Resident Evil: The Keeper's Diary
By Darkwun
The most famous file from the game-made for TV!
Category: Plays/Screenplays
Genres: Horror, Science Fiction
Scene 1
Resident Evil: Keeper’s Diary - by Rob “Darkwun” Butler
RESIDENT EVIL: KEEPER’S DIARY
EPISODE 16
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
BY
ROB “DARKWUN” BUTLER
BASED ON THE GAME BY CAPCOM
SCREEN STORY
BY
ROB “DARKWUN” BUTLER”
DARK CELL WRITINGS
FIRST DRAFT
27/01/10
Resident Evil: Keeper’s Diary
INT AQUA LAB TIMELESS
‘May 8th’ types into the bottom left of the screen.
The lab is tiny. Just one small room with an outward facing window. We can see a giant marine aquarium outside the window. A large silhouette of a shark can be seen swimming in it.
The camera pans across the top of a table moving left. Beakers and other chemical equipment sit on top of the work surface.
The camera pans onto scientist Jensen Lawrenceson. He’s a middle aged man, with gray hair. His lab coat is draped over a white shirt, with the top few buttons undone and a tie lazily loosened around his neck. This, along with his unchecked stubble and bags under his eyes give the impression he’s been working in this lab for quite some time with no sleep.
There is another scientist facing away from the camera, sat at the opposite side of the room. He is viewed off right from Jensen at a control panel style desk, In front of the window. This is Steve, The younger colleague of Jensen.
Jensen is typing into a computer. Next to him is a slide interfaced with it.
He furrows his brows as he looks at the screen. He adjusts something on the side of the slide, zooming closer into it and then looks back at the screen.
Cut to a shot of the computer screen. Several T-Virus cells are floating around.
JENSEN
This can’t be right…
The scientist behind him looks behind, then swivels his chair around. He stares at the computer screen.
STEVE
I thought you were doing the water sample next?
JENSEN
I am…
The scientist pushes his chair away from the panel and it slides towards Jensen.
STEVE
Are those… T?
JENSEN
They are…
(Stands up)
Hold the fort… I need to talk to John.
Jensen walks off behind the camera, leaving the scientist still looking at the computer.
CUT TO Jensen climbing up a ladder which leads out of the lab room, to a hatch door on the ceiling.
Steve spots something beside the computer.
He holds up a brown paper bag.
STEVE
(Shouting after Jensen)
You gonna eat this…?
(Shouts again)
Jensen!
Jensen is in a world of his own and opens the hatch door and climbs out the lab.
STEVE (cont.)
(To himself)
I’ll be takin’ that as a no then!
He rolls back the paper revealing a sandwich. He opens it up and has a sniff. He screws up his face and recoils.
STEVE (cont.)
Eurgh! Mustard?
He shrugs and takes a bite.
STEVE (cont.)
This crap keeps up, and I’m gonna be eatin’ me some fish burgers!
He swivels his chair around and looks to the window.
INT AQUARING TIMELESS
Viewing the lab from inside the aquarium, we can see the scientist distorted in the water, watching.
A gigantic fin swiftly glides past the camera.
INT BASEMENT HALL 1 TIMELESS
We’re just outside the lab of John Howe. A short corridor with two labs on one side. A sturdy metal door is at the bottom end. A USS soldier stands in front of it.
Jensen walks down the corridor and knocks on the furthest lab door.
JOHN (o.s. muffled)
Come in.
INT JOHN’S LAB TIMELESS
This is the same lab where John first encountered Marcus.
John is sat at his chair, facing the door.
The door opens and Jensen walks in.
JOHN
Jensen…! What brings you all this way away from your pets?
JENSEN
John, you gotta come to the Aquaring. Something’s happened… something big…
John swivels around on his chair to face the computer.
Close up of John’s face. Jensen is in the background, off right of him.
JOHN
Keep me updated on FI-03’s progress in your next report, I haven’t the time to wander all the way over to…
JENSEN
(Interrupts)
Listen! John it’s the water… it’s teeming with T!
John looks up. His eyes narrow.
He turns around to face Jensen.
JOHN
Close the door.
Jensen does as instructed and hurries over to John’s computer.
JENSON
May I?
John holds his hand up towards the computer by way of saying “go ahead” and slides his chair over.
JOHN
Go ahead.
Jensen hunches over the screen and types away.
Cut to the computer screen.
It show’s the same slide seen on Jensen’s computer.
‘EXT 1107’ is at the top left of the screen.
JENSEN
See. We expect to see dead cells from waste products and other erroneous means, but the sheer scale of T in the water is off the scale! Neptune is non T-passive. The mucus membranes contain no live viral bodies. It can only transfer T haematically…
JOHN
You suspect foul play…? To what end? Introducing T to an already mutated specimen is a moot point at best.
JENSEN
John, think the bigger picture here. The FI-03 has adapted to freshwater, right…?
JOHN
I know, I ordered the switchover from salt water myself. What point are you getting at?
JENSEN
The water… it’s the same source used as the whole facility! The T is in too much abundance in the sample… there’s no way this can be a chance find! The fact that nobody is sick yet, can only mean we’re at the initial phase of a massive outbreak!
JOHN
(Calm)
Who else knows about this?
JENSEN
Just you and me. Steve’s seen the slides, but I don’t think he’s realized how deep this has gone...
John smiles.
JOHN
Then there’s no problem…
JENSEN
Are you insane? I’ve drank the water! People have bathed, brushed their teeth… there’s a pretty good chance that all who are T susceptible are already infected! With water as means of infection, it’ll be days before signs show, and by then it’ll be too late! New shifts are due in, many more could die!
JOHN
Exactly!
Jensen begins to back away from John, moving slowly towards the door.
JENSEN
What’s happened to you… why… did you do this?
JOHN
(Laughs)
Careful now… those type of accusations can get you into a lot of trouble!
JENSEN
You... you’ve lost your damn mind!
Jenson quickly turns to run for the door.
As soon as he turns around, he’s faced with John, who has already managed to run in front of him in the blink of an eye.
JENSEN
How…?
John tilts his head at an angle and smiles.
Returning his head upright, his smile drops and he throws his palms into Jensen’s chest. Jensen is thrown across the room and crashes into the wall.
INT BASEMENT HALL 1 TIMELESS
The soldier standing by the large metal doors hears the noise. He looks over to the lab, then back forwards again.
SOLDIER 1 (filter)
Fucking scientists…
INT JOHN’S LAB TIMELESS
John walks over to Jensen, who is just coming around.
He’s slumped against the wall, blood pouring from his nose.
Before he can come around properly, John picks him up by the scruff of his clothes.
JENSEN
(Laughing weakly)
When they notice me gone… this will all come out in a matter of hours!
JOHN
(Smiling)
That’s where you’re wrong…
John holds up his right hand. The mouth appears and opens up, letting out a light squealing sound.
Jensen looks at the hand in horror, then quickly back at John.
JOHN (cont.)
Nobody… will notice you missing!
He lunges his hand quickly at Jensen’s throat.
The camera cuts away.
INT BASEMENT HALL 1 TIMELESS
We view from next to the soldier. The lab door is in view.
The door opens, and the soldier looks towards it.
Jensen walks out, smiling.
He gives a nod to the soldier.
SOLDIER 1 (filter)
Problems?
JENSEN
Problem’s…? No.
(Smiles)
Everything is just as it should be.
SOLDIER (filter)
Right… I guess?
Cut to a shot of the hall. Jensen walks towards the camera. He has one hand in his pocket, the other hand swaying liberally as he walks… whistling the same tune Marcus is known to hum.
Cut to title.
Resident Evil
Scene 2
CUT TO BLACK.
‘May 9th’ types into the centre of the screen in large lettering.
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
Four men are sat in a small room. A single lamp on the floor, surrounded by a few bedside items, provides the only light in the room. A small desk, which the lamp previously resided on, has been pulled into the middle, which the four men are huddled around playing a game of poker.
Steve the scientist is there. Also there is Mason and Scott who are USS soldiers, but currently not in uniform. And then there’s Joe-the titular Keeper. An average looking-albeit somewhat rough around the edges kind of guy. He’s wearing creased khaki’s and a tattered blue check shirt.
The room has one bed and a closet, and is decorated in dark muddy colours.
STEVE
Read ‘em and weep bitches!
JOE (v.o.)
Played poker tonight with Scott and Alias from Security and Steve from research. Steve was the big winner, but I think he was cheating. Scumbag.
Steve throws down his cards showing three aces and three sixes.
Groans are heard around the table as people throw their cards as Steve pulls the money towards him.
JOE
Oh come on! You’ve been on your last legs all night!
STEVE
(Laughs)
Last legs? That’s called ‘poker face’ my friend!
SCOTT
Poker face, my ass! You were sweating all over the goddamn table!
JOE
Mmm-hmm! Something smells fishy to me!
STEVE
(Sarcastic)
That’s cuz you’re all fuckin’ pussys!
(Laughs)
Now gimme my damn Monte Cristo!
Everyone laughs except Joe, who looks at him, and begrudgingly pulls out a cigar from his breast pocket and hands it to Steve.
Steve runs the cigar under his nose, smelling it.
STEVE (cont.)
Until next time gentleman! Make sure you bring my money with you again!
He sweeps his earnings into a duffel bag and makes for the door. Mason follows.
Scott pats Joe on the back.
SCOTT
I thought you said this week was your week, Joe!
JOE
Yeah, well I guess cheaters do prosper!
SCOTT
(Laughs)
You don’t honestly think he cheated do ya? I admit, it seemed out of the blue, but a guy’s luck’s gotta come in sometime!
JOE
He said he had an ace up his sleeve, and gave me a wink!
SCOTT
Paranoia much! It’s hardly an unknown figure of speech!
JOE
An ace… up his sleeve!
(Gets high pitched and overwrought)
Who the fuck winks over a figure of speech!
SCOTT
A cocky shithead perhaps?
The door knocks, despite still being open. A young lady with a cleaning cart is at the door smiling. This is Marie, a researcher and friend of Joe’s.
JOE
Scott, I’ll catch you later… but this is not over!
SCOTT
It never is! Want a hand moving that table back?
JOE
What am I, 90? Get out of here!
SCOTT
(Looks at the girl)
Ah, some private time with the lady friend eh? Say no more!
JOE
It’s not like that…
SCOTT
(Walking out)
Don’t worry… your secret’s safe with me! Looks like Steve isn’t the only one with an ace up his sleeve!
(Gives an over exaggerated purposeful wink)
MARIE
(To Joe)
I, er, brought your cleaning stuff back.
Scott walks out and gives Marie a nod and a wry smile.
SCOTT
Marie,
MARIE
(Unenthusiastically)
Scott.
Scott walks through the door,
SCOTT (o.s.)
You kids behave yourself!
Joe pushes the table over to where the lamp is. Picking the stuff up off the floor and placing them back on the desk. He talks to Marie, without turning to look.
JOE
Close the door.
Marie pushes the cart in and closes the door.
Joe turns to her.
JOE (cont.)
I thought I told you Scott was here today? You trying to get us both in trouble?
MARIE
I had no choice, they’ve called me in to do some work on the T-002, I can’t get out of it, and I can’t leave Izzy on her own!
Joe squats beside the cleaning cart. He pulls back the curtain that encloses its inner contents.
Inside is a young girl. She is no more than eight or nine years old. She is clutching a tattered old teddy with one eye replaced by a button. Her long brown hair tied in a pony tail drapes forward over her blue hooded coat with red lining. The colour is in stark contrast to her pink skirt and white tights.
She smiles at Joe. Joe gives a forced smile back.
JOE
It’s ok Isabelle. It’s safe to come out now.
Joe outstretches his arm to her and she takes his hand and is led out of her little hiding hole.
MARIE
If there was any other way…
JOE
Yeah…
(Looks at Isabelle)
I understand.
MARIE
I just don’t trust her with anyone else for such a long period of time…
JOE
Marie… really. It’s ok. I understand.
Joe just looks at Isabelle intently.
MARIE
You should go see her…
JOE
(Not taking his eyes off of Isabelle)
Who?
MARIE
Nancy.
Joe suddenly looks up and then away. He wanders over to the side of the room and tidies something that doesn’t really need tidying to make himself look busy.
JOE
Nah. Got so much one lately.
MARIE
Joe… it’s ok to feel, you know?
Joe stops and sighs. He drops his pretence and looks towards Marie.
JOE
I know. I have a day off in a few days. I’ll go then. This year will be different… I’m not missing a single birthday… even if it means doin’ this shit for the next twenty years.
MARIE
(Smiles)
She’s lucky to have you.
JOE
So’s this place! Nobody else is gonna do this shit!
MARIE
Once you get in this place, you never get out!
JOE
Yeah, Janice is living proof of that!
MARIE
I know! I saw her on the way over! She looks about ready to drop!
JOE
She is! In fact, she’s one week late. They had to give her a checking over on faculty rather than taking her off the premises. Takes the piss if you ask me.
MARIE
I guess I can forget asking for time off…
JOE
(Scoffs)
From the Tyrant project? You gotta be kidding! I’m not even cleared to shovel shit for that thing…! Wait… do Tyrants shit?
MARIE
(Laughs)
I’ll be sure to bring it up in the next meeting!
Marie kneels down in front of Isabelle and holds both her hands.
MARIE
Now you be good for Joe, ok?
Isabelle just nods.
MARIE (cont.)
Good girl.
She hugs her daughter and kisses her on the forehead and heads for the door.
MARIE (cont.)
I’ll be back as soon as I can.
JOE
No problem.
Marie opens the door and looks back.
MARIE
And Joe…
Joe just raises his eyebrows in acknowledgement.
MARIE
Thank you.
JOE
(Smiles)
Don’t mention it.
Marie closes the door.
Joe turns to Isabelle.
JOE
Wanna go fed the dogs again?
Isabelle gleefully nods her head with a big grin and is notably excited.
Scene 3
‘MAY 10th’ types into the middle of the screen in large lettering.
INT BASEMENT HALLS 1 TIMELESS
Joe is wheeling a cage with a pig inside down the corridor.
JOE (v.o.)
One of the higher—ups assigned me to take care of a new creature. It looks like a skinned gorilla. Feeding instructions were to give it live animals…
He approaches the sturdy metal door. A guard is stood at the door; yet again in full USS clobber.
JOE
You order the bacon, Scott?
SCOTT (filter)
Dude, I’m on duty!
JOE
Sorry… ‘Mephisto.’ Who chooses these damn names!
SCOTT (filter)
We get ‘em after training.
JOE
(Laughs)
Didn’t realize you needed training for gay porn these days! ‘Me-fist-oh!’
SCOTT (filter)
Hey watch it! I’m armed!
Scott turns around and slots his card into a card reader on the side with a red light underneath. There is a second card reader.
Joe pulls out a card from around his neck, under his shirt, and slots it into the reader. The red light turns to green and the door buzzes open.
The men retrieve their cards and walk through.
INT HOLDING CELLS TIMELESS
Cut to a shot from behind some bars. Growling is heard but we can’t see the creature.
Scott and Joe walk onscreen.
JOE
What… on God’s green fuck is that thing?
SCOTT (filter)
Eliminator.
Cut to a shot of the holding cell. An Eliminator is cautiously sat watching the two men. It has a metal collar around its neck.
JOE
Wow… Bubbles has really let himself go since the whole Jackson break-up…
SCOTT (filter)
They were discontinued years ago. The training facility decided to re-open studies. Howe ordered an increase in production. God knows why… these things are uncontrollable.
Scott grabs a long metal pole with a pronged end that is hanging up besides the cell.
JOE
Shouldn’t we wait for an extra body? This is supposed to be a two man operation!
SCOTT (filter)
Aint you a man?
JOE
Yeah but I’m not qualified for this!
Scott hands over his sidearm.
SCOTT (filter)
Here’s your qualifications! Aim the pointy end at the monkey and fire if it comes towards me! If all else fails, kung fu his ass!
JOE
I’m pretty sure this is against regulations!
SCOTT (filter)
Of course it is! I could easily subdue it and follow regulation thirteen point blah, blah bullshit. This thing eats, you clean up monkey shit for the next two hours… or… you could get a chance to shoot a monkey… and then… well, clean up monkey shit! But… you get to fire a gun!
Joe looks down at his gun, then back at Scott and then smiles.
JOE
Pointy end and shoot right?
SCOTT (filter)
(Opening cell door slowly)
That’s more like it…! Besides, nothing ever happens around here… watching you get mauled by an albino monkey should provide minutes of entertainment!
Joe laughs at first then suddenly stops, realizing what Scott had just said.
JOE
(Panicked)
Wait, what?
Scott slides the cell door wide open.
Close up of the Eliminator’s feet skidding on the hard floor as it suddenly sprints forward.
SCOTT (filter)
(Panicked)
Shoot it!
Click! Click! The gun fails to fire.
The Eliminator lunges in the air towards Joe.
Cut to a shot of a retractable chain, which runs through the back wall. It suddenly snaps taut.
The Eliminator falls back to the floor and falls backwards.
Close up of the shaking hand of Joe, holding the pistol aloft.
Click! Click! Click! He’s still continuously pulling the trigger.
The camera pans along his arm to his shocked face.
Click! Click! He’s still pulling the trigger.
He only stops when he hears the high pitched laughter of Scott.
Scott is falling about himself laughing.
SCOTT (filter)
(Laughs)
Your face…! You should see your face!
JOE
(Shaken)
You… asshole…
Scott takes off his mask so he can wipe the tears from his eyes from laughing so hard.
SCOTT
(Calming down, catching his breath)
I’m sorry, but like I said… this place is so damn boring! As if I’d give you a loaded gun!
JOE
With friends like you… when the hell did they install those chains anyway?
SCOTT
(Still catching his breath)
Two days ago.
(Clears his throat and returns to normal)
Howe things it’ll increase productivity if they remain conscious at all times
Scott walks into the cell. There is a metal bar that runs along the side of the cell, all the way to the chain.
The Eliminator is trying to move forward, but is halted by its restraints.
Scott touches his pronged pole against the metal bar. He presses a button on the pole which activates a powerful electrical spark between the prongs.
The electric charge runs around the bar and down the chain, shocking the primate.
It falls off its feet and is dragged back a couple of feet by the chain.
SCOTT
And they say these things can’t be taught!
JOE
That’s pretty nifty!
SCOTT
It’s the little joys in life…!
(Steps out of cell)
Feeding time!
Joe pushes the cage partway in the cell, and slides the door so it’s flush against it.
Opening a catch at the front-top of the cage, Joe lifts up the cage door. The pig is reluctant to leave.
Joe pushes a metal panel at the back, which slides forwards, forcing the pig to leave the safety of the cage.
The cage is withdrawn and the door slid shut.
The primate struggles to its feet as the pig potters about the edge of the cell against the bars.
Scott electrocutes the bars, sending the pig running forward.
The Eliminator tackles the pig, and they gambol over the floor.
Cut to Scott and Joe. We can hear the tearing of flesh and the sound of a pig squealing. We can’t see the attack, but judge its extremity by the reaction on their faces.
Crack! Tear! Squeal! A sudden revolting ripping off of a limb is heard, followed by higher pitched squeals from the pig. The two revile in disgust, but don’t manage to fully look away.
They voice there reactions simultaneously.
JOE
Oh my god!
SCOTT
Well that’s not kosher…
Cut to the Eliminator holding up one of the pig’s back legs. It looks at it then tosses it to the floor.
Pan down to the pig. It’s still squealing and alive. The Eliminator prods its face. The squealing is dying down. The pig can now only muster momentary reflex spasms.
The Eliminator lulls it somewhat. Stroking its face. It seems to get calmer. Its eyes close a little more with each blink.
Shriek! Suddenly, and without warning-when the pig seems at rest, the Eliminator grabs its fore legs and pulls them apart. Flesh tears and bones crack as one of the legs comes away from its body.
The pig’s body slumps to the floor, shivering.
The Eliminator pushes its hands through the pig’s soft abdomen, tearing open its stomach. It pulls out its organs.
With a handful of intestines it gorges itself on the bloody flesh.
JOE (v.o.)
When I threw in a pig, the creature seemed to play with it...tearing off the pig's legs and pulling out the guts before it actually started eating…
Cut to behind Scott and Joe. Joe suddenly turns around and vomits on the floor. We can see the Eliminator feeding in the background out of focus.
SCOTT
Don’t know why you’re vomiting, who d’ya think’s cleaning this up!
Joe just turns slowly towards Scott. Sick is hanging from his mouth.
Close up of Joe's face as he looks back at the ordeal. He grimaces and turns back around to vomit again.
JOE (v.o. cont.)
Let’s just say… I struggled with the ordeal.
Cut to black.
Scene 4
‘LATER’ types onto the middle of the screen.
INT AQUARING TIMELESS
Cut to the people working at the base level. Several machines are rigged up around the bottom of the large cylindrical aquarium.
Many scientists are walking around. Some at the machines, some with clipboards looking up at the aquarium, many others just walk around.
Cut to inside the aquarium. We’re looking up to the top of it from about halfway up. Two normal sized great white sharks are circling the top.
A metal door starts to open at the top. The doors four panels open in a spiral shape. Light pours in through the open gap.
A larger shark comes over the top of the camera, swimming towards the top.
Cut to the top of the aquarium. A tiger shark is lowered into the water. The net collapses on one side and the shark rolls into the water.
Instantly the shark is set upon by the two that were circling the top.
The camera switches between quick frames of violence.
A pectoral fin is ripped off.
Then the side of its face is bitten into.
A dorsal fin is ripped off.
Viewed from below, the tiger shark slowly floats down amidst its own blood and flesh.
The two attackers quickly disperse from the scene as the large shark comes into shot.
At the bottom, we shoot from above Jensen’s head, who is at the bottom looking up in awe. Mason walks up beside him in his USS gear, minus the mask.
Profile shot of Jensen looking up. Mason is on the other side of him watching him.
JENSEN
(Without looking away from the sharks)
Beautiful… aren’t they.
MASON
Excuse me?
JENSEN
It’s like… they have been judged…
MASON
Really? It looked like they were just eating to me…
JENSEN
(Smiles)
I understand now… vengeance… it means nothing compared with the truth… we are all but slaves to the will of the virus…
MASON
Way I see it is we created it to do what we want.
JENSEN
(Looks back down to look at Mason)
A being created man… this made him a God. Man created the T-Virus. Ergo, man becomes God. So too does the T-Virus outlive its creator… creating life wherever it touches… man… God… become irrelevant fossils of the preceding era. T doesn’t need God to survive… it just… does. There’s so much we don’t understand… we can see what the virus is doing, yet we can’t explain how, or to what end. We created it to reanimate… yet stumbled upon its conclusion long before we had ever expected to, or able to comprehend. You see… man can lay claim to the creation of the T-Virus as much as he wants… but the virus completed its own creation before we even had the chance… all we did was… open the door…
MASON
(Looking uncomfortable with the science lecture)
Right… well that’s philosophical and all… but to be honest I don’t stop to analyze the tissue after I’ve wiped my ass, you get me?
JENSEN
(Smiles and looks to the floor)
How they jest… ‘til they too face the wrath of their own creation.
(Looks back up to him)
The death… of a God…
Mason gives Jensen a confused look and backs away.
A shark swims down level with Jensen.
Close up of Jensen’s face. The water reflects over it as a big smile emerges.
He blinks and his eyes turn black.
Profile shot as he slowly raises his hand, and places a palm to the tank.
The shark turns to him, hovering before Jensen. Just the occasional swimming motion keeping it from sinking.
JENSEN
Oh Marcus… you were a fool…
Cut to behind Jensen. The shark is still hovering in front of him. Scientists stop walking past and watch the spectacle. They all begin to talk amongst themselves.
Some can be heard out above others.
MAN
Are you seeing this?
WOMAN
That’s impossible… sharks don’t do that!
WOMAN 2
That’s unreal!
Close up of Jensen. A quick shake of the head and a simultaneous blink and he’s back to normal. He removes his hand from the tank and turns around.
Cut back behind Jensen. He gives a nervous smile to his audience and walks away, left.
The shark turns and swims away.
Pan right. Mason has been watching. He turns to the camera and activates an ear piece.
MASON
Carlisle, this is Mephisto, do you read?
SCOTT (comm. filter)
10-4, what’s up?
MASON
We got a problem over in the Aquaring, how soon can you get over here?
INT ENGINE ROOM 1 TIMELESS
The engine room is a large warehouse type room that supplies power to the lower facility. The lights give the room an orange appearance. The engine hums continuously. The floor is made of metal grating, with handrails extending around the outside. A few vents are suspended from the high ceiling out the room.
Scott is over to the right of the room in full USS gear with several other guards around one room.
SCOTT (filter)
Honestly…? Right now I’m not sure. We’ve had some explosives stolen from the weapons cache
MASON (comm. filter)
No shit? What does Howe say?
SCOTT (filter)
It’s all in hand? That’s all he ever says. I swear that guy is acting real weird lately. He’s never in his office. Always phoning in from one location or another, and when I get there, he’s moved on… something’s not right.
MASON (comm. filter)
Then madness seems to be the scientist’s staple diet… something’s wrong with that Lawrenceson guy… he’s talking about revenge, judgment… and some whole other shit
SCOTT (filter)
Well my hands are pretty full… Morpheus and Howe are working these guys to the bone. Just keep an eye him and report back if anything gets out of hand. I’ll send a couple of men over… just in case.
INT AQUARING TIMELESS
MASON
Pretty sure I can handle one scientist… but thanks, I’ll take the help. Over and out.
Mason looks over his shoulder and stops to look at the tank. He then walks off camera to the left.
INT POINT 42 HALL TIMELESS
‘Guard Residence’ types into the bottom left of the screen.
This is the main hall of the residence next to the mansion.
A long staircase runs along the far side of the room. Apart from a few chairs and ornaments, an old fashioned chimney and large metal refrigerator, nothing else is in the room. Not even windows. Nothing except a fifty-something year old researcher named Henry Sarton, and a large plant; about six feet tall.
The plant itself is a reddish pulsating bulb with a bubble surface, kept aloft by large strong roots in a large plant pot.
Another researcher walks in carrying a notepad.
RESEARCHER
Wow… she’s getting big!
Henry palms one of the vines to the end, where a large purple and red bulb is present.
HENRY
And she’s starting to bloom.
Henry quickly drops the tentacle in apparent pain. He turns around and walks to the researcher sucking blood from a cut thumb.
RESEARCHER
You ok?
HENRY (cont.)
Yeah I’m fine. Seems to have developed some fine serrations along the vine. Growth rate seems to have boosted exponentially in the past couple of days. It’s a good job we separated her from the rest.
Close up of the vine where Henry cut his hand. The blood on the vine is sucked into a small pustule-like sucker. The petals of the bud begin to flutter.
They open slightly.
RESEARCHER (o.s)
What was she before anyway?
HENRY
Hell if I know… it’s changed so much it’s pretty much impossible to tell! This thing could be a daisy for all I know!
RESEARCHER
(Hands over the clipboard)
I’d hate to make a chain with that thing… creeps me the hell out!
Henry isn’t listening. He’s staring intensely at the clip board.
HENRY
(Flips the page)
Is this some kind of a joke?
Close up of the back of the plant pot. Henry is standing with his back to us in the background talking to the researcher.
The plant pot splits open quietly. One of the roots begins to writhe outside of the pot.
RESEARCHER
(Confused)
Erm… well if it is, I’m not getting the punch line?
HENRY
The feed… it’s ten times the correct T-Virus concentration… and… increased feeding times?
(Looks up angrily)
What the hell!
RESEARCHER
Hey I’m just doing my job! Howe came down personally and issued this… something about it not absorbing the virus, so we were to up the dosage and you were to keep an eye on it?
HENRY
(Angry)
Someone’s fucked up here! There’s nothing wrong with absorption rate! I’ve fed her twice today myself as scheduled!
RESEARCHER
Well, so have I!
HENRY
(Pauses)
You’ve fed her?
RESEARCHER
Well… yeah. Twice… during your breaks, as I was instructed... should I not have?
HENRY
(Slightly panicky)
I… this isn’t good… we need to cordon off this area and stop all feeding until I speak to Howe… I have no idea what a T increase of this magnitude will do, let alone…
Henry stops talking. The researcher’s face shows he’s clearly not listening. He’s watching something rise up. His jaw starts to slack and quiver; as if wanting to say something but is frozen to the spot.
Shadows of long waving vines appear over the researchers face.
Close up of Henry’s face. It turns to shock as the implications reach his thoughts.
Behind his head, a mass of plant-like tentacles wave everywhere. Some with the purple and red blooms, others, a red bulbous end that come to a point.
Henry turns around.
Close up of the plant pot. It cracks open fully.
The camera pans up to the red bulbous main body of the plant. One of the vines with the red end rise in front of the camera slowly, then suddenly rushes forward.
Henry dives out the way of it and the bulb strikes the floor.
The researcher snaps out of it and turns to run.
A vine quickly catches one of his feet and trips him up violently.
Close up of the scientist smacking his face on the floor. His head bounces from the force of the impact.
Cut to behind his head. As he turns the other way, one of the blossoming bulbs has already stretched around and is right in front of him, just off right from the centre view.
Extreme close up of the researcher’s face. Blood is pouring from his nose. He watches the vine hover before him.
Slowly, the bud opens up into a full flower, resembling the shape of a large daffodil. It ruffles up its petals, and suddenly spews forth a torrent of acid.
The researcher quickly puts a hand up to block it.
He screams in pain.
Profile shot of him holding his hand up in front of him. His skin bubbles and falls off his arm, revealing his skeleton. Smoke from the excess spray acid emanates from his scalp and neck.
Henry scurries backwards towards the wall. He stops, remembering something and pats himself down.
He finds what he’s looking for. He pulls a snub-nosed revolver out of an inside pocket on his suit.
Close up of him opening the barrel and taking a look. Full chamber.
He snaps it shut and shoots twice.
The bullets hit the main body of the plant. Yellow goo shoots out the impact points.
The buds open up and appear to let out a screaming sound.
Four green shoots opens out from the top of it and slowly rise into the air.
Suddenly they shoot up into the ceiling and pull the plant into the air.
Henry lowers his gun.
HENRY
A… mazing!
A vine suddenly shoots down and wraps itself around the researcher.
Still screaming, the researcher is hoisted into the air.
Close up of the researcher’s face. Blue veins appear all over his body. The blood is visibly being drained from him.
Close up of the vine. The blood that trickles out from between its coils is instantly absorbed by the suckers.
The colour begins to drain from his face. The screaming dies down and his eyes slowly close. His head flops down, lifeless.
The body of the plant begins to throb and pulsate more and more vigorously.
Suddenly, a mass of thin green vines burst out from underneath the tentacles. Yellow goo spills out from underneath onto the floor.
Henry hurries to his feet and runs for the door.
Three blossomed vines lower from the ceiling, poised.
Henry runs past the camera to the right. The vines follow his movement. They open up and shoot forwards.
HENRY POV:
Henry is running for the door. We can hear him breathing hard. His age providing too much of a hindrance.
INT POINT 42 SCIENCE DEPT NIGHT
The room outside the main hall is littered with equipment. The walls have shelves of liquids and test tubes, well lit up. There are only a few windows,
A central table is cordoned off with red velvet rope. The table has many other pieces of equipment there. A large room with a keypad lock on the door is on the opposite side.
Henry comes bursting through the double doors leading to the hall and closes the door behind him.
Many scientists are just stood watching, having heard the commotion.
Henry is stood with his back resting against the door. The door suddenly is hit on the other side. Henry dives to the floor by impulse.
He sits staring at the door.
HENRY POV:
The camera dollies forward at the door slowly.
Close up of Henry’s profile. He’s transfixed on the door; breathing heavily. A hand comes on Henry’s shoulder from behind, making him jump.
He turns to see a woman in a lab coat.
WOMAN 3
Henry?
HENRY
(Still out of breath)
Call security…
(Looks back at the door)
HENRY POV:
The camera continues to dolly forwards.
HENRY (o.s. cont.)
We have a problem…
Once again, a loud bang comes from the other side of the door. It moves, but does not break.
INT AQUARING TIMELESS
Mason is checking his gun when his ear piece comes on.
SCOTT (comm. filter)
Carlisle, what’s your 20?
MASON
Still in the Aquaring, things seemed to have qui…
SCOTT (comm. filter)
(Interrupting)
Haul ass to ground level, we got some day of the Triffid shit up here. Apparently a sunflower’s got a taste for blood or some other clichéd shit. Is Rob there yet? He’s not responding to comms.
MASON
No I’m here alone. I’m on my way up.
A researcher appears from behind.
RESEARCHER 2
Excuse me… Sir?
MASON
(Turning to face him)
This is going to have to wait.
Mason walks towards the camera, out of focus. The researcher is behind him, off left. The camera is focused on him.
RESEARCHER 2
You had some explosives missing, right?
Mason stops walking. The camera focuses onto his face.
He turns around.
MASON
I’m listening… make it quick.
RESEARCHER 2
Steve, the guy who was working with Lawrenceson recently, says he was acting strange… erratic…
MASON
Yeah, I already got that impression myself. The explosives?
RESEARCHER 2
Hold on, I’m getting to that. Apparently there was a problem with the monitoring system. Howe called to tell Lawrenceson to fix it. He wasn’t there at the time, but Steve passed on the message.
MASON
(Confused)
Howe said that? Is Lawrenceson even cleared for engineering?
RESEARCHER 2
No. that’s the problem. Only I am. So I checked… you’d better come look…
Mason looks behind him; hesitant, realizing there’s an emergency upstairs.
MASON
Alright, but this better be important.
Cut to black.
We can hear the sound of screws being electronically removed.
A panel is removed from the centre of the screen and light from the Aquaring pours in. the researcher’s face is there. Mason’s appears after.
MASON
Jesus fucking Christ!
RESEARCHER 2
My words exactly…
Cut to behind the pair. They’re squatting next to one of the control panels adjacent the Aquaring tank. The camera rises up above their shoulders.
A bomb is primed inside the circuitry.
INT POINT 42 SCIENCE DEPT NIGHT
Scott is behind two soldiers and three researchers into the room. Henry is behind him.
They begin to walk into the main hall.
HENRY
I’m not going back in there!
Scott stops walking to face Henry. The rest don’t notice and carry on walking. One guard takes point of the researchers, the other guarding the rear. They both have their guns poised.
SCOTT (filter)
This is a new BOW. We need your input cuz I don’t know what the fuck we’re dealing with!
HENRY
I told you what we’re dealing with, and a few guns aint gonna do shit!
The soldiers and other researchers have already walked into the hall.
Scott notices and runs to catch up.
SCOTT (filter)
Ah, shit
(Shouting after soldiers)
Wait!
The door slams shut just before he gets there.
INT POINT 42 HALL TIMELESS
The guards and researchers spin on the spot instinctively to look at the doors. Thin green vines suddenly grow over the exit. They cover the walls around the hall.
Close up of a thin vine moving along the floor towards the back of a guard’s foot.
INT POINT 42 SCIENCE DEPT NIGHT
Scott tries to push against the door but it won’t budge.
SCOTT (filter)
(Frustrated)
Oh come on!
Bang! Scott stops in his tracks when a single gunshot is heard. Then the suddenly the sound of automatic fire and automatic fire is heard.
HENRY (o.s.)
See…
Scott turns around to Henry.
HENRY (cont.)
I told you not to go in there!
SCOTT (filter)
(Defensive)
Look…!
Before he has a chance to answer, gunshots erupt through the doors.
One hits Scott and he falls to the floor in pain. Henry rushes over to him.
He checks over his back. There’s a dent in the armour.
HENRY
It’s ok, it didn’t go through
Mason comes on the communicator.
MASON (comm. filter)
We have a situation in the Aquaring
SCOTT (filter)
You kidding right? I think we’ve just lost five men, this better be good!
MASON (comm. filter)
How about a large tank filled with water and sharks set to detonate and destroy the whole Aquaring?
INT AQUARING TIMELESS
Close up of Mason stood with the researcher near the exit.
SCOTT (comm. filter)
You wanna repeat that?
MASON
I don’t think I need to… you heard correctly. Lawrenceson was the one who stole the explosives. They’re all over the monitoring equipment
SCOTT (comm. filter)
How was he even able to rig bombs? He’s a biologist not a…
(Pauses)
MASON
What is it?
SCOTT (comm. filter)
Two guards have gone missing… not even seen leaving the grounds… just… gone… one was an explosives technician…
MASON
You suspect the guards?
SCOTT (comm. filter)
I can vouch for these men. I can’t see them…
(Pauses)
But their disappearance and Lawrenceson’s involvement can’t be disputed. Do what you can. I’m on my way.
MASON
Copy.
He turns to the researcher.
MASON
When did you last see him?
RESEARCHER 2
Lawrenceson?
MASON
Who the fuck you think I mean?
RESEARCHER 2
(Stammering)
I-I don’t know… he was er… I think he was…
Mason places a hand on his shoulder and lightly pushes him aside. He walks forward.
MASON
(Shouting)
Jensen Lawrenceson!
The camera swivels around and zooms in on Jensen who has just walked in.
He hesitates and looks at the two.
Close up of Mason’s gun.
Close up of Jensen. His face pulls out a slight smirk and he lightly nods in recognition.
Quickly, he turns and runs back through the door he came through.
MASON
Shit!
Quickly he runs after him, pushing two scientists aside who stand in his way.
MASON
(Shouting back to researcher)
Stay there!
The researcher looks around helplessly.
REASEARCHER 2
(Sighs)
I’ll just stand here next to the high explosives then shall I…
INT AQUARING LOWER STAIRCASE TIMELESS
Jensen runs up the stairs, pushing people to the side.
One scientist tumbles down the stairs.
Mason runs around the corner at the bottom of the stairs.
MASON
(Shouts to scientists and aims his gun)
Get down!
The people scream and panic. The toppling scientist falls towards Mason and he has to relinquish his aim.
The camera pans up to the top of the stairs from the fallen scientist. Jenson just disappears around the corner.
Mason lets out an annoyed grunt and starts the chase back up.
INT AQUALAB MIDDLE HALL TIMELESS
Mason bursts into a narrow corridor.
MASON POV:
He scans the corridor one way, then the other. Nobody is around.
He walks to his right slowly. He spins on the spot as he walks, checking the other side of the hallway. His hands are on his head, his face awash with panic at the missing scientist.
A door suddenly opens behind him. He turns around to look.
John Howe walks out looking at a clip board.
MASON
Howe?
John raises his head from the clipboard and smiles.
JOHN
Ah… Mason isn’t it? Do you need me for something?
MASON
(Slightly out of breath constantly looking around for Jensen)
What… what are you doing here?
JOHN
(Pauses)
Well I… I was just…
MASON
Look it doesn’t matter, have you seen Jensen Lawrenceson?
JOHN
Who?
MASON
(Firm)
Jensen. Lawrenceson. You gave him orders to work on the Aquaring monitoring equipment.
JOHN
Oh! That Jensen. Sorry, can’t say I have.
MASON
Fuck…
JOHN
Something wrong?
MASON
No. well yes… look, just head out of here as soon as you can. Looks like I have to evacuate the area.
JOHN
Sounds serious. Keep me posted when you have a sec.
MASON
(Nods)
Sir.
Mason steps aside to let him pass. His gaze is drawn down to the badge on his lab coat.
Close up of the badge as John walks past the camera. The badge is only seen for a split second, but it has Jensen’s face on it.
MASON
Wait!
(Grabs the collar of the coat)
Close up of the badge. The camera pans up slowly to Howe’s face. He’s looking down at the badge.
He looks slowly up at the camera and smiles.
A quick push to sends Mason flying down the hall.
He drops the gun as he hits the floor and it skids behind him.
Howe advances on him, strolling confidently.
Mason crawls on his belly towards the gun.
He reaches it before John gets to him.
As he does, Researcher 2 comes through the doors and is stood between John and Mason.
RESEARCHER 2
(Looks at both John and Mason)
What’s going on?
John quickly grabs the researcher from behind and puts his arm around his throat.
RESEARCHER 2
(Panicked)
Seriously! What the fuck is going on!
MASON
I thought I told you to stay downstairs!
RESEARCHER 2
Right, I’ll just shield the bombs with my body shall I? Fuck you!
JOHN
(Laughs)
Don’t let me interrupt! Please continue…!
(Takes out a detonator and waves it around)
Tick… tock… tick… tock…
RESEARCHER 2
You’re fucking crazy!
JOHN
Oh well that’s not nice! See I wasn’t even set to blow 'til tomorrow… but I guess you caught onto me… unfortunate! I would have liked more people to survive for the oncoming infection…
MASON
Infection?
JOHN
Whoops! Cats out the bag!
(Laughs)
Typical Bond villain mistake…! Well, I could just explain all my plans in typical style, thus giving me a self satisfaction from the look on your face… but… I guess this will have to do!
(Poises detonator in the air)
In slow motion, Mason aims and fires his gun.
Close up of John. His face turns to anger and the researcher is moved into the path of the bullet.
Back to normal speed, he’s picked up by one hand by John and thrown at Mason.
JOHN
(Feigns sympathy)
Aww!
(Back to serious face)
Times up!
Slow motion shot of the detonator being pressed.
Scene 5
INT AQUARING TIMELESS
Explosions all around the tank rupture it. The scientists below are engulfed in shrapnel and water.
Cut to the top of the tank. The glass shatters and fall. The sharks plummet with the water.
INT POINT 42 ENTRANCE NIGHT
Scott is stood with Henry.
SCOTT (filter)
Is that everybody evacuated?
HENRY
Everyone up here, yes. But as for downstairs…
SCOTT (filter)
My man down there should take care of…
A small rumble interrupts his speaking.
HENRY
What was that!
SCOTT (filter)
That… was bad news…
(Gets on ear comm.)
Carlisle, come in..? Carlisle! Come in!
INT AQUALAB UPPER HALL 2 TIMELESS
We’re in a second hallway, identical to the first.
The camera dollies forward to a blast door. Water is bubbling up from a grating in the door, raising the water to a few inches. Water is also spurting out from the blast door.
The grating on the floor pops up.
Mason comes out of the grate, drenched in water. He pulls out the researcher who is gasping for breath.
MASON
You ok?
RESEARCHER 2
You fuckin’ shot me!
MASON
Get over it.
RESEARCHER 2
Get over it?
(Shouts)
You fucking shot me!
MASON
Yeah... we’ve already established that.
(Looks around)
Come on, let’s move.
RESEARCHER 2
(Getting up)
Your sympathy is overwhelming.
INT AQUARING TIMELESS
Several scientists are floating in the water. The whole section is flooded.
Cut to the bottom of where the tank used to be. Water is still rushing in.
A shadow of a large shark swims in camera view.
INT AQUALAB UPPER HALLS 2 TIMLESS
Cut to the two walking down a corridor. We view from the front from a few yards away. Most the lights in the section are out. The water here is at waist level.
RESEARCHER 2
If this water level keeps rising we’ll never get out of here.
MASON
It’s not rising. This level is sloped downwards. We need to carry on through the doors at the end then head left. This will lead to the upper corridors.
RESEARCHER 2
Since when?
MASON
Since I have the access of a high level security personnel to get through the door you don’t have access to?
(Pulls out a keycard)
RESEARCHER 2
Shame you don’t have the aim of a high level security personnel…
Mason is now several metres ahead of the researcher as he struggles with his wound. One of the double doors between them bursts open.
Mason spins around aiming his gun.
MASON
What was that?
RESEARCHER 2
I don’t know... it came from that room…
Close up of Mason’s face. He sees something in the water. He squints, trying to make it out.
MASON
What is that?
RESERCHER 2’S POV:
He scans the water in front of him. He sees nothing.
RESEARCHER 2
What’s what? I can’t see anything! It’s too dark!
Cut to a few metres ahead of him from water level.
A light above flickers and sparks fall onto the water.
A fin slowly rises out the water.
Close up of the researchers face turning to horror.
RESEARCHER 2
(Extremely fearful)
Oh god no…
Back to the shark. Its tail is seen as id suddenly swims forward towards him. The researcher tries to run.
Mason shakes his head in disbelief. He turns… at first is struggling to take his eyes off of the researcher trying to run. He then quickens his pace and runs the other way.
Cut to a profile shot of him trying to run in the deep water.
He constantly looks behind him, screaming in panic.
Suddenly he falls forward. The screaming stops. All we hear is thrashing in the water.
Cut to a shot of the water. We can’t see anything at first. As one of the lights flicker, we see the water has been bloodied.
The researcher’s head bobs to the surface.
INT ADJOINING CORRIDOR TIMELESS
Mason bursts through double doors at the end of the hall. He closes them behind him, struggling under the weight of the water.
He looks back through the doors.
MASON POV:
He sees nothing. Just high water and flickering lights.
Viewed from Mason’s left profile, out of focus in the back ground, we see James Marcus rise from beneath the water.
MARCUS
And so the cockroach scurries away from the boot of his attacker.
Mason turns to him quickly. He points his gun.
MASON
(Walking forwards)
Who the fuck are you!
MARCUS
How I tire of these explanations. Now it’s your time to be judged.
Marcus begins to walk forwards.
MASON
Stop or I’ll shoot!
Marcus ignores him.
MASON
Can’t say I didn’t warn you…
He fires four shots into Marcus’ chest while advancing on him. Marcus doesn’t flinch.
Marcus walks right up to him and grabs his gun hand.
MARCUS
(Unenthusiastic)
Ouch.
Crack! We hear Mason’s arm crunch and he drops the gun.
Marcus twists and Mason’s arm and snaps it like a twig. Mason screams.
He picks him up by the scruff of his clothes and slams him into the wall. The wall crumbles from the force. He throws him through the water.
Mason gets up, coughing water up as he does.
He pulls a knife.
MASON
(Beat)
You won’t leave this place!
Close up of Marcus’ face. His eyes turn black.
MARCUS
No…
(Smiles)
Not yet…
Quietly, the double doors behind Mason open up.
MASON
What? Are you insane!
MARCUS
Shh… this may hurt a little…
MASON
Bring it on.
Splash! Something is behind Mason. He turns quickly around, but is dragged beneath the water.
Close up of Marcus’ face. He smiles. We hear splashing and screaming.
As the screaming stops, Marcus drops his smile and walks forward. He crouches in the water and pulls out a severed leg.
MARCUS
Your work isn’t done here yet soldier…
Cut to black.
Scene 6
‘MAY 11th’ types into the middle of the screen in large lettering.
JOE (v.o.)
At around 5 A.M., Scott woke me up. Scared the shit out of me, too. He was wearing a protective suit. He handed me another one and told me to put it on. Said there'd been an accident in the basement lab.
I just knew something like this would happen. Those bastards in Research never sleep, even on holiday.
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
Scott runs up to Joe’s bed in a complete red Hazmat suit.
SCOTT
Joe, wake up!
Joe just mumbles to himself.
Scott shakes him hard.
SCOTT (cont.)
Wake the fuck up!
JOE
(Stirring)
What… what the fu…
(Opens his eyes)
Scott? What the fuck, man! What time is it?
SCOTT
Time you woke the hell up and put this on!
He throws another Hazmat suit on the bed.
JOE
Scott if this is one of your jokes, I aint laughing!
SCOTT
This is no joke, quickly! There’s been an accident in the basement lab. The Aquaring has been destroyed.
JOE
Destroyed?
SCOTT
Yeah. It was hours before they properly realized how bad the situation was… extra water poured in for hours, the whole damn place is flooded. Mason was the only one who made it out alive. The whole facility is being quarantined…
JOE
(Quickly getting up)
Jesus! Quarantine? Has something got out?
SCOTT
You know I can’t tell you that. Word gets out, I lose my job.
JOE
I knew this shit would happen! Fuckin' playing god with these… monsters!
SCOTT
Save the speech. I just work here. And you…
(Goes to walk out)
You just clean up the shit. Sorry man… I gotta go get into uniform… business as usual though. Just… be careful.
Scott walks out.
Close up of the Hazmat on the bed. The camera switches focus onto Joe, looking at it.
JOE
I don’t get paid enough for this.
INT DINING RM HALL
Joe walks out into the hall.
JOE’S POV:
He looks around the hall. People are walking around in Hazmat’s.
One fat person is walking towards him holding some vials. Suddenly, they fall to the wall clutching their stomach, dropping the vials which smash on the floor. We hear a woman’s voice wince in pain.
Joe runs over to her. She lifts her head up as Joe tries to help her out.
JOE
Janice, you ok?
JANICE
(Wincing)
Yeah… just Braxton Hicks… I’ll be fine.
JOE
You sure it’s not contractions?
JANICE
(Straightening herself up)
Positive, unfortunately. He’s not coming out anytime soon. I’m getting induced on the nineteenth if he’s not here by then!
JOE
He?
Janice smiles underneath her visor.
JANICE
(Joyfully)
Yeah! We have four girls. We agreed we wouldn’t stop trying until we had a boy. And… here we are...! Well… here we’ll be!
JOE
Not if you kill yourself first!
JANICE
I’ll be fine! We live for our kids!
Joe looks down at the floor.
JANICE
Oh god… Joe I’m sorry… I didn’t think.
JOE
It’s ok.
JANICE
No really, I’m sorry.
JOE
(Feigns a smile)
Really, Janice. It’s ok.
JANICE
How is Nancy?
JOE
She’s… ok. It’s her birthday soon. Got a day off for her birthday… I’m going to surprise her… I just hope she’s happy to see me…
JANICE
Joe… you need to stop blaming yourself for the accident.
JOE
Easier said than done… I’ve got some making up to do. I’ve missed enough time.
JANICE
I know the feeling. After this baby, I’m outta here! This is no environment to raise a family in!
Joe nods, and then his face drops as he comes to a realization.
JOE
Oh god… Janice, have you seen Marie?
JANICE
Usual place! She barely comes out these days…
Joe quickly runs past her. Janice looks on oblivious.
JANICE
(After him)
Joe?
(To herself)
Something I said?
INT WESTERN HALL TIMELESS
Joe is banging on a door.
JOE
Open up!
Silence.
JOE (cont.)
Marie! Open up! It’s Joe!
The door opens a crack. Marie pokes her head out. She’s not wearing a Hazmat.
JOE
(Calm)
Please… let me in?
INT WESTERN RM UPPER TIMELESS
Marie lets Joe in.
JOE
Why aren’t you wearing a Hazmat?
Marie’s eyes point down in sadness.
MARIE
Izzy. You can come out. It’s safe.
From underneath the bed, Isabelle comes out.
She looks up at Joe.
Joe looks back in sadness.
MARIE
Come here baby.
She crouches down. Isabelle runs over to her and wraps her arms around her mother.
Marie looks up tearful.
MARIE
How can I expect her to feel safe if I’m wearing one, yet she can’t?
JOE
I’m sorry… I…
Isabelle looks up at Marie.
ISABELLE
Mommy… my head hurts…
Marie holds her close and cries.
MARIE
(Sobbing)
It’s ok sweetie… we’re going to leave here… everything’s going to be ok. I promise.
Close up of Joe’s face, zooming in.
He shakes his head and his eyes well up.
Cut to black.
Scene 7
‘MAY 12th types into the middle of the screen in large lettering.
JOE (v.o.
I've been wearing the damn space suit since yesterday. My skin's getting grimy and feels itchy all over. The goddamn dogs have been looking at me funny, so I decided not to feed them today. Screw 'em.
EXT DOG PEN DUSK
There is a large cage outside filled with dogs. The pen is next to the woodlands, just outside lower hall 1, where the Cerberi attacked Chris. The cleaning cart is next to it.
The dogs run around barking.
Joe is stood next to the cage, still in his Hazmat.
JOE
(Trying to scratch himself)
This fuckin’ thing will be the death of me.
ISABELLE (o.s.)
Mommy said that’s a bad word.
Joe turns around. Isabelle is stood clutching her teddy. She looks sweaty and pale.
JOE
If you don’t tell… neither will I!
Joes sits on the floor, against a wall of the mansion next to the cage. Isabelle kneels in front of him.
Joe scratches himself profusely. He screams in frustration and bangs the back of his head against the wall.
ISABELLE
Why do you wear that funny suit? Are you a spaceman, Joe?
JOE
(Laughs)
No sweetie. I’m no spaceman.
ISABELLE
Then what’s the costume for?
JOE
(Sad)
I’m very sick. This is to stop me from getting worse… or so they tell me… more like to stop the people who aren’t sick from getting it.
ISABELLE
I feel sick too. Why don’t I have a suit?
Joe’s sad face can be seen through his visor. Isabelle’s face is reflected upon it.
JOE
Izzy… you’re special. Because you are so strong… you don’t need a suit.
ISABELLE
But I don’t feel well.
JOE
It’s just a cold… you’re not sick like the rest of us.
ISABELLE
Is Mommy sick?
JOE
(Smiles)
No… mommy is like you… I wish… I was like you too… so innocent… carefree…
ISABELLE
Are you… going to die?
JOE
I don’t know… I hope not…
ISABELLE
I don’t want you to die, Joe…
JOE
Me neither Izzy.
He opens his arms and gestures for her to come close. She cuddles up next to him.
ISABELLE
Mommy said you have a little girl too… why isn’t she ever here?
Joe begins to cry.
JOE
(Tearful)
She’s at her mommy’s house. But I’m going to see her soon.
ISABELLE
Is she special too… like me?
JOE
(Tearful laugh)
Yes… very special. Her name’s Nancy. She’s a little older than you… but she needs a lot of care.
ISABELLE
Why?
JOE
(More tearful)
She was in an accident… I was driving and… well, I used to be a teacher you know… but… I couldn’t make enough money to get her the bike she wanted for a Christmas… so I took a second job… and… I was just so tired… so… very tired… a car hit us… me and Nancy’s mommy was ok… but… Nancy had hurt her back very much. And she couldn’t walk again… ever since then I find it hard to…
He pauses… the memory is too painful.
SCOTT (filter o.s.)
Joe…
Joe quickly stands up, panicked.
Scott is standing there, again in full USS uniform.
JOE
(Stunned)
Scott… I…
SCOTT
Can I have a word?
Joe nods and looks down at Isabelle.
JOE
I’ll just be a minute ok sweetie? Everything will be ok.
Joe walks over and Scott takes him to the side.
JOE
Look, Scott…
SCOTT (filter)
(Angry but quiet)
Don’t “look” me… what the fuck is going on!
JOE
I can explain… its Marie’s daughter…
SCOTT (filter)
But why the fuck is she here!
JOE
Come on man, you know what happened. With the babysitter? She can’t leave her alone with a stranger… and this place is working her to death. How would you feel if you had a child?
SCOTT (filter)
It’s this place that’s the trouble! She can’t be here!
JOE
I know that! But what can I do about it now?
ISABELLE (o.s.)
Joe?
Isabelle has walked up to Joe and is tugging on his suit. Joe looks down at her.
ISABELLE (cont.)
Are we in trouble now?
Joe looks at Scott.
SCOTT (filter)
(To Isabelle)
No. you’re not in trouble. Just do me a favour and keep out of sight?
(Looks up at Joe.)
I’m sure Joe will take real good care of you.
JOE
Thank you… Scott.
SCOTT (filter)
Keep me out of this. If anyone else finds out about this, I’m not losing my job over this shit.
Scott walks off.
ISABELLE
Was he angry at us?
JOE
No sweetie. He’s just a lil’ pissed…
(Corrects himself)
Upset at me… its ok… he’s my best friend. He’ll be ok soon.
ISABELLE
Can I be Nancy’s best friend? Mom doesn’t let me have many friends…
Joe kneels down to Isabelle.
JOE
She’d like that Izzy… She’d like that.
Aerial shot of them. The camera zooms out and turns around to the sun setting behind the trees.
Cut to black.
Scene 8
‘MAY 13th’ types into the middle of the screen.
JOE (v.o.)
Went to the Infirmary because my back is all swollen and feels itchy. They put a big bandage on it and told me I didn't need to wear the suit anymore. All I
Wanna do is sleep.
INT INFIRMARY TIMELESS
The infirmary is a basic room. Medical supplies, a patient bed and a desk.
Two scientists are present in white Hazmats. Joe is sat upright on the bed.
Close up of his back. His left shoulder is swollen and red, but the centre of it is black. There are scratches all over his body from him scratching himself.
The scientist pushes on the swelling. Yellow coloured pus comes out.
He turns to the other scientist and shakes his head.
He moves to Joe, bandaging him up as he talks.
DOC 1
Well we have good news and bad news.
JOE
The bad?
DOC 1
I’m afraid you have a severe infection.
JOE
How bad is it?
DOC 2
Well… absolute, to be honest.
Doc one gives doc 2 a look to say ‘shut up.’
JOE
Absolute? What do you mean?
DOC 1
Well… it’s all over… your skin as a whole is infected.
JOE
Has this got anything to do with the outbreak?
DOC 1
(Looks at the other scientist, then to Joe)
Outbreak?
JOE
The suits, the extra security… come on. I maybe just the keeper of the animals, but I’m far from stupid.
DOC 1
I assure you, that’s just precautionary.
JOE
Right. Like I don’t have eyes… like I can’t just open them and see everybody sick… scratchin’ their own skin red raw?
DOC 2 (o.s.)
Here.
Doc 2 throws him a bottle of tablets from a cabinet.
Joe catches it.
Close up of the bottle in his hand. He spins it around. There is no label.
JOE
What is it?
DOC 2
Antibiotics. Should clear it up in a few days. Shouldn’t worry, it’ll pass with everybody in a few days. But don’t go blabbing your mouth ok? We haven’t got enough meds for everyone!
JOE
That’s something I guess. So what’s the good news?
DOC 1
Well… you don’t have to wear the suit anymore.
Joe pulls on his shirt. It pains him to put it on.
JOE
Great. Now I can scratch my skin off unrestricted.
DOC 1
Indeed.
DOC 2
Well you’re free to go.
Joe gets up, shaking his head.
He opens the door and stops. He turns to the two scientists.
JOE
You know… when I get better… I’m gonna sue your ass! Once I get that paycheck, I’ll be leaving this shithole!
DOC 2
(Sarcastic)
Yeah, tell me how that works out for you. No doubt from your luxury apartment…
Joe smiles sarcastically and closes the door behind him.
Doc 1 turns to doc 2.
DOC 1
What did you give him?
Doc 2 walks over and pulls a label out of his pocket.
Close up of the label. It reads Diphenhydramine.
DOC 1
Antihistamines?
DOC 2
Should calm the itching down… a little… by the time he thinks he’s better… it’s too late.
DOC 1
Clever.
DOC 2
Well I had to shut him up somehow. Lying is starting to become second nature with this job.
DOC 1
This is getting out of hand. No wonder these people are turning into self scratching posts. The cellular breakdown is so slow.
DOC 2
I think it’s pretty obvious this hasn’t gone airborne.
DOC 1
I never thought it was. This whole thing stinks of cover up.
DOC 2
It’s gotta be the water…
DOC 1
That’ll be a relief. I only ever drink bottled.
DOC 2
Well lucky you. Saying that… I have no symptoms.
DOC 1
Natural immunity maybe.
DOC 2
That’s little respite. They’re not exactly gonna let us out of here.
DOC 1
They’ll get it under control. They’re not gonna let the whole facility die.
DOC 2
All well and good you saying that. I’m sure they’ll just transfer Dr. Jesus H. Christ of the Nazareth branch to come heal the sick…
DOC 1
Alright…
DOC 2
(Ignoring him)
And if the water is infected, don’t worry, I mean, he’ll just walk on it…
DOC 1
(Firm)
Alright…
DOC 2
Water into wine could be a plus… I mean if I’m already immune, I may as well get drunk…
DOC 1
(Shouting)
Alright! Fucking hell! Look, if we’re immune, they’ll evac us out before the clean up crew arrives.
DOC 2
I wish I shared your optimism.
DOC 1 grabs a syringe.
DOC 1
Yeah well, here’s the moment of truth.
DOC 2
What’s that for?
DOC 1
A fax came through. Howe wants a blood screening of all personnel, starting with the higher ups, and of course… us working with the sick.
DOC 2
Come on man, you know I hate needles.
DOC 1
(Laughs)
Some doctor you are!
DOC 2
The most qualified biologist, does not a doctor make!
DOC 1
Ah pipe down you pussy!
DOC 2
Alright… just be gentle with me!
Doc 2 winces as the needle is inserted.
DOC 2
This is gonna be one hell of a few days…
INT HOWE’S LAB TIMELESS
John is sat at his computer. He’s not wearing a Hazmat. Somebody approaches from behind. It’s an associate, David Sumners.
JOHN
(Without turning around)
Mr. Sumners. What can I do for you?
DAVID
You reading my mind there, John?
JOHN
(Smiles, then turns around)
Not yet!
DAVID
(Sad)
Well, looks like we’re in quarantine together. I’m not so sure we can get through this one…
Close up of John’s face, smiling.
JOHN
Don’t worry… everything will work out for the best…
DAVID
I don’t see how you can be so positive… T-Virus in the water supply? Arklay will be decimated!
JOHN
Such pessimism!
DAVID
They’re clearing out all uninfected high ranking staff! It doesn’t take a genius what will happen to the rest of us.
JOHN
Everything will work out exactly as planned…
DAVID
That’s what worries me…
John looks at him, still smiling. His hands clasped on his lap. He says nothing.
DAVID
(Feeling awkward)
So… you want me to test you.
JOHN
(Turning back to his computer)
That won’t be necessary. I’ve already tested myself.
DAVID
Come on John… you know it don’t work like that, they need a second and third person to confirm that you’re uninfected, as per protocol. Let alone the second screening before they get let off base, how do you expect to…
JOHN
(Interrupting)
I tested positive. I’ll be staying here and observing the outbreak.
DAVID
John… I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean…
JOHN
It’s ok. What will be, will be. I have a feeling that… above everything… I’ll be fine…
DAVID
They say denial is a funny thing…
JOHN
(Laughs to himself)
Indeed. Care to make a wager?
DAVID
What you got in mind?
JOHN
Fifty bucks says I don’t turn!
DAVID
(Laughs)
And if you do before I do you’ll chew my face off before you give me a dime!
JOHN
Shake on it?
John holds up his right hand to gesture a handshake. His biting hand.
A dramatic sting builds up with John’s hand poised in the air.
DAVID
Oh, what the hell…
David stretches his arm out to shake his.
Close up of John’s hand.
The music sting stops as David’s hand meets John’s without repercussions.
JOHN
This should add some much needed entertainment!
(Holds out a cookie tin)
Chocolate chip?
David smiles, and then puts his hand in the tin.
Cut to black.
Scene 9
EXT DOG PEN DAY
Close up of a man’s feet. One is dragging along the floor, as the grunts of the man grunts in pain with each step.
The camera pans up to reveal it’s Joe.
JOE (v.o.)
Found another big blister on my foot this morning. I ended up dragging my foot all the way to the dog's pen. They were quiet all day, which is weird.
Then I realized some of them had escaped. Maybe this is their way of getting back at me for not feeding them the last three days. If anybody finds out, I'll have my head handed to me.
Joe staggers to the pen.
He looks at it, confused.
JOE’S POV:
He scans the pen from left to right. The dogs are either lying down or walking around quietly.
The camera sees a hole at the side and zooms in.
JOE
Oh shit…
He staggers up to it as fast as he can.
He drops to his knees and takes a closer look.
JOE POV:
The hole goes under the side of the pen. Some of the dogs have dug their way out.
JOE
(Panicked and tearful)
No, no, no, no, no!
He falls against the side of the pens and holds his head in his hands.
Cut to a right profile shot of him. He holds his head up and looks to his left.
A shovel comes into focus standing up against a tree.
Cut to Joe walking into the pen. He’s still scratching himself a lot.
He begins to shovel the dug up dirt back into the hole.
Growl! A familiar sound comes from behind.
Joe turns to see one of the dogs is now a Cerberus. It’s barely indistinguishable from the normal Doberman at this point. Only from the frothing at the mouth and one slightly decomposed foreleg, it looks the same as the rest.
JOE
Easy boy… remember me…? I’m the guy who gives you food…
(Pauses and thinks about it)
Well… sometimes…
The dog continues to advance.
It makes a quick dash for Joe and leaps in the air.
Joe brings up his shovel and swings it. The Cerberus is knocked out of the air.
Joe is weak and the force of the shovel causes him to fall over from the momentum.
The Cerberus continues to kick on the floor.
Joe crawls over for a closer luck. Its head twitches and spasms continuously as blood pours from its head. Its back legs still kick as if trying to move, pushing itself along the floor.
Joe uses the shovel to stand.
He looks at the dog in sympathy.
Pointing the shovel downwards, he raises the handle above the head in a stabbing motion. He goes to bring it down, but hesitates.
He looks at it again.
Close up of the dog. It stays completely still.
Joe lowers the shovel, as if to change his mind about the sympathy killing.
Extreme close up of the Cerberus’ eye. It’s bloodshot. Its iris is broken; parts of its eye are dead.
The eye suddenly switches to look at the camera.
Close up of the dog. It suddenly starts barking and growling violently. Its back legs kick out even more than before.
Joe instinctively brings the shovel down.
Close up of the Cerberus’ head being cut off.
The jaw continues to move, and the legs still kick.
Joe’s face is face is a mixture of shock and disgust.
JOE
Skin infection…
Extreme close up of the Cerberus. Its eyes look towards Joe. Blood pours from its neck.
JOE (cont.)
My ass…
Cut to black.
Scene 10
‘MAY 15TH’ types across the centre of the screen in large lettering.
EXT SUBURBS DAY
Shot from an aerial view of a suburban street. A yellow cab pulls up outside a house.
Close up of feet stepping out of the cab. The cab door closes.
The camera pans up. It’s Joe in a suit.
The cab driver has gone to the boot and pulled out a wrapped gift wrapped parcel. He hands it to Joe.
Joe nods to him by way of thanks.
He takes a deep breath and walks towards the camera.
Cut to the door. There are balloons with ‘13’ written on. The porch is very well kept.
Joe knocks on the door.
The door opens up and a well built youngish guy is standing there. He wears a low cut V neck muscle T-shirt showing off his arms. This is Darren.
DARREN
(Shock)
Joseph… we weren’t expecting you…
JOE
Darren. Well I wasn’t going to miss my daughter’s birthday.
DARREN
Well, I guess a leopard can change his spots.
Joe waves his finger in Darren’s face, about to say something confrontational when a woman’s voice interrupts. This is the ex wife of Joe and mother of Nancy, Wendy.
WENDY (o.s.)
Who is it baby…?
The door opens wider as Wendy gets to the door. She’s older than Darren; about the same age as Joe. Blonde died hair, large breasts and a good figure for her age.
Her face falls into instant shock.
WENDY
Joe… wow… what a surprise…
Darren wraps one large arm around her shoulder.
JOE
Wendy. Can I come in?
WENDY
Oh, yeah sorry, was just a bit of a shock… sure… come in…
Joe pulls a frank smile and walks forward.
INT LOUNGE DAY
The living room is a large extremely clean one. They have a large screen TV and a massive sound system. They’re obviously doing well for themselves.
A large table is in the middle with party nibbles on. Dozens of kids are running around. A clown in a long purple overcoat is playing with balloon animals.
Joe walks into the doorway, present in arm.
The camera dollies through running adolescent kids to a girl running, through to a girl in an electric wheelchair.
She looks frail. Dark eyes around her eyes, and pale skin; not unlike how Isabelle looks. A nebulizer is on the back of the chair. This is Nancy.
WENDY (o.s.)
Sweetie…?
Nancy looks up. She smiles.
NANCY
Daddy?
Close up of Joe.
JOE
Hey Bunny Bear.
Nancy’s chair whirs forwards and Joe walks to meet her.
JOE
Sorry I’m a late.
Darren turns to Wendy and speaks into her ear, but loud enough to hear.
DARREN
By about five years…
Joe hears him, but manages to just about rise above it.
NANCY
You look old!
JOE
(Laughs)
Yeah… I guess I am getting on a bit Bunny Bear!
NANCY
(Embarrassed)
Dad! I’m thirteen now! Nobody’s called me that for years!
JOE
Well… you do have a clown!
DARREN
Yeah, she’s lookin’ at him…
Wendy nudges Darren with her elbow.
The clown walks up, pointing a black balloon twisted into the shape of a gun.
CLOWN
Hey buddy! I’m not a clown, I’m an entertainer!
Joe looks at the clown with a confused face, then back at Nancy. He shakes off the experience.
JOE
Well… that was surreal…! Anyway, I got you something.
(Hands over present)
NANCY
(Big smile)
Oh daddy, you didn’t have to!
JOE
Here, let me help you unwrap it.
DARREN
She can do it herself Joseph.
WENDY
(Firm)
Darren, stop it!
JOE
Now, now Darren. There’s a time and a place for ‘roid rage… how about you go back to the gym and cornhole your buddies? Whaddya say?
DARREN
You mean my gym? Say what have you been doing for the past five years? That fifteen dollar suit must have cost you half your wage packet!
WENDY
Both of you, stop it! Can we all please remember why we’re here?
CLOWN (o.s.)
Here buddy…
The clown walks and puts his hand behind Joe’s ear. From withdrawing his hand, he has a bottle of beer in it.
CLOWN (cont.)
Have a beer… on me. Think you might need it!
JOE
This is warm… and sticky… where exactly were you keeping this?
CLOWN
Yeah… it’s probably best you don’t know…
NANCY
Daddy, it’s ok. I can move both arms now, see?
Her left hand has full mobility, but we can see she’s struggling valiantly with her right.
JOE
(Tearful)
I’ve missed so much…
The clown walks up to Joe and hands him a tissue.
JOE
Thanks.
Joe pulls the tissue… only for a plethora of multi coloured tissues to come out of his sleeve.
JOE
Oh come on! Really?
The clown just shrugs.
She manages to unwrap it. It’s a laptop.
NANCY
Oh daddy!
JOE
I know you probably have one already…
DARREN
(Interrupting)
We have four.
JOE
(Talks louder)
Yeah… I just thought, if you already have one… maybe… I could keep it at my house… for when you come over…?
(Acts complacent)
I mean, only if you wanted to… I didn’t mean… well… I…
NANCY
Thank you. Dad. I’d love to.
WENDY
That’s really thoughtful of you Joe.
DARREN
(Fakes kudos)
Yeah… you’re a real swell guy…
(Clears throat)
So erm anyway, I haven’t given you my present yet!
WENDY
Darren, maybe we should save it ‘til a little later maybe?
DARREN
What, and miss the fun? Hell no!
JOE
(Wipes the beer bottle clean and opens it. speaking to himself)
Here we go…
DARREN
I’ll be right back!
Darren walks out the room.
The clown walks up to Joe again. Joe seems uncomfortable and tries to politely back away.
CLOWN
Say man… I know your pain… I’m an estranged father too… I get a break in ten minutes… you wanna go round back and smoke some reefer?
JOE
Dude… you’re a clown!
CLOWN
(Firm)
Entertainer!
DARREN (o.s.)
Clear the way!!
Darren walks in carrying a large heavy wooden box with a wrapped a red ribbon around it. And drops it into the centre of the lounge.
DARREN
Are you ready for this?
Darren pulls the red ribbon and the front panel falls off.
DARREN
Ta-da!
Close up of the bottom of the box. The camera pans up. There’s a box inside with a large picture of a boy in a wheelchair with a computer attached to it.
DARREN
I figured with all the extra schoolwork you’re doing, you could do with a computer so you can still have a social life. You know…
(Looks at Joe)
Wherever you go.
Close up of Joe. He’s starting to breathe heavily.
We can hear his heartbeat slowly rise.
WENDY
Well, I don’t know about you, but I think the fries are ready! Darren, do you wanna help me serve?
DARREN
(Ignoring Wendy)
It’s connects directly to your chair, has touch screen, its own power source… and… can connect to the internet wirelessly! You won’t find anything like this on the market…! Well… not on any market you can find easily anyway…
Joe’s heart rate increases more. He shuts his eyes tight and pinches the bridge of his nose; as if suffering a large migraine.
Wendy notices Joe’s plight.
WENDY
Darren, I think the fries are ready now…
Darren kneels down to Nancy.
DARREN
Happy birthday Nance.
Joe is now breaking out in a sweat. His heart is racing.
Darren leans in and hugs Nancy.
NANCY
Thank you Dad.
Close up of the bottle in Joe’s hand. He suddenly crushes the bottle. It shatters in his hand.
He staggers back in pain. His hand is dripping with blood.
JOE
Motherfucker!
WENDY
(Offended by his cursing)
Joe!
NANCY
Daddy are you ok?
WENDY
You’re getting blood all over! Quick go to the kitchen!
She goes to lead him through, but he pulls away from her violently.
JOE
(Shouting)
Don’t touch me!
Wendy submissively puts her hands up.
JOE
I mean… just don’t touch my blood… please… kitchen’s this way right?
WENDY
(Sighs)
Yeah, straight through there.
INT KITCHEN DAY
The adjoining kitchen is also large. They have a huge double refrigerator. A marble dining table sits dead centre.
There’s a large cooking and sink area that Joe runs to wash the blood off his hands. An open top deep fat fryer is built into the tabletop near him.
Wendy walks in.
WENDY
Are you ok?
Joe doesn’t turn around. He keeps washing his hand in the sink.
JOE
It won’t stop bleeding…
WENDY
Maybe we should take you to hospital?
JOE
I’ll be fine.
Joe turns off the tap. He wraps his hand in kitchen towel from the side.
WENDY
Look… I’m sorry about the present situation…
JOE
Yeah I'm sure you’re devastated…
WENDY
Joe, I’m not the bad guy…
JOE
No… you never are.
Darren and the clown walk in. Darren once again, wraps his arm around Wendy.
DARREN
You know, if you called maybe once or twice… a year… shit like this could be avoided…
JOE
And if you kept your nose out of where it didn’t belong, maybe I wouldn’t be telling you to fuck off right now?
DARREN
You wanna watch your mouth…
JOE
You wanna watch my fist?
(Advances on him)
Here, take a closer look?
Wendy stands between them.
WENDY
(Upset)
Enough is enough! If you to want to start measuring dicks I suggest you take it outside!
CLOWN
But I was just getting warmed up!
Suddenly a large phallic pink balloon bursts from the clown’s crotch area.
JOE
That’s just all kinds of wrong…
DARREN
What kind of a clown are you?
CLOWN
One that’s an entertainer…! And I’m also available for bachelorette parties if anyone’s interested? Just look up ‘Ronald Mcdonkey…’ I’m in the book…! No? Anyone?
Darren grabs a fork and pops the penis balloon.
CLOWN
Oh that’s cold man…
JOE
Look… you think it’s easy for me? I worked my ass off just to get that computer, only for him to come in and flash that in my face?
WENDY
You know full well that’s not his fault!
JOE
Yeah well he didn’t have to show it off like he did!
Honk! Honk!
Everybody turns to the clown as the obvious source of the random noise. He looks at the ceiling nonchalantly.
WENDY
Can we all just forget this? It’s Nancy’s birthday for god sake!
DARREN
Wendy walks up to Joe, who is now leaning over the table top.
WENDY
All I’m saying is… Joe… it’s been five years… you didn’t expect to just walk back in and everything being a smooth ride did you…
JOE
No I… I just thought… I just want to be a dad… I want to be taken seriously…
CLOWN (o.s.)
I know what you mean…
Full shot of the clown.
CLOWN (cont.)
Nobody takes me serious either!
Randomly, a chicken falls out the back of his coat.
CLOWN
Ah, was wondering where I left that…
JOE
(Angry)
Why don’t you take your jokes and your tricks elsewhere buddy! Nobody asked you to follow me in here!
CLOWN
Hey I’m only trying to help! It’s a kids birthday for God’s sake and you’re in here shouting, you think she don’t understand what’s going on?
DARREN
He’s got a point Joseph, I think you need to calm down!
JOE
Joe! My fuckin’ name… is Joe! Just Joe! No ‘seph,’ ‘anne’ or ‘ey.’ It’s just fuckin’ Joe!
DARREN
Hey! I told you to watch your fuckin’ mouth!
WENDY
Darren, you’re not helping!
DARREN
He’s not fuckin’ helping! Waltzin’ into my house spoutin' his mouth of, bleedin’ all over my goddamn floor!
WENDY
Darren, please…
DARREN
Nobody even wants you here! So how ‘bout you go, and take your cheap ass suit and paperweight computer with you!
WENDY
(Shouting over everyone)
Joe’s scared of clowns!
The room falls into deadly silence. Joe closes his eyes and shakes his head. “I can’t believe you just told them that.”
The uncomfortable silence continues for a moment.
CLOWN
I’m actually an entertainer…
JOE
Oh my god! You just couldn’t keep that fuckin trap shut could you!
CLOWN
(Walking up to Joe)
Oh sorry, am I scaring you?
JOE
You’re pissing me off, is what you’re doing…
CLOWN
So what is it, the bright colours? The balloons? The happy attitude?
JOE
(Backing away)
Look, you need to stop coming towards me like that…
CLOWN
Like… thiiiiis….
(Takes a large stride forward)
JOE
I’m warning you…
CLOWN
Ooh, look at the big man picking on a clown!
DARREN
Entertainer.
CLOWN
Thank you.
(Does a jaunty little dance towards him)
Ooh the big man’s not so clever now!
Close up of the clown’s face as he’s now inches from Joe.
CLOWN
(Pulls a face in front of Joe)
Booga-Booga!
Honk! Joe’s fist comes from the bottom of the screen and hits the clown in the nose, honking it.
CLOW
Ok… ow! That was a tad over the top!
DARREN
(Laughs)
It’s like watching Laurel and Hardy…
JOE
Oh Darren… why don’t you go suck an exhaust pipe?
DARREN
You know what… I actually felt sorry for you at first…
(Walks towards him)
I mean… you’re nothing… a shadow of who I am…
Joe stands his ground to the advancing muscle mass.
DARREN (cont.)
It’s no wonder you paralyzed your daughter…
Joe’s heart rate begins to race again.
Close up of his fists as he begins to clench them.
DARREN (cont.)
First… I took your wife… and now… I have your daughter…
Joe’s heartbeat slows down dramatically.
Darren is now toe to toe with him.
JOE
(Smirks)
You done?
DARREN
(Feigns contemplation)
Erm… yeah I think that’s it!
Smack! Joe head butts Darren, sending him reeling backwards.
JOE
Good… now it’s my turn.
WENDY
Joe… no…
DARREN
You’re a fuckin’ dead man…
JOE
(Smiles and turns to Wendy)
Hey Wendy, how long’s it really been since I was here?
DARREN
What?
WENDY
Joe… no…
DARREN
No it’s ok, Wendy… I wanna hear this…
JOE
Well… it was three years ago when you were on a break wasn’t it…?
(Smiles)
There was only one man that could ever satisfy her…
DARREN
(Shouting)
You son of a bitch!
Darren rushes at Joe.
WENDY
(Screaming)
Darren no!
Darren tackles Joe at waist height and forces him into the counter.
His back hits the edge of the counter and he screams in pain, falling to the floor, taking cutlery that was on the side, with him.
Wendy pulls Darren off him.
WENDY
(Tearful)
Darren, stop!
Joe is on the floor clutching his back
WENDY (cont.)
Enough is enough!
DARREN
Is it true?
WENDY
Darren… please… not now?
DARREN
(Shouting)
Is it true!?
Close up of Joe. He tries to get to his feet. All sound is blocked out, replaced by ringing in his ears.
His eyes are bloodshot. Blood is pouring from his mouth. His face begins to turn to anger… he breathes heavily, and then looks up to the warring couple.
JOE’S POV:
He looks at them. We still can’t hear them, but we can see they’re in a very animated argument.
The clown tries to intercede, but Darren pushes him away. The clown objects, and a three way argument occurs.
Joe looks back down to the floor, where the cutlery landed. He spots a large kitchen knife and grabs it. He then looks back up to the couple.
Cut to the argument as the sound returns. The three continue to ad lib.
Out of nowhere Joe suddenly rushes in. He stabs Darren continuously in the torso in a vicious attack.
WENDY
(Screaming)
Joe! No!
Both Wendy and the clown move to stop him.
Joe swipes at the clown with the knife, cutting his throat. The clown falls back to the floor, holding his throat, gargling.
Wendy is grabbing his back trying to pull him away.
Joe turns and takes hold of her hair, pulling her back. Darren falls to his knees.
Joe then lets rip to a massive haymaker to Wendy’s face, sending her flying.
Darren uses the counter to get back to his feet.
DARREN
(Spitting a mouthful of blood out)
It’s lucky Nancy has me for a father…
Joe turns around slowly. He twitches his neck and breathes through his bared clenched teeth.
DARREN (cont.)
With you as a father… she wouldn’t have stood a chance…
Joe roars, as he runs up to Darren.
He wraps a hand around his throat and stabs the blade of the knife into Darren’s shoulder up to the hilt.
Grabbing him around the back of the neck, he drags him over to the deep fat fryer.
DARREN
Joseph, no!
JOE
Go on… beg… make this even more gratifying…
DARREN
(Screaming)
For god’s sake, don’t do this! Not this!
Close up of the back of Darren’s ear as Joe leans in to whisper into it.
JOE
(Whispering)
Who’s the daddy now…
DARREN
(Screaming as loud as he can)
Joseph, n…
Mid sentence, Joe pushes Darren’s face into the fryer.
Cut to behind them. Darren’s body tremor’s violently as he dies in extreme pain. The attack lasts only a few seconds.
Darren’s body slumps back.
Close up of Darren’s face as it hit’s the floor. It’s only visible for a second, but his face is melted off to the bone.
JOE
And my name… is Joe.
WENDY (o.s.)
Joe…
Joe turns to her. Her nose is pouring with blood.
He walks over to her and kneels over her, straddling her torso.
He looks over to the clown… to Darren… then back at Wendy. His face is one of remorse.
JOE
(Calm)
Wendy… I… they’ve done something to me Wendy
(Bursts into tears)
What have they done to me…?
Joe strokes her face.
WENDY
This isn’t you… I know this isn’t you…
Close up of Joe. He shuts his eyes tight. Tears still manage to trickle out. He says nothing.
WENDY
Please… let me go…
Joe’s eyes relax but remain shut. He takes a deep breath and points his head to the ceiling.
WENDY
Joe…?
Joe points his head back down to her.
He opens his eyes.
They’re now white and lifeless.
WENDY
Oh God… Joe!
With a snarl, Joe lunges forwards towards the camera.
He bites into Wendy’s jugular and pulls. A strip of flesh pulls from her throat.
NANCY
(Tearful)
Daddy?
Shot of the back of Joe’s head. He stops… motionless.
Slowly he turns around. He’s chewing a piece of Wendy’s flesh. Blood pours from his mouth all over his clones.
Cut to the doorway. Nancy has wheeled herself in and is surrounded by the other kids, looking on in shock.
Joe speaks with a distorted lowered voice.
JOE (distorted)
Nancy?
NANCY
What… what have you done?
JOE (distorted)
Nancy!
NANCY
(Breathless)
N... no… you’re not my daddy…
JOE (distorted)
(Crawling towards her)
Nancy… it’s me!
NANCY
(More breathless)
n-no… stay… stay away…
Nancy tries to get to her nebulizer but she struggles as she hyperventilates.
JOE (distorted)
(Continues to crawl)
Baby Bear!
Nancy’s breathing quickly deteriorates. Her breathing becomes shallow, and she starts to fit.
The kids rush around her and get the nebulizer on her. They all panic around her, not knowing what to do.
The camera zooms into an extreme close up of Joe.
JOE
(Screaming)
Nancy!
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
The camera zooms out from Joe's face as he sits up in bed.
He’s breathing heavily. Scratches and patches of darkened skin are all over his pale sweaty torso. He still has on his bandage. His stubble remains unchecked.
JOE
(Catching his breath)
I fuckin’ hate clowns…
Cut to black.
Scene 11
‘MAy 15TH’ types into the screen slowly. As if someone was typing with just one finger.
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
Joe leans over and pulls something out from under his bed.
It’s the gift wrapped laptop. He holds it close to his chest and sighs deeply.
INT LAB ELEVATOR TIMELESS
JOE (v.o.)
Even though I didn't feel well, I decided to go see Nancy. It's my first day off in a long time but I was stopped by the guard on the way out. They say the company has ordered that no one leave the grounds. I can't even make a phone call. What kind of joke is this?!
Close up of a USS name badge. It reads ‘Carlisle.’
panning up to ‘Mason’s’ unmasked face and turns around to see Joe limping over with the gift under his arm.
Mason’s face is undamaged by the virus, on the account of it actually being James Marcus.
As Joe approaches the door, mason puts his hand on his chest to stop him.
MASON
Hold up. Where do you think you’re going?
JOE
Day off. I’m due for a pickup to the city.
MASON
Not anymore. Whole place is on lockdown. Nobody comes in or out.
JOE
Oh come on! Surely you can just let me get by? What’s the worst that could happen?
MASON
Not down to me I’m afraid.
Joe slams his fist into the wall in frustration.
JOE
(Shouting)
Come on!
MASON
I wouldn’t raise your voice with me.
JOE
(Calming down)
I’m sorry… it’s just the past few days…
(Changes tone to plead)
Look… please… it’s my daughter’s birthday…
MASON
My hands are tied. There’s only one helicopter, and it don’t move without the higher ups giving the go ahead…
JOE
(Raising his voice)
Alright…
(Calming down)
Alright… well where can I make a call from… I want to at least say hello.
MASON
No calls.
JOE
Come on... don’t do this…
Close up of Mason. He just raises his eyebrows.
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
Joe walks in and slams the door behind him.
He walks to his bed and sits down with his head in his hands and cries.
Shaking his head to himself, he looks at his gift.
Close up of his face. It goes from extreme sadness to anger in a couple of seconds.
He throws the parcel at the wall and falls back on the bed.
Close up of the bedside table, his journal is on top, with Joe lying on the bed looking at it in the background. His face comes into focus as he reaches for it.
He sits up in bed and opens the book up.
Pulling a pen from the binder, he pauses… and then writes into it.
Joe voices over what he writes. The expressions on his face match his writing, as he often struggles to find the words.
JOE (v.o.)
Nancy… I know it’s been a while. And I’m so… so sorry to miss your…
(Contemplates)
Thirteenth birthday. I’m afraid I’m very sick. And I just don’t know if I’ll be coming home. Already I can feel my… myself, falling away from me. I can barely think. But when I do… it’s always of you. I haven’t been much of a Dad I know… but if you ever read this… I want you to know that I was coming for you. I spent so much time blaming myself for how you are… I never stopped to think about how you’ve been. My God… I’m starting to lose everything… I can barely remember my own face… but I know yours… I’ll always know yours. One day… this life… or the next. I’ll see you again. I’ve spent a year trying to get to you… when ironically… all the money I spent trying to impress you… I could have spent on cab fare and just been your father. I’m so… so sorry. Tell your mother… I’m sorry I wasn’t there when she needed me, I should have been there… you needed me there. And to that cock sucking, steroid pumped, shrivel dicked lump of shit they call Darren… I have one thing to say to you… thank you. You were there… when I should have been. There’s been so much bad blood between us, and it was misdirected. Whatever you said to me… I deserved it. And to show there are no hard feelings…it was me who shit on your Porsche… and who hired that prostitute to ruin your wedding… and it was me who… you know what… never mind… I think you get the point. Nancy… I may not be perfect… but please… try… just try and remember me for the man I was. Not the man I became. I love you Baby Bear. Forever and always… Daddy.
Cut to black.
Scene 12
‘MAY 16TH’ types across the screen in large lettering. Again, slowly.
EXT MANSION EXTERIOR NIGHT
‘Early hours’ types into the bottom left of the screen.
We shoot from the floor pointed at the wall. Someone runs past the camera. Then someone else.
Cut to the front left hand corner of the mansion. An unmasked, but armoured USS soldier peeps out from around the corner. You can tell from his skin, he’s infected. This is the soldier who was outside Howe’s lab at the first scene. He carries a TMP.
SOLDIER 1’s POV:
He peeps out from around the corner. His vision is blurred. There are three USS guards outside the entrance. Patrolling.
Cut back to the mansion corner. He ducks back behind the building.
Cut to the mansion side. The second person is Marie. She is carrying Isabelle, who has her hood up.
SOLDIER 1
Ok there are three guards… I’m gonna make a distraction, then you gotta run for it, ok?
MARIE
I don’t know if I can…
SOLDIER 1
Listen, I’m going whether you’re ready or not. Don’t overestimate my charity. I wanna get out of here just as much as you! Now get ready!
He bends down to pick a rock up from the floor.
Peeking out around the corner again, he sees the coast is clear.
He throws the rock over to the opposite side.
Close up of the rock landing in the bushes.
SOLDIER 2 (filter)
You hear that?
SOLDIER 3 (filter)
Yeah.
SOLDIER 2 (filter)
Let’s check it out.
(Points to the third soldier)
You stay here. Watch our six.
SOLDIER 4 (filter)
Roger.
The two head off towards the rock, guns poised.
Soldier 1 leans back out.
SOLDIER 1
(Loud whisper)
Now!
He moves around the corner towards the entrance.
Marie stands still. Frozen to the spot. She peeks around the corner.
MARIE’S POV:
Soldier 1 gets behind Soldier 4 who is looking to wear the soldiers went. With a chop to the soldier he drops the gun. He then chokes him out from behind.
Marie ducks back behind the corner. She bursts into tears. Too frightened to move.
ISABELLE
I wanna go to sleep…
MARIE
(Sobbing)
Shh baby… I know… I know… just a little longer…
SOLDIER 3 (filter o.s.)
Hey, stop!
Soldier’s 2 and 3 are returning back from the woods spotting Soldier 1 moving away from the mansion, looking towards the corner where Marie is hiding. He has his TMP plus Soldier 4’s. He makes a dash for the woods.
They both open fire on him.
Bullets hitting the ground kick up dust around Soldier 1’s feet.
Cut to behind him has he lets fire with both guns in their direction.
Soldier 2 is hit in the shoulder and falls back
SOLDIER 2 (filter)
(Groans in pain)
Fuck it! It’s gone through!
SOLDIER 3 (filter)
You ok?
SOLDIER 2 (filter)
I’m fine! Get after him!
Soldier 3 sprints away.
Close up of the TMP. He switches to single fire.
He takes aim.
SOLDIER 3 (filter)
(To himself)
No matter how fast you run…
Cut to in front of Soldier one. The camera moves backwards as he runs, keeping up with him. We can see Soldier 3 in the background aiming.
Bang! A quick muzzle flash goes off and blood spurts from Soldier 1’s neck. He tumbles to the floor.
SOLDIER 3 (filter cont.)
My friend can run faster…
SOLDIER 1’s POV:
He lies staring towards the sky. We can hear him gargling on his own blood.
Soldier 3 hovers over him. Soldier 2 then approaches, clutching his shoulder.
SOLDIER 2 (filter)
Good shot.
SOLDIER 3 (filter)
Shit… I know this guy…
Cut to Soldier 1 lying on the floor. He gasps and chokes on blood.
SOLDIER 2 (filter o.s.)
Please tell me he stole that armour.
SOLDIER 3 (filter o.s.)
Afraid not. He serves under Mephisto, guarding the courtyard.
SOLDIER 2 (filter o.s.)
We can’t have people knowing guards are escaping. The shit will really hit the fan… spread the news to the other guards it was a researcher… no doubt one of them will blab to a scientist. Word will spread. That should be the end of all this leaving business.
SOLDIER 3 (filter o.s.)
Got it.
SOLDIER (filter o.s.)
Waste him.
SOLDIER 1’s POV:
Soldier 3 points his gun at Soldier 1.
Close up of Soldier 1’s face. His eyes widen. He splutters blood, unable to scream.
MARIE’S POV:
She watches the soldiers in the distance, still from the mansion corner. Soldier 2 fires.
Close up of Marie as she ducks back beside the mansion. She sobs uncontrollably, realizing she’s stuck at the mansion
The camera zooms into her face as she cradles her daughter.
Cut to black.
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
Cut to a shot of the wall. The camera pans left to see Joe sat on the edge of his bed topless, clutching his right bicep.
He’s now deathly white. Lips a shade of blue, eyes bloodshot red.
He’s crying to himself out of shear frustration. He rocks back and forwards.
JOE (v.o.)
Rumors going around that a researcher who tried to escape the estate last night was shot. My entire body feels hot and itchy and I’m sweating all the time now…
His right hand scratches his torso profusely. His left, scratches the arm he was clutching.
He stops scratching for a second and looks at his bicep.
JOE (v.o. cont.)
I scratched the swelling on my arm and a piece of rotten flesh dropped off…
Close up of the bicep. The part he was scratching is swollen and black. Part of the bottom of it has come off, showing pink fresh flesh underneath. Pus leaks out from under it.
Close up of Joe’s face. He shakes his head in disbelief and sobs harder.
Back to the bicep. He pulls at a piece of loose flesh. The whole blackened piece of flesh drops off.
Close up of the flesh landing on the floor with a splat.
Joe looks at the place on his arm where his flesh used to be. We can see a small section of bone revealed.
Joe’s reaction is delayed at first; unable to ascertain what just happened. Suddenly his sobs turn into cries…
He drops to the floor on his knees… his cries turn to screams…
He falls to his side.
Aerial shot, zooming out from him, screaming on the floor in the foetal position.
Cut to black.
JOE (v.o.)
What the hell's happening to me…?
Scene 13
‘MAY 18TH’ types across the screen in large lettering.
INT INFIRMARY TIMELESS
Four scientists in white Hazmats are crowded around a table. We can see the restrained legs of a woman in a gown on it but nothing else, as the other scientists are in the way. We hear cries, but they sound almost inhuman for a woman. Deep… graveled…
Another scientists bursts into the room past the camera. It’s Doc 2.
Cut to a shot just above the table, looking towards the bottom of it.
He looks at the scene in horror as he approaches.
DOC 2
What the fuck did you do!
DOC 3
It wasn’t us! It’s the baby. It’s eating its way through her stomach!
Cut to a view from the bottom of the bed. Janice is restrained by her arms and legs. She’s already zombified.
Her stomach is exposed through her opened gown which dangles between her legs to hide her modesty. Her skin is ravaged and mostly decomposed.
Her stomach moves around violently as the baby tries to escape. There is a small opening in her stomach.
DOC 1
She’s lost so much blood, she’s already dead and reanimated. This is uncharted territory. I have no idea what’s gonna happen.
DOC 2
So what are we waiting for?
DOC 4
Her nerves are still intact. She becomes more violent the more we get near her.
Close up of the hole in the stomach, pointing down towards the foot of the bed where the doctors are.
A small gray hand pokes up through the hole.
DOC 1
No…
Close up of the fifth scientist. He dry heaves, and then suddenly sprays the front of his visor with vomit.
He pulls off the helmet and falls to the floor. His face and chest is covered in vomit. He continues to be sick on the floor.
DOC 2
Someone get him the fuck outta here!
DOC 1
(To himself, shaking his head)
We’ve gone too far…
DOC 2
Someone make themselves fuckin’ useful and hands me a scalpel!
Doc 4 hands him one.
Cut to behind Doc 2 as he cuts into Janice’s stomach. He doesn’t waste time and is straight in there.
One of the scientists is helping the puking guy from off the floor.
We hear a kind of strange gargled high pitched inhuman cry. The baby has been cut out.
Cut to Doc 1’s visor. We can see the reflection of something vaguely baby shaped in front of him.
Doc 1 looks at Doc 2.
DOC 1
This is against god… we have to kill it…
DOC 2
We don’t get to play God… and then consign to religious beliefs… this… is the first ever born WD…
Close up of the baby. It’s completely gray. Its eyes pure white.
DOC 2 (cont.)
There’s so much we can learn from this… the child is to be moved to research for further studies.
The baby’s cries echo into the next scene.
Cut to black.
‘M AY 19’ types into the screen in large lettering, extremely slowly.
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
Cut to Joe’s feet hanging off of the edge of the bed. They have blue veins running all the way up them.
A can of dog food lands on the floor.
The camera pans up.
JOE (v.o.)
Fever gone but itchy. Today hungry and eat doggy food.
There are about four cans of dog food around him on the bed.
Panning further up, Joe is shoveling handfuls of dog food out of another tin into his mouth. Part of his collarbone is visible.
As he shovels in his last mouthful, he accidentally bites into his thumb. He doesn’t realize. He bites into it, struggling to separate it from his hand.
Crack! The thumb separates. Joe chews on it.
The camera continues to pan upwards to the ceiling.
INT WESTERN RM UPPER TIMELESS
The scene dissolves into the western room’s ceiling before panning back down to Marie sat at her desk. She’s writing into a book. We can hear Isabelle crying in the background.
Marie is behaving erratic. Rocking back and forwards, obviously struggling to write. She keeps bashing her fist against her head.
MARIE
Izzy… please… Mommy… Mommy can’t concentrate.
Isabelle is on the floor cradling her knees with the hood up.
ISABELLE
(Crying)
Mommy, my tummy hurts…
MARIE
(Starts to break down)
I know sweetie… please… I’m trying to remember what I’m doing… if you don’t stop crying, mommy’s going to get angry.
ISABELLE
Mommy! Help me… please
MARIE
(To herself)
For fuck’s sake…
(Shouting)
Not now Isabelle! Can’t you see I’m trying to think!
Isabelle continues to cry louder.
Marie rocks back and forward in her seat. She pulls at her hair. Clumps of it come out.
MARIE (cont.)
(Sobbing)
Shut up… please… just shut up…
The crying continues. Marie thumps her head harder and harder.
MARIE (cont.)
Shut up…
(Louder)
Shut up…!
Marie suddenly stands up and throws her chair across the room.
Isabelle jumps from the shock of it.
Cut to a full shot of Marie, standing at her desk.
MARIE
(Screaming and moving forwards)
Shut up! Shut up! Just shut the fuck up!
Close up of Isabelle. A shadow looms over her. We can hear Marie breathing heavily.
She struggles to stifle her cries.
ISABELLE
Mommy?
Cut to black.
Scene 14
Cut to black.
‘MY 21ST’ types slowly into screen.
INT POINT 42 SCIENCE DPT NIGHT
A scientist is struggling to fight off a Zombie. This is Researcher 3. He has some kind of gas tank on his back.
Another researcher comes from behinds hits it in the head with a heavy ornament. The Zombie falls to the floor.
They’re both infected, but still in control, but the other researcher is in an extremely advanced state. He can’t walk or talk straight.
RESEARCHER 4
We have… to eshcape… we die here…
RESEARCHER 3
Stay the fuck away! Looks like you’re about ready to turn!
RESEARCHER 4
Wha… no… wasps… wasps have T… in walls
RESEARCHER 3
No… not with this!
He has an old fashioned insect spry pump attached to his backpack.
RESEARCHER 3 (cont.)
Now get the fuck out of here!
RESEARCHER 4
Your… funeral.
Researcher 4 staggers off. And Researcher 3 carries on.
Crack! The sound of wood splintering is heard off-screen.
Researcher 3 turns around to see a thin vine wrapped around Researcher 4’s neck coming from the floor.
The vine pulls him down to the floor. Another vine comes out and wraps itself around his body.
Close up of researcher 4. The vine pulses from one end to the other, as the colour drains from the researcher’s body. It’s drinking his blood.
Researcher three stumbles forward.
Cut to the narrow walkway at the end of the room, viewing the main part of the room.
The researcher comes around the corner, falling shoulder first into the wall.
RESEARCHER 3’S POV:
The camera waves wildly with his erratic movement. His breathing is graveled.
Cut to the end of the walkway. A large hole is in the wall. Wasps, the size of a hand start coming from the wall.
Profile shot of the researcher. He falls into the wall as a wasp approaches him. He pumps his pesticide into the air towards it.
The wasp falling to the floor. It twitches and spasms, buzzing around on the floor.
The researcher lets out a slight smug giggle.
He continues to walk down. Another wasp approaches. He sprays, but another wasp flies overhead and stings him from behind in the back of the neck.
RESEARCHER 3
Ow!
Another stings him in the back. Another comes along and stings his torso. In seconds there are half a dozen wasps surrounding him.
He starts to move back down the hallway, constantly being stung, screaming each time.
Cut to the main part of the room viewing the end of the walkway.
The researcher comes staggering out against the wall. He slides down it, sitting upright.
His face begins to swell up.
His neck and face are so swollen, he’s virtually unrecognizable. The clear poison starts to weep out of the sting holes.
He gasps for breath. Each time, getting further in-between each gasp, but getting longer; as if he’s so desperate each time to prolong his life. Ultimately he fails. He gasps one more time and then stops motionless.
The sound of crying and sobbing is heard over the end of scene.
INT WESTERN RM UPPER TIMELESS
The crying transitions into the next scene.
The camera dollies down the hall to Janice’s room. It stops just before the door. Steve walks past it as it stops.
The door is slightly ajar. Steve pushes against it.
Close up of Steve. A look of confusion and horror comes over his face.
STEVE
Marie?
STEVE POV:
Through the crack in the door, the light shines on Marie. She’s rocking back and forwards crying, holding Isabelle’s teddy. Her clothes, mouth and floor are covered in blood. A bloodied blue coat lies next to her, also.
Close up of the clutched teddy. The camera pans up to Marie’s face.
MARIE
(Crying)
She wouldn’t be quiet… I don’t understand… why did I do this… why…? She’s just a little girl!
Close up of Steve’s face. He puts his hand over is mouth and shakes his head in disbelief.
A music sting builds up to the next scene.
MARIE (o.s)
(Screaming)
Why!?
INT TIGER HALL TIMELESS
JOE (v.o.)
Itchy, itchy Scott came ugly face so killed him…
The camera is at floor level, pointed at Joe’s door. Feet run past it. As he gets into full view of the door, we can see it’s Scott. He’s still mostly unchanged. He bursts straight through the door.
INT JOE’S ROOM TIMELESS
Joe is sat with his back to the camera. The light from the lamp and doorway shine on his back. All his veins are visible, creating a blue map-like pattern all over his back. His bandage is now gone. A large hole through to his shoulder blade can be seen. Parts of his spine also poke through his skin.
SCOTT
Oh no… Joe… are you still with us?
Joe’s head turns to the side slowly. It wobbles, as if his neck struggles to hold the weight.
He groans.
SCOTT
I’m coming in ok? Please tell me you’re still human…
Joe stands up. He manages to shuffle himself around. His whole torso heaves as he breathes, taking maximum effort. His voice is deepened and husky. His white eyes stand out in the dim light.
JOE
Scott…
SCOTT
That’s right…
(Walks towards him)
You know me… we’re good friends.
JOE
(Chuckles)
Scott…
Scott walks a little more forward. The light shines on his face. One of his eyes looks completely dead. A pupil-less dried husk. His left cheek is black and decayed.
Joe stops walking. He lets out a throaty growl.
Scott continues to advance forward. Joe stops dead.
SCOTT
Joe? What’s wrong?
Joe takes one staggered step back.
JOE
Ugly…
SCOTT
Joe, it’s me, Scott… remember… I know you can remember…
JOE
(Cries)
No… one of them!
SCOTT
No! It’s just me…!
Scott reaches forward, holding out an outstretched hand.
Joe hesitates, but slowly raises his hand.
A smile starts to spread across his face.
SCOTT
(Smiling)
That’s right… I’m your friend…
Close up of Scott’s hand. Joes hand moves to reach it… it’s the hand with the missing thumb.
Seeing the missing digit, Scott gasps and quickly withdraws his hand.
The sudden movement spooks Joe. He looks at his hand.
Slowly looking up, his face turns to a snarl.
SCOTT
Joe, no!
Joe launches for Scott. He manages to get his hands on his face, grabbing hold and pulling Scott towards the bed.
Joe snarls and screams like a vicious animal, clawing at Scott’s face as he screams in pain.
They fall to the bed in the struggle. Joes is on top, still clawing away. Scott shoves the palm of his hand in Joe’s face trying to push him away.
Joe struggles to reach Scott’s face, but manages to get a finger just inside his bottom lip.
He manages to wriggle an arm free and knock the restraining arm away from his face. Scott tries in vain to get Joe back at arms length.
Close up of Scott’s face as Joe grabs hold of his bottom lip. Yanking down, the lip peels back over his jaw, exposing the bottom row of his teeth, splitting at the corner of his mouth. Scott’s screams in agony.
Leaving the flap of skin hanging down, Joe continues to swipe at Scott’s face at full swing.
Cut to the wall above the headboard. Joe’s shadow is reflected on it. Every time he swipes down at Scott’s face, the wall splatters with blood. The screams and flaying arms of Scott die down.
Scott’s face is completely flayed; as if attacked by a wild animal. Pieces of skin and flesh lie at either side of his face. We can clearly see his skull in the centre of his face. A raspy throaty gargle comes from the twitching visage.
Joe leans into him. Seemingly examining his face from inches away. He smiles at his handiwork. A bit of saliva dribbles out his mouth and lands on the writhing mass.
Joe digs his index and middle finger into one of Scott’s eye sockets, gouging out an eyeball.
Close up as He holds it up in front of him with his only opposable digit. He takes a bite out of it. Black goo oozes from the centre. He chuckles to himself. Then puts the rest of it in his mouth.
He chews, looking down from the camera. Slowly he looks up… then smiles.
Cut to black.
JOE (v.o.)
Tasty…
‘4 / / Itchy. Tasty.’ Scrolls slowly across the screen in slow lettering.
We now get a few of frames or a seconds of scene before returning back to the “4 / / Itchy. Tasty.” Black screen after each one.
Joe starts to write ‘Itchy Tasty’ on the wall.
A large section of wall becomes covered.
Upon running out of ink, he starts to stab the wall in frustration.
An aerial shot of Scott on the bed. Almost in a crucifix like position.
Joe stands next to the bedside, standing over Scott’s corpse.
Joe plunges his hands into Scott’s belly, tearing it open.
He looks at his bloodied hands in front of his face.
He starts to jab at the wall with his finger.
The words ‘Itchy Tasty’ in blood, where the same letters are on the black screen.
The camera pans back revealing more ‘Itchy Tasty’ scribbled on the wall in blood.
The camera pans back more to see Joe standing there, facing the wall.
The camera pans back again showing an empty room. ‘Itchy Tasty’ is now on every part of the wall.
Cut to black.
The screen stays black for five seconds.
SHRIEK!
With an extremely loud scream, it suddenly cuts back to the last shot of the room, but with Joe suddenly lunging at the camera.
End credits.
You must be logged in to comment
The Alabaster Muse (0 comments)
By Ian Black
Lambent Waters (0 comments)
By Ian Black
Red Lights (2 comments)
By Becca Drake
Talking to Walls (0 comments)
By Becca Drake
Little Boy Lorccán (0 comments)
By Becca Drake
Very Little... Almost Nothing (0 comments)
By Brooks
The Ability to Wish... (1 comment)
By Adam Jay
'Special Thanks To...' (9 comments)
By Adam Jay
Conversations with Death (18 comments)
By Paul Creasy
Dream (12 comments)
By Ian Black
The Living Flowers (Short Story) (10 comments)
By Ian Black
Atlas (8 comments)
By Ian Black
Standing guard (7 comments)
By Ian Black
Snowfall (9 comments)
By Ian Black
There is no such thing as Spastic's Society (12 comments)
By TrueBluElectrcBlu
After Midnight (15 comments)
By BlankCanvas
Fear and Loathing in Your Brain – A Selection (11 comments)
By Hugo Guevara
Fallen Angels - Blue fades to Red (5 comments)
By TrueBluElectrcBlu
What is eNovella?
- eNovella is a social network for creative writers. It is an online space for you to upload your work, get feedback and maybe even get published.
- read more
Other recent news
15 October 2009
Public profiles and forum updates
19 August 2009
3 August 2009
24 July 2009
eNovella – your work for the world to see
16 July 2009
TwitterSearch
Book of the Week
In the press
Darkwun
Posted 8 months ago
Bit of a challenge this one... based on the most famous file in the Resident Evil franchise, the Keeper's Diary is a slow starter, but leads up to it's now famous gruesome ending. So, the script, in order to stay faithful, follows the same routine as the file; a slow boring start. Life as normal for the Umbrella workers... building into a dramatic and chilling transformation as the virus takes hold. For the original short file, for those wanting to see it's source material, head to: http://residentevil.wikia.com/Keeper's_Diary_(Remake)