Above the Dead, EP 2.7 "Rough Riders"A Screenplay by Mike Decker Season 2, Episode 7 ABOVE THE DEAD . com Season 2, Episode 7
(55 pages) "Rough Riders" INTRO BLACK... FADE IN: FEW DAYS
AGO FLASHBACK EXT. WOODS �" DAY POV traveling
through the quiet woods, eventually coming to, and passing over a trail of dead
huffs. Their heads have been bashed in. The sound of living huffs can be heard,
and then a man (Blake, 21) instructing someone… BLAKE (OS) Move in on them. Bash his head
in, Trav. Nate, stick your blade in that one’s
head. POV continues over the dead huffs, toward the sound of
Trav and Nate, doing as instructed… BLAKE (OS) Nice! Now move in and merge on
that last one. NATE (OS) Whoa! BLAKE (OS) Watch it! There’s two more! TRAV (OS) Four more! NATE (OS) They’re everywhere! BLAKE (OS) Step back! POV finally finds Blake (looks older, long thick beard,
wearing catchers gear), just as he uses his baseball bat to bash in the head of
2 huffs, with one mighty swing! But 2 more are right on him, as he pushes them
away, followed with a bat to both their heads. He quickly steps toward the
remaining 3, with another guy (Abino, 18, also wearing baseball gear), right
behind him. Blake is a complete savage, taking down the first 2 with
ease, and watching as Abino uses his speed to take out the last one, just
before Blake could. They remove their head gear, and share a high-five… BLAKE YEAH!!! (with a look back
toward Trav/Nate) Now that’s some real hall of fame s**t,
right there, is what that was! ABINO (with a smile) Game time, baby! BLAKE Game time, indeed! (staring at
Trav/Nate) That’s how you guys have to look at this.
Like a game. You’re still kids, so be kids! Have fun with
it. I mean no disrespect, to the ugliness that’s going on
out here, and the people who are dying, but…I’m looking
at survivors, right now. Survivors who want to live.
What good is living without fun, without laughter, without baseball! Life is one big game, and it just threw the
curveball of all curveballs. But you guys didn’t let it beat
you! You fouled that s**t off, and stayed alive to see
another pitch! Blake motioning toward the dead huffs… BLAKE These guys right here, they’re
just fastballs. We hit that s**t all day! And we’ll
keep hitting em’, day after day, staying alive until
we see that next curveball, and we know it’s
coming. We were coached to know it’s coming. By
he, who knows more about the curve, than any
of us. And I know you’re all worried about him,
but I also know he’s coming home. So, let’s keep
doing what we’re doing, and make coach proud. Trav and Nate (Zane’s ball players from opening scene of
Season 1 finale) standing in front of over 20 other teen boys (14-18), all on
horses. They all have baseball gear, and are covered in huff blood/guts… BLAKE Now, you ladies wanna’ call it
a day, or (excited) do you wanna’ go hit some more fastballs?! All the kids pumped and expressing their excitement to
keep huff hunting. KIDS Fastballs!!! BLAKE That’s what I like to hear,
Rough Riders! Blake and Abino hopping on their horses, as do Trav and
Nate. Blake leads the way, as they all follow, trampling over the dead huffs… 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. WOODS �" DAY Blake and Abino,
riding in front of all the others, as one of the younger teens (Joshua, 14)
rides up next to Blake…
BLAKE Joshua, you certainly were paying attention during horseback training, weren’t ya’? Any prior experience? JOSHUA Once…my mom dated a scoutmaster who ran a camp… Joshua looking
downward, at thought of his mom… BLAKE Sorry, I know you have no idea what happened to her, after all this. But at least your dad is here, right? (Blake cracking a smile) Just glad he no longer feels the need to tag along with us. JOSHUA Sorry, that was embarrassing. Just don’t let anything happen to me, or he’ll definitely kill you. Blake cracking
another smile... BLAKE I’m fine with that, ‘cause nothing’s happening to my number one future star, here. Joshua a small
smile, and into thought, before speaking… JOSHUA You think…we’ll ever hit real fastballs, again? BLAKE What do you think that speech was for? You guys will get to be kids again, we all will. We’re getting back on that field, someday. Hell man, we have a freaking stadium!. We have multiple softball fields. That place was built for normal life, not just a place to hide and live in fear. It’s just gonna’ take a little time. Most of us here came out pretty lucky. But, Zane…he’s hurting, man… Like I said, I know he’s coming home… I just hope to God he doesn’t come down off that mountain, without the family he went up there to find. JOSHUA God, I hope his little cousin is - Suddenly, a huff
comes out of nowhere, right toward Blake and his horse, as Blake yelps with
fear. She is ugly as sin, with mouth wide open, as she goes right for the
horse, who halts and stands on hind legs, coming back down on top of the huff,
and trampling over her, while Blake bounces around, working hard to remain on
the horse. All the other horses follow, also trampling the huff, until she
takes a kill shot to the head. Blake controls his
horse, coming to a stop, as do all the others. Everyone in shock, looking back
at the dead huff, then at Blake, staring back at them, with an expression of
his own shock, and holding his heart, scared shitless but trying to be funny. BLAKE OH, MY GOOD MOTHER OF GOD! Please tell me I’m not the only one here with a pie in his pants?! (looking back toward dead huff) That fastball was a little too high and tight! Jesus Chirst! I need a bath! Some laughs from
the others, as they all regain composure, and begin riding forward… BLAKE Seriously guys, I ain’t lying. Somebody needs to change this grown man’s diaper. Not that he’s wearing one, so it’s gonna’ be messy, back there.. (few laughs) I have sensitive skin, too, so no leaves! (more laughs, Joshua cracking up) I think I’m scared of the ball now. I can’t get back in the box. No more fastballs for poopy pants! Everyone laughing.
Mostly Joshua, who looks to Abino…. JOSHUA I love Blake. He’s keeping humor in the world. The world needs that. Suddenly, a voice
comes over Blake’s radio. RADIO Rough Riders, come in… Blake reaching for
radio. BLAKE (into radio) Riders, here… RADIO Come on home. Cavalry is a few miles out. BLAKE (anxiously into radio) Zane? Is he… RADIO I don’t know… Hunter didn’t look good… Blake frowning, and
riding on quickly as the others follow… DISSOLVE TO: EXT. COMPOUND �" DAY Blake and the Rough
Riders quickly galloping through the long gate corridor, down Baker Lane, and
into the open area and front of the compound. They watch as the cavalry of
hummers come to a stop, and the family begins exiting the vehicles, over near
the Baker complex… POV Hunter there to
greet them. Everyone is solemn, and dead silent. Wives/family/friends are there
or arriving, to hug and greet their husbands and/or children. Scout is there
(shoulder bandaged), with Bryant, and already bawling as she pulls in her
daughters for a hug. Hunter shares a
look with Leo, then watches as Zane climbs out of hummer, walking past everyone,
without a word. Mayday is next to his jeep, with Gia, who watches Zane go by. Hunter
wants to go after him, but takes notice of Mason, helping Grandpa Sam out of the
hummer. Hunter goes toward them. Scout watches as
Zane walks by. She continues to weep while trying to share a look with him, but
he goes by without a look/word… More and more of
the family and friends begin weeping, once fully hearing the devastating news,
of the family who will not be coming home… Hunter comes to his
dad, placing a hand to his shoulder. Grandpa Sam just stands there, before
turning to watch, as Brianna and Kayla come running to the scene. Everyone just
looks at them. Scout begins to approach them. Brianna looks at her, shaking her
head. BRIANNA Where is Samantha? Where is she? WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?! Scout shaking her
head, coming in trying to hold/hug Brianna, who drops to the ground, weeping
out of control. Kayla is just as upset, but doing her best to console her wife… KAYLA Are you telling us our daughter is gone? (shaking head) Is that what you’re telling us? Please, no… Kayla just staring
at Scout, and Dakota who arrives, desperately hoping for some kind of relief,
as they are unable to say anything, simply weeping, as is everyone else. Kayla
embraces Brianna, who is losing it…
POV Blake and the Rough
Riders, now walking their horses, as they come closer to the others, and can
hear the emotion, as they slow their pace… BRIANNA (OS) What do you mean you didn’t find her?! Why are you here, if she’s still out there? LEO (OS) BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS DEAD! Blake and the Rough
Riders come to a complete stop, and stare ahead. POV Leo. LEO BECAUSE EVERYONE WHO DIDN’T GET HERE LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE, IS DEAD! GONE! GONE FOREVER! NO MORE SEARCH PARTIES! NO MORE DEATH! Hunter and Mason
closing in on Leo, as all the others simply weep. LEO IF I WAS IN CHARGE OF THIS DAMN PLACE, THEY’D STILL BE ALIVE! Hunter immediately
meets Leo with a punch to his face, knocking him down. They begin fighting.
Everyone just keeps weeping, while others help to break them up. Grandpa walks
away from the scene, without a word, or a look back… DISSOLVE TO:
FLASHBACK EXT. WOODS (near
Fish’s cabin) �" DAY Zane out front,
leading the entire family and friends, who are all lined up and walking through
the woods, scoping out every bush or area that Sam’s body might be placed. Zane
is on a blowhorn. ZANE SAMANTHA?! It’s Zane. We’re here to take you home… It’s safe to come out. SAM?! SAMANTHA?! Grandpa Sam walks
along, carrying his shotgun, with both Scout’s daughters on each side of him.
Everyone is silent, grim, and carrying guns… Wyatt moves over
near April… WYATT So, Scout is okay? APRIL (nodding) She is, arm and all… WYATT Thank God… Rich too? APRIL He’ll be in bed for a while, but yeah, he’s going to make it. ZANE (over blowhorn) Come on, Sam! I need you to answer me. You don’t have to worry about the men at the cabin. If someone is holding you hostage, they too can be safe at the compound. All they have to do is come out… They send me home with you, and they have clean slates with me! We need every man we can get! You won’t survive, out here. Let her go and you can survive with us. A huff comes out of
the woods, as Porter steps toward it, with a spear, and takes it down with
ease… Everyone continues
walking along, searching, without a word… Dissolve to Leo in
the parking lot, just staring at the huffs that hang from the tree. He scans
the damaged vehicles, and the entire area, as the rest of the family eventually
begin coming out of the woods/brush, and onto the property… They’re still dead
quiet, completely grim. Leo looks over toward them. They don’t even know where
to go, as they all slowly stop, or find a place to sit. Some go to the
vehicles, others to the cabin porch. Scout’s daughters, Hope and Ryder, are
climbing into the tree house. Zane and others are going back to the graves. Leo
begins walking that direction… Hope and Ryder hold
back tears, as they look over the girls room, in the tree house, and quickly
move on... Over at one of the
vehicles, Cleo holds Dakota, who sobs on her shoulder… Missy (Mason’s gf)
comforts Mason, over on the porch… Wyatt joins Dakota
and Cleo at the vehicle, who are both sobbing… Grandpa Sam sits
alone at one side of the porch, with Porter and Jason close by, keeping an eye
on him… Zane stares at the
graves, as Leo arrives, taking a deep breath… LEO She’s not here. We can drive around some, but, we have to get back…all of us. ZANE Where is she? Leo shaking his
head… LEO I wouldn’t put it past her to be on her way home. ZANE (closing his eyes) She would have left me a note. LEO Not if they left in a hurry… ZANE I should have kept coming
up here that day… Leo rolling his
eyes. LEO That’s bullshit. People are dead from the mistakes everyone in this family has been making since day God damn one! (raising his voice) Now everyone pack it up, and let’s get home before this family gets even smaller. Everyone slowly
reacting to Leo’s command. Grandpa Sam walks toward the graves, right past them,
and down to the lake. He stares out at it, shuts his eyes, opens, and turns
back toward the graves, walking over to them, and staring… The entire
family/friends all watch him, as they head toward the parking lot, many of them
with tears… Tears begin running
down Sam’s face. Zane arrives at his side, helping him walk away… DISSOLVE TO: FEW DAYS AGO FLASHBACK INT. COMPOUND �" DAY POV travels around
the quiet compound. Guards are doing their thing at the “camouflaged” gates. A
few people are here and there, throughout the compound. The playgrounds are
quiet. A few people work in the fields/gardens. The Rough Rider group (Zane’s
ball players) are in a field, watching as Porter demonstrates how to make
different kill shots, using a blade. POV travels past them… POV finds Leo, at
the compound graveyard, with a half-empty bottle of booze, and an unshaven
face. He doesn’t look as if he’s showered in days… POV spins around
him, and over more of the compound… It’s a gorgeous chunk
of land, with a neighborhood, back behind the Baker complex, that almost looks
like a movie set. The huge lake next to the complex, is completely still,
without many people around… POV goes down in
back yard area of the Baker complex (front of complex is barely above ground,
back of complex has a large lower level), with a big swimming pool and
recreational area. Many of the Bakers and a few others, are sitting around. Some
of the younger kids are swimming and acting normal, while Hope and Ryder watch
over them, and have Griffey, Trisha, and Ashley (3-year-old who Zane saved in
Season 1 finale), close by. The grown-ups are somber, quiet… Hunter is inside,
with his wife April, and Scout. Scout is teary-eyed. It’s a large pool/recreational
room, with several different doors, and a wall of windows that overlook the outside
pool area… HUNTER I know we’re grieving, but it’s been over a week, at some point (shaking head)… There’s just so much work to be done, and if we don’t get Zane functioning, and Dad to leave his room, this family is in trouble. SCOUT You know it’s going to take one of them, to snap the other one out of it. Hunter nodding… HUNTER It’s got to be Dad… POV leaving room,
through the wall of windows and over the family, outside. It goes over them,
passing over the different levels of the outside area, coming to the top level,
with a beautiful grassy area and deck, that looks over the entire area, and
lower level pool area below. POV travels toward a large window, with a closed
curtain, and entering through it, finding Grandpa Sam, daring himself to open
the curtain, before turning and walking away… It’s fairly dark,
with some light from ceiling window. He walks by a beautiful framed picture of himself
and wife Laura, before sitting down on his bed, next to pictures of Fish, Samantha,
Greg, and the others, scattered along the mattress. Sam is scruffy, in shorts
and a tee-shirt. His face has dry tears. He takes a deep breath, and simply
stares ahead, at nothing… A knock comes from
the door, and in walks Hunter. He slowly arrives at the bed, reaching for some
of the pictures. He looks at one of Fish on the wiffleball field, jumping for
joy and hugging Greg, with Samantha in background, joyously running toward
them… Hunter closes his
eyes, and imagines the moment, as he snaps the picture of them… He opens his eyes,
and looks over at his father… HUNTER We weren’t prepared for the losses we’d suffer… But, Dad…we have to find a way to move forward. Sam turns and looks
at Hunter… GRANDPA SAM I chose the right person to make sure that happens… HUNTER No, you didn’t. You chose the right provisional man, for the job, but the real future of this family…of this compound, is lost…just like you. Hunter pauses as
Sam looks up, in silence… HUNTER I know that Fish was always the one you really wanted, and that’s fine. He had my vote all the way, as did Samantha. Zane is no different, and he’s the only one left. It’s more important than ever, that he begins taking over as leader… He can’t do that without your help… Grandpa Sam closing
his eyes… Hunter places a hand on his dad’s shoulder… HUNTER You, and you only, can pass along the torch. It was never really mine, to pass along. Hunter pats his
dad’s shoulder, before leaving the room… Grandpa Sam sits
there a few more moments, before taking a deep breath, opening his eyes,
staring ahead a moment, then finally rising up off the bed. He walks into the
bathroom, stopping to stare at himself in the mirror, for several moments. His
eyes begin to tear up, before he stops himself, with another deep breath. He
turns on faucet, splashing water over his face. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. BAKER COMPLEX
SWIMMING AREA �" DAY Water splashing as
young boy (Bo, 6, Chasin’s boy, Mason’s grandson) lands in pool, and rises back
above water. He shakes off his head and clears his eyes, which light up with
excitement, at the sight of someone. BO GRANDPA! Everyone (most of
the family) turning to look at Grandpa. He’s clean shaven, dressed, and doing
his best to form a smile, as family members begin greeting/hugging/kissing him.
He drops to a knee as the children approach. His smile becomes more genuine while
hugging August (6), Jax (4), Maddox (3, all Mile’s kids, Hunter’s grandchildren),
Blaze (3, Hunter’s grandchild, Gunner’s son), and Kat (5, Chasin’s daughter).
He hands Bo a towel, and covers him before sharing a big hug. GRANDPA SAM It’s not even seventy
degrees out here, how are you kids actually swimming? BO It’s not cold! Bo races back over,
jumping into the pool, as Grandpa rises upward, watching with a smile. He
places a hand on Bryant’s (Scout’s son) shoulder, then nods, smiles, and
embraces a few more adults, while making his way toward a spot in the shade,
with some grass, trees, and small caves/holes, where tons of cats
roamed/played. Trisha was over there, holding a young kitten. Griffey was close
by, holding Ashley’s hand. Also close by are Hope and Ryder, who both share
hugs with Grandpa. He then walks over to Griffey, looking him over, and how closely
he’s watches over Ashley. GRANDPA SAM Quite the young man we have here, don’t we? The way you’ve taken over as a big brother, to these two sweethearts, is something pretty special. The kind of special that reminds me (gesturing back behind him) of my own family. Family that has gotten a lot smaller the last few weeks. (taking breath) You’ve lost family, too. Your brother and sister, and your grandfather? Griffey slowly
nodding… GRANDPA SAM It’s hard, isn’t it? Griffey again
nodding, as the family behind Grandpa, becomes emotional… GRANDPA SAM Well, I have grandchildren I’ve lost, and wasn’t sure how I’d be able to be as strong as I see you being… but, maybe if you’d be willing to let me be your grandpa, I might be strong enough to make it. POV Scout next to
Hunter, tearing up and burying her head against his chest. Dakota is crying,
and held by Cleo. Sarah, standing next to her husband, Wyatt, holds hand over
her mouth, trying not to cry, but failing. GRANDPA SAM (OS) Do you think that would be okay? POV Griffey
nodding… GRANDPA SAM Can we hug on it? Grandpa opens his
arms, as Griffey comes in for a big hug. He pulls out of it, with a tear
running down his cheek. Grandpa smiles, and looks to Trisha, with smile fading… GRANDPA SAM I know your story, too. It’s heartbreaking. I’m so sorry about your mom, and your sister. You are such a strong young lady, who reminds me of my granddaughter. I imagine she went through some experiences much like your own… He pauses a moment
and steps away, fighting back emotion. His family watches, with emotion of
their own… He takes a deep
breath…and turns back toward her… GRANDPA SAM I don’t know if it would help, but you would sure make this old man happy, by joining our family, and allowing me to be your new grandfather? Without an answer,
she moves right in for a hug. POV the family
members losing their emotions, embracing each other… Grandpa Sam has a tear
now running down his face, as the girl won’t let go of him… He continues to
hold her, with a look over toward Ashley… Trisha finally lets
go, as Grandpa rises (too old to stay crouched down), and stares down at
Ashley, who looks up at him… More emotion from
the family, who watch, with POV behind them, and Grandpa in front of them. GRANDPA SAM You are a young one, aren’t you? (looking toward Hope) Do we even know exactly how young? Hope, next to
Ryder, shaking her head. HOPE She hasn’t spoken, yet. Grandpa shocked/sad. GRANDPA SAM Not a word? HOPE Just a little to Zane, when he first found her… Grandpa looking
back down at her, and the kitten that rubs against her leg. He bends down to
pet it, with a smile at the girl, who just stares back at him. GRANDPA SAM Do you like kittens? She looks down
toward kitten, doesn’t speak, but does bend down to pet it. Grandpa Sam pets it
too, while smiling at Ashley. GRANDPA SAM You saw your Grandma, hurt your Mom. I remember Zane telling me. (looking over at Ryder) Go grab me a photo of Zane, off the wall, would you please? Bryant heard his
request, and heads inside. Grandpa still petting kitten with her. GRANDPA SAM Do you remember Zane? He helped you, after your grandma got sick. Nobody here is sick, like that. You do not have to be scared. You are safe here. Bryant arriving
with framed photo of Zane, giving Samantha a piggyback ride. Grandpa shows it
to Ashley. GRANDPA SAM Do you remember, Zane? (pointing) I am his grandpa. (pointing at himself) I could be (pointing at her) your Grandpa, if you want? Could I? Be your grandpa? Grandpa giving
Griffey another hug. GRANDPA SAM See, I’m his Grandpa, now. (hugging Trisha, who smiles big) Can you call me Grandpa? TRISHA Grandpa! He hugs Trisha
again, while looking at Ashley. GRANDPA SAM See, I’m Grandpa. (crouching down in front of Ashely) Can I be (pointing at her) your grandpa? (throwing open arms) Can we hug on it? Ashley being a
little shy… Grandpa puts out his hand, to shake. GRANDPA SAM Shake on it? (moves to shake Griffey’s hand) Shaking hands. She remains shy… He
moves his hand flat. GRANDPA SAM High-five? She remains
hesitant… He shares a high-five with Griffey. GRANDPA SAM High-five. (gets one from Trisha) Yeah! High-five. He moves his hand
back in front of Ashley, she is tempted…then goes for it! A little applause
comes from the family. They remain emotional, but most are now smiling… Grandpa Sam also
smiles, and begins guiding Griffey and Trisha to take Ashley’s hand, and to
follow him. They begin walking toward a long, beautiful staircase, that leads
up out of the lower level area. But before they reach it, and to their left, is
a beautiful woodsy area, with trails that lead into the natural forest, that
remains on the inside of the compound… The family watches
them, as they begin walking the steps. POV pans back, showing the steps leading
up toward the lake, and several cabins… Dissolve to Grandpa
Sam and the kids arriving at the top of the steps, with a path and another set
of steps, in front of them. The complex is to their right, and a huge cabin to
their left. Grandpa Sam points to the cabin. GRANDPA SAM That there, is what we call the Baker Christmas cabin. Rumor has it, that secret tunnels under this complex, go into that cabin, kind of like Indian caves. (looking at the kids) You know who designed this place? (pointing to his own chest) This guy. So, I can tell you that those rumors are true, but nobody has ever found the real secret tunnels. Like the one that goes up to that cabin. Griffey and Trisha
look a bit excited at the concept… GRANDPA SAM I used it to catch Santa Claus, in the act, one year… Trisha makes a cute
expression of shock/excitement at that news… TRISHA Is…is Santa still alive? Grandpa Sam’s smile
fades… GRANDPA SAM Yeah…he has a compound even better than this one… POV pans away from
them, and begins doing a 360, with bird’s eye view of the area. It circles by
them, and to their right, around the Baker complex. The front area is level and
grassy. The complex is mostly underground from the front, looking much smaller
than it does from the back… As POV goes by it,
it comes to a baseball stadium, with stands on one side, the Baker complex on
the other, and trees in the outfield, along with a large deck to a cabin, that
looks over the field. On the other side of those trees is where a complex of
multiple softball fields is located… POV keeps going
around, coming to a huge structure (apartment complex), and tons of small homes
with yards, next to a hill that connects to the backyard swimming area. There
is a tunnel under the hill, and a walkway for people to get from the structure/homes
to the backyard area… As POV keeps going,
it comes to a large park/brushy area, with tons of trees. There are trails
inside, and play equipment. POV keeps going, over tons of woods, until finding
the lake. It has tons of trees on one side, and an open area with a few cabins
on the other. There are camp areas, a large rope swing, and trails, including
one that goes around the entire lake… POV goes over the
lake, with nothing but water, until it comes to a large deck, finding Zane
sitting there, staring blankly toward the lake… He’s just sitting
there, not moving a bit. It’s quiet… He remains still, emotionless, lost… Suddenly, he brings
a marijuana pipe to his mouth, sparks it, and takes in a huge rip, blowing it
out, and back to complete silence, and zoning out, toward the lake… He remains in
silence, and dead still…until he suddenly moves his head toward the sliding
door, watching someone come out, and toward him. It’s Grandpa Sam… Zane just turns and
continues zoning, out toward the lake… Grandpa Sam walks
to the end of the deck, looking out at it, with a deep breath… GRANDPA SAM (still looking out at lake) The more one looks out at this, the more one comes to believe the world is still as it was, before all this pain we now share… He turns and faces
Zane… GRANDPA SAM I know how much you miss your
brothers and sister. I know you miss your uncle and
cousins, just as much. I know you’ll never get over
the loss of Fish…and I know it’s Samantha, who makes
you believe you’ll never leave this cabin, again.
I know, because I feel it, too… But, what truly makes you
great, is the bond you have with your little cousin,
and how you have that same bond with all your other
little cousins. They need you right now. Your family
needs you right now…to lead them through a mess…even we never saw coming. Zane just keeps staring out at the lake… GRANDPA SAM Hunter is ready to hand it over
to you… It has to be you, son. Zane tries to remain in his zone, but tears up, and
finally blurts out a response. ZANE (pretty much
sobbing his words) I can’t get her out. She’s
always there. Eyes closed or open…she’s always there. She’s still
out there, Grandpa. Grandpa pulls Zane in for a hug… GRANDPA SAM I know she is…I know she is… ZANE We have to find her! Grandpa instantly shaking his head… GRANDPA SAM It’s up to her, now… If she’s
still out there, she’s trying to get here. All we can do is
keep the patrols on the highway, and hope to God she’s
got some help… (Grandpa looking at him) You
know she didn’t make those markers and put her
family and friends to rest, without help. Help that wants
to get that child to this compound. ZANE I don’t even know if I want to
get my hopes up. (shaking head) I can’t go
through this again. GRANDPA SAM Well, I’m not ready to give up
on that little girl, and the obvious things she’s already
proven to survive…and on that note…we need to do
something about these convicts, we know are making a
home for themselves in our forest, and this “Grover”
we keep seeing on the signs. We don’t want Samantha
running into that trouble. Zane finally with a spark, a look of life… ZANE You’re right! We need to set up
a camp close to theirs, and keep constant surveillance
on them, and the road. (Zane a look right at him) It
has to be me. I can’t take over for Hunter, not now. I
need to lead this mission. Grandpa Sam nodding with a growing smile… GRANDPA SAM That’s my boy... You can scout
them out tomorrow. Besides your sister and Cleo, I
want you to take the Rough Riders with you. They can
hang back, and ride straight home if you guys run
into trouble. Hunter has a large team at the coast.
They’ll be back in a couple days, you can begin the mission
after that, and set up your camp. ZANE (staring at Sam) Thank you, Grandpa. GRANDPA SAM You’re going to be alright, son,
and because you are… so will I… Now grab yourself a
shave and shower, and let’s strategize this thing out.
But first…I want to introduce you to your new
cousins. Grandpa Sam opens the sliding door and signals them out,
as they all come out onto the deck, in awe of the scenery. GRANDPA SAM I just adopted them. Kids, this
is your cousin, Zane. DISSOLVE TO: INT. GRANDPA SAM’S OFFICE �" DAY POV through window, where the family is still around the
pool area. POV pans back into the office, as a knock comes from the door. GRANDPA SAM Come in. Blake opens door, entering office. BLAKE Mr. Baker, hi. I heard you
wanted to see me? GRANDPA SAM Yes. Sit down, please…and it’s
Sam. BLAKE (as he’s sitting) Yes, sir… GRANDPA SAM Blake, you’re doing excellent
work here, and what you’re doing with the Rough
Riders, is very impressive. BLAKE Thank you, sir, I mean Sam. The
Rough Riders are a special group. GRANDPA SAM Only because they have a
special leader. The kind of special that this family
specializes in. And one thing I’ve realized today, is that
there are no friends here, just family. That’s why you
call me Sam, from now on. BLAKE Wow, sir. Sam! That is quite an
honor! GRANDPA SAM The honor is all mine, and all
ours. This family is lucky to have people like you, here
fighting the fight we all have in front of us. Zane
obviously picks his friends well, and like I said, from here
on out, we are all family. BLAKE Wow, um, I could almost swear
you’re trying to make me cry, or something. Grandpa Sam a smile. GRANDPA SAM Well, don’t get sappy on me,
just yet. I do have a mission for your Rough Riders,
to speak to you about. BLAKE (becoming serious) The Rough Riders are ready, sir.
Sam! GRANDPA SAM Well, no, they’re not. (Blake
confused) Not all of them, anyhow. How many of your
varsity boys made it, here? BLAKE Nine. GRANDPA SAM Enough to field a team, eh… Any
of them eighteen, yet? BLAKE Just Abino. Only five of the
others are seventeen, and three are sixteen. The rest
are mostly Zane’s Freshmen boys, only fourteen. GRANDPA SAM No Freshmen. I don’t even feel
comfortable with the seventeen-year-olds. (thinking
a moment) Most of them have family here, right? BLAKE Ironically, Abino is the only
one without family. Everyone else has at least one
parent, here. GRANDPA SAM Okay, here’s your first job.
Parental consent, for anyone sixteen and over, can join this
mission. (looking right at Blake) I’m trusting you to let
these parents know this request comes directly from me,
that it is just that, a request, and that I will
understand any parent who does not feel comfortable with their
child, going on this mission. They should also know
exactly what it is you’ll be doing, out there. Grandpa taking a deep breath, before continuing… DISSOLVE TO: EXT. COMPOUND BASEBALL STADIUM �" DAY POV travels over the beautiful field. Suddenly, there is
the sound of a baseball being hit. But no one is in sight, and no ball flying
over the field. Eventually, the sound of a boy, announcing a baseball game, can
be heard. BOY (OS) So, with two now down, and the
winning run ninety feet away, it’ll be Buster
Posey, with a chance to put the Giants into the postseason.
Sound of another ball hit. BOY (OS, with
excitement) Crushed to deep left, but foul!
Oh, my Posey! That was your pitch to hit! I don’t
know if he’s going to get another one like that.
Angel Pagan, leads away from 3rd, the
Dodgers are already eliminated from postseason play, but they don’t
want to allow their hated rivals to clinch, so
their ace closer is on the hill. POV finds Zane coming to a stop, watching from behind the
corner, as Joshua stands inside the batting cage, announcing, and about to take
a swing… JOSHUA (announcing) And here comes his 0-1 pitch to
the plate. Joshua tosses ball into air, swings the bat, and lining
the ball against the net. JOSHUA (announcing) Lined toward the gap in
left-center, but Matt Kemp had him played right there. So,
if the Giants want to clinch it today, it’s going to
take extra innings. ZANE (OS) What the hell (Joshua jumping)
was I thinking, inviting a damn Giants fan to
my compound?! Joshua scared at first, but now smiling as Zane
approaches him at the net. JOSHUA Hey, coach. Sorry, I was just… ZANE It’s fine. Just leave my
Dodgers out of it, next time! JOSHUA It just makes me feel normal,
to think about baseball, to be hitting
baseballs… ZANE I understand. But, hey, I
wanted to talk to you about something. (Joshua giving
full attention) I’m going back out, and Grandpa
wants the Rough Riders to back me up. JOSHUA Hell yeah! ZANE Hold on, that’s what I came to
talk to you about. I wanted to be the one to let
you know, that Grandpa doesn’t want anyone
under sixteen, on this potentially dangerous
mission. Joshua looking disappointed… JOSHUA It’s really my dad, isn’t it? ZANE No, not at all. Actually,
Grandpa isn’t allowing anyone under eighteen, without
consent. I one hundred percent agree. But we do need
all the younger half of the Rough Riders on alert, here
at home while we’re gone. Hunter has most of our
firepower at the beach, right now. So, I’m counting on
you and the other Freshmen, to step it up, here
at home. There are a lot of people here, depending on your
protection. JOSHUA Whatever you need, coach. Zane just staring at him a moment, and the ball in his
hand… ZANE You know what I need? Grab your
glove, I need to toss the rock. Joshua smiling, grabbing his glove with excitement, and
exiting the cage, meeting Zane on the field, where they begin tossing the
baseball back and forth… DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK EXT. HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL FIELD �" DAY Zane tossing a ball with Joshua, next to Blake and Nate,
also tossing a ball. On the other side of Joshua, is Eric (Zane’s ball player
killed on docks, in season 1 finale), tossing a ball with Trav. There are about
a dozen other Freshmen players, all tossing baseballs, back and forth… JOSHUA They had another walk-off last
night! This is it, this is their year! ERIC Face it, your Giants are just
as cursed as my Cubs. We’ll all be surviving the end
of the world, at coach Zane’s fancy clubhouse, long
before our teams win any Championships. Players laughing… ZANE You call it a clubhouse again,
and your end of the world invite is out the door. Now
that Grandpa has actual Major Leaguers, paying for spots at
the compound, you guys might lose your invites,
anyhow. JOSHUA (excited) You have MLB players buying
homes there?! Everyone laughs at Joshua’s gullible excitement… JOSHUA What? It’s believable. You saw
all the homes they have there. ERIC I just want to know when coach
Zane, is going to hook us all up, with a game
at the compound stadium? Everyone reacting to that, with excitement. JOSHUA I know! NATE Right?! ZANE Hey, you got to scrimmage
there, when I took you out there, last spring. ERIC Yeah, and then you let us watch
the Varsity play a real game, packed with fans. BLAKE Hey, give the guy a break. That
was the first time you met him, and he took you to
a place where you can live when the world
stops functioning, someday. A place where not only
do we all survive, but so does the game
we all love…I’ll never forget my game there,
last season. Best moment of Senior year. Be
patient…you guys will get to make those same
memories. ERIC We better… TRAV I honestly thought coach was
nuts, when he first called, saying we were taking a
field trip to some place his grandfather built. NATE I know, me too, and then while
showing us around he begins talking about
Armageddon, and his game plan for us to all meet there.
Talk about cray-cray. ERIC Like it was an earthquake drill
or something. Kids laughing. NATE Yeah! BLAKE I’m with ya’ guys, there. I
thought he was straight wacko, when he spilled all that
on us, my Freshmen year. His speech was really
shaky, back then. He’s come a long way. ZANE Hey, a second ago you were on
my side. BLAKE The kids started making sense.
Until one gets to know ya’ all, your family is
straight Charles Manson, type of sketchy. Kids laughing… ZANE Yet not nearly as sketchy as
that end-of-the-world type of beard, you’re sporting
these days. Kids laughing more… BLAKE Is coach’s feelings and
testosterone levels, hurt, because he can’t yet grow a
real man’s beard? ZANE That’s funny, coming from
someone who graduated last spring, but looks old
enough for his twentieth reunion. More laughs… BLAKE Don’t worry, coach, I’m sure
you’ll experience puberty before the apocalypse. Kids cracking up… ZANE Yeah, yeah, the apocalypse
jokes never get old. Us Manson’s have been hearing
it our entire lives… Scene dissolves as kids laugh while tossing baseballs… DISSOLVE TO: FEW DAYS AGO FLASHBACK INT. HUNTER’S OFFICE �" DAY POV window, with view of complex lower level swimming
area, as Zane approaches Hunter’s office… HUNTER (OS) I agree, horseback is the best
way. They can make it there in a day, and back the
next. Zane enters office door. Hunter sits at his desk, while
Grandpa Sam sits across it. Hunter rises and approaches Zane, with a hug… HUNTER So good to see you, nephew.
(looking at him) And I hear you’re going to keep
making me call the shots around here, for a
while? ZANE It’s not my time. I’m not ready
to be what it takes, to do the job you two
have done with it. HUNTER I appreciate that, Zane, and I
also like what I’m hearing about this mission, of yours. Your
Grandpa and I have been playing with some ideas,
top secret type of ideas… ZANE I’m intrigued…but before I
forget, (looking at Grandpa) you mentioned something about a
mission going on at the coast? (looking at Hunter)
What’s that all about? You guys securing the Hotel? HUNTER You could say that, along with
the rest of the area… ZANE (curious) What do you mean? HUNTER Let me show you, first… Zane curiously watching him, as both Hunter and Grandpa
begin going for the door… DISSOLVE TO: INT. COMPOUND JAIL �" DAY Hunter and Grandpa, leading Zane past a guard, into a
building that has several jail cells. The sound of huffs can be heard. Zane
looks over at the largest of the cells, seeing over a dozen of them. Zane walks
right over to them, standing just out of their reach, as he looks over them
all… HUNTER We’ve been studying them, as
much as we can. We’ve already learned a lot, but
no answers to why they’re coming back, or why our
flesh is on their menu. ZANE What does this have to do with
whatever you have going on at the beach? HUNTER Well, after learning how
unintelligent they are, and how attracted to noise they
are, we figured a bonfire in a hole, may be a way to rid
most of these things off of the beaches, and away from
the coastline. GRANDPA SAM When you think about it, with the
coast range and limited roads in, it wouldn’t
be too hard to keep the dead away from…at least a part
of the coast…our part. Zane slowly nodding… ZANE You guys are making a lot of
sense. We could have people living and fishing from
the Hotel. Safely hunting in the hills. HUNTER In a relatively dead-free zone. GRANDPA SAM Our forest
can be that way, too. Zane still nodding. ZANE I like it. (looking back at the
huffs) Anything else you’ve learned about these
things? HUNTER You can survive among them,
without being bitten. (Zane looking at Hunter) If you
smell like them. We sent someone inside, well-protected,
and covered in dead flesh. (Zane staring
right at him) They didn’t touch him. ZANE That is certainly good to know.
(begins zoning off) Zane suddenly quiet, thinking… GRANDPA SAM I’m sure she does… Zane snapping out of it, with a questionable look at
Grandpa Sam… ZANE What? GRANDPA SAM I’m sure Samantha knows. Maybe
she’s even done it. She’s a survivor. Zane nodding… ZANE Yeah…she is… (looking at
Hunter) So, what’s this top secret plan? EXT. COMPOUND BARNS �" MORNING Zane, Dakota, and Cleo all climbing up on their horses,
with Blake, Abino, and all the older Rough Riders, already on theirs. All of
them have bulletproof vests on. The younger Rough Riders are there, but without
horses. They watch, as Zane shares a nod with both Hunter and Grandpa Sam,
before riding away… ABINO (winking at young
rough riders) Later, baby Rough Riders. Joshua rolling his eyes at Abino’s comment, as Hunter
comes to them… HUNTER You may be babies, but you’re
also the future of this place. Come on, let’s go
start that future. Cut to someone’s view of Zane and the Rough Riders,
riding through the compound. That someone stumbles forward, and begins
shouting. LEO Where the God damn hell are you
all going?! Zane coming to a stop, and looking over at his dad, who
drunkenly approaches the group. He’s filthy, wearing same clothes as day
before, and still holding a bottle… ZANE (under his breath) Jesus…I thought I was bad. (now speaking normal) This should be good… Blake a nervous look from Leo to Zane, and back to Leo… LEO Don’t make me repeat myself!
I’m too angry to stand here being IGNORED! Now
what the hell are you all doing on those
horses?! ZANE We’re scouting the area
surrounding that group of convicts. Jesus Christ, Dad.
Take your meds and go to bed! Zane begins riding, again. Blake and others, nervously
follow. LEO Don’t you ride away from me,
boy! (Leo eyeing Dakota) Dakota! You guys leave
those people alone! They will kill each other and
die off, all on their own. There are more important things
to be doing! (Leo looking all around) Where the
hell is Mason?! Why are you taking baseball players
with you?! Leo freezes and stops talking, staring at something. His
POV toward the brush, where his dead wife, Mary, stands staring back at him… He’s shocked, and begins stumbling toward her… DISSOLVE TO: EXT. OFF-ROAD �" DAY Zane and others, all riding their horses along the
grassy/dirt road. Zane next to Blake. ZANE We’ll be at the highway in a
few minutes, and you guys will hold back there, for
about fifteen minutes. Use the radio when needed, but
if you hear the signal, do nothing but listen.
If we give the signal to come bail us out, you advance.
If given the signal to retreat, you…(looking at Blake,
for answer) BLAKE We retreat. I got it, man. ZANE Good, ‘cause no hero s**t. You
get back to the compound and warn the others. The group arriving at the highway. They all ride out onto
it. Zane shakes hands with Blake, and he, Dakota, and Cleo all ride down the
highway. One of the Rough Riders (Scoop, 17) is eyeing Dakota and Cleo, as they
ride off… SCOOP I’m pretty sure I have a chance
with those two. BLAKE I’m pretty sure you have a better
chance with a pair of pretty meat eaters,
long before ya’ do with those two. Few laughs… SCOOP Nah, you watch. If we ever get
back on that field, and she sees me striking your
a*s out, and hitting bombs off her brother, I’ll get
my chance. Blake laughing. BLAKE Damn, the fantasy land you live
in, is even worse than Joshua’s! SCOOP Think about it, man. We’ll be
gods, here. The only real entertainment will be at
that stadium. Not like we don’t have baseball players.
And when we’re not playing baseball and
entertaining, we’re out here, protecting. We’ll be even more
popular here, than we were in high school. ABINO He makes a pretty good point,
coach. BLAKE I’m already a God, always have
been, and took my shot with her back during my
Freshmen year. I struck out, and so shall you,
regardless of how much “entertainment” you provide. ABINO Wait, timeout. You took a shot,
way back when you were both Freshmen? SCOOP Damn it, Blake, it’s your fault she’s into chicks! Everyone laughing… BLAKE Nope, she was already there.
Mighta’ been a rebellious thing. Her dad, Leo,
is one intense dude. ABINO Yeah, the dead out here, are
scarier than that guy! BLAKE Joshua says he has nightmares
about him taking over the compound. Some silence… SCOOP Taking my chances out here, if
he does! DISSOLVE TO: INT. COMPOUND BATHROOM �" DAY Leo staring at his completely
bearded face, in the mirror…before turning on the faucet… Dissolve to the same POV as
Leo finishes shaving off not only his beard, but his entire head. He uses a rag
to wash off his face, and stares back at himself… LEO (with a growing
smile) You were right, Mary… This is a
face to fear…
DISSOLVE TO: EXT. HIGHWAY �" DAY Zane, Dakota, and Cleo, riding along the highway… ZANE I take it Gia and Mayday, are
on the mission at the coast? DAKOTA They are. They wanted to
contribute. They worry people are going to blame them
for what happened on the mountain. ZANE No one actually does, do they? DAKOTA Not that I know of. CLEO You need to hit on her, Zane. Both Zane and Dakota throwing a “wtf” look at Cleo… CLEO What? I want to know if she’s
into guys. Not a lot of fish in the sea, these days.
I want to know where to cast my line, in case I ever
lose the one I got. ZANE (sarcastically) Morbid much? DAKOTA Which is going to happen much
sooner than you think, if things like that keep
coming out of your cute little mouth. ZANE Can I throw up, now? Zane suddenly stops, and climbs off his horse, quickly
going over to a tree, and bracing a hand against it, preparing to actually
throw up. DAKOTA Zane, what the hell? Zane?! Both Dakota and Cleo hopping off their horses, running to
his aid. He quickly throws up his hand. ZANE I’m fine! Just keep your eyes
open. Dakota turns back toward the road, then at Zane, watching
him take deep breaths. She and Cleo share a look at one another, then the road,
while Zane gathers his composure, without vomiting… ZANE I just keep having dizzy spills… Zane slowly walks back to his horse, reaching and
drinking from his water, and splashing some over his face… ZANE I still haven’t really slept… Dakota watching him carefully climb back onto his horse… DAKOTA We can wait to do this, until
the others get back? ZANE Absolutely not. Sam is trying
to get home, and we can’t have her running into
these guys. I’m fine. They ride in silence for a few moments… ZANE When are the others supposed to
return, anyhow? DAKOTA Could be another day or two. ZANE How far north are they
clearing? DAKOTA Just the north end of Rockaway,
maybe a little bit into Wheeler. They figure the meat
eaters won’t get past the jetties, there. With the
mountains on one side of the highway, and the ocean on
the other, they just plan to block the highway, and
keep even the living from entering. ZANE That’s going to piss some
people off, but it’s brilliant. CLEO You guys will own the beaches. ZANE Lot of good land and resources
in Tillamook, too. We’ll be able to do things that
no one else out there, can… God…I wish Fish was here
to be a part of this… They all ride in silence… Suddenly, Dakota spots something ahead… DAKOTA That wasn’t there, last time we
went by. Zane and Cleo staring ahead. Their POV of a sign, propped
up with heavy rocks below it (was somewhere else but moved to this location).
It was a “Forest Grove” sign, with a red “R” spray-painted at the end… They ride right up and over to it. It stood right next to
the road, for all to see. Once closer, you could see a message that had been
written and posted at bottom of the sign… MESSAGE Enter at your own risk! Zane begins nodding his head… ZANE I’ve been looking for someone
to take some frustration out on, looks like
I’ve found it. He begins riding on, as Dakota/Cleo share a look, and
follow… DISSOLVE TO: EXT. HIGHWAY �" DAY Blake and the Rough Riders, riding along. Blake is on
radio. BLAKE (into radio) Well, that sounds inviting. ZANE (over radio) Just be extra careful. If
anything does happen, make sure you send us a signal
while you can. BLAKE (into radio) Rodger that… ZANE (over radio) There’s one more thing… Just
past the sign… there’s something else… BLAKE (into radio) Yeah? ZANE (over radio) There’s a car, off to the side
of the road. There’s something…hard to see, inside… BLAKE (into radio) Well, it’s the new world we
live in, right? Zane pauses… ZANE (over radio) Right… Scene dissolves to the Rough Riders, riding past the
Forest “Grover” sign, and again dissolving, to them now approaching a vehicle,
off to the side of the road. The driver-side door is open, and a dead person
appears to be in the passenger seat. As they get closer, the sound of a huff can be heard,
inside. It sounds faint, and is coming from the back. Blake climbs down off his
horse, and looks at the others to do the same… They approach the vehicle, and can see it’s completely
stuffed with bags, food, and people. There is a dead mother in the passenger
seat, with a bullet to the head. There is what looks like a nine-year-old boy,
and a five-year-old girl, both with shots to their heads. The girl’s eyes are
open, and looking right at the Rough Riders. They can still hear the huff, and move in closer, opening
the side door. Inside is a baby huff, attached to its car seat, and with one
arm completely blown off. SCOOP Jesus Christ! ABINO How the hell does Mom not
finish the job?! Blake closes his eyes a moment, opens, grabs his spear,
and jabs the baby’s head, for everyone to see… BLAKE It’s the new world we live in,
fellas… Suddenly, what sounds like a vicious dog, begins growling
from back in the brush. They all jump, and prepare for an attack. The dog
slowly comes out. It’s a yellow lab, filthy and showing it’s teeth. The boys
back up slowly, and just as slowly climbing onto their horses. The dog calms down, and jumps inside the car, whimpering… The Rough Riders begin riding away, without a word, but
some of them fighting off tears, with looks back at the sad dog, remaining with
its dead owners… DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK EXT. HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL FIELD �" NIGHT Scoop is on the pitcher’s mound, delivering a nasty
curveball, for strike 3, as he hops of the mound, pumped and heading for the
dugout, with his teammates. He meets his catcher, now removing his mask
(revealing himself as Blake), and sharing an excited high-five with Scoop, and
the others… Dissolve to Scoop, now at the plate, swinging and lining
a base-hit. Dissolve to Abino, swinging and ripping a ball down the
line, sending Scoop racing around the bases, as his teammates cheer and wave
him on. He scores, and they share excited high-fives, and point excitedly
toward Abino, at 3rd base, after the triple… Dissolve to Blake now at the plate, swinging and mashing
a ball, to deep left. His teammates can be heard yelling and reacting! PLAYER That thing is WAAAYY outta’
here! The ball sails over the fence, without much effort from
the leftfielder. Blake rounds the bases, with a big high-five to Zane, in the 3rd
base coaching box. Blake touches home plate, and comes back to the dugout,
sharing massive high-fives with Scoop, Abino, and others… Dissolve to Scoop on the mound, his teammates cheering.
He delivers a pitch, and the ball is ripped to the outfield. Multiple runners
are on base, and now heading to the plate, and scoring. Now it is the other
team, who jump with joy, celebrating. It appears to be a walk-off win, as Scoop
and his teammates, hang their heads, while slowly walking off the field, in
defeat… Dissolve to most people gone from the field. Scoop still
sits near the field, depressed… Blake takes a seat next to him… BLAKE We used up all our other
pitchers, just making it as far as we did. You pitched
the game of your life, Scoop. We just didn’t have
anyone to come in and close it down, for you. SCOOP This one hurts, man… BLAKE Oh, that’s for sure, but just
no blaming yourself, kid. You get to come back next year,
and do this all again. I’ll be stuck coaching, as you
guys finish what we couldn’t. Now that’s gonna’ hurt.
(Blake rising) Come on, no more pouting. There are
bigger problems in the world… DISSOLVE TO: FEW DAYS AGO FLASHBACK EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY POV Scoop, quietly/grimly riding along, with the others. None
of them talking… Dissolve to Zane, Dakota, and Cleo. All of them just as
quiet and grim, as they quietly ride along… DISSOLVE TO: INT. COMPOUND BASEBALL LOCKER ROOMS - DAY All the baby Rough Riders sit on the locker room benches,
as Hunter stands in front of them. HUNTER It’s still not quite time to
play, to really play, but it’s time for hope, hope that
the day will come, when it is time to play, to really play… The kids looking from him, to each other… HUNTER With that said, I want you guys
to just relax today, and be kids. I opened the gates,
and messages have been posted, notifying the
community that the field is open for those who need some
exercise, and those who would like to watch. We’re
even running a grill, and feeding everyone. So, put
on your cleats, grab your gloves, and let’s keep
from getting too rusty, eh? The kids cheering excitedly… Dissolve to them now on the field, tossing the ball
around. Other younger kids are there, too. Hunter is with Hope, Ryder, Bryant,
Griffey, Trisha, and Ashley, working the grill, off to the side. Many compound
people, family/friends/survivors are inside the stadium. Majority of the people
are older people, women, teens and children, and some older people, with most
others, busy at the coast, or with Zane… Scout sits in the dugout, watching with a smile, and at
the same time, a tear, running down her cheek… Hunter works on showing Bryant how to flip the meat, and
lets him take over, as Hunter walks over to Hope… HUNTER Your mom couldn’t get Brianna
or Kayla, interested? Hope frowning with a shake of the head… HOPE Brianna is more of a mess than
Zane and Grandpa, from what Mom says. HUNTER I did my part with those two…but wish I knew what to say to Brianna… (shrugging) HOPE I know, I don’t know what to
say to anyone around here, anymore. Everyone is
hurting, so much. And here you are, holding it
together, better than everyone, almost as if you
hadn’t lost someone of your own. Hunter just looking right at Hope, both of them teary-eyed… HUNTER You really are quite a grown
up, young lady, aren’t you? I swear I almost thought I
was talking to your mother, there for a second.
(hugging her) HOPE No one I’d rather be compared
to… They both quickly move, as a ball comes flying their
direction… DISSOLVE TO: EXT. HIGHWAY �" DAY POV of the woods, trees, and bluffs/tree covered canyons
that lay to one side of the highway, while steep (unclimbable) hills are on the
other side. Blake rides in front, as the Rough Riders make their way into POV,
riding along the highway… They remain silent… BLAKE You know what I’m gonna’ miss
the most, besides loved ones? (Everyone just
silently looking at him) The Sand Series. ABINO Yes! BLAKE Just having a chance to win
that thing, like Zane and those guys did, last summer.
SCOOP God, that s**t was epic! BLAKE I had a team for next season,
(shaking head) even Zane was nervous to run into. Suddenly, they all begin to stop, and listen. The sound
of a vehicle can be heard, approaching in a hurry. Blake quickly scans the area, then breaks out his radio. BLAKE (into radio) Zane, we have company! And
we’re at the canyon stretch of highway, nowhere to
hide. They’re coming quick! Don’t respond!
I’ll send a signal. Rough Riders, out. Cut to Zane (along same highway) on his horse, with radio
in hand, just as Blake finishes saying “Rough Riders, out”. Zane looks at
Dakota and Cleo, then back at his radio, nervously waiting for a signal… DAKOTA We should just go now. You know
we’re going back no matter what the signal
is! ZANE Yeah, we are. Zane immediately turning his horse and galloping away,
while carefully listening to the radio. Dakota and Cleo, follow. They begin
riding faster, but Zane makes sure to listen for the signal… BLAKE (over radio) Zane…it’s…it’s your dad. Zane stopping. DAKOTA Son of a b***h. Did he say,
Dad? ZANE (into radio) We’re already coming your way.
(shaking his head, now mumbling to himself) God
damn it. They ride forward… Dissolve to Leo’s hummer parked in the road, as he stands
next to Blake (holding his horse). LEO You don’t take orders from
Zane, you take them (pointing to his own chest)
from me. BLAKE We’re out here on the orders of
both your father, and the one who I’ve been told
is the compound leader, your brother, Hunter. Leo looking at him, with disgust… LEO You’re another one of those,
wannabe funny, sarcastic piece of s**t, types,
just like your buddy, Zane, aren’t you? Leo drunkenly zoning off, at the thought of Zane…then
looking back at Blake, and shaking his head… LEO I swear it’s you and your damn
generation, that is the reason the world took a big
dump, on us like this. The reason people like
me, need medications is just to deal with all that piss-poor
sarcasm, and imaginary intelligence. You
guys are like cartoons. I’m talking to Bugs freaking
Bunny, is what I’m doing. Jesus Christ! Leo turning to look around the corner of the highway. LEO Where’s Mighty Mouse? Players sharing looks, amongst one another. LEO He better be coming! I swear to
God, if you’re stalling for him! BLAKE (Trying to keep
him calm) Sir, I swear to you, he’s on
his way. This is between you and him. LEO As condescending as you are
sarcastic… (shaking head) I see why you and my son
are in love. Abino chuckles… Leo turns
toward him. He slowly begins stepping toward him. Abino grows nervous… Suddenly, Zane rides around
the corner, followed by Dakota and Cleo. They ride right over to the others.
Zane stops, climbs down, and steps toward his dad, with a shake of the head, as
he looks over Leo’s newly shaved face/head… ZANE Well, if your new haircut
doesn’t express your mood, demeanor, drunkenness, and lack
of meds, well…I don’t know what does. LEO I honor my dead wife, with my
new look. You will respect that! ZANE I respect the pain, you’re in,
Dad, but the way you’re going about it, is… LEO Is what?! What sarcastic,
condescending crap do you have? Already heard what
your boyfriend, over there, has. What you got? ZANE No need to make you look bad,
right now, Dad. LEO See! More of that sarcastic
s**t. Now shut your mouth, pack this mission up,
and get these boys back to base, and doing
something productive. ZANE Dad… We’re both grieving the
same thing. I couldn’t leave my cabin, for over a week.
This mission…is what got me up, what gave me hope.
Samantha may or may not come heading this
way, trying to get home, but if she does…we’re not
making her get past these guys, on her own. (Zane looking
right at him) Now get in your truck, and feel free to
drive your drunk, off his meds, a*s, right off a damn
cliff. Leo just staring back at him, looking ready to snap.
Rough Riders watch, and share concerned looks, back and forth. Zane simply
waits for a response… LEO What if she is alive? What if
she does make it back? Leo just staring at him… Zane shaking his head… ZANE What the hell do you mean? Leo yelling back before Zane can even finish that last
sentence. LEO Does that ease all your pain,
Zane?! Does it bring back everyone else?! DOES IT
BRING BACK MY WIFE?! MY SONS?! YOUR
BROTHERS?! YOUR BABY SISTER?! NOOO, IT DOES NOT!
DOES IT?! It’s like you think that little girl makes
everything else, okay. Like nothing else happened. She’s
just one, Zane! We’ve lost HALF OUR DAMN FAMILY! Dakota sits on her horse, weeping, as Cleo rides over.
The Riders stare at Zane, who is speechless… LEO See, you know I’m right!
Where’s the sarcasm, now?! Leo walking over to other side of road, breathing and
staring off, at the bushy canyon… ZANE (OS) I’m not just trying to save the
little girl, I’ve loved like a sister, since even
before she was born. Not even the little girl who
everyone in this family, knows is meant to run it,
someday. (Leo shaking his head) I’m doing it for her
mothers. I’m doing it for the rest of our broken family,
which needs a lift, like this. I’m doing it for the
little girl I haven’t even MET, yet… (Leo stops shaking head)
The girl who must have seen her own father, perish,
and God only knows, how… The girl who must have
sweat and wept for hours, as she put her family in
the ground…our family. Leo now turning to face Zane. His view of him… ZANE I want to meet that girl… I
want to bring her home… and help our family begin to
heal… Now, Leo is the speechless one, as the Riders again share
looks, and wait for a response from him… He begins crossing the road, as everyone watches him
closely… He is staring right at Zane, but stops, and faces the
hummer. He can see his dead wife, Mary, sitting in the passenger seat. She
tilts her head, signaling him toward the driver’s seat. He looks back at Zane,
then to the hummer… ZANE This is getting
embarrassing…what the hell is the matter with you? Leo looks right at him… LEO Do whatever you’re going to do.
Just don’t waste these kids’ lives, going to war
with enemies we don’t need to make. Leo walks right over to the hummer, climbing in, starting
engine, turning it around, and driving away... Most Rough Riders sit on their horses, shaking their
heads… ZANE I apologize, for my birth
father. I want you all to know, it’s the man I loved
like a father, who was buried by his own ten-year-old
daughter, who’s the one we go on this
mission for. SCOOP We’re with you, coach. BLAKE No explanation needed. We all
know Samantha, and would risk our lives to
bring her home. Zane nodding… ZANE Let’s stick together, until we
come to the end of this stretch. Zane rides off, as the others follow. They all ride down
the ghostly highway, disappearing around the corner… POV stays right there, on the empty highway, with just
the sound of them, galloping away. The sound becomes more and more faint, until
it disappears, and becomes total silence… Silence gives way to the sound of a vehicle, it
approaches quickly, and speeds right into POV, disappearing around that corner.
It was Leo, in the hummer, heading back in the direction of Zane and the others… Cut to Zane and them all turning, as the hummer arrives,
and they quickly clear out of the way, as it speeds past them. ZANE (pissed) Oh, what the hell, Dad?! He speeds down the highway, disappearing around another
corner. They ride ahead, to the sound of him speeding away, but then suddenly
they can hear the sound of the hummer skidding out, and possibly crashing… Zane picks up the pace, followed by the others… Dissolve to them all riding past a pair of huffs, then
arriving at the scene of the hummer, run off the road, with Leo inside, passed
out. Blake hops down off his horse, followed by Abino. They both take out the
huffs. Zane watches over them, with an approving nod, and then looking back
inside the hummer, at his dad. Then to Dakota, who walks over to him, followed
by Cleo. All of them just staring inside, at Leo passed out… CLEO (looking from Leo
to Dakota) Please tell me this doesn’t run
in the family?! Dissolve to Blake slowly driving the hummer, as the Rough
Riders follow, on their horses, Abino guiding Blake’s vacant horse. Leo is
still passed out, inside the back of the hummer. Zane rides over to Blake’s
window. BLAKE You sure I shouldn’t haul a*s,
in case he wakes up and takes charge? I just can’t
swing at your dad, man, and honestly, it scares
the crap out of me to think what he’d do, if I did! I
can handle all this dead people crap, but your dad is
scary s**t, bro. ZANE I don’t disagree, but don’t
worry, he hasn’t crashed in days. He’ll be my uncle’s
problem, by the time he wakes. BLAKE I still don’t like leaving you
guys on your own, out here. ZANE We’re just scouting, not
engaging, we’ll be fine. BLAKE (giving him a fist
bump) Alright, man. See you tomorrow.
ZANE Tell Hunter, I said good luck. Blake smiles as he drives away, with the Riders
following. Zane turns back toward Dakota and Cleo, and rides past them, as they
follow, back down the highway… POV goes into bird’s eye, of Blake and them going one
direction, and Zane, Dakota, and Cleo going the other. As POV goes higher, all
you see is the highway, surrounded by trees/woods… DISSOLVE TO: EXT. COMPOUND STADIUM �" DAY Bird’s eye POV over the compound, dropping down over the
stadium. The crack of a bat can be heard, as POV finds the ball, traveling to
deep left, dropping a few feet in front of the wall, and bouncing off of it. Hunter, at the grill, reacting to the ball just missing
at leaving the park. POV Joshua in the batter’s box, reacting with excited
disappointment, of the near homerun. JOSHUA Are you kidding me?! I got all
of that one! HUNTER You’re fourteen! Just wait and
see what you do, by next spring, or the year
after that. Joshua smiles and prepares for another pitch. He rips
another one, to center. Bryant is out there, with both his sisters, and he
steps in front of Ryder, to make the catch, and share a laugh with her, over
it… Hunter smiles as he watches the action. Joshua rips
another one, into the gap. Hunter watches it, then smiles at Jaelyn (Mason’s
daughter, Rich’s sister) who arrives at his side… HUNTER Hey Jaelyn. How’s your brother doing? JAELYN He’s starving and heard you
were grilling. (a smile) She places out a plate, as Hunter fills it with some meat,
and laughs. HUNTER He’s lucky to have such a great
sister at his every beck and call. Hunter smiling at her and then at Scout, who now
approaches, with a smile of her own… SCOUT Thank you, for this. It’s
exactly what this family needed, what this community
needed. Hunter putting his arm around her. HUNTER Thanks, little sis. I totally
agree. Now grab yourself a plate and let those beautiful
kids of yours, see you smiling and filling your
tummy. Scout smiles at her big brother, and goes to the table
for a plate… Nate is now stepping into the batter’s box. He rips the
first pitch, deep. Hunter turns to watch the ball fly over the fence. HUNTER OH,
park’s not going to hold that one! This kid only a Freshmen? Hunter watches him rip another one, again sailing over
the fence. Hunter watches it, then takes notice of Grandpa Sam approaching.
Hunter smiles at him, as he arrives… HUNTER Wonderful to see you finally
make it, Dad. Grandpa Sam doesn’t look too happy… HUNTER What’s wrong? GRANDPA SAM Need more than one guess? HUNTER What’s Leo doing, now? More
importantly, where’s he doing it? I really want to
keep things peaceful, in here. Hunter signaling Bryant (who was running their direction,
anyhow) over, and hands over the grilling duties to him, while leaving with
Grandpa… Cut to Hunter and Grandpa Sam, exiting the stadium,
heading into an open fielded area, with the Baker complex next door to the
stadium. Blake is at the door of the parked hummer, near the Baker garage, with
the Rough Riders all on horses. Leo is nowhere in sight… HUNTER So, everyone is fine, though?
Zane and the girls, too? Grandpa nodding. GRANDPA SAM Zane went on with the mission,
telling Blake they’d be back as planned. HUNTER How did Leo get himself out of
here, in the damn first place? GRANDPA SAM There’s no one in this compound
who’s going to say no, to him, intoxicated or
not. HUNTER I’m guessing he’s off his meds,
too? GRANDPA SAM I’m guessing your guess is
correct. HUNTER Christ…going to have to begin mouth-feeding
the big baby… Blake somewhat nervous, as Grandpa and Hunter arrive, and
tries too hard to break the tension. BLAKE Sam, Sammy, Sammers…(Grandpa
just staring at him) Grandpa Sam?... (still
staring) Sir? GRANDPA SAM Yeah, I think we’ll go back to Sir. HUNTER So, start at the beginning… Blake starts to talk, but interrupted by Hunter. HUNTER Wait… I can excuse (motioning
toward Rough Riders) these guys, right? (Hunter now
looking at all them) No one’s hurt? Everyone’s okay? BLAKE (everyone nodding) Yeah, no, they’re good to go,
and nobody got hurt, not on my watch, sir. HUNTER (nodding) Good, good job. Okay, yeah, you
guys all get out of here. After you return those
horses, head on over to the stadium. Food is on
the grill, and the baby riders are playing some
ball. SCOOP Oh, hell yeah. Others all excited, as they turn and gallop toward the
barns… Hunter watches, then he and Grandpa turn toward Blake,
who looks back at them… BLAKE I like baseball…and food. (now
laughing) Sorry, just kidding guys, kinda’. I just
don’t want to be around (motioning toward the hummer)
when that guy wakes up. He might seriously blame me,
for being back here, or Zane going on with the
mission. (Blake looking right at them) I love Zane, and I
love his family and this amazing place they’ve invited
me to survive at. I am yours to do with as you please,
but that guy, and who I do, or don’t, take orders from,
needs to be made clear. Being caught in the middle like
this, is really awkward, for lack of a better word… HUNTER (nodding) You have my deepest apologies,
and greatest appreciation. GRANDPA SAM (also nodding) Very fair,
son… You may call me, Sam, again. Blake laughing out loud. BLAKE Haha! You got it, sir! HUNTER Actually, you know what. Go
catch up with your riders, and just go play some
ball. The younger kids will be thrilled to have one of
their coaches in there, with them. (looking at Grandpa)
We’ll take it from here, and get this guy in bed… BLAKE Nah…I appreciate it, and will
absolutely get myself in there, as soon as I can, but
you guys need some help. And not really much to
tell. He showed up, demanding we come back. He and
Zane shared some powerful words, and for
some reason, he just gave up, at least we thought. A
few minutes later he sped back by, and ran off the
road, while avoiding a couple meat eaters. Been passed
out ever since… HUNTER Well, thank you. And you’re
right, we could use your help, dragging him to bed,
and locking the door behind him. They walk over to the Hummer, Blake pulls open the door,
but no one is there! They all quickly turn, and Leo is RIGHT IN THEIR FACE,
toward back of hummer. LEO BOO! Blake actually jumps! Hunter rolls his eyes, and Grandpa
just stares into the head/face of his freshly shaved, son… GRANDPA SAM Son…what did you do to
yourself? Leo mystified at first, before laughing and gliding his
hand over his shaved head… LEO Mary likes it, this way… Hunter sharing a look with
Grandpa… GRANDPA SAM You know what else she likes?
She likes a well-rested husband. (trying to grab his
arm) Let’s get him some sleep. Leo aggressively pulls away from his father, with looks
from him, and Hunter. Blake moves in closer… LEO Don’t patronize me, like my
punk-a*s, son, kept doing. (pointing at Blake) And
his punk-a*s, bearded friend. HUNTER Alright, that’s enough. LEO It’s not even close to enough!
What the hell is wrong with you people?! Look at
all our dead family! When are you going to
stop running this amazing place into the ground?!
Most of us are already too dead to even enjoy
it! How dead do the rest of us have to become,
before you finally fix it?! Hunter shaking his head. Grandpa just stares at his son,
with a tear running down his face… HUNTER Blame is all you can do, to
grieve. I don’t know if it’s how you cope with your own
guilt, or just some chemical imbalance, but this
s**t ends, right now. I have (pointing toward
stadium) people in there laughing and having fun, right
now. What’s happening outside these walls,
what’s happened to the people we love, is FINALLY
escaping their minds, if EVEN FOR FIVE GOD DAMN
MINUTES! You go in there like this, and the only
thing you do is bring it ALL BACK! You’re chaos, Leo.
You scare people. What kind of leader does that?!
Your son is hurting just as much, maybe more, yet
he’s out there doing something about it! What are
you doing? Besides sabotaging what he’s doing? Leo looks pissed, he turns around, then back toward
Hunter, and LIGHTS OUT! The moment he turns back toward him, Hunter punches him
directly in the face, knocking him completely out. Hunter reacts to the pain in his wrist. Grandpa Sam
shakes his head, staring at Leo, on the ground… DISSOLVE TO: EXT. HIGHWAY (foggy) �" DAY Zane, Dakota, and Cleo all riding the highway, which is
becoming somewhat foggy. They can hear a vehicle approaching, and all ride off
the road, hiding behind trees/brush. It’s just one car, at least 2 people
inside (hard to tell, too packed). Zane watches them go by, waiting for them to
disappear… They come back out, meeting near the road… DAKOTA Either people are getting
through, or those were a part of them. Zane thinking… ZANE They’re marking their
territory, and warning people of entering. (looking right at
Dakota) Those didn’t look like they were a part of a
group. If they got through, then this group can’t
be too organized. At least, not like us. DAKOTA Or they just haven’t secured
the road yet. CLEO Or they’re complete idiots, who
the three of us could take out, before dinner. ZANE With the fog rolling in, we can
stay on the highway a little longer, but soon will
need to begin pushing off from it, until we find a
good spot to roll up on their camp. Zane begins riding forward, with Dakota and Cleo following… Dissolve to Zane now riding his horse off the highway,
into the woods… ZANE Once we get far enough in,
we’ll need to tie up the horses, and advance on
foot. CLEO Not to sound like a woman, or a
blonde, but um, are there snakes in these
parts? DAKOTA On the mountain, maybe, but no,
not the coast range. At least not the kind
that hurt. CLEO So, you’re saying there are
indeed, snakes? ZANE Yeah, but the only thing out
here that bites, are the dead. Now suck it up, or
start dating men, ya damn woman. Cleo smiling at Dakota… CLEO I made your brother, make a
funny. Dakota smiling… Dissolve to Zane, Dakota, and Cleo, tying up the horses,
and walking away… ZANE We can’t be more than a mile
from where we helped the military, chase them
off. They have to be camped out at Glenwood. God
knows what they might have done to the
people who live there… DAKOTA That’s an old outdoor school,
there. Dad used to tell stories about how they
wanted Grandpa to buy that land. ZANE (zoning off) Samantha used to call it the
corndog store. That market right there. She loved
stopping there on the way to the beach, or the
compound… She would definitely be coming this
way… Dakota sharing a look with Cleo… They walk on in silence… Cleo takes a deep breath, and decides to break the
silence… CLEO So…a meat eater and Leo, walk
into a bar… Zane keeps staring ahead… Dakota throws a weird look at Cleo… CLEO That’s all I got…but I bet if
we work on it, we can come up with something good. I
was thinking they relate to each other’s
apocalyptic family issues, or something. Zane keeps walking, without a look or response. Dakota
cracks a smile at Cleo… CLEO I wanted Zane to make another
funny… They walk on, in more silence…followed by even more
silence… Suddenly Zane freezes, as do the others. They watch him,
as he turns and stares into the brush… There are random
sounds, animals, wind, trees, branches, birds, but that is it… Zane takes a few
steps, but freezes again, and looking all around… Suddenly, a yelp
comes from the woods, followed by a cry, and then a scream. Zane, Dakota, and
Cleo, all completely freeze, and turn toward the noise. PERSON IN WOODS SAM! (Zane’s eyes go wide!) What is it?! They watch as a
young girl comes bolting out of the brush. It’s Samantha! Zane, Dakota, and
Cleo are in complete shock, with thrill taking over their expressions. Zane
gasps, and simply drops to his knees… Dakota screams,
with joy/shock... Sam arrives,
running directly into Zane's arms. He welcomes her with a form of relief that
ravishes his body, the moment he wraps his arms around her... Dakota throws her
arms around them both... They are all
crying, words not even coming out, yet... DJ and the others
slowly arrive… DISSOLVE TO: A hatchet sailing
through the air... It sticks into
Aiden's throat, taking away his smile, as he drops dead... Bailey scratches
Sam, and runs off, as they all watch Stix come out of the brush, followed by
Swish, and one convict (some in prisoner outfits) after another... They keep coming,
and coming, completely surrounding Zane and the others... Zane looks from the
convicts, to Sam, and back to the convicts. ZANE (hushed) Don’t worry, this was kinda’ the plan. Sam a worried look
at him… SAM Kinda’? Zane puts his radio
to his mouth. ZANE (into radio) Rough Riders, stand down. Convicts react by
aiming their guns back behind them and toward the woods, in fear of whoever
Zane is reporting to, as he goes on. ZANE (into radio) Silence all radio chatter, and get back to the compound. Let them know we’ve become captive, that we have Samantha, and to go to absolute war, to get her back. Swish rushing to
Zane, looking him directly in the eye… SWISH Well…this one’s got some balls, doesn’t he? BLACK CREDITS
THE END © 2024 Mike Decker |
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Added on December 31, 2018 Last Updated on April 22, 2024 Tags: The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Zombies, apocalypse Author
Mike Deckervancouver, WAAboutMy daughter and I are huge Walking Dead fans, and have put together our own spinoff series, of it... Above The Dead It's an absolute emotional mess, and a total suspense/thriller... https://w.. more..Writing
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