Above the Dead...Season 1, Episode 3 "666"

New characters Michael and Matthew are more "666" than what is happening to the world...

ABOVE THE DEAD . com

Season 1, Episode 3  (59 pages)

 

"666" 

 

INTRO

 

FADE IN:

 

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

Vehicle losing control, causing a deadly pileup, with other vehicles/semi-trucks (same scene/accident that clogged up highway, in episode 2)...

 

Driver’s (Michael, 21) POV, of rearview mirror, and the accident, as it occurs behind him.

 

MICHAEL

(off-screen (OS))

Holy s**t! They're crashing back there!

 

Michael looking back behind him, as does his brother (Matthew, 19), in passenger seat.

 

MATTHEW

Who?

 

MICHAEL

Everyone!

 

Matthew looks around, noticing some cars stopping, once at a safe distance.

 

 

MATTHEW

Pull over bro, I gotta’ get this!

 

Matthew getting his phone ready, as Michael pulls to side of road. Both guys quick to get out and look. Matthew filming with phone, approaching the scene as a few others rush past him, in aid of the victims.

 

MATTHEW

Brother, this is freaking awesome!

 

Guy with a dirty look, toward Matthew, while running past him.

POV from phone/cam, recording as man runs by, shouting back at Matthew.

 

GUY

How about putting down the camera and helping, eh?!

 

MATTHEW

Nah, you're the hero bro. I'm good where I am.

(talking to camera) Can't die before I even get

the chance to post this.

 

Matthew filming the injured people and the damaged cars, coming to a dead lady, buckled in her car.

 

MATTHEW

(OS)

She's a goner...

 

Michael standing back by the car, watching.

 

MICHAEL

Keep going. Grow a pair.

 

MATTHEW

(talking to the camera)

Says the guy, standing way over by the car.

 

Matthew walks around the corner of an upside-down car. He films a man lying dead on ground, as someone runs to his aid, but quickly goes on to someone else.

POV through camera, zooming in on dead guy.

 

MATTHEW

(OS)

Rest in peace, dead homie...better you than me.

 

Matthew moves onward, filming more people entering scene, looking and trying to help. Victims can be heard crying, or pleading for help. Matthew continues recording.

 

 

 

MATTHEW

(talking into camera)

You sob's back home better appreciate me risking

life and health, to bring you this real-life situation

on the highway, up on Mt. Hood.

 

Suddenly, Matthew heads back, after the sound of frantic commotion back behind him.

 

MICHAEL

(OS)

Matthew, what's going on?

 

Matthew cruises around the corner, to see one person running back toward their car, and a couple others pointing toward that dead woman, buckled in her seat, who Matthew begins to notice, is no longer dead.

 

MATTHEW

Sweet Jesus! (turning on camera/laugh in tone)

I thought she was dead!

 

POV from Camera.

 

MATTHEW

You are some kind of strung out, lady. Maybe

that's why you're still alive, for now.

 

Matthew turning to face others.

 

MATTHEW

This is who started it, right here. Don't do drugs

and drive, people.

 

Matthew walking away, back toward his brother. Suddenly, more frantic commotion comes from back at the other crashed vehicles, where people are retreating. The dead guy he filmed on the ground, walks around the corner.

 

MATTHEW

Okay, what the hell?! I know that guy was dead!

 

Matthew films him for a moment, while backing away. He takes notice of others, scattering away, either driving away east, or running off west.

 

MICHAEL

Matthew, get in the damn car!

 

Matthew begins jogging back toward Michael, but soon stops, staring into an upside-down, vehicle.

His POV, of a zombie eating the driver (same driver from EP 2, who caused the accident). Matthew tries to get footage of it, before deciding to move on, as the dead man "zombie", draws close. Matthew reaches the car, getting in as Michael drives away.

 

MATTHEW

What the hell was that?!

 

MICHAEL

You tell me!

 

MATTHEW

He was dead, I filmed him, completely without

a doubt, dead as s**t. Wait, hold on, stop!

 

MICHAEL

Are you crazy?!

 

MATTHEW

I wanna’ figure this out!

 

Michael stopping car in middle of the open road, as Matthew climbs out, looking back toward the zombie. One more car speeds past them. Zombie still coming, as Matthew reaches into glove compartment, pulling out a pistol, with a look at his brother, and back at the approaching zombie.

 

MICHAEL

What does he want?

 

MATTHEW

I don't know, I've never talked to a dead guy before!

 

Matthew walking right toward him. Fires two shots in his chest, to no effect. Runs and climbs back in car, as Michael begins driving off.

 

MATTHEW

Did you see that?! It didn't even faze him! Hold

on, wait! Park up ahead, in the shade.

 

 

MICHAEL

What? Why?!

 

MATTHEW

I wanna’ see what happens, once the damn

police get here!

 

Michael pulling over in the shade, as Matthew rolls down window, looking back at zombie, who is turning his attention back west. Matthew listens to all the frightened people, screaming from the highway, on the other side of the accident.

 

MATTHEW

He's turning back toward everyone else. Those

people are so screwed.

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

Same POV (about 25-30 min later)...

 

MICHAEL

How the hell are the police not here, yet?

 

MATTHEW

This must be happening everywhere. That's the

only reason they wouldn't be here. I think

everyone is on their own, brother. 

 

MICHAEL

Or maybe we died in that accident, and still

think we're alive.

 

Matthew staring right at him.

 

MICHAEL

Makes more sense than what we just saw

back there, doesn't it?

 

MATTHEW

Well, dead or not, let's move on, see what else

is happening out there.

 

Michael starting car, taking off.

 

MATTHEW

There are no rules right now, no law...

no consequences.

 

Michael looking at him...

 

MICHAEL

What?

 

MATTHEW

If cops aren't responding to that, imagine what

else they're ignoring. I say we stop off at the house,

and finish what we almost started, last summer.

 

MICHAEL

What?

 

MATTHEW

Why not? Even if things get better, no one will ever

know what happened. Come on bro, it's the first

thing on my bucket list, and after what we just saw,

I'm thinking it's a bucket list kind of day.

 

MICHAEL

And then what? We just put him outside, and watch

his dead a*s walk away? (chuckle from Matthew) And

what are we going to survive on, during this apocalyptic

mess? Bread, baloney, and booze? Cause when have

you ever known the old man to have anything else? 

 

MATTHEW

Number two, on my bucket list, to rob a

convenience store at gunpoint.

 

Michael, another staring look at his brother...

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE - DAY

 

A young man behind counter, looking up at the sound of the door, instantly becoming frightened. Matthew coming right at him, with gun aimed at his head.

 

MATTHEW

Don't worry, we ain't gonna’ hurt you.

 

BOOM! Instantly firing gun, shooting him in the head...

 

MATTHEW

See, that didn't hurt a bit.

 

MICHAEL

What the hell, man! We don't even know who else

is here! Someone with a damn gun? Jesus Christ!

 

Michael grabs the gun, and runs upstairs. Matthew checks back rooms, while POV remains on a window, where a man and woman race off toward the brush.

 

Cut to the man (TAN), leading his wife (FRANCES), into brush. They come to a safe place, duck down and look back toward the store, as Tan dials 911.

 

DISPATCHER

911, please hold...

 

Tan looking at his phone, with shock, and contained anger, to keep from being heard.

Cut to Matthew, walking toward counter, peeking over at the dead guy.

 

MATTHEW

Still dead, eh?

 

Michael coming back down.

 

MICHAEL

Looks like we lucked out. But damn dude, think

before you react. Look at this place. There's a

bedroom upstairs, plenty of food and beer,

water, and if the power goes, I'm betting there's

a generator around here, somewhere.

 

Matthew grabs a dog leash.

 

MATTHEW

You saying we should hunker down, here?

 

MICHAEL

No better place. What are you doing with that? (leash)

 

Matthew heading around counter, toward the dead guy.

 

MATTHEW

Gotta’ tie this dead b*****d up… (thinking)

Wonder how strong they are?

 

Michael's attention suddenly shifts outside, where a car pulls up.

 

MICHAEL

Damn it, we have company!

 

MATTHEW

Tell em' we're closed. No wait! We need someone,

to test this dead guy on.

 

POV cuts outside, to man's feet, as he climbs out of car, with breath of fresh air.

POV two more pairs of feet, climbing out of passenger side.

 

(DRIVER)

(OS)

Oh, how I love that fresh Oregon mountain air.

No wonder your uncle Fish likes it here, so much.

 

POV Vincent, as his boys (Greg/Mark) meet him on his side of the car, heading toward store entrance, as theme tune begins...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

THEME TUNE/CREDITS

 

Shots of all the chaos in the city, on day 1 of the “zombie” apocalypse, followed by bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highways, and tons of angry/nervous people honking or trying to pull off the road. Shot of Mt. Hood, followed by shots of a huge tree house overlooking a lake, which dissolves into the Columbia River, and traveling down it, through a huge forest fire, before reaching the Bonneville Dam. POV continues down the river, past the Glen Jackson bridge, flowing by tons of houseboats where the dead are falling into the river, chasing after whoever is drifting by…

 

POV of the Willamette River as it goes under the St. Johns bridge, and up into the hills of Portland. It travels over them, into the Beaverton area, crossing over the top of the Nike World Headquarters, and keeps traveling over farmlands, and into the coast range, finding the Glenwood Market, and a large camp with log walls, across the creek and behind the store…

 

POV speeds over the Tillamook Forest, Highway 26, and a bunch of other lands, before coming to the Columbia River, traveling west, under the Megler bridge, and into the ocean. It continues along the shoreline, past Astoria, the Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach, coming to a pair of jetties, and following through the channel between them. POV continues up into the nearby hills, finding a large camp, protected by a large log wall…

 

POV travels back down to the shoreline, and over a huge hotel, with a shot of the Twin Rocks in the ocean. POV travels by the bay of Tillamook, and along Highway 6, back into the coast range, until leaving the road, back into the Tillamook Forest, until coming to a very large compound, hidden away by all the brush and mountain-side, as opening credits roll…

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. FISH'S PORCH - EARLY DAWN

 

Scott on porch (gun in arm) with a blanket, trying to avoid drifting. His eyes keep closing and opening. He leans head against porch, and eyes close. He snores very briefly, followed by not breathing, until waking with a gasp for air…

 

Cut to Sam in bed, petting Bailey, with a look over at Amy, who remains asleep. Sam now looks at framed picture of her and Fish, before briefly spooked, by sound of someone leaving boys room, for bathroom. She again looks over at Amy, who is now awake.

 

AMY

Morning.

 

SAM

Hi.

 

AMY

(stretching)

Have you been up long?

 

SAM

Since the birds began chirping. Sounds so

peaceful out there. Like everything is okay.

 

AMY

I believe it soon will be...

 

Amy smiling, with a look around the room, and then at the framed photo, in Sam’s hands.

 

AMY

So, with a dad named Fish, I imagine you're

used to waking this early?

 

SAM

Used to scare me, hearing him walking around,

while it was still pitch black. Then I realized a

new day was about to begin, and couldn't sleep,

even if I was still tired. My moms hated how

early I woke up, after staying at my dad's. "Go

back to sleep, my little fishy", they'd say to me.

 

AMY

(smiling)

I can't wait to meet them.

 

SAM

I can't wait for you to meet them, too.

 

Rhett walking in.

 

RHETT

Nor, can I.

 

AMY

Hi, baby.

 

Rhett kissing and sitting in bed with her.

 

AMY

Oh god, Dad?

 

RHETT

He's fine. He's out there on the porch.

 

Amy to window.

 

AMY

Good morning, Dad.

 

SCOTT

Now that you're up, yes, it is. You guys can wake

me up in about fifteen hours, when you're ready

to sleep again.

 

AMY

Fifteen hours? I'm crashing again in fifteen minutes.

 

Eli entering/standing at door.

 

ELI

(groggily)

In what kind of apocalypse do people wake up

at the crack of dawn?

 

AMY

Apocalypse has been canceled due to electricity,

and the five-day forecast is calling for cell service,

and help from the National Guard.

 

ELI

Sweet, wake me in five days... (heading back

to room) My forecast calls for better dreams

and tons of Z's.

 

Sam a small smile, as she turns toward the wall, to keep anyone from seeing it.

 

AMY

He's really a good kid, Sam. He'll apologize later,

once rested.

 

SAM

It's okay. I haven't apologized to him yet, either.

 

Amy a delighted smile, and curling up against Rhett...

 

AMY

(to Rhett, quietly)

Things are looking up.

 

Scott entering room.

 

AMY

Hey, Dad. How did it go all night?

 

SCOTT

Completely quiet, not even a single gunshot.

 

AMY

Sleep at all?

 

SCOTT

Do I look like I slept?

 

SAM

I heard you snore at least a dozen times.

 

Amy and Rhett laughing.

 

AMY

Busted!

 

SCOTT

Yeah, for like a combined twelve seconds of sleep.

The kid said snore, not snoring. Having sleep apnea

makes me the perfect night guard. I might drift here

and there, but it won’t last. I honestly have no idea

how people with it, slept before electricity.

 

ELI

(shouting answer from other room)

I'm guessing they listened to you complain about it.

 

Rhett/Amy cracking up. Sam again turns, to hide her laughter, but caught by Amy.

 

AMY

Sam? Are you laughing over there?

 

SAM

He reminds me of my cousin, Zane.

 

Amy a pleased look at Rhett and her dad...

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. FISH'S KITCHEN - MORNING

 

Pancakes being flipped over, panning back to Amy, as Scott enters kitchen.

 

AMY

Dad, go to bed!

 

SCOTT

Not until I demolish at least a couple of those cakes.

 

AMY

Did you clean up in here, over night?

 

SCOTT

Yeah, figured the fish would be hard for Sam to see.

 

AMY

Which is why you get three pancakes, instead of

two. (a smile at him) She really stole your heart,

with that hug last night, didn't she?

 

SCOTT

(teasing)

Like the daughter I never had.

 

AMY

Just for that.

 

Amy stuffing her dad's pancake in her mouth...

 

Cut to Sam sitting, staring at her dad's grave, in total silence...

Cut to Rhett/Eli hiking the trail, along the peaceful lake.

 

RHETT

You certainly seem better today.

 

ELI

Doesn't mean I don't miss them.

 

RHETT

Of course, it doesn't. Just means you're strong...

Maybe even strong enough to talk with Sam,

later? Tell her how sorry you are, about yesterday.

I know she plans on telling you the same.

 

ELI

Really?

 

RHETT

So she says... You even made her laugh earlier, with

your comment about Scott putting people to sleep.

(Eli smiling) Even had Amy cracking up. That's good...

You certainly have Dad's sense of humor.

 

ELI

He was way funnier, than me.

 

RHETT

Yeah, but he was also a complete a*s, at times...

(slight chuckle) I could hear him now.

 

Rhett begins talking in mock voice of their dad, with Eli cracking up throughout it.

 

RHETT

“Boys... It's your duty to be strong now. Women

have come a long way. They vote, they make as

much, or more than us, hell, one might even run for

president, someday. But at times like this, it's always

a man who shines. You get her through some crap

like this, and she'll find her way back to the kitchen”

 

Eli/Rhett laughing...

 

ELI

You sound just like him!

 

Rhett/Eli taking notice of a cabin up ahead, and people nervously watching them, from inside.

 

ELI

Should we be nervous, right now?

 

Rhett patting the back of his pants.

 

RHETT

I have one of Sam's, dad's guns, just in case.

 

ELI

Looks like they're nervous.

 

Rhett waves up a hand at them, as they keep walking by. The people stay inside...

 

ELI

(looking toward Rhett's gun)

Probably time you show me how to use one of those.

 

Rhett looking back at Eli…

 

RHETT

Yeah, it probably is...

 

ELI

You really think just because the power is back

on, that things will get better?

 

RHETT

They sure can't get any worse...

 

ELI

I wonder how many people back home are

alright? My friends, teachers, baseball coach.

 

Rhett a slight shake of the head, as they walk on in silence...

 

Cut back to Sam still sitting there in silence, staring at her father’s grave…

 

SAM

I...I laughed today...(on verge of crying) How is that

possible? (crying out next sentence) I'm so sorry,

Daddy! (still somewhat crying) I never thought I

would do that again. (big sniff) Funny thing is...I

know you'd want me to. (completely blabbing out

next part) And I know how disappointed you must

be, by what I thought about doing! I know how

disappointed Grandpa, Scout, and Zane would be.

I'm so sorry Daddy, and I promise I'm going to never

think that way again! (regaining her composure for

a moment) I'm going to let you see me get back to

them. I'm going to do it for you...and (blabbing again)

I'm going to do it for them, Daddy!

 

Sam sitting there in silence, regaining her composure...

 

SAM

I love you, Daddy...

 

Dissolve back to the lake, with Rhett/Eli standing completely still on the trail, and staring straight ahead.

Rhett slowly reaches for the gun, aiming straight ahead. He fires it.

Cut to Sam at gravesite, instantly looking up toward gunshot. POV Scott/Amy, running out of cabin.

 

AMY

SAM!?

 

Sam heading toward Scott/Amy.

 

AMY

Where'd that come from? Was it Rhett?

 

SAM

I don't know. (pointing to trail) I think over that way.

 

AMY

(shouting)

RHETT?! ELI?!

 

In the not-so-far distance, you can hear a response.

 

RHETT

Coming! We're okay.

 

Amy instantly relieved, as they all head toward trail... Eventually they see Eli, soon followed by Rhett, carrying a dead deer...

 

AMY

You shot a deer?

 

Dissolve to Fish’s cabin, as Rhett drops deer down on porch.

 

RHETT

It was just right there, in front of us.

 

SCOTT

The deer here are used to being fed, very friendly.

 

Amy waddles away, on verge of vomiting, but fights it off, but becomes emotional.

 

RHETT

What's wrong?

 

AMY

That poor thing wanted to be fed, not to be fed on.

 

Amy crying...

 

RHETT

I don't get it? I've hunted before. You've eaten

food, I've killed.

 

AMY

I don't get it either. I just can't stop picturing it,

waiting to be fed, by friendly people.

 

RHETT

So, it's a hormone thing?

 

Amy simply turns, heads inside.

 

AMY

Just keep that thing away from me, and do

NOT eat it anywhere around me.

 

Everyone looking amongst each other...

 

SCOTT

She'll be alright. It was a good call, Rhett...

 

Someone's POV, from brush (watching them), as Sam goes inside the cabin. Scott, Eli and Rhett, all standing around, on porch steps. someone keeps watching, while carefully moving around in brush...

 

CUT TO:

Amy at kitchen sink, washing face, as Sam comes in behind her.

 

SAM

My uncles all hunt. My grandpa says it's necessary

to know how, in case you ever need to. My dad

agreed... I never disagree with anything they both

agreed on…

 

Amy drying her face, and sitting at table, resting head against hand.

 

AMY

I agree too. I just...don't know why I'd be so worked

up over a deer, after what you've been through,

what they've been through...it's ridiculous.

 

SAM

It makes me sad, too. I even got sad over the fish

my dad caught. Even the ones I caught.

 

 

AMY

I just...(stops talking, staring straight ahead)

 

Sam turns to face direction Amy is staring. Amy rises, walking to window, and watching a woman (about 20, carrying a bag, wearing dirty clothes, and with a black eye), who is approaching from the brush. Amy pushes open window.

 

AMY

Dad, someone’s coming!

 

Cut to Scott, turning to face approaching woman. Rhett grabbing his pistol, walking off porch, aiming at her.

 

WOMAN

(raises hands)

I'm unarmed. (spinning around) Come in peace.

 

Rhett still aiming gun on her, as she arrives. Amy comes outside, followed by Sam.

 

SCOTT

Who are you? What is it you want?

 

WOMAN

My name is Jax. I heard the gunshot, while on the

road. I thought maybe it was the military. I've heard

a rumor that they're camped out in the area,

somewhere...(Rhett lowers gun, Jax lowers hands)

and responsible for getting the electricity back on.

 

AMY

Where did you hear that?

 

JAX

From some folks who fed and let me stay with

them, last night. I'm trying to find where those

military guys are, to see if getting back to the

city, or someplace safe, is possible.

 

AMY

What else did they tell you?

 

JAX

They saw the military rolling through, yesterday

afternoon. Figured they got the power back on,

and were securing the area.

 

AMY

Thank God...

                                                         

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)

 

INT. STORE - DAY

 

Vincent, Greg, and Mark, sitting on floor, hands tied behind backs. Michael just finishing with Mark's hands, and holding the gun on them. Matthew simply staring at the dead cashier...

 

MATTHEW

I don't get it, why hasn't he come back, yet?

 

Vincent/boys puzzled looks amongst one another.

 

MICHAEL

Maybe it's something in the air, or that virus

they've been talking about?

 

More puzzled looks between Vincent/boys.

 

VINCENT

What exactly are you guys expecting that deceased

guy to do?

 

MATTHEW

I was hoping to watch him eat your a*s.

 

Michael a slight chuckle. Vincent/boys not sure what to think...

 

VINCENT

Look, I don't think you guys mean to hurt anyone.

You're obviously on something, and something

good. The thing of it is, that's exactly what we

came up here to do today, ourselves. My youngest

here just graduated, and I want to do for him, what

my father did for me. Get loaded. Maybe not

whatever it is you two are on. (motioning at Mark)

He's a first timer. But I'll certainly give it a shot, if

ya don't mind sharing?

 

Matthew grinning...

 

MATTHEW

Bro, I applaud your effort, but I haven't even begun

drinking, yet today.

 

GREG

Then explain why you believe that dead guy is

going to magically wake up?

 

MATTHEW

(pulling out phone)

Better yet, I'll show you.

 

Suddenly, car is heard, tearing out of side garage. Michael and Matthew run toward window. Matthew goes running out door, holding up gun, but saving his bullets, as Tan (wife ducking down in passenger-seat) speeds away...

Michael walking up behind Matthew.

 

MICHAEL

This is why you think, before you act. Once they

realize there's no place to go, where do you think

they'll turn? For all we know, they have guns.

That of which, we only have one!

 

Matthew heading toward store door.

 

MATTHEW

We'll have more, once we take care of Dad.

 

Matthew entering store, and immediately begins rushing after someone. Michael begins rushing himself. Vincent (hands still tied), at counter, desperately trying to make a call on his phone, as Matthew tackles him to the ground. Greg does his best to jump Matthew. Michael is taken down from behind, by Mark. Matthew is fighting off both Vincent and Greg. Mark actually has the gun, within reach (hands still tied). He grabs it, but without any ability to aim it. Michael secures it, while kneeing Mark in the face, and holding gun on him.

 

MICHAEL

(speaking to Vincent and Greg)

STOP, OR HE DIES!

 

Vincent and Greg stop immediately.

 

VINCENT

NOOO!

 

Matthew with a couple instant blows, to Vincent's face, followed with anger, over the pain it brings to his fists, as he begins shouting sounds of frustration (with a quick glimpse at dead cashier)...

 

MATTHEW

ALRIGHT, WHICH ONE DIES RIGHT NOW?!

 

Everyone including Michael, just staring in a panicked bewilderment, as Matthew grabs Vincent, heading for the door.

 

GREG

What are you doing?!

 

MICHAEL

Matthew, what are you doing?

 

MARK

Dad?!

 

MATTHEW

Maybe it's something in the air, maybe you have to be

outside when it happens.

 

Matthew grabbing gun from Michael.

 

VINCENT

You don't have to do this!

 

GREG

Don't you even dare!

 

MARK

Dad?!

 

Vincent's phone begins going off (vibrating on counter), as well as both Greg and Mark's phones. Matthew slows down, stops, looking over at ringing phone. He looks at Vincent, then hands gun to Michael, and walks to phone, picking it up with a glance. He then glances over both phones on counter, before looking over at Vincent...

 

MATTHEW

What the hell does 666 mean?

 

Absolute shock, taking over already shocked faces, of Vincent and his boys...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

INT. FISH'S KITCHEN - MORNING

 

Everyone including Jax, sitting at table eating pancakes.

 

JAX

That's when everyone started screaming and

running for their lives. I got hit hard in the eye,

hence the shiner, and then got separated from

my roommate. When I couldn't find her up ahead,

I tried going back to the car. That's when I saw...

the same type of things you people saw. I'm kinda’

glad you did, because the people last night, they

thought I was crazy... Anyway, I just ran past it all,

and got back to the car. She was nowhere around.

But those things sure were. So, I grabbed what I

could, and headed East. I saw the accident, and

could not believe it was just sitting there,

abandoned like that. No police ever came...

 

Everyone taking bites from their plates, in silence...

 

AMY

(finishing chewing)

Things are getting better, now. They'll broadcast

something soon, telling everyone what to do.

 

RHETT

You hiked all the way up here?

 

JAX

(nodding)

I didn't sleep until last night, when those kind

people took me in. They had very little to survive

on. I couldn't blame them for asking me to move

on, in the morning. That's when my plan became

to find the troops.

 

RHETT

You didn't run into any trouble, on your way here?

No more of those...

 

ELI

Huffs...

 

Sam a curious look at Eli. Jax looking at everyone, then at Eli.

 

JAX

Huffs?

 

AMY

What does that stand for, Eli?

 

Sam waiting curiously for an answer.

 

ELI

I'm not comfortable cussing around your dad.

 

Sam smiling, little laughter from Amy and Jax.

 

SCOTT

Go for it, kid, ya’ got me curious now.

 

ELI

You guys start calling them that, and I'll eventually

spill it… You have to earn it.

 

RHETT

You know, even if the military has things, or are

getting things under control, people coming back,

as...huffs, how and where does life go from there?

 

Everyone again taking bites from their plates, in silence...

 

AMY

(finishing chewing)

Maybe there's a way to stop it. Maybe they know

what's making it happen.

 

More silence...

 

JAX

Just knowing what they know, would make me

happy. My place is smack in the middle of

downtown Portland. I won't even attempt a

return there, without word to do so.

 

More silence... Amy taking a layer of clothing off.

 

AMY

It's warm already, today.

 

ELI

If things really are getting better, I'm going to

celebrate by putting that rope swing, out there,

to use, and even if things are still F'ed, I'm going

out with a bang, and getting my swing on.

 

JAX

You guys have a rope swing here?

 

CUT TO:

 

EXT. ROPE SWING - DAY

 

Jax (in swimsuit), flying through air (with joy), dropping into water, next to Eli. Amy in a chair (in the water), soaking her feet. Rhett in chair, at shoreline. Sam close by, watching from her dad's grave. Eli watching Jax, approach Amy.

 

JAX

The funny thing is, I was supposed to be doing

exactly this, right now. The rope swing at my

roommate's folks, has a huge rock to swing from...

(sitting down behind Amy, on the bank) I wonder

if she made it, or where she's at? She's really the

only family I have.

 

RHETT

So, you mentioned being a hunter. If you can

help catch food, we can offer you shelter.

 

JAX

I can do that.

 

AMY

You really think we'll need more food, before...

before it's over?

 

RHETT

Even if things are on the up, it's going to be a

very slow process. Life is going to be hard, and

dangerous, for quite a while.

 

AMY

So...you think we're on our own, for the baby?

 

RHETT

We'd be foolish to not prepare for it.

 

AMY

The troops have to have doctors, though, right?

 

RHETT

Which is why if they don't come looking for us,

like Jax, we may need to go looking for them.

 

Amy rubbing her tummy, talking to her baby.

 

AMY

You hear that, my little man? No need to vacate.

stay on in there, until things get back to normal.

 

Jax heading for rope swing.

 

JAX

Not sure normal is ever coming back.

 

Eli listening to conversation, while floating on his back...

Sam staring at the grave, takes a peek at the others (sound of Jax splashing down), then back at grave...

 

JAX

Come in, Sam.

 

Amy a look back at Sam...

 

AMY

I will if you will...

 

Sam just staring at grave a few moments, before speaking to her dad...

 

SAM

I love you, Dad.

 

Sam rising, and heading toward water, to the sound of the others pleased.

 

POV through binoculars (from across the lake), of Sam approaching others, in the water...

POV man, with binoculars to his face.

Man (Frank, 60-65), lowers binoculars...

 

FRANK

It's playtime, over there. As if everything is fine

and dandy.

 

Woman (Lisa, 60-65), grabbing binoculars from Frank, and looking for herself.

 

LISA

Maybe we should just go over there. They could

have the medical supplies that our daughter needs.

 

FRANK

They have guns. Guns that have been going off over

there, since this all began. I moved us up here to get

away from people like that.

 

Frank leads Lisa away.

 

LISA

But they seem friendly. They waved as they

walked by earlier.

 

FRANK

Walked by with a gun. And I'm telling you, those

are not the people who normally vacation there.

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

 

Sick woman (40ish), with fever, lying in bed. Her daughters (Erica 15, Macey 14) and son (David 8), are present. David is apprehensive, and leaves the room. Mom takes notice, but unable to find the strength to call out to him.

 

ERICA

I'll check on him, Mom.

 

Erica leaving room after him...

 

ERICA

David? David, come here, buddy.

 

DAVID

(sad)

Mom's going to die.

 

ERICA

No, David. Grandpa is not going to let that happen.

 

Frank walking through door, followed by Lisa...

 

FRANK

What's wrong?

 

ERICA

He's worried about Mom.

 

Lisa leading David into kitchen.

 

LISA

Oh, he's just hungry is what he is. Let's see what

yummy treats we can find you.

 

Frank and Erica heading back into bedroom, closing door on POV.

 

CUT TO:

 

EXT. FISH'S CABIN �" DAY

 

Sound of others swimming, as Rhett opens side door, coming out (with bloody hands) and using hose, to rinse off. He goes back inside, coming out with meat, he cut from the deer. He heads to porch.

 

Cut to Eli, dropping from rope swing, next to Jax. Sam and Amy floating/watching, from a distance...

 

JAX

Come on, Sam. (holding up rope) Show me

what you got.

 

SAM

Maybe later.

 

Amy looking at Sam...

 

AMY

I'd tell you, I'd do it if you do it, but...

 

Amy holding her pregnant belly. Eli swimming over to Amy/Sam...

 

ELI

I bet you can do backflips, eh?

 

SAM

No...but my cousin Zane, can, like no one else.

Except maybe my cousin, Greg. He's pretty

good, too.

 

ELI

Are they both at the compound?

 

SAM

Zane should be. If not, then he's on his way here,

to find me. Not sure what happened to Greg. His

dad and brother were supposed to meet us here,

two days ago.

 

Silence, and some floating around...

 

ELI

I'm sorry, Sam...about yesterday... I like your

cat. What's its name?

 

SAM

Bailey... I'm sorry, too.

 

More silence...

Rhett arriving at shoreline, as Amy swims toward him, and her chair...

 

AMY

So, I take it, everyone's name that isn't Amy, is

eating deer, for dinner?

 

RHETT

Really bothers you that much?

 

SAM

The dear is honored, by all who use it to survive.

Wasting the meat is disrespectful.

 

Silence...

 

ELI

Are you like, half Indian or something?

 

Some laughs, including Smantha, who tries to fight it.

 

AMY

Eli!

 

ELI

I mean, don't get me wrong, I can't get the image

of him shooting that poor thing, out of my mind.

Which of course is better than the previous images,

stuck there, but...(shrugging)

 

More silence...

 

ELI

Awkward silence...

 

More silence...

 

ELI

Seriously though, I know your family is waiting

for you, at a compound, but uh, you sure it's

not a reservation?

 

More laughs including Sam...

 

SAM

I love Indians, but no. We get our fireworks at

the reservation, though.

 

JAX

Compound?

 

ELI

Oh yeah, you don't know yet. Her family is

loaded. They have a compound, in...where at?

 

SAM

Not too far from the beach.

 

AMY

Tillamook, State Forest.

 

JAX

Are you kidding me?

 

Sam as happy/excited as she's been since the loss of her dad.

 

SAM

My grandpa built it. But he's retired now. So, my

uncle Hunter runs it. My cousin Zane, is next in line,

and he and my aunt Scout, are going to come up

here and get me. I mean us, get all of us.

 

JAX

Well uh, screw the military, let's find that compound.

 

AMY

If they don't show up here in the next couple weeks,

that's exactly what we're going to do. We are getting

this special kid back to her family. (smiling at Sam)

 

JAX

So, your entire family is there?

 

SAM

Family and friends. There were over a hundred

people, already living there before this happened.

 

ELI

Really?

 

AMY

I didn’t know that. No wonder you have a doctor there.

 

SAM

Probably more than one doctor, now. Grandpa

had others, who invested in homes, there. They

have places there to live, in case anything like this

happens, or just to vacation. He built it big enough

for thousands to survive there.

JAX

Wow.

 

ELI

Really?

 

AMY

Holy crap!

 

RHETT

So, it's an ark...

 

SAM

That's what's grandpa called it.

 

AMY

I can't even begin to imagine how much money

must have gone into that.

 

SAM

I think all of it. Because they still had more they

were waiting to get, like army vehicles, or apocalyptic

vehicles, Zane called them. But Grandpa, was turning

it into a way to make more money. We have a huge

farm there, I think he sold most of the food. There's

baseball fields, softball, a gym, park, even a forest

and manmade lake, inside. There’s also a river that

flows through the back end of it right under the

compound walls. Grandpa was talkin about building

a new hotel there, as a tourist attraction. But only

if his idea of a theme park, in the area, was accepted.

 

AMY/ELI

Theme park?!

 

JAX

Like a Disneyland, or something?

 

SAM

Yeah, except he wanted to name it with "land",

at the beginning, rather than the end. "Land of

the Great Northwest", he called it. Instead of

Mickey Mouse, he wanted Bigfoot, as his main

theme character. Part of the park would even be

called, Bigfoot County.

 

JAX

Whoa! Nice.

 

AMY

Are you kidding me? That's actually genius. Was

he really going to do this?

 

SAM

He was working on help, investors, I think, and

then he was going to be able to afford to invest

more, for supplies at the compound. My uncle

Leo wasn’t happy about it. He just wanted the

compound to be about the apocalypse.

 

ELI

Smart man.

 

JAX

Right?

 

AMY

What beside Bigfoot County, was he going to have?

 

SAM

He was designing rides called, The Gorge, Mt. Saint

Helens, the Coast Range, Sneaker Wave, The Lewis

and Clark Expedition, Hood to Coast, and a ton more.

(she smiles at Eli) He wanted an Indian theme, too,

and Indian characters.

 

ELI

I knew it!

 

Everyone laughing, including Sam…

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)

 

INT. STORE - DAY

 

Vincent and his boys in shock, as they stare at Matthew.

 

VINCENT

You can't be serious?

 

MATTHEW

As a damn apocalyptic event! All three of you got

the same text. You must know what this means.

 

VINCENT

We do. We just never thought, in our lifetime,

we'd see it.

 

MATTHEW

What the hell are you talking about?

 

VINCENT

Look, you guys are going to need our help. You

guys expecting that guy to wake up, suddenly

doesn't seem so off.

 

MATTHEW

Dude, if you don't start making sense, I'm gonna’

666, your a*s straight to hell!

 

GREG

Just let him explain!

 

VINCENT

We have a wealthy family. So wealthy, that we

have a compound in the coast range. Some of

our family already lives there. The rest of us, are

supposed to gather there asap, if we ever receive

that code. I don't know if we're at war, or what's

going on, but you mentioned something on your

phone, to show us?

 

Michael/Matthew sharing a look at one another...

 

MICHAEL

Makes sense, with what we've seen.

 

VINCENT

What have you guys seen? Please, show me,

so I can make sense of all this!

 

Matthew pulling out his phone, playing video for Vincent and the boys...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

INT. TREE HOUSE (girl's room) - NIGHT

 

Close-up of picture (on cell phone, of Zane/Scout), panning back, as Sam shows it to Amy.

 

SAM

(OS)

That's Zane and Scout...

 

Scott/Rhett sitting on beds, Eli on floor, petting Bailey, as Jax enters room.

 

JAX

Our saviors? Let me see.

 

Sam holding phone out for Jax, and points to framed photo next to her.

 

SAM

That's a family picture, right there.

 

JAX

Mmmm, Zane is cute.

 

SAM

You're not his type.

 

Amy a sheepish smile, as Jax moves to look at family photo. Sam points to someone in photo.

 

SAM

Her name is Jax, too.

 

JAX

Really?

 

SAM

That's her grandpa, Hunter, next to her, the

compound leader.

 

JAX

(pointing to guy on other side)

Is that her dad?

 

Sam a solemn nod...

 

SAM

He might be...dead.

 

Jax a heartbreaking look/sound at Sam.

 

AMY

That's the one who was bitten?

 

Sam nodding...

 

 

JAX

Bitten?

 

AMY

Yeah, uh...didn't really want to bring it up in

front of Sam, earlier, but...

 

Some silence...

 

SAM

I can handle it. I watched my dead dad, eat my dog.

 

Jax a wide-eyed look at Amy, and mouthing "What"...

 

SAM

Not sure what I couldn't handle, now.

 

AMY

You're simply amazing, Sam.

 

JAX

(hand on Sam's shoulder)

Ain't that the truth.

 

Sam, a look at Eli.

 

SAM

Well then, I guess Eli is, too.

 

AMY

He certainly is...

 

JAX

I'm really sorry to hear that about your dad,

Sam, and your dog.

 

SAM

Thank you... I know he's watching... I know

how happy he'll be to see me make it home.

 

AMY

Yes, he will. (almost teary-eyed)

 

SAM

Both him and Eli's dad. They'll share a hug, as

we're walking through the compound gates.

 

Amy becoming emotional. Eli a faint smile...

 

SAM

Your mom, too.

 

AMY

Rhett? Escort a lady to the restroom? Not to go...

just to cry.

 

Jax a laugh, Amy touching Sam on shoulder, as she walks by.

 

AMY

Thanks, Sam.

 

Rhett/Amy leaving room.

 

ELI

Okay, maybe I was wrong about the Indian, thing.

It's religion, your family is into, eh?

 

Amy a crying laugh from outside the room. Sam smiling.

Rhett walking Amy into bathroom.

 

AMY

(with emotion)

I hope your brother likes them young... I think

that child in there, someday wants to be your

sister-in-law...

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. FRANK/LISA'S CABIN - NIGHT

 

Erica/Macey (15 and 14), sleeping on couches in living room...

Cut to David (8), in a bedroom, asleep next to Lisa.

 

Cut to Frank (Grandpa), in a different bedroom, asleep in loveseat. The children's mom is in the bed, across from him. She begins waking (as a zombie). Seeing/hearing Frank, she rises and goes to him, crawling onto his lap (in chair), and digging into his chest, with her teeth. He wakes instantly, in shock, and unable to scream, due to a massive heart attack that kills him, before the zombie does...

 

Cut to girls, still sleeping in living room...

 

Cut to David, still sleeping, but in a dream state, squirming around...

 

Cut to zombie, feasting on Frank. Frank suddenly wakes, as a zombie, causing other zombie to stop eating, and eventually rise off him/loveseat…

 

Cut to girls, still sleeping in living room...

 

Cut to David, squirming/moaning from nightmare...

 

Dissolve to images of his nightmare. His mom crying, in pain as she is bitten, by a zombie. His sisters crying, as they all flee from the zombie. His mom lying in bed, sick. Suddenly, she screams.

 

Cut to David, waking in bed, as his zombie mom eats from his tummy, his screams instantly waking Lisa (next to him). Lisa screams, as zombie climbs over David, and overtakes her. Lisa screaming. Girls come charging through bedroom door, freezing in shock, at the scene in front of them. They scream, turn, and are stopped at the door, by zombie Frank, who traps them inside.

POV behind zombie Frank, as he enters room, full of screams...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. TREE HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Scott leaving bathroom, heading toward boys room.

His POV, as he looks in at Rhett/Eli, sleeping. Scott now walking toward girls room.

His POV, as he looks in at all three girls, sleeping. Scott walks over toward ladder area. He picks up his shotgun, sits down, and looks out over the lake...

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)

 

INT. STORE - DAY

 

Matthew pulling away phone, as Vincent stares off in disbelief, over what he just saw...

 

VINCENT

I...I always thought it'd be war, or terrorism...that

lead to that code, coming across our phones...

 

GREG

How can that not be terrorism?

 

Michael/Matthew curious, and waiting for Vincent to answer...

 

VINCENT

(nodding)

I guess...I guess it could be.

 

GREG

It has to be.

 

MICHAEL

Like...something biological?

 

GREG

Has to be...

 

VINCENT

But...what could make the dead come back?

 

Vincent in thought, as everyone awaits him to share...

 

VINCENT

It's.....(simply shaking his head, at a loss for words)

 

MATTHEW

It's the end, is what it is. (talking to Michael) Get

some more rope, and get them tied down.

 

VINCENT

(shaking head)

No man, you don't have to do that. Now that we know

what you two have been through, what the world is

going through, we're all better off working together.

 

MATTHEW

(with laugh)

There you go again, trying to talk your way outta' this.

 

GREG

Are you kidding me?! Did you not hear us say we

have a compound?

 

MICHAEL

(holding rope)

Maybe they're right.

 

MATTHEW

I just almost killed this guy! He'll do the same to

me, with his bare hands, if given the opportunity.

 

VINCENT

(shaking head)

No, I won't!

 

MATTHEW

Tie them up!

 

Michael begins tying them up against wall. Matthew goes to window, looking out at car, pulling into parking space.

 

MATTHEW

Damn it. We got company.

 

Michael coming to window...

 

MATTHEW

Finish tying them up. It's just a family, with little kids...

 

POV cuts outside, to father holding little girl's hand, as they approach the store. Mom and young son, nervously waiting at car, mom looking all around (engine still running). The little girl obviously in need of using restroom.

 

Dad's POV, of "closed" sign on door, as Matthew comes out (backwards), dragging dead cashier. Dad freezes.

 

LITTLE GIRL

Daddy, I have go!

 

Matthew simply leaves body on side of door, heading back inside.

 

MATTHEW

We're closed.

 

Dad/girl looking at body, girl begins peeing, as dad picks her up, running back toward car.

 

MOM

Is that?

 

DAD

Get in the car! Get in the car!

 

Girl now crying, as they all quickly pile in. Dad peels out, in a hurry...

 

Cut back inside store, where Michael finishes tying them up. Matthew laughing at the family, driving away.

 

MATTHEW

Who needs a "closed" sign, when ya got a dead

body at your door?

 

VINCENT

That may work against innocent families, but what

happens when someone more aggressive, like

yourself, shows up? An entire group of them,

hungry and desperate, for a place to ride this out...

Your dead body out there, will only warn them to

take you by surprise.

 

MATTHEW

We'll have more guns soon. No one's getting in here.

 

Vincent shaking his head, looks to Michael...

 

VINCENT

(talking to Michael)

I can tell you know what I'm talking about. Please

talk to him.

 

Matthew instantly throwing a punch at Vincent's face.

 

GREG

STOOOP!

 

MATTHEW

Don't try to use my brother, to go over me!

 

MICHAEL

Matthew?

 

MATTHEW

Next time, you get a bullet, or a damn blade in your gut!

 

MICHAEL

MATTHEW?!

 

MATTHEW

WHAT?!

 

Mathew simply stares Michael down, before Michael eventually signals him outside. Matthew follows him out, while gesturing the others, toward the food isles.

 

MATTHEW

(heading out)

Plenty of munchies, if you guys get hungry...

 

Michael/Matthew out door. Mark (next to Vincent) looking at his dad, as Greg works to get free.

 

MARK

You okay?

 

VINCENT

I'm fine. Look, no more aggravating the crazy one.

No matter how intense things get, don't try

reasoning with him. He doesn't have any...

 

GREG

We're dead, if we don't figure something out, quick.

 

VINCENT

Getting the other one alone, would be our best bet.

 

GREG

And how do we do that?

 

VINCENT

Was hoping, one of you had an idea...

 

MARK

Maybe if we tell them about Fish's place (Vincent

shaking head), we can - (cutoff)

 

VINCENT

Under no circumstances, do we mention Fish,

or his cabin. If they ask, we're just up here

vacationing from Cali.

 

Cut outside, to Michael/Matthew, in parking lot.

 

MICHAEL

You have to calm down. Quit reacting, without

thinking. That compound, one way or another,

is our best play.

 

Matthew just staring at the dead body...

 

MATTHEW

Why hasn't this guy come back?

 

MICHAEL

Dude! Are you even listening to me? Am I just

here for the ride?

 

MATHEW

If you are smart enough, to know just how in the

hell we are supposed to make that compound our

play, then sure, I’m listening...

 

Michael speechless...

 

MATTHEW

I didn't think so...

 

MICHAEL

It's like I said. Don't react, think. Killing them

would be reacting.

 

Again, Matthew simply staring at dead guy...

 

MATTHEW

There has to be a reason, he isn't coming back...

 

Matthew heading back inside. Michael rolls his eyes, and follows while shaking his head.

 

MICHAEL

Dad must have hit you harder, than he ever did me.

 

Matthew through door. Vincent waiting for Michael to come through, before speaking…

 

VINCENT

I see a radio over there, can you guys please see

what's being said, about what's going on out there?

 

Michael heading behind counter, turning on radio. He finds silence, static and emergency alerts, before coming to a man talking about what's going on.

 

RADIO GUY

911 is unreachable. Panic is developing everywhere...

I can't say it enough. For those of you just tuning in,

whatever this virus going around is, it's making

those infected with it, extremely violent. So many are

infected with it, that they are walking the streets with

it. I was attacked, just outside the station here, twenty

minutes ago. I got away with my life, but was indeed

bitten. Yes bitten...and, I'm not talking skin broken and

a little blood... I'm talking violently grasped, with this

guy's teeth, and a chunk of my flesh now gone. I'm

guessing this means I am now infected. I mean...you

come in this kind of contact, with anyone infected...

you catch it, right? In a matter of time, I'll be in the

same state of mind, as the guy who did this to me,

right? Now, everything I'm hearing, through scattered

reports, is that nothing other than a blow to the brain,

is able to take these "infected", down. (Matthew

reacting to that news) I'm not even going to share some

of the wild things I've heard, as I simply believe them to

be paranoid rumors, and wild speculation. I have heard

terrorism, and honestly, I'm all on board with that. I can

tell you this, if I am to become like the one who bit me, I

won't be hurting or spreading the virus myself. I'm all

alone here. I've got the doors barricaded. The one

outside my door appears too weak, to even attempt

breaking in. Once I become like him, I should be stuck

inside... until I pass. Until then, I will continue to bring

you the latest... Again, I cannot say it enough...

(Matthew over to radio) For those of you just tuning in...

 

Matthew shutting it off. Walking around counter, and toward those tied up...

 

MICHAEL

Matthew?

 

Matthew pulls out a blade, as he approaches Vincent, and jams it straight into his gut.

 

GREG/MARK

NOOOOO!!!!!

 

Vincent looking into Matthew's eyes, and fighting to say his final words.

 

VINCENT

Please don't hurt my boys.

 

MATTHEW

I won't. You will, once you come back... If they

don't tell me what I need to know.

 

Matthew finishes him off, as both boys express their agony...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. LAKE TRAIL - DAY

 

Rhett carrying shotgun, as Jax walks in front of him, on trail.

 

RHETT

This is far enough.

 

Jax stops, and faces him. He moves toward her, takes a look in all directions, places shotgun against tree, and takes Jax into his arms, as they begin kissing.

 

POV from someone, or something, as it approaches from the brush. Rhett stops kissing her, and turns to face POV. Dread takes over his expression.

 

AMY

(OS)

  I knew you were a cheater!

 

Amy walking out of brush, instantly shoving Jax into the lake.

Jax climbing out of lake, as suddenly Eli tears out of brush (in the water), biting her neck, as she screams. Rhett grabs Amy's arm, leading her away, but she is now a zombie, too. She bites him in the neck, as he instantly wakes from nightmare.

 

Cut to Rett's eyes, waking in bed (dark outside). He stares straight ahead, before closing eyes.

 

POV cuts outside, and below, where Scott is walking around, with a flashlight, just kind of investigating the surrounding area. He stares at some brush, not too far from the tree house. He actually walks into the brush, looking around, before exiting…

 

Cut to Scott in Fish's garage, looking through tools and other types of supplies, along with leftover items from the tree house. Scott moves to go out door, where he comes face to face with Rhett, scaring him to death!

 

RHETT

It's just me!

 

SCOTT

JESUS! What the hell are you doing?

 

RHETT

Sorry! I was up, and heard you out here...wanted

to make sure it was you.

SCOTT

(walking out)

What are you doing up?

 

RHETT

Nightmares...

 

SCOTT

Yeah...they're pretty crazy, and pretty constant,

right now. Better get some rest, though. I'm going

to put us all to work tomorrow, after I get up. We

need to plan for the future, in case...things don't

get better...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

INT. BOYS ROOM - MORNING

 

Eli sleeping in his bed. Sam stands over him, staring at him. He slowly begins to wake. He begins moaning, like he's too sleepy to get up. Suddenly, he moans like a zombie, and leaps right at Sam.

 

Cut to Sam's eyes, waking in bed. She rolls over, finding both Amy and Jax, still asleep. She then looks to Bailey, who is safe at her side. She looks at the framed photo of her and her dad, followed by the one of Scout and Zane. She then begins rising from bed, while picking up Bailey. She heads for door, and in a hurry, walks straight to the bathroom (carrying Bailey), and going inside.

 

Cut to Scott, on porch looking toward tree house.

 

SCOTT

(speaking to himself)

Alright, Sam's up, that's good enough for me.

(turning and entering cabin) I'm going to bed...

 

Cut to cabin bedroom, as Scott enters inside, going straight to cpap machine, turning it on. He puts mask over his face, and climbs into bed, closing eyes...

 

Cut to Sam (with Bailey in hands), hurrying from bathroom, back to bedroom...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

INT. FRANK/LISA'S CABIN - DAWN

 

Bedroom, where one corpse (one of the girls) has been fully eaten. POV pans back from it, going through the cabin, where the other five are doing their zombie thing, roaming the house, with no way out...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

INT. GIRL'S ROOM - DAY

 

Amy screaming in pain. She stops, as she can hear a baby, crying. Rhett (with a smile on his face) hands her a baby zombie, as she immediately screams.

 

Cut to Amy's eyes, waking in bed...

She looks to Sam, who is looking back at her. Then to Jax, who is still out.

 

AMY

At least I'm not the last one to wake up... What

about you? Get up with the birds again?

 

SAM

Too many nightmares to sleep.

 

Amy nodding...

 

Cut to Eli's eyes, waking in bed. He looks over at Rhett, who's still asleep. He looks back upward (lying on his back), taking a deep breath, and shaking his head...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. LAKE TRAILS - MORNING

 

Rhett, Eli, and Sam, all hiking the trail. Eli handing pistol to Rhett.

 

ELI

Thanks. I'll need to go back over it all, with you

again, later. I want to know everything I need to

know, and know it right.

 

RHETT

Good...

 

ELI

When can I fire a loaded one?

 

RHETT

Next time a deer walks in front of us. Can't really

afford to waste ammo.

 

ELI

Can you show me how to work the shotgun next?

 

RHETT

Yeah, we'll do that a little later.

 

SAM

My grandpa and uncles, have been teaching me

self-defense, all my life. My cousin Zane, got to

learn how to shoot, when he was six. I was

supposed to learn when I was twelve, because

my moms made a compromise, with my dad. He

wanted me to be ten. They wanted me to be one

hundred and ten.

 

Rhett a laugh...

 

ELI

Moms? They??

 

SAM

Lesbians. My real mom is my dad's best friend...was…

 

Sam, sad as they walk in silence...

 

ELI

Sounds like a comedy...

 

SAM

What do you mean?

 

ELI

Kinda sounds like a movie. A comedy... Sometimes

I see everything in life, as a movie.

 

SAM

What are we in, now?

 

ELI

(shaking head)

I don't even know. Horror? A dramatic suspense

thriller? The Twilight Zone? (shaking head again)

I'd have to start reading comic books, to find

something this twisted...

 

Rhett a smile...

 

SAM

So...what does huffs stand for?

 

Eli quiet...

 

SAM

I can handle bad words.

 

ELI

It's not that, it's... I don't want you to be offended...

 

Sam quiet, a moment...

 

SAM

Because my dad was one?

 

ELI

That, and...what you saw him do...

 

Rhett a curious expression...

 

SAM

I can handle it.

 

Eli a skeptical look. from Sam to Rhett...

 

SAM

I have my dad's gun on me, don't make me use it.

 

Sam a half smile. Both Eli and Rhett shocked, as Rhett looks at her.

 

RHETT

Are you crapping me?!

 

Sam pulls it out. Rhett putting his hand out for it.

 

RHETT

May I please carry it for you?

 

Sam placing it back in her pants.

 

SAM

I'm good.

 

Rhett astonished, as they walk on...

 

SAM

Tell me what it means.

 

Eli moving in to whisper, it to her.

 

ELI

I'm honestly terrified, not to...

 

He whispers in her ear. She listens, and smiles, as he finishes. Then the smile fades, and eventually comes back again...

Rhett looks disappointed, to be left out on the secret.

 

RHETT

(quietly to himself)

I've got a gun, too...

 

ELI

The ones we saw on the highway, they were

really bad...

 

SAM

(smiling)

It sounds like something Zane would come up

with. He'll love it.

 

Rhett now shifting his attention, toward the same cabin where they saw people the day before. He watches it, as they walk the trail. It's far off the trail, so seeing inside, is hard to do. He doesn't see anyone...

 

Cut inside cabin, with view of Rhett and others (through window), as they walk by. Zombies inside, are pacing around, without noticing Rhett and others...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

EXT. FISH'S KITCHEN - MORNING

 

Amy with eggs, sausage, and bacon, on the stove. Rhett and Eli at the table, but no Sam or Jax…

 

AMY

I guess she likes to sleep in, even more than Eli.

 

RHETT

She better come through on being useful. Sam’s

family might not be thrilled, if too many people

are here, waiting for hospitality.

 

AMY

Keeping Sam safe, whether we get to them, or

they get to us, is all they will care about. From

what Sam said, it sounds as if taking people in,

is exactly what they do, there.

 

ELI

I think she's cool.

 

Amy a shrewd look, aimed at Eli. Then speaking to Rhett.

 

AMY

What were you saying about Dad? Putting you

guys to work today?

 

RHETT

He wants to dig an underground shelter, close by

the tree house. One we can build a tarp roof for,

and actually walk down into.

 

AMY

So, planning on the long haul? You have any idea

how much snow will be here, three-four months

from now?

 

Amy simply shaking head as she flips bacon...

 

CUT TO:

 

EXT. FISH GRAVESITE - MORNING

 

Sam speaking to her dad.

 

SAM

It made me laugh, but it made me sad, thinking about

you. Then it made me think of Zane, and then Scout,

Grandpa, Hunter, (getting emotional) Dakota, Bo, all

of them. They all remind me so much of you, Daddy.

(regaining composure, not getting as emotional, as

before) I need to be with them. I promise you I will be.

I promise you, you will see me grow old, at the

compound, helping the family do what Grandpa always

wanted...to start a new world...

 

Sam sitting there silently, looking at his grave...

 

SAM

Hungry, ugly, freaky...and the F word, plural...

(with laugh) That's what he calls them. Huffs...

You would have really like him, Daddy. He’s so

funny, just like you. (emotional)

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)

 

INT. STORE - EVENING

 

Close-up of Vincent's dead expression, panning back to the emotional aftermath expressions, of Mark and Greg...

 

MATTHEW

(OS)

Why hasn't he come back yet? Those ones on

the highway, were dead for only minutes,

before coming back. Why ain't it working?

 

Michael a look at his brother.

 

MICHAEL

Maybe those ones on the highway, were infected.

Maybe it's the virus, like the guy on the radio said.

He just doesn't realize, yet, they're dead.

 

MATTHEW

All the more reason to get these a******s, to tell

us exactly how to find that compound. Can't stay

here, we have to escape this so-called virus, if it

does indeed exist.

 

MICHAEL

You guys better do as he just said. As you already

know, I can't seem to control his crazy a*s.

 

Mark/Greg with dreadful expressions, when suddenly, Vincent begins coming back. Both Mark/Greg now into dreadful shock, as they watch their dad open his eyes, and start grunting.

 

MATTHEW

(OS, excited)

Here we go!

 

Fear now takes over Mark/Greg, as Vincent immediately begins lunging for Mark.

 

MATTHEW

Oh, YEAH!

 

Vincent doing his best to reach Mark, who also does his best to avoid Vincent's reach, which is way too close for comfort...

 

MATTHEW

Brother, are you seeing this! Woo-hoo! This is sick!

 

GREG

UNTIE US! UNTIE US!

 

Mark shouting in fear. Matthew pulling out and using his phone, to record it all. Michael watching, in shock.

 

GREG

You son of a b***h! You untie us, now!

 

MARK

Please, I don't wanna’ die!

 

MATTHEW

Will you tell me how to find your compound?

 

GREG

NO! You'll kill us anyway!

 

MARK

We'll tell you about a closer place! JUST STOP

HIM! STOP HIM, NOW!

 

GREG

MARK!

 

Mathew 's attention suddenly drifting outside, where he watches another vehicle pulling into parking lot.

 

MATTHEW

Damn it! World's ending and people wanna’ go

grocery shopping!

 

Michael looking outward.

 

MICHAEL

These guys are strapped!

 

Cut outside, to three guys climbing out of vehicle. At least one of them, visibly has a pistol. They begin cautiously approaching the store. Suddenly, they scatter, as they take on gunfire. The guy with the gun, fires a couple shots (taking out a window), as they all rush back inside the vehicle, pulling away, just as the last guy jumps back inside...

 

Cut inside store, to Matthew and Michael, slowly coming back up, and watching the vehicle speed away.

Mark still desperately keeping his distance, from Vincent.

 

GREG

YOU SEE?! My dad was right! It's only going to

get worse!

 

Matthew in thought...

 

MICHAEL

Matthew? They're right, man. We have to at least

go get Dad's guns!

 

MATTHEW

Alright, alright! You get these guys talking, about

whatever this other place is, they mentioned. I'll

get the guns.

 

Cut to parking lot, as Matthew comes out, drops supplies in Vincent's trunk, climbs into Vincent's vehicle, and skids off in a hurry...

 

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

 

EXT. TREE HOUSE - DAY

 

Rhett's POV, from tree house, of Sam flying through air, on rope swing, and splashing into water, near Eli. Amy sitting in chair (in water).

 

Eli turns and takes notice of Jax, in tree house girls room, topless (with her back to Rhett), and putting on her bikini top. Rhett watches a little longer than he should, before turning and entering boys room. Jax comes out of girls room, heading to ladder, climbing down and approaching others, at lake. Amy smiles, as she watches Sam and Eli, having fun and splashing around. She bites from a protein bar, and rubs her belly. She speaks quietly to her baby.

 

AMY

Please let me see you happy and playing around

like those two, someday. That is all I want. I don't

care if it's behind walls, that keep us safe, or in a

new world, where things will never be the same. I

just want to see you happy, and being a kid... Can

you please do that, for me?

 

Amy looking upward, as both Sam and Eli flee from Jax, who is swinging over them, and splashing down into the lake.
Amy suddenly flinching, as a hand touches her shoulder. She looks up at Rhett, smiling down at her.

 

RHETT

Hi, beautiful.

 

AMY

Hi, handsome. Are you actually going to swim?

 

RHETT

Tempted. Water feels great...

 

AMY

Go for it.

 

RHETT

What I'm really tempted to do, is ask Sam where

the keys to the boat, are. Maybe take the kids

for a tube ride.

 

AMY

They would love that! It's nice to see you thinking

about fun.

 

RHETT

I don't know, it's just something about that "not

so little", girl. She has me thinking, there's no

way her family isn't going to make it here, soon.

 

Amy smiling.

 

AMY

So, not only fun, but positive thinking on your

mind today, as well. I like it.

 

RHETT

Just listening to her, go on and on about them and

that place...If they care about her half as much as

she cares about them, they'll be here, eventually.

 

ELI

(OS)

Come on, Rhett. Come get wet!

 

POV from across lake, of Rhett leaving Amy's side, and charging toward Eli, until he dives in, causing the others to create a lot of commotion.

 

Cuts inside of Frank/Lisa's cabin, where zombies roam around (window in background, with view of swimmers). One of them begins going for window. Once at window, it begins grunting more, attracting the other zombies, now also heading for window.

 

POV outside window, of zombies putting pressure against it, before it gives way. One zombie immediately falls out, rising and walking forward. Other zombies all make their way out, except for the young boy (David), who struggles (due to his size), before eventually making it out.

 

POV (from inside) out broken window, as zombies (five of them, two grandparents, mom, teenage girl and young boy) approach lake, with swimmers in their view...

 

Cut to Rhett, swinging and dropping from rope swing, to the applause of all the others, as he does a cool backflip.

 

Cut to zombies, walking right into lake, heading for swimmers...

 

Cut to Rhett in water, picking up Eli, and throwing him up and into water...

 

Cut to zombies, continuing toward swimmers, and disappearing, as they sink to bottom...

 

DISSOLVE TO:

 

Rhett laying out (by lake) on towel, drying off. Amy in her chair (in water). Sam and Eli, still splashing around in the lake. Jax, almost in middle of lake, floating on her back. She swims under, coming back up quickly, before diving down deeper, and remaining under for a while. Sam/Eli look out her direction, waiting for her to rise...

 

ELI

She can hold her breath, a long time.

 

SAM

That's nothing. You should see Zane, in the water.

 

Jax pops back up, and continues going under, and coming back up...

 

ELI

You wanna’ marry your cousin, don't you?

 

SAM

Ewww! No!

 

ELI

I know, I'm just kidding. I can just tell you look

up to him. Like I do with my brother.

 

SAM

You'll know why, once they get here. He is not

only a complete badass, he's crazy funny. So is

Scout, Dakota, Greg, Wyatt, Jagger...get them

all together, oh my god, so funny.

 

ELI

How many cousins do you have?

 

SAM

Twenty-two, including second cousins.

 

ELI

Damn! Uncles and Aunts?

 

SAM

Four blood uncles. Hunter, Leo, Mason, and

Vincent. One blood aunt, Scout.

 

ELI

(mocking 12 days of xmas)

Three Indians, two moms, and a compound

in a pair treeeee...

 

Sam just staring at him...

 

SAM

Sometimes you're funny...and other times,

you're a total dork.

 

Eli instantly splashing water at her, as she laughs. She splashes some at him. He stops, looking all around, with paranoia.

 

ELI

Something touched me!

 

SAM

(laughing)

Yeah, right.

 

Sam can now see in Eli’s face, that he’s not kidding, as suddenly, a zombie jumps out of the water, at Eli, causing Sam to scream! BUT, it's not a zombie, it's Jax! She begins laughing. Eli and Sam splash water at her...

Amy laughs, as she watches from her chair...

 

Suddenly, zombie "Frank", is seen surfacing, behind the swimmers, closer to shore than them.

Amy's POV of "Frank", as he turns to face the swimmers, who all begin screaming, as they notice him.

Rhett pops up! He rises and rushes toward water...

Frank heading back into deeper water (going after swimmers). Jax helps Sam, swim away, with Eli following.

 

AMY

NO, WATCH OUT!!!

 

Suddenly, they stop, as they almost swim right for zombie "Mom", who is surfacing, in front of them. Not far from her, is zombie "Lisa", beginning to surface.

 

The swimmers all go into a panic, as Rhett is now diving off of the dock, toward swimmers. Zombie "Frank" has disappeared again. Zombie "Mom" is continuing toward land, toward frantic Amy.

 

Zombie "Lisa" heading back under water, in direction of swimmers. Jax helping Sam, into even deeper water, to avoid "Lisa". Eli follows, as Rhett reaches Sam.

 

RHETT

I got her! Go for the dock, Eli!

 

Jax going for the dock, followed by Eli. Rhett helping Sam. "Frank" and "Lisa" submerged. Amy leaving her chair, heading for land, with zombie "Mom", heading after her.

 

Scott is seen (with shotgun), running toward the lake...

 

POV from brush, where someone (can't see him/her), anxiously watches the entire scene...

 

POV cuts to swimmers, all climbing the dock, rushing to get their feet out of the water. Rhett helping Eli up, and leading them all off the dock.

 

Scott arriving at lake, running past Amy, and firing a shot. He fires a second, which takes down zombie "Mom". Rhett and others, meeting Amy. All of them looking out, as both "Frank" and "Lisa" begin to resurface.

 

Scott walks right out into water, aiming a shot at "Frank's" head, blowing it off. He then aims at "Lisa", blowing her head off...

 

Everyone in complete shock. Sam dripping wet, lips trembling, and holding on to Amy...

Scott stands there with a look outward, then down at the water, almost nervous to be in it, before stepping back out of it…

 

JAX

What in the holy hell of Christ, was that?!

 

AMY

Where...where the hell did they come from?!

 

Rhett looking across the lake...

 

SCOTT

Is everyone okay?

 

Amy looking over everyone...

 

AMY

I think so...but...(just staring out at the lake)

 

SCOTT

What happened?

 

AMY

They just all popped up! Right in front of the kids!

It's like...they walked underwater, to get here...

 

Everyone just staring outward, at lake.

 

 

SCOTT

But…from where?

 

RHETT

I think they actually saw, or heard us, from across

the lake...and walked right into, and under it, to

get over here. (shaking his head)

 

SCOTT

You have got to be kidding me...

 

SAM

We need to get to the compound...

 

JAX

I'm with the kid...

 

POV from person from brush, still watching, as they all turn and slowly walk away, from lake.

 

POV from child zombie, as he surfaces from lake. His view, of the backs of everyone, as they come to a stop, and slowly turn around, facing the child zombie.

 

Amy simply screams, drops to her knees, weeping uncontrollably, as Rhett tries to help. Scott heading back toward lake, with shotgun...

 

POV person (can't see who) in brush, watching, as shot from Scott's gun is fired, followed by the sound of Amy, crying...

 

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (day 1)

 

EXT. MATTHEW'S DAD'S HOUSE - EVENING

 

Matthew parking at his dad's house (in Vincent's vehicle), getting out of car, grabbing supplies from trunk, and walking toward door.

 

Cut inside, to man passed out, in loveseat, in front of TV (special alert playing over the screen)...

Matthew enters inside, approaching his dad, seeing that he's passed out...

 

MATTHEW

Just as I'd figured you'd be, by now.

 

Matthew begins tying rope around him, tying him securely on the loveseat. He then dumps gasoline on his dad's feet, and bottom of pants/legs. He begins playing with his phone. Now he opens a zip lock baggie, placing phone inside.

 

He then walks into kitchen, turning on sink. He's letting it run awhile. He eventually comes back out, carrying a bucket/container, filled with water. He sets it down, and again works his phone (while it remains in baggie), and places it in his dad's lap, as video of the highway crash scene, begins playing from it. He then dumps the water, over his dad's head, causing him to wake, scream, and curse.

 

DAD

What the hell!

 

Dad looking at phone, in lap. His hands are free enough, to grab it. He pulls it out of the bag, watching the video, and trying to look around the room, but unable to see Matthew, standing back behind him, holding in his laughter.

 

As frustrated as Dad is, the video begins capturing more and more of his attention. He looks up, and notices the emergency alert. He glances at his empty bottle of booze, and back at the video. He works to get loose, but to no prevail. Eventually, he sits completely still, watching the shocking part of the video...

 

DAD

What the hell am I seeing?! WHAT IS GOING

ON!?! MATTHEW, WHERE ARE YOU?!

 

Dad watching zombie on the video, in disbelief. Matthew slowly comes into Dad's view...

 

DAD

You sorry excuse for a son, what in god's name

are you doing to me? What is this s**t?

 

MATTHEW

It's my birthday, Dad. I have never felt so alive.

Something, you will no longer be.

 

Matthew simply staring at him, with an eerie smile...

 

DAD

You can't handle prison. Your sister could,

but not you.

 

 

MATTHEW

That's what the video was for, dad. Didn't you

get that concept? No more rules, no more cops

to enforce them, no more prison. Michael and I,

already have a safe place, to ride this thing out.

But I couldn't begin my new life, without ending

yours… (Dad just staring at him)

 

Dad forcefully trying to break free. Quickly losing his energy.

 

MATTHEW

Speaking of sis, where is she? Pretty sure she'd

wanna’ see this.

 

DAD

The s**t is upstairs, sleeping off whatever crap

she was snorting twenty-four hours ago. She

makes me about as proud, as her piece of s**t

little brother does..

 

MATTHEW

Well, you must mean Michael, because I imagine

you'd be quite proud of what I have in store, for

your ending...not to mention, your return. 

 

Dad a look at Matthew, remembering what he just witnessed, in the video...

 

MATTHEW

That's right, Dad, people come back, now. Not as

yourself, but as a hungry demon-like, image of

yourself. Nothing kills you, other than a blow to

the brain... But don't worry, we'll be leaving your

brain alone, today. I only lathered your feet with

gas, not your upper half. As your lower half burns

away, and kills the sob who raised me...your upper

half will remain intact, for your demon-like, return...

and being stuck here, legless and tied to that fav

chair of yours, will be your own little personal hell.

 

DAD

You waiting for me to beg for my life?

 

MATTHEW

Nope...just want to let ya’ sweat it out, a little

longer. I want the anticipation to last, as long

as the death.

 

Matthew walking over to staircase, and yelling up.

 

MATTHEW

TINA! WAKE UP, SIS!

 

Matthew walking over and sticking a blade in his dad's leg, causing him to scream, in agonizing pain...

 

MATTHEW

Thanks, pops. That should get her up.

 

Dad screaming, and working with everything he has, in effort to get loose. He again cries out in pain. Matthew's sister is heard, rushing down the stairs.

 

TINA

(OS)

What in the holy hell of Christ, is going on, down here?!

 

Once downstairs, it is revealed that Tina (in only a long shirt), is JAX (with no black eye)!!!

 

MATTHEW

Bout to bbq, Dad. Thought you'd want to sit around

the campfire, with me.

 

Jax looking over the situation, with some shock...

 

JAX

You've finally flipped, haven't you?

 

MATTHEW

To be honest with you, no, the world has. I'll

explain, after he dies...well, actually, I’ll show

ya’. (with a crooked smile)

 

JAX

You're really doing this?

 

Matthew lighting his lighter, and holding her direction.

 

MATTHEW

Unless you’d like the honor?

 

JAX

(shaking head)

I always knew you would. It's why you're my

favorite little brother.

 

Jax an evil smile, as Matthew ignites his dad's feet...

 

BLACK

 

"Eminem - Love The Way You Lie - featuring Rihanna" instantly playing (from beginning of song).

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiUNTdFX8G8 )

 

CREDITS

 

MUSIC

"Just gonna stand there and watch me burn..."

 

Song continues as instrumental, until credits end...

 

THE END