EPISODE 3.2
EXEGESIS (VERSION 2)

by Red Kettle

QUOTE
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world

					WB Yeats
					"The Second Coming"
TEASER

OPEN TO A DARKENED ROOM
THERE IS VERY LITTLE LIGHT, BUT WE CAN SEE A SHAPE ON THE FLOOR.

VOICEOVER
How could we have been so wrong?  
We were so sure of ourselves, of our knowledge.
The prophecies had always guided us before 
We thought there was still a little time to go.
But now we find ourselves at the end, unprepared and unready.

A MATCH IS STRUCK. IT ILLUMINATES A SMALL ROOM WITH SIMPLE FURNISHINGS.

THE OLD MAN IS KNEELING ON THE FLOOR. HE LIGHTS A CANDLE WITH THE MATCH.

HE GETS TO HIS FEET WEARILY AND MOVES TO THE BOOKCASE.  HE REMOVES A FEW BOOKS AND RETRIEVES AN OLD PIECE OF TIMBER FROM BEHIND THEM.  HE CLUTCHES IT TO HIS CHEST.
HIS EYES GLISTEN IN THE CANDLELIGHT.

THE OLD MAN
For the time is now. 

HE GOES TO THE DOOR OF THE ROOM.  HE OPENS IT TO REVEAL TWO MEN. WE RECOGNISE ONE AS MR LOTT. AN OUTER DOOR IS OPEN, REVEALING THE WOODS AT NIGHT.



					FIRST MAN (anxious)
				Is it time?

THE OLD MAN SIMPLY NODS. HE LOOKS TIRED.
THE OTHER MAN LOOKS AFRAID.

					MR LOTT
				We have to go. It's not going to be safe here much longer.

					THE OLD MAN
				Yes.  It's time to leave. At last.

HE CLUTCHES THE WOOD TO HIS CHEST.
THEY LEAVE THE CABIN AND MOVE OFF DOWN THE PATH BETWEEN THE TREES.
THEY PASS A LINE OF SMOOTH STONES AND THE OLD MAN LOOKS BACK AT THE HOUSE FEARFULLY.
THERE IS A SOUND FROM THE WOODS . 
THREE DOGS APPEAR BETWEEN THE TREES. THEY BEGIN TO HOWL.

CUT TO : INT. CABIN. 
THE CANDLE WHICH THE OLD MAN LIT BURNS BRIGHT.

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT.
THE THREE MEN HURRY DOWN THE PATH TO WHERE A CAR IS WAITING. 
THE HOWLING GROWS LOUDER.


END TEASER.

ACT ONE

POV :  COMPLETE DARKNESS.
THERE IS A CONSTANT DRONING NOISE, INTERRUPTED BY OCCASIONAL BUMPS
AS OUR EYES ADJUST, WE CAN SEE A LINE OF VERY FAINT LIGHT.
THE NOISE CONTINUES.
OUR POINT OF VIEW SHIFTS UPWARDS SUDDENLY, AS IF WE HAVE BEEN STRUCK FROM BELOW, BEFORE SETTLING IN TO PLACE AGAIN.
THERE IS THE SOUND OF LOUD, HEAVY BREATHING.

FADE TO BLACK :
CAPTION : ONE HOUR EARLIER

POINT OF VIEW : 
EXT. NIGHT.
SOMEONE IS GETTING OUT OF A CAR.
WE SEE A GUN IN A MAN'S HAND.
WE SEE A SIGN FOR THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL.
WE SEE A CABIN. OUR POINT OF VIEW MOVES TOWARDS IT. 
A WELL-DRESSED MAN APPEARS FROM THE SIDE OF THE CABIN.
HE STANDS BETWEEN OUR POINT OF VIEW AND THE CABIN, BLOCKING THE WAY.
HE RAISES HIS HANDS TO SHOW THEY ARE EMPTY

WELL-DRESSED MAN
Forget it, Watts.

OUR POINT OF VIEW SHUDDERS AS IF WE HAVE BEEN STRUCK FROM BEHIND.
A SECOND MAN COMES BRIEFLY INTO VISION
THERE IS A CONFUSED.STRUGGLE. 
WE SEE A GUN BEING WRENCHED FROM A MAN'S HAND.


CUT :
EXT. NIGHT.
OUTSIDE OF THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL
PETER WATTS IS HOLDING THE SECOND MAN IN FRONT OF HIM
THE WELL-DRESSED IS HOLDING PETER WATTS' GUN, AIMING IT AT HIM. 

CUT TO : 
INT NIGHT. THE CABIN.
LARA MEANS IS AT THE CABIN WINDOW BUT IS NOT LOOKING OUT. SHE  STARES BLANKLY. THERE IS A BRIGHT LIGHT SHINING BEHIND HER.


CUT TO: EXT. NIGHT, OUTSIDE OF THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL 
THE MAN WITH THE GUN HESITATES FOR A MOMENT
HE FIRES

CUT TO :
POINT OF VIEW
OUR POV SHUDDERS WITH THE BULLET'S IMPACT, BUT WE CAN STILL SEE THE MAN WITH THE GUN. THERE IS A LOOK OF SHOCK ON HIS FACE, AS IF HE CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT HE'S JUST DONE.
OUR VIEW TWISTS AS THE GROUND COMES UP TO MEET US.

CUT TO: EXT. NIGHT, OUTSIDE OF THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL
PETER WATTS HAS FALLEN ON THE GROUND. THERE IS BLOOD COMING FROM A WOUND IN HIS SHOULDER. HE SEEMS TO REACHING FOR SOMETHING IN HIS JACKET POCKET.
THE SECOND MAN HAS FALLEN A FEW FEET AWAY. THERE IS A WOUND ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS CHEST. HIS BREATHING IS IRREGULAR.
THE MAN WITH THE GUN IGNORES PETER AND RUNS TO HIS COMPANION.
AFTER A FEW SECONDS, HE RUNS TOWARDS THE ROAD.

CUT TO :
POINT OF VIEW
A HAND IS REACHING IN TO A POCKET. THE MOVEMENT IS SLOW AND UNCOORDINATED. 
SLOWLY, IT RETRIEVES A CELL PHONE.

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT, OUTSIDE OF THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL
THE MAN WITH THE GUN DRIVES UP IN A CAR AND JUMPS OUT. HE OPENS THE BACK DOOR.
HE RUNS TO HIS COMPANION AND STARTS TO DRAG HIM INTO THE BACK SEAT. 

CUT TO :
POINT OF VIEW
THE CELL PHONE
WE SEE THE ON-SCREEN MENU. IT READS "PHONE BOOK"
A FINGER WEAKLY  PUSHES AT A BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE NAME 'FRANK BLACK' APPEARS
THE FINGER PRESSES 'OK'.
THE PHONE DIALS THE NUMBER.
A QUIET RINGING SOUND STARTS

CUT TO :
EXT. NIGHT, OUTSIDE OF THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL
THE MAN WITH THE GUN HAS DRAGGED HIS COMPANION INTO THE CAR. 
HE TURNS TO LOOK AT PETER WATTS ON THE GROUND.
HE HEARS THE PHONE AND MOVES TOWARDS PETER.

CUT TO: INT. NIGHT
FRANK BLACK'S HOME PHONE IS RINGING.
FRANK PICKS UP ON THE SECOND RING.
		
				FRANK
				Yes?

CUT TO : POINT OF VIEW
OUR VIEW IS FROM THE GROUND.
WE SEE THE MAN WITH THE GUN APPROACHING QUICKLY.

				

				PETER WATTS (weakly)			
				Frank?

				FRANK (voice coming from the cellphone)
				Peter? What's up?

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT, OUTSIDE OF THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL
THE MAN WITH THE GUN KICKS THE CELL PHONE FROM PETER'S HAND.

CUT TO: INT. NIGHT, FRANK BLACK'S HOME
FRANK IS HOLDING THE PHONE TO HIS EAR.
THERE IS THE SOUND OF THE CELL PHONE HITTING THE GROUND.

				FRANK 
				Peter?
				Where are you?

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT, OUTSIDE OF THE MORGAN CREEK MOTEL
THE MAN WITH THE GUN GRABS PETER'S JACKET AND DRAGS PETER TOWARDS THE CAR.
HE OPENS THE TRUNK AND HEAVES PETER UP AND IN.
THE SLAMS THE TRUNK SHUT AND GETS IN TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR. 
HE SLAMS THE DRIVER'S DOOR SHUT AND DRIVES OFF.
THE CELL PHONE LIES ON THE GROUND.

				FRANK (voice coming from the cellphone)
				What's going on?

CUT TO : INT. NIGHT, INSIDE THE CABIN
LARA MEANS REMAINS AT THE WINDOW. SHE HAS NOT MOVED.


CUT TO : INT NIGHT.  A PANELLED ROOM. 
CAPTION : 9:37 PM
ALL THE FURNITURE IS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY.
SIX MEN AND THREE WOMEN  SIT AROUND A LARGE ROUND TABLE. 
THERE ARE THREE EMPTY SEATS.
A LIGHT HANGS FROM THE CEILING IN THE OF THE ROOM, BUT IT FAILS TO ILLUMINATE THE DARKENED CORNERS.
A RADIO IS PLAYING IN THE CORNER OF THE ROOM
A VOICE ON THE RADIO IS SAYING :

				RADIO ANNOUNCER
				An unknown infectious agent may be responsible for a number of deaths seen
in the Pacific Northwest over the last few days.
As a precaution, federal authorities have requested that you stay in
your home until further notice. Emergency treatment centres are being set up
				in large towns and cities.  

A MAN WITH VERY PALE SKIN STANDS AND TURNS THE RADIO DOWN.
IT BURBLES IN THE BACKGROUND BUT CANNOT BE HEARD CLEARLY

				PALE MAN
So this is why we have been called together again.

SWARTHY MAN
It seems likely.

FIRST WOMAN
Something important is happening.

PALE MAN
But surely it can't be time yet.

SWARTHY MAN
'Like a thief in the night', my friend.
No-one will know the day or the hour.
		

CUT TO : EXT NIGHT. 

CAPTION : DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

A LARGE OFFICE BUILDING IN CENTRAL SEATTLE.
THERE ARE FEW LIGHTS ON IN ITS LOWER LEVELS, BUT THE UPPER LEVELS ARE STILL BRIGHT.
A CAR SWEEPS ALONG A CITY ROAD. ITS INSIDE IS IN DARKNESS.
IT ROUNDS A BEND AND APPROACHES A PARKING GARAGE AT THE BASE OF THE BUILDING.
THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATE TWO FIGURES AS THEY STEP OUT TO MEET THE CAR.
THEY ARE WEARING COMBAT FATIGUES AND CARRY AUTOMATIC WEAPONS
GAS MASKS HANG FROM THEIR BACKS
THERE ARE OTHER SOLDIERS STANDING FARTHER BACK IN THE SHADOWS

THE CAR SLOWS AND STOPS
ONE OF THE REAR WINDOWS IS ROLLED DOWN.
MR LOTT SPEAKS TO THE NEAREST SOLDIER

				MR LOTT
				This is who we are.

THE SOLDIER NODS AND THE WINDOW GOES UP AGAIN.
THE CAR MOVES OFF INTO THE GARAGE.

CUT TO: INT. NIGHT. THE CONFERENCE ROOM

				PALE MAN (skeptical)
				What makes you think the time is now?

				SWARTHY MAN
				It looks like this outbreak may be related to the one in '86.
				If it is, there is no way to stop it.

				FIRST WOMAN
				This is how it starts, then. The plague.				

SEVERAL GROUP MEMBERS START TO TALK AT ONCE
A NUMBER OF ARGUMENTS BREAK OUT AS MEMBERS QUOTE PROPHECY AT ONE ANOTHER
				
A DOOR OPENS
THE OLD MAN, MR LOTT AND ANOTHER GROUP MEMBER ENTER
THE ROOM  QUICKLY GOES QUIET
THE THREE TAKE THEIR SEATS AT THE TABLE.

				SWARTHY MAN
				It is good to see you again, Sir.
				
THE OLD MAN NODS
				PALE MAN
Sir - can you tell us what is going on?
Is this outbreak the same as the one in '86?

THE OLD MAN
Yes. It's the same agent.

PALE MAN
Sir - the rest of the population will have no defence against this.
(pause)
Millions will die. 
(pause)
Is the time now?

THE OLD MAN SITS BACK IN HIS SEAT AND RUNS HIS HAND OVER HIS FACE
WHEN HE SPEAKS, HE SOUNDS WEARY.

				THE OLD MAN
				Yes.

THE CAMERA PANS AROUND TO LOOK AT THE FACES AROUND THE TABLE
A COUPLE OF GROUP MEMBERS ARE WEEPING SOFTLY.
OTHERS APPEAR FRIGHTENED. SOME LOOK HOPEFUL. 
MR LOTT LOOKS PLEASED.
THE OLD MAN GLANCES AT MR LOTT.

SWARTHY MAN
So what do we do now? 
Now that the end is near?

THE OLD MAN
Nothing we can do will stop what is happening now.
I had hoped we would have had more time to prepare for the end, but...
We must simply wait to see how events develop.

A CELL PHONE RINGS
MR LOTT REACHES INTO HIS POCKET AND ANSWERS THE PHONE
				
				MR LOTT
				Yes?  (pause) I see. (pause) Hold on.
HE TURNS TO THE OLD MAN
				That was Anderson. Peter Watts tried to get to Lara Means.
				They had to shoot him. Harris was injured too.
				What do you want to do?

THE OLD MAN SIGHS AND LOOKS DOWN

				THE OLD MAN
Bring him here.
HE NODS TO MR LOTT
You can deal with him.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO
FADE TO BLACK
CUT TO A WHITE SCREEN 
FADE TO : POV :  COMPLETE DARKNESS.
THE CONSTANT DRONING NOISE CONTINUES
THERE IS THE SOUND OF LOUD, HEAVY BREATHING.
WE REALISE THAT WE ARE SEEING THE POINT OF VIEW OF SOMEONE LOCKED IN A CAR TRUNK


CUT TO :
INT NIGHT. ANDERSON'S CAR
ANDERSON PUTS HIS CELLPHONE DOWN ON THE PASSENGER SEAT.
HE LOOKS OVER HIS SHOULDER AT HARRIS IN THE BACK SEAT
HARRIS IS A GREY COLOUR.  HIS BREATHING IS VERY SHALLOW. 
BLOOD BUBBLES SLOWLY FROM ONE SIDE OF HIS MOUTH.

				ANDERSON
				Hold on. We'll be there soon.

HE GUNS THE ENGINE AND ACCELERATES SMOOTHLY

CUT TO: INT. NIGHT. THE CONFERENCE ROOM.

PALE MAN
Sir, surely we're not going to just sit here 
and watch millions of people die?

MR LOTT (quietly)
Sometimes sacrifice is necessary.

PALE MAN
But millions of dead, Sir?

THE OLD MAN
Our options are limited. 
We have never had enough vaccine.
We only ever had enough for our members.
None of our families, including mine, have been vaccinated.

MR LOTT
Again, sacrifice.

				FIRSTWOMAN
				How soon will it happen?

				MR LOTT
				At the moment, it's hard to say.
				The last time the Marburg variant showed up it vanished just as quickly..
				We still don't know why.
				
				PALE MAN
				Maybe it's unstable in the environment.
				Maybe it'll just go away again.

				MR LOTT
				Or maybe it won't.
				The first case appeared in South America three days ago.
				Since then there have been cases in Asia and the Middle East, as well as
six or seven major cities here.
				Our people at the CDC predict that it will reach epidemic stage sometime in the
 				next 12 to 24 hours.	
				After that it will be too late to stop it. 
				There is no sign of it just going away.

THERE IS SILENCE AROUND THE TABLE	

PALE MAN
But can't we do something to help?
Even to slow it down?
Maybe if we gave the vaccine to the government?

MR LOTT (smiling)
We've had the vaccine since '86, and we've only been able to
make enough for our own needs.
We have a little stored here, but it isn't enough to make a difference.
				The government has no idea what is happening now.
By the time they understand, it will be too late.

FIRST WOMAN
				What will happen afterwards? 

				THE OLD MAN
				The world will be changed. 
And the Son of Man will come in all His Glory.

SUAVE MAN (skeptical)
				You Roosters must be delighted.
				It looks like you may have been right all along.
				Your timing may be a little out, but even so...

				THE OLD MAN
				Our calculations may have been wrong, but we can't ignore these events.
				First the earthquake and now this.
This must be the apocalypse.

				SUAVE MAN
				There should be almost 600 days remaining, by my calculations...

FIRSTWOMAN (angry, speaking to the SUAVE MAN)
				It is as prophesied. Haven't you read Revelation?
				"I looked and there before me was a pale horse.
				Its rider was Death and Hell followed with him.
				They were given power over a fourth of the earth
				To kill by sword, famine and plague"
				That's what's happening now. 
				It has to happen to fulfil the prophecy.

AGAIN, SEVERAL MEMBERS BEGIN TO SPEAK AT ONCE. 

A MAN ENTERS THE ROOM AND GOES TO MR LOTT.
THEY SPEAK BRIEFLY AND MR LOTT LEAVES THE ROOM WITH HIM.

CUT TO: INT NIGHT.
A BRIGHTLY LIT GARAGE.
ANDERSON'S CAR PULLS IN.

CUT TO POV :  COMPLETE DARKNESS.
THE CONSTANT DRONING NOISE STOPS
THERE IS A SCUFFLING NOISE FOR A FEW SECONDS.
BRIGHT LIGHT FLOODS IN AS THE CAR TRUNK IS OPENED.
OUR EYES ADJUST TO SEE MR LOTT.

CUT TO : INT. NIGHT, AN UPPER LEVEL OF THE PARKING GARAGE
MR LOTT IS HOLDING THE CAR TRUNK OPEN AND LOOKING DOWN AT PETER WATTS

				MR LOTT
				Ah, Peter, it's good of you to join us.

PETER LOOKS UP AT MR LOTT AND THEN APPEARS TO PASS OUT.

ANDERSON APPEARS BEHIND MR LOTT

				ANDERSON
				Sir, Harris isn't looking too good.

				MR LOTT 
				Take Watts to the infirmary.
				I'll take a look at Harris.

ANDERSON HEAVES THE UNCONSCIOUS WATTS OUT OF THE TRUNK AND DRAGS HIM ACROSS THE GARAGE.
MR LOTT OPENS THE BACK DOOR OF THE CAR AND LOOKS AT HARRIS.
HARRIS IS BARELY BREATHING.
ANDERSON DRAGS PETER OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE DOOR CLOSES BEHIND HIM.

				MR LOTT
				This is who we are, Harris.
The time is now.

				HARRIS (barely conscious)
				Sir? 
				
MR LOTT REACHES INTO THE CAR.
SEVERAL SECONDS PASS WHILE THE CAMERA FOCUSES ON THE GARAGE WALL.
MR LOTT STANDS BY THE CAR AGAIN.
ANDERSON COMES THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR AGAIN.

				ANDERSON
				Sir? How is he?

				MR LOTT
				I'm afraid he's gone.

CUT TO : INT. ANDERSON'S CAR
HARRIS LIES IN THE BACK SEAT. HIS BREATHING HAS STOPPED.
ANDERSON IS SHOCKED.
				MR LOTT
				This is who we are, Anderson.
				(pause)
				What did you do with Means?

				ANDERSON (slow to react)
				Sir?  

				MR LOTT
				Where did you leave Lara Means?

				ANDERSON
				At the motel, sir. 
When Harris was shot, I just grabbed Watts and left.
She should still be there, sir.

MR LOTT
You really have no idea what's happening, do you?
(pause)
Get out there and bring her back here.
Do you understand?

ANDERSON
Yes, sir.
MR LOTT STRIDES OFF.

CUT TO : INT. A DARKENED ROOM. 
A BARELY CONSCIOUS PETER WATTS LIES ON A METAL TABLE UNDER A BARE LIGHTBULB. HE IS BLEEDING FROM A BULLET WOUND ON HIS LEFT SHOULDER. 
A FIGURE IN SHADOW TURNS TO FACE PETER. THERE IS THE SOFT SOUND OF A METAL INSTRUMENT MOVING ON METAL.

A DOOR OPENS AND MR LOTT ENTERS.
HE NODS TO A DOCTOR WHO CAN NOW BE SEEN MORE CLEARLY AS HE STEPS IN TO THE LIGHT.

				MR LOTT
				I'm sorry about the surroundings, doctor.
				This has all been arranged at very short notice.
				We should have things more organised by the morning.
				(pause)
				How is he?

				DOCTOR
				He'll live. The gunshot wound to the shoulder isn't life-threatening.
				Whoever shot him managed to miss the subclavian.
The shoulder joint is a mess though... and he's lost some blood.
				
				MR LOTT
				Just patch him up. Let me know when he's awake.
I need to discuss something with him.
				

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

CUT TO WHITE
FADE TO : INT. NIGHT. THE CONFERENCE ROOM
THE OLD MAN IS SEATED. THE PALE MAN IS ON HIS FEET

				PALE MAN
				We should do doing something!
				If this outbreak does go epidemic, then those people out there
don't have a chance.
By this time tomorrow, society will be breaking down.
We'll be back in the Dark Ages.

THE OLD MAN
Or at the start of a new Golden Age.

SUAVE MAN
But what if the time is not now?
What if our calculations were right and this isn't the end?

FIRSTWOMAN
Nostrodamus foretold a great plague in the maritime city.
Millions will die as it spreads around the world.
It's just as prophesied! This is the end!

SWARTHY MAN
Where are the other Group members?

THE OLD MAN
Most will be making their way here.
(pause)
We have been preparing this place for a while, although we didn't 
anticipate needing it so soon.
We should have all the facilities we need by the morning.
And we have all the resources here to stay for several months if need be.
(pause)
We must all be together for what lies ahead.
A few will remain outside to keep us informed of what is happening.

PALE MAN
So we'll all be together to watch the human race die?

THE OLD MAN
To watch it be transformed and redeemed.

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT. MORGAN CREEK MOTEL
ANDERSON IS WATCHING LARA'S CABIN FROM THE WOODS.
HE SEES LARA MEANS BROUGHT OUT STRAPPED TO A STRETCHER. 
SHE APPEARS TO BE COMATOSE.
SHE IS PLACED IN AN AMBULANCE.
ANDERSON SCRIBBLES ON A NOTE.
A FEW SECONDS LATER, FRANK BLACK APPEARS AT THE CABIN DOOR.
HE IS CARRYING SOMETHING IN HIS RIGHT HAND.
ANDERSON TAKES OUT A PAIR OF BINOCULARS AND FOCUSES ON  FRANK.

CUT TO : CLOSE-UP OF FRANK'S HANDS
HE IS HOLDING AN ENVELOPE. HE OPENS IT AGAIN AND WITHDRAWS A SMALL SYRINGE WHICH HOLDS A CLEAR FLUID. THERE IS SOME SORT OF LABEL ON THE SIDE.

CUT TO : ANDERSON
HIS EYES WIDEN.
				ANDERSON
				Shit!  

HE DISAPPEARS INTO THE TREES

CUT TO : INT. NIGHT. THE CONFERENCE ROOM.
CAPTION : 11:11 PM

MR LOTT RE-ENTERS THE ROOM AND SITS DOWN
THE OTHER GROUP MEMBERS ARE ARGUING AMONGST THEMSELVES
MR LOTT SPEAKS SOFTLY TO THE OLD MAN.
				
				THE OLD MAN
				Did you see Watts?
			
				MR LOTT
				Yes.

				THE OLD MAN
				Did he say anything?

				MR LOTT
				No, he's out cold. The doctor's still working on him, but he'll live.
			
THE OLD MAN
				Good. I know you don't like him, but I think he is still a useful member.	

MR LOTT
				I don't dislike him, I just don't trust him. 
				He broke into the Group archive last night.
				
				THE OLD MAN
				I expected as much, after you withdrew his security clearance.

				MR LOTT
				We can't be sure of him, Sir. 
				He's questioning his faith. Like Frank Black.

				THE OLD MAN
				Frank Black. 
(pause)
The most able candidate we've had in years.
				He could still be an outstanding member.
				
				MR LOTT
				We spoke about responsibility earlier today.
				He's not ready yet. He doesn't believe.

				THE OLD MAN
				Time is short, Mr Lott..
				We have ensured that he will survive this plague.
				I would imagine that he believes in us now.
We will need him on our side for what comes after.
We need his gift.
He should be here. With us.
Watts must know where he is.

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT. THE ASYLUM
ANDERSON IS IN HIS CAR.
WE CAN SEE A BLOODSTAIN IN THE BACK SEAT.
AS HE LOOKS OUT, HE SEES A WOMAN RUN SHRIEKING DOWN THE STREET.
THERE IS A DARK BLOTCH ON HER CHEEK.
ANDERSON DOES NOT REACT AND LETS HER RUN PAST

HE IS LOOKING AT THE ASYLUM DOOR

HE SEES FRANK BLACK COME OUT OF THE DOOR AND GET INTO HIS CAR. HE DRIVES OFF.

ANDERSON SLOWLY GETS OUT OF HIS CAR AND MOVES TOWARDS THE ASYLUM DOOR.

CUT TO : INT. NIGHT. THE ASYLUM.
INT. NIGHT. THE ASYLUM
LARA MEANS STRUGGLES AGAINST HER RESTRAINTS
SHE GAGS AS SALIVA ESCAPES FROM HER MOUTH
THERE IS A DARK BLOTCH ON HER LEFT CHEEK
ANDERSON ENTERS THE ROOM
HE HAS A SMALL KNIFE IN HIS RIGHT HAND.

				ANDERSON
				Now, Lara, lie still - this won't take a minute.

CUT TO : THE MILLENNIUM GROUP COMPUTER ROOM
EVERY TERMINAL IS OCCUPIED AND THERE ARE 30 OR 40 PEOPLE WORKING IN THE ROOM
MR LOTT IS SPEAKING TO A MAN IN A SUIT

				MR LOTT
				How many cases now?

				MAN IN SUIT
				Hard to say. There are too many reports to read.
				They're coming in from across the world.
				China, Brazil, South Africa, Israel, Russia.
				There seem to be fewer cases in Europe so far.
				As far as the US goes, we're seeing cases in most of the major cities now.

				MR LOTT
				What is the government doing?

				MAN IN SUIT
				Panicking. They're on the point of instituting martial law.
				Sir, we're looking at a death toll in the millions. 
(pause)
				This is the end, isn't it, Sir? The end of days?
	
				MR LOTT
				I'm afraid so.
				Keep me informed if there are any new  developments.
				I'll be in the conference room with the other elders.

A PHONE RINGS
THE MAN IN THE SUIT PICKS IT UP

				MAN IN SUIT
				It's for you, Sir.

				MR LOTT (taking the phone)
				Yes?

				VOICE
				I thought you should know. He's awake.




CUT TO : INT. NIGHT. THE INFIRMARY
PETER WATTS IS LYING IN SEMI-DARKNESS
HIS SHOULDER IS BANDAGED AND HE IS WEARING A SLING
THE DOCTOR IS STANDING OVER HIM.

				MR LOTT
				You can go now.

THE DOCTOR LEAVES			
				MR LOTT
				Peter. It's good to see you again.

				PETER WATTS
				Go to hell.

				MR LOTT
				Now, Peter, there's no need for that.
				You're safe here. We have saved you.

				PETER
				Anderson shot me. I think he may have killed Harris too.
				You'll have to excuse me if I don't feel too safe right now.

				MR LOTT
				Yes, I'm sorry about that. 
(pause)
I'll have to have a word with Anderson.

				PETER
				The Group knows about the virus, doesn't it?
				Did we make it?

				MR LOTT
				No. But we do know what it is and where it came from.
				And we know that it's back again because the time is now.

				PETER
				So this is your apocalypse?
				Millions dead?  
HE STRUGGLES TO GET UP
				I have to get to my family.

				MR LOTT
				It's too late for them, Peter.
				For all of our families.
				All that you have now is the Group.

PETER SOBS				
				MR LOTT
				Peter, we need to know where Frank is.
				We want to bring him here.

				PETER (slowly)
				He was taking his family to a cabin in the woods. To shelter.
				Somewhere in the Wanatchee mountains. I don't know where.
				
				MR LOTT
				We'll find it.

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT.  ANDERSON'S CAR
ANDERSON IS DRIVING.
HE IS ALONE IN THE CAR.  HE IS SMILING.
THERE IS A DULL THUMPING NOISE FROM SOMEWHERE.
HE THUMBS AT HIS CELL PHONE
				
				MR LOTT (on the cellphone)
				Yes?
		
				ANDERSON
				I've got her, Sir.
				
				MR LOTT
				Good. Get her back here.
			
				ANDERSON
				She didn't get a chance to get the vaccine, Sir.
				Somehow Frank Black has got hold of her dose.

				MR LOTT
				I see. Get her to the infirmary right away. I'll inform the doctor. 
 
UP AHEAD, TRAFFIC SIGNALS ARE GOING CRAZY, FLICKING FROM RED TO GREEN AND BACK AGAIN.


CUT TO: THE CONFERENCE ROOM
CAPTION : 00:33 AM
THE ARGUING CONTINUES
				PALE MAN
				Surely we could use our people at the CDC to distribute whatever vaccine
we have left?
Maybe we could vaccinate key people in the government 
or the emergency services?

FIRST WOMAN
We have no way of knowing if they're worthy to be saved.
Only the righteous will survive. 

MR LOTT ENTERS AGAIN
				MR LOTT
				I just spoke with Watts, Sir.
				Black has apparently taken his family to a cabin in the mountains.
				We're sending a team now.

				THE OLD MAN
He's taken his family there?
(pause)
Yes. His daughter has the gift too. Bring her. 
Take one of the isolation chambers for her. 
(pause)
It's late. I think I'll go to my office.
Keep me informed of any changes.
HE GETS UP TO GO
MR LOTT
Sir, what about the wife?  

THE OLD MAN (standing)
She's not important to us.

MR LOTT
Yes, sir.

END OF ACT THREE


ACT FOUR

EXT. NIGHT DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
A LIMOUSINE PULLS UP TO THE KERB. 
A SLIM FIGURE GETS OUT. HE IS DRESSED IN BLACK.
HE WALKS TOWARDS THE PARKING GARAGE ENTRANCE.

EXT. NIGHT. A COUNTRY ROAD
A LARGE VAN IS SPEEDING ALONG THE ROAD. ITS WINDOWS ARE DARK.

CUT TO: INT. NIGHT. INSIDE THEVAN.
FOUR MEN ARE SITTING IN THE BACK OF THE VAN. 
THEY ALL WEAR HEAVY PROTECTIVE SUITS.
EACH BEARS AN OUROBOROS SYMBOL ON THE SHOULDER.
THERE IS SOME SORT OF LARGE CONTAINER ON THE FLOOR.

					TEAM MEMBER ONE
					So we're looking for some sort of cabin?

					TEAM MEMBER TWO
					Yeah, we have a pretty good idea where it is.
					They should be there.

					TEAM MEMBER THREE
					And we have to bring all three of them?

					TEAM MEMBER TWO
					No, the Old Man just wants the father and the daughter.
					If the wife is still alive, I suppose we can bring her too.
					But she's not a priority.

FLASHCUT TO : EXT. NIGHT. THE WOODS
CATHERINE SLUMPED AT THE BASE OF A TREE. SOMEONE IS STANDING OVER HER.
FRANK BLACK IS SHOUTING SILENTLY.

CUT TO : THE INFIRMARY
PETER WATTS IS ALONE IN THE ROOM. HIS LEFT ARM REMAINS IN A  S LING.
HE MOVES SILENTLY TOWARDS THE DOOR, TRIES IT AND LEAVES THE ROOM.


CUT : THE OLD MAN'S OFFICE
THE OLD MAN IS SITTING IN A COMFORTABLE LEATHER CHAIR BEHIND A LARGE DESK
THE PIECE OF WOOD FROM THE CABIN IS LYING ON THE DESK.
THE OLD MAN IS READING FROM A LARGE LEATHER-BOUND BIBLE
HE PAUSES
HE REACHES OUT A HAND TO TOUCH THE PIECE OF WOOD.
HE TURNS A PAGE IN THE BIBLE AND CONTINUES READING


CUT TO : DOWNTOWN SEATTLE.  ANDERSON'S CAR SPEEDS TOWARDS THE OFFICE BUILDING.
THERE IS THE SOUND OF DISTANT GUNFIRE.
THE CAR PULLS INTO THE GARAGE, BUT THERE IS NO SIGN OF THE SOLDIERS.
HE DRIVES ON UP.

CUT TO : INT. HALLWAY
PETER WATTS WALKS SLOWLY TOWARDS THE CONFERENCE ROOM.
A FEW PEOPLE PASS HIM, BUT NO ONE TAKES ANY NOTICE.

CUT TO : INT. UPPER PARKING GARAGE.
ANDERSON  STOPS THE CAR  AND GETS OUT
HE GOES TO THE TRUNK AND OPENS IT. 
HE HOISTS LARA MEANS OVER HIS SHOULDER AND HEADS FOR THE INFIRMARY.

CUT TO : INT. HALLWAY 
PETER WATTS OPENS THE CONFERENCE ROOM DOOR AND ENTERS

CUT TO : INT HALLWAY
THE DOCTOR IS HEADING BACK TO THE INFIRMARY
HE NEARLY COLLIDES WITH ANDERSON IN THE CORRIDOR

					DOCTOR
					Hey!

					ANDERSON
					Sorry, doc.
					This is the girl that Mr Lott told you about.

					DOCTOR
					Yes, she looks pretty bad. Follow me.

CUT TO : A STAIRWELL
THE SLIM BLACK FIGURE IS QUICKLY CLIMBING THE STAIRS, TWO AT A TIME.
HIS FACE IS IN SHADOW, BUT SOMETHING ABOUT HIM LOOKS FAMILIAR.

CUT TO : THE CONFERENCE ROOM
PETER WATTS CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM.
MR LOTT LOOKS UP. A LOOK OF SURPRISE SPREADS ACROSS HIS FACE.

					MR LOTT
					Peter. You shouldn't really be in here.

HE GETS UP AND MOVES TOWARDS HIM.

					PETER
					I just wanted to see the masters of the apocalypse.
					You really are just going to sit back and watch it happen, aren't you?

					MR LOTT
					That's enough, Peter.

THE SUAVE MAN STANDS AND MOVES TOWARDS PETER

				SUAVE MAN
				I would like to hear what Watts has got to say.

THERE IS A MURMUR OF AGREEMENT FROM A FEW OTHER GROUP MEMBERS.
MR LOTT TAKES A STEP BACK

					SUAVE MAN
					After all, it's too late to do anything, isn't it?
					What difference can he make now?

CUT TO : CLOSEUP ON THE FACE OF PETER WATTS

CUT TO: EXT. NIGHT. THE WOODS
POINT OF VIEW : DARKNESS. THE FOUR TEAM MEMBER ARE MOVING THROUGH THE TREES.
UP AHEAD, THE WOODS ARE FILLED WITH LIGHT FOR A FEW SECONDS
THEN THE LIGHT FADES AND THE WOODS ARE DARK
					
					TEAM MEMBER ONE
Up ahead! There!

THEY BURST INTO THE CLEARING. CATHERINE IS ALONE, SLUMPED AGAINST A TREE
THEY STOOP TO EXAMINE HER. 
THERE IS NO SIGN OF ANYONE ELSE.
					TEAM MEMBER ONE
			Here's one of them!

					TEAM MEMBER TWO
			Quickly - where are the others?

THE FOUR TEAM MEMBERS SEARCH THE CLEARING AND MOVE TOWARDS THE CABIN.


 CUT TO : THE INFIRMARY
ANDERSON AND THE DOCTOR CARRY LARA MEANS IN AND LAY HER ON A BENCH.
THE DOCTOR READIES THE VACCINE.
ANDERSON LOOKS AROUND
ANDERSON
Hey, where did Watts go?



CUT TO : THE CONFERENCE ROOM
PETER WATTS IS STANDING. THE OTHER GROUP MEMBERS ARE STANDING ALSO.

					PETER WATTS
			All of you know me. Some of you were there when I joined the Group.
			(he pauses)
			So you know how much the Group has meant to me.
			You came to me when I thought that evil had won.
			You helped me see that there is a balance.
			You gave my life meaning  again.
			(pause)
			Over the years, I have risked my life for the Group.
			I've obeyed without question, I've given up what you asked.
			In order to save the world. 
			But what you're doing now isn't about saving the world.
			You're just sitting here watching as it all ends, doing nothing.
			I can't be a part of that.


CUT TO : THE HALLWAY
THE SLIM FIGURE IN BLACK IS WALKING DOWN THE HALL
HIS BACK IS TOWARDS US.
HE ENTERS THE INFIRMARY

CUT TO : POINT OF VIEW, APPROACHING THE CABIN.
AS THE POINT OF VIEW REACHES THE DOOR, WE SEE THAT THE CABIN IS EMPTY.
THE OLD LACE CURTAIN FLUTTERS IN THE BREEZE.

					TEAM MEMBER THREE
			Where the hell are they? Watts said they'd be here!
			
					TEAM MEMBER TWO
			Well, they're not here now. Let's go. 
			We have the others to think about.
			(pause)
			This is a complete disaster.

TEAM MEMBER TWO LEAVES THE CABIN.

TEAM MEMBER THREE RIPS OFF THE OUROBOROS BADGE FROM HIS SHOULDER AND LEAVES IT ON THE FLOOR.

					TEAM MEMBER THREE
			This is who we are, Mr Black.


CUT TO : THE CONFERENCE ROOM
MR LOTT'S CELL PHONE RINGS
HE ANSWERS IT
					MR LOTT (irritated)
			Yes?

CUT TO : THE CLEARING
TEAM MEMBER FOUR HAS REMOVED HIS MASK AND IS SPEAKING IN TO A CELL PHONE

					TEAM MEMBER FOUR
			Sir? We're at the cabin now, but there's no sign of Mr Black and his daughter.

					MR LOTT
			Is it the right place?

					TEAM MEMBER FOUR
			We found his wife in the woods, and his car is on the road outside.
			It looks like someone was sleeping in the cabin, but there's no-one there now.
			There's something odd going on here. There's a funny smell in the air.
What should we do?

					MR LOTT
			Bring her here. Use the chamber. Just get back here.

HE HANGS UP ABRUPTLY.
HE LOOKS EXASPERATED.

					MR LOTT
			I'm afraid that Frank Black appears to be missing, Peter.
			He's not where he's supposed to be.

					PETER WATTS
			He should be here. He could help you see the way he helped me see. 
			He has a gift that the Group needs, and we've managed to drive him away.
			

CUT TO : THE INFIRMARY
THE SLIM FIGURE IN BLACK HAS JUST ENTERED AND CLOSES THE DOOR BEHIND HIM
AS HE TURNS WE RECOGNISE HIM AS YAPONCHIK
THE DOCTOR IS CONCENTRATING ON INJECTING THE VACCINE INTO LARA
ANDERSON TURNS TO FACE YAPONCHIK.
THERE IS A GRUNT AND THEN A GURGLING SOUND.

CUT TO : THE CONFERENCE ROOM

					PETER WATTS
			We've been preparing for the end for centuries. 
			To control events. To stop the apocalypse.
			(he smiles)
			We were never content to sit around and hope for a happy ending.
 			(pause)
			There is a balance between good and evil.
The first Old Man could see that.
Neither can exist without the other.
The Group has always worked to maintain that balance.
Until now. 
(pause)
Mike Atkins once told me that evil is born in a cold heart and a weak mind
Are our hearts so cold that we can just sit here watching the rest of the world perish?
			Our families are out there. Our friends. 
			Are you going to let them all die just so our prophecy can be proved right?
			What if we're wrong?  What if there is time to save some of them and we do nothing?
			(he pauses)
			This is a man-made virus. It's not some kind of divine retribution on the unjust.
			This is not the apocalypse. This is a disaster . 
And we can still  do something to stop it.
	

CUT TO : THE CLEARING
A LARGE CHAMBER IS BEING LIFTED BY THE FOUR TEAM MEMBERS

					TEAM MEMBER FOUR
			Let's get the hell out of here. 
			
					TEAM MEMBER THREE
			We can't just leave them behind. 

					TEAM MEMBER ONE
			We have our orders. Let's go.
			This is who we are.

THEY LEAVE THE CLEARING.


CUT TO : THE INFIRMARY
LARA MEANS IS LYING QUIETLY ON THE TABLE. SHE BLINKS HER EYES..
THERE IS BLOOD ON THE FLOOR.
YAPONCHIK IS WORKING AT SOMETHING ON THE WALL.

CUT TO : THE CONFERENCE ROOM

					MR LOTT
			What would you have us do, Peter?
			It's too late now.
			The end of the world is here and all you can do is cry for the weak.
			These are the end times!  Only the righteous will survive!
These are the days of power and glory!

CUT TO : THE INFIRMARY
YAPONCHIK YANKS AT SOMETHING ON THE WALL

CUT TO : THE CONFERENCE ROOM
THE LIGHTS GO OUT. 
THE ROOM IS PLUNGED INTO UTTER DARKNESS
SEVERAL PEOPLE CRY OUT.

CUT TO : EXT. NIGHT, DOWNTOWN SEATTLE.
THERE ARE NO LIGHTS VISIBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING.

CUT TO : THE MILLENNIUM GROUP COMPUTER ROOM.
A LITTLE MOONLIGHT IS SHINING THROUGH THE WINDOWS AND ALLOWS US TO SEE THAT ALL THE TERMINALS ARE OFF. THERE IS CHAOS AS PEOPLE TRY TO GET OUT OF THE ROOM.

CUT TO : WE SEE FRANK BLACK STANDING IN FRONT OF BLINDING WHITE LIGHT
AS THE LIGHT INCREASES, HE IS LOST TO VIEW

CUT TO : THE OLD MAN'S OFFICE
THERE IS THE SOUND OF FRANTIC FUMBLING IN THE DARK FOR A FEW SECONDS
THEN THERE IS A SOUND OF A MATCH STRIKING
THE MATCH ILLUMINATES THE FACE OF THE OLD MAN
HE LOOKS AFRAID.
HE BEGINS TO LOOK AROUND THE DESK DRAWERS FOR A CANDLE
THERE IS A NOISE FROM THE DARKNESS.
THE OLD MAN FREEZES.
					THE OLD MAN
				Who is it?  
				(pause)
				Who's there?

THERE IS NO RESPONSE

				What's happening?
				Lott, is that you?

YAPONCHIK MOVES INTO THE RADIUS OF LIGHT CAST BY THE MATCH

				YAPONCHIK
				Old friend, don't you recognise me?
				It has been a long time since Stalingrad. 
Since Voroponovo

THE OLD MAN IS SILENT
YAPONCHIK				 
You didn't really think that the Marburg variant just 
leaked into the environment, did you?
Someone had to give it a helping hand.
(pause)
But you were right about the time being now.
About the apocalypse.
				But it is not for the world. Not yet.
				It is for the Millennium Group.
				For you.

THE OLD MAN REMAINS SILENT
THE MATCH IS BURNING HIS FINGERS
				
				YAPONCHIK
				Your match is nearly out.

YAPONCHIK MOVES FORWARDS AS THE MATCH GUTTERS AND DIES

				YAPONCHIK (hissing in the darkness)
				He is coming soon..

THERE IS THE SOUND OF A STRUGGLE IN THE DARKNESS, FOLLOWED BY A HISS OF BREATH.
THERE IS A WET NOISE, AS IF SOMETHING IS SPILLING ON THE FLOOR.


TO BE CONTINUED....