LOST

By

Matt Saunders

1

"LOST"

FADE IN:

EXT. MARS ASTEROID BELT – SPACE

Silent but far from empty, space is filled to overflowing with the billions of stars that make up the MILKY WAY. They shine like the love of God, cold and remote. CAMERA PANS AROUND and thousands of ASTEROIDS that occupy the MARS ASTEROID BELT slowly drift into view, the gas giant Jupiter can be seen far away in the background. This peaceful scene is suddenly disturbed by a new arrival, a large COMET. This intergalactic traveller is making its first pass through the SOLAR SYSTEM and passes through the asteroid belt at great speed. CAMERA FOLLOWS.

EXT. APPROACHING MARS. INTERGALACTIC COMET - SPACE

CLOSER SHOT roughly 300 meters across made of rock and ice. The comets magnificent tail glows on the solar winds giving it a streamlined, elegant look; this contrasts with the chunks of rock and ice that are venting from its surface signifying its danger. The comet passes Mars and appears to be heading into the vast blackness of space but the gravity of the planet changes its course slightly, now in the distance EARTH is coming into focus as CAMERA FOLLOWS the comet on its new trajectory.

EXT. APPROACHING EARTH. INTERGALACTIC COMET - SPACE

Earth is now sharply in focus and it is obvious the comet going to hit the planet. As the comet encounters the atmosphere, a SONIC BOOM and the comet starts to glow red and break up even more. The Earth is so close the continents can be clearly seen and it obvious that the comet is going to crash into the middle of the Australian out back which is strangely black. The Comet continues SCREAMING as a faint light in the middle of AUSTRALIA flickers and comes into view.

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EXT. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK – KARAMU ABORIGINAL CAMP - NIGHT

The source of the light that could be seen from the sky is actually the cook fires of the KARAMU ABORIGINAL TRIBE. A collection of about 20 of all ages engaged in the usual camp routine of cooking, mending and sharpening of setting up camp.

EXT. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK – CLOSE TO KARAMU CAMP - NIGHT

Away from camp two aborigines, a YOUNG MALE and YOUNG FEMALE fall to the sand LAUGHING. Close to puberty they embrace kissing passionately and urgently, their GROANS are in sharp contrast with the SILENCE around them. The Young Female pulls away with the Young Male looking confused and frustrated.

YOUNG FEMALE(subtitles)

Not yet Must wait elders say so…

YOUNG MALE(contemptuously)

Stories to scare little ones.

He pull her close again she pulls away from his advances She repeats herself.

YOUNG FEMALE No! Must wait till ritual or will anger gods.

He jumps to his feet a display of mock anger

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YOUNG MALE(defiantly)

Gods! I slay them with my boomerang and spear.

He makes exaggerated, athletic movements with his hands and feet and falls to the ground into her arms, both laugh. Young female caresses his head.

YOUNG FEMALE(worried)

Beat will you be if caught.

YOUNG MALEKiss worth a thousand beatings.

She melts a little.

YOUNG FEMALEBe so even when have many creases?

YOUNG MALE (playfully)

Ah?

Young females face becomes a mask of mock outrage, Young Male pulls her close and tenderly.

YOUNG MALETill the Dreaming. Look!

The sky is brightened by a spectacular display of SHOOTING stars the result of the intergalactic comet breaking apart in the atmosphere. The light also shows the tribe are camped within grounds of a large crater the result of a much bigger meteor that struck the area a long time ago.

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They both look in wonder at the awesome sight as the meteors light up the sky and the display convinces young female the gods have indeed given their blessing and to give in to her longing. They embrace and make love.

EXT. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK. NEAR KARAMU CAMP - DAWN

The two young lovers must have fallen asleep as it is getting light, young female stirs sees the lightening sky and realises they are in big trouble. She shakes him awake. He wakes and is reluctant to return to a beating. She encourages him as they rise and she takes his hand.

YOUNG FEMALE(reassuringly)

Come my warrior husband.

They run towards camp.

EXT. AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK KARAMU CAMP - DAWN

They arrive at camp at full dawn to find a SLAUGHTERHOUSE. Everybody appears to be dead many cut in half or with arms and legs missing. They fall to the ground in a state of complete shock.

YOUNG FEMALEDone this we have.

Young male is sitting as if stunned.

YOUNG FEMALEAngered gods punish us.

YOUNG MALENO!

Young female is looking towards something.

YOUNG FEMALE(despairing)

Yes!

Kneels.

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CAMERA TIGHT ON Young male’s face it is a look of pure terror as a shadow obstructs the view camera. Both young ones CRY out as a horrible HYENA like CACKLING is heard. Cut to: 5000 years later

INT. ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - DAY

CAMERA FOCUSES TIGHTLY ON the KENDO MASK of TOM CREAN. Tom is competing in the interuniversity kendo tournament final against JOHNNY STUART from UTS.

The match is a fierce with each man taking a number of blows back and forth. Stuart attacks strongly and manages to knock Creans mask off and as he regains it is hit with an illegal blow that knocks him to the floor.

The crowd of about 50 go mental. The ref intervenes deducting a point while Crean regains his feet and some composure. Creans coach gives his face a wipe with a damp cloth and a shot of smelling salts that perk him up the referee comes over to him.

REFEREEYou alright son?

Crean nods his head, replaces his mask gives his head a shake and is ready to rumble. The ref signals the fight to recommence.

The scoreboard shows the Crean is losing and time running out.

He starts again and is hit hard again in the gut but stays up and this time launches a stinging counterattack that sends Stuart across the floor, off his feet, out of the game and at his mercy.

Stuart is laying on the floor his mask askew looking very afraid. Crean is a vision of anger and has his stick poised to strike the crowd has gone SILENT as Crean considers payback but instead leans down and pulls him up. The place erupts again and the two of them embrace.

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EXT. ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY. SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - DAY

Crean leaves the auditorium showered and changed a slightly swollen eye is testament of a tough match.

A few supporters congratulate him but he is looking for someone. Creans P.O.V. TURNS AROUND until he finds FOUR GIRLS surrounding someone and laughing.

Shaking his head a little frustrated he starts towards them. As he reaches the group it parts and reveals the centre of attention as BRADY JONES. He spots Crean and smiles.

He pulls out a wad of cash and waves it at him.

JONES Jesus man, you left it fucking late enough, almost gave me a heart attack.

Doesn’t offer him any of the cash and puts it away. Crean looks at him knowing he wouldn’t.

CREANI’m fine by the way. Come on we’re late?

JONESOh yeah are you alright?

Crean starts off to class.

Hey hang on a minute will you. I want to introduce you a couple of friends of mine. Tom Crean, the girls, the girls Tom Crean.

Crean turns to the group.

CREAN (Slightly embarrassed)

Hi there.

One of the girls, Tara Squire dark hair and attractive seems to be interested in him.

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TARAI saw you in there you were great. Do you have a girlfriend?

Little taken a back.

CREANThanks.

Jones although he has included Crean in the conversation it is only to make himself look better.

JONESA girl friend? He hasn’t had a date in two years?

CREAN (to Jones)

Thanks a lot.

Tammy LEE a pretty Asian girl in tight jeans and blue sweat top standing next to Jones pipes up.

TAMMY LEE Aren’t you gay?

JONES No not gay, he’s still pining over some girl that left him for Europe move on I say.

The girls look at him now as if seeing him for the first time. Crean loses, it his moment gone again due to Jones.

CREAN (losing it)

Fuck this I’m walking.

Turns and walks towards class.

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EXT. ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY- DAY

Walking to class Crean is still pissed off by Jones embarrassing him in front of the girls. Jones isn’t having any off it. TIGHT ON JONES FACE.

JONESWhat the fuck was that?

CREAN What was what?

JONESYou know exactly what I’m talking about. Are you actually trying not to get laid this year? Cause if you don’t want my help just say so.

Crean stops and turns to him.

CREANPromise? Anyway you heard them they think I’m gay.

Crean starts walking again Jones follows.

JONESNo they don’t

(beat)…well not really. Anyway what better way to prove them wrong.

CREAN How by shagging any girl who smiles at me?

JONES (offended)

Hey,I don’t do that. Well not that much.

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JONES (defensive)

and your point is?

CREAN (calmer)

I don’t have one just… lay off ok. Come on we can’t be late today.

Again on the move this time with more purpose.

JONES My friend wider opportunities are passing you by. You spend all your time with your head either in a book or having it hit with a stick, it’s not healthy.

CREAN In case it’s escaped your attention we are at university books are kinda important and kendo’s an easier game to understand than the one you’re playing.

The tension has receded.

JONESI’m out with Becky Carlson tonight how bout I get you fixed up with her mate Penny. We’ll double what’d say?

CREANPenny, thanks a lot. She’s bigger than most of those guys today

(beat)and nastier.

Jones puts his hands up.

JONESHey gay boy, dating’s like football if you’ve been out for a

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while, you can’t just start back in the firsts, that means doing some time in the lower leagues. So you give a couple of reserves a good memory, it gets you back in the game and makes their semester it’s a win win. Trust me.

CREAN(sarcastically)

You really are a beautiful human being.

INT. ADELAIDE UNI- PROFESSOR ECKHART’S CLASS - DAY

The inside of a typical undergraduate LECTURE HALL about 100 kids in casual clothes some listening some talking to their neighbours one or two making paper plans and one couple snogging.

At the front conducting the lecture is Professor MILES ECKHART, Oxford educated, a tough wiry looking character his English complexion has been re-forged in the hot sun and harsh winds of the Australian outback.

The renowned geologist is head of the natural sciences department. The professor is discussing an American desert landscape using an overhead projector and although he has lived in Australia for the past twenty years has not lost his middle England accent.

He is pointing to the overhead of a geological formation with his lecture cane and turns back to the class.

ECKHART…the liquid containing high concentrations of quartz and potassium cools in the tight spaces between the harder igneous rocks. Then when exposed to surface elements of wind and water these softer strata erode more quickly so giving a stonemason like effect.

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NATTY FIRM-STONE a female student halfway up is busy painting her finger nails. Eckhart notices her.

ECKHART (firmly)

Miss Firm-stone this is a geology class not impressionist art.

Embarrassed Natty puts the polish away. The professor changes overheads.

The Joshua Tree formations of the Mojave desert…

The bell RINGS signalling end of class.

…will have to wait till next semester I’m afraid.

(beat)Before anyone leaves though I have a couple of announcements.

No one had moved and there is a HUSH, obviously something big is to be announced. Crean and Jones can be seen towards the back and left hand side of the hall. Jones is animated and excited Crean looks a little anxious.

JONESHere we go. Drum roll please…

CREAN Shut up will you…I wish I’d left you back there…

The class has gone quiet looking at Crean the Professor especially looking less than pleased. Jones nudges him quiet with an innocent ‘some people’ look on his face. Crean’s wishes the world would swallow him up.

Eckhart has slight pause.

ECKHARTFirst of all your term papers on the glacial changes within Mesozoic Europe have been

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marked and are on the whole pleasing.

Noise from the back right though the professor knows the culprit.

ECKHART(not amused)

There are exceptions Mister Numan.

ERIC NUMAN a student with that classic thick head jock look about him gets a punch in the ribs from another of his meat head mates and shuts up. The professor waits for calm.

ECKHARTOf more interest to many here I have selected the students for next weeks Nullabor field trip. As you all know we are to be looking to find and document new deposits of gamanite which those of you who have paid attention this year will know are a strong indicator of the presence of diamonds. Due to the university’s financial constraints though numbers are severely restricted and therefore the selection criterion has been equally severe and though I may live to regret it the students selected are Brady Jones, Thomas Crean…

They high five each other.

JONES AND CREAN Yes!

ECKHART…and from my evening class Rac…

The guy behind them sneezes drowning out the other person.

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JONESWho?

Wiping nasal the nasal spray off his shoulder and turning back to Jones.

CREAN Missed it.

JONESI’ve heard there’s a load of hot chicks in the night class. Has to one of them.

CREANMore likely it’s that guy who farts the alphabet.

JONES Will you chill out this trip’s goin to be major! Me, you and some hottie…

Jones is getting himself worked up with excitement.

who only wears tight shorts and those really tight tops…

(beat)…no bikinis, she only wears bikinis and and…

CREAN The professor…

Looks at him a bit disgusted.

JONESThe professor in a bikini? Dude you really need a girlfriend.

The professor is looking up at them already wondering what he has let himself in for.

ECKHART…as I was saying.

Shoots them another look.

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… this promises to be a very demanding couple of weeks and the selected students may come to rue their selection.

To everyone not coming have a great holiday…

Looks at them.

and you two jokers my office at noon tomorrow.

INT. ECKHART’S SECRETARY’S OFFICE- DAY

The door to Professor Eckhart’s secretary’s office opens and in walks the Crean and Jones.

Typical office a couple of chairs in the waiting area, a number of pictures on the walls and big windows that let in tons of light and his SECRETARY an attractive dark haired yet stern looking woman of about thirty four sitting at desk typing away on her desktop computer.

The desk plaque reads MS ELSPETH TINDAL. Ms Tindal looks up from her work but keeps typing the PAT PAT PAT sound continues.

Jones approaches.

JONES(James Bond like)

Ah Money penny…

Ms Tindal either doesn’t get the line or doesn’t like it, either way his advances, as she is undoubtedly attractive fail dismally.

MS TINDAL (Business like)

The Professor has been delayed he asked if you will wait in his office.

They walk towards the inner office.

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JONESYou know this trip could really get you back on track. Help you focus on the future instead of living in the past.

CREAN I can’t believe I’m saying this but you are probably right. Like what’s the worst that can happen?

They open the door.

INT. ECKHART’S OFFICE - DAY

The Professors office is similar to the outer office though there are more pictures on the walls and it is less tidy, big windows letting in loads of afternoon light.

A tall athletic young woman is highlighted against the light hints that she is attractive, five feet eight with the body of a swimmer.

Her back is turned but turns to face the newcomers and what was hinted at is indeed true RACHEL COVACCS is very attractive.

Crean is pole axed the one love of his life is standing in front of him instead of 12,000 miles away in Europe and what’s worse she is coming on the field trip.

CREANWhat the fuck?

COVACCSRachel shows she is nervous ever so slightly.

Hi Tom. Surprised?

CREANSurprised! What are you doing here?

Jones is taken a back.

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JONESYou two know each other? Where have you been hiding her?

Tom and Rachel ignore him.

CREAN You are supposed to be in Europe.

COVACCS Fathers been ill.

CREANWhen did being a nasty vindictive bastard become an illness?

Crean is spewing with anger. Jones is starting to realise the truth of the situation.

JONESWhat a minute hold the phones you’re not THE Rachel… from Europe?

Jones is talking but he may as well be in Europe for all they are listening to him as there conversation has carried on unabated.

CREAN …I told you I couldn’t afford it.

COVACCS I said I would have paid.

CREANAnd owe your darling father. He’d have loved that wouldn’t he!

Doing an impression of her father in a posh snotty voice Russian/Jew accented.

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How can ever be good enough for my little Kuputkin?

COVACCSYou’re just being pigheaded and mean then again what a surprise.

Jones breaks it their private conversation and puts his arms around each of them.

JONES(to Rachel)

Your not seeing anyone at the moment are you?

At this point two men walk in through the open door the first one is the Professor and the other one a man in his mid to late thirties dark hair sun beaten complexion is his old student and friend Dr ADAM WADE.

The professor doesn’t sense the tension that the room exudes as he is as usual wrapped up in his world.

ECKHART So you have met excellent. Now for more introductions this is Dr Adam Wade who was once one of my students…

CREANHey I didn’t I meet you at the Sydney Uni open day?

Wade nods to him in the assent.

ECKHART…and is now Deputy Head of geological and aboriginal sciences at the University of Sydney. Dr Wade will be acting as my second.

They all say hi the professor now turns to introduce the students. He nods.

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ECKHARTI see you have already met Tom Crean

(turning to Jones)

this our American exchange student Brady Jones and Miss Rachel Covaccs recently back from Europe whose father has been very generous in the funding of the trip.

CREAN (under breath)

Typical!

Crean and Jones look at each other.

ECKHART First of all I want to thank you in advance for giving up your semester break and for all the hard but I hope rewarding work to come.

(to Jones and Crean)

I do hope you understand that selecting you two was a risk and although your marks demanded it this is not a holiday. If we are successful in our search it will be a great help to the university.

JONES What’s our cut professor?

ECKHARTExcuse me?

JONES We’re doing all the work seems reasonable we should get something for our troubles.

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ECKHARTYour reward will be in the knowledge of a job well done. We are scientists mister Jones not one of your Yankee carpet baggers.

Jones attempts to interject but is cut off as the professor turns to Wade.

ECKHARTDr Wade the itineries…

WADE Of course,

Wade starts handing out the itineries.

these are your tickets, don’t be late. Pack just a couple of changes of clothes and a sense of humour as it going to be tough at times out there.

ECKHARTAny questions?

There are none.

Then see you all Monday(beat)

on time.

Tom, Brady and Rachel leave the room. CAMERA PANS BACK to Eckhart and Wade who have remained standing where they are.

Wade reaches into his jacket and pulls out a packet of Marlborough Lights and lights it taking a long drag and relaxing then offers one to the professor who shakes his head.

ECKHART I thought you’d given up?

WADESo does Sarah.

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Takes another drag and is given a glass containing a shot of whiskey sniffs it gives a cheers nod and takes a nip.

WADEInteresting group.

ECKHARTThey are all exceptional students even our American friend.

WADE No doubt.

Wade obviously has more to say.

ECKHARTBut?

WADEMiles there is obviously tension between them you can’t tell me something wasn’t going on as we walked in.

ECKHART And?

WADEMaybe nothing but with those three together it’s going to be trouble you can count on it.

Eckhart sees where this is going and it has created an opening for him to tackle a difficult subject.

ECKHARTYou think we should stop them coming?

WADEMaybe, this is going to be a tough one.

ECKHARTMaybe they aren’t the only ones that shouldn’t be coming.

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WADE(warily)

I don’t know what you mean?

ECKHARTAdam, I know and I’m so sorry.

WADEI’m fine really, the doctors best guess is I won’t start feeling it for a couple of months at least but then it will be quick.

Gets up from sitting on the desk heads towards Eckhart pleading.

WADE

I have to go Miles, I NEED to go and don’t forget who arranged the funding.

Eckhart is clearly impressed and also a little puzzled.

ECKHART Yes, how did you manage that? He has never shown any interest in philanthropy before.

Wade looks uncomfortable with his answer.

WADEOld man Covaccs is a business man I just convinced him of the potential.

ECKHARTAnd Sarah?

WADEShe understands, always said my first wife was the outback

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(pause)and that I would need to say goodbye.

To himself.

And if this trip goes as planned I will never be forgotten.

EXT. ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- DEPARTURES- DAY

Beautiful cloudless sunny the departure doors are quiet just a couple of people entering and leaving.

INT. ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- CHECK IN DESK - DAY

Everyone bar the two guys are there and the professor checks his watch. The PA announces last call.

AIRPORT P.A. (O.S)Last call for Flight 666 to Alice Springs departing gate nine. Passen…

INT. ADELAIDE AIRPORT-DAY

The guys are running down towards departures Crean has one small backpack and Jones is struggling with a back pack and a large suit case.

JONESI said I’m sorry; Becky just wanted to make sure I remembered her on the lonely nights ahead.

CREAN And what’s with the bags? The Doc said just a few changes of clothes we aren’t going to Club Med?

JONESI know that but you never know.

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CREANNever know what? It’s a fucking desert. What are you hoping to meet a lonely, yet approachable wombat?

JONESWell there is Rachel.

Crean turns and looks at him

CREANMy Rachel?

Jones brushes briskly past that.

JONESNot anymore, you said it yourself.

INT. ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- DEPARTURE GATE- DAY

The guys arrive BREATHLESS sliding to a stop simultaneously in front of an unhappy professor. Crean with his backpack and Jones laden down with his bags are apologising in unison.

ECKHARTI do hope this is not going to be a habit.

JONESSorry Professor traffic was terrible.

WADEAt least you are here now just don’t make a habit of it.

The party move to go through departures while Rachel closes in on Tom.

COVACCSTraffic? Is that what it’s called these days?

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CREANLook I think I overreacted yesterday. I mean there you are after a year an a half of no word.

Covaccs is being a little conciliatory.

COVACCSMaybe I didn’t help.

Crean sees the gag

CREANYour right, you didn’t.

COVACCSBut neither of us is blameless and I just wanted to shock you.

Crean smiles a little embarrassed.

CREANMission accomplished then.

Covaccs smile is almost a mirror of Creans.

They are almost caught up to the others at the gate.

CREANSo where have you been hiding? I think Brady is a bit pissed he hadn’t spotted you sooner, it’s his actual major.

COVACCSLook I knew you were in the day class and with most of my time taken up with father I thought a confrontation could wait. Do you understand?

CREANHow is the old bastard?

Covaccs smiles at him and you see why he fell for her.

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COVACCSSpeaking fondly of you.

CREANGod he must be sick. Does he know I’m here?

COVACCSYour joking, it was hard enough for me to convince him I could go. He got a bit weird when he found out I had made the group.

CREAN

Why?

COVACCSWho knows, fact is I’m here now and we have to next two weeks to get through.

CREANTruce?

COVACCSI’d like that.

EXT. ALICE SPRINGS AIRPORT - DAY

The party are seen walking off the tarmac with the rest of the passengers with their luggage. The weather is stinking hot with a strong dry wind blowing.

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EXT. ALICE SPRINGS AIRPORT – CAR PARK - DAY

In the car park which is not much more than a red clay parking zone they are approached by a giant of a man, the man is ZULU BLACK their bushman guide and close friend of the Professor and Doc. A towering figure well over six feet and broad to match he is the typical Aussie bushman with khaki pants, jacket and wide bush man hat that shades a thick and greying beard though his eyes still shine with natural intelligence. Unusually across his huge waist there are numerous knifes sheaved of different sizes. He grabs first the professor and then the doc in a great bear hug as he obviously has a great affection for them.

He puts a slightly winded professor back on the ground and beams

BLACKIEAin’t you two old warhorses a sight for sore eyes!

ECKHARTIt’s been too long old timer though I must say you still look as healthy as a mallie bull.

Blackie appears to notice something not right with Wade.

BLACKIEDoc you alright?

Wade is taken aback by Blackie’s accurate diagnosis Eckhart as well.

WADE Of course why?

Shakes his head as if to he reboot his senses.

BLACKIEMust be getting old, first the scouting trip and now this.

WADETrouble?

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BLACKIENo more en usual. It’s just the country round there is mighty old, old and sour even the blacks don’t care for it.

Eckhart can see he is holding something back.

ECKHARTBlackie.

The wind PICKS up blowing more sand around.

BLACKIECall it Bushman tel-empathy but the further I went the less I liked it.

(beat shakes himself)

God’s sake I’ll be jumping at shadows next. Introduce me to the kids and lets see how green they are.

They move across to where the kids are gathered trying to stay as cool as possible not saying much. ECKHART signals them to gather round.

ECKHARTTom Crean, Brady Jones, Rachel Covaccs this is our guide and bushman Mr Zulu Black a better one you won’t find.

BLACKIEJust Blackie kids

COVACCSZulu is an unusual name.

BLACKIEMy ma god rest her soul named me that in honour of her granddaddy who was at Roukes Drift during the Zulu troubles. It’s said he held off a hundred

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of the bastards with just his bayonet and a bottle of whisky.

JONES(under breath)

Bullshit!!

WADESome respect please.

Blackie give Jones a heavy stare then addresses them.

BLACKIECouple of things before we start off. The desert out there she don’t play no favourites she hates everyone equal and can change her mood quicker an any woman I’ve ever met. One minute she’s a clear sky and light winds next she’ll whip up a sand storm to rip the skin from your bones and leave it for the dingoes to feed on. So out there aint no committees if I say we stay we stay, if I say we go we go, if I say we stand on our heads and recite god save the queen that’s what we do no arguments. From now on it’s my way or the highway.

CREAN(to Covaccs)

On own desert Mussolini.

COVACCS And he’s bigger than a house, great combo.

Jones attempts to conjure up some bravado to impress Covaccs.

JONES He doesn’t scare me.

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CREANGet real he shits bigger than you.

Blackie looks towards the three young ones.

BLACKIEAny questions?

JONESWhat’s the deal with all the knifes? You off to a cookery class?

Blackie stops in front of Jones suitcases picks the larger of the two up and simply rips it open the strong wind scatters it everywhere. Jones comes out of his trance to late to save it.

BLACKIEYou were told one bag.

Blackie picks up his other and hands it to him hard into his chest.

BLACKIEOne bag.

Blackie turns towards the field truck.

BLACKIE Everyone on the truck we have a lot of ground to cover by tonight.

Blackie walks away leaving the kid’s gob smacked and a little nervous.

CREAN(To Jones)

That’s showing him.

Rachel pats him on the shoulder

COVACCSMy hero.

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Covaccs walks towards the truck.

CREANYou’ve certainly got her in the palm of your hand.

Jones is doubly pissed in losing all his stuff and to be made to look a fool in front of Covaccs so lashes out.

JONESLook mister, I haven’t had a date since electricity she’ll come around they always do.

Looking at Tom dismissively.

Anyway what’s her alternative? No offence.

CREAN(lightly offended)

None taken stud lets go as Blackie said it’s a long road ahead.

SUPER TITLE: AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK 400 MILES SOUTH OF THE ALICE

A week later we find the truck covered in the red dust and mud of the outback making its way slowly up a steep sand dune where it stops. This is rough country nothing to be seen in all directions except for a cliff range to the south which rises out of the ground from nowhere and appears to curve round both ways. A nasty storm is approaching from the west with the few birds in the area flying away from it.

EXT. EXPEDITION TRUCK - DAY

The students pile out as does Blackie. The students are showing the effects of two weeks in the sun with all red and tanned.

Blackie give the truck a once over than takes a drink from a canteen and looks at the approaching storm.

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The air is incredibly still and the horizon heavy with purple storm clouds and the sound of thunder RUMBLES in the distance. Jones is near the truck looking at his burned reflection in the wing mirror as Crean approaches Blackie from behind. The professor is still in the back of the truck while Wade is looking at a map off to the side.

EXT. OUTBACK. EXPEDITION TRUCK. FRONT - DAY

Blackie spits on the ground in front of him while studying the approaching storm. He turns and faces Crean.

CREANHow do you stand this heat?

BLACKIE Hot? This aint hot. Warm, but for hot be here middle of January. Crack an egg then and it’s already cooked.

CREAN Think I’ll pass if it’s all the same.

BLACKIEHow you kids hold’en up a week out here and you’re starting to look like the locals even Captain America.

CREANPoor guy I think all his moisturisers were in his other bag.

Crean it seems has been volunteered to ask Blackie something but is not sure how to ask it. Crean looks around at Jones and Covaccs who approach to hear the answer.

CREAN

So what do you think?

Thinking he is referring to the approaching storm.

32

BLACKIE Out here you ave be as careful as a fat man on a diet.

CREANNo, what I mean is…

Jones has approached them from behind.

JONES What he is so eloquently not saying is that this field trip is looking like a complete waste of time with nothing to show except an excellent assortment of burns, grazes and insect bites to 90% of my body while baking in this fucking oven you call a country.

INT. OUTBACK. EXPEDITION TRUCK. SIDE - DAY

The CAMERA FOCUSES TIGHT on a strange looking map that has a number of references in another language showing a big ridge. CAMERA PANS UP and in the distance we see that the ridge line on the map is referring to the mountain ridge ahead.

CAMERA FOCUSES on the map again then when panned up the professor is standing there face tight. Wade is startled and puts the map quickly away.

WADE(startled)

Professor!

ECKHART(Good naturedly)

Up to no good were you?

Attempts to regain a little composure.

WADE No just an old project I’ve been working on...

33

Back to himself addresses the professor.

How we looking?

ECKHARTI don’t understand it everything we have from survey maps to aerial spectrometer readings indicate this is gamanite country.

WADEAgreed but encouraging readings aren’t going to satisfy anyone.

(pause)(cautiously)

What about there?

Points to the cliff region that corresponds with the map of his. Eckhart looks at him as if he is hiding something this is not a new conversation.

ECKHART What gives? You have been pushing down here for the last three days yet nothing indicates it likely to have deposits.

Attempts to play his suspicions down. Then points to a mark on the map

WADEIt’s just this region is a total unknown so if there’s a chance… god knows this area has been less than useless.

Nods his head toward the students

and the natives are getting restless.

Eckhart thinks about.

34

ECKHARTAdam no, I don’t like trusting to chance especially out here. Not yet anyway.

EXT. EXPEDITION TRUCK - DAY

In the distance a loud CRACK can be heard. By this time Covaccs has joined the others.

COVACCSWhat was that?

WADESounded like a bomb.

BLACKIECity kids! No it’s them big granites splitting in the heat.

JONESFucking country, even the rocks attack you.

INT. EXPEDITION TRUCK - DAY

The others arrive back at the truck and climb aboard.

ECKHARTI know your concerned but from our updated spectrometer readings it appears we are very close.

JONESWith all due respect we’ve heard that before and so far bubkiss.

COVACCSGive over.

35

WADENo it’s quite alright Miss Covaccs the professor and I share your frustration, but fieldwork isn’t always as precise as we would like.

A strong bolt of LIGHTENING and BANG of thunder startles them all as it seems the storm is moving quicker then expected.

They have started driving and above them the storm has now rolled over head and looks like something from biblical times a boiling, roiling cauldron.

WADE(To Blackie)

Old timer have you ever seen a sky like that?

BLACKIENo but it looks real spicious, reminds me of the time I was in Birdsvile don’t remember the date exact but it must ave been…

Outside now the rain is belting down visibility is down to nothing and the truck suddenly weaving uncontrollably forward as it goes over a pothole. Rachel who was not holding on is thrown out of the truck and knocks her head badly. The truck stops Tom is over in a flash. They all jump out.

CREAN (hands handkerchief) Here, are you alright?

COVACCS It’s nothing I’ve had worse falling off my horse.

36

He won’t be denied and pushes it on her.

CREANHumour me.

She takes it and smiles.

JONES(Sarcastically)

Nice driving pal!

BLACKIEHey, if you think you can do better.

JONESI reckon I can.

ECKHART Stop it the both of you.

COVACCS What was that?

ECKHARTan earthquake well the edge of one at least.

(pause)Strange as this isn’t earthquake country.

To Crean.COVACCS

I’m fine really.

The storm continues to close in.

ECKHARTEveryone back on board. Blackie how’s the truck?

Blackie is checking the truck.

BLACKIERight as rain.

37

(to himself)If I ain’t got enough trouble without taking a kick from a desert with stomach ulcers.

A little later the storm is now truly upon with the wind and rain battering our group making it hard to hear and it is getting darker. Up ahead the great rock wall is much closer. Rachel is now riding up front. The Prof leans forward.

ECKHART(to Blackie)

We might want to find some shelter oldtimer. Down there looks promising.

They are now down next to the sheer rock wall and enter a narrow alley the noise is now almost deafening. Bits a rock start falling near and on the truck. The kids are shitting bricks.

WADE Miles, we can’t stay here.

ECKHARTI know, Blackie we need to turn around.

BLACKIENo room gunna have to hope this widens up further down.

JONESI can’t see the top of those cliffs.

CREANLets hope there not the splitting kind.

From the front seat Rachel points towards what looks like an opening.

ECKHART

Anything?

38

COVACCSThere!!

WADEShe’s right look!!

Points the opening to Blackie.

BLACKIEI’ve had me eyes on it for weeks.

(beat)Come on you clapped out bag of bolts and bones.

The truck starts rocking again and more rocks start falling massive LIGHTENING strikes make it look daylight and the THUNDER CRACKS are amplified by the enclosed surroundings.

Creans hair is standing straight up due to the static in the air.

CREANProfessor!!

To the boys.

WADEIt’ a static charge quickly into the middle of the truck. Professor!!

The group in the back gather in the middle as a discharge is about to hit them.

ECKHART(screaming)

Old-timer get us out of here now!!

BLACKIEI’m trying, hold on!!!

39

The wheels spin and the truck careens towards the gap as it appears to be closing and it is touch and go whether they will make it. As they hit the opening a gigantic bolt of LIGHTENING hits the truck and the view is blinded by the strike and thunder CRACK then blackness.

EXT. UNKNOWN COUNTRY. EXPEDITION TRUCK - DAY

The storm that the group had battled has disappeared the day is now bright, sunny and very hot.

A clearing dust cloud reveals the state of the truck and its inhabitants after the mad dash into the opening.

The truck has stopped flush up against a sand ridge with its drive train still GRINDING, is missing the canopy and has a scorch mark on its side from the lightening strike.

Crean is on his back not moving, Covaccs moves to him and kneels; Blackie is slumped at the wheel and twitches back to life and from the back of the truck the other three emerge unsteadily. Their gear is strewn everywhere.

Covaccs is dabbing his head, he groans and starts to wake. Blackie coughs and looks up blearily

BLACKIE Stinking mother of gods feels like I’ve been hit by the Indian Pacific

(beat)Both flaming ways.

COVACCS(to Crean)

Hold this.

Jones walks up to them.

JONESThe doc said we’d need a sense of humour but this is ridiculous.

(to Crean)You alright?

40

COVACCSHe’ll live, you?

Checking his teeth concerned.

JONESThink I chipped a tooth.

The professor and doc come over to check them while Blackie looks at the truck.

ECKHART(worriedly)

Is everyone alright?

CREAN Fine Sir, what happened?

ECKHARTIn all my years I’ve never seen anything like it. The truck appears to have acted as a giant lightening rod I think we are lucky to be alive…

Blackie curses from under the hood.

BLACKIEOf all the stinking…

ECKHARTDiagnosis?

BLACKIEIn technical terms sirs…Its stuffed, drive train’s busted.

WADECan we fix it?

41

BLACKIEAin’t got the tools or the parts

Addressing the truck and stroking it.

Sorry old girl it’s the end of the road.

CREANSo what then? Call for help?

Wade is one step ahead of him and is checking the com sat system and shakes his head.

WADENo chance the com sat’s fried.

JONESMobiles work?

BLACKIEBoy this aint down town Sydney. Out here we’re four hundred miles from nothing.

JONESMeaning?

CREANWe’re stranded.

(pause)Crean looks around.

Professor?

ECKHART Yes, What is it?

CREANWhere on earth are we?

42

For the first time the group takes in where exactly they are and it appears they are inside a massive crater with the cliffs all round them except to the south.

WADEYou know this crater may have always been cut off.

BLACKIEHow?

WADELook at the facts. That first quake.

Wade shakes his hands than spreads them.

Opens the gap. Then that last shake.

SMACKS palm into his fist.

Closes our bolt hole trapping us.

CREAN Aladdin’s cave.

ECKHARTWhat are you getting at?

WADEThat the scientific value of the crater could be immense. Undiscovered plant and animal species.

JONESSorry to spoil the moment but…

43

ECKHART Mister Jones is right our first priority is getting out of here.

Holds his hand up as Wade attempts to speak.

Whatever’s here has waited this long it can wait a little longer.

(to Blackie)Can we climb those cliffs?

The cliffs this side look sheer 150 feet at least.

BLACKIE Not unless your part mountain goat.

ECKHART(to Blackie)

And you’re sure the truck is a right off?

BLACKIE Deader than a dodo.

ECKHARTThen shanks mare it is and hope the cliffs get easier further down.

JONESYou mean walk?

BLACKIEYour sharp today Captain America.

44

JONES Hey now just hang on a freaking minute I’m not walking anywhere. That was never in the brochure.

WADEI’m positive there will be a climbable section further down…

JONES Seriously why doesn’t Blackie go he’s the bushman while we wait?

BLACKIE Because this isn’t the sort of country to get separated in.

JONESBut…

ECKHART(to Jones)

Speak if you have something constructive otherwise be silent. I mean it we don’t have time for your whining.

(to Blackie)Well old-timer time to earn your fee.

BLACKIE(thoughtful)

Food will be tight but we should be able to shoot some game along the way long as you ain’t too fussy Roo, emus, wombat. No, its water will be our

45

problem we have two maybe three days tops if we’re careful.

JONESOne problem Rambo, no guns.

Blackie goes to the back of the truck and pulls out the long metal container marked EMERGENCY and unlocks the heavy padlock. Within is a veritable arsenal with 5 rifles, a pump action shot gun and plenty of ammo and something else stick like with fuses.

JONES Jesus you could start a war with that.

Blackie is checking all the weapons.(to Crean)

Now the mental case is armed.

BLACKIEI herd that.

ECKHART Guns, I’m not sure.

WADEI think we should, good thinking Blackie these could come in handy.

BLACKIE(puzzled)

What?

JONESIf he’s carrying one so am I.

46

BLACKIEGot ya nervous have I?

CLICK CLICK is heard as Blackie loads the shot gun and smiles at Jones.

JONESProfessor!!!

Off to the left Rachel has the field glasses and is looking at something.

ECKHARTBlackie,I propose we camp here for an early start tomorrow.

CREAN Found something?

Passes the glasses to Tom

COVACCSI thought I saw something moving over near that peak.

From Toms P.O.V. through the glasses you see a line of something moving then it seems to disappear.

CREANStrange it seemed to be there then it wasn’t.

COVACCSShould we tell the professor?

47

CREANTell him what? We may have seen something but we’re not sure. No let’s wait, everyone’s uptight enough.

CREANQuiet isn’t it.

COVACCSYeah, where are the dingoes we should be able to hear them by now.

CREANI tell you there’s something eerie about this place it’s like we’re trespassing.

COVACCS

Question is against what?

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT

The group are asleep around the embers of a fire. The camp is raised above the ground within a sand crater that keeps them from being observed from a distance.

The silence is only broken by Blackie and his snoring.

A faint yet evil CACKLING wakens Rachel from a fitful slumber. She sits up and checks her watch it says 04.15.

A sudden whip CRACK followed by another evil CACKLE then HOOTING convinces her she wasn’t dreaming and so unzips her sleeping bag grabs her gun hesitates near Crean then heads towards the sound.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. AWAY FROM FIRE - NIGHT

Rachel walks towards ridge a little way from the camp fire a three quarter moon in a star filled sky gives some light.

48

WADEStrange sounds in a strange land wouldn’t you say?

Rachel turns startled gun pointing at the doc carrying his gun and who is smoking a cigarette.

If you could point that somewhere else…

COVACCSWhat? Oh of course.

Hurriedly points it away.

It’s just you gave me quite a start. I thought everyone was asleep.

WADE(distracted, dreamy)

I’ve been here about half an hour. Unable to go forward, unwilling to go back.

The whip CRACK rings out again it is louder here. The CRACK brings the Doc out of his trance and he is focused again.

WADE There it is again. Now that I’m sure it wasn’t a dream a little scouting seems in order. You brought your gun, good now hold it away from the moonlight we don’t want to attract any unwanted attention now do we?

They head towards the sound.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. ABOVE SALT PLAIN - NIGHT

It's very quiet, and we can hear the NERVOUS BREATHING of Wade and Covaccs as they cautiously creep forward.

49

The two of them are crouched low peering over a ridge onto a dark plain below talking softly. The silence is broken and is much greater and more disturbing than before. Whip CRACKS, HISSES, and other sounds clash together creating an inhuman conversation.

WADEIt sound’s like the devils own party. Can you see anything?

COVACCSIt’s too dark

(beat)no wait I think I can see four no five shapes there…

Rachel points north east.

WADE(to himself)

It must be them.(to Covaccs)

Can you make them out?

COVACCSNot really but they look too big to be dingoes.

The doc moves further over the edge to gain a better look.

COVACCS What are you doing?

WADEIf I can just a get a little further….

The sun is just staring to rise. The unstable sand ridge they are hiding on suddenly gives way they both fall, roll and slide about 50 meters to the bottom and have been knocked unconscious by the fall.

EXT. –UNKNOWN CRATER. SALT PLAIN - DAWN

A little while later Rachel wakes with a start but the Doc restrains her with his hand over her mouth.

50

COVACCS It’s seems to have gone.

Rachel regains composure and surveys the salt plain and sees something.

WADELet’s have a look anyway shall we?

What they find is as disturbing as it as out of place.

COVACCSA crocodile skeleton?

Examining the site.

WADESmell that?

Rachel wrinkles her nose. Wade points to several pits in the ground.

WADEFormic acid.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. CAMPSITE - DAY

The group has been busy and packed and ready to go.

ECKHARTYou’re sure it was formic acid?

WADE Positive the area reeked of it.

Rachel is with the rest of the group.

JONESI thought only Abo’s went walkabout.

CREANYou had us worried all to hell. What’d you see?

51

COVACCSNothing, something, something evil.

BLACKIEEvil my arse that croc ain’t no big deal could have just come up from an underground river looking for a feed.

ECKHARTBut you say the meat was torn off.

WADEYes the acid was used for something else.

ECKHARTIncredible. I would like to see your croc but with our water so low there just isn’t time. Your thoughts?

WADESomething, something old, something dark. Professor I…

ECKHARTYes?

WADENothing we best get moving.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATERS. 5 MILES SOUTH - DAY

The group are moving along in little groups with the adults up front and the kids a little further back.

JONESThis silence is really starting to get on my nerves.

COVACCSNow you know how the rest of us feel.

52

CREANHe is right before it was peaceful, now it’s closer like a pillow suffocating us.

JONES(to Rachel)

Speaking of pillows. I managed to save my extra soft one after the Neanderthal wrecked my case, your welcome to share?

COVACCS I’d rather sleep on the floor of a peep show but thanks.

Rachel picks up speed and joins the front group.

JONESThat there is a girl who is not getting laid.

CREANYou really are obnoxious.

Crean moves away as well.

JONES What’d I say?

Crean has caught up with Rachel before the adults.

CREANApologies for my friend.

COVACCSHow can you be friends with him he’s.

CREANAnnoying!

COVACCSAn asshole.

53

CREAN He’s aright just a bit squiffed you haven’t been overwhelmed by his obvious charms. Anyway how you feeling?

COVACCS Alright I think. Tom it was awful.

CREANAnts!

COVACCSWhat?

CREAN I’ve been thinking the formic acid smell could have been ants.

COVACCSIt wasn’t ants. You didn’t see it.

CREANNeither did you. I know I wasn’t there.

COVACCS(angrily)

That’s right you, fucking weren’t…

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. CRATER EDGE - DAY

The group have stopped the edge of an impassable chasm. Te prof is holding a piece of rock. He lights it and it starts smoking.

ECKHART Probably naphtha sink down there.

Blackie has one wipes puts one in his pocket and wipes hand.

BLACKIEGreasy as a hogs back. This ways a dead end we’ll have to

54

turn east till we can get around it.

ECKHARTAgreed I don’t like losing the time but I don’t see any other options.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. SALT PLAIN - DAY

The group are on a salt plain just ahead is a skeleton.

JONESGreat we’ve been going in circles. Some bushman you turned out to be.

BLACKIEBoy don’t forget who’s carrying the shotgun.

CREAN(to Jones)

I’d leave it if I was you.

The prof is examining the croc.

ECKHARTSeems you were right about the formic acid.

WADETheories?

ECKHARTFor what its worth, the croc was brought here and devoured by what and why I hesitate to guess at as it quite frankly points to impossible conclusions. Conclusions better discussed while moving. Blackie!!

BLACKIEDon’t ave to be telling me twice. Everyone keep up and

55

keep together you see what happens to stragglers round ere.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER- AFTERNOON

The group are heading south east along the ridge line. The usual unrelenting red horizon has suddenly taken a green tinge.

BLACKIEWhat in the blue blazers?

Pulls the field glasses out as the rest catch up to him.

CREANWhat is it?

WADE See something old-timer?

BLACKIESomething where it shouldn’t be.

Passes the glasses to Wade. Through his P.O.V. through the glasses the green tinge resolves into strange looking green trees with vines off them but it seems wrong somehow twisted.

WADE Jungle!!

BLACKIEBut it don’t make no sense.

CREAN(sarcastically)

Perfectly normal then.

ECKHARTOr it could be an oasis fed by an underground spring.

CREANHow long before we reach it.

The sun is getting low as it close to nightfall.

56

BLACKIE Not before dark which means tomorrow. Too easy to break a leg at night.

WADE(urgently)

We can’t stay on the pans we need to find higher ground, soon.

BLACKIEHow’s there?

Blackie points to a cliff plateau about twenty feet high.

Should be plenty of room and should be safe in case there anything is prowling around.

ECKHART Turn coon as the Americans say. I like it. Is it climbable?

CREAN(to Eckhart)

I’ll do it.

COVACCSProfessor I was captain of my school mountaineering team.

ECKHARTIn that case it makes sense you go first.

CREANBut sir

BLACKIE(to Crean)

A wise man knows when he’s beaten son. Your next with the packs.

Crean and Covaccs walk towards to cliff face.

57

COVACCSSorry about that.

CREANJust be careful.

(beat)and watch for snakes.

COVACCS(playfully)

Yes dad.

The others watch as Rachel climbs the face. About halfway up she slips and causes some rocks to come CRASHING down causing Tom to look on anxiously but then scrambles over the top then the rope comes down.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. CLIFF PLATEAU- EVENING

Tom you’re up the next up with the packs. Crean’s P.O.V. as he crests the top and sees Covaccs waiting for him.

COVACCSWelcome to the Sand Pan Hilton.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. CLIFF PLATEAU - NIGHT

Jones is woken by a large hand covering his mouth and he starts to struggle to no effect.

BLACKIEEasy now Captain America you don’t wanting me to snap your neck by accident. Seems we got company.

It is the middle of the night the moon is shrouded by clouds making to even darker. The rest of the group are laying flat peering over the edge. The professor has the field glasses.

Jones crawls up next to Crean.

JONES(to Crean)

What’s cooking?

58

ECKHART(quietly)

There seems to be something moving over near those trees.

CREANBut Sir, there weren’t any trees down there?

A whip CRACK pierces the air followed by another one the clouds clear and the creatures below can be seen for what they are. Not trees but two meter tall ants walking on their back two legs. With there middle legs missing these aren’t ants they’re ANT MEN.

BLACKIEJesus Palomino

JONESMother fucker!

CREANThere goes the neighbourhood.

There seems to be about forty of them down there. A whip CRACK from further away is replied to indicting this is a form of communication. That hideous CHUCKLING is a faint whisper.

WADE(excitedly)

Magnificent, they remind me of a lot of blown up Alta texana’s out of Arizona.

ECKHARTAdam they’re walking for heavens sake. WALKING!! These aren’t ants they’re fucking ANT MEN. God have mercy on our souls.

Rachel is clinging to Tom while Blackie appears to hear something.

59

BLACKIEShh!!!

They notice the Ant men have gone quiet as they sense something and can be seen testing the air for clues when a sharp CRACK breaks the tension as the Ant men form up into formation and disappear into the night.

Jones is about to speak when Blackie places a strong hand across his mouth. Then a lone Ant man that had been left behind comes into view and with a whip CRACK fades into the night.

The group look at Blackie questionably.

BLACKIEMade sense one of the critters would stay behind to check.

JONESBullshit they’re just insects.

COVACCSWhat are we going to do?

ECKHART(calmingly)

Everybody please.CREAN

How the hell to we fight those things?

WADEThat’s simple we can’t. However remotely related to the ones we know they will be both powerful and ruthless.

CREANBut what are they?

ECKHARTNot human, human DNA is far too complex to have fused with ants no matter how far back up

60

the evolutionary tree you care to go.

COVACCSBut we saw them.

WADEUnderground.

The group look uncomprehending.

WADEThey must live underground. An ant city if we could just get some evidence. Just think of the response back home we’d be famous.

BLACKIEBegging your pardon Doc but you can be sticking your evidence where the sun don’t shine. I was hired as guide to keep you lot out of trouble not dodge a drunks nightmare.

WADE We can’t simply turn on backs on possibly the greatest biological find known to man. History would never forgive us. We must at least attempt to procure some physical evidence.

Everyone else looks aghast at the prospect.

ECKHARTI’m sorry but it would take a well armed and provisioned expedition to tackle something like that and we are neither. Getting to safety must be our first concern.

Wade attempts to interject.

61

That’s final now get some rest.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER CLIFF PLATEAU - NIGHT

A little later Crean is next the Covaccs neither asleep. They are talking quietly.

COVACCSWell what’s it like being right? And here was me thinking it was something to be afraid of.

CREANYou know I didn’t expect this.

COVACCSYou should get yourself on Master Mind special topic six foot fucking ants.

CREANThat’s not fair.

COVACCSFuck fair I’m terrified.

CREANWe will be alright.

COVACCSPromise?

CREANI promise.

COVACCSWe both know what that’s worth.

CREANI was told you’d found someone your father would approve of, you were so far away.

62

COVACCS Fredrick, father hated him “limp wristed frog” I recall. After there were a couple of others nothing special

(pause)you?

CREAN(embarrassed)

We really should try and get some sleep.

COVACCSTom?

(beat)Promise me again.

CREANWe will get out, I promise.

COVACCS(sleepily)

Thank you.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. PLATEAU BOTTOM- DAY

The sun is up the group are done the cliff and finishing packing their gear. Blackie and doc are checking there position, the boys are storing the rope.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. DESERT FLOOR - DAY

The professor is down on his knees and appears to be crying as Rachel approaches him.

COVACCSProfessor, are you alright?

It is ironic laughter not crying.

ECKHARTIt seems the good lord has a sense of irony.

He holds outs his hand containing mineral fragments.

63

Gamanite, We find our objective in the one place we can least afford to. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take a couple of samples.

EXT. CRATER - CLIFF BOTTOM - DAY

The 4 remaining here are packed and ready to go when round the bend the professor and Rachel are running SCREAMING.

ECKHART(yelling)

Run for your lives.

Pandemonium breaks out there are about 10 Ant men in pursuit of the two.

Blackie takes aim to fire.

BLACKIEProfessor look out.

Blackie fires but the rifle misses due to the Doc pushing the gun the same time the professor is downed by something from the Ant men.

Blackie looks at Doc.

WADENo guns we kill one and they will surely die. We must flee.

Blackie hesitates.

WADENOW!!

Tom sees Rachel go down now a number of the Ant men are surrounding the two fallen while the rest advance of the other four.

CREAN(anguished)

RACHEL!!

Jones grabs him. He fights it.

64

JONESYou heard the doc we have to get the fuck out of here.

Still struggling against Jones.

JONESYou can’t help her.

He comes reluctantly and they run with the Ant men in pursuit. A number of HISSES can be heard behind with an accompanying stench of acid.

In a HAND-HELD SHOT the two boys round a bend to see Blackie holding a FIZZING stick of dynamite.

BLACKIEHurry up you fool kids.

The boys pass him he throws the dynamite. The fuse falls out when it hits the ground.

BLACKIEShit!

Blackie lifts the rifle.

Get down.

The Ant men are almost upon them he FIRES at the TNT DETONATING it.

A massive BANG from the explosion also brings down part of the cliff face cutting them off from the pursing Ant men.

EXT. CRATER - DAY

The four remaining members are crouched the other side of the gorge. The doc looks a broken man.

JONESBlackie I never thought I’d say it but thanks.

CREAN Yeah you really saved our arses.

65

BLACKIEJust doing my job. Anyway it was the professor who told me to pack the TNT and the guns.

CREAN Really? I don’t think so, not for a field trip.

WADEIt wasn’t the professor.

BLACKIE(confused)

But you told me yourself it was.

WADE(almost to himself)

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I didn’t even think we could get in but when we did I couldn’t just walk away from the chance to know if it was more than a fairy tale

(looks up)could I?

JONESWhat are you talking about?

CREAN(comprehending to Wade)

You knew didn’t you?

Wade nods his head. The others are uncomprehending.

JONESKnow what?

CREANThat something like this might be here. Why else bring the hardware.

66

BLACKIECould someone tell me what’s going on?

CREANI don’t know how but the doc there knew there was something, something dangerous in here and you didn’t even warn us. The professor doesn’t know doses he?

Wade shakes his head.

WADEOf course not. There was no reason to tell him before, then after well it was too late.

CREANYou utter bastard we trusted you.

Crean advances on him. Blackie stands up and stops him

BLACKIEBack off, Right now. Doc this aint true is it?

WADE Bits and pieces put together over the years studying aboriginal stories, legends hinted at something, somewhere. Satellite photos indicated there might be an outside chance.

Digesting what he has heard he walks over to Wade and pulls him to his feet by his neck pinning him against the wall.

BLACKIEWhy? If anything’s happened to the professor I’ll kill you.

67

WADEGo ahead I’m already dead. Bone cancer. This was going to be it, something to live on after me.

CREAN And Rachel’s father?

WADEHe saw the potential commercial value. I convinced him there was no risk. We had the truck for god’s sake. We had state of the art com sat, weapons if needed what could possibly go wrong!

JONES So what now?

Crean looks surprised.

CREANNow, we get them back.

JONESNo way Jose. I’m not going back there.

CREANWhat?

JONESIn case you haven’t been keeping up with current events we just got our butts kicked.

Crean is incredulous.

CREANYou can’t mean to leave them to those things?

JONESBetter them than me.

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BLACKIEI’m in.

WADEMe too it’s the least I can do.

BLACKIE Damn right it is. Only reason you’re still breathing is we need everyone.

JONESIts suicide…

Blackie hears something.

BLACKIEHide.

They all scramble behind some rocks when into view comes four GIANT PRAYING MANTISES at least ten feet tall it appears they are the source of the CHUCKLING.

They continue towards them.

JONES(panicky)

They are going to see us.

BLACKIE Be quiet or I’ll kill you myself.

The Mantises stop almost on top of them when it SHOOTS its saw like arm into a rock crevice and pulls out a six foot rock python.

It slices the snake in two at which point all four start HOOTING and fighting over it, moving them round the bend.

JONES(to Wade)

What have you done to us?(to Crean)

You can’t still want to go?

CREANThey change nothing I made a promise I intend to fulfil it.

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JONESThey’re dead, I saw them go down.

BLACKIE There’s only one way to find out so what’s it to be then Captain America? Don’t forget without me you wont last the day out here.

JONESYou’re all fucking crazy you know that.

CREANMaybe, you with us?

Jones, runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. Comes to a decision counter to what he wants to do. Starts walking stops then turns around...

JONESWell hurry up then!

EXT. CRATER. PROF AND RACHEL - DAY

Blackness but a MUFFLED female voice can be heard getting louder.

COVACCS (o.s)Professor.

The prof comes too and is staring into her face.

COVACCS Thank god.

He sits up and sees about 15 Ant men surrounding them.

ECKHARTSo it wasn’t a bad dream.

COVACCSNo this nightmare is real enough.

Eckhart looks round.

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ECKHARTThe others?

COVACCSEscaped I think.

ECKHARTWell at least there is some good news.

Coming more around and a little excited as he checks out his current predicament. Sniffs his shirt gets a bit dizzy again.

ECKHARTOrganic chloroform produced from there own body chemistry amazing.

COVACCSHow can you be so calm?

ECKHARTI’m pretty sure we’re safe at the moment.

COVACCSWhy?

ECKHARTBecause otherwise we’d already be dead. While we are alive there’s always hope never forget that.

They are hauled to their feet.

ECKHARTRest time’s over it seems.

ECKHART(stunned)

My god.

COVACCS(worried)

What?

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ECKHARTCan’t you feel it? The green one is trying to communicate with us. Can’t you feel it, see it?

COVACCSFeel what?

ECKHARTWhile at Oxford I was found to be quite sensitive. But this is different. Images, crude emotions.

COVACCS You mean they’re talking to you?

ECKHARTLike I said it’s limited utterly incredible but limited.

COVACCS What are they saying?

Signals for her to be quiet. Then looks up at her.

ECKHARTOne thing, nearest I can get is…

(beat)WAR!

EXT. CRATER – ROCK PLAIN - DAY

Blackie is down on his haunches looking at something. The ground around here isn’t sand just rock.

BLACKIEDamn it! Lost em.

JONESI thought you said you could track?

BLACKIEBoy I’ve been doing this since before you were an itch in your daddy’s pants but grounds all

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rock round here don’t leave tracks.

CREANSo what then?

WADEThey won’t be far.

JONESShut up it’s you that got into this mess in the first place.

CREANLet him speak.

WADEIt’s simple really. Ants don’t like direct sunlight especially this,

Looks up at the burning sky.

so what we encountered was probably a group of stragglers.

BLACKIEWhich means?

CREANThe formicary is close by.

Wade nods.

WADEExactly.

JONESYou can’t be serious now you want us to march into an ant city.

CREAN BLACKIE WADEYes!

JONESAt least we’ll be out the sun.

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EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. OUTSIDE FORMICARY - DAY

Rachel and the professor are in the middle of the group of Ant men travelling at a furious pace. The professor stumbles and falls.

One of the Ant men grabs him roughly Rachel goes to intervene.

COVACCSStop it.

She is cuffed offhandedly to the ground then picked up demonstrating their strength.

ECKHARTMiss Covaccs please I’m fine, the old legs aren’t what they once were.

Looks around.

Anyway from here the pace should slacken.

Points to the tunnel entrance where we now notice numbers of other Ant men of varying shapes, colour and size.

ECKHARTUnless I miss my guess this is the entrance to the formicary.

INT. UNKNOWN CRATER. FORMICARY - DAY

They are led through the entrance then quickly down the main tunnel then a few grottos. It is dark and takes them a while for their eyes to acclimatise.

The walls gleam with opal ores and glow worms provide the only illumination.

ECKHARTI want your agreement that if you get a chance to make a break take it don’t worry about me.

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COVACCSNo, I’m not leaving without you professor.

ECKHART Your young and fit, me I’m almost done in.

COVACCSI won’t let you sacrifice yourself.

ECKHARTIt’s the logical option. Did I teach you nothing in class? JUST promise…please.

COVACCSI’ll think about it.

They came to a blank wall with a number of sentries on guard. The door slides open and opens into an enormous cavern that seems to be a bubble within the earth.

Below them the ant city is laid out with what appears thousands and building connected by paths and lit by the flames from venting naphtha.

It is stunning and silence broken by the occasional WHIP CRACK.

ECKHARTBless my scientific soul.

COVACCSIt’s a fairy city. I’ve never seen anything like it.

ECKHART(excited)

Nobody has. Don’t you see this is no simple ant nest this took intelligent thought over millennia. Man has searched the stars from other intelligent life when all the time its been under his feet.

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The professor feels something Rachel notices.

COVACCSProfessor what is it?

ECKHARTWar, they may as well be shouting it.

(beat)Something’s up, something big.

EXT. UNKNOWN CRATER. NEAR FORMICARY - DAY

The group are crouched behind some rocks near the entrance. The sun has gone past its high point and is not far from setting.

The formicary entrance is a buzz of activity with Ant men passing each other in a chaotic frenzy.

BLACKIEThey sure look riled up.

JONES(sarcastically)

So much for us just strolling in.

WADEWe will have to find another way in.

CREANWe haven’t time.

BLACKIEPatience lad, the doc is right getting caught ourselves aint going to help the others.

A sudden surge from the entrance as hundreds of BLACK WARRIOR Ant men spew forth with a number of greens. Once out they form into a military rank and file.

BLACKIE I’ll be gormed them insecks could be on a parade ground.

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WADEI wonder what they are up too?

The Ant men move in the direction of the group.

JONESShit they’re coming this way.

BLACKIE Time to move.

CREANThey mightn’t see us.

BLACKIE Lad, we stay here they’re gunna ride right over us.

WADEThen where?

BLACKIEThose sand hills about a mile back.

JONESLet’s go then. Anywhere has to be better than here.

The group hear FAINT CHUCKLING.

BLACKIE Mantises. That tears it the sand hills it is.

INT. ANT FORMICARY. PRISONER CELL - DAY

The professor and Rachel are being held in a cell 8 by 8 carved from limestone. the room has a small window and a couple of moss like mats and is lit by a small naphtha vent outside. Rachel is pacing and staring out the window.

While the Professor is scribbling into a note book. Rachel checks the door again trying to find a way to open it.

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ECKHART (o.s.) It’s no use, countersunk from the other side, ingenious really.

COVACCSThis waiting is killing me. What do they want with us?

ECKHARTThat is what I have been pondering as well.

(beat)Among other things.

COVACCSConclusions?

ECKHARTI keep coming back to what would we do in their place?

COVACCSStudy them of course. Which makes us human lab rats?

ECKHARTAnd we both know what happens to them.

COVACCSYou don’t think the others may try to find us?

ECKHARTNo, not if they have any sense. Oh I’m sure they’d consider it

(looks at Rachel)

young Tom especially but Blackie has too much sense to attempt a fool rescue. No our best chance of escape lies with us.

COVACCSOur, I thought you’d given up?

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ECKHARTWhat I said still stands. This place though.

(beat)Just say there is life in the old man yet. But what ever we do we need to move quickly at the moment they seem preoccupied but they will get around to us.

COVACCSHow?

ECKHARTWell the door is a dead end. Probably guarded as well.

COVACCS The window?

Eckhart nods.

ECKHARTThe whole cavern is limestone. No the problem is where to We are at least eight stories up.

Rachel starts chipping away with her pen knife

COVACCS In that case take over when I get tired.

EXT. SAND HILLS - NIGHT

The party are atop a large sand hill looking down over the desert pans. The sun has now gone down but the full moon is providing good light. A couple of hundred Ant men are down there waiting for something. Crean has the field glasses and is looking at something.

CREANMovement to the east, mantises looks like hundreds of them.

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They come onto the pans and match up about fifty meters from them. In comparison to the Ant men they lack coordination and discipline. Awful HOOTING is coming from them.

WADE This maybe some sort of periodic squaring off between the two most powerful adversaries in these parts.

BLACKIE Like the two top dogs who butt heads every now and then just to prove they still can.

WADEPretty much anything else was probably been wiped up eons ago.

JONESIn the red corner with acid throwers and a face only a mother could love weighing in at.

BLACKIEQuiet, won’t be long now.

CREANMexican standoff insect style.

Just then the mantises charge the Ant men ranks HOOTING and CHUCKLING. The Ant men respond with a number of SHARP CRACKS. Against the night sky fly silver streams of acid aimed with precision forming a HISSING lattice of death. Where acid hits acrid smoke can be seen though not all go down and where a Mantis grabs and Ant Man death is the usual result.

The Ant men start to drive the Mantises back.

JONESThe Ants are winning.

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BLACKIESteady on they mightn’t be as organised but wouldn’t mind betting they aren’t short of a bit of low cunning.

WADE There!!

Wade points to a rock outcrop where another group of Mantises are hiding.

BLACKIE(whistles low)

The sneaky fucks.

WADE We have to warn them.

JONESAre you out of your fricking mind?

CREAN They have the professor and Rachel Thanks to you.

CREANFuck em I hope they wipe each other out.

BLACKIEI agree this is what we have been waiting for. They’ll have to take their chances same as us.

EXT. SALT PANS - NIGHT

The group is crouched as a detachment of Ant men pass them heading for the front line.

EXT. FORMICARY ENTRANCE - NIGHT

The group is back at the spot they were before watching the formicary opening it appears deserted. The battle can be heard faintly.

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BLACKIEWhen the cat’s away us mice can get on with it.

CREANThey must be all at the front.

JONESI wonder whose winning?

BLACKIELet’s worry about what’s in here first.

WADEWhat’s the plan?

BLACKIELow profile, we slip in find the two of them and then get the hell out of dodge before they know what hit em.

JONES(sarcastically)

A walk in the park.

EXT. FORMICARY ENTRANCE - NIGHT

The group with Wade and Crean up front and Jones and Blackie behind are about to enter the Formicary when out of the blackness there is a HIST and a silver gout of acid that passes over the group and straight onto a Mantis that was about to cut Blackie in half. From the blackness rush two Ant men brushing aside the group and engaging the mantises.

The first Ant man attacks the injured mantis it succeeds in grabbing the Ant man cutting him in two. The other Ant man joins the fight killing the Mantis with a head shot but is grabbed by the other mantis and looks in trouble. The way in is now open but instead of running through Blackie takes aim at the Mantis then throws down his gun pulls a massive knife and charges.

BLACKIE Bloody hell, hold on ant fella.

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JONESWhat the?

WADEStop you fool.

Too late as he plunges the knife into the mantis’s neck causing green blood to gush out but the knife is stuck. The mantis throws the Ant man away flashing a saw arm that just passes over his head.

BLACKIEOvergrown bit of spider bait you want me

(beat)come get me.

As if it understands the mantis attacks Blackie who rolls under slashing it belly with another knife barely escaping but is now trapped against a rock. The mantis bends down for a kill when its head explodes. Jones can be seen with a smoking gun.

Jones P.O.V. Blackie turns, smiles and then launches a knife straight at him he ducks just in time.

JONESOf all the ungrateful pricks in the world you have to be the biggest…

The body of a mantis falls between Jones and Crean a knife in its eye. Blackie rushes up pulls the knife out of the eye moves towards the cave.

JONES Holy fuck!!

BLACKIEWhat are you ladies waiting for invitations?

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EXT./INT. FORMICARY. ENTRANCE. SIDE TUNNEL - UNDERGROUND

As the group rush into the ENTRANCE TUNNEL they see a SMALLER ANT MAN over the body of the one Blackie rescued. They quickly pull into a SIDE TUNNEL as a small group of Ant men rush past.

CREANCavalry’s a bit late.

(turns to Blackie)

What was that all about?

BLACKIEHad no choice it saved me getting sawed in half. Also something what the Doc said about them. Just couldn’t let it happen is all. They’ll be hunting us now though.

WADEWhat’s done is done. Just no more heroics we need you in one piece.

(pause)Like you said the hunt is on.

INT. FORMICARY. CELL - UNDERGROUND

The prof is working the window which has been noticeably enlarged but nowhere near enough. Rachel is near the door she hears something.

COVACCS(quietly indicates)

The door?

The prof signals her to join him as the door slides SILENTLY open.

Into the cell come two warrior blacks followed by Greenie from earlier.

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A RED PRIEST Ant Man then enters. The small cell is quite crowded.

The Red priest is smaller than the other two and lacks the acid thrower and instead has long antennae but this is made up in its presence, they are obviously the ruling elite.

The Red priest approaches the two captives who try to appear defiant. After merely brushing past Covaccs the Red priest spends a SILENT eternity with the professor. Sweat begins to start beading on his forehead. Images appear

MONTAGE:

A - GREAT FIRE AND DUST CLOUD OF A METEOR IMPACT.

B – What appears to be an early Ant man not fully developed.

C – The great ant city TEEMING with life.

D – A BATTLE against an army of giant scorpions.

E – An ATTACK on the formicary by the Mantises going badly.

F – DARKNESS.

The professor cries out in pain and falls to the floor the Ant party sweep out as silently as they entered Greenie lingered at the door for a second then was gone as well.

Rachel is over the prof helping him up.

ECKHART I’m fine just a little dizzy.

COVACCSWhat happened? That red thing just stood there then you fell and they were gone.

ECKHARTWonder, Wonder and terror

(pause)The Red one is sort of a priest that’s the closest thing I can relate them too,

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COVACCSBut what do they want?

ECKHARTIt was ... Alien!! I saw their whole history since becoming sentient. Millennia of change into just a few images.

COVACCSWhat do they want?

ECKHARTMe they intend to keep for study.

COVACCS(hesitantly)

and me?

The prof looks at her pleadingly not to make him say it.

What about me?

ECKHARTIf I could take your place I would.

Rachel grabs his shoulders pins him against wall.

COVACCS(yelling)

AND ME!!

ECKHART(faintly)

They have no use for. I’m so sorry.

INT. FORMICARY. OUTER REGION - UNDERGROUND

The party are in a side tunnel staying very quiet as a group of Soldier Blacks with a couple of Green Officers pass close by.

JONES(to Wade)

Didn’t we just leave this party? That’s the third group we have

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encountered and still we haven’t a clue where the others are.

BLACKIEQuit your whining you had your chance to go you chose not to so now you are stuck with us.

JONESI said I would try and help but this is useless.

CREANWe’re not leaving and that’s final.

JONESCome on, we’ve tried. We go much further and we are never coming out. They’ll catch us or we’ll get lost down here either way we’re finished.

The other party members look at him blankly they are not turning back.

JONESThis is bullshit.

BLACKIE(to Jones)

How much water you got left?

JONESWhat?

BLACKIE(louder)

How much?

Jones SHAKES his canteen it sounds empty.

JONESLess than a third.

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BLACKIEHow far you expect to get on that up top?

WADEYou see the Ant Men need water as well so it’s logical that where they are so is the water.

The group move on.

INT. FORMICARY. CELL - UNDERGROUND

In the cell the two of them have redoubled their efforts and the window is getting bigger but not as fast as they’d like.

COVACCSYou said this limestone would breakaway easily.

ECKHARTIt should, this must be infused with harder minerals.

COVACCSIt’s alright for you your not the one who is surplus to requirements.

ECKHART(harshly)

Do you think becoming a human lab rat is a better alternative?

(pause)I’m sorry.

COVACCSNo I’m sorry it’s not your fault.

ECKHARTBut it is. You wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t carelessly wandered off. We might have gotten away with the rest of them? I wish they had just taken me it would

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have been justice for being a fool.

COVACCS(chiding)

And let you uncover the greatest scientific discovery since Einstein on your own. No way professor I except equal status on the find when we get back.

Eckhart laughs

ECKHARTPresumptuous student we’ll see about that. My name goes first of course.

The door slides silently Greenie is there looking anxious with his antenna flicking hesitantly enters the room then carrying there guns and packs drops on the ground

COVACCSWhat should we do?

ECKHARTTake them

(beat)gently, when providence smiles always smile back.

Just as quickly Greenie leaves and the door shuts.

ECKHART(quizzically)

Soon? They’re coming?(beat)

How curious.

COVACCS Well they’re not getting me without a fight.

Covaccs grabs her rifle which brings the professor back to earth.

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ECKHARTWait, that’s not what it meant. This tele-empathy of theirs is very imprecise but I’m sure of that.

(pause)I think we have allies.

COVACCSAllies?

ECKHARTThat maybe too strong a word but there appears to be some sort of divisions within the ranks, divisions we might be able to use to our advantage.

INT. FORMICARY. GLOW WORM CAVE - UNDERGROUND

The four rescuers enter a large cavern that is lit almost as well as daylight. They enter and are stunned at the sight.

CREANGlow-worms!!!

JONESBillions of them.

WADE We must be close the creatures need a moist environment.

CREANI hope your right.

Shakes his canteen and NOTHING can be heard.

Jones offers him his.

CREANThanks.

Passes it back to Jones.

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Hey, in all the confusion at the tunnel entrance did anyone else notice that yellow bracelet on that Ant we saved?

Snaps his fingers.

WADE That’s it I knew there was something but couldn’t put my finger on it.

JONESSo, What does that mean?

WADEMaybe nothing but remember we are out of the normal here we ought not be surprised by anything.

BLACKIEYou got that right. I wouldn’t be surprised if me dear departed mum popped up offered me a pork pie and cup of cha.

INT. FORMICARY. ANT GARDEN - UNDERGROUND

They encounter a side tunnel within which are massive fungi at least ten feet high around which are a number of smaller BLUE ANT FARMERS who are tending to the fungi and generally keeping the area clean.

WADEThe Ant garden. See those Blue ants they are the Ant gardeners they will spend their entire lives tending there fungi.

CREANThey eat that?

WADEMostly yes. Ants don’t just eat meat. A number use aphids as a source of milk yet others have

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developed symbiotic relationships with plants to defend them from predators in exchange for nectar, these could be in other caves.

BLACKIEPlace is stranger than a six legged cow at a barn dance.

JONESCan you hear that?

Blackie appraises Jones with new found respect.

BLACKIEKids got sharper ears than a quoll on heat, that’s running water alright. Quietly now.

They slip past the gardeners and enter a large completely black cave with a light at the far end. The sound of running water is STRONGER. There is a strong stench within the cave.

CREANJesus what’s that smell?

Jones slips on the slick surface and shines his torch on his hand sniffs his hand and recoils.

JONESTerrific, what next?

Blackie shines his torch to the ceiling and suddenly thousands of bats descend towards the party SHRIEKING at being disturbed.

BLACKIEBats!!

The bats are in their hair and scratching their faces as they make a mad dash for the other side. Tom falls twisting his knee Wade notices and runs back to help his friend with the bats still attacking them.

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INT. FORMICARY. NAPHTHA CAVERN - UNDERGROUND

They make the other end into a better lit cavern. The river is close bringing a breeze and the SHARP tang of naphtha.

CREAN(to Wade)

Thanks.

WADEI’ve a bit of making up to do.

JONESEvery corner a new and exciting aroma. What is it this time?

BLACKIE(pointing in hushed tones)

That.

We see that the group appears to be on the shore of a great subterranean lake not of water but bitumen as viscid as treacle the boiling tar is slowly bubbling away. The cavern is lit by fires all around and high up.

CREANLooks like we’ve found the professors naphtha reserve

BLACKIEDrop a match into that and it would be good night all and don’t ferget to put the cat out.

BLACKIEI must be breaking mirrors in me sleep. First I leave me best knife stuck in that inseck now me torch is dead.

CREANMines back in there if you want it?

BLACKIENot in this lifetime.

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CREANHow about using these?

Picks up the naphtha splinters.

WADEGood idea but lets wait to light them.

INT. FORMICARY. RIVER LANDING - DAY

They have reached the water source that turns out to be an underground river. Small shout of delights as they reach the edge which consists of a rock rubble and shale landing area. Before any drink Blackie issues a warning.

BLACKIEWait!

He gets down and sniffs the water then tastes it with the tip of his tongue like a snake. Then drops his massive head in covering it and covers everyone with spray when he pulls out.

BLACKIEIt’s fine a little salty but fine.

The other three then get involved Crean and Jones dunk there heads as well then splash each other an water bottles are refilled.

WADE(to himself)

Miles now for you old friend.

Blackie looks up the river into the blackness and quickly quenches his torch.

BLACKIE Something’s coming move.

The whip crack FILLS the silence.

INT. FORMICARY. RIVER EDGE - UNDERGROUND

Crean with his twisted knee has been a little slow keeping up and finds himself alone in the dark.

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CREAN(quietly)

Brady? Blackie? Doc?

Silence.

Shit, shit, shit.

A whip crack breaks the silence Creans night vision is returning and finds himself wedged between two rocks not far from the waters edge with whatever that is coming down almost atop of him.

Two large rafts carrying five Warrior Blacks each beach and unload what turns out to be three dead mantises that are loaded up and carried off.

CREAN(quietly)

Trophies or lunch?

Crean flexes his knee but brushes some rocks that clatter a small sound but out of place alerts the Warrior Blacks and two appear to be converging on him.

He flicks off the safety and takes aim. We see his finger in close up as it begins to squeeze the trigger. A distant BANG is followed by whip crack and they disappear.

With the area now clear Crean gets up to investigate the raft. It is a good size made of some sort of wood lashed with reeds.

CREANWhat would Indiana Jones do?

He is broken out of his reverie by the sound of approaching Ant men. His options are limited this close to the river there is no place to hide. In a panic he sprints and dives onto the raft.

CREAN Probably not this.

His luck holds barely as the air is RENT with ANGRY cracking as they arrive just too late. The raft spins out of control with Crean just holding on until it straightens.

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Acid from the Warrior Blacks hits the water and craft causing it to smoke a little then they are gone. The river in black Crean fumbles to find some matches to light a naphtha splinter.

The light source shows the bank with the outline of a crocodile. Ahead can be seen a red glow and steam rising.

The water is now getting quite hot and the raft is picking up speed there looks to be a small rocky beach on the left while the steam continues to thicken.

Seeing no other option he dives into the river with all his kit the water is black and hot and it is hard to get over to the beach he makes it and passes out.

INT. FORMICARY. NEAR THE RIVER - UNDERGROUND

Darkness surrounds the three remaining and they are towards the back of the river cavern behind some rocks. A small dust cloud surrounds them. Jones is confronting Blackie.

BLACKIE(to Jones)

No soap we wait till the bugs pass.

JONESHe’s injured for god’s sake

BLACKIEWhy the sudden heroics? You aint struck me the type.

JONESMaybe that’s why.

BLACKIEBoy you picked a hell of a time for your conscious to kick.

WADEQuiet both of you we will look for him as soon as they pass.

JONESFuck that.

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He goes to move and displaces some rocks and the sound although only small is amplified by the cavern.

JONESI didn’t mean.

WADEFoolish boy, Blackie a way out.

BLACKIESome sort of rock chimney.

WADE Take it

(to Jones)Now you hurry.

The three clamber up the tight opening the chimney is unstable and a number of rocks WHIZ past the Doc.

JONESLookout.

They arrive on a darkly lit rock shelf. From below they can hear the Ant men attempting to follow them. Jones P.O.V. is looking down the hole and can make out shapes close behind.

JONES They are coming up.

Blackie appears pushing Jones out the way with a stick of lit TNT in his hand which he wedges in the chimney then pulls the others down.

BLACKIEDown!

The EXPLOSION and THUNDEROUS RUMBLE (the sound Crean hears) closes the chimney. Jones P.O.V. looks at the rubble pile that was the chimney and then back to Blackie and the Doc.

JONESTom?

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INT. FORMICARY – INNER CITY ENTRANCE - DAY

Wade, Blackie and Jones are in a poorly lit side tunnel looking over a main tunnel which is in constant use. The left end of the tunnel has a door that is guarded by a number of Warrior Blacks.

As the door opens and closes tantalising glimpses of the inner Ant city where the Eckhart and Rachel are being held. This is a very busy tunnel with Ant men of differing types two and fro, getting in seems impossible.

BLACKIEAny ideas?

The others look bereft of any notion of how to get past the guards.

JONESNone you’d thank me for.

WADEAny chance we can locate another entrance?

BLACKIEYou saw before they keep this area guarded tight no if we are going in it’s through here.

WADEWe can’t get around and we can’t just walk in so we need to create a diversion.

BLACKIEI’ll do it.

WADENo, if this works the others will need you.

Blackie and Jones understand what he said.

BLACKIEIn here they’re likely to shoot first and ask questions later.

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WADEI know.

Blackie reaches into his pack and pulls out a stick of TNT with a small fuse and hands it to him.

BLACKIEFuses are shot but if they get you, you can take some of them with you.

WADE Thanks.

(beat)Just get the others out.

TWO OPTIONS HERE 1) JUST BEFORE HE JUMPS DOWN THEY SEE THE MANTISES AND JUMP ON TOP GREAT ESCAPE STYLE OR THE ONE I’M GOING WITH.

Wade gets up and gives his gun to Blackie.

WADEWon’t be needing that.

(beat)Let’s do it.

The tunnel has gone quiet with only the Warrior Black guards. Wade jumps down about fifty yards from the entrance and starts yelling and waving his arms around. Wade sees them one last time.

WADE Go on!!

The guard ants notice him and start after him he turns and runs own the tunnel and around a corner. Let a moment later there is an explosion. The tunnel fills with smoke and dust covering their entry attempt

Blackie grabs Jones who seems reluctant.

BLACKIE Come on boy don’t let it me for nothing.

99

They jump down and hide near the door it opens with a number of Black Warriors appearing the two of them slip through in the smoke, dust and confusion and the door shuts behind them.

INT. – FORMICARY. PRISON CELL - UNDERGROUND

The scene inside the cell depicts the professor sitting down looking tired while Covaccs is working away at the window which is about big enough for them the get out of.

ECKHART (O.S.) Miss Covaccs.

Covaccs stops working wipes her brow and faces the prof.

COVACCSConsidering our position don’t you think we can do without the formality?

ECKHARTOf course Miss, I mean Rachel I think I may have thought of a way out of our predicament.

COVACCSMiles.

The Prof looks a bit miffed then it passes.

That’s brilliant. How?

Eckhart walks to the widened window.

ECKHARTIf we tie our rifles to our packs like so.

He arranges the two rifles into a cross.

ECKHART (CONT)We can anchor ourselves like so and abseil down.

And places them into the gap showing them wedged nicely.

100

It risky and leaves us unarmed but…

COVACCSIt’s the best we’ve got.

The two of them begin to execute the plan when an out of place noise catches their attention.

BLACKIE (O.S)Mopoke, Mopoke.

The professor looking confused grabs the field glasses. From his P.O.V. he sees Jones and Blackie close up on a flat roof top across the block and lower down from them. Blackie is making the sound again with his hands cupped.

ECKHART(emotionally)

Those stupid, beautiful, crazy fools.

Passes the glasses to Covaccs.

Seems I was wrong about the rescue attempt.

Covaccs scans the group but doesn’t find what see is looking for.

COVACCS Where’s Tom I can’t see him?

ECKHARTSteady on first we need to get their attention.

Before they can do anything a familiar voice from above startles them.

CREAN (O.S.)Hey guys over here.

From the Professor’s P.O.V. through the glasses we can see the others see him and wave.

Covaccs calls up.

101

COVACCS(excitedly)

Tom down here.

The sound of someone almost falling can be heard.

CREAN (O.S.)Jesus!! Rachel, is that you?

COVACCS Yes.

CREAN (O.S.)Thank god. Is the professor with you?

ECKHART I’m here; have you a rope to pull us out?

A rope end appears in front of them.

CREAN (O.S.)There take it.

INT. FORMICARY – CELL ROOF - UNDERGROUND

Covaccs is first to reach the top with the help of Crean the rope is also secured to a bit of limestone. They embrace then reluctantly pull away.

COVACCSTom, oh Tom it so good to see you we thought…

CREAN I made a promise remember?

(beat)and you didn’t think I’d let you have all the adventures.

Eckhart is just getting to the top they see his hands and rush to pull him up.

ECKHARTWell done Mr Crean.

102

CREAN It’s good to see you sir

(beat to Covaccs)

both of you.

COVACCSWhy aren’t you with the others?

CREANLong story, I got separated and have been crawling around up here for the past couple of hours. I nearly fell off the ledge when you called my name though.

Crean is pulling up the rope.

ECKHART What now?

Crean is fashioning the rope into a lariat and starts to twirl it around his head.

CREANTo see if all those Saturday matinees were worth it.

He releases the lariat and it sails into the hands of Blackie.

COVACCSSeems they were.

Blackie ties it to an outcropping similar to one Crean did and gives thumbs up. Crean tests the rope hooks his pack over it and turns to the others.

CREANFollow me and don’t look down.

Crean uses his pack as flying fox and shoots down the rope at speed and is caught by the others.

103

JONES(to Crean)

Good to see you decided to join us. Old Blackie was worried something awful.

CREANIt’s good to be back

(to Blackie)Why Blackie I didn’t know you cared?

BLACKIEOne day I’ll settle with you kids just see if I don’t

(beat)and less of the old.

Covaccs and then Eckhart sail across to a joyous reunion.

ECKHART(beat to Blackie sternly)

I pay you to exercise good sense and judgement, maybe my faith has been misplaced?

BLACKIEWell er, I er, I mean we couldn’t just leave the two of you….

Eckhart crosses to the giant man and encloses him in a massive hug.

ECKHARTThank you old friend for Rachel’s sake more than mine.

(pause knowing)

And Doctor Wade?

BLACKIEHe did it to help us.

ECKHARTMaybe it is for the best.

104

They realise that Eckhart had worked out Wade was responsible for their situation.

There is movement across the gap with a couple of Warrior Blacks accompanied by the Red Priest where the rope is.

CREANI think someone noticed you missing at roll call.

A HIST follows a SCREAM from Jones as he hit by some spray.

ECKHART Move.

The group rush off while the Red Priest is motionless staring after them with an evil malice.

INT. FORMICARY. SOUTHERN TUNNEL - UNDERGROUND

The group are holed up in a side tunnel as a group of solider blacks and a couple of green captains rush by. Crean is bandaging Jones arm the shirt arm removed.

JONESThe shirt got the worst of it.

CREANHold still.

(beat)Blackie was telling about earlier. Thanks for trying.

JONESI’ve been an arsehole lately, friends?

Crean smiles and they embrace.

And if when she makes her move on me I’ll let her down gently.

From nowhere they are surrounded by a large group of Warrior Blacks with a couple of Green Captains. Our group raise their rifles to put up a hopeless defence.

105

Before they begin their futile last stand Eckhart waves his hands frantically.

ECKHARTHOLD! Don’t shoot I think they are friendly. Lower your weapons slowly.

BLACKIEI hope your right?

Out of the group of Warrior Blacks one crosses to Blackie and lowers an antenna gently onto his shoulder. Its right arm has something yellow on it.

Blackie recognises it as the one he saved.

BLACKIE(dumbfounded)

Strike me bald if it ain’t the one from the entrance.

CREANProfessor that’s the one we told you about.

Another smaller one comes to join him with no throwers.

JONESThen that’s the other one.

BLACKIEWell if it aint a class reunion.

COVACCS(to Eckhart)

Can you understand them?

ECKHART(slightly unsure)

Ok I think, he owes you, the Imbricks as he calls the Mantise had him done in till your appearance.

106

(pause)They want to know what side me are on.

(pause)It seems there is a power struggle between the Red Priest and Green Military factions.

(beat)From what he is saying a millennia old cold war just got a lot warmer.

CREAN And the Imbricks?

Takes a second to picture a giant mantis in his mind.

ECKHARTLess certain usually the hereditary enemy, this may be one of their periodic attempts to storm the city though this time the Reds may have been involved.

COVACCSInsect politics.

CREANWhat have you told them?

Jones interjects.

JONESThat we’d like to go home please?

Ignores him.

ECKHARTThat we are on there side and willing to help

(beat)at least I think I did?

BLACKIEGreat, drafted into ant army.

107

ECKHARTUnder our current circumstances our options are limited.

Eckhart feels something from them.

Oh dear, a large detachment of Warrior Blacks and Imbricks are close, we are to avoid if possible.

The now enlarged group heads off with a Warrior Black scouting ahead of the group led by Greenie the humans are crowded into the middle for their protection and to prevent escape.

The group moves onto an empty main tunnel from a side tunnel the hideous CHUCKLING and RASPING of the Mantises can be heard.

COVACCSProfessor.

ECKHARTI hear them.

They turn a corner and are in what looks to be an unfinished storage chamber. There is a large ledge about nine feet up running around the entire chamber. The Mantises are getting much closer.

ECKHARTEveryone up there, quickly.

The Ant men take manage the distance in one spectacular bound the humans are less athletic.

Eckhart, Covaccs, Crean and Jones manage Blackie slips and seems certain to be noticed when the Ant Man we will call BRACELET leaps down from the ledge, picks Blackie up and leaps back up just in time.

108

Into view from the way they came are about fifteen Warrior Blacks then come the Mantises about eight of them. Too tall the walk upright in these low tunnels they are forced to crawl. Although hiding in the shadows as best they can should one look up they are certain to be noticed.

The tension is APPALLING the party have their guns trained on them and the Ant men are tense ready for action. Once the Mantises pass another fifteen Warrior blacks that are acting as a rear guard pass.

As the last one passes one of the Warrior Blacks disturbs some dust that hits it. It comes back and as it looks up is leap upon by two of the groups Warrior Blacks the first one uses it jaws to take it head off in silence while the other in a feat of strength, lifts the corpse and hurls it onto the ledge. Then they are alone again.

The group climb down when a group of Warrior Blacks and Greens enter they appear to be conversing.

ECKHARTTill now I never would have believed that one of gods’ creatures could be evil.

JONESAnd they smell worse than a pair of Blackie’s socks.

The confab appears over the group that arrived leaves with most of their group leaving Greenie, Bracelet and two others Eckhart is being told something.

ECKHART Change of plans. Instead of resting we are to join in the defence.

CREANOn our own?

ECKHARTNo, Greenie is in charge with a couple of others.

A group thought emanates the thought of escape.

109

I know what you are thinking but I don’t see how we can give them the slip.

(pause)as far as afterwards they mean to hold on to us.

CREANEven if we help?

COVACCSSo we are still prisoners.

ECKHARTTechnically yes.

BLACKIEI aint nobody’s lab rat. While we’re all here it might be our best chance?

Greenie and bracelet signal the move out it’s now or never.

ECKHARTToo risky we just have to play this hand out.

INT. THE NAPHTHA LAKE CAVERN - UNDERGROUND

The naphtha lake looms dark and menacing behind them. The many small fires bathe them in an afternoon glow. The group has grown now to about fifty Ant men in groups of 5 -10 with every second group including a Green captain.

Our guys are together near the centre the professor has just returned.

CREANWhat’s the scoop from Ant HQ?

ECKHARTI gather not good. A lot of their tunnel guards are either missing or gone over to the other side.

110

(beat)the enemy appears to have broken into two groups one on its way here.

JONES(dryly)

Time to break out the welcome mats and name tags.

BLACKIEProfessor, I’m no military genius but why the hell are we guarding a tar pit?

Eckhart turns to the viscous lake behind him the others follow. He gestures.

ECKHARTWhat do you see?

COVACCSFires?

ECKHARTGood, what else?

JONESMore fires?

CREANTheir god?

The group look confused he tries to explain.

All ancient cultures looked upon fire with a mix of awe and wonder. Vulcan and Hephaestus held powerful places among their immortal peers.

He gestures again.

This place has given them heat, light and life that’s what we are protecting.

111

CREANAnd what do they expect from us?

JONESTo die defending liberty, honour and the six legged way.

Eckhart ignores him

ECKHARTThey have set an ambush at the entrance then once the fighting starts we have a pretty free hand.

JONESBut if we are so valuable why risk us?

ECKHARTBecause they need our help. Their species is dying out, how many do you think there are at present.

Looks at the group.

Les than one thousand the city once held twenty times that.

CREANSo what happened?

ECKHARTGenocide, the Reds after having governed for so long have become unstable, rabid even. The Greens were planning a coup when the Mantises quiet for so long suddenly attack.

JONES With us stuck squarely in the middle.

112

ECKHART I know and I’m sorry.

CREANProfessor it’s not you who should be sorry it’s fucking Doc Wade, and her father.

Covaccs looks at Jones in shock.

COVACCSWhat’s my father got to do with this?

CREAN(to Covaccs)

I’m sorry he knew something might be here, Doc Wade convinced him.

JONESThat’s why he supplied the money for the trip.

Points to an Ant man

ECKHARTAnd some would call them monsters.

COVACCSBullshit he wouldn’t do that he wouldn’t.

Getting frantic.

Your making it you hate him so you’re making it up

Getting angry he grabs her.

CREAN(to Covaccs)

He would and he did, deal with it.

113

She tries to hit him which he easily stops and she tries again with less conviction and then just starts crying at the realisation of what her father has as priorities. Crean holds on to her as she cry’s it out.

BLACKIEWell if we have to be on anyone’s side I’m glad it’s Greenie and Bracelet.

ECKHARTSo am I, damn glad.

There is movement at the entrance and noise can be heard this looks like it’s it. The group quickly readies itself hiding down behind some rocks. Blackie now assumes charge.

Grabbing his rifle he flicks off the safety.

BLACKIE This is it safety’s off, Aim for the body.

ECKHARTKeep together, don’t let them get close.

BLACKIE You heard him we want to blast em not invite em to a church social.

The invaders can almost be seen at the entrance the first Ant men charge through followed by the mantises crawling. The invaders see nothing in front of them as the tunnel appears awash with the invaders.

BLACKIEReady?

ECKHARTReady!

Jones gives Blackie a tight grin.

114

JONESReady!

Crean and Covaccs look at each other and briefly touch hands.

CREAN/COVACCSReady!

A LOUD whip crack signals the defenders attack and from their hiding places they rise as one and attack. The intensity of the fighting dwarfs that of the pans earlier.

After the initial shock the invaders are fighting back strongly and have a numerical advantage they are using and pushing the defenders back. The group have all taken aim and are waiting.

BLACKIE Wait for a clear shot.

A couple of mantises break free and head there way.

BLACKIE (CONT)NOW!

The mantises approaching them confidently, the shots to the body slow them but they continue to advance.

CREANTheir heads go for the heads.

They are less than 10 meters away now and bearing down fast. Jones goes for a head shot and it clips one of its antennas not slowing it.

JONES Shit!

Covaccs take aim, fire and its head explodes.

COVACCSGotcha!

They high five each other but the others are still advancing Blackie uses his pump action shot gun to put rapid body then head shots into one it falls minus its head.

115

Eckhart is having trouble taking his out but is helped by Jones as he finishes it off by shooting its legs out causing it to collapse just into front of Eckhart as one of Blackie’s knifes protrudes from its left eye.

Crean and Covaccs together take out the last one. Blackie reloads and looks around.

BLACKIE Who’s next?

They appear to be in the eye of the storm while all around them the battle rages. The defenders seem on the verge of being overrun and this respite will not last.

ECKHART We’re in trouble this must be their entire force.

From behind them pops up a mantis. Blackie and Jones turn simultaneously and blow it away. Blackie’s blood is up as he searches for more targets. In the distance he spots Bracelet leading a small group of Warrior Blacks against a much larger force it looks bad for him.

BLACKIE Bracelet you silly mutt.

The rest see what Blackie is seeing.

(pause)Prof?

ECKHARTWhat old timer?

BLACKIEStrike me blind I’m going after him.

ECKHARTYou can’t.

BLACKIEI aint saved him once to see him get sawed in half.

116

CREANWe get separated again and we’re finished. He is a solider let him do his duty yours is to us.

Before they can argue the battle moves their way and suddenly fifteen mantises and Warrior blacks and one Red Priest are advancing.

CREANWe’ve gotten popular all of a sudden.

ECKHARTI’m running out of ammo.

BLACKIE Then don’t miss!

Jones turns to Crean.

JONESYou got any slugs left?

Crean looks down at his slung weapon and checks his clip.

CREANAbout half.

The battle is joined

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! Crean tries to make each shot count. He sights a Mantis crawling across the top of a group of rocks to the right of him near Covaccs.

Draws a bead on it head and fires...it explodes green blood splatters everywhere including onto Covaccs face. The enemy are pressing at all sides driven on it seems by the Red Priest. Blackie’s shot gun deals damage with every shot and the rest are feeling Mantis and Warrior but still they press.

COVACCS Shit, I'm dry!

Crean raises her rifle. He aims, and...

117

CLICK.

CREAN I'm jammed!

COVACCS You're what?!

He works the manual slide.

CREAN It's locked solid...

There is no time to think Blackie Jones and Eckhart are fighting back to back and so can’t help the Mantis is atop of Covaccs when Crean whirls the rifle like a Kendo stick and dives into the fray in a frenzy that would have won him the University championship much quicker.

He is a blur as he SMASHES the rifle into its great legs and spins and impales the rifle through its throat causing it to go down. Crean pulls the rifle free and is facing the Red Priest that has appeared. It fires its acid that Crean barely avoids but is caught by its jaws and SCREAMS out in pain and rolls free. The Red faint to attack then does Crean counter attacks pushing it back and putting his rifle through its killing it

Covaccs yells a warning

COVACCSTOM!

He turns and just avoids being decapitated but falls and hits his head on the rock and is helpless.

Just then three acid gouts hit the Mantis as the reinforcements arrive. Before he loses consciousness

CREANGood old Greenie.

INT. NAPHTHA CAVERN - UNDERGROUND

Covaccs is applying a bandage to Creans arm with Eckhart and Jones looking on anxiously.

118

ECKHART …probably needs stitching but this will have to do. That was a brave thing you did back there.

COVACCS(looks up chiding)

And dangerous.

Jones claps him on his bad shoulder making him wince.

JONESMan you rocked.

Crean feeling embarrassed tries to change the subject.

CREANSo did we win?

ECKHARTThis battle anyway once the Red Priest went down they seemed to lose heart.

JONESFucking hero man, a fucking hero.

Covaccs is finished bandaging.

COVACCSHow’s that?

Tests it.

CREANFine thanks where are Bracelet and Greenie?

Jones points to Greenie who is a little away.

JONESHaven’t seen Bracelet.

Blackie is rummaging in his pack and exclaims. Pulls out a bottle of something resembling Bourbon.

119

BLACKIELooks like old Blackie’s luck is finally turning around.

Pulls off the top and takes a large swig.

BLACKIE (CONT)The bar is now open.

Blackie has a number of small metal cups that he fills and passes around.

JONES(to Blackie)

I take back everything I have ever said. You’re a fucking genius.

When everyone has a full cup Blackie proposes a toast.

BLACKIE(sombre)

To the Doc!

CREAN/JONES/COVACCS(sombre)

The Doc!

Drinks as the other mumble the same and drink. Jones looks around.

JONESHey where’s the professor?

INT. NAPHTHA LAKE - UNDERGROUND

Eckhart is about fifty yards from the rest of the group sitting on a rock in a world of his own. Eckhart looks up and in front of him stands an Ant man.

Like none he has met before this is one of the Ant men from the tunnel scuffle. Smaller, it has no large jaws or throwers but long delicate antenna it is more human like her name is NALAR.

NALAR (V.O.)It was said you would come when our need was greatest.

120

Eckhart is STUNNED as this is not the crude images the others have used but strong and clear.

ECKHARTYou can speak.

NALAR (V.O.)I am Nalar

(beat)Some say you are what we will be.

ECKHARTNo we are human your destiny lies down another path.

NALAR (V.O.)You will stay and protect us?

ECKHARTWe cannot stay we will perish.

NALAR (V.O.)Then go we are not alone.

With that she is gone.

Eckhart returns to the group slightly stunned and sweating.

COVACCS(concerned)

Are you alright?

ECKHARTJust the heat off the lake.

BLACKIEProf we’ve been developing an escape plan. I don’t like it but we may have to lay em out.

ECKHARTNO, I mean I don’t think that will be necessary.

BLACKIEThey said that?

121

ECKHARTNo, a hunch.

At that point Bracelet appears with Nalar.

CREANSo much for that.

An exchange passes between Eckhart and Bracelet then he goes over to Blackie and touches him with his antenna and then both Ant Men leave.

JONESWhat’s going on?

ECKHARTHe said we are to wait here till reinforcements arrive.

The two Ant men disappear through the main tunnel before they go they stand there for a moment then they are gone.

BLACKIEStuff my shoes with manure if you weren’t right. Why?

ECKHARTYou did save him maybe its payback.

CREANI hope this doesn’t get him in trouble.

JONESLets go before the reinforcements arrive.

CREANHey look at that.

122

Crean point to a ledge above the lake where there is a lone Mantis. It has somehow got tar on it that is alight. A shot rings out from Jones he hits it and it starts rolling down the cliff face picking up more tar and becoming more like a giant firecracker heading straight for the naphtha lake.

CREANOh….My ….God!

Blackie gets them together and pushes them the Mantis has almost hit the bottom.

BLACKIEThe river go.

They start a mad dash for the exit. They reach the river and luckily there is a raft as they reach it the Mantis hits the lake and EXPLODES in a fire ball that blows them off their feet and Eckhart has his backpack blown out of his hand losing it.

ECKHARTMy notes.

Eckhart reaches for the backpack but it is lost in the dark water.

COVACCSThey’re gone hold on.

Covaccs pulls him back. The raft is spinning wildly before catching the current. They have some light from the naphtha shards and soon notice air getting warmer.

JONES(quizzically)

It’s sure getting warm.

CREANYeah about that. I don’t want to alarm anyone but I think this empties into a crater.

THE OTHERSWHAT!

123

JONESWhy didn’t you say something?

CREANI didn’t know we’d be back did I?

ECKHARTCan we beach it?

To the left is a sheer rock wall.

BLACKIENot this side.

Jones surveys the other side.

JONESOr this.

Up ahead there is a fork in the river.

BLACKIEWhich one?

CREANThat’s it I can’t remember.

ECKHARTTry harder.

They are getting much closer and the situation is clearer. If they simply keep moving they will head down the right fork but they still have time to get into the left tunnel.

JONESTom for fuck’s sake!

COVACCSPlease Tom.

BLACKIENOW!

He comes to a decision and points at the left fork.

CREANThe left, take the left.

124

They all push hard using the poles from the raft and just make it banging into the tunnel wall knocking Covaccs off balance and nearly into the water.

It is immediately cooler it seems he got it right.

Covaccs hugs him.

COVACCSYou did it.

Jones slaps him on the back relieved

JONESThat was just too damn close.

The raft is slowly picking up speed there is more light here from the overhead gaps in the rocks.

On the left bank there are a large number of crocodiles getting warm on what light and heat there is.

Blackie gestures to the bank.

BLACKIEOnce we pass these little beauties probably a good idea to find a place to land this thing.

ECKHARTAgreed we seem to be picking up speed.

Crean sitting back notices something he thought left behind.

Points.

CREANLook!

There appears to be about twenty of them the heat or the battle must have drove them to this extreme but they seem to be catching up.

ECKHARTBlackie!

125

BLACKIEWay ahead of you. Everyone start paddling.

They are all now standing and using the poles to gain speed although the current is increasing still. From the banks the once statue like crocodiles have been propelled into action and a number of green logs are now amongst the Mantises.

COVACCSThey’re attacking them.

The water boils as a pitched battle takes place and then the raft rounds a bend and they are gone but a quiet rumbling is getting louder.

CREAN Hear that?

Ahead they can see what the sound is from as the river appears to simply end and mist is in the air.

BLACKIEWaterfall!

Panic sets in.

ECKHARTMake for the shore.

They all strive to push the raft to the river edge but it is taking to long and the water fall is looming.

BLACKIEWe’re going over hold on.

The group drop to the floor and try to hold on just as they go over the thirty foot fall. The is the feeling of weightlessness and then CRASH as the raft hits water upside down and then flips onto the right side. The current here is much slower

All seem to have held on though drenched and spluttering and coughing. From Jones P.O.V. it seems Blackie is missing. Jones stands up to get a better look.

JONESBlackie?

126

The others now notice he is missing and stand as well.

ECKHARTBlackie?

CREANHe must have been torn free.

Jones is visibly upset as he frantically searches.

JONESBlackie?

(beat)You ungrateful bastard, I didn’t save you for you to go dying on me now….

Jones cries out as something grabs his leg causing him to fall into the water when he hits the surface he is confronted with the smiling face of Blackie also in the water holding onto the raft.

BLACKIEGotcha!

Jones looks daggers at him.

JONESYour and evil, evil man.

BLACKIETold you you’d regret saving me.

Blackie starts to pull the raft toward the shore.

Now let’s get this thing on the beach over there.

They with the help of the others get the raft onto a small rocky beach. They all get off taking everything with them. Jones hair moves in a breeze. The light is much better from a large opening about one hundred meters up a steep bank.

Eckhart stumbles off the raft and is caught by Crean

CREANProfessor.

127

ECKHARTI’m fine just taken a bit of water in.

CREANCome on not much further.

COVACCSWe’re going to make it Tom

They are about to move to freedom but what is that noise?

BLACKIE Never had any doubts meself. Reminds me of the time I was pearl diving off Broome.

Suddenly from under the water a Mantis launches itself out of the water.

CREANLook out.

It’s too late it strikes Blackie across his arm. Crean shoots it in the head but Blackie is hurt badly. More can be seen arriving.

Blackie injured tries to push them away and defend them.

BLACKIEMove I’ll hold em off.

CREANNot this time you thorny old bastard. Can you walk?

Blackie gets gingerly to his feet he is unsteady and bleeding but appears to be able to move.

BLACKIE Yeah I think so. And less of the old if you don’t mind.

Crean grabs Covaccs pulls her to Blackie.

CREANThen grab hold of Rachel and she will help you. Don’t worry

128

she’s stronger than she looks. You too professor. Go, me and Captain America can hold them off.

COVACCSI’m staying.

CREANNo your not we’ll be right behind.

Covaccs is reluctant to go.

The others need you. Go.

COVACCSI’m not leaving you again.

CREAN(softly)

I know.

Pushes her along. The two of them are moving backwards up the slope as the first Mantis emerges from the water.

JONESIt’s just me and you.

They keep backing up.

CREANWouldn’t have it any other way. Just back up and shoot anything green and ugly.

Fires and kills one.

JONES You’re lucky you said green.

One has creep up to the side close enough to have a swipe at Jones.

CREANLookout.

129

Jones swivels and fires the same time as Crean killing it. Jones re-cocks the rifle to shoot.

Click nothing happens as he is out of ammo

JONESShit.

Instead he hits it with his rifle but knocking it down the slope. They are near the top but the enemy is closing emboldened as they now they are out of ammo.

Crean suffers a similar fate but is saved by a knife thrown by Blackie which hits it in the eye. There is a roar coming down the way they came.

BLACKIEMove it you kids, sounds like a freight train coming.

The two of them throw down their rifles and high tail it to the exit. They dive through and as the first Mantis exits it is blown apart by a huge explosion from below.

BLACKIEDown everyone down.

It appears that the explosion they triggered began a chain reaction that has blown the whole below area to kingdom come. Rocks and debris rain down on them and a great dust cloud is formed.

After the dust has settled they all appear to be fine. Blackie is rubbing his ears. The three kids are together the professor is looking a little forlorn.

BLACKIEAnymore bangs like that and I’ll go as mutton as me Uncle Percy, never did hear that train coming.

Crean, Jones and Covaccs are standing surveying the wreckage.

CREANI wonder if any survived?

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BLACKIEBracelet’s a fighter he’ll be alright. As fine a person as you’d meet for an inseck that is.

The area they are in looks familiar and it should as it is the other side of the crater.

CREAN JONES COVACCSWE MADE IT!!

The three of them hug each other fiercely then Crean and Covaccs peel off for a passionate embrace.

JONES(mock disgusted)

Guys get a room.

They break off laughing and holding each other scared to let the other go. The professor for some reason looks decidedly unhappy.

JONESWhat’s the matter professor we made it?

ECKHARTJust thinking about Adam. He was a good man regardless what happened.

Blackie can be seen rummaging in his pack and then onto the sand a Mantis head appears.

BLACKIEWill this help?

THE END

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