SCENE SLUG - SimplyScripts
Heaven’s Final Approach
By
Larry S Mccrea
Larry S Mccrea
PO Box 193
Pineville
South Carolina 29468
Ph. (843) 351-4930
shadowgold@
FADE IN:
ext western sinai desert – dusk
Super: Egypt, 1942
A wave of darkness rolls over the sunny desert floor. In the west an unusual storm brews, ominously hovering above the hot desert. Cyclones descend from a supernatural source; converge on a single point, and then race toward the mountains.
ext. shamala village, public square – night
Panicky, men, women, children, run in the streets from fear of attack.
1st villager
The Japanese – why are they attacking us?
2ND VILLAGER
They’re not after us; they’re after the treasure in the temple.
INT SHAMALA TEMPLE – NIGHT
FATHER BENETA, 30’s, rushes down to the treasure room to secure the two steel gates. At the bottom step he clumsily stumbles and gashes his forehead. Dizzily, he attempts to stand. Facing the stonewall, he reaches to the floor for the keys-notices a mouse in the corner, spinning erratically. The mouse watches each DROP of blood SPLAT on the floor. Father Beneta senses a presence behind him but fear won’t allow him to turn. Hugging the stone wall, sweat and blood dripping down the front of his robe, he inserts the key – the bolt SLAM LOCKS shut.
ext. gen. mohan’s position, protecting monastery – night
GENERAL MOHAN, 50’s, a self-centered, gallant, mercenary, checks windage and elevation for a mortar attack. He raises his hand.
general mohan
Fire!
VOLLEY OF MORTAR FIRE LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT SKY.
int shamala tample – night
Hastily, Father Beneta makes his way back up to the main hall, and enters.
ext japanese troop position near village – night
Japanese Captain and his first and second Sergeants lead troops into the village.
Mortar fire explodes all around them, as they fight their way through to a narrow, stone bridge.
int. temple main hall – night
Father Beneta scurries into the hall where mass confusion reigns, as Monks in long, black, formal robes, each wearing the cross of Mary, race to the center of the great hall.
Flickering light from wrought steel wall lanterns dances from one Holy Cross to the next.
A line is formed.
Father Beneta wipes the dripping blood from his forehead.
FATHER MANGIONE, 60, master of the temple, recognizes his friend’s state but he is momentarily not in tune with matters of the flesh. His eyes are Holy-like.
father beneta
(whispers)
Master – the soldiers at our gate.
FATHER MANGIONE
Do not be afraid of our enemies. For them and unfortunately our brave protectors, the darkness will bring tragedy. For God, it is a precise moment in time.
EXT. GEN. MOHAN’S POSITION, PROTECTING MONASTERY – NIGHT
Battle is abruptly interrupted...as the silhouette of an entity they cannot clearly see unleashes its mighty power.
General Mohan and his second-in-command, cautiously make their way into the open.
Thunder and red lightning punch the sky with a mighty roar as chunks of rock and heavy boulders rain down from the summit of Mount Sinai.
Blood and flesh shower the men below.
Another bolt of lightning rockets out of the menacing black cloud.
Then, the screen fades to black as we continue to hear blood-curdling screams.
All is silence.
int. (Mandalay, india) old man’s home – day
Super: 40 years later
Father Beneta, an old man now, sits alone at his dinner table finishing a sparse meal of cheap Bordeaux wine, bread, and goat cheese.
His home: a meager shanty laced with spider webs and memories. A tin snuffbox, pyramid-capped and trimmed with thin strands of gold rope, nestles near a memorable letter.
dissolve through to:
BEGIN FLASHBACK
int cairo, egypt – night
WOMAN ON HER DEATHBED
...he was my cavalier, my Samurai, my lover and best friend. Please Father! Take it! Someday you will know what to do with it.
TEARS STREAM DOWN FATHER BENETA’S GRIEVING FACE.
The woman gasps one last time – the letter falls to the floor.
END FLASHBACK
BACK TO SCENE
In remembrance, the old man weeps, and then begins to sing “March of the Gregorian,” high pitched, but note perfect.
The phone rings.
caller
(confident)
I think we may be able to help each other.
THE OLD MAN
(elated)
Who are you?
CALLER
I have a list of all the monks of Shamala.
THE OLD MAN
But how? I tried for years and nothing.
CALLER
It’s who you know that counts. You have a letter given to you many years ago by a woman on her deathbed?
THE OLD MAN
How could you know this?
CALLER
Doesn’t matter! Are you interested or not? Maybe we could meet?
THE OLD MAN
Yes...I’m on the outskirts of town.
CALLER
Starvo Ave...Do you know it?
THE OLD MAN
The Café’. Yes,
CALLER
Why don't you call? Make a reservation for the private room —say, two o'clock?
THE OLD MAN
All right, I'll see you then.
CALLER
Excellent!
INT STARVO CAFÉ’ – DAY
A man cloaked in a long, leather trench coat with a roaring 20’s style hat pulled down just far enough for a clear line of vision, enters the Café’. Hostess approaches. His face is not visible.
hostess
May I help you, sir?
CALLER
Supposed to be meeting a gentleman.
HOSTESS
Oh yes – the private room. This way, please.
CALLER ENTERS. THE OLD MAN RISES TO GREET HIM.
the old man
I’m grateful that you have come., but why the secrecy?
CALLER
(lying)
A few months ago I was here with a friend who drank himself into an obnoxious state. We were thrown out.
THE OLD MAN
We could have met in another place.
CALLER
(takes off his coat, sits)
Not important. Did you bring the letter?
THE OLD MAN REACHES INTO THE DEEP WELL OF HIS SHIRT POCKET.
the old man
Do you have the names and addresses?
CALLER ENTICINGLY HOLDS UP A FOLDED PIECE OF PAPER, RAISES IT TO EYE LEVEL. TAKES A FEW SIPS OF WINE WITH HIS OTHER HAND.
The Old Man reaches out for the letter, Caller quickly snatches it back.
the old man
Are you playing games for a price?
THE OLD MAN REACHES FOR HIS WALLET.
caller
Put your money back! Another glass of wine will loosen up my generosity.
OLD MAN WALKS TO THE DOOR, OPENS IT, SIGNALS FOR WAITRESS.
Caller quickly and professionally empties contents of a capsule into the Old Man’s glass.
Old Man returns with the wine, sits, pours Caller’s glass first, then his.
Caller raises his glass for a toast. Old Man raises his.
caller
To a new, enduring friendship. Salute!
THE OLD MAN
Salute!
TWO GLASSES BANG TOGETHER. THEY DRINK.
caller
…about that night?
THE OLD MAN
I remember that it happened quickly.
OLD MAN REACHES UP TO HIS FOREHEAD, STROKING AN OLD, HEALED, GASH WOUND WITH HIS FOREFINGER.
the old man
They said it was — The Chariot of God.
CALLER DEVIOUSLY GRINS.
The Old Man’s eyes flutter.
caller
Was there treasure?
THE OLD MAN
Yes, but not...
OLD MAN’S HEAD SLUMPS TO ONE SIDE. HE’S DEAD. CALLER STANDS, FORCES THE LETTER FROM THE OLD MAN’S VICE-LIKE GRIP, SITS HIM ERECT, AND THEN SLIPS OUT THE EMERGENCY EXIT.
ext sinai desert – day
Super: U.S. Excavation camp,
..............base of Mount Sinai, Egypt.
Empty potholes, covered trenches dot sun-baked, dusty terrain.
A team of foreign laborers digs for artifacts.
Canvas-covered truck bearing a Russian star, pulls into camp. A man with a sarcastic grin exits, motions the driver to wait.
SARKOT, 50’s, Russian Archaeologist, approaches.
PROFESSOR REMI, 50’s, American Archaeologist. Chiseled features - a shovel in his hand, slinging years of built up dirt and clay into a workable sifting mound. His back is turned to Sarkot.
sarkot
I see that persistence is in your blood.
REMI
(glances to loaded truck)
Your government should be very proud of your success.
SARKOT
Yes, comrade...too bad for you my shipment couldn't have been going in two directions.
REMI
Unfortunately, Sarkot, we don't value the same things, you and I.
SARKOT
Too bad you've got that hardheaded American attitude. Look where it's got you — I found everything I wanted — and you found - what?
HE SQUATS AND PICKS UP A HANDFUL OF DIRT.
Nothing but dust.
sarkot
I’ll be off now. You’re wasting your time searching for some great, spiritual revelation.
SARKOT ENTERS TRUCK. TWO MORE LOADED TRUCKS PULL INTO CAMP. CARAVAN SPEEDS AWAY.
EXT EXCAVATION base camp – night
Two campfires burn.
Remi caresses the outline of an object in his pocket.
MENCHA, 50’S, Remi’s right-hand man hands Remi cup of hot tea, slaps stinging sand fly from his neck, sits.
mencha
Bad enough our food’s running out-now we have to share our blood with thirsty, flying maggots.
REMI REACHES INTO HIS POCKET, THEN QUIETLY PULLS OUT THE TIP OF A SHINY OBJECT - A KEY TRIMMED IN GOLD, EMERALDS BURST WITH COLOR IN THE FIRELIGHT'S FLICKER - THE KEY CATCHES MENCHA’S ATTENTION.
remi
No, don’t stand! Must not draw attention.
MENCHA
What is it, Professor?
REMI
Found it wedged between rocks a few hundred yards from here. Came from up there.
MENCHA
(mesmerized, makes sign of the cross)
Could have been forged by the hand of God.
REMI
Tomorrow we will search the summit and find our destiny.
EXT BEACH – DAY
Super: North end, Pawley’s Island,
South Carolina
High Tide - Warm, blustery, southeast wind slams white- caps against high dunes.
Arrogantly shabby beach homes adorn narrow shorefront.
Sea oats, Myrtle shrubs line a wide, sandy beach path that narrows and fades to a grassy parking lot.
BEAUTREU PEITRY, 26, boyish features, sets tempo for the final pretend battle and his country’s freedom. He’s wearing a plastic revolutionary cap, his father’s old sailor’s coat, tattered shorts that reveal lanky legs. His weapon: a pine limb sword, hot coal seasoned, strong and swift. He shouts commands to his pretend army of the Potomac.
beautreu
Forge ahead, Patriots, to our finest hour. Charge!
SAND KICKS UP, SWORD SLASHES ENEMY INTO SUBMISSION, UNTIL...A YOUNG GIRL AND HER MOTHER STOP TO WATCH THE PERFORMANCE.
ALEXANDRA, 30, face of an angel, brick house body, CLAPS.
EVONNE, 50's, dishy, sleek - grasps daughter's arm.
evonne
He obviously has a problem. Let’s go.
ALEX
He’s kinda cute.
BEAUTREU BOWS, SWISHES HAT IN A CIRCLE.
Alex curtsies, takes a few steps in his direction.
Beautreu spots plump blackberries dotting path’s edge, reaches for the largest, juiciest, his eyes affectionately, glued to her reaction. He feels a stinging sensation, SCREAMS! Hundreds of red wasps zero in. Raging stingers cover his body. He falls to the sand. His head strikes a clump of oyster shells. Blood gushes, body goes limp.
Alex
Oh my God. MOTHER!
EVONNE RUSHES TO HER SIDE, SEES THE BOY.
evonne
Let’s get out of here.
ALEX
I’m not the one who’s on the run. Leave, mother!
ALEX DARTS TO HIS SIDE.
cut to:
INT/EXT PEITRY KITCHEN - DAY
BETH PEITRY, 48, hears, sees her son through kitchen window, SCREAMS. Frantic, she tears through the door, misses several wooden steps, hits the sand running, rushes to Beautreu’s side, gently lifts his head - warm blood oozing through her fingers.
beth
Oh dear God in Heaven. NO!
ALEX
(in tears)
One minute he was putting on a show for us, the next...this!
EVONNE DEEPLY INHALES...FRUSTRATION.
evonne
Guess we’d better get him to a hospital.
ALEX
Jeep is in the parking lot.
INT MARKHAM GENERAL HOSPITAL, EMERGENCY ROOM – DAY
Nurses slide Beautreu’s body onto examining table.
DOCTOR JO (40'S) strides in, focused, examines the 2-inch head gash.
Jo
(to nurse)
Lost a lot of blood. Cross and type.
FIRST NURSE
Yes, doctor.
NURSE PREPARES TO DRAW BLOOD.
Jo
Hmmm... Wasp bites. Red ones, the worst kind.
INT WAITING ROOM – DAY
Doctor Jo bursts through the door, sees Beth.
jo
You Mrs. Peitry?
BETH
Yes. Will he be...?
JO
Trying to control the bleeding. When did this happen?
BETH
(turns a worried eye)
...about an hour ago. Got here as fast as we could.
JO
Must be 60 or more stings. Is he allergic to anything?
BETH
He ah...has never been to a doctor.
JO
Mrs. Peitry. I don’t have time to hash over your family’s health data. Who’s his doctor?
BETH
Dear Jesus. I knew someday it would come to this.
EVONNE OVERHEARS, CASTS A SUSPICIOUS EYE ON BETH.
jo
What?
NURSE RACES INTO WAITING ROOM, CHART IN HAND. PULLS DOCTOR OFF TO SIDE.
nurse
(whispers)
We have a problem. Can’t type and match his blood.
JO
Nonsense! We don’t have much time and he needs adrenaline.
NURSE
Sorry Doctor, lab can’t get a fix!
JO LOOKS TO BETH, SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY.
Looks back to Nurse.
jo
Damn! What’s going on here? Administer plasma for now.
NURSE
Yes, doctor.
JO SHIFTS HIS GROWING CONCERN TO BETH.
jo
Who are these people?
BETH
(sniveling)
They were on the beach when it happened. Found him.
ALEX APPROACHES.
alex
I’m so sorry. Feel like it was my fault. He was picking the berries for me.
BETH
Really!
EVONNE STROLLS UP TO ALEX.
evonne
Let’s go. The doctor can handle it from here.
ALEX
Ok, but...
EVONNE WALKS OUT. ALEX WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR, TURNS.
alex
Ma’am, if there’s anything I can do?
(A BEAT)
I don’t even know his name.
BETH
His name is BEAUTREU.
WHISPERS UNDER HER BREATH.
beth
(fixed gaze)
A child of God.
JO
Mrs. Peitry. Don't leave. I’ll have questions for you later.
INT HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Beautreu pulls at tangled heart monitor lead.
He’s frustrated, head throbs like a toothache, chest, stomach and legs dotted with multiple wasp stings.
He catches sight of a girl as she walks by — Alex. She takes a few steps back, checks room number, walks in.
alex
Are you comfortable?
BEAUTREU
They treat me like a child.
ALEX
You have to be firm, let them know that you’re paying their salaries.
BEAUTREU
What! I don’t pay them anything. Mother is on welfare.
ALEX
Hmm...... a poor boy.
BEAUTREU
Rich in other ways.
ALEX
Maybe! Why aren’t you married?
BEAUTREU
I’m different, a loner, don’t fit in, and you?
ALEX
Cold blood runs through my veins. I’m a bitch like mother.
BEAUTREU
(laughs)
Ouch! At least you’re honest.
ALEX
Not sure about you.
BEAUTREU
Why do you need to be...sure, I mean?
ALEX
Do you believe in destiny?
BEAUTREU
I believe in God
ALEX
Mother says God is in everyone’s imagination.
BEAUTREU
What do you believe?
ALEX
We all have to believe in something, don’t we? Take care.
BEAUTREU
Wait — are you coming back?
ALEX
Probably not, but we’ll meet again, someday.
INT OFFICE OF CIA CHIEF – NIGHT
Super: Washington, D.C. - Headquarters
Walls lined with photos of former Presidents. CIA emblem hangs from shiny brass moorings. Invited guests sit around a mahogany conference table waiting for the Chief.
CHIEF, 60’s, Enters wearing a three piece Italian suit, Rolex, and a grim face. He scans the table.
chief
Go ahead Hollister.
HOLLISTER, LATE 30’S, STYLISH, GQ TYPE GUY, MANIKIN-LIKE, WRAP AROUND, PLAYBOY, BLACK SHADES. HE’S INTELLIGENT, SLY, POWERFUL AND SELF-ASSURED, THE CHIEF’S PERSONAL ASSISTANT. HE TURNS TO SARKOT SITTING NEXT TO HIM
Hollister
Sarkot?
SARKOT
Chief, my government is anxious to put to rest rumors of a spiritual revolution.
EVONNE
They are not rumors. My husband died attempting to steal the Sinai Scroll.
SARKOT
My dear, beautiful, lady. Professor Remi was my partner during the expedition. I left him drooling over my success in the Northern quadrant. He found nothing.
HOLLISTER
(to Sarkot)
Hate to burst your bubble, sir. We intercepted – recorded, a transmission to the Vatican. They have the scroll — confirmed.
SARKOT
Interesting. So Remi held out on me. Where is the scroll now?
HOLLISTER
Under armed guard at a military base not far from the Vatican.
SARKOT
Mmmm — and the boy?
HOLLISTER
No credible leads. They've got a tight lid on the scroll's contents. If we don't find the boy before—
EVONNE
Before what?
CHIEF
Well, religious unrest has spawned some of the world’s most lethal wars.
HOLLISTER
(to Sarkot)
We would like for you and Mrs. Burton to work together.
EVONNE
I work alone, and I already have something. A long shot, but....
HOLLISTER
Well, spit it out.
EVONNE
My daughter met this boy on the beach. He got excited, fell and cut his head. We took him to the hospital, but something his mother said.I have a lead to the boy.
SARKOT
(to Evonne)
Together, we could wrap this up in short time.
CHIEF
(to Evonne)
Get the scroll and the boy.
EVONNE
Dead or alive?
CHIEF
Your contract is specific to the details. We don’t care as long as he is out of the way. Proof is imperative.
INT HOME – NIGHT
Beth sits on living room couch turning pages of a photo album. (Son’s baby pictures) Her face tightens, eyes squint.
BEGIN FLASHBACK
INT NEIGHBOR’S HOME – NIGHT
MARTIN, 40’s, ex-con, no morals and Beth’s husband - slouching, sits on the couch, beer in one hand, double handful of chips in other. He’s gorging, drinking like a guy on the tail end of a lifetime bender.
Beth, embarrassed, feels stares of their friends.
A knock at the door.
Beth’s friend, Carol, opens the door.
A man walks in - burgundy slacks, white dinner jacket, and red bow tie. Sits between Beth and her husband. Directs his attention to Beth.
man
(to Beth)
This is a special night, for you bear a child with a message that will forever change life as you know it. Rejoice for you have been blessed with God’s greatest gift.
MAN STANDS, SAYS GOODBYE. LEAVES.
Group is floored.
Carol peers through window, but there’s no car, no man or any sign that he ever existed.
END FLASHBACK
BACK TO SCENE
Beth weeps, uncontrollably.
Martin - suddenly BARRELS through the door, stumbles over Beautreu’s spiritual books, scattered over the floor.
martin
(words slurred)
I told that damn kid not to leave his crap on the floor.
BETH
You're drunk — again.
MARTIN
Where is he...time to teach that boy a lesson.
BETH
You’ll never touch him again.
HE’S IN THE HOSPITAL.
MARTIN
Get me a beer!
BETH
Get it yourself.
MARTIN ATTACKS HER, BEATS HER SENSELESS WITH HIS FISTS.
martin
(rages)
I’ve had enough. I’ll get a lawyer, get a blood test done and prove once and for all, HE’S NOT MY KID.
INT HOSPITAL, JO'S OFFICE – NIGHT
A paper shuffled mess. File drawers cracked open, empty coffee cups scattered around, office hasn’t been cleaned in days.
Jo sits behind his desk, head propped on one arm. Reads Beautreu’s unnerving, blood test report one more time.
Phone rings...
Jo
Hello.
MARTIN (ON PHONE)
You the doc that patched up the Peitry kid?
JO
Who’s calling?
MARTIN
Martin Peitry. I’m not his father.
JO
Well, your wife listed you as the....
MARTIN
The woman's a whore and a liar. You'll get an order from my lawyer tomorrow for a DNA test.
PHONE GOES DEAD.
ext backyard – day
Super: Evonne’s home(Sullivan’s Island, S.C.)
Creek bed, winding waterways, waterfowl.
Evonne snaps clip into 45 automatic, takes aim at a paper target, RAPID FIRES! Hits close center. Picks up assault rifle, FIRES at multiple targets. Neatly clips off tops. Then she gathers weapons, heads for back porch.
Phone rings...
evonne
(answers)
Yeah?
SARKOT
Bramal Sarkot here. Was wondering if you forgot our arrangement
EVONNE
Told you before. I work alone.
SARKOT
I know where the boy is....
MOMENTARY SILENCE...
evonne
How much do you want?
SARKOT
Not money, just maybe your respect.
EVONNE
A man like you doesn’t need respect.
SARKOT
Then dinner and an exchange of information. Once we get to know each other—
EVONNE
Not interested in a relationship, but I’ll meet. Shem Creek Backporch, The Cabana.
SARKOT
Yes, on the waterway, say around 7 pm..
EXT SHEM CREEK BACKPORCH – NIGHT
Clear sky, orange, full moon hangs over horizon, its warm, passionate glow sparkles over waterway. Evonne impatiently waits, paces the dock, as a Boston Whaler slows to wake, BUMPS the dock, and Sarkot, white captain's cap, chrome-buttoned Commodore’s jacket, alligator shoes, exits, ties off.
evonne
(smiles, amused)
Did you rehearse the entrance?
SARKOT
Only 20 times before you arrived. Shall we get comfortable?
EVONNE
This bench is fine.
SARKOT
What about dinner?
EVONNE
Maybe another time and place.
SARKOT
All right...I got a call a few days ago from a friend.. .a nurse.
EVONNE
Oh, your women call you with their problems.
SARKOT
Just information. A doctor at her hospital ran a DNA test on this kid. Get this... results showed that he had multiple, parental donors.
EVONNE
(confused)
And....?
SARKOT
His DNA profile matches hundreds, maybe thousands. If we get him to the CIA lab, tests will confirm.
EVONNE
Confirm what?
SARKOT
Where is your head, woman? He could be this so-called child of God the scroll mentions.
EVONNE
Don’t patronize me and don’t call me woman, you Russian sexist. I already know where this boy is — Markham County General.
SARKOT
(surprised, but impressed, smiles)
Well! We will make wonderful team, you and I...
EXT/INT JO'S CAR (MOVING) – NIGHT
Rock music plays on radio. Jo opens a file, checks Beautreu’s blood results for the umpteen time. Shakes his head in disbelief. Switches channel to favorite call-in Gospel station.
He tries to call on his cell phone. Static crackles over the air. Pulls over to curb, gets out of the car, retries his call, gets a recording.
BAG LADY, 60’s, delirious looking, black squinty eyes, beaky nose, pushes loaded, rusty grocery cart past him. Stops, takes a few steps back, locks gaze with Jo.
bag lady
My cousin used to work there, you know.
JO
What. Works where?
BAG LADY
My cousin...was head janitor at that Gospel station, you know?
JO
Oh, good for him.
BAG LADY PUSHES CART TOWARD JO, THRUSTS HER HEAD TOWARD HIM, HER FACE FLUSHED RED, A DEVIOUS, EVIL GRIN.
bag lady
Your GOD is DEAD! No worries, Mr. Doctor Jo. My master will help you.
JO BACKS AWAY, FACE GHOSTLY WHITE, CONFUSED. BAG LADY TURNS CART AROUND, FADES INTO THE DAMP, GRAY MIST.
Jo retreats to his car.
int home – night
Jo paces the living room floor like an energetic madman. Pops glass top on decanter, pours a shot, turns it up.
Phone rings...
Jo
Hello
ALEX
(whispers)
Uh...Dr. Jo. You have to help him!
JO
Help whom. Who’s this?
ALEX
Alex...it’s Alex, remember, the girl with her mother when Beautreu arrived?
JO
Yes, Alex. Did something happen to him?
ALEX
Something will, tomorrow, if you don’t stop it.
JO
Slow down!
ALEX
I overheard mother’s phone conversation with Sarkot, tonight. They plan to test him, then kill him. …gotta go. Someone’s coming.
JO
Alex! Alex! Are you there? Who’s Sarkot?
JO PICKS UP PHONE, DIALS...
CHARLES LYLE, 50’s, Jo’s lifelong friend, ex-head of CIA medical lab, expert second only to Sarkot in operation of Micron Unit.
charles
Lyle here.
JO
It’s Jo, Charles.
CHARLES
My old friend. Been too long.
JO
7 years, I think.
CHARLES
Retired a few years back. Cancer got me.
JO
So sorry, Charles, but...
CHARLES
Somethin' heavy on your mind.
JO
More than you can imagine. Are you in touch with your former colleagues at the CIA Lab?
CHARLES
Occasionally, why?
JO EXPLAINS THE PROBLEM IN DETAIL.
charles
I’m floored...the implications are staggering. I’ll contact Agent Stalwart, the lab director and a fine Christian woman. I know she’ll help.
JO
What about Sarkot?
CHARLES
Know him well. He’ll never get a chance to cash in on this one.int peitry home – day
Martin sips hot tea.
Sarkot sets his empty tea cup on table.martin
About our phone conversation
SARKOT
I can make you a rich man.
MARTIN
How rich?
SARKOT
We simply want to run some tests on your son, 50K.
MARTIN
To what end?
SARKOT
(evasive)
We think he has a blood inconsistency never seen before.
MARTIN
That’s it! For that you’ll pay, 50KSo I give you permission to run tests on my son and you pay me 50 G's?
SARKOT
That simple.
MARTIN
Will have a few hurdles. When?
SARKOT
Around 9 in the morning?
MARTIN
The money?
SARKOT
Will be wired to your personal account first thing. But, don’t disappoint us!
EXT CIA PARKING LOT – DAY
Martin and Beautreu in rental car screech to a stop. Martin casts a devious, unconcerned look to Beautreu. Reaches for spirits under seat, drinks.
Beautreu
I’ve changed my mind.
MARTIN
Too late, they’re waiting for you.
BEAUTREU
Should have listened to mother.
MARTIN STEPS OUT OF THE CAR.
martin
Get your bag. Let’s go.
BEAUTREU
I’m not a piece of meat up for auction.
BEAUTREU GETS OUT OF THE CAR, TURNS TOWARD THE ROAD.
Martin slides hand inside jacket, pulls 38 revolver, points at Beautreu, cocks hammer.
Beautreu
Gonna shoot your own son?
MARTIN
No, not if he was blood. But, I’ll shoot a bastard if he runs. Now, this way!
EXT CIA PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Super: Next day
Torrential downpour. Evonne pulls up close to front door in a rental car. Alex solos to blasting radio. Evonne punches off button, casts a disgusted look.
alex
I don’t zap the T.V. while you’re watching.
EVONNE
Do as I say, not as I do, and...stay away from that boy.
ALEX
And if I don’t? You gonna hit me again?
EVONNE
Don’t test me, bitch. If you don’t like my methods, get out and get a job.
ALEX AND EVONNE RACE ACROSS THE WAY.
ext cia building, foyer - night
Alex enters foyer, heads up to office. Evonne slips, gets heel spike caught in sewer drain, stumbles, scrapes knee, blood oozing down her hose.
int office – night
Alex picks up wad of paper off floor, molds into an airplane, rears to throw.
Evonne sits behind desk, snatches plane in disgust.
evonne
Stop it! Getting on my nerves.
FRUSTRATED, ALEX STOMPS OUT, HEADS TO LAB.
Evonne slides center desk drawer open, pulls out Beautreu’s blood work file, examines it, swings chair to the left, places file over her scraped knee. The wound itches, heat flows through it – heals itself.
In shock, she huddles in the temporary safety of the corner, slides her body down the wall to the floor...
evonne
(whispers pitifully)
A-l-e-x?
CUT TO:
INT CIA LAB (REC ROOM) – NIGHT
Long-faced, confused and sick of testing, Beautreu deposits quarters in soda machine, catches a familiar glimpse of a young girl.
She enters.
alex
It’s you again. Long way from home?
BEAUTREU
(excited, but shy)
Just waiting.
ALEX
For me?
BEAUTREU
For some kind of test.
ALEX
Wonder if mother knows?
BEAUTREU
(adamant)
You can’t tell her, no one.
KATHY, ASSISTANT LAB DIRECTOR, ENTERS...SEES ALEX.
Kathy
Beautreu, you ready? Who is she?
BEAUTREU
This is Alex Burton, my friend.
KATHY
Evonne Burton’s daughter?
ALEX
(to Kathy)
May I ask where you’re going?
BEAUTREU
(disappointed)
You should probably leave now. No offense.
INT MICRON TESTING ROOM – NIGHT
Micron Unit - the most sophisticated piece of equipment ever devised by man.
The Chief of the unit, Charles, completes final tweak.
Beautreu lies quietly inside testing chamber. Electrodes, patches and leads hang from his body.
Kathy powers main control computer.
kathy
Where do these color tubes lead?
CHARLES
To the roof-feeder-sensors that carry electrical emanation, and disburse it electronically into the cosmos. Magnetic sensors measure depth of consciousness.
KATHY
Are you ready Beautreu?
BEAUTREU
When is Jo meeting us? I like him. He’s not judgmental.
CHARLES
In less than an hour. Here we go.
MICRON UNIT POWERS UP, ANALYSIS BEGINS.
Kathy
...may have a problem. Evonne Burton is upstairs.
CHARLES
Time is running out.
CUT TO:
INT MAIN LAB – NIGHT
Two analytic computers tied into a main frame, all silent. Viewing glass between PC room and blood testing lab reveals frantic activity.
JENNIFER, 30’s, director of medical lab, and Mandy, sit behind PC's, waiting, staring at clock. Mandy taps pen on counter to R&B rhythm.
A thumbs-up pops into viewing glass.
Computers register: 1tst report, second, third...
Continues, reports overflow from catch box.
Mandy looks to Jennifer for help.
There is none. Her box is full, spills onto floor.
Mandy
(confused)
Oh my God! What is going on here?
JENNIFER
Hurry, more paper...new box.
MANDY
(hysterical, attempts manual override)
I can’t stop it! Out of control.
SOMEBODY TURN OFF THIS DAMN COMPUTER.
JENNIFER
No, let it run!
MANDY
Let it run? We don’t have enough paper. What is happening?
JENNIFER
Look at this...DNA matches since we’ve had the technology, and these...have never been recorded.
MANDY
Meaning what?
JENNIFER
...that this boy has DNA from every human that has ever lived.
ALEX BARRELS AROUND CORNER.
Jennifer
Who are you?
ALEX
Alex, Evonne Burton’s daughter. I ah...overheard your excitement.
MANDY
This is not good.
ALEX
No, it’s ok...I won’t be in the way...promise. Mother is upstairs.
JENNIFER
Upstairs?. Why is she here?
FOOTSTEPS DOWN THE HALL.
Charles races around the corner, Kathy behind him.
charles
(head back, hands wave in air, spins erratically)
It’s true, all true. He has to be a messenger from God. Stop the computers.
JENNIFER
We’ve typed, crossed and matched his DNA. This proves beyond a doubt that he is not simply, a man.
ALEX FLOPS DOWN IN THE CHAIR BEHIND HER, DAZED.
alex
Where is he?
CHARLES
Somewhere safe. Who is she?
JENNIFER
Charles, they’ll be here in 15 minutes.
JENNIFER
Mandy, Kathy. Don’t know how to explain what we’re about to do.
KATHY
You’re leaving, aren’t you, with Beautreu.
CHARLES
If we don’t, the Russian will destroy him.
MANDY
Yes, I’ve seen that look in his eyes. Go...with God’s speed, but they won’t stop searchinglooking for you.
JENNIFER
(nods to Alex)
What about her?
ALEX
I’m going with you. I have to. Besides, if not for me he would have bled to death on that beach.
JENNIFER
What, no way! Go home!
ALEX
My mother is a bloody whore and beats me when she’s drunk. Do you really think I want to go back to that?
CHARLES
(to Jennifer)
What choice do we have? If we don’t take her, the whole plan will fall apart.Take her!
JENNIFER
Let’s go. Jo and Beth are waiting. Plane for the Keys leaves in 45 minutes.
EXT ISLAND – DAY
Super: Florida Keys.
Panoramic splendor: Long, wide, sandy beach, tall palms. Sunshine pours like liquid gold, stretching to the horizon.
PACO, 50’s, Mexican caretaker, and long time friend of Charles’, slows to a stop at front door.
alex
Wow! Look at this place. Paradise lost.
BETH
You mean found.
CHARLES
Belongs to an old college buddy.
DR. JO
Paco, would you see that our guest’s bags are properly placed?
PACO
Yes, Mr. Charles, my pleasure.
JENNIFER
(to Charles)
How did you keep this place from me all those years?
CHARLES
(shy, red-faced)
Guess I should have followed my heart, then.
BEAUTREU
Mother, my father, he’s here!
BETH
(gasps and turns)
Oh my God, No!
BEAUTREU
(eyes holy-like, points to steeple of cross, old monastery)
This is home.
ALEX
Get a grip, Bo. You’re scaring the heck out of everybody.
BETH
Never seen him quite this way before.
ALEX AND BEAUTREU RUSH THE BEACH.
Beth
(shouts)
Don’t get off too far, you hear.
INT PEITRY HOME – DAY
Knock on the door. Martin opens.
Sarkot and henchman forcefully enter.
martin
(drunk, backsteps)
What are you doing here?
SARKOT
(evil, grin)
Are you missing family members?
MARTIN
Got a call this morning. So what? They can both go straight to hell for all I care.
SARKOT
We need to find them. The thieves have taken precious cargo. Kidnapped the daughter of a special friend of mine.
MARTIN
I held up my end of the deal. If you want anything else, it will cost.
SARKOT GRIPS MARTIN BY THE JAW AND FORCES HIM TO LOCK EYES.
sarkot
Miss Evonne misses her daughter and we We had a deal that wasn’t and it is not finished!
MARTIN ATTEMPTS A SCREAM; HIS JAW TIGHTENS FROM SARKOT’S POWERFUL VICE-LIKE GRIP. HE STRUGGLES, GETS IN A RIGHT CROSS. SARKOT STUMBLES. THE HENCHMAN REACHES FOR MARTIN FROM BEHIND, PINS HIM. SARKOT RECOVERS. TWO QUICK PUNCHES TO THE STOMACH. HE STEPS BACK, REACHES INTO HIS COAT, PULLS OUT A 45, POINTS IT AT MARTIN’S HEAD, COCKS THE HAMMER.
sarkot
Last chance to cooperate, otherwise I have no use for you.
MARTIN’S EYES FILL WITH TERROR, FACE ETCHED IN TERRIBLE PAIN, LOOKS DOWN THE GUN BARREL, THEN BACK TO SARKOT.
There’s silence.
martin
(laughs deceitfully)
You won’t shoot me, then you’ll never find them.
SARKOT
(sly grin)
Wrong! You, my friend, are a coward and would have already told us if you knew.
PUSHES 45 CLOSE TO MARTIN’S FACE.
Martin struggles.
martin
Nooo!
45 HAMMER SNAPS, FIRE STREAKS, SMOKE LOOMS.
Martin slides to floor in pool of blood.
SARKOT
(no remorse,)
Wrap the maggot in sheets. Make sure the anchors are heavy enough to keep him down until the sharks have had enough.
SARKOT SLIPS ON GLOVES, PICKS UP THE PHONE, DIALS.
evonne
Evonne here.
SARKOT
He was the sniveling prick I thought he would be. Don’t worry, my love, we will find them.
EXT MILITARY COMPOUND – DAY
Super: Rome, Italy
Outside an impenetrable Vatican Safe-house located in the military compound.
Hundreds of defiant protestors crowd the square.
Fists flail in the air, sounds of the crowd's fury, deafening, fill the square.
NICHOLAS, 40’s, Jew, mesmerizing, holy-like, blue eyes, stands in awe of religious defiance.
Mixed nationals, spiritual leaders, line the bottom step, SHOUT for release of the SCROLL.
Nicholas eases to side of the crowd.
A Jewish demonstrator bumps into him, turns. A look of blood-curdling determination passes to Nicholas.
demonstrator
You must join us. We will not rest until the Scroll’s message is released.
NICHOLAS
And......if you knew, would you then give your heart to God.
DEMONSTRATOR BACKS AWAY, DEVIOUS EYES LOCK, ANGRY, SLIPS INTO THE CROWD.
Moments later......
A militant dressed in army green bows up to Nicholas.
militant
You are a Jew, yet unsympathetic to our cause. Christians have no right to claim the scroll as theirs.
NICHOLAS
God will not tolerate infidels who create their own agenda.
MAN PULLS A BLADE, LUNGES AND TEARS INTO NICHOLAS MIDSECTION, SMILES, AND RETREATS.
Shocked, but no pain, Nicholas looks around the crowd. On-lookers form a line around him. There’s no blood, not even an apparent penetration.
Crowd goes wild.
crowd
(shouts)
It’s a miracle......the power of the scroll.
FEVER SPREADS.
ext side alley - day
Nicholas escapes through a side alley, then speeds away in his car.
int car - day
He examines the knife wound. Slides his hand inside coat lining, pulls out dented 3x3 brass emblem of Jesus..
He smiles, breaks into a hearty laugh.
ext Military compound – day
Crowd roars with renewed excitement. Converges on compound steps.
Troop Sergeant shouts commands.
Sergeant
Present arms.
CROWD SLOWS ADVANCE, DEFIANT SCREAMS DEAFENING.
Sergeant
Take aim.
CROWD CHARGES.
Sergeant
Fire!
MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF HOT LEAD PIERCE HUMAN FLESH, BLOOD GUSHING IN EVERY DIRECTION. MANY FALL, OTHERS MOVE BACK, AND THEN BREAK TO RUN.
The carnage is startling.
int bedroom – night
Super: PLANTATION, Florida keys
Moments after compound Massacre.
Beautreu sleeps...
Window is open. Gentle, spring breeze nudges curtains
Beautreu’s face is flushed red, sweat pops, a dream, maybe a nightmare.
BEGIN DREAM:
eXT MEDIVAL EUROPE – NIGHT
Slow Motion:
Riders on horseback - Christian Crusaders, with face shields, bodies covered in steel-screen armor, archers, spearsmen, swordsmen, attack a peaceful village of nobility.
A man, holding 2 year old child, and his wife race from their burning home into the courtyard filled with terror-stricken people.
Sword drawn, a crusader slides off horse, decapitates the man, drags his wife behind burning house, rapes, then stabs her. Child stands in open, screaming.
Across a narrow field, edge of the woods, a little old lady covered in black wool, smiles deviously. Her evil, happy eyes rejoice at the sight. Fades into the forest.
Crusaders rampage, slaughter, burn, then quickly exit into the forest. Last crusader looks back to the screaming child - draws bow, straight and true to target.
Child is silent.
END DREAM:
BACK TO SCENE:
Beautreu screams, terror stricken eyes bulge, clothes drenched. He rises up in the bed, heart pounding, lungs collapse, every fiber of his being screaming out for mercy. But there is none.
He glances to the window - night is peaceful.
Falls back to sleep.
int plantation house – morning
Super: Breakfast table, Florida Keys.
Crowded table. Mood is somber.
Jennifer stirs around the edges of her oatmeal, something heavy on her mind.
Beautreu
Last night I had a dream, more like a nightmare. There was a massacre by Medieval, Christian Crusaders. Whole families were slaughtered in the name of God.
ALEX
It was only a dream.
BEAUTREU
It really happened. I saw evil plotting its next move in the form of a little old lady with devilish eyes and its intent in the form of an arrow through the head of a 2 year old, screaming child.
JO
Yes, it's coming. On the news this morning, there was a report of a massacre at a Vatican safe house. Many were killed attempting to get to the scroll.
ALEX
Sarkot will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. My mother is about as low as I’ve ever seen her. I know they’re sleeping together.
JENNIFER
Oh my God! They'll find us, and kill us all.
JO
No they won't. This afternoon Charles and Paco will go into town for supplies. Tomorrow we leave for Delhi, India.
BETH
Why?
JO
A few nights ago an angel of the lord visited me. Beautreu’s destiny begins at the heights of the Himalayas.
BETH
It’s settled. We leave tomorrow. God’s will be done.
JENNIFER
Glad everyone can eat after all that’s happened. I’M already sick of living in fear.
JO
You won’t have to. Tomorrow we leave for Deli, India. Arrangements have already been made.
CHARLES
Jo and I felt it best to wait until we got settled in.
JENNIFER
Who died and left you two bosses?
CHARLES
We all exist on an emotional shoestring. Later today, Paco and I will go into town for supplies.
BETH
Seems safe here. Why India?
JO
A few nights ago an angel of the lord visited me. Beautreu’s destiny begins at the heights of the Himalayas.
BETH
So, just like that we pick up and leave.
CHARLES
I believed in Jo the day he called and I still do. God is working his will through him and we all have to believe it.
BEAUTREU
Don’t I have anything to say about this?
BEAUTREU
Last night I had a dream, more like a nightmare. There was a massacre by Medieval, Christian Crusaders. Whole families were slaughtered in the name of God.
ALEX
It was only a dream.
BEAUTREU
It really happened. I saw evil plotting its next move in the form of a little old lady with devilish eyes and its intent in the form of an arrow through the head of a 2 year old, screaming child.
JENNIFER
Oh my God!
JO
On the news this morning. Yesterday, there was a massacre at a Vatican safe house. Many were killed attempting to get to the scroll.
ALEX
Sarkot will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. My mother is about as low as I’ve ever seen her. I know they’re sleeping together.
BETH
(eyes roll)
It’s settled. We leave tomorrow. God’s will be done.
EXT ROAD TO MONASTERY – DAY
Alex and Beautreu stroll down Green Road.
alex
Mother blames you for father’s death.
BEAUTREU
It’s not my fault. I didn’t ask to be this so called child of God.
ALEX
They won’t go away.
BEAUTREU
Why did you come?
ALEX
Partly because I believe in you.
BEAUTREU
The other part?
ALEX
(evasive)
Thought we could search for Blackbeard's treasure.
BEAUTREU
There is treasure here. Can you feel it?
ALEX
Yesss......I think so. You know, somehow I think we are connected.
BEAUTREU SHRUGS HER COMMENT, HOPS ONTO A 2-FOOT FLAT ROCK, AND RAISES A PRETEND SWORD.
beautreu
I dub you, Madam Alex, queen of Macedonia.
ALEX SMILES, BREAKS INTO A HEARTY LAUGH.
Beautreu
May I grant you a wish? I’m waiting Madam, for your wish.
ALEX
Ok, ok, I’ll play your silly game. Get down off that rock.
BEAUTREU
No can do. It is the source of my mighty power.
ALEX
Then, stop Sarkot and my mother from hurting so many people and you. Give them what they deserve.
BEAUTREU
Only God has the right to pass judgment.
ALEX
Not exactly what I wanted to hear. Sounds like a cop-out......tired of this game.
ALEX REACHES FOR HIS HAND. BEAUTREU STUMBLES, ACCIDENTALLY FALLS ON TOP OF HER.
Unconsciously, he reaches for her hair, strokes it, his senses heightened to her freshness, touch.
Beautreu
(shyly whispers)
I...ah...am sorry. Don’t know what came over me.
ALEX
(vain)
It’s ok. I have that affect on all men.
BEAUTREU
(snaps to his feet)
I’m not one of your men. Alex rebounds, brushes off the dust.
ALEX
Didn’t mean it that way! For a Holy man, you sure have an attitude.
BEAUTREU
Let’s go!
THEY WALK BACK TO HOUSE.
Silence.
int supply store – day
Man leans against porch railing.
Paco and Charles enter the general store.
JONTE, 40’s, Business owner, smiles.
jonte
Charles, Paco, my old friend - it's been almost 3 years. What brings you to the island?
CHARLES
Business
JONTE
You staying in your friend’s house?
CHARLES
Who’s the guy on the porch? Looks a little desperate.
JONTE
Asks a lot of questions. Looking for a boy. Says he’s been searching for years.
PACO
(slips up)
Hope he’s not one of those terrorists you were telling me about.
CHARLES CASTS A SCOWLING LOOK AT PACO.
charles
Shh!
MAN ON PORCH OVERHEARS CONVERSATION, SLIPS INTO STORE.
SENGALLY, 50’s, tall, lean, agile looking turns a curious eye to Charles and Paco.
sengally
Excuse me gentlemen. Couldn’t help but overhear your conversation, something about terrorists.
CHARLES
(direct)
Just making conversation, friend.
SENGALLY PULLS OUT PHOTO.
sengally
I’ve been searching for this young man for years. My whole life is absorbed into this.
CHARLES
Never seen him before.
PACO
(slip of the tongue)
Dr. Charles......why that’s Beautreu! He’s a fine boy.
PACO CATCHES HIS ERROR.
paco
But then, maybe not. Paco don’t see too well these days.
CHARLES
Let’s go, Paco. Jonte, we'll be back in the morning for our supplies.
TURNS TO LEAVE.
sengally
Wait! I can assure you that I am not a terrorist; please, hear me out.
CHARLES TURNS, SUSPICIOUS. LOCKS A SUSPICIOUS STARE, FACE TIGHTENS.
sengally
My name is Sengally Gustan. Many years ago I was a bad person working for one even worse. My boss was paid a fortune to storm Mount Sinai and steal the newly discovered scroll. Perhaps you have heard of it?
CHARLES
Go on...
SENGALLY
Only a few hundred yards away from the mountain, a violent sand storm came out of nowhere, wiped out the entire brigade of men and equipment.
CHARLES
What’s this got to do with the boy?
SENGALLY
I fell to my knees and begged forgiveness for my past. Storm veered away. I knew then that this child spoken of in the scroll was not just a man, but heaven sent and I had to find him and follow his destiny.
CHARLES
Sounds pretty wild and fantastic, but we can’t help you.
PACO AND CHARLES REACH THE DOOR.
Sengally lowers head in disappointment.
sengally
(yells out)
I know that the CIA pursues him and they are closing in.
CHARLES FREEZES, TURNS, AND THINKS.
charles
I will take you to meet the child.
SENGALLY GRINS.
sengally
Thank you my friends. My daughter, Kiersti is asleep in the car, behind the Post Office.
PACO
Then she is in danger. Russo gang regularly patrols that lot for children to black-market. That was not wise.
CHARLES
Let’s go!
EXT POST OFFICE PARKING LOT – DAY
The group races into parking lot.
Car glass is smashed, blood streaked, smeared.
Sengally drops to his knees.
sengally
Oh, dear God, NO!
CHARLES
Hurry! There’s only one road out.
SENGALLY
Wait!
SENGALLY OPENS TRUNK, PULLS OUT A LONG OBJECT WRAPPED IN BLACK SILK, AND A POUCH WITH ORIENTAL LETTERS SEWN INTO THE COVER.
They spin out.
sengally
I can’t lose m My baby. She’s all I have left.
CHARLES
Sarkot!
PACO
(turns to Sengally)
You know how to use that thing?
SENGALLY
I’m the only foreigner in the world to defeat Japan’s grand master Samurai.
CUT TO:
EXT ROAD – DAY
Beautreu and Alex enter house backyard, still not speaking.
Beautreu’s knees buckle-he falls to ground, convulses.
Alex rushes to his side.
alex
What’s is it. You ok?
BEAUTREU STANDS, TAKES A FEW STEPS, AND FALLS AGAIN.
beautreu
Don’t understand; legs are weak. There’s pain.
ALEX
Have to get you into the house.
BEAUTREU
No...wait! Not my pain.
ALEX
What? Get a grip.
BEAUTREU SITS CROSS-LEGGED, GAZES INTO THE DISTANCE, EYES FIXED.
alex
You’re scaring the hell out of me-STOP IT!
ALEX RUNS TO HOUSE.
Beautreu projects himself somewhere.
BACK TO:
CHASE SCENE
Three Russo Gang members race towards the harbor.
KIERSTI, 18, blue-eyed angel, lay lies in backseat, in and out of consciousness. Blood dribbles down the seat.
first Gang member
(to gang member in backseat)
You idiot. Why did you hit her so hard? If she’s not alive, we don’t get paid.
2ND GANG MEMBER
What the hell is a kid doing running back and forth in the road.
3RD GANG MEMBER
Run over his ass. If we weren’t in a hurry, we’d have two to sell.
OUT OF NOWHERE, THE BOY SKIRTS THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE CAR.
Gang driver instinctively hits the brakes. Car turns over, hits a tree-car front smashes to back.
There’s smoke, engine catches fire.
Gang members escape, drag Kiersti out.
first gang member
Over here, in the vines. Wait for a car, and then run out. Better idea. Lay this bitch in the road. Next car will have to stop.
GANG MEMBERS DRAG KIERSTI'S MANGLED BODY INTO ROAD, HIDE IN WAITING.
Charles speeds around sharp curve, sees body in middle of road, brakes scream, car skids into narrow ditch.
Sengally exits car, runs to his little girl, a strange looking pouch around his neck and something sheathed strapped to his back.
Blood is everywhere.
Three men with knives rush out to center road.
Sengally senses danger- does not move, his eyes focus on Kiersti.
With controlled rage, in the blink of an eye, he draws the sword, slashes, tears body parts, blood and guts slung in every direction.
Third gang member rushes from road setback. Lunges with, long, sharp stiletto.
Sengally drops sword, reaches into leather pouch-with speed and precision-five sided, poison tipped, shurekin spins to target, digs into man’s forehead. He falls.
Sengally swiftly lifts sword, pro retract, the sword silently enters the sheath.
Charles and Paco stand in shock and awe.
Sengally calmly caresses his daughter’s face, tears streaming to the pavement. She’s not breathing.
Paco and Charles edge closer.
Charles sees a bright light hovering over the girl- slams into her body......lungs fill with air, eyes open. The light disappears.
sengally
My precious baby-thought I’d lost you forever.
KIERSTI
I was only asleep, Father. We were singing.
SENGALLY
Singing baby, you were singing......we were singing?
KIERSTI
A lullaby...”Up in the sky where the Angels lie, Father’s gonna give us one more try. If we spread our wings and fly...father’s gonna sing us a lullaby.”
CHARLES GRINS, REACHES ARM AROUND PACO.
charles
Looks like she has a guardian angel.
PACO
yeah......his name is......
CHARLES
Shhh!
PACO
(grins, to Sengally)
When you meet him, you’ll know.
THEY HEAD BACK TO PLANTATION HOUSE.
cut to:
BACK TO SCENE
On the green road
Beth and Jennifer rush to Beautreu’s side.
beth
You ok, my son?
BEAUTREU STANDS, BRUSHES OFF GRASS.
beautreu
Where ya been, Alex. Come on. I’ll race you to the beach.
ALEX RELUCTANTLY FOLLOWS.
Beautreu hides behind high dune.
Alex passes between dunes, doesn’t see Beautreu.
Beautreu sneaks up from behind.
alex
(startled)
Have you lost your mind?
BEAUTREU
Don’t be afraid of me, like all the others.
ALEX
Don’t understand you.
BEAUTREU
Sit, take my hand.
ALEX
No, didn’t come here for that.
BEAUTREU
No, silly. You want to know me......take my hand.
ALEX SLOWLY, RELUCTANTLY REACHES FOR HIS HAND.
Beautreu quickly reaches out, interlocks fingers.
Tender eyes gaze upon her.
Her body trembles, stares blankly as energy flows.
BEGIN FLASHBACK:
Children’s playground-beautiful, blue-eyed, 6 year old twin girls play chase to edge of tall pines.
Man, 40’s, shabby clothes, devious face, pulls candy from his pocket, lures twins away to abandoned farm shed, 100 yards away.
Twins' mother realizes, too late, they’re missing-desperately searches. Other mothers join in. Cops are called.
Beautreu, a scrawny 8 year-old, stands motionless-center sandbox, urinates through clothes. He frames a minds-eye moving picture of a tragic event unfolding.
Beth locates her son, in panic, rushes to him.
Swirling vacuum surrounds him. Twinkling, starlight fills vortex.
SHED:
Kidnapper ties twin’s arms behind their backs, tapes mouth’s, caresses their legs, touches private parts, smiles affectionately then pulls knife.
Twins attempt a scream, but futile.
Kidnapper slides razor sharp knife around throat of one girl, presses an outline into her flesh. He drools with pleasure.
PLAYGROUND:
Beautreu flings hands to heaven, power around him intensifies. Hands thrust through cosmic barrier.
Astonishing G-force-like power surges, focused, blows back the hair, wrinkles the face.
SHED:
Kidnapper digs deeper into little girl’s throat, other hand prodding between her legs.
A mystical power slams into his body. Terrified and disoriented, he convulses, drops knife, stumbles back, trips, and falls through loosely boarded opening into a bed of angry rattlesnakes.
Snakes attack with unrelenting fury.
Man screams for mercy. There is none.
BACK TO PLAYGROUND SCENE:
Cops arrive.
Starry eyed, Beautreu points in direction of shed.
Cops find little girl, unharmed. They find knife, dead kidnapper, without a scratch, but no snakes, as if they ever existed.
Cops return to playground. Beth and Beautreu have vanished.
BACK TO BEACH SCENE:
Beautreu snatches his hand away from Alex.
She’s overcome, eyes entranced, body drained.
alex
(swallows hard)
Oh God. Who are you?
BEAUTREU
Please don’t ever leave me, Alex. You’re the only real friend I’ve ever known.
INT HOUSE - MORNING
Super: Breakfast table, plantation house
Beautreu slings bacon with fork, hits Alex on the nose.
alex
I’m not impressed
BEAUTREU
What if I just toss the plate?
KIERSTI CUTS A SHY, FLIRTY, AMUSED LOOK.
Alex feels her light jealousy, leans head on propped arm, not in the mood, still weak from beach experience.
charles
Is everyone packed?
BETH
Packed but not ready to go.
JO
Sooner we get out of here the safer we’ll be.
CHARLES
Slight change of plans!
WE’LL BE MEETING SENGALLY’S CONTACT IN DELI.
JENNIFER
(to Charles)
Just hope you know what you’re doing?
OUTSIDE SCENE-VIEWED THROUGH LIVING ROOM WINDOW:
Paco sits on living room couch, sees, hears, approaching vehicle.
Truck storms down the road, clips several palm limbs on the turn, slams into front porch, overturns on its side.
Paco races out front door, others follow.
A man hangs out the window, body cut, bruised, bullet holes in his chest.
charles
Jonte. Oh my God! What happened?
JONTE
(gasps)
They rushed into the store, guns drawn, demanding to know whereabouts of Beautreu. I refused to tell them. There was a woman.
ALEX
Mother!
JONTE
She was wearing black, leather tights with many gold chains around her neck…with two professional looking men.
JONTE COUGHS, GAGS.
jennifer
Sarkot and Hollister!
CHARLES
Have to get out of here, now.
CANVASS COVERED, TROOP CARRIER ROUNDS THE CORNER.
jo
Get into the house
CHARLES
Can’t leave Jonte like this.
JONTE
No use, not going to make it. Go now while there’s still time.
JONTE’S HEAD SLUMPS TO SIDE. HE’S DEAD.
int house – day
Charles retrieves gathers pistols from bedroom.
Jennifer breaks glass windows for clear view.
Paco retrieves old WWII army rifle, stands ready.
alex
Can’t stop them with those. They have AK-47’s.
CHARLES LEANS TO JENNIFER, SAYS SOMETHING, SHE NODS, THEN TO BETH.
charles
Jo, you must get Beautreu out of here, now. Take Kiersti and Sengally with you. We’ll buy you some time.
JO
I’m not leaving. We all came together, we all leave together.
TEARS STREAM DOWN CHARLES’S FACE.
Automatic gunfire rips through house.
charles
Yes, my friend. I know it’s hard but it’s the only way. If we all leave they will hunt us down.
BEAUTREU
Mother, you have to come with us.
BETH
(tears, kisses him on the forehead)
Go, my son, someday we’ll be together.
ALEX
(to Beautreu)
Leave now. Get out of here!
JO
Let’s go!
SHOTS RING OUT. JEEP SPEEDS DOWN THE GREEN ROAD. MORE SHOTS.
All is silence.
int house – day
Super: Aftermath.
Air is stagnant with smell of spent ammunition. Hollister and Sarkot enter, secure the house.
Agonizing moans echo. House is ridden with bullet holes.
Beth gasps one more breath, Alex comforts her.
Evonne enters. Sees Alex. Runs to her, embraces.
Alex shrugs her off.
evonne
My baby...you could have been killed!
ALEX
I’m not your baby, or your daughter, not after this.
BETH DRAWS ONE LAST BREATH, BLOOD DRIPPING FROM HER MOUTH.
beth
(grabs Alex’s blouse)
Please watch over him...please! God will be with you.
ALEX
(to Evonne)
No! No! No! I hate you, mother, and......all of you for what you have done.
EVONNE
Had to find you.
ALEX
But, why this? They did nothing to you.
SARKOT AND HOLLISTER APPROACH.
sarkot
Damn! Others got away.
HOLLISTER ROLLS JENNIFER’S BODY WITH BOOT.
hollister
Traitor got what was coming to her. But, such a waste of beauty.
ALEX
(to Sarkot)
You pompous, egotistical ass. Didn’t stop it, just made them more determined.
SARKOT SLINGS AK-47 BARREL TO ALEX’S’ FACE.
evonne
No Bramal. She didn’t mean it.
ALEX
(to Sarkot)
Every word! That’s it......let your whore do the thinking.
SARKOT SMACKS ALEX WITH GUN BUTT. SHE ROLLS TO THE FLOOR.
alex
(wipes blood with sleeve)
You’ll never get your greedy hands on that scroll or Beautreu.
SARKOT TURNS AWAY IN DISGUST.
Evonne rushes to Alex’ side.
ext airport – day
Super: Airport-DeliDelhi, India
A man stands on receiving deck waiting for his friends to land.
NICHOLAS, has the plane in sight-excited grin, mesmerizing eyes, a spiritual glow about him.
Plane lands, taxis’ to exit ramp.
Sengally skips a few steps, embraces his friend.
sengally
Remember Kiersti?
NICHOLAS
My dear, you’re even more beautiful than I remembered.
KIERSTI BLUSHES.
sengally
This is Jo, Beautreu’s adopted guardian, and, Beautreu.
NICHOLAS STARES INTO BEAUTREU’S SINCERE, LOVING AND SAD EYES.
nicholas
There are no words to express my sympathy for your loss.
BEAUTREU
She wasn’t just my mother-she was my world.
NICHOLAS
(eyes gleam)
She is with you now.
SENGALLY
Not much time. How many days to Par Bat?
NICHOLAS
Three, if we’re steady.
BEAUTREU
(to Kiersti)
Walk with me for a moment.
KIERSTI IS STUNNED AT THE REQUEST.
beautreu
We haven’t spoken about what happened back there?
KIERSTI
Too painful, but I knew it was you.
JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND, HOW, WHY?
BEAUTREU
Doesn’t matter. I miss Alex. She was a special friend, you know.
KIERSTI
How special?
BEAUTREU
She will always have a place in my heart. She was young but ahead of her years.
KIERSTI
Than, I’m glad I got to meet her. And you...Father says you’re a Holy Man.
BEAUTREU
All happened so fast. I don’t know who I am anymoreMaybe...I don’t feel this special person I’m supposed to be.
KIERSTI
I’ve never known anyone like you. I pray that someday you care for me as much as you did for her.
BEAUTREU SMILES GENTLY AT HER.
(touches her face with a gentle, back hand stroke)
Kiersti, you’re not like Alex...I mean.
KIERSTI
I know what you mean.
THEY JOIN THE OTHERS.
nicholas
Tonight we rest, tomorrow morning we strike out for the mountain.
EXT EDGE OF DESERT – DAY
Mountains fade into the vastness of desert. 100 degree, plus heat fuels steamy, hanging mirage over hot sand. Pack mules strike out in single file, Kiersti and Beautreu walk side by side.
Sengally rushes to catch-up.
sengally
Guess you two have a lot to talk about.
KIERSTI SMILES SHYLY.
kiersti
He’s different.
NICHOLAS STRIDES UP.
beautreu
(to Nicholas)
We only have one pack mule with food and so far to go.
NICHOLAS
You won’t get too hungry in this heat.
JO MAKES HIS WAY TO BEAUTREU
jo
I know this isn’t the time, but just wondered; if we had left the island a little sooner......
BEAUTREU
Mother would still be alive......I’ll never understand why God took her.
JO
Didn’t mean to stir your emotions.
BEAUTREU
Nothing in my life has been normal. My father hated me and now I’ll never see mother again.
BEAUTREU PLACES HAND ON JO’S SHOULDER.
beautreu
Thank God for you......wish you had been my father.
JO
Never got married, had any kids-now I know what I missed.
RIDERS ON HORSEBACK, APPROACH.
Sergeant slides off saddle, hits sand running. Out of breath.
Sergeant
Your party at base of the mountain - They're all dead.
SENGALLY
But how? Just spoke with them yesterday.
SERGEANT
Pakistan border patrol......overran our position. My wife and son were killed......daughter is in hiding, my troops scattered.
JO
Sorry, my friend, for your loss.
SERGEANT
You must turn back while you still can......they will come again, tonight.
SENGALLY
You risked much to come here, but we cannot turn back.
JO
We’re on God’s timetable.
BEAUTREU RUSHES FORWARD. SOMETHING FAMILIAR ABOUT A MEDALLION AROUND THE SERGEANT’S NECK.
Beautreu
Where did you get this?
SERGEANT
Was sent to me a few days ago by one of our supporters. Said it would bring us good luck.
BEAUTRTEU
You know her?
JO
What’s this about, son?
BEAUTREU
Belongs to Alex. Saw it around her neck back at the hospital.
SERGEANT
Yes, that’s her name. Her father was once our leader, before he turned into a terrorizing mercenary. We all helped to raise Alex.
BEAUTREU
(head hung low)
She was killed a few days ago.
SERGEANT RELAYS MESSAGE TO HIS COMRADES.
Together they say a special prayer.
Sergeant
We must go.
JO
Here, take this. We have plenty of water and you will need it for the journey back......and thank you.
HORSES TURN BACK TOWARDS MOUNTAIN. DUST AND SAND KICK-UP.
ext desert - night
Jets streak low, unload ordinance in the near distance-fires blaze in the night sky.
Hours Later:
Party enters aftermath.
Nicholas surveys the hell around them. No sign of life-carnage and stench horrifying. Whole families slaughtered like cattle in a stockyard. Thick, black smoke taints the air.
nicholas
There! She’s alive.
CHILD, 7, OR SO, BOWS UP WITH CONTEMPT, HER EXPRESSION IMPASSIVE, SELF ABSORBED WITH FEAR AND PAIN.
Beautreu drops to his knees in front of her, screams and babbles, incoherently.
Sengally kneels, caresses her face-attempts to calm Beautreu.
sengally
Her skin is like shoe leather.
LITTLE GIRL PARTIALLY REGAINS CONSCIOUSNESS-PULLS AWAY.
little girl
Get away from me. You killed them, all of them. They meant you no harm.
JO EXAMINES HER LEG, GASHES IN HEAD, ARMS AND BACK, BLOOD FLOWING PROFUSELY.
jo
Right leg is shattered-shrapnel in her face is still hot.
KIERSTI STEPS BACK IN HORROR.
Nicholas kneels, checks her pulse.
nicholas
Not going to make it-lost too much blood.
KIERSTI
(terrified)
Oh God!
NICHOLAS MOTIONS FOR BEAUTREU TO SIT DIRECTLY BEHIND LITTLE GIRL.
She cocks her head to him, eyes lock in passionate desperation-she thinly smiles as life force drains from her.
Nicholas lifts her body into Beautreu’s lap.
Beautreu hyperventilates at the site, frightened for her, lifts his head to heaven, and cries out in desperation, pity.
Beautreu
(apprehension rips across his eyes)
She has hurt no one. Why have you forsaken this innocent little girl. If she is to die, then why must she suffer so?
BEAUTREU REACHES HIS ARMS AROUND HER-KISSES HER CHARRED FACE, HIS HANDS LOVINGLY CARESSES HER MANGLED BODY.
Unconsciously utters a powerful prayer, naked intent stretched out to heaven.
Beautreu
(eyes burn red with spiritual radiance)
In the name of all that’s Holy, I command the forces of Heaven and Earth to make this child whole again.
A WHITE HEAT FORMS AROUND THEM. FEINT CHANTING ECHOES FROM THE DESERT.
Beautreu’s lips move and speak in an unfamiliar language(tongues)
Others step back in awe, blown away by his passion.
Across Heaven’s gulf, an unbelievable power slams into her body-eyes bulge, chest fills with air-coughs.
Galvanized in disbelief, people in nearby caves emerge, walk slowly towards the phenomenon.
Little girl’s eyes open, body, mind and spirit in tact. A smile passes as quickly as it came.
A man(the Sergeant) approaches, drops to his knees.
The little girl reaches for him. His fingers trace her tears.
Little Girl
(heavenly smile)
Father!
HIS EMOTIONS REACH A HEIGHTENED STATE......NO WORDS, ONLY TEARS, FACE OF A MAN GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE. HE REACHES FOR HER. SHE TURNS, CARESSES BEUTREU’S FACE, AND KISSES HIM ON THE CHEEK.
Kiersti and Jo drop to their knees, pray, give thanks.
Sergeant’s troops lay down weapons, rush to his side.
Beautreu stands, then collapses from exhaustion.
Sergeant reaches for Beautreu, his massive arms effortlessly lifts him, sets him down on a horse blanket. He sobs uncontrollably.
Little girl lies down beside Beautreu, wraps her arms around him, her head presses against his chest.
Beautreu regains strength, reaches for her head, runs his fingers through her hair.
Sergeant
Never in my life did I think I would ever come face to face with an angel.
SERGEANT LOOKS TO JO, THEN TO KIERSTI.
kiersti
Your daughter has been given a special blessing, as was I.
SERGEANT STANDS.
sergeant
He’s going to be ok. Words and deeds can never express my gratitude?
SENGALLY
We seek a path, up there!
SERGEANT
The monastery, but why?
JO
It is God’s will.
SERGEANT
Then, it shall be done. My men and I will escort you as far as the Ginsone Pass.
NICHOLAS
(bows with respect)
We are humbled by your generosity.
SERGEANT
We must leave at once. Pakistani jets begin patrol at dawn. We can just make it.
EXT GINSONE PASS – DAWN
Roaring sound of jet burners fill the sky.
sergeant
This is where we get off. Few have ever survived the journey up there. God be with you.
NICHOLAS
(to Jo)
I will accompany Beautreu to the Monastery. Sengally, Kiersti; Jo will go back with you.
SENGALLY
(to Nicholas)
Are you sure about this, my friend?
THE MOUNTAIN IS STEEP AND TREACHEROUS.
JO
Maybe we should all go?
KIERSTI
He just came into my life. I don’t want to lose him now.
NICHOLAS
We will be fine.
BEAUTREU BIDS THEM ALL GOODBYE. HUGS KIERSTI, KISS ON THE CHEEK.
beautreu
(to Kiersti)
Don’t forget me. Someday I will come back to you.
KIERSTI TURNS AWAY, CAN’T BEAR TO WATCH HIM LEAVE.
Beautreu
(whispers to Jo)
You have been my rock and the father I never had. Someday......
EXT NEAR TOP OF MOUNTAIN – DAY
40 feet from top-Nicholas edges Beautreu on. Exhausted, bruised, no energy left, he struggles. Nicholas reaches for his hand, pulls.
beautreu
Think I can make it, now.
NICHOLAS
Take your time
BEAUTREU REACHES FOR PROTRUDING ROCK, PULLS UP, STEPS, BUT NOTHING THERE. HE DANGLES IN AIR, SEARCHING FOR THE ROCK BELOW HIM. HIS HANDS SLIP, FEET DIVE, HITS A SOLID FOUNDATION THAT WASN’T THERE BEFORE.
Nicholas smiles, his eyes gleaming with a secret.
Beautreu’s head snaps to Nicholas, eyes locked in wonderment.
They make it to flat rock a few feet from top.
Nicholas pulls to the top, reaches for Beautreu.
Rising sun’s reflective rays sparkle against snow packed valley.
Beautreu’s eyes glisten with excitement.
Nicholas points to three-story structure on edge of brook.
nicholas
This is your new home.
BEAUTREU IS MESMERIZED.
beautreu
Wonder if heaven is this beautiful?
NICHOLAS
It’s as close as you’ll ever get on earth.
ANXIOUSLY, BEAUTREU RUSHES FORWARD, NICHOLAS LAUGHS AT HIS CHILDLIKE BEHAVIOR. RUNS TO CATCH HIM.
Beautreu sheds some of his clothes, slings them to ground.
beautreu
Feels like spring. Wish Kiersti......Alex were here to see this.
NICHOLAS
Just part of the magic of the mountain.
BEAUTREU ABRUPTLY STOPS.
beautreu
Who are those people up ahead?
NICHOLAS
The master and his staff coming to greet you.
MASTER APPROACHES.
Nicholas
(respectful bow)
God be with you, my friends.
MASTER, 70’S, PRAYING HANDS, BOWS.
master
Have been expecting you. Welcome!
NICHOLAS
We have journeyed far.
MASTER
So, you are the little one I’ve spent my life preparing for.
BEAUTREU
I am honored. It’s said that I am here for a reason.
MASTER
Yes, my child. You are here to find truth, for in truth lies the direct path to God. You alone possess the keys to unlock mankind’s fate.
NOW, LET US BEGIN THE JOURNEY.
NICHOLAS DINES, STAYS THE NIGHT, AND LEAVES THE NEXT MORNING.
ext temple valley – day
Super: Golden wheat fields stretch as far as one can see, Mount Par bat.
Beautreu-baggy sheepskin pants, woolen shirt and coat, mountain boots sewn of tightly knit oxen leather, ramekin head-wrap.
Panoramic backdrop of snow caps graduate to a lush green valley.
Overseer cracks whip over oxen’s head — middle buster plows furrows. Monks follow behind with wooden buckets filled with seed.
Beautreu struggles to keep up.
overseer
(to Beautreu)
Come on boy, no time for lagging. Have to chop wood before dusk.
MAKE A MAN OUT OF YOU, YET.
HANDS BLEEDING, BODY EXHAUSTED, BEAUTREU WIPES SWEAT FROM BROW, QUICKENS THE PACE.
ext mountain lean-to – day
Super: Two years later
, favorite spot for prayer and meditation.
Shabby lean-to - Beautreu sits in silence, closes his eyes in meditative prayer; his mind drifts. A surge of unfamiliar energy flows through his being, his facial expression conducive to visceral ecstasy. He opens his eyes, surroundings are unusually, sharp, clear. He opens the Holy Bible Kiersti had given him years before, pages torn, edges tattered.
A smile of heightened understanding forms. He shoves his books into the travel bag, heads back down the mountain.
int livestock stall – night
Beautreu, milks the last oxen, wipes sweat from brow, pulls up coat collar to shield the cold.
Monk approaches.
Beautreu bows.
monk
Master would like to see you.
INT MASTER’S QUARTERS – NIGHT
Beautreu enters, shows respect.
beautreu
I am your beloved servant, master. You wish to see me?
MASTER
(face wrinkled with sadness)
I have news for you.
MASTER
Tomorrow morning you shall leave here for America by way of Delhi.
BEAUTREU
(mixed emotion)
But......this is my home.
MASTER
You have been a beacon of hope for all of us. Now, you must continue your journey. God has paved the road of your destiny.
BEAUTREU
(lowers his head)
I am sad.
MASTER TIGHTENS BEAUTREU’S COAT LAPEL.
master
Wonder how many times I have done this?
BEAUTREU
(tears)
I stopped counting years ago.
MASTER
My son, I have always known that I have lived for a greater purpose. Never forget the premise that has eluded mankind since the beginning. “Love Alone Will Prevail” has been God’s judgement since the beginning and will be in the end.
BEAUTREU
Will I ever see you again?
MASTER
God will guide you the rest of the way. One day soon, Heaven’s Final Approach will manifest destiny. Remember, the path to salvation is as narrow as the blade of a double-edged sword. Now, I must attend my other sheep. Goodbye my son.
BEAUTREU BOWS TO MASTER, SORROWFUL, THEN LEAVES.
ext outside temple – day
Escorts accompany Beautreu to the edge of the mountain. He says his good-byes, lowers himself down to the flat rock, and takes one more look at his home.
The suns glare streaks through his sight, dark shadows dissolve his view.
It’s all disappears. The monastery, oxen barn, fields of green, his fellow monks and the master, as though they never existed.
He heads down the mountain, feels the loneliness of a man who’s lost everything.
ext train station – morning
Massive twin peaks rise majestically against clear blue, crystalline sky. Morning fog hangs above train track. Train whistle SHRIEKS for first boarding.
Beautreu strides to ticket counter.
ticket master
You’re not from around here?
BEAUTREU
(points)
Been up there for 2 years.
TICKET MASTER
Few men have ever seen the Temple, or lived to tell of it.
BEAUTREU
No man has seen what I’ve seen!
BEAUTREU ENTERS TRAIN.
int train – morning
Super: New Delhi, India
Tosses meager bag under seat, PLOPS down, hugs window for a nap.
Towering figure of a man slings bag overhead, slides to edge of seat.
Trains powers up, pulls out.
Beautreu cuts a lazy eye to the seat invader. The other eye POPS open.
Sengally bursts into a loving, overdue grin, embraces his friend.
beautreu
Great to see a familiar face.
SENGALLY
You, ah......have changed. They fed you well.
BEAUTREU
How’s my girl?
SENGALLY
Misses you, except...she was kidnapped over a year ago. Sarkot’s henchmen.
BEAUTREU
Dear God, Why!
SENGALLY
Looking for you. They beat her unconscious.
BEAUTREU
Will the violence never end?
SENGALLY
She and Jo anxiously await your return.
BEAUTREU
How much farther?
SENGALLY
Only a few more m...
TRAIN CARS BANG TOGETHER, AN EXPLOSION UP AHEAD ON TRACK-TRAIN SLOWS TO STOP.
Bursts of AK-47 fire erupt.
Beautreu and Sengally attempt a quick exit. Troops enter back of train, push people back.
A mother and her 7 year-old child huddle close to window. Child whimpers, body shakes in fear.
A tall, strapping man enters — Sarkot.
He waves his rifle.
sarkot
Nobody make any suspicious moves and maybe you’ll live.
CHILD BREAKS INTO SCREAMING RAGE.
Sarkot SNAPS gun barrel to child’s head.
sarkot
Can’t get a grip, little girl?
SWINGS GUN BARREL TO MOTHER’S HEAD.
sarkot
Would you like for me to shoot your mother?
GIRL QUIETS, SHAKES HEAD, NO.
sarkot
Good. Thought you’d see it my way.
SARKOT LOWERS GUN BARREL, LIFTS UNDER SENGALLY’S CHIN.
sarkot
So, I finally meet the coward of the famed, failed Sinai Expedition.
SENGALLY IS SILENT.
sarkot
Look at me when I talk to you, COWARD! Who’s your friend.
SHIFTS GUN BARREL, LIFTS BEAUTREU’S CHIN.
sarkot
(shouts)
Bet you didn’t know that you have a celebrity aboard; a self-proclaimed Prophet.
BEAUTREU PROUDLY RAISES HIS HEAD, EYES OF STEEL.
beautreu
(looks to others)
A soldier of God, like many of you.
SARKOT LOCKS AND LOADS.
sarkot
(locks eyes with Beautreu)
Enjoyed killing your father almost as much as watching your mother gasp for her last breath. She begged for mercy.
ENRAGED, BEAUTREU LUNGES, RIFLE BUTT CATCHES HIS CHIN, FALLS BACK INTO SEAT.
beautreu
You’re a liar...her life was in God’s hands, not yours.
SHOVES BARREL INTO BEAUTREU’S THROAT. EASES FINGER DOWN ON TRIGGER.
Beautreu swallows hard.
beautreu
You won’t shoot. The scroll is worthless without me.
SARKOT
How do I know that you know anything about it?
BEAUTREU
You wouldn’t be here!
SARKOT MOTIONS TO HIS MEN.
sarkot
Get up you worthless worm. Kill all of them. We can’t have witnesses.
BEAUTREU
No! If they die, you get nothing from me.
SARKOT
How commendable, but you don’t have a vote. Kill them!
MEN LOCK AND LOAD, POINT THEIR GUNS TO MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
Out of nowhere, men on horseback surround train car-M-16’s flash through the windows.(lock and load)
A woman shoves her way in, stops at Sarkot. It's Alex. She lands a hammer of a right cross to his face.
Shocked, Sarkot stumbles, attempts to retaliate. More guns slide through window.
Alex deviously smiles. Beautreu and Sengally overcome with emotion
Beautreu
(to Alex)
But... you’re supposed to be I thought you were dead.
ALEX
(respectful smile)
There are things you do not know about me. Father taught me well.
SARKOT
Should have left you to rot with HIS mother.
BEAUTREU SNAPS A QUICK, POWERFUL UPPERCUT INTO SARKOT’S BELLY CAUSING THE MAN TO DOUBLE OVER, THEN HE POPS A KNEE INTO HIS HEAD.
Beauteu
That’s for my mother and friends.
SARKOT
(catches breath)
You won’t get away with this.
ALEX
We already have.
ALEX REACHES FOR BEAUTREU’S HAND, GRIPS TIGHTLY.
A hand slides to Beautreu’s shoulder from behind.
It’s the Sergeant.
sergeant
Your master informed us of your departure days ago – tailed you from the mountain – saw this maggot pull out ahead of the train.
BEAUTREU
I am grateful.
SERGEANT
Just a little thank you from the past. My daughter sends her regards.
SARKOT SNATCHES THE LITTLE GIRL. PULLS KNIFE FROM PANT LEG SHEATH, SLIDES TO HER THROAT.
Alex takes aim at him with her rifle.
sarkot
Do it and she’ll bleed to death before your eyes.
MOTHER
(hysterical)
NO! Please God, not my baby?
BEAUTREU
You won’t get out of here alive!
SERGEANT
The girl goes no farther than your Jeep. If you attempt to take her, we’ll open fire...understood?
BEAUTREU
You may be good, but don’t think you can outrun 40 M-16’s.
SARKOT
(eases toward exit)
Back off!
SARKOT DROPS LITTLE GIRL, RETREATS INTO DESERT.
alex
(to Beautreu)
Going after him. None of us will be at peace until he is out of the way. Another time, place.
BEAUTREU
Wait! When will I see you again?
ALEX
Remember! Destiny...
SERGEANT, MEN AND ALEX TEAR OUT INTO THE DESERT.
ext oasis outside deliDelhi – day
Car pulls onto sandy beach. Sengally, Beautreu exit.
A man and a young lady emerge from protective trees.
Beautreu catches her eye.
She drops a walking cane. Hobbles towards him. Beautreu takes a few steps, breaks into a gallop.
Their eyes meet, Kiersti stumbles, Beautreu reaches, lifts her to him. They affectionately embrace. Kiersti leans into him, sobs.
kiersti
I never thought I’d see you again.
BEAUTREU
I thought about you every day and lonely nights.
KIERSTI
Not really, you’re too generous
JO, WRINKLED, FROM YEARS OF BEING ON THE RUN, APPROACHES, REACHES HIS ARM AROUND BOTH OF THEM.
jo
Yes, I have changed. Missed you, my not so little friend, anymore.
BEAUTREU LOVINGLY EMBRACES JO.
sengally
We have to go! Not safe here.
JO
Tonight we hash over old times, tomorrow we leave for the Onyx.
BEAUTREU
Onyx?
JO
Remember the Vatican massacre? Scroll was transported to the Onyx for study and safekeeping.
EXT DELHI AIRPORT – DAY
Jo and Beautreu say their good-byes.
Kiersti hugs, kisses Beautreu.
kiersti
God, I hate to leave you again. I’ll be with you in a few days, promise.
INT PLANE – DAY
Jo and Beautreu settle in for the long flight.
Hours later:
Pilot radios to :
pilot
Jacksonville Center, this is November one niner niner Romeo, 23 miles out of Myrtle Beach, approaching coastline. We're encountering moderate to severe turbulence. Do you have any ride reports? Over.
JO AND BEAUTREU TIGHTEN SAFETY BELTS.
EXT PLANE - DAY
Pilot struggles to keep plane in air.
pilot (V.O.)
...Tower, this is November one niner niner Romeo - we're 5 miles out, we just shut down the left engine and we're losing altitude. We're altering course for the beach...we'll be attempting an emergency landing...
PLANE APPROACHES SHORELINE, FLIES OVER ONYX, AN OLD ABANDONED OCEAN OIL RIG OFF THE COAST, THEN TURNS SHARPLY FOR APPROACH.
The 2nd engine shuts down, plane continues to glide.
int plane - day
The pilot pulls hard on stick, to flare the airplane and keep the nose up. Plane levels a bit, shudders, and PLUNGES into the sea.
Beautreu recovers. Sees Jo’s head lacerated, gashed into front instrument panel, blood flows. Water erupts into plane. Pilot is dead, plane slowly sinks, Beautreu struggles with safety belt. Plane sinks beneath waves. He holds his breath, belt snaps open, swims to surface.
Tears won’t flow, shocked, in survival mode.
Boat approaches.
Beautreu gulps a mouthful of seawater, struggles to keep his head above water.
Boat pulls along side.
nicholas
(scans for survivors)
How could this have happened?
BEAUTREU
He’s gone. My best friend in the whole world, taken for no reason..
NICHOLAS
Thank God you made it.
BEAUTREU
Don’t thank God for me!
NICHOLAS
I am so sorry. Give me your hand.
NICHOLAS PULLS HIM INTO THE BOAT.
nicholas
This is Professor Remi.
BEAUTREU
Wish we could have met under happier circumstances.
REMI
God be with your friend, Beautreu. I understand your loss.
BOAT SPEEDS TOWARDS ONYX, MOMENTS LATER, ENTERS RAMP.
ext Onyx – day
Beautreu is in awe at the massive structure before him.
Religious leaders of every nationality conversing, moving about.
remi
Let’s get you to your room.
BEAUTREU SHIVERS.
remi
Get some rest, my son. In a few hours we can chat about the scroll.
BEAUTREU
I want to thank you for saving me.
NICHOLAS
We’ll give you the grand tour when you awake.
BEAUTREU
No, I’ve lost too much. Show me this SCROLL.
INT SCROLL ROOM – DAY
Vault-like structure with steel reinforced bars. Glass case surrounds scroll.
Hindu priests, Christian ministers, Jewish Rabbi’s converse.
Clothes wrinkled, wet, the look of a raggedy bum from the street – Beautreu enters, his gaze riveted on the object before him — a solid ruby table supporting a magnificent, ornate scroll laced in gold, trimmed in diamonds, lying silently in arches of an unfamiliar metal.
His fingers trace across symbols and hieroglyphs. Powerful memories from a past he doesn’t understand, fill his face.
Remi opens it across an adjoining table.
Beautreu reads, skips, then audibly, voice fades in.
Beautreu
...scroll shall bear the mark of timeless promises and man’s destiny. I shall send a man unlike any before. Forsake him not, for he is the essence of my likeness in you.
REMI
There are no words to describe what I felt the moment I laid eyes upon it.
BEAUTREU
Now I understand why so many risked their lives. My DNA is said to be linked to every human on earth – past and present.
REMI
Yes, my special friend. You are God’s messenger and in his likeness.
JEWISH RABBI OVERHEARS CONVERSATION.
rabbi
(doubting smile)
For two years we have waited for answers. Here you are. What revelations can you share with us?
BEAUTREU
(confused)
I...ah... have none. Maybe at a later time...
HINDU PRIEST
...see it in your face. You don’t know!
NICHOLAS ESCORTS BEAUTREU TO ROOM.
int control tower - afternoon
Super: Same day, few hours later.
Beautreu enters control tower.
PHILLIP, 30’S, communications officer, intensely reads a report from National Weather Service.
Beautreu
Clears his throat.
PHILLIP
(shakes hands)
Oh, sorry. You must be Beautreu. I’m Phillip, in charge of everything no one else likes to do.
BEAUTREU
Looking for Remi or Nicholas. Said they would show me around.
PHILLIP
In a meeting with leaders of various religious groups. I’ll be glad to give you the grand tour.
BEAUTREU
Thanks, where do we begin?
PHILLIP
You’ve already seen the first deck, scroll room, so let’s hit the second and third ones. This place is massive.
EXT 2ND DECK-ONYX – DAY
Phillip points out advantages of the structural components. They pass by a small box-like reinforced structure with 1-inch steel bars in the door.
beautreu
(points)
What’s the bars and steel door?
PHILLIP
Thieves…we get 1 or 2 every month.
BEAUTREU
Can we take a peek?
PHILLIP
Don’t think so. They’re some of the most dangerous criminals in the world.
BEAUTREU
Would be grateful if I could look through the bars.
PHILLIP
Well, guess it couldn’t hurt.
PHILLIP’S PAGER BEEPS. CHECKS IT.
phillip
Have to get back to tower. Red-letter message coming in from National Weather Service.
PHILLIP RUSHES TO TOWER.
Beautreu peers through bars, spots a woman leaning against the back wall – long, black, silken hair, jeans and Key West shirt. He strains to get a fix in the darkness.
beautreu
(shouts)
ALEX?
WOMAN TURNS, SMILES, RUSHES TO DOOR, SLIDES FINGERS THROUGH THE BARS, TOUCHES HIS.
Alex
Oh my God, Beautreu.
BEAUTREU
What in heaven’s name are you doing in there?
ALEX
Long story, but I assure you, my intentions were honorable.
REMI AND NICHOLAS APPROACH
remi
Well my boy, is Phillip treating you right?
BEAUTREU
This girl – I know her. She is not a criminal.
REMI
She gassed my guards and almost got away with the scroll.
BEAUTREU
Nicholas, this is Alexandra, the girl who saved me at the train station.
NICHOLAS
Are you sure she is the one?
REMI
We need to discuss this in private.
BEAUTREU
Soon Alex!
INT CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT
Phillip sits behind computer desk. Reads second update on approaching storm.
remi
What’s this about the girl saving your life?
BEAUTREU
It’s true. I’d be dead now if not for her bravery.
REMI
Who is she?
BEAUTREU
Alexandra Burton.
REMI
You mean, the daughter of the woman that killed your mother.
PHILLIP RISES UP IN CHAIR, HIS INTEREST PIQUED.
phillip
Did you say that she is here?
BEAUTREU
How do you know her?
PHILLIP
(clears throat)
Oh, I don’t, just heard the professor speak of her.
PHILLIP PUNCHES THE COMPUTER, PULLS UP AN E-ADDRESS, AND ATTEMPTS TO SEND A MESSAGE TO SOMEONE.
Lights blink, machinery clicks off, then on. Power shuts down.
remi
What’s happening?
PHILLIP
Could have something to do with this?
PHILLIP HANDS REMI NWS UPDATE.
remi
Says that a powerful tropical system has formed just 500 miles south of us, heading NW. Strong electromagnetic surges have disrupted power all along the East Coast.
NICHOLAS
Never heard of a tropical system with power surges.
REMI
Apparently, neither has the NWS
THEY CAN’T MAKE HEADS OR TAILS OF IT. SAYS THAT LANDFALL IS EXPECTED IN TWO DAYS WITH WINDS EXCEEDING 150 MPH, BUT COULD VEER NE.
NICHOLAS
Phillip, when were you planning to show this to us?
PHILLIP
Ah, right away, sir.
REMI
You’re acting mighty strange lately. Got something on your mind?
PHILLIP
No sir...just concerned about the storm. Better check back up generators.
REMI
Tomorrow, we’ll take another look. May have to evacuate. Phillip, I need you to pick up two friends of mine from Myrtle Beach Airport. They'll be in around midnight.
PHILLIP
Yes sir, but, can’t you send someone else. I need to be here with you...the power problem, sir?
REMI
We’ll be fine. You should leave around 10 p.m.
PHILLIP
Yes sir.
REMI
Now, Beautreu, tell me about this girl.
EXT ONYX DOCKING BAY – NIGHT
Super: 10:30 p.m.
Frogmen in black water-tights steal their way up the boat ramp.
ext. onyx - night
Sarkot leads the frogmen to the first level. He climbs steps, disables guard, and continues to destination — Beautreu's room. Men pull their side arms, ready to invade. Sarkot jimmies the lock, and quietly enters.
int. beautreu's room
Beautreu, asleep, slightly disturbed, rolls over, opens his eyes. A 45 automatic is snubbed against his nose.
sarkot
(rips off mask)
Well, did you miss me?
BEAUTREU
Only the Jackals of hell would miss a devil like you.
SARKOT
You have a way with words and you're very important to me. This time I won’t fail.
BEAUTREU
You mean the scroll is important to you.
SARKOT
Get up, we're going for a short pleasure cruise.
EXT ONYX DOCKING BAY – NIGHT
Beautreu is shoved forward, stumbles, lands at a woman’s feet. He looks up. It's Evonne.
evonne
You corrupted my daughter with your self-righteous propaganda.
BEAUTREU
Your daughter has a mind of her own. Not even you can control her spirit.
EVONNE BACKHANDS HIM ACROSS THE FACE.
evonne
Get him out of here!
OUT OF DARKNESS, A BOAT PULLS ALONG SIDE RAMP.
Sarkot shoves Beautreu into boat.
Evonne steps inside. Guard comes to. She bashes his head with the butt of her automatic.
Boat speeds into the night.
ext ocean - night
A mile out, engine cuts.
sarkot
Well my boy, you have an opportunity to save your self.
EVONNE SNICKERS.
sarkot
If you’re the so-called messenger from God, tell us the secret of the scroll, or face the music of the deep.
BEAUTREU
God needs no one to speak for him. His message is clear. Repent or lose salvation.
SARKOT
(enraged)
Kill him!
GUNS LOCK AND LOAD.
Beautreu dives into sea.
Hot lead tears through choppy water, rips into Beautreu’s chest.
Blood seeps to surface.
Sarkot speeds away.
Moments Later:
Beautreu’s lifeless body, sinks.
A single black cloud shadows moon. A rumble – planet earth shudders.
Powerful burst of cosmic energy burns path to sea depths; his body soars upward, cuts through the water like a surfacing submarine.
His chest expands, life force permeates every nerve ending.
He drifts towards shore.
cut to:
EXT ONYX – MORNING
Phillip finds fresh blood at edge of boat ramp. Helps guard to his feet.
phillip
What happened?
GUARD
(rubs sore head)
At least 20 men wearing black tights, overpowered us.
TOOK BEAUTREU WITH THEM.
PHILLIP
The Professor will flip.
NICHOLAS AND REMI RUSH DOWN THE RAMP STEPS.
nicholas
We’re too late. They’ve taken him.
REMI
Who?
NICHOLAS
Had to be Sarkot. He won’t rest until he gets his hand on the scroll.
REMI
But, he didn’t steal the scroll.
PHILLIP HANDS REMI A PIECE OF PAPER FOUND IN BEAUTREU’S ROOM.
Remi reads.
Remi
He must have written it last night.
NICHOLAS
(reads)
Says that Alexandra is on our side. Her help is invaluable.
REMI
Phillip, get the girl in here.
ALEX ENTERS.
nicholas
(to Alex)
They took him last night.
ALEX
God, we’re too late!
REMI
Young lady, would you please tell me what’s going on here?
ALEX
Somehow, Sarkot and my mother found out that Beautreu came down from the mountain.
NICHOLAS
(to Alex)
Yes, Beautreu spoke of you many times, but why did you attempt to steal the scroll?
ALEX
I overheard mother and Sarkot planning to steal it. I could not let that happen. I would have returned it.
NICHOLAS
I believe her.
ALEX
If Beautreu doesn’t tell Sarkot what he wants to know, he will kill him.
NICHOLAS
Then, he is already dead. God will not reveal his plan to anyone until it’s time.
REMI
(to Nicholas)
How do you know so much about this?
NICHOLAS
Doesn’t matter now. We have to find him.
ALEX
I’d like to search the beach. Maybe, just maybe he made it to shore.
REMI SHAKES HIS HEAD IN DOUBT.
ext shoreline - day
Runabout cruises, Alex and Phillip aboard.
They scan the shoreline, find nothing.
Phillip
He's not here. Might as well go back to the Onyx.
ALEX
We’ll give it another shot tomorrow.
EXT PAWLEY’S ISLAND – DAY
Super: Pawley’s Island, S.C. North-end.
Big, red, sun blazes against clear blue sky. Waveless sea sparkles with hypnotic resonance.
Candy apple red pick-up pulls into grassy, beach parking lot. Teenagers from Life Source Spiritual Center exit back of truck, scamper across hot, black tar pavement to beach entrance.
JAKE MARDI, 17, reaches for play script from truck dashboard.
jake
(shouts)
Hey, you guys...only have a few more days before we have to do this thing, for real.
RACHAEL, 17, FLIRTY, SLINGS HOLLY BERRIES AT JAKE.
rachael
Why do we have to do Jesus and His Disciples? Why not Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet?
JAKE
I don’t make the rules, Rach.
RACHAEL
I’m not doing Mary Magdalen. Don’t see why I have to be the slut.
SHAWN, 17, DOES A BACK FLIP, LANDS IN FRONT OF RACHAEL.
shawn
Don’t you know...sluts have more fun.
BRITTANY, 17, SHAWN’S GIRLFRIEND, DISGUSTED, HANDS ON HIP.
brittany
(to Shawn)
Is that right? How do you know so much?
SHAWN
Oops, I meant blondes have more fun.
WESSLEY, 17, LAUGHS.
Wessley tears out down path to beach, others follow.
Jake slow walks, makes corrections to script.
Wessley approaches beach, sees a body swaying in shallow, breakers.
Shouts to others.
Wessley
Hey, you guys. Need some help!
WESSLEY CHECKS FOR PULSE.
Shawn kneels, Brittany and Rachael off at a distance.
Jake hears panic in their voices, strides down.
jake
Roll him over.
BRITTANY
Jesus. He’s been shot in the chest.
RACHAEL FREAKS, RUNS TOWARD PARKING LOT.
shawn
Brittany, go after her. Bring the truck.
JAKE
Have to get him to a hospital, he’s barely alive...maybe my sister will know what to do.
WESSLEY
For God’s sake. He’s been shot. Your sister is a registered nurse!
JAKE
Nearest one is 10 miles, center is only 2. I’ll take responsibility, since no one else has the guts.
TRUCK BACKS TO BEACH ENTRANCE. THEY CAREFULLY LAY BEAUTREU ONTO TRUCK BED, SPEED AWAY.
ext spiritual center – day
Super: South end-Pawley’s Island, S.C.
Truck slams to a stop in front of registration office.
Jake clears truck side rail.
MOMENTS LATER:
CANDY, 30’S, Jake’s sister, rushes out with medical bag, checks vitals.
rachael
Can’t believe this is happening. Feels dirty.
BRITTANY
Get a grip, Rach!
RACHAEL GASPS.
rachael
(shakes a finger)
H-I-S chest. Oh my God. Where’s the gunshot wound?
CANDY
Nothing wrong with his chest, but he needs rest – lucky to be alive.
JAKE
We all saw it – the gunshot wound.
CANDY
I think all of you have had a little more sun than the Lord allows. Take him to Pinewood cabin.
A WAVE OF FEAR AND SUSPICION ENSUES.
Truck backs to cabin front door.
jake
We all have to help carry him in – Rach and Brittany.
BRITTANY
(petrified)
Not me! Horror movies are made from this kind of stuff.
RACHAEL
(stomps away)
Going to my cabin...don’t want any part of it.
SAME DAY, HOURS LATER, OUTSIDE BEAUTREU’S CABIN
Chatter is mixed.
shawn
Guess we need to cancel the play?
WESSLEY
(to Jake)
Can’t cancel, it’s the highlight of the summer and your Candy’s worked so hard.
BRITTANY
But how, after this?
RACHAEL
Mother warned me about people like him...appears to be one thing and really something else. Looks evil!
BRITTANY
Looks saintly to me.
JAKE
All of you get a grip.
GENTLE, ALLURING BREEZE BLOWS THROUGH COMPOUND, SWEET SMELL OF LILAC PERMEATES THE AIR.
Out of character, Shawn creeps behind Rachael, reaches around her neck, locks arms, eases his body close to hers, snuggles his head against her neck, losing himself in the scent of her hair.
Brittany
(embarrassed)
I...ah...think maybe the two of you should find a place not so crowded?
ENTRANCED, RACHAEL LEANS HER HEAD INTO HIS, GENTLE MOANING SOUNDS VIBRATE SEXUAL SIGNALS.
brittany
(shouts)
For God’s sake, Shawn, get a grip! If I’m not enough for you......at least find some place private to violate my trust.
GENTLE BREEZE SUBSIDES – SMELL OF LILAC, DISAPPEARS.
Shawn, Rachael snap out of embrace.
Rachael turns, thrust palms to his chest.
Shawn stumbles, recovers, glances to Brittany’s tearful, hurt face, then to Jake, Wessley, STUNNED, then makes a mad dash for the boat dock.
Rachael sits on ground, arms wrapped around knees(fetal position), head buried against her chest.
In shock, they disburse.
ext woods – afternoon
Jake walks along mile long sandy beach road. 300 year-old oak trees canopy evening sun, contemplates days events.
From behind a scrub oak, Brittany darts out.
jake
Love those shorts.
BRITTANY
It’s the legs you’re looking at, big boy. Besides, you have a girlfriend back home. What if she knew you were hitting on me?
JAKE
She trusts me.
BRITTANY
Just kidding!
JAKE
Shawn loves you – was something else.
BRITTANY
I know...gunshot wounds don’t just disappear, they heal.
JAKE
(smiles)
He had no identification.
BRITTANY
Better get back. Movie starts at 7 p.m. that is if we’re all still getting together.
JAKE
Can’t let this tear us or our routine apart. It’s summer vacation, for God’s sake and I’m going to enjoy it.
INT TV ROOM – NIGHT
TV is turned to their favorite movie channel.
Group sits quietly waiting for movie to begin.
Credits roll, opening scene, interrupted by a SPECIAL BULLETIN from NWS.
jake
Hate it when they do that, right at the beginning of the movie.
BRITTANY
yeah, they could wait until we’ve seen some of it.
MUCH NEEDED LAUGH BREAKS OUT.
SPECIAL BULLETIN-rolls across screen...Begin: tropical system developing 500 miles SE Myrtle Beach, S.C., heading NNW...expected to strengthen to category 4 or 5. Electromagnetic impulses feed direction and speed...landfall possible, but not expected...powerful high pressure developing off S.C. east coast expected to steer storm out to sea...next update: 12 midnight...end
wessley
First real storm of the season. What do they mean, electromagnetic impulses?
RACHAEL
We’re like...sitting ducks.
JAKE
Didn’t you read it, Rach...said expected it to go out to sea.
SHAWN
Hope so...the play is in 2 days.
JAKE
Won’t be one unless we all pull together.
BRITTANY
There’ll be one. I’ve been looking forward to this all year and nothing is going to ruin it for me, not even a mystery body on the beach.
SCREEN DOOR FLINGS OPEN.
Beautreu pokes head inside.
Group gasps.
Beautreu
Sorry for the interruption – hope I’m not intruding.
JAKE
(inhales, stands)
No...you’re...ah, not. Come on in, sit.
ALL IS SILENCE.
Jake makes introductions.
Beautreu
(to Jake)
Your sister explained that all of you saved me...don’t know how to thank you?
RACHAEL STORMS OUT DOOR, LEANS UP AGAINST OUTSIDE WALL, LIGHTS UP A CIGARETTE, LISTENS.
shawn
Don’t mind her. She’s gets that way sometimes.
BEAUTREU
I’m sure you wonder who I am. Truth is I don’t remember. Whatever happened to me out there took away my past.
BRITTANY
(compassionate)
You seem to need a friend.
BEAUTREU
Seems I may have found many who care.
JAKE IS LOST FOR WORDS. BLURTS OUT HIS NEXT THOUGHTS.
jake
We’re having a play in two days. Jesus and His Disciples. Maybe you could join us, even help us get it together.
RACHAEL HEARS JAKE’S OFFER, STORMS IN.
rachael
How could you do that. You don’t even know him. This is our play, our summer vacation...for all we know, he could be a mass murderer!
BEAUTREU
(to Rachael)
I understand your frustration.
RACHAEL
Not even half of it!
BEAUTREU
I do know something about Jesus...don’t understand why, but...I FEEL a connection.
WESSLEY
Let’s give him a chance.
BRITTANY
Maybe...we should.
SHAWN
I’m willing.
JAKE
Rach?
FINDS AN UNSURE, UNEXPLAINABLE MOMENT OF COMPASSION.
rachael
Well, if the rest of you feel that way...maybe.
BEAUTREU
I’ll try to live up to your expectations.
INT DINING HALL – AFTERNOON
Super: After rehearsal.
Crowd gathers around table.
Beautreu sits between Jake and Rachael.
Candy squeezes between Shawn and Brittany.
candy
(to Beautreu)
I’m amazed at how much you know about the Bible.
BEAUTREU
It’s the least I could do. By the way, how did this place come to be.Thanks.
CANDY
Many years ago a holy man from the Far East purchased the property, set it up as a sanctuary for people of all religions. If fact, his nephews will be in the play.
SHAWN
They’re really cool. Even wheelchairs don’t dampen Jabba and Pelae’s sprits.
JAKE
(to Beautreu)
Have to admit, we would never have put this together for tomorrow night without your help.
RACHAEL
Maybe you are some kind of minister in real life.
WESSLEY
This is real life, Rach.
SHAWN LAUGHS, SPAGHETTI DROOLS DOWN HIS CHIN.
Rachael
(to Wessley)
You’re a pig...it’s your third plate.
SHAWN
(to Wessley)
She’s right, you know?
BRITTANY
Takin' up for her, are you? Still haven’t learned your lesson, yet?
GROUP LAUGHS.
Beautreu
Thanks for the gracious hospitality – just wish I could find my place in life.I'm thankful for your hospitality.
JAKE
I know where your place in you fit into the play should be.
CANDY
What are you saying?.
JAKE
He should be Jesus – knows the lines better than I do, and he'sis a natural.
BEAUTREU
Don’t know?
CANDY
Yes...it’s fitting. Tomorrow morning, I’ll head into town – see if can find a costume that fits.
ALL AGREE, SETTLED.
ext beach – day
Super: Next day(day of the play)
Hot sun scorches dunes, gray.
Ocean is a glassy mirror, deceptively inviting.
Beneath surface – strong undertow develops from approaching storm.
Group frolics on beach.
Shawn steals a quick kiss on the cheek from Brittany – races into the cool, placid sea.
Jake and Wessley tread shallow breakers through their toes, scanning for seashells.
Rachael walks with Beautreu, breaks off, and joins Shawn and Brittany.
Beautreu strolls aimlessly down beach and out of sight.
A man and woman in a boat cruise the shoreline, slow, scan the shore for someone, then pick up speed.
jake
(to Wessley)
Did you see that?
WESSLEY
What?
JAKE
Man in that boat had a gun. Looked like a sniper’s rifle.
WESSLEY
Just your eyes playing tricks – probably a fishing rod.
JAKE
My dad has one. I know what it looks like.
BOAT DIMINISHES FROM SIGHT.
ext fishing pier - day
Beautreu walks under fishing pier, emerges on other side.
Boat moves closer to shore.
ext boat - day
INSERT: Scope crosshair zeroes in, Beautreu in its sights.
evonne (v.o.)
It’s him. Our contact was right.
SARKOT PEERS TOWARD THE SHORE.
sarkot
Must be with that damn group from the spiritual center. Can’t do it now. They saw us.
EVONNE
Their play is tonight. Tickets are on every store counter in Myrtle Beach.
SARKOT
Finally, my love – your dream will come true.
EVONNE
Tonight we kill him, tomorrow we steal the scroll and I will be yours, forever.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT ONYX CONTROL TOWER – AFTERNOON
A sad Professor Remi stares aimlessly through glass window.
Nicholas enters.
nicholas
Scroll is secure.
REMI
He was our last hope, you know?
NICHOLAS
God is your last hope.
REMI
How can you be so upbeat?
NICHOLAS
Like you, I trust God.
REMI
How can the sea be so calm with a major storm less than 300 miles away.
NICHOLAS
(eyes glisten)
Things are not always as they seem.
REMI CAST A SUDDEN STARE OF BEWILDERMENT.
remi
What do you mean by that?
NICHOLAS
Nothing...we have to make plans to leave, you know.
REMI
Maybe, maybe not.
NICHOLAS
The scroll is our primary concern, now.
REMI
Not sure I even care anymore.
PHILLIP AND ALEX ENTER. LAUGHTER FILLS THE ROOM.
remi
You two seem to hit it off.
PHILLIP
She’s beautiful, intelligent and laughs at my corny jokes. What’s not to love.
ALEX
We seem to have a special connection.
REMI SITS.
remi
Phillip. We need more information about this storm. Send NWS a request for latest info.
PHILLIP
Sir, we received the latest only two hours ago.
REMI
(arrogant)
Just do it...damn it.
REMI STORMS OUT DOOR.
alex
What’s wrong with him?
NICHOLAS
Feels like his whole life has been for nothing.
ALEX
Oh...it’s Beautreu – know how he feels.
PHILLIP
(to Alex)
Not you too? We were having such a good time.
ALEX
Can’t get him out of my mind.
NICHOLAS
None of us will ever forget the people he’s touched.
CUT TO:
EXT WOODED AREA – DAY
Super: edge of compound.
Under cover of dancing shadows, there is subtle movement. Outline of two people well camouflaged, inch forward.
Light melts through trees, reflect off Russian made sniper rifles.
The two people dart and dash from behind trees, edging closer to auditorium entrance.
Outline of their faces momentarily flicker in diminished sunlight, black war paint streaks cold, determined cheeks, but not identifiable.
Figures emerge from behind pump house – races 30 feet – enters double doors.
cut to:
EXT BEACH - DAY
Rachael strikes out into deeper water, taunting Jake and Wessley to follow.
Brittany dives to surprise Rachael, but doesn't resurface.
Shawn panics.
shawn
Oh no! Where is she?
FRANTIC, THEY SEARCH, BUT NOTHING.
Minutes pass.
Wessley
Can’t just stand here. Have to do something.
JAKE
What? Where’s our friend?
WESSLEY
Forget him...Brittany, remember?
FRANTIC, RACHAEL MAKES IT TO BEACH – RUNS UP AND DOWN, BUT NOTHING.
20 MINUTES PASS:
RACHAEL
(points down beach)
There! It’s Brittany.
GROUP STRIKES OUT.
Shawn reaches underneath her battered body, rests her head in his lap.
shawn
Thought I’d lost you forever.
WESSLEY
What happened?
BRITTANY
(spits water)
I reached out to touch Rachael’s leg, then... was swept out to sea by...an undertow, I guess. I swam parallel to shore, but nothing I did would release its pull.
JAKE
How’d you break free?
BRITTANY
(weeps)
I didn’t. I felt a hand reach for me, pull me to the surface. There was a sound singing......I heard singing.
RACHAEL
You must have died and gone to heaven.
JAKE
Not good, Rach!
BEAUTREU SUDDENLY EMERGES FROM BEHIND A DUNE WITH A BUCKET FULL OF SEASHELLS AND...HUMMING.
BEAUTREU
...up in the sky where the angels lie, father’s gonna give us one more try. If we spread our wings and fly, father’s gonna sing us a lullaby.
BRITTANY
That’s it...that’s what I heard.
BEAUTREU
Hi all...what’s going on?
JAKE
As if you didn’t know.
BEAUTREU
Been gathering seashells.
BEAUTREU DUMPS THEM IN THE SAND.
Beautreu
Been around every house on this block. Found some neat stuff, then I remembered someone – a name, face and a warm, special feeling – Kiersti.
A LOOK PASSES AMONG THE GROUP, ONE THEY WILL NEVER FORGET.
jake
Storm’s brewing. We need to get ready for the play.
WESSLEY
Yeah, your sis is probably standing on her head.
SHAWN
Hope the NWS is right. If it hits, there goes our play.
INT ONYX CONTROL TOWER – DUSK
Phillip ponders latest update from NWS.
Alex reads from a book (Seventh Light), given her by Beautreu.
remi
(to Phillip)
What’s the news?
PHILLIP
Not good. Advises immediate evacuation.
REMI
Let me see that. Says that storm is still expected to veer away.
NICHOLAS
Precautionary.
PHILLIP
(to Remi)
Something else. I contacted my friend in Coral Gables. In confidence, he said that the center has never tracked anything like this.
NICHOLAS
Sounds as if we could be fighting more than a hurricane.
REMI
Nonsense! We’re staying, but... guess better send the others to the mainland. Tell them to take nothing but the shirts on their backs. When this is over, we’ll get 'em back.
CUT TO:
INT AUDITORIUM – NIGHT
Actors racing in every direction for last minute paraphernalia.
Audience trickles in.
Shawn and Brittany are basket cases.
Rachael and Wessley tie back each other’s robe.
Jake stands in control, converses with the Beautreu.
jake
Sure hope Candy gets the twins here on time. Could be tons of traffic between here and the airport.
WESSLEY STREAKS BY.
jake
(reaches for Wessley’s tunic)
Whoa! Did you check that dangling light fixture above the press box?
CAN’T HAVE IT FALL WITH ALL THESE PEOPLE AROUND.
WESSLEY
Ah...geez Jake, not now...I checked it days ago and it was ok.
JAKE
Sorry...Candy’s not back. Just want to make sure everything’s done.
WESSLEY
Understand. Gotta go.
BEAUTREU
Lighten up, Jake. It’s going to be a huge success.
STRONG WIND GUST – BLOWS EXIT DOOR OPEN.
jake
God, I hope this storm doesn’t hit.
BEAUTREU
Think positive.
JAKE
(laughs)
Easy for you. You can’t remember the past.
CUT TO:
EXT ONYX CONTROL TOWER – NIGHT
Onyx is a ghost town.
Phillip sits in front of computer, waiting for next NWS update.
Storm intensifies, waves break over boarding deck.
Final update comes in.
phillip
(reads)
Direct to ONYX: Impending danger. Storm track has changed...heading WNW towards Myrtle Beach coastline...landfall expected between Pawley’s Island and Myrtle Beach...winds at landfall, 130-160mph...wave heights predicted at 25 to 30 feet...Onyx rated for category 2 max...cannot sustain category 4 or 5...repeat – cannot sustain...end
REMI
My God. What have I done? We’re all going to die.
NICHOLAS
Not in this lifetime. Phillip, come with me...must get the scroll in waterproof casing. Professor, you and Alex secure a boat. We’ll make a run for it...with a little luck and a blessing or two...
REMI
What’s the use – can’t outrun 25 foot waves in a runabout.
NICHOLAS
PROFESSOR REMI, get yourself together. Like you said, we have to have faith.
EXT BOAT RAMP – NIGHT
Alex and Remi desperately hold onto steel supports, staring at an empty docking bay.
Prickling torrents of rain, 80mph winds unleash fury, waves pound over 2nd deck.
Communications tower glass window shatters.
Phillip and Nicholas approach, notice empty ramp.
nicholas
Oh God, have mercy.
REMI
Think he’s run out of blessings.
NICHOLAS SIDESTEPS PHILLIP, PEERS BEHIND THEM TO EVIL’S ASSAULT.
His eyes glow with determination, turns back.
nicholas
No choice, have to jump.
ALEX
Jump, I’d rather die here.
ONYX SHUDDERS FROM PRESSURE, STEEL BEAMS COLLAPSE.
nicholas
We’re all in this together, make it to shore together. Professor, take the scroll – stay close – hold onto me. If we separate, pass the scroll.
REMI
Understood.
NICHOLAS
Alex, you and Phillip jump together – don’t let go. Ready?
NICHOLAS AND REMI JUMP INTO THE DARKNESS OF A RAGING SEA.
alex
Ready?
PHILLIP PULLS AWAY FROM ALEX, JUMPS ALONE.
Alex follows.
Evil’s monster storm makes a sharp turn to west, forward speed slows, Satan’s head turns, views his options.
Wave heights increase to 30 feet, plus. Wind force increases to 120 mph.
Alex desperately searches for Phillip, screams, lungs fill with water – body soars from the depths of the wave valley to its white cap peaks.
Alex feels something grab her life jacket.
She screams.
phillip
(gasps to breathe)
It’s ok - just me. Stay calm.
HOLD ONTO ME – DON’T LET GO.
ALEX REACHES AROUND HIM, SCARED OUT OF HER WITS.
alex
(tears)
Don’t think I’m going to make it.
PHILLIP
You have to. Can’t do this alone.
ALEX
Have you seen Nicholas, Remi.
PHILLIP
(pain shoots through body)
Only for a moment.
ALEX
(frantic)
What’s wrong with you?
Phillip leans into her...his body overcome from blood loss.
phillip
Have to tell you something.
ALEX
No, save your strength. I can’t do this alone, either.
PHILLIP
(tears)
Listen to me. My leg is severed. I betrayed you...was paid by Sarkot and your mother to tell them about Beautreu.
ALEX
No...you didn’t...how could you? I cared for you.
PHILLIP
No matter what happens, hold onto me. My body and life jacket will be your raft.
PHILLIPS HEAD SINKS INTO THE WATER. HE IS DEAD. ALEX GASPS FROM BETRAYAL AND THE POWER OF THE WAVES.
She focuses on dim light from shoreline.
SAME SCENE:
Nicholas and Remi struggle to hold on to one another.
Scroll's leather strap wraps around Remi’s neck.
Remi struggles to loosen it, drifts away from Nicholas
Nicholas reaches for his friend.
Remi drifts farther away, slips leather strap over his head, shoves scroll to Nicholas, continues to drift in direction of evil’s poisonous rampage.
remi
(shouts)
He can have me, but the scroll will never be his.
MONSTER 50FT WAVE DEVELOPS DIRECTLY BEHIND REMI, PROBING TENTACLES ABOUT TO SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF ANYTHING IN ITS PATH.
Remi smiles at his friend as he drift closer to Satan’s grip.
Remi prays.
Nicholas looks to heaven, makes a decision, snaps head to heaven, eyes illuminate 100 feet in all directions. At the speed of light forges a protective vacuum around his friend...then he commands:
nicholas
In the name of all that is Holy, I command thee to leave this place.
WAVE HEIGHTS INCREASE, ONSLAUGHT MORE INTENSE, REBELLIOUS.
Remi drifts further into Satan’s clutches.
Nicholas reaches underneath the water, grasps scroll casing with both hands, raises it high above head, his angelic power intensifies from its radiance. He CHALLENGES:
NICHOLAS
If it is destruction you seek, it is destruction you shall have...
NICHOLAS SLAMS SCROLL CASING INTO THE SEA, SEAL BREAKS – ELECTRIFYING FLAMES SHOOT ACROSS THE SURFACE OF THE SEA, SEEKS ITS TARGET, SLAMS INTO 50FT WAVE, BURNS TO CORE, ENCAPSULATES, SENDS ITS NAUSEATING BLACKNESS BACK TO HELL.
Sea calms, clouds disappear, moon shines full.
Alex swims to Nicholas.
Remi is in a daze, swims to his friend.
remi
Who are you?
NICHOLAS
Fear not, professor. I am an angel of the lord, thy God, sent to oversee delivery of his Holy Message.
REMI
What message?
NICHOLAS
The day, the hour, the moment has arrived. You have been searching for its truth your whole life. Soon, you and the world will know.
ALEX, ARE YOU OK?
ALEX
Yes, I think so. Phillip was a mole.
NICHOLAS
Yes, I know.
REMI
But, if you knew?
ALEX'S BODY IS SUDDENLY THRUST FORWARD, HEAD SLAMS INTO THE WATER.
remi
What is it Alex?
ALEX
(eyes cloudy, mysterious)
I’m ok.
NICHOLAS
No time. About a mile inland an event will take place that will change man’s destiny forever. We must hurry. Here Alex, take the scroll.
ALEX REACHES FOR THE SCROLL, SHARPLY DRAWS BACK, NAUSEATED.
alex
Ah...no...Remi should do the honors.
ON SHORE, REMI STRUGGLES TO KEEP UP. NICHOLAS LOOKS BACK TO ALEX, HER EYES FLICKER RED.
cut to:
EXT SPIRITUAL CENTER PARKING LOT – NIGHT
Moonlight illuminates the damp darkness.
Black limo pulls into parking lot – stops.
Limbs and debris cover hood.
Shawn and Brittany enter from makeshift dressing room.
Jake exits from stage room.
Candy exits car, rushes around to open door for twins.
candy
(to Jake)
Whew! The storm...didn’t think we were going to make it...but it ended so fast.
JAKE
It’s gone, Sis. Don’t know how or why, but it’s over.
BRITTANY OPENS CAR PASSENGER SIDE.
brittany
Welcome to the center.
JABBA, 60’S, SMILES.
jabba
Thanks for the warm welcome...and such a beautiful smile. I’m Jabba, this is my brother, Pelae.
PELAE, 60’S, ROLLS DOWN WINDOW.
pelae
Sorry for the tardiness. Flight in Purna was delayed...was quite a stir.
WESSLEY STROLLS UP, HIS MOUTH CRAMMED WITH LEFTOVERS.
Brittany
Geez Wessley...some things never change.
WESSLEY
(mumbles with mouth full)
What happened?
JABBA
A woman wearing a black robe with a Satanic Star around her neck appeared out of nowhere.
PELAE
She was pushing an old, rusty, shopping cart.
PELAE
She knelt down in front of my wheelchair.
JABBA
Then she recited the Lord’s Prayer, backwards, moved her hands up and down my legs saying over and over...Your legs are my legs, not his, not yours.
PELAE
We live in a land of many faiths, but our Lord and Savior is and always has been, Jesus Christ.
BEAUTREU ROUNDS THE CORNER.
candy
Speaking of the man himself. This man has done wonders for our play.
BEAUTREU REACHES HAND THROUGH WINDOW TO GREET JABBA, LEANS DOWN, MAKES EYE CONTACT.
Sharp pain rips through Jabba’s shoulders, down his lower back, legs.
His eyes widen in disbelief.
Pelae notices his brother’s discomfort.
pelae
Are you ok, my brother?
JABBA IS SPEECHLESS.
Beautreu
Many apologies for being the last one to greet you. My robe is see through, had to find something to wear underneath.
GROUP LAUGHS.
Jabba regains composure.
jabba
No apologies necessary. For a moment I thought you were...
JAKE
(interrupts)
He has that effect on all of us. Sometimes I think he’s from another planet.
JABBA
Or beyond!
PELAE
If we could rest a few minutes before the play begins?
SHAWN, BRITTANY ESCORT TWINS TO THEIR ROOM.
Candy approaches Jake.
candy
What’s with this storm? Heard on the radio that people on that abandoned oilrig off coast had moved inland.
JAKE
Don’t care...as long as it’s really gone.
INT AUDITORIUM – NIGHT
Cast enters stage behind drawn curtain.
Candy bites her nails in anticipation.
Shawn, Rachael pushes Pelae and Jabba to their places.
Brittany peeks between curtains, auditorium filled to capacity – knees tremble.
rachael
(to Shawn)
Where did all these people come from? Thought we only sold 200 tickets.
CANDY
Man at the airport said that many religious leaders from the Onyx purchased the last of the tickets.
RACHAEL
Now, I’m really scared. Bet they are judgmental.
CANDY
They are most welcome...just never had this many people here before.
WESSLEY
Geez...what’s taking so long to get the curtain up?
CANDY
(to Jake)
Did you check out that old light fixture above the press box, like I asked you to?
JAKE
Wessley said it was ok. Maybe we should double-check it.
CANDY
(peers to ceiling)
Too late, now...should be ok.
YOU GUYS READY?
GROUP NODS, OK.
Curtain goes up.
Candy walks to center stage.
candy
Your community Spiritual Center proudly presents: JESUS AND HIS DESCIPLES.
CROWD ROARS WITH APPLAUSE.
Members of Onyx stand in disbelief – BEAUTREU.
Chatter spreads.
Beautreu and Jake face one another, recite what they think are simple lines in a play.
Jake
(disciple Peter)
Master, There’s a matter of great urgency. The people want to know, why you speak to them about the wishes of the father in words not clearly understood?
BEAUTREU
(eyes radiate, spiritual glow)
If, today you learned that the world would end in a year, would you, the people, want to know?
JAKE
Knowing would give us time to prepare.
BEAUTREU
Human imperfections would lead to chaos, violence and eventual self-destruction.
WESSLEY
(disciple Matthew)
Then, why bother with us if we are incapable of handling truth?
BEAUTREU
God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, not to save it from man’s selfish desires, but to impose everlasting, eternal life.
JAKE IS OVERCOME WITH SPIRITUAL FERVOR.
Moment’s pass...
Audience is waiting, cast is dumbfounded, appears he forgot his lines.
wessley
(whispers)
PST – - Jake, your lines?
SHAWN COUGHS
Jake regains partial reality.
Shawn (Roman Soldier) gently hammers floor with steel spear butt.
Rachael continues to sponge Beautreu’s feet.
Out of character, not in the script, Jake speaks.
jake
Master, I have seen – felt the passion of Heaven’s intent. I witnessed your birth, childhood, that day in the park – you were only 8., teased at school, beaten at home and now, sought after by insecure religious groups with fear in their hearts and egoism in their eyes.
BUILDING SHUDDERS, THEN CALMS.
Crowd looks around room in dismay.
Suddenly, rear exit stage door flings open.
Candy rushes to investigate – three wet, wind battered people walk in.
candy
Who are you people? Can’t just barge in...we’re in the middle of a play.
NICHOLAS
A simple good evening would have been comforting. Which way to the stage?
CANDY BACKS TOWARD THE STAGE IN FRONT OF THEIR ADVANCES.
candy
(to Remi)
What is that thing?
REMI
God’s most precious gift.
ALEX PULLS UP REAR, DEMEANOR SILENT, MYSTERIOUS.
Nicholas stands in shadows directly in front of curtain, Remi beside him, Alex behind but to Nicholas left.
Jabba and Pelae notice a paleness in Alex's face, ashen-like, eyes appear to change color with each passing moment.
Alex casts a wicked smile in their direction.
Brittany roles Jabba and Pelae to position.
Wessley approaches Beautreu.
Wessley
Master, here in the house of Jabba and Pelae...... They were stricken by Romans to suffer abominations for their Heavenly beliefs.
BEAUTREU
Lead the way.
THEY ENTER THE PRETEND HOME.
Jabba
Sorry for troubling you, master. My brother and I have been this way for 10 long years.
BEAUTREU
Why do you sit in this place, in darkness when the world outside is full of brightness, love and means?
PELAE
(real tears)
The Roman’s found out we have favor with God. Pilate's justice is swift.
ENRAGED, BEAUTREU PLACES A HAND ON EACH OF THEIR SHOULDERS, HEAD RAISES TO HEAVEN...
beautreu
These children of righteousness have been persecuted in thy name's sake. I beseech thee to end their torment...
BEAUTREU LOWERS HIS HEAD...WAITING FOR A SIGN. HE FEELS MIXED EMOTIONS, SLIGHTLY RAISES HIS BROW – SEES A MAN AND A WOMAN ENTER THROUGH FRONT ENTRANCE.
The man, Sengally stands to side of stage, the woman, Kiersti, gracefully, slowly walks up stage steps, sits beside Rachael, lovingly takes the sponge from her, gently pulls his leg to her, washes his feet with holy water.
Tears stream from his face – he kneels before her, his hand still on the shoulder of Pelae and Jabba.
She leans face forward, turns slightly.
Beautreu’s passion, eyes close, softly lands a kiss on her cheek.
Not a dry eye in auditorium...
kiersti
(looks up into his eyes)
You have been a light unto my life and the lives of so many.
BEAUTREU REACHES FOR HER HAND, LOVINGLY PULLS HER TO CENTER STAGE, PLACES HER HANDS ON THE HEADS OF PELAE AND JABBA.
beautreu
(to Kiersti)
Pray with me.
THEY PRAY AUDIBLY, TOGETHER.
beautreu
In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost – by God’s grace, I command you – Pelae and Jabba – to rise from your affliction.
CHATTER IN CROWD INCREASES. MANY STAND. SOME MOVE TO AISLE, WALK TOWARDS STAGE.
Suddenly...supports holding Pelae and Jabba’s legs firm...fall to floor.
Crowd gasps, those seated rise to feet. Religious leaders stand in awe as a modern day miracle, unfolds.
Actors buckle to knees as the Holy Spirit rushes through them.
Jabba stands, then Pelae, shaky at first, then firm.
jabba
(lips and chin quivering)
Oh my dear, dear, sweet Jesus!
PELAE
(loving grin, faces his brother)
Never thought I would be face to face, toe to toe with you, my brother...
BEAUTREU KNEELS BEFORE THEM, KIERSTI LAYS HER HEAD ON ONE SHOULDER.
Nicholas turns to Remi.
nicholas
It is time, Professor.
NICHOLAS RETRIEVES AN EASEL FROM CORNER STAGE, SETS IT LEVEL WITH SCRIPT TABLE, MOVES AWAY.
Remi places scroll into easel groove, backs away.
Beautreu rises, his eyes fixed upon the scrolls magnificent, holy form – stands in front, unclasps the seal, rolls it the full length onto side table. Begins to read:
beautreu
From this day forward, Go in peace with the indisputable knowledge that I...
FLOW OF EVENTS IS INTERRUPTED.
Alex turns to Nicholas, dull, possessed eyes, fixed stare. Her back is to audience.
Her form changes with every passing moment – Nicholas sees past unfold through her eyes. first – Beautreu’s dream, Crusaders, murdered families and child, second – Dr. Jo trembles from fright and gesture of Satan’s domination, third – Jabba and Pelae disabled in wheel chairs, woman chanting Lord’s prayer backwards, finally – Jesus in Gethsemane, enclosed in prayer asking God to spare him from the crucifixion. Satan’s intervention deepens, attempts to expose Jesus’ weaknesses, offer him the keys to hellish paradise.
Nicholas is untouched by Satan’s gesture, but does not interfere.
Alex turns, her form angelic-white robe, long silken, shiny hair, eyes sensitive, deceitful, loving – walks to center stage...
Crowd is receptive to the Holy Spirit.
alex
(possessed, raises hands to masses)
Let us pray to the FATHER.
HEADS IN CROWD, BOW IN PRAYER.
alex
Tonight, in this FINAL religious forum, we bless and honor all the religions of the world. We ask that you come into our hearts, merge with our spirits and harbor our souls in the confines of your embodiment. Tonight, create a new covenant according to your promises.
ALEX NEGLECTS TO SAY AMEN. THE CROWD UTTERS, AMEN.
Alex finalizes the prayer.
alex
In Father Satan’s name we pray.
DOORS SLAM LOCK.
Alex falls to floor, her body and mind weak from failed mental and physical struggle to overcome possession.
Crowd feels the power of Hell enter them. Transformation is not complete. Many convulse, throw up, and fall over in their chairs.
Man in front row turns to his wife.
Man in front row
What have we done?
WIFE
Given our souls to Satan.
BEAUTREU, NICHOLAS, ARE NOT STRICKEN, KIERSTI FALLS TO FLOOR, SPILLS HOLY WATER, SPLASHES ONTO HER LEG. A HELLISH, PAINFUL, SCREAM...
From press box above stage, a sniper’s rifle slides over railing. Crosshairs line up Beautreu in its sight.
Beautreu drops to his knees in front of Kiersti, unsure what to do.
Nicholas appears in shock, but looks are deceiving.
Alex rolls over stage floor, her sight zeroes in on press box, her mother-sniper’s rifle, Sarkot standing beside her, rifle poised.
Building walls crack, entrance and exit doors fling open, foundation is unearthed by unbelievable tremor, powerful wind detaches rafters from ceiling, shingles fly off, then plywood, then rafters. Angry Holy Spirit dismantles roof. Light fixture over press box dangles from worn out wiring, slips a notch or two.
Evonne squeezes trigger.
Alex screams...
alex
Dear God in Heaven, give me strength.
HOLY SPIRIT FLUSHES EVIL FROM HER BEING. SHE SPRINGS TO HER FEET...THRUSTS HER BODY IN FRONT OF BEAUTREU.
Rifle fires...bullet enters Alex's body.
Light fixture breaks from mooring. Ornamental, spear like missile pierces Evonne’s head. She falls over railing.
Enraged, Sarkot raises rifle for one last desperate attempt.
Beautreu looks up. Rifle crosshairs are between his eyes.
Sarkot moves fingers to remove safety.
Beautreu reaches to Shawn, snatches cold, steel spear from his grip, rears back, throws straight and true.
Rifle fires, spear tears hole into Sarkot’s throat. He drops rifle falls over railing.
Actors panic, pandemonium ensues, fear for life, all fall to floor.
Beautreu slumps to one knee, reaches hand to his heart, blood oozing from a gaping hole, reaches for Kiersti. Tears streaming down her face.
kiersti
(praying hands, head raised to heaven)
Oh Lord, please don’t take him away from me again.
BEAUTREU ATTEMPTS TO STAND, STUMBLES, HEAD HITS CORNER OF TABLE. HE REACHES FOR THE SCROLL, BLOOD SMEARS ITS FACE, DRIPPING EVER SO SLOWLY UNTIL THE FIRST DROP HITS THE FLOOR.
Camera shifts to a mouse in the corner as it watches each drop of blood SPLAT the floor.
Crowd moves forward, possessions subside at the sight of Beautreu’s bloodshed for them.
Crowd gathers in front of scroll, one eye on Beautreu, other on the automatic writing filling scrolls blank page.
Actors are busy attempting to resuscitate Beautreu. They weep, scream out for God’s mercy.
Beautreu rolls his head over to Kiersti’s lap, raises his eyes to her, then to all of them. He reaches for Kiersti’s hand, then to Nicholas.
Nicholas squeezes, casts a far off, gentle and loving, Heavenly smile.
beautreu
(gasps for air)
The day I left the mountain, I knew my life was only a matter of time.
GOD GAVE ME A MESSAGE BEFORE I LEFT. ABOVE ALL ELSE, REMEMBER:
LOVE ALONE WILL PREVAIL, IT WAS HIS INTENT IN THE BEGINNING, AND IT WILL BE HIS JUDGEMENT IN THE END.
BEAUTREU’S HEAD SLUMPS TO ONE SIDE.
HE IS DEAD.
Shocked beyond words, Jake kneels to side of scroll, God’s intent for mankind etched into blank space.
God
Go in peace. Bear witness to my intent, for you have seen the power of the Holy Spirit, a symbol, a man, one of your own, lived and sacrificed to bring you my message, my judgement, PROOF of my love and faith in you. Spread the good news that: LOVE ALONE WILL PREVAIL – IT BEGAN THE BEGINNING, IT SHALL END THE END. THERE WILL BE NO COMPROMISE.
NICHOLAS STANDS, WALKS TO END OF STAGE, DOWN STEPS, EXAMINES SARKOT AND EVONNE.
Crowd watches, actors turn to him. He stands, transformed, wearing white dinner jacket, burgundy slacks and a red bow tie, smiles affectionately to all, walks down aisle to exit door, fades as a ripple of warped, heavenly time.
ext Monestary churchyard – day
Super: 3 days later, Florida Keys
Funeral Procession, between plantation house and Monastery – end of green road.
300-year-old oak trees spread shade over entire gravesite.
Minister performs ceremony, friends audibly mourn, stand with respect and love around elegant coffin.
Sengally reaches underneath a woman’s arm for support.
Minister blesses his life and death.
Lady in black kneels down to coffin, stretches arms over top, head rests against cold steel, weeps profusely.
kiersti
(broken heart, cries out)
How could God have sent such a gentle man to us, then snatch him away when we needed him the most.
REMI EDGES BETWEEN SENGALLY AND KIERSTI, REACHES INTO COAT, PULLS OUT THE KEY HE HAD FOUND YEARS AGO ON MOUNT SINAI – KISSES IT, DRAPES ITS ATTACHED GOLD CHAIN ACROSS THE CASKET.
remi
(turns to Kiersti)
He told me once that FAITH ONLY is the key that unlocks GOD’S PASSION for mankind. Wasn’t sure then, but now...after witnessing his sacrifice, I believe his words that: LOVE ALONE WILL TRULY PREVAIL.
JAKE PLACES A SINGLE ROSE ON TOP OF CASKET.
jake
(strains to hold back tears)
He was my friend, confidant and hero. I shall never forget him.
A FAMILIAR SMELL WRINKLES RACHAEL’S NOSE.
rachael
I SMELL LILAC.
SHAWN
So do I.
BRITTANY
Oh geez...not again.
SHAWN REACHES FOR RACHAEL...SCENE FREEZES IN GAIETY.
fade out
................
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