPSI

I don’t know… Girls being raped? Maybe killed…

It was like the Superdome during Katrina.

 

 

KAIDEN

(shaking head)

Jesus…

 

PEPSI

By daylight, (developing tears) there was a little boy,

out in the hall, alone and crying. People kept trying

to figure out who he belonged to, but…(shaking head)

All I could think, was that his mom was raped and

killed. Then suddenly, those buses began pulling up,

and people were piling out of the school. Everyone

tried to rush onto the buses, but were met by men

with guns, who said women and children first. But

they were turning down the older women. People

were getting violent. One of the bus men actually

shot a guy dead. It was a mess. Then I saw that poor

little boy, lost from his mom. I watched a random guy

grab him, and use him to get on one of the buses. It

reminded me of that scene from Titanic, when the

real a*****e guy grabbed the little peasant girl, to use

as his ticket onto a lifeboat…

 

KAIDEN

I know exactly what part you’re talking about.

 

PEPSI

Eventually, we made it onto one of the buses, and

while taking off, saw two more buses arrive, which

picked up the rest of the people…meaning whoever

raped and killed that little boy’s mother, and God

knows who else, made it onto one of the buses, and

is probably here among us, somewhere…

 

Kaiden looking around, with a creeped-out expression…

 

PEPSI

It’s all I could think about while everyone began

unloading off of those buses… Every guy I looked at…

 

KAIDEN

That’s so creepy… What about the boy?

 

Pepsi pointing over at the other boy, next to Coke…

 

KAIDEN

(eyes wide)

That’s him?

 

PEPSI

That first day at the Portland Camp, they were

asking who he belonged too, obviously

abandoned by the guy who used him, as a ticket.

 

KAIDEN

So, you took him?

 

PEPSI

I grabbed that kid and hugged him for a week.

Next thing I know, he was my responsibility.

What else am I going to do?

 

KAIDEN

You think the guy who took him onto the bus,

could be the one who…

 

PEPSI

Who knows…I just keep hoping whoever it was,

is still at the Portland Camp, and not here…

 

POV Chance, quietly watching Coke…

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. FOGGY HIGHWAY �" DAY

 

A baby fawn and it’s mother walking along the highway. One of the convicts is aiming an arrow at it, with his bow, and releasing. The mother deer goes down.

Stix takes notice of something/someone diving into the brush. He cautiously looks around, while walking forward, aiming his hatchet, and tossing it at the fawn…

 

As the convicts gather the dead deer, share some laughs, and begin leaving the area, disappearing into the fog, Stix remains, while looking all around, before slowly disappearing into that fog…

 

Dissolve to more clear conditions (little fog remains), as the convicts hike through the woods, a couple of them carrying the deer…

Swish begins staring at Stix, as they hike along…

 

SWISH

Did you really kill that girl?

 

Stix turning to look at Swish…

 

STIX

I didn’t want to. I wasn’t going to. I went after

them to save them…

 

Swish just staring at him a few moments…

 

SWISH

Did it remind you of your niece?

 

Stix gripping his hatchet, squeezing it, and suddenly tossing it right at Swish, but missing, as it goes into the tree, back behind him. In shock, he looks back at it, and before he can ever react, Stix rams him right into that tree, next to the hatchet, and gets right into his face, just staring into his eyes…

 

STIX

Mention my niece again, and you’ll get to

meet her!

 

Gary and a handful of others, come to the tree, aiming their weapons at Stix… Swish smiles…

 

SWISH

Yeah…I kinda knew I was asking for it, with that

one. My bad…

 

Stix still holding him there, staring, before slowly letting go…

Swish walks away, with a pat to Stix’s back…

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

EXT. WOODS �" NIGHT

 

A car driving on a dirt road, coming to a stop in the middle of nowhere, shutting off the car, but leaving headlights on. A man slowly begins climbing out of car, walking over to side of the road, and into the woods…

 

Another car (headlights off) comes to a stop, up a ways from the other car. Inside is Stix, looking over at the other car, and the guy, who appears to be off the side of the road, just standing next to a tree. Stix watches, as the guy begins kneeling down. Stix has a pocket knife in his hand, as he reaches for the door, and quietly climbs out…

 

Cut to the man, knelt down toward an area of dirt. He’s sobbing…

 

MAN

Oh my God…what have I done? I…I didn’t mean

to do this…I would do anything to see your smiling

happy face, again.

 

Suddenly, a flashlight comes over the area (revealing the man as Juan, Abigail’s brother), as he jumps! Stix comes running right at him! He tackles him, beating on him.

 

STIX

WHAT DID YOU DO?! WHAT DID YOU DO?!?!

 

Dissolve to moments late, as Stix, an emotional mess, finishes tying Jaun, to the steering wheel of his car, and letting him sit there on the ground, in front of the car door, weeping. Stix goes running back toward the dirt. He begins using his hands to dig through it.

 

STIX

Oh my good God, you BETTER HOPE I DON’T FIND

HER HERE! Why are you crying?! What did you do?!

Oh my God, please don’t let her be here! What did

you do?! WHAT DID YOU DOOOO?!?!?!

 

Scene dissolving as Stix uses his hands like a madman, to dig through the dirt…

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. WOODS �" DAY

 

Stix, Swish, and the others all walking through the woods, coming to a sudden stop. Everyone freezes, and those carrying the deer, quietly place them down…

POV a deer, up ahead of them, froze in place, and looking all around…

 

Suddenly, the men all hear something else, off in the other direction. They all turn. One of them spots something, raises his bow, and releases an arrow.

It sticks the fifteen-year-old boy in the gut, who drops immediately. His sister drops to his side, weeping.

 

Swish turns to watch the deer running off, then to Stix, and then heading over toward the dead boy. Gary and others follow. Stix just stands there, before heading over…

Swish looks over the dead boy, then the girl, before turning toward Stix. Once he arrives, Swish violently grabs the hatchet from him and places it in Stix’s hand, dragging him toward the weeping girl.

 

SWISH

DO IT, STIX!  Do what you obviously couldn’t do

before! What you claimed you had already done!

You do that s**t right now, or so help me God I

will do you both!

 

All the others just silently watching, as the girl weeps.

 

STIX

I only made it up because they got away from me!

I figured they’d be long gone and what the hell did

a couple of children have to do with anything?

They were no threat to us.

 

SWISH

Until they scare our food away! Not that I can eat

right now, anyway, after all that bullshit you just

put in my face!

 

Suddenly, in the far distance, the sound of horses can be heard, as they all turn to look.

 

GARY

What the…

 

CONNER

Was that a horse?

 

Swish grabs the hatchet, and with one powerful blow, kills and silences the weeping girl, as he begins heading off toward the sound of the horses, while breaking out his radio.

 

SWISH

(into radio)

Glenwood, you read me?

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

 

EXT. WOODS �" NIGHT

 

Stix’s hands are bloody, as he continues to dig his way through the dirt. He is tiring, weeping, and out of breath…but keeps going.

 

STIX

Please don’t be here…please…please…don’t be.

 

Suddenly, he feels something, and freezes, then panics as he quickly digs around it, working to pull up what appeared to be a carpet.

 

STIX

No, no, no, no, no.

 

He eventually pulls enough of it open to see her body.

 

STIX

NO!!!

 

He works just a little more, enough to pull her half way out, and instantly begins hugging her lifeless body. Weeping out of control.

 

STIX

NO, MY BABY GIRL, NO! NO, NO, NO! OH

GOOOODD! OH MY GOD! NOOOO! AHHHH!

 

Stix weeps uncontrollably… He can’t stop… He holds her… Eventually, he begins to calm, enough to hear the sobs of Abigail’s brother. Stix turns toward the car. He reaches for the pocket knife, and fires it at Jaun, sticking him in the shoulder.

 

Jaun cries out, as Stix is coming at him, in a rage, like a wild man. He reaches him, using his bloody hands/fists to literally beat that man to death. He breaks his own hands, using them repeatedly, to continue beating him, long after he is dead…

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. WOODS/BRUSH �" DAY

 

Swish is right up in Stix’s face (speaking to him in a hushed voice), with Gary and others close by.

 

SWISH

This is it, Stix, this is where you prove you have what

it takes. This is where you prove your loyalty. We all

know you can kill, but do you truly have what it takes,

to be what Grover signed you up to be? Are you the

leader he believes you to be?

 

Stix looks around, all the men expecting him to prove his loyalty, and God knows what, if he doesn’t…

He pulls out his hatchet, and walks forward.

 

GARY

(hushed voice)

This is how we get their attention! Do it, Stix!

 

The other men silently chanting him on. With even more men lined up in the brush. As Stix looks out through the brush, and readies his grasp on the hatchet, the POV pans back, revealing that most of the convicts are now present, and prepared to engage…

 

Stix closes his eyes, opens, and steps forward, launching the hatchet forward. It sails through the air, sticking Aiden in the throat. Bailey scratches Sam, jumping out of her arms, and running off.

 

Stix is coming out toward them all, followed by Swish and the others…

Stix looks horrified by the situation, by what he had to do…

 

Sam, Zane, DJ, Renee, Eli, Marlana, Dakota, and Cleo all look just as horrified…

 

BLACK

 

CREDITS

 

THE END