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ACT ONE
MONTAGE
A series of short DISSOLVES. The history of Human aggression
play out in visuals as sections from Klaatu's final speech
from the original movie plays as a voice over:
- Nuclear testing.
KLAATU (V.O.)
The Universe grows smaller everyday -
and the threat of aggression by any
group - anywhere - can no longer be
tolerated.
- The Korean War.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D) *
There must be security for all or no
one is secure...
- Joseph McCarthy warning against communism.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You're ancestors knew this when they
made laws to govern themselves - and
hired policemen to enforce them.
- The assassination of John F. Kennedy.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We of the other planets have long
accepted this principle. For our
policemen we have created a race of
robots.
- The Vietnam War.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
At first sign of violence they act
automatically against the aggressor.
And the penalty for provoking their
action is too terrible to risk.
- The Space Program launching the Apollo Missions.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The result is that we live in peace,
without arms or armies, secure in
the knowledge that we are free from
aggression and war.
- Neil Armstrong on the moon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I came here to give you the facts.
It is no concern of ours how you run
your planet - but if you threaten to
extend your violence, this Earth of
yours will be reduced to a burned
out cinder.
- The first Gulf War.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You're choice is simple. Join us
and live in peace.
- The second Gulf War.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Or pursue your present course - and
face obliteration.
- The first Mars rover mission.
KLAATU (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We will be waiting for your answer.
The decision rests with you.
EXT. U.S. CAPITOL -- DAY
We zoom in slowly on the U.S. Capitol as we hear:
DR. BARNHARDT (V.O.)
I find that this committee as well
as the administration is quite naive
in its belief that somehow we are
safe from harm.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATE HEARING - SETI COMMITTEE -- DAY
DR. JOSEPH BARNHARDT, a man of about fifty-three years of
age and nephew of the great Professor Barnhardt, dressed in
tweed and every bit the beleaguered scientist, sits behind
an oak table with files spread across it.
Across from Dr. Barnhardt sit a row of very stern looking
SENATORS, none of which seem amused or affected by what Dr.
Barnhardt is saying.
A Legend appears across the bottom of the screen: SENATE
HEARING - COMMITTEE ON THE SEARCH FOR EXTRA TERRESTRIAL
INTELLIGENCE (SETI)
The room is filled with press, photographers camera's flash
as Dr. Barnhardt pleads his case to the Senate Committee.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
DR. BARNHARDT
As my findings show, unexplained
contact with our atmosphere in the
last five years has doubled. It is
my firm belief that we are being
probed by the society that visited
us over fifty years ago. The fact
that no one here seems to remember,
or care for that matter, about the
warning issued to us that dark day
troubles me to no end. The continual
pursuits of the United States...
SENATOR MAXWELL, lightly gray hair woman in her sixties,
Chair of the Committee cuts Dr. Barnhardt off. It's obvious
she commands the room and respect from those around her.
SENATOR MAXWELL
Dr. Barnhardt, everyone on this panel
appreciates all of your hard work
and the hard work of your colleagues.
DR. BARNHARDT
(frustrated)
I don't think you do...
SENATOR MAXWELL
But it is our opinion that we have
little reason to be concerned about
the possibility that there might be
a return from the visitor Klatuu or
any other traveler from his society.
If they were so concerned they would
have sent someone after the first
Apollo mission or the first shuttle
launch or the Mars rover...
DR. BARNHARDT
(insistent)
But Senator Maxwell, with the U.S.'s
plans for a manned mission to Mars
will bring even more attention to
us. Our manned moon missions might
have gone unnoticed, as well as our
small rovers, but a manned mission
to Mars might be the thing that tips
the scales against us...
Dr. Barnhardts interruptions has begun to irritate Senator
Maxwell and she cuts him off.
SENATOR MAXWELL
We are still not convinced he or
anyone else have reason to return.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
SENATOR MAXWELL (CONT'D)
The end of the arms race should signal
to any other-worldly civilizations
that the Earth is a civilized planet.
Our aggressive intentions...
DR. BARNHARDT
Is meaningless when our long term
efforts to disarm ourselves have
been neglected and when there is a
renewed public interest cheap nuclear
power in lieu of sustainable renewable
resources.
Senator Maxwell looks at Dr. Barnhardt with piercing eyes.
She is not used to be cut off so abruptly.
SENATOR MAXWELL
We appreciate your zeal Doctor.
Unconcerned or oblivious to Senator Maxwell's back handed
compliment, Dr. Barnhardt continues with continued impatient
enthusiasm.
DR. BARNHARDT
I can't believe how casual you are
being about this? We're not talking
about some far away possibility, we
were warned. "This Earth of yours
will be reduced to a burned-out
cinder." How can you not be worried?
How can you not care? "Join us and
live in peace. Or pursue your present
course and face obliteration." How
much clearer can it be put?
SENATOR MAXWELL
(controlling her own
anger)
Last time we checked Doctor, that
was fifty years ago. Now in that
time how many times have we been
contacted?
DR. BARNHARDTS
Eyes sway over to another Senator.
SENATOR BENSON, a man in his sixties with graying hair and
glasses. The two lock eyes for a moment, as if commiserating.
Senator Benson has long supported Dr. Barnhardt, but it's
clear he's losing his own patience with the Doctor.
Barnhardt's eyes return to Senator Maxwell.
DR. BARNHARDT
None.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
SENATOR MAXWELL
How many signs have there been that
we might be in danger?
DR. BARNHARDT
None. But that doesn't mean...
SENATOR MAXWELL
Until you can provide us with
undeniable proof of the possible
return of an Alien life form, we
have no reason not to continue with
the planned manned mission to Mars
or to order the halt on construction
of a public space port in New Mexico.
DR. BARNHARDT
But Senator...
DR. BARNHARDTS
Face is one of complete exasperation.
THE SENATORS
Faces, ones of stone cold and expressionless.
SENATOR MAXWELL
The panel would like to thank you
for your time, doctor.
CUT TO:
INT. U.S. CAPITOL - HALLWAY -- DAY
We see Dr. Barnhardt from a distance exit through a set of
large doors into a stately hallway of the US Capitol. He
carries a number of files as he walks deliberately out of
the room. An AIDE walks up to Dr. Barnhardt and hands him a
note.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATOR BENSON'S OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER
The office is a stately study, with large bookshelves and a
number of science fiction paraphernalia. The Senator's
affinity for outer space is clear.
We pan past a black and white photo of Senator Benson as a
child and KLAATU, the space traveler from 1951.
SENATOR BENSON
Sits in a large "smoking" chair, having just lit a cigar. A
knock as the door. The Aide sticks his head in.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
AIDE
Sir? Dr. Barnhardt, as you requested.
SENATOR BENSON
Send him in.
The Aide opens the door and Doctor Barnhardt enters.
SENATOR BENSON (CONT'D)
Dr. Barnhardt.
DR. BARNHARDT
You wanted to see me?
SENATOR BENSON
Yes, yes. Sit down. Sit down.
Dr. Barnhardt sits in another oversized chair. He holds his
files meekly on his lap.
DR. BARNHARDT
I thought smoking was prohibited in
federal buildings?
SENATOR BENSON
It is. But Congress is exempt from
the workplace laws it makes. Helps
to move the process along.
DR. BARNHARDT
You sent for me sir?
A file nearly slips out of Barnhardt's lap, but he catches
it. He looks up and the Senator, who takes a deep breath.
SENATOR BENSON
I have an affinity for history,
specifically that day in American
history. Which is part of the reason
I support your project so much.
DR. BARNHARDT
(flustered, fixing
his position with
the files)
And I'm very appreciative Senator..
SENATOR BENSON
But that support may have to come to
an end in the very near future.
DR. BARNHARDT
I'm sorry?
SENATOR BENSON
Rises and begins to pace the room.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
SENATOR BENSON
I share your fear of their return.
That one day this little planet of
ours will be turned to a dusty cinder.
But unfortunately, my fears have
grown old.
He stops pacing and stares at the picture of him and Klaatu,
his voice one of nostalgia and wistfulness.
SENATOR BENSON (CONT'D)
Like the lessons of December 7th,
1941, 1951 is too far into the past
for anyone to care. It's all about
9/11 these days.
DR. BARNHARDT
So what do I do then?
Senator Benson turns to Barnhardt and with a forceful tone
says:
SENATOR BENSON
Find something Doctor. Anything.
Otherwise, Senator Maxwell will see
to it that the plug gets pulled,
whether you like it or not.
INT. BARNHARDTS HOUSE/LAB -- AFTERNOON
Dr. Barnhardt walks through his front door, hanging his hat
on a hook. As he walks through the hallway, dropping his
coat on the floor, and setting down his briefcase, we see
that his house is a mess.
FILE AND PAPERS
Are stacked everywhere. He walks over to his desk and sits
down at his chair. He picks up a remote control and presses
"on".
THE TV
In the corner of the room comes to life. CNN pops on the
screen, an attractive CNN ANCHOR continuing her report.
CNN ANCHOR
...Dr. Joseph Barnhardt presented to
the Senate Committee on
Extraterrestrial Affairs.
The TV cuts to footage of Dr. Barnhardt presenting to the
committee.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
DR. BARNHARDT
(in the TV)
The increased, unexplained celestial
activity points directly to the
possibility that we are continuing
to be monitored by extraterrestrial
being, like the one that visited
fifty four years ago.
The TV cuts back to the Anchor.
CNN ANCHOR
Dr. Barnhardts was expressing concern
over the proposed manned missions to
Mars, schedule to occur in 2025.
DR. BARNHARDT
Looks over at a picture of his Uncle, Professor Jacob
Barnhardt. His face is filled with worry and concern.
Failing his uncle like this is not something he is please
with. The CNN Anchor continues on.
CNN ANCHOR (O.S.) (CONT'D)
His worries that our continued
expansion inside of our solar system
might bring attention by the powerful
other worldly society that visited
Earth in the 1950's fell on deaf
ears. A day the Doctor fears may be
fast approaching.
EXT. STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. -- NIGHT
There is snow on the streets, a slight slush washes over the
ground. The moon is full, shimmering brilliantly on the
crisp white snow.
STEVEN, an attractive and tall white male, thirty-five years
of age, walks briskly through the light snow that falls in a
darkened alley way. His army jacket is slightly damp, his
ruck sac slung over his right shoulder bumps against his
back as he walks. He is a slender man, his hair a wavy mop
on top of his head. He's a traveled man, one with a past
that is much deeper than his tired face reveals. Steven
stops in his tracks and looks to the night sky.
A SHOOTING STAR
Crosses the night sky.
STEVEN
Looks at it slightly puzzled. He looks down at his wrist.
HIS WATCH
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
A beautiful light green-silver device stands out against his
shabby attire. The display show various cryptic symbols of
a language not of this earth. He taps a button the side of
the watch, and the display clicks over to the actual time
that reads: 11:42.
SMACK.
A wooden baseball bat cracks across the back of Steven's
head, knocking him down to his knees.
THREE GANG MEMBERS savagely kick and punch at Steven.
GANG MEMBER ONE
Grabs Steven's ruck sac.
GANG MEMBER TWO pulls on Steven's arm, doing his best to rip
Steven's watch off his arm.
GANG MEMBER ONE
Get his watch! Get his watch!
GANG MEMBER TWO
I'm tryin'! It won't come off!
A SIREN sounds. A search light flashes out from a POLICE
CAR.
GANG MEMBER THREE
Let's go! Let's go!
The Gang Members take off down the alley, one with Steven's
bag in his hand. A POLICE OFFICER gets out of his car and
walks up to Steven.
THE POLICE OFFICER
Shines his flash light on Steven, who is rolling on the ground
spitting up blood.
STEVEN blinks and vainly shields his eyes from the light.
Blood drips from above his eyes.
STEVENS POV
The Police Officer talks into his walkie talkie.
POLICE OFFICER
I got a 11-47, over.
There's an affirmative response on the other end. Steven's
vision fails him as the Police Officer fuzzes into a tall
hazy mass.
STEVEN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
Falls unconscious.
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - LORETTA'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
It's a sparsely furnished office, with a couch, a desk, a
computer, and a few chairs. Posters that are ten years old
hang on the walls, a failed attempt to make an unattractive
space more hospitable. A few pictures sit on the desk along
with a placard that says: LORETTA NEAL, DIRECTOR. The TV in
the corner flickers with the news.
LORETTA NEAL, black, attractive and in her mid-thirties,
sits behind her desk reading through files. She half listens
to it and half pays attention to her files. She's a hard
worker, who's dedication to her work borders on fanatical.
She wants to do good in this world and it shows.
TV
MSNBC is showing archived footage of Dr. Barnhardt on Hardball
with Chris Matthews.
DR. BARNHARDT
The point is Chris, this
administration refuses to accept the
very facts that are before them.
CHRIS MATTHEWS
Are you saying that you have proof,
Dr. Barnhardt? Because conjecture
will only get you so far in this
line of thinking.
LORETTA
Finally tired of not concentrating on one thing picks up the
remote and turns off the TV.
EARVIN (O.S.)
Can't concentrate?
Loretta looks over to her office door.
EARVIN, a young 20 something Black man, with a big smile and
bigger eyes stands in the door. His smile is as broad and
warm.
LORETTA
I think I've been staring at these
things for too long.
EARVIN
You want me to hang out while you
finish? Walk you out to your car?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
LORETTA
No, thanks Earvin. I think I'll try
and stare at them a bit more. You
should head home though. We got a
long day tomorrow.
EARVIN
Their all long days. You should
head home too.
LORETTA
I will. Very soon.
EARVIN
All right then. I'll catch you
tomorrow Loretta.
Loretta smiles at Earvin as he leaves. She stares back down
at her paperwork, then back over at the TV. Dr. Barnhardt
is still talking. The phone rings and Loretta answers.
LORETTA
Hello?
CUT TO:
EXT. RWANDAN VILLAGE -- DAY
Steven walks down the street Rwandan village, holding hands
with a beautiful African woman. A YOUNG GIRL runs up and
tackle hugs Steven. He picks her up and tickles her. Lights
begin to flicker in Steven's face. He shields his eyes. We
hear the RINGING that fills his ears.
INT. HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM -- NIGHT
Steven awakens to find himself laying in a hospital bed.
His face is puffy and bloody, his eye looks like it's going
to pop out of his head. An I.V. is plugged into his free
arm.
THE POLICE OFFICER AND A NURSE
Stand a few steps away from him. The NURSE is a thick woman
in her forties.
STEVEN
Watches them intently, reading their lips.
VARIOUS ANGLES
He makes out "homeless vet" from the Police Officer and
"shelter" from the Nurse.
The two finish talking and part ways. The Nurse walks over
towards Steven, his eyes firmly entrenched on her.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
Steven's demeanor is very cold.
NURSE
Looks who found his way back to the
world of the conscious.
STEVEN
I have to get my bag back.
NURSE
I'm sure we'll be able to help you
sufficiently replace your belongings.
STEVEN
No, you don't understand.
Steven grabs the Nurse by the arm.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
I have to get my bag back.
The Nurse winces slightly under Steven's grip. She's not
thrilled with his beside manner.
NURSE
Sir...
The Nurse uses her other hand to wrench herself from Steven's
grip.
NURSE (CONT'D)
I will help you any way I can. But
you have to trust me. We'll get you
your bag back. You need to be
patient. It'll take time.
STEVEN
Time is the one thing I don't have
left.
The Nurse smiles.
NURSE
I'm sorry sir. You'll just have to
wait.
The Nurse begins to work on his face, cleaning up the blood
and patching what she can.
STEVEN
I heal very quickly. This really
isn't necessary.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
NURSE
(losing patience)
Unless you want to lose your eye to
an infection, or a part of your ass
to my foot, you're just gonna have
to wait.
STEVEN
I really need to go.
The Nurse glances back.
LORETTA
Walks in through the sliding glass doors of the hospitals
Emergency room. Her eyes dart around as if looking for
something.
NURSE
I'll be right back. You don't go
anywhere.
The Nurse walks over to meet Loretta.
NURSE (CONT'D)
Loretta!
LORETTA
Janet! How are you?
The two hug. They're old friends.
NURSE
I'm fine. Sorry to call you out
like this but I thought you might
know him. He was assaulted in your
area.
LORETTA
No problem. I was working late
anyway. How is he?
The two head toward Steven's bed.
NURSE
He's pretty torn up, no ID, refuses
to tell us his name or where he comes
from.
As the two approach, Steven is pulling the monitoring devices
off of his body and ripping the IV out of his arm. The Nurse
and Loretta run to his side.
NURSE (CONT'D)
Whoa whoa whoa! What do you think
you are doing?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
STEVEN
(without looking at
them)
I have to leave.
NURSE
Not until I say you can leave.
STEVEN
Get out of my way.
Steven tries to sit up, but the Nurse clotheslines him and
lays him back out.
NURSE
You still stay here until I tell you
differently. Understand?
Steven replies with nothing but an androgynous glare. His
gaze turns to Loretta. They stare at one another like their
old friend. In each other's eyes they recognize something
in each other. Loretta almost speaks, then doesn't.
The Nurse steps aside with Loretta to speak privately.
NURSE (CONT'D)
We did a psyche consult and they
refuse to admit him. He's very
insistent about getting his bag back.
Is he one of yours?
Loretta pulls her gaze away momentarily to answer the Nurse.
LORETTA
No, I don't think I've ever seen him
before.
Loretta turns back to Steven, who's eyes are still on her.
She steps away from the Nurse to Steven.
LORETTA (CONT'D)
Hello, I'm Loretta Neal. I run the
a Gospel Rescue's Mission on Fifth
Street.
Steven is silent, but Loretta is locked in on his eyes.
Behind his eyes she feels like she sees it all and wants to
help.
LORETTA (CONT'D)
Do you need a place to stay? A warm
bed to sleep in?
STEVEN
I need my bag.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
LORETTA
Ok, well, why don't you come with me
and we'll see what we can do about
getting you your bag back?
Steven shows his first sign of a smile.
CUT TO:
INT. LORETTA'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Loretta leads Steven into her office. Loretta walks over
and moves files off her couch and onto the floor.
LORETTA
All the beds are full, so you're
going to have to sleep on my couch.
STEVEN
I really need to find my bag.
LORETTA
In the morning.
Loretta walks over to a cabinet and pulls a few blankets and
pillows out.
STEVEN
Do this a lot? Let strangers stay
in your office?
Loretta hands Steven the blankets and pillows.
LORETTA
Honestly. No. I don't. But you
have a kind face. And blind trust
is a big part of my job.
Loretta heads for the door.
STEVEN
I really need to find my bag.
Loretta pauses.
LORETTA
You feel like telling me your name
yet?
STEVEN
Steven.
LORETTA
We'll find it in the morning Steven.
You just have to have faith.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
Loretta exits, closing the door behind her. Steven looks
around the room, inventorying his surroundings. He picks up
a picture from the desk and looks at it for a moment then
sets it down.
Steven sits on the couch, reaching into his jacket and pulling
out a small squeeze bottle. He squeeze a small amount onto
his fingers and begins to rub it onto his wounds. He winces
in pain.
CUT TO:
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - LORETTA'S OFFICE -- LATER
STEVEN
Lies on the couch asleep, the blanket covering him. His
jacket sits on a nearby chair.
STEVEN'S EYE
Is healing quickly and we see is slowly losing its swelling
at a faster rate than normal.
CUT TO:
EXT. RWANDAN VILLAGE - ARTIST'S COTTAGE -- DAY
The beautiful African woman from earlier sits as the muse
for a painting. Silence fills the room as Steven paints her
on a large wooden plank, like the Mona Lisa. Steven crisp,
clean shirt flutters in the draft.
STEVEN
Stares and smiles at her.
THE AFRICAN WOMAN
Smiles coyly back.
STEVEN
Turns his head. He hears something, but we hear nothing.
Steven looks back.
THE AFRICAN WOMAN
Continues to sit where she is, still smiling as if she hears
nothing.
STEVEN
Do you hear that?
But nothing comes out of his mouth. She continues to sit
and smile.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
Steven takes his painting implements with him and walks to
the front door.
Steven steps outside of the building to see hundred's of
Hutu Men waiting patiently, each wielding a machete. Steven
looks down, his clean shirt is bloodied and dirty. His
painting implements gone, he holds two machetes's of his own
that drip with blood. He looks back at up the men. The men
SCREAM and run at him. This time we hear them and it is ear
piercing.
END OF ACT ONE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
ACT TWO
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - DORMS -- MORNING
Steven wakes with a start. He's had another nightmare. The
room is large and full of light. It's a multiple bed dorm,
with beds lining the walls. They are empty, their occupants
moved on for the day. His face is completely healed.
LEGEND: "One month later..."
JULIUS (O.S.)
Nightmare?
Steven looks over to see JULIUS, an old African American man
in an Army Ranger Jacket. Julius's face is weathered from
combat and life, but it is kind. He is genuinely concerned
with Steven's well being.
STEVEN
Is there a reason you are watching
me?
JULIUS
You were shaking and twitching in
your sleep. I'm just making sure
you actually wake up and weren't
having a seizure.
STEVEN
Oh... thanks, I guess.
Steven sits up slowly. He holds his head like it hurts.
JULIUS
You're head ok?
STEVEN
It's fine. Just... nevermind.
Julius looks more intently at Steven, studying his face.
Steven looks back with a perplexed expression.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
(uncomfortably, but
firm)
What?
JULIUS
Do I know you from somewhere?
STEVEN
No.
JULIUS
You spend a lot of time in shelters?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
STEVEN
No.
JULIUS
You been here a long time?
STEVEN
A month.
JULIUS
That's a long time to spend in a
shelter when you don't spend a lot
of time in shelters.
Steven squints at, w
STEVEN
Is there a reason for this line of
questioning?
JULIUS
Just curious. That's all. See you
around.
Julius rises and exits. Steven watches as Julius exits. He
looks down at his watch. Steven rolls his eyes back and
falls back onto the cot.
CUT TO:
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - DINING AREA -- LATER
The Dining area is full of people in line to get food. Many
are homeless veteran's with nowhere to go. Steven sits at a
table eating his breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast.
STEVEN
Looks up to see Julius in the serving line, dolling out eggs
to the homeless. The two men's eyes meet for a moment and
then Steven looks back down.
EARVIN (O.S.)
Look who's back.
Earvin sits down across from Steven.
EARVIN (CONT'D)
How's it going?
STEVEN
Eggs are soggy.
EARVIN
I'll inform the chef.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
STEVEN
When did that guy get here?
EARVIN
Which one?
Steven nods toward Julius. Earvin turns to look.
EARVIN (CONT'D)
Julius? Couple days ago. He lived
here a while back, but we got him on
assisted living. He started
volunteering while you were out on
walkabout. You find your bag?
STEVEN
Nope. My month long search has yet
to bare any fruit.
EARVIN
What if I told you that I know where
to find it?
STEVEN
What?
Steven looks up from his soggy eggs with an urgent look at
Earvin.
EARVIN
Some guys at a party were bragging
last night. Saying how they gaffled
some fool about a month ago. Found
some weird stuff in it.
STEVEN
Really...
EARVIN
What kind of weird stuff you keep in
that thing?
Steven's expression does not change in the face of the
question.
STEVEN
Do you know where they are?
EARVIN
I might. But there BGD... Black
Gangster Disciples. I don't think
you want to mess with them.
Steven just stares at Earvin.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
INT. HOUSING PROJECT - HALLWAY -- DAY
Earvin and Steven stand in front of a door that has distinct
graffiti on it. The markings of the BGD.
POV OF DOOR
Steven kicks the door in.
INT. HOUSING PROJECT - BGD APARTMENT
A MOVING SHOT
Of Steven as runs inside the apartment. The inside is a
mess, couches with no legs, the windows draped shut with bed
sheets. It looks like they've been squatting here as opposed
to living.
BGD MEMBERS
Scatter from the center, including the three who mugged
Steven. Steven works his way through the apartment, disarming
various gang members from their weapons, and dispensing with
them easily. He moves faster than they do and it's obvious.
INT. HOUSING PROJECT - HALLWAY
An OLD WOMAN, clutching her robe closed tightly in one hand
and a cat in the other, sticks her head out of her front
door.
OLD WOMAN
Is it the police?
EARVIN
Uh, yes ma'am. It's a raid.
OLD WOMAN
For drugs?
EARVIN
Sure.
NEW ANGLE
As a GANG MEMBER flies out through the front door and slams
into the hallway wall. Earvin smiles at the Old Woman, who
squints at him suspiciously and closes her door.
INT. HOUSING PROJECT - BGD APARTMENT
POV STEVEN
As Gang Member One is backing towards a corner, attempting
slide his clip into a gun. His hands shake like crazy.
POV GANG MEMBER ONE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
We see Steven approaching deliberately, completely unafraid.
Just as Gang Member One locks the clip into place and raises
it to face Steven, Steven slaps it away and kicks Gang Member
One in the chest, launching him against the wall. Steven
walks over and stands over Gang Member One. He crouches
down in front of him.
STEVEN
Where is my bag?
GANG MEMBER ONE
I don't know what the...
CRACK
Steven hits him one across his face, so fast we only see him
pulling his fist back away from Gang Member One's face.
STEVEN
I'll ask again. Where is my bag?
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSING PROJECT - HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Steven walks out the front door of the apartment to a stunned
Earvin.
EARVIN
Find your bag?
STEVEN
No. But I know where to look.
Steven heads down the hall.
Earvin glances inside the apartment. He looks back down the
hall at Steven.
EARVIN
What have I gotten myself into?
CUT TO:
EXT. NATIONAL RADIO ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY - DAY
MOVING SHOT
Of the NRAO.
LEGEND: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Green Bank,
West Virginia.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
INT. NATIONAL RADIO ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY - DAY
An ASTRONOMER sits at his desk, reading a reprinting of the
Oct. 1940 edition of Astounding Stories. The NRAO building
is filled with banks of computers processing copious amounts
of information from its radio telescopes. The Astronomer is
ignoring his own monitors, which hardly ever change.
ASTRONOMERS COMPUTER SCREEN
The waves that had a normal pattern begin to grow and shift
at a rapid rate.
THE ASTRONOMER
Glances at the computer screen, then does a double take.
ASTRONOMER
What the hell is that?
CUT TO:
EXT. BARNHARDTS HOUSE/LAB -- DAY
DR. BARNHARDT
Sits in front of his computer screen, mulling over data. He
looks at temperature spike levels and radio wave info. The
phone RINGS.
DR. BARNHARDT
(answering the phone)
Barnhardt.
ASTRONOMER (V.O.)
Dr. Barnhardt, this is Steven Landry
at the NRAO. We're getting some
strange interference that matches
some wave forms that you asked us to
look out for.
DR. BARNHARDT
Really?
INT. NATIONAL RADIO ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY - DAY
Same as before. The lights on the consoles flicker and make
funny noises.
ASTRONOMER
In fact, it's starting to affect my
equipment.
BLACKOUT. The lights in the building go out and the
astronomer is sitting in total darkness.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
ASTRONOMER (CONT'D)
(mildly afraid)
Dr. Barnhardt? Dr. Barnhardt, are
you there?
CUT TO:
INT. BARNHARDTS HOUSE/LAB -- CONTINUOUS
ANGLE ON DR. BARNHARDT
Who is caught in a stare.
REVERSE ANGLE
On a FIGURE in a trench coat, a fedora for a hat, standing
in the shadows by his front door. He's a towering figure,
slender and imposing.
FIGURE
Dr. Barnhardt.
ASTRONOMER (V.O.)
Dr. Barnhardt?
DR. BARNHARDT
(into phone)
I'll have to call you back.
Dr. Barnhardt hangs up.
FIGURE
Hello, Doctor.
The Figure removes his fedora. It is KLAATU, a tall man
that looks to be in his early 70's (even thought he is more
like 130) with a silver main of hair. He's the spitting
image of himself from 1951 when he landed, but with more age
and a weathered expression on his face.
DR. BARNHARDT
Who are you?
KLAATU
I'm a friend of your late uncle. I
was sad to hear of his passing.
DR. BARNHARDT
My uncle... who are you?
KLAATU
My name is Klaatu.
A look of amazement and terror washes over Dr. Barnhardts
face.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
KLAATU (CONT'D)
Do you mind if I have a seat?
Dr. Barnhardts pauses for a moment and then nods heartily,
motioning to a seat in the corner across from him.
KLAATU (CONT'D)
Thank you, Doctor. You are most
kind.
Klaatu sits.
KLAATU (CONT'D)
I just seem to keep getting older,
despite my best attempts to the
contrary.
Dr. Barnhardt is bewildered. In all his days he never thought
he'd meet the mysterious traveler Klaatu.
DR. BARNHARDT
You should be dead, shouldn't you?
I thought your life spans were only...
KLAATU
One hundred and forty years?
DR. BARNHARDT
Yes, exactly. So if you were seventy
eight on your last trip that would
put you at...
KLAATU
That's if we were counting years on
your planet, Doctor. When I said
that, I meant years on my planet,
not here.
DR. BARNHARDT
I see. So that would make you?
KLAATU
(mildly impatient)
Is this really necessary, doctor.
DR. BARNHARDT
(embarrassed)
No. No, of course not. I'm sorry.
KLAATU
You're work has intrigued me for a
long time Doctor. Your attempts to
track our monitoring of your planet
has been admirable.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
DR. BARNHARDT
(impressed with himself)
So you have been watching us.
Klaatu picks up the picture of Professor Barnhardt from the
desk. He looks at it with affection as he speaks.
KLAATU
Since before I came and ever since I
left. Your planet has never ceased
to be a concern of ours. As you
have developed more and more advanced
weaponry, our interests in your planet
has grown. And for a time, we thought
you might solve the problem and
destroy yourselves. But that doesn't
seem as likely anymore, which has
led us to take more direct action.
A wave of fear grips Dr. Barnhardt.
DR. BARNHARDT
(expressionless and
terrified)
So you're here to destroy the planet.
Klaatu looks up from the picture.
KLAATU
No, Doctor. I'm not.
DR. BARNHARDT
(quizzically)
Then what are you here for?
KLAATU
Your Uncle helped me once. He was a
very great man. I only wish I could
have returned sooner to offer him
the same option I'm going to give
you. So out of respect for his
kindness and genius, I'm making you
an offer.
DR. BARNHARDT
What kind of an offer?
CUT TO:
INT. PAWNSHOP -- DAY
Various pawned paraphernalia hang from the walls of the shop.
There are several glass cases that line the walls, filled
with things from camera's to knives.
THE PAWNSHOP OWNER, a balding fat man, is thrown against a
wall of his own merchandise.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
Steven is in his ass kicking mode again. He grabs the
Pawnshop Owner by the throat and holds him against the wall.
STEVEN
I'm not a fan of violence. I never
have been. Killing is never
enjoyable. Hurting people brings me
no joy. But I will end you if you
do not give me back what is rightfully
mine.
PAWNSHOP OWNER
(through being choked)
It's.. it's in the back... just...
Pawnshop Owner motions towards the back. Steven looks over
and lets him go. He shoves the Pawnshop Owner towards the
back.
STEVEN
Then get it.
CUT TO:
INT. PAWNSHOP - BACKROOM -- CONTINUOUS
The Pawnshop Owner squats in front of a safe, turning the
dials and putting in the combination. He opens it and reaches
in.
He pulls out Stevens bag and hands it to him.
STEVEN
Is everything in it?
PAWNSHOP OWNER
(nervously)
Yeah. Yeah. That thing started to
glow and I got freaked out. Haven't
opened the safe in almost a month.
STEVEN
Good.
Steven turns around and exits.
He passes by a VIDEO MONITOR and we see that there has been
a camera recording everything he's just done.
CUT TO:
EXT. BURGER JOINT -- DAY
Steven and Earvin sit outside of a Burger Joint eating burgers
and fries. The sun beats down on the two as they enjoy their
meal. A few people litter the other tables, but it's a
relatively slow business day for the Burger Joint.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
There's silence between Earvin and Steven. Earvin studies
his friend, who's head is down and concentrating on his food.
EARVIN
So tell me this, where did you learn
to fight like that?
STEVEN
Around.
EARVIN
Around?
STEVEN
Yup.
EARVIN
Anyone ever tell you you're a man of
few words?
STEVEN
A few.
EARVIN
How does a guy, who seems to come
from money end up getting mugged in
some alley in DC, anyway?
STEVEN
What makes you say I'm from money?
EARVIN
That's a nice watch you got on there.
Steven picks his head up and stares at Earvin. He looks at
his watch and realizes it does look like it would be from a
monied individual.
STEVEN
A gift... from a friend.
EARVIN
So how did you end up over there,
man?
Steven returns to eating, but is more congenial than he was
moments before. He keeps his head up more to speak.
STEVEN
I was trying to find Ellipse Park.
EARVIN
What, you mean by the Washington
Monument?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
STEVEN
I'm supposed to be meeting someone
in soon and I got lost trying to get
there.
EARVIN
You still having nightmares?
STEVEN
Sometimes.
EARVIN
You want to talk about it?
Steven stares back down at his fries, returning to his more
morose self.
STEVEN
No.
EARVIN
Few words. Well, I have to get to
work.
STEVEN
Back at the shelter?
EARVIN
Nope. My second job. I have to
lead a tour of French tourists through
the Smithsonian. You're more than
welcome to come along.
(in French, with
subtitles)
{The French love the morose.}
STEVEN
{I'm not morose, I'm thinking.}
EARVIN
You speak French?
Steven doesn't answer, his head still hanging low.
EARVIN (CONT'D)
Well, if you change you're mind,
tour starts at 1pm. And now that you
have your bag, I doubt you have much
else pressing your time. Catch you
later.
Earvin heads off. Steven, realizing he's been rather rude,
picks his head up and yells after him.
STEVEN
(yelling)
Thanks for lunch!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
Earvin turns back and yells back to Steven.
EARVIN
(smiling)
No problem! After all, what are
friends for?
Earvin turns back and continues walking. Steven watches as
he goes.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - HALLWAY -- DAY
MOVING SHOT
Of Senator Benson trailing after the President's White House
Chief of Staff, JOHN SPENCER. Spencer is in his mid forties,
he's sleeves rolled up, his tie perfect. He's a busy man
and is obvious he doesn't want to be bothered by the Senator
right now.
SPENCER
I know you want to see the President,
Bob, but I can't get you in.
SENATOR BENSON
John, this is incredibly important.
If I could just...
Spencer stops in his tracks and turns to face the Senator.
SPENCER
Bob. I know what this is about.
(Benson tries to speak
up, but Spencer
continues)
I know you want us to restore funding
to Dr. Barnhardt's person SETI
program, but there isn't any money.
SENATOR BENSON
But there's money for new tanks and
aircraft carriers...
SPENCER
What would you like us to do John?
Protect ourselves from little green
men that may or may not return?
SENATOR BENSON
He wasn't little or green.
Spencer continues walking toward his office, Senator Benson
in tow.
SPENCER
I know, Senator. I know.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
SPENCER (CONT'D)
My point is, we've got a great deal
more immediate threats to worry about.
Terrorism, poverty, AIDS. Hell,
we're even more concerned about Global
Warming than we are about this.
That should tell you something.
They reach Spencer's office. Spencer stops at the threshold
to it and spins around to face Senator Benson.
SPENCER (CONT'D)
Look, John. You're my friend. And
I appreciate all that you've done
for me.
SENATOR BENSON
Like your first job on my campaign.
SPENCER
Yes, sir. But I can't get you in to
see him about this. The moment
Klacktow or whom ever you're expecting
comes calling, trust me, you'll be
the first person we call. Now, if
you'll excuse me.
Spencer closes his office door.
CUT TO:
INT. BARNHARDTS HOUSE/LAB -- DAY
Same as before.
KLAATU
It's been good speaking with you,
Doctor. I hope you will consider
what I've said.
ANGLE FAVORING Klaatu as he stands and walks towards the
door, leaving Dr. Barnhardt with a look of bewilderment on
his face.
DR. BARNHARDT
Where are you going?
KLAATU
I have other friends I have to speak
with. Good day, Doctor. And good
luck.
Klaatu exits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
Dr. Barnhardt continues to just sit there, his look saying.
"What just happened?". He glances over at picture of his
Uncle.
CUT TO:
INT. LORETTA'S OFFICE -- DAY
Loretta sits behind her desk going through her papers.
ANGLE ON JULIUS appearing in her doorway. He raps lightly
on the door.
JULIUS
Ms. Neal? Are you busy?
Loretta looks up from her work.
LORETTA
Julius. No, it's ok. What can I do
for you? Are you settling in with
the other workers?
JULIUS
Yes. They're great people.
LORETTA
Good, that's good.
JULIUS
There was this guy I saw this morning.
He was having a nightmare and I just
sort of watched over him to make
sure he was ok.
LORETTA
Ok. What's the problem with him?
Did he steal something.
Julius walks over towards Loretta. He pulls an old photograph
out of the breast pocket of his jacket. He hands it to her.
Loretta glances at it then looks up at Julius.
LORETTA (CONT'D)
What am I looking at?
JULIUS
I was drinking one night in Saigon
and ran into an English photographer.
This man here.
Julius points to a man in the photograph. Loretta looks
down again and looks hard.
INSERT PICTURE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
Clear as day, Steven sits around a table with four other
men, including a young Julius, holding up a beer and smiling.
CUT TO:
INT. SMITHSONIAN ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING -- DAY
MOVING SHOT
Earvin leads a large group of French tourists through the
Smithsonian. Steven straggles behind, just inside ear shot
to hear Earvin spouting out French.
STEVEN
Glances to his right and stops as if he's been glued to the
ground. His stern expression changes to that of a joy and
sadness. RUSHING WATER, like a river, can be heard.
CLOSE SHOT
Of Steven as he stares at the painting.
CUT TO:
EXT. RIVER, RWANDA -- DAY
STEVEN
Walks along the banks of a river in Africa. The river is
fairly calm,
SOME WOMEN
Wash clothes in the water.
FAVORING STEVEN
As he steps to the waters edge, to drink some water from the
river. All dialogue in {} is French.
JANAE (O.S.)
{I wouldn't do that if I were you.}
Steven turns his head.
STEVENS POV
It is the same beautiful woman that was in his previous
memories. It is JANAE, a radiant beauty in a clean white
dress, who exudes intelligence and kindness. She is reading
"Utopia" by Thomas more under the shade of a large tree.
STEVEN
{Oh really? And why not? }
Janae points.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
SOME CATTLE
Sitting in the water, relieving themselves.
JANAE
{This is their bathroom as well.}
Steven looks back smiling at her.
STEVEN
Do you have any suggestions?
She smiles knowingly.
CUT TO:
EXT. NYAMUGALI, RWANDA - DAY
Steven and Janae sit at a small sidewalk cafe having espresso.
Janae stirs her coffee with a stick daintily. Steven smiles
at her, openly and broadly. He is really taken with her.
JANAE
Looks up to see him staring.
STEVEN
Not a fan of foam?
JANAE
It tickles my nose.
Steven smiles even more broadly. Janae blushes. She changes
the subject.
JANAE (CONT'D)
How long have you been in Nyamugali?
STEVEN
I just got here.
JANAE
And what do you think of our fair
town?
STEVEN
It's nice. Pleasant.
JANAE
You don't feel out of place?
STEVEN
Out of place?
JANAE
Being the only white man in town.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
STEVEN
That's not how I'd put it, but no.
JANAE
How would you say it?
STEVEN
Uh... being the only... American?
JANAE
Oh, we have other American's. Can
you not tell?
STEVEN
I tend to just see people. Not skin
color or national heritage. Does
that make me ignorant?
JANAE
(smiling)
No. I'd say that makes you... kind.
Steven smiles and dips his head down. He's not really use
to flirting, and it's obvious. He looks for something else
to divert the obvious nature of their conversation.
STEVEN
What's the book you're reading?
JANAE
"Utopia".
STEVEN
I've never heard of it.
JANAE
It's about... something we all strive
for but is ever elusive.
STEVEN
And what is that?
JANAE
Happiness. If everyone shared the
same heart, I think more people would
find it.
STEVEN
The heart or happiness?
JANAE
Both I think.
(nervously, but with
obvious overtones)
Do you have a place to stay while
you are here?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
Steven looks are her with a smile. She coyly turns her head
down.
DR. BARNHARDT (V.O.)
I've got something I need to tell
you.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATOR BENSON'S OFFICE -- DAY
Senator Benson sits behind his desk and Dr. Barnhardt sits
in a guest chair.
CUT TO:
EXT. SMITHSONIAN PARK AREA -- DAY
STEVEN
Sits on a park bench. He stares off into the distance.
REVERSE ANGlE
We can see the Washington Monument in the distance, standing
tall surveying its surroundings.
OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT
Steven takes an orb out of his bag. It is a perfect silver
sphere that glimmers in the light.
EARVIN
Looks over from one of the exits to the building. He is
bidding his tour group good bye. He walks over to the Steven,
who is lost in thought.
EARVIN
You enjoy the tour.
Steven slips the orb back into his bag as Earvin sits down
next to him.
STEVEN
Yes, thank you.
EARVIN
You seemed even more distracted than
usual. Something on your mind.
STEVEN
Some of the art work reminded me of
someone. A friend of mine that died.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
EARVIN
I'm sorry. You want to talk about
it.
STEVEN
No. Thank you, but no.
EARVIN
So what now?
STEVEN
Now...
Steven looks back at the Washington Monument, then down at
his watch. He looks back over at Earvin.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
We go home.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATOR BENSON'S OFFICE -- DAY
Same as before. Dr. Barnhardt rises from his seat. The two
men nod at each other and Dr. Barnhardt exits.
Senator Benson picks up the phone.
SENATOR BENSON
Get me Senator Maxwell on the phone.
CUT TO:
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - HALLWAY -- DAY
STEVEN AND EARVIN
Walk through the halls of the shelter.
LORETTA steps out of the doorway to her office. She locks
eyes at Steven.
EARVIN
Whoa, Loretta. What's up?
LORETTA
(staring at Steven)
We need to talk.
Loretta gestures toward her door. Steven walks inside.
Loretta follows.
EARVIN
Be careful. Steven and small rooms
have a nasty track record today.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
Loretta closes the door.
CUT TO:
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - LORETTA'S OFFICE -- DAY
Loretta walks over to her desk and pulls the picture out of
a drawer.
STEVEN
Did I do something?
Loretta extends her hand out with the picture in it.
Steven gives her a quizzical look then glances at the picture.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Is there something I'm supposed to
be seeing?
LORETTA
Is that you?
STEVEN
Is who me?
LORETTA
Don't play games with me Steven. Is
that you?
Steven looks at the picture again. He looks back to her.
STEVEN
How old is this thing anyway?
LORETTA
That guy looks an awful lot like
you.
STEVEN
I've also been told I look like
certain movie stars. Where was this
taken?
LORETTA
Saigon, Vietnam. Nineteen-sixty-
eight.
STEVEN
Nineteen... I was born in nineteen-
sixty-eight.
LORETTA
Steven, I put a lot of faith in you.
Blind faith, that you are a good
man. All I'm asking is a little bit
back in return.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
Loretta and Steven lock eyes. He can see her compassion and
concern. She's been kind to him and he's tired of lying.
STEVEN
Ok. Ok. Fine. But I'm not sure you'll
believe me. But you're going to
want to sit down.
Steven gestures toward a chair. Loretta shakes her head and
sits. Steven sits down across from her. Pause.
LORETTA
Ok. Well?
Steven takes a deep breath. He's never told anyone what
he's about to tell her.
STEVEN
The summer of 1951 was the landing,
right?
LORETTA
You mean the alien.
STEVEN
Yes, named Klaatu. And he spent
time on Earth for a few days before
he left, mingling with regular people,
right?
LORETTA
(quizzically)
Riiiight....
STEVEN
Well, what if he wasn't the only
person that came down. What if while
he was only here for a few days,
someone else was designated to be
stationed on Earth a good while
longer. To make a final judgment as
to what action should be taken.
Loretta squints at him.
LORETTA
Have you been drinking?.
Steven holds the picture up for Loretta to see it.
STEVEN
This...
(pointing to one of
the men in the
picture.)
... is George Fitzgerald.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
He teaches high school in Norfolk,
Virginia. This...
(pointing to another
man)
... is Erol Warren. He died three
days after this photo was taken.
And this...
(pointing to Julius)
... is Julius Morton. And this...
(pointing to himself
in the photo)
... is me. When I was forty two.
Loretta stares at him in disbelief.
CUT TO:
INT. NURSING HOME - HELENS ROOM -- NIGHT
HELEN BENSON, a woman in her mid-80's with beautiful white
hair and an angelic expression, sits in a wheel chair staring
out the window. The snow has left a delightful layer of
white across the lawn at the home and she is enjoying watching
people walk by. She's just as beautiful as she was in 1951.
KNOCK-KNOCK.
HELEN
Yes?
Helen's attention turns to her door.
ANGLE ON THE DOORWAY
The door opens. An ORDERLY enters.
ORDERLY
Your brother's here to see you, Ms.
Benson.
HELEN
My brother?
Klaatu steps through the threshold, past the Orderly. He
removes his fedora.
KLAATU
Hello, Helen. It's good to see you.
Helen stares at Klatuu with an amazed bewilderment. Klaatu
walks over and sits in a chair next to her.
KLAATU (CONT'D)
It's been a long time.
(to orderly)
Thank you, I think we'll be all right.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
The Orderly smiles and leaves.
HELEN
Is it? Is it you?
KLAATU
Yes, it's me.
HELEN
It's been so long.
KLAATU
Yes, it has.
HELEN
I thought you would have died by
now.
KLAATU
I still have a few years left in me.
HELEN
Have you spoken to Bobby?
KLAATU
No, I haven't. But I have plans to
see him.
HELEN
That's nice. How long are you in
town for?
KLAATU
Not terribly long. I'm just here to
pick someone up. Then I must leave
again.
HELEN
Are they family?
KLAATU
No. Just an associate.
HELEN
That's nice.
KLAATU
Helen, I have a question to pose
you. And you don't have to tell me
your answer right now.
HELEN
All right.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
KLAATU
Very soon, this planet will be at a
tipping point. A place where no
amount of technology or prayer will
reverse its course. And I want to
take you away from it.
HELEN
Oh my. What do you mean?
KLAATU
In the very near future, this planet
will cease to support life. And I
want you to leave it with me.
HELEN
I see. And what about Bobby?
Klaatu stares into Helen's eyes. He's not sure what to say.
CUT TO:
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - KITCHEN -- NIGHT
Loretta and Steven sit on stools at a counter drinking coffee.
Loretta is enthralled with Steven's stories.
LORETTA
So how long have you been here?
STEVEN
Since the day we landed in '51.
LORETTA
How come I've never heard about you?
STEVEN
(sarcastically)
No one has, Loretta. That's why
they call it a secret.
Loretta smiles at his sarcasm, as does he.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
The idea was to blend in. Not stand
out.
LORETTA
How old were you when you landed?
STEVEN
Twenty-five.
LORETTA
Is that young in your... society?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
STEVEN
Where I come from, twenty-five is
the age where life starts. Your
body is completely developed, like
it is here, but instead of beginning
its slow decline, ours maintains
itself for the next fifty or so years
before it starts to degrade. And
when I was selected for this task, I
was very young, very green, but eager
to learn everything I could from
this planet. The logic for us is
that you take someone that is young,
place them in the society and see
how they grow and change.
LORETTA
You don't miss your family? Your
friends?
STEVEN
Our lives are considerably different
from yours. There is no traditional
family structure where I come from.
You're raised in a large group
setting, by various mentors and
teachers.
LORETTA
It sounds kind of lonely.
STEVEN
Lonely?
LORETTA
Who did you go to when you skinned
your knee?
STEVEN
The nurse.
LORETTA
And she kissed it and made it better?
STEVEN
(smiling)
Uh, no. She didn't. She disinfected
it and sent me on my way.
LORETTA
Sounds like there's something missing
in this great society of yours.
STEVEN
Which is?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
LORETTA
Love.
STEVEN
It's just... different. A little
more, logical. A little less...
feeling.
LORETTA
Sounds like a cold place.
STEVEN
It really... sort of...
(laughing)
Yeah, a little.
LORETTA
So you've been here for fifty years.
What have you been doing with your
time?
STEVEN
Traveling, mostly. There's been a
great deal to absorb. I only spent
so much of my time on interpersonal
relationships.
LORETTA
So what, your saying you've been
here half a century and don't have
any friends?
STEVEN
I've had friends. It's just... it's
hard to keep them when they are
getting older so much faster than
you are and are frailer than you
are.
LORETTA
So why this? Why tell me?
STEVEN
I'll be leaving, very soon. And I
thought... I'd ask if...
Loretta's eyes wide and she sets down her mug. Steven
acknowledges the look on her face then turns his head around.
TWO POLICE OFFICERS advance on Loretta and Steven.
POLICE OFFICER
Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to
come with me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
STEVEN
What? What's this about? Am I under
arrest?
POLICE OFFICER
Please stand up and put your hands
behind your back.
Steven does so and the Police Officer cuffs him.
POLICE OFFICER (CONT'D)
Sir, you are under arrest for robbery,
assault, and battery. You have the
right to remain silent...
LORETTA
This must be some kind of a mistake.
The Police Officer continues with the Miranda Rights as he
pulls Steven off of his stool. Steven eyes his bag.
Loretta looks down and pushes the bag under the table with
his foot.
STEVEN
I'll be back.
The Police tug at his cuffs and lead him down the hall.
Loretta watches as they lead him off. She looks back down
at his bag.
CUT TO:
EXT. NURSING HOME -- NIGHT
KLAATU
Steps out the front doors of the Nursing Home. He puts on
his hat and heads down the street.
A BLACK SUV
Turns its headlights on begins to pull forward.
P.O.V. BLACK SUV
FIVE US MARSHALS watch as Klaatu walks down the street.
Klaatu maintains a casual pace. He makes a right down an
alley. As the SUV pulls up to view down the alley, the
Marshal see Klaatu has begun sprinting down the alley. They
gun the engine and follow him down alley.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY WAY -- CONTINUOUS
The SUV pulls up and the Marshals get out.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
They look around and can't seem to find Klaatu. He's
disappeared despite the alley appearing to have no exits.
SCREECH. A loud-high pitch noise drops the Marshals to their
knees, the pain of the sound too much for them to bare.
KLAATU
Steps from the shadows, holding some kind of device emitting
the sound. He turns up the volume, the Marshals writhe.
KLAATU
I'm sorry gentlemen, but I really
must be going.
Klaatu heads toward the end of the alley way.
A MARSHAL
In a momentary fit of consciousness grabs his leg and tasers
Klaatu.
KLAATU
Falls to the ground, visibly shaken by the electric shock,
but not totally out.
THE MARSHALS
Regain their wits and the one with the taser moves to shock
him again, but another grabs his arm.
US MARSHAL
They want him as unharmed as possible.
The Marshals cuff and shackles Klaatu and dump him in the
back of the SUV.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM -- NIGHT
Steven sits behind a table, still handcuffed, getting
questioned by DETECTIVE #1.
STEVEN
I don't have time for this.
DETECTIVE #1
I'm sorry to have disrupted your
time table. But we have this video
tape....
Detective #1 picks up a remote control and turns on a tape
of Steven robbing the Pawn Shop.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
DETECTIVE #1 (CONT'D)
... that says you did. So if you'll
just sign this piece of paper, I'd
appreciate it.
Detective #1 slides the paper and a pen toward Steven. Steven
looks down at it and then back up at Detective #1.
STEVEN
A confession?
DETECTIVE #1
Just may be blind, but she can still
read.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION VIEWING ROOM --
CONTINUOUS
DETECTIVE #2 stands watching through the two way mirror as a
video camera records Steven's interrogation. DETECTIVE #3
enters with a file and hands it to Detective #2.
DETECTIVE #2
So what do you have?
DETECTIVE #3
Social Security number, a few previous
addresses, but that's about it. And
the Social Security number must be a
fake because it says that he started
collecting it ten years ago.
DETECTIVE #2
So we've got him for defrauding the
Federal government, too.
CUT TO:
INT. SECRET GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION -- NIGHT
Klaatu sits behind a table, much like Stevens, hand cuffed.
The room lacks a viewing window and two GUARDS holding M-
16's stand sentry.
MR. DAVIS, a CIA Interrogator enters, carrying a briefcase.
He's a man of average height and less than intimidating
demeanor. His presence belies the fierceness beneath his
skin.
Klaatu is visibly not pleased.
INTERROGATOR
Mr. Klaatu.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
KLAATU
Just Klaatu.
INTERROGATOR
Of course. I apologize. Klaatu.
My name is Mr. Davis. Do you mind
if I sit?
Klaatu doesn't respond. The Interrogator takes a seat.
DAVIS
I've been assigned the task of
interrogating you.
KLAATU
To what end?
DAVIS
I need to know why you are here
Klaatu. Why have you returned?
KLAATU
I'm sorry. But I can't tell you
that.
DAVIS
It's a simple question. You were
very forth coming in your last visit,
just before you left.
KLAATU
That message was for the world, not
one person.
DAVIS
I understand. Is there some other
message you wish to convey to the
world? Is that why you have returned?
KLAATU
I wonder, Mr. Davis, what makes you
think that under these conditions I
would be interested in telling you
anything?
DAVIS
I grant you, they are not ideal...
KLAATU
I was electrocuted and dragged here,
Mr. Davis. I don't recall Mr. Harley
being so violent.
DAVIS
No, but I do remember that previously
you were shot. Or had you forgotten.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
Klaatu doesn't answer.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
We've become a more peaceful people,
Klaatu. A simple shock is much safer
compared to being shot, wouldn't you
say?
Klaatu still doesn't answer. He seethes in his seat.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
The Earth is coming together in ways
you couldn't have imagined. And in
order to maintain that togetherness,
that sense of freedom, the governments
of the world have given us carte
blanche to ascertain your exact
intentions. You do understand what
carte blanche means, don't you?
Klaatu is still silent.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
It means, they have give us the power
to do whatever is necessary to get
the information from you that we
need. And I'm sure are aware that
my government has been fighting a
war for some time now, and we've
gotten very good at gathering the
information we need.
Davis takes his briefcase and places it out on the table.
Klaatu's eyes follow it carefully.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
Now, normally, I'd spend a lot of
time asking you questions, trying to
figure out what the best way to get
the answers I need. But unfortunately
I'm a bit pressed for time. So I'm
going to give you one more chance.
Why are you here?
Klaatu is the very epitome of a statue. He's glare his only
response.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
Your unwillingness to cooperate I'm
afraid leaves me with no other choice.
Davis opens his briefcase.
THE BRIEFCASE
Contains various bottles and syringe's.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
KLAATU
You should know that there's nothing
you can inject me with that my body
can't break down.
DAVIS
Oh yes, I know that. Our tests of
your blood from 1951 indicate that.
Davis reaches inside the case and pulls up the false bottom
revealing a notepad and pen. He takes a seat across from
Klaatu.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
That's why we're going to try another
tactic.
Davis motions for the Guards. The Guards approach Klaatu.
GUARD ONE grabs Klaatu and lifts him from his seat.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
Now, this may hurt a little.
GUARD TWO hits Klaatu across the face.
CUT TO:
INT. LORETTA'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Loretta is staring at Steven's sack on her desk. Earvin
knocks on her door.
EARVIN
You called. What's up?
LORETTA
Come in and close the door.
Earvin steps inside and shuts the door behind him. Loretta
opens the bag and rummages through, pulling out various
earthly looking items.
EARVIN
What are you doing?
LORETTA
Looking for answers.
Loretta pulls a Glock 9x19 hand gun out of the bag.
EARVIN
Whoa. What do you think that is
for?
LORETTA
I don't know. Did you know he had
this?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
EARVIN
From what I saw today, he would barely
even need that.
Loretta daintily sets it down on the desk.
Loretta reaches in and finds something of interest. She
pulls out the perfectly smooth orb from the bag.
EARVIN (CONT'D)
I saw Steven with that earlier.
LORETTA
Did he say what it is?
EARVIN
No. But I know that's the thing he
was looking for the last month.
LORETTA
What do you suppose it...
The begins to glow. Two beams of light emanate from the
ball and lock onto Earvin and Loretta's foreheads.
CUT TO:
EXT. TROPICAL BEACH -- DAY
The beach is beautiful and spotless. It is pristine and
spotless, the surf rolling in. The view is slightly
distorted, almost as if the place is artificial. It's
slightly fuzzy around the edges, like a haze.
LORETTA AND EARVIN
Stand on the beach, the surf lapping against the sand.
STEVEN (O.S.)
Well...
The two turn around. They see a twenty-five year old Steven,
dressed in a silver space outfit.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Let's get started.
CUT TO:
INT. NURSING HOME - HELENS ROOM -- NIGHT
HELEN
Sits in a wheel chair in her room, staring out the window.
KNOCK. Helen turns to look back.
SENATOR BENSON
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.
Stands at the door. A US Marshal stands behind him.
SENATOR BENSON
Mom?
HELEN
Bobby!
Helen's face lights up. The Senator doesn't visit often
enough.
Senator Benson nods to the Marshal, who steps outside and
stands sentry in the hall. Shutting the door behind him.
Senator Benson walks over and kisses his mother on the
forehead. He sits down on the bed next to her.
SENATOR BENSON
It's good to see you, Mom.
HELEN
It's good to see you too. You don't
visit often enough.
SENATOR BENSON
I know, mom. It's busy on the hill.
HELEN
It's all right. How have you been?
Have you been eating enough?
SENATOR BENSON
Yes.
HELEN
That's good. You work too hard.
SENATOR BENSON
I know. I know. I wanted to ask
you something...
HELEN
You know, you should really think
about the future. You're not getting
any younger?
SENATOR BENSON
I know that someone has been to see
you recently. Klaatu.
HELEN
Oh yes. He just left recently.
Such a nice man.
SENATOR BENSON
Mom. I need to know what he said,
if anything, to you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53.
HELEN
You mean he hasn't seen you yet?
SENATOR BENSON
No. Why do you ask?
HELEN
When he left me, he said he was going
to see you. That he was going to
ask you...
Helen cuts herself off. She's said too much.
SENATOR BENSON
Tell me what mom?
HELEN
If he hasn't seen you.. then...
SENATOR BENSON
What? Then what mom?
HELEN
I'm sorry.
Senator Benson rubs his face in frustration. He looks down
at his mother's lap. One hand is under the quilt covering
her lap, moving.
SENATOR BENSON
Mom, what are you holding?
Helen looks away sheepishly. Senator Benson reaches over
and flips over the quilt. Helen is holding a shiny silver
sphere, much smaller than the one Loretta held. Senator
Benson takes it in his hand.
SENATOR BENSON (CONT'D)
What is this?
HELEN
I'm not supposed to tell.
SENATOR BENSON
Mom. You need to. This is very
important. A lot of lives are at
stake. Klaatu's life is at stake.
Helen looks back at Senator Benson, with worry in her eyes.
HELEN
He said if you came to see me before
he did, that I was to squeeze it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
SENATOR BENSON
And what does that do?
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
A silvery-green, leaf-shaped like SPACE SHIP moves from the
starry, silent field of space and begins it's decent to Earth.
The friction from the atmosphere whips fire around the ship.
It moves toward North America.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM -- NIGHT
Steven still sits being questioned by Detective #1. He's
tired of the attempts Detective #1, his head cocked back
looking to the sky.
STEVEN
I told you. I have nothing to do
with that.
DETECTIVE #1
Look, we have the video. We have
the pawn shop owners testimony.
Signing the confession will just...
There's a green glow behind Steven's back.
DETECTIVE #1 (CONT'D)
What the hell is that?
Detective #1 gets up and walks over to look behind Steven's
back.
STEVEN'S WRIST WATCH
Is glowing. Steven raises his head back from its cocked
position.
STEVEN
They're early... I apologize.
DETECTIVE #1
For what?
STEVEN
Quickly gets to his feet, running his shoulder into Detective
#1's stomach, slamming him against the wall. He leaps in
the air, moving his handcuffs to the front of his body by
passing them under his feet.
He grabs Detective #1 and tosses him through the viewing
window, making the Detectives inside recoil to a wall.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
Steven leaps through the broken glass grabs Detective #2's
gun as he is trying to unholster his gun and swings around,
pistol whipping Detective #3 as he is reaching for his weapon.
He then turns around, and puts the gun in Detective #2's
face.
STEVEN
Undo the cuffs.
DETECTIVE #2
You'll never get out of here.
STEVEN
Un-do-the-cuffs.
CUT TO:
INT. SECRET GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION -- NIGHT
MOVING SHOT
From Davis, who sits at the table, tapping his pen on a legal
pad. There's nothing on it.
DAVIS
Well this has been frustrating.
Extremely frustrating for that matter.
I knew you would be tough, but I
didn't think it would take this long.
I suppose I just assumed, incorrectly,
that you would "break" far faster.
Arrogance on my part. I take my
work very seriously and pride myself
on the speed at which I can illicit
information from an individual. But
you, my friend. You are proving a
tough cookie to crack.
KLAATU
Sits in the corner, bloodied and beaten. His face is nearly
unrecognizable. One eye is shut completely from swelling.
But his hateful glare streams from his one good eye at Davis.
If he could move, he'd tear him apart.
DAVIS
Rises from his seat and walks toward Klaatu.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
I should have known that you would
be harder. So we'll just keep trying.
As long as it takes. So I'll ask
you one more time, what is your
mission here?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
KLAATU
You have laws that make this illegal.
Davis towers over Klaatu.
DAVIS
You know for a superior race, you're
not very bright. Have you ever heard
of a signing statement?
Davis crouches down next to Klaatu and whispers in his ear.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
You know, you guys should really
learn to read the fine print. So
out of interest for your own well
being, I'll ask you again: what is
your mission here?
Klaatu sits unmoving, his good eye holding fast on Davis.
Klaatu looks away. He's not interested in cooperating.
Davis rolls his eyes and stands. He motions for Guard #1 to
continue beating Klaatu.
As the Guard is about to strike him, a bright green light
emanates from behind Klaatu's back. The Guard leans Klaatu
forward. Davis pears over Klaatu's shoulder behind his back.
A WATCH
The same as Steven's glows from Klaatu's wrist.
DAVIS (CONT'D)
What is that?
KLAATU
Your reckoning.
GUNFIRE can be heard outside the room. An ALARM sounds.
Davis motions for the Guards to check on the commotion. As
they reach the door, it bursts at them.
GORT, a giant eight foot tall robot with an Adonis body made
of silver skin and lifeless eyes is on the other side. Gort
takes stock of the room. He sees the Guards, Davis, and
Klaatu lying bloody in the corner.
GUNFIRE ricochets's off Gort's back. He is completely
unaffected. In one quick movement he tosses Davis at the
gunfire. Gort walks over and picks up Klaatu. He looks out
the door he just burst through, seeing more military personnel
arriving. He looks to the other end of the room.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57.
EXT. SECRET GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION -- NIGHT
The compound is secure, with fences and lights flashing.
They are armed and searching for the intruder.
GORT
Bursts through a wall, carrying Klaatu in his arms. He
quickly runs across the compound. He grabs a jeep with one
hand and tosses it at another one.
Gort turns around to see a tank has taken aim at him. It
fires. The shell shoots right at Gort, who catches it in
his hand. He crushes the round and drops it in front of
him.
GORTS EYES
Glow with a fiery green vengeance. A laser shoots from his
eyes at the tank. The tank melts in the matter of moments.
The Soldiers around it run, terrified of what they just saw.
Gort continues his run toward the fences. He's fast, but
not too fast. Tanks and Machines guns continue to fire at
him, but he deflects them all as he makes for the fence.
He runs directly toward the fences, another tank pulling in
front of him. Gort doesn't stop, playing chicken with the
tank. The tank races forward, muzzle pointed directly at
Gort. Gort steps right in front of the tank covers the muzzle
with his hand. The tank fires.
KA-BOOM
Gort pulls his hand away. All that is left is a stump that
flickers and clicks with electricity. Klaatu looks up and
sees that Gort's hand is missing. This is terrifying. Gort
is supposed to be indestructible! Gort tosses Klaatu over
his hurt arm and grabs the end of the tank muzzle and squeezes
it, crushing it instantly.
Gort leaps over the fence, running into the surrounding woods.
CUT TO:
INT. LORETTA'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Loretta and Earvin stand in the office, the light still on
their foreheads.
The light cuts off instantly. Loretta and Earvin stand
momentarily still, then fall to their knees coughing and
trying to catch their breath. Earvin vomits.
EARVIN
What the... what the hell...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.
LORETTA
Oh god... oh god...
CUT TO:
INT. BARNHARDTS HOUSE/LAB -- NIGHT
Dr. Barnhardt sits at his desk, a TV playing the local news
chatters in the background.
OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT
He thumbs through his Uncle's files, looking at old pictures
of Klaatu, pictures of star fields, etc.
KLAATU (O.S.)
What are you doing, Doctor?
Dr. Barnhardt spins around in his chair.
KLAATU
Stands in the hallway. Gort stands sentry behind him. Klaatu
drags his broken body toward Dr. Barnhardt.
KLAATU (CONT'D)
I thought we had an understanding,
Doctor. That when I finished with
my business, you would travel with
me and my friends away from this
planet.
DR. BARNHARDT
What happened to you?
KLAATU
Who did you tell, Doctor?
DR. BARNHARDT
I didn't tell anyone.
KLAATU
Gort, pretali.
Gorts eyes begin to blow bright green, the same green that
melted the tank.
KLAATU (CONT'D)
What I can't seem to figure out is
why you did it, Doctor.
DR. BARNHARDT
I did what I thought was best...
KLAATU
You did.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59.
DR. BARNHARDT
I had no reason to believe they would
treat you in such a manner...
Klaatu cuts off the Doctor, his voice filled with rage.
KLAATU
No, Doctor. I suppose I should be
grateful they didn't strap me to a
table and cut me open. I'd hate to
think what would have happened had
some other party of your government
gotten ahold of me.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION -- NIGHT
STEVEN
Is lead through the Police Station, hands behind his back.
Detective #2 follows very closely, nearly hugging Steven
from behind.
COLLEAGUE (O.S.)
Hey, Jim!
Detective #2 and Steven are stopped by Detective #2's
COLLEAGUE. They turn to face the man, Steven standing between
the two.
COLLEAGUE (CONT'D)
Where are you taking this guy?
DETECTIVE #2
To... uh....
Steven nudges THE GUN he has in Detective #2's crotch to
illicit an answer, keeping his other hand firmly attached to
the handcuff chain Detective #2 is wearing.
DETECTIVE #2 (CONT'D)
Back to the holding cell. We're not
going to get anything out of him
right now.
COLLEAGUE
Ok... but the holding cells are that
way.
There's an awkward moment and then a sign of recognition of
what's happening appears on the Colleague's face.
He reaches for his gun, but Steven pistol whips him and kicks
the Detective in the groin.
MOVING SHOT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60.
Of Steven as he makes a dash for the door, fighting his way
past other officers as he exits through the front.
CUT TO:
EXT. POLICE STATION -- NIGHT
Steven runs out the front door of the station. He sees a
POLICE OFFICER that is taking a SUSPECT out of the back of
his car.
STEVEN
Knocks down the Officer and takes his keys, the Suspect
running off. Steven hops behind the wheel of the car and
drives off.
Other Police cars follow in pursuit.
CUT TO:
INT. LORETTA'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Loretta and Earvin lie sprawled out on the floor, staring
into space.
Julius bursts in.
JULIUS
Ms. Neal! Ms. Neal?
LORETTA
(tiredly)
What is it, Julius?
JULIUS
Look at this.
Julius turns on the TV and changes the channel to the local
news.
ANCHOR PERSON
... at this time the unnamed man
(a photo appears on
the screen)
Was being held on charges of assault
and burglary.
The screen changes to live video of the chase on the street.
CUT TO:
INT. BARNHARDTS HOUSE/LAB -- NIGHT
Klaatu looks over at the TV and sees the chase happening.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
61.
KLAATU
Gort, fustengi.
Gort walks towards the Doctor, who recoils in terror.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE CAR -- NIGHT
Steven drives quickly and nervously. He looks in the rear
view mirror.
FIVE SETS OF SPINNING POLICE LIGHTS
Follow behind him.
STEVEN
Yeah, this was a really good idea.
Steven leads the police on a hair raising chase through DC,
finally ending up on the freeway.
THE SPACESHIP
Appears above the chase. A large door opens on the front
end of the ship. It swoops down and scoops up Steven's police
car and flies away.
The Police in the other cars look on in amazement.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- NIGHT
Steven walks angrily down the corridor of the ship. It's
like he's in He steps into the circular center of the ship.
The ships walls look like they are lined with pipe. Against
one wall is the viewing window and in the center is a large
table with a glass sphere. It's the exact same ship as it
was in 1951.
Gort stands sentry as Klaatu lays supine on a rejuvenation
bed.
Dr. Barnhardt hangs from a wall, held by and invisible force.
Lights flash and lasers scan over Klaatu's body. The damage
on his face and body is slowly, but efficiently being
repaired. (Dialogue in ^ ^ represents Klaatu or Steven
speaking in their native tongue. Subtitles should appear on
screen.)
STEVEN
You're early.
(Looking over at Dr.
Barnhardt)
What's he doing here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
62.
KLAATU
^Paying penance.^
Steven and Doctor Barnhardt's eyes lock. Barnhardt is in a
drunken sort of pain, his eyes rolling back into his head.
Steven looks over the Gort and studies his stump.
STEVEN
What happened to the robot?
KLAATU
^He lost his hand freeing me from
the people who did this.^
Steven turns his attention back to Klaatu. His glare has
not diminished.
STEVEN
I wasn't expecting you for another
two days. Why are you here?
KLAATU
^I had a few interests of my own to
attend to. I did not expect such a
reception from someone who's life I
just saved.^
STEVEN
You didn't save my life.
KLAATU
^Really. And how were you going to
remedy your situation?^
STEVEN
I've survived this planet for fifty
years. Wars. Plagues. I think I
know how to take care of myself.
And I wouldn't have been in that
situation if not for you signaling
me.
Klaatu's face is repaired and the lights fade around him.
He sits up, draping his legs over the side of the table.
KLAATU
^I will not take this brand of
insolence from someone who seems to
have lost the civility of his native
people, as well as his native tongue.^
STEVEN
^I have not forgotten.^
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63.
KLAATU
^Good. I'm glad to see this savage
world has not completely changed
you. Where is your report?^
STEVEN
^I don't have it.^
KLAATU
^You don't have it? Where is it?^
STEVEN
^It's on the planet, in a safe place.^
KLAATU
^No matter. I've already come to my
decision.^
STEVEN
Your what? I thought the decision
was to be left to me?
KLAATU
^Without the report your decision
lacks any foundation to stand upon.^
STEVEN
But the decision is mine to make.
KLAATU
^I feel you have grown too close to
these humans to make a clear judgment.
Earth must not be allowed to spread
its barbaric ways out of this solar
system.^
STEVEN
They're better than this. We can't
just destroy them.
KLAATU
^I have no intention of destroying
them. They've sewn the seeds of
their own destruction by not heeding
the signs of their own planets will.^
STEVEN
But we can help them. We can help
save them.
KLAATU
^I have no intention of saving a
planet that would just turn it's
vengeance and anger outward into the
universe if it were to survive.^
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
64.
STEVEN
You soul would let them die?
KLAATU
^Better them than us.^
STEVEN
Better them than us? Is that
enlightened thinking? You would let
an entire civilization die out for
fear that some day...
KLAATU
What do you need? To have millions
of our people bodies buried in mass
graves? Or vaporized by atomic
weapons because one man is fearful
his country might look weak? I will
not jeopardize hundreds of worlds
because you feel a sentimental
attachment to one.
STEVEN
We've lost our soul, Klaatu.
KLAATU
What?
STEVEN
We traded our souls in exchange for
long lives in sterile surroundings.
We traded our compassion for a logic
so cold that... let me get my report
for you. Let me show you what I
have learned. Then you might think
that men like him
(points to Dr.
Barnhardt)
Might be worth saving.
The two stare at each other for a moment before the ship is
rocked by an explosion.
They run to the cockpit of the ship and look outside the
windows and at display screens.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKIES OF DC -- CONTINUOUS
A SQUADRON OF F-16's are firing missiles at the ship. They
are trying to blow the ship out of the sky.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65.
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Same as before.
KLAATU
(smiling wryly)
^Do they really think they can do
this?^
Klaatu sits at the helm and turns off auto-pilot.
STEVEN
What are you doing?
KLAATU
^Giving them what they want.^
CUT TO:
EXT. SKIES OF DC -- CONTINUOUS
The Spaceship stops. The F-16's fly past the ship. The
ship moves forward, following in hot pursuit. The ship fires
no weapons, instead, spinning and rolling through the planes
who try to keep up. Two crash into each other in a giant
explosion.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Same as before.
STEVEN
You have to stop this.
KLAATU
^I didn't start this.^
Steven looks at Klaatu in horror. What has he become? Steven
turns and runs back to the center of the ship. He looks
over at Dr. Barnhardt as Gort stands sentry.
STEVEN
^Robot, release him.^
Dr. Barnhardt falls from the wall to the ground. Steven
rushes over to him and grabs him by the shoulders. He drags
him as Dr. Barnhardt wakes.
DR. BARNHARDT
Who...
Steven stops at an escape pod hatch, which resembles a torpedo
tube. He slides Dr. Barnhardt inside face first.
DR. BARNHARDTS POV
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
66.
We see Steven's face just as the hatch is closed. Steven
hits the launch button.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKIES OF DC -- CONTINUOUS
The pod launches from the side of the ship. It shoots past
the F-16's toward the earth.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Steven goes back to the cockpit. Klaatu is still engaged in
his dog-fight. He races the spaceship through one, splitting
it in half. The ship continues unharmed.
STEVEN
Stop this. Right now.
Klaatu doesn't listen. He continues on his rampage. Steven
looks around the cockpit for something heavy. He finds it
and clocks Klaatu in the side of the head.
The ship banks hard to the left, throwing Steven against the
wall. Klaatu corrects himself and the ship, sitting upright
again. He puts the ship into auto-pilot and rises. Steven
has returned to his feet.
KLAATU
^What are you doing?^
STEVEN
Saving my soul.
Steven swings at Klaatu and they fight.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKIES OF DC -- CONTINUOUS
The ships is continually hit by missiles as it continues on
it's straight line course. The F-16's fire round after round
from their gattling guns, but are unable to damage the
spaceship.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Klaatu and Steven fight awkwardly, as the ship rocks like a
boat but suffers no damage. Klaatu gains control and
strangles Steven. Steven reaches towards the controls of
the auto pilot and disengages them. The ship dips forward
and spins out of control.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
67.
Klaatu and Steven are thrown against the wall. The G-forces
cause Klaatu and Steven to blackout.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC -- CONTINUOUS
The ship races through the sky, headed for the highway. As
the ship skips along the highway outside DC. It crushes
several cars before finally coming to a skidding halt. The
passengers of the cars get out and run.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Steven awakens first. He rises slowly, taking in the room.
He sees Klaatu passed out on the floor. Through the viewing
window he can see in the distance MILITARY VEHICLES racing
toward them.
Steven makes his way to a console and quickly barks out
commands in his native tongue to the screen.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC -- CONTINUOUS
The military vehicles grind to a halt. Their drivers attempt
to start them, but are unsuccessful. The men grab their
weapons and proceed on foot.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Steven looks out the viewing window and sees the men running
forward. He grabs Klaatu by the shoulders and drags him
into the center of the room.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC -- CONTINUOUS
The Pilots in their F-16's have lost power. They abandon
their ships, ejecting. The F-16's fall to the ground, on
the highway exploding on impact, slowing the advance of the
military who proceeds to try and get civilians who are still
by their cars out of harms way.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Steven picks up Klaatu and pins him against the wall.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
68.
STEVEN
^Activate restraints.^
He activates the restraints and Klaatu floats up the same
way Dr. Barnhardt did. Steven walks over to a console and
punches in a number of commands.
Steven turns to Gort.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
^Robot, take sentry outside the ship.
No one enters until I return. Harm
no one.^
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC -- CONTINUOUS
The door of the spaceship opens. Steven slips out and slides
off the side of the ship. He heads into the nearby woods,
headed for DC.
CUT TO:
INT. NURSING HOME - HELENS ROOM -- NIGHT
Senator Benson looks pensively out the window of Helen's
room. The power is out across the street, up and down the
block.
HELEN
Bobby? Is everything ok?
Senator Benson reaches for his cell phone and tries to place
a call, but the screen is dead. He looks back out the window
to see people walking into the street.
SENATOR BENSON
No mom. I don't think it is.
CUT TO:
INT. SENATOR MAXWELL'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
The Senator stares out the window as his AIDE enters the
room.
AIDE
Senator, the power is out all over
sir. The Marshals are asking us to
stay put until they can figure out
what is going on.
SENATOR MAXWELL
I know what's going on.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69.
SENATOR MAXWELL (CONT'D)
Find Dr. Barnhardt and Senator Benson
right now. Tell the Marshals I need
to see the President right away.
CUT TO:
INT. GOSPEL RESCUE MINISTRIES - KITCHEN -- NIGHT
Earvin, Julius and Loretta sift through drawers and look
through cabinets trying to find candles.
LORETTA
You find any candles yet?
EARVIN
No.
JULIUS
Why didn't the backup generator kick
on?
LORETTA
I don't know, but we need to find
some candles since the flashlights
don't seem to be working. Ah, here's
something.
Loretta pulls out a stove-top lighter and clicks it on. She
illuminates Steven, who is standing right next to her. His
face is sweaty and he's breathing is slightly labored.
LORETTA (CONT'D)
Oh Jesus, you scared the hell out of
me.
STEVEN
Do you have my bag?
LORETTA
Where the hell have you been? What
is going on?
STEVEN
Loretta, I don't have time to explain.
I need you to trust me.
LORETTA
No. We looked inside your bag. We
found what you've been hiding. What
the hell is that thing?
Steven is taken aback by this.
STEVEN
And how do you feel?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.
LORETTA
Like crap. That thing hurt like
crazy.
STEVEN
But you saw it?
LORETTA
Yeah. What the hell was it?
Steven turns his attention to Earvin and Julius.
STEVEN
Did you two see it also?
JULIUS
See what?
EARVIN
Yeah. I did. A little.
STEVEN
(to himself)
The body chemistry must be close
enough. A complete connection
shouldn't be that difficult.
LORETTA
A complete connection? What are you
talking about?
STEVEN
Loretta, I don't have time to
explain...
LORETTA
Yes, you do! As of this moment, you
do! I've gone along with everything
you've asked of me Steven. But right
now I need to know what that thing
is.
Loretta and Steven's eyes lock.
STEVEN
It's a record. Of my time on this
planet. It's my report. And without
it your world is going to become a
hollowed out cinder. So I ask you
again, where is my bag?
Loretta stares at Steven for a moment, considering what to
do. Steven implores Loretta with his eyes, hoping that the
connection they share will convince her. Loretta acquiesces
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
71.
LORETTA
(pointing to the corner)
It's over there.
Steven looks over to the corner in the darkness. He strides
over and picks it up, finding his orb inside.
LORETTA (CONT'D)
What are you going to do with it?
How is that supposed to save us?
STEVEN
I'm going to help everyone to see
that we have the same heart. And
I'm going to need your help to do
it.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. -- NIGHT
The escape pod of Dr. Barnhardt rests in the street, it's
tip dug deeply into the ground, the asphalt around it cracked
and broken.
People have begun to cautiously surround it. A TEENAGER
edges closer to the pod. He slowly extends a hand out to
touch it.
BANG. The lid flies off, causing the surrounding people to
recoil in fear. Dr. Barnhardt can be clearly seen, leaning
backwards against the wall of the pod. He slowly hunches
forward and falls out of the pod. The Teenager drops to the
ground and flips him over.
Dr. Barnhardt wakes with a start, sucking in a large GASP of
air. He grabs hold of the Teenager, clutching his shoulders
tightly.
TEENAGER
Whoa. Slow down. You all right
man?
DR. BARNHARDT
I need to... I need to... see the
President....
CRASH! A rock, smashes a store window. Rioting and looting
has begun.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. -- NIGHT
Steve, Loretta, Earvin and Julius make their way through the
chaos in the streets on foot.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72.
EARVIN
What's goin' on?
LORETTA
People taking advantage of the
situation.
CRASH! The four turn in fear to the loud noise.
A large picture window of an electronics store shatters.
Looters run to take away the TV sets and other electronic
devices.
SMASH! Another window behind them breaks. They turn, but
this time to see Steven has broken the window to a bicycle
shop.
STEVEN
We need transportation.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. -- LATER
The four ride through the looting of D.C. Loretta rides her
bicycle up closer to Stevens.
LORETTA
What are we going to do when we get
there? If the military is surrounding
the ship, how are we going to get
in?
STEVEN
I don't know... I don't know...
They ride on.
CUT TO:
INT. WHITE HOUSE -- NIGHT
Senator Maxwell and Senator Benson are ushered into the Oval
Office. THE PRESIDENT, a grey haired man, stares out over
the chaos he sees from his windows. Candle light flickers
off the paintings and walls as they enter room.
Spencer sits in the meeting area in the center of the room.
BENSON AND MAXWELL
Mr. President. Mr. Spencer.
The President continues staring out the window, appearing to
take no notice of the Senators.
SPENCER
Bob. Danielle. Please, have a seat.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
73.
Senator Maxwell and Benson sit down.
SPENCER (CONT'D)
I trust you have some sort of
enlightened view on the current
situation. Something more helpful
than what our military advisers have
already told us.
PRESIDENT
I wonder if this is how Dolly Madison
felt as she fled the city before the
British burned it.
SENATOR MAXWELL
It would appear, sir, that the "field"
as it were only...
PRESIDENT
...extends to the edge of the
district.
SENATOR MAXWELL
Yes sir.
The President turns around from the window.
PRESIDENT
What does Dr. Barnhardt think? Isn't
he supposed to be a specialist on
all our materials relating to the
visitor?
SENATOR MAXWELL
We sent the marshals to find him,
but it's difficult to maneuver and
locate him do to the circumstances.
PRESIDENT
It's like trying to find a needle in
a stack of needles. I can't believe
we've been caught so wholely with
our pants around our ankles.
There's a knock at the door. The Aide has returned.
AIDE
Sir, they've found Dr. Barnhardt.
CUT TO:
INT. WHITE HOUSE - STATE DINING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
The President, Mr. Spencer and the Senators enter the State
Dining Room, which is illuminated beautifully by candles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
74.
Dr. Barnhardt sits at the end of one table, being helped by
various people, guarded by the Secret Service. He's taking
some pills and drinking water.
He sees the President and tries to rise to his feet.
PRESIDENT
(motioning with his
hands)
No, Dr. Barnhardt, please sit. They
tell me that they found you in a
metal tank in the street.
DR. BARNHARDT
An escape pod, sir. From the space
ship.
PRESIDENT
I see. Have you any idea of the
events that have transpired in the
last thirty minutes?
DR. BARNHARDT
No. I'm sorry. I just...
Dr. Barnhardt shakes.
PRESIDENT
It's all right, Doctor. Is there
anything you can tell us that might
help us defend ourselves against
them.
DR. BARNHARDT
I noticed while I was on the ship,
the robot was missing one of his
hands.
SENATOR BENSON
It happened while Klaatu was escaping.
DR. BARNHARDT
How?
SENATOR BENSON
A round from one of the tanks shot
it off. At close range.
Dr. Barnhardt's mind is racing.
DR. BARNHARDT
A tank round you say?
SPENCER
An Abrams M1A1 with a 120 mm smooth
bore cannon. But it was one round
and several were fired.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75.
DR. BARNHARDT
They use depleted uranium rounds,
correct?
SPENCER
Severely depleted. The radiation is
so weak it isn't even considered
toxic to work with.
DR. BARNHARDT
But what if one round was? What if
one of those rounds had enough
radioactivity that some how it
weakened the robots skin.
SENATOR MAXWELL
If that's true, that means we could
use our nuclear arsenal to defend
ourselves.
DR. BARNHARDT
No, we couldn't. The EM field.
That's must be why they created. It
inhibits all electrical fields.
Nuclear weapons need their trigger
to go off precisely or they don't
work and all you get it nuclear fall
out.
PRESIDENT
So what do you suggest Doctor?
CUT TO:
INT. FORT MCNAIR -- NIGHT
HANGAR: Army crew work to remove the cannon mounts from the
tops of tanks. They use hand tools and large numbers of men
to remove them from the tops of the Abrams tanks. They use
hand cranked cranes to lift them off and lower them onto the
backs of trailers.
WASTE DISPOSAL: Another crew, in radiation suits, opening
sealed barrels of radiation. They use thongs to dip 120mm
shells into the waste and pull them out for drying.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROCK CREEK PARK HORSE CENTER -- NIGHT
Inside a stable, a YOUNG WOMAN brushes the main of a quarter
horse. She glances outside.
A CONTINGENT OF SOLDIERS come running toward her.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76.
INT. FORT MCNAIR -- NIGHT
SOLDIERS, dressed in radiation suits, lead horses pulling
the converted trailer/tanks behind them.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC - FOREST -- NIGHT
Steven, Loretta, Earvin and Julius creep up through the forest
to where the spaceship crashed.
The military has setup a perimeter around the ship. Gort
continues to stand guard.
STEVEN
(to Julius)
What do you think?
JULIUS
I haven't been in combat in years,
man. Their guns still work?
STEVEN
The EM field only affects electronic
devices. Guns aren't in that
category.
LORETTA
We need a distraction.
JULIUS
(a twinkle in his eye)
I have an idea. Be ready to run
when it happens. Earvin, come with
me.
STEVEN
What is it?
Julius just smiles and the two run off.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Yeah, that doesn't disturb me at
all.
CUT TO:
Julius and Earvin creep up to the abandoned Humvee's. They
each open the fuel takes to the Humvee's, stuffing dry brush
into the nozzles.
Julius pulls out a Zippo brand lighter and lights it.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
77.
BOOM! Steven and Loretta are surprised by the explosions,
as are the soldiers surrounding the ship. A number of the
soldiers take off running back toward the humvees, while
others remain.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Come on.
Steven and Loretta bolt down the hill.
Most of the soldiers attention is still directed at the fire
that the other soldiers are attempting to fight.
A SOLDIER turns his head and is greeted by an elbow across
the face from Steven.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
^Gort, attack. Kill no one.^
Gorts vacant eyes light up with green fury and he goes to
work on the soldiers, tossing them left and right. They
fire at him again, the bullets once more glancing off.
Steven and Loretta make their way to the ship. As they move
to board, Steven is shot in the back. Gort grabs the soldier
that shot Steven and tosses him into the forest.
LORETTA
Oh my god!
STEVEN
It's ok. It's ok. Just help me inside.
Loretta helps Steven inside.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Loretta drags a severely bleeding Steven into the center of
the ship. He is gasping for her and leaning heavily on her
for support.
STEVEN
Put me... put me on the table...
over there...
Loretta drags Steven to the able he indicates and places him
on it.
LORETTA
Now what?
Steven touches a few buttons on the side of the table and
passes out. The lights on the table begin to glow and Loretta
steps away from the table.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
78.
KLAATU (O.S.)
He will be executed for this.
Loretta spins around to see Klaatu is awake, still hanging
from his confines.
LORETTA
Why would you do that?
KLAATU
Under my present circumstance, I
will accept that as a rhetorical
question.
LORETTA
Why would you want to destroy us?
We've done nothing to you.
KLAATU
I have no intention of destroying
you.
LORETTA
But the warning you left us...
KLAATU
At the time, it was appropriate.
But now, we have no need. In fifty
years, this planet won't be able to
adequately sustain life.
LORETTA
What have you done to us?
KLAATU
We have done nothing. You're desire
to rape and pillage this planet has
left you with precious little time
left. And we have no intention of
helping this planet save itself from
it's own destruction. To do so would
invite our own possible annihilation
at your hands, and that I won't allow.
STEVEN (O.S.)
^Hopefully Klaatu, you won't feel
that way very soon.^
Steven sits up on the bed, completely healed. The whole in
his back sealed. Steven pulls the orb from his bag.
KLAATU
^That won't change my mind.^
STEVEN
Maybe not. But I think it will change
theirs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
79.
KLAATU
^What are you talking about?^
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC - FOREST -- CONTINUOUS
Julius and Earvin hide in the trees and watch as Gort fights
the soldiers. Behind them they hear a noise.
JULIUS
What is that?
They look over their shoulders to see the converted trailers
pulled by horses have arrived.
The Soldiers position the trailers to fire at the ship.
EARVIN
What is that all about.
They fire. The first shot nails the ship, tearing a hole in
it.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Loretta and Steven duck to get out of the way of the shrapnel
the round created. Another round fires through the ship.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC - FOREST -- CONTINUOUS
Gort takes attention to the weapons firing. He stops fighting
the soldiers and runs at the ones at the trailers.
A Major on the Trailer Soldiers team sees Gort running at
them.
MAJOR
Fire at the Robot! Fire at the Robot!
The Soldiers turn their weapons on Gort. The rounds breeze
past him and explode behind him.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Steven and Loretta hug the ground. Steven looks over at
Loretta.
STEVEN
Are you all right?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
80.
LORETTA
I think so.
Steven gets to his feet and helps Loretta to hers. She is
visibly in shock.
Steven glances out the hole in the ship. He sees Gort running
at the converted trailers. Steven turns back around. Klaatu
is no longer hanging on the wall.
SMACK. Klaatu punches Steven in the side of the head. The
two struggle and fight, swinging and kicking at each other.
The two get into a locking maneuver, one not having more
control than the other.
KLAATU
^I will not let you jeopardize our
people.^
Steven head butts Klaatu, freeing them both from the lock.
Steven rolls over and grabs his bag. The two get to their
feet and Steven pulls the Glock out of his bag.
KLAATU (CONT'D)
STEVEN
To save them. Yes, I would.
KLAATU
^You can't save them.^
STEVEN
We'll see about that. Loretta.
Loretta!
Loretta has been in a sort of paralytic-daze. She looks
over at Steven.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Loretta, what you experienced earlier,
we're going to make the whole world
feel it. And you're going to help.
LORETTA
Ok...
STEVEN
I want you to take the orb out of my
bag and hold it over the table.
Loretta looks over at the bag and picks it up. She reaches
inside and pulls the orb out of the bag, holding it over the
table. Steven punches a few buttons on the counter next to
him
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
All living things on this planet are
connected. Much deeper and much
stronger than anyone knows or
comprehends. But we're going to
open their eyes to it.
LORETTA
Ok...
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC - FOREST -- NIGHT
Gort is still running at the tanks. As he gets closer, one
round pierces through his lower abdomen, creating a sizable
hole. He slows for a moment, then continues his run.
MAJOR
FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!
Another round grazes his shoulder.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Same as before.
STEVEN
I need you to act as a conduit.
Through you we'll connect everyone
on to the orb. It'll be painful.
And it will be hard. But if we're
going to save the planet, I need you
to do this. Can you do this?
LORETTA
Ok...
STEVEN
Is that the same as a yes?
LORETTA
Yes...
STEVEN
Good. I want you to place your hands
on the counter.
Loretta places her hands on the counter. Steven looks at
his watch. It reads: 10:55pm
KLAATU
This won't change anything.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
82.
STEVEN
People are very lonely on this planet
Klaatu. Disconnected. We're going
to bind them.
KLAATU
And how is this supposed to change
my mind?
STEVEN
Don't worry, Klaatu. You get to
come along for the ride too.
Steven slams his palm on the table top.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
^Transmit.^
Loretta, Steven, and Klaatu's heads all whip back as if they'd
been punched in the face.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC - FOREST -- CONTINUOUS
The tank commanders fire one last round before they fall
over, like people around the world, people's heads whip back
as if in a trance. We follow the last round as it travels
straight at Gorts chest.
END OF ACT TWO
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
83.
ACT THREE
EXT. TROPICAL BEACH -- DAY
LORETTA'S POV
We stand on the beach, looking at Steven. He is once more
dressed in his space suit. Our visions is also blurred in
this constructed reality.
STEVEN
Well... let's get started.
Steven advances toward us.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
I apologize for the largeness of the
files. Fifty years of experiences
are hard to compress.
Steven steps into Loretta's body and the two become one as a
bright light flashes and fills the frame.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACESHIP - 1951 -- NIGHT
A black and white vision of the past. Since this is a true
vision and not a construct, the images are crisp and clear.
A young Klaatu stands at the large viewing screen of the old
ship from 1951, preparing the thirty minutes of frozen time
that enveloped the planet.
Steven sits in a corner, breathing deeply. Without turning,
Klaatu speaks.
KLAATU
^You are afraid?^
STEVEN
^A little.^
KLAATU
^You shouldn't be. You are prepared.
You will be fine.^
STEVEN
^What are you doing?^
KLAATU
^Preparing a demonstration.^
STEVEN
^Will it help?^
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.
KLAATU
^That is for you to decide.^
SECTION OF FLIPPING THROUGH STEVEN'S TIME ON EARTH, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- HIM JOINING THE MILITARY AND FIGHTING KOREA
- BEING PRESENT FOR THE APOLLO LAUNCH
- BEING IN VIETNAM WITH YOUNG JULIUS
- OTHER THINGS, ETC.
CUT TO:
INT. RWANDAN SCHOOL ROOM -- DAY
Steven stands at the front of the class, before him is his
class of fourth graders. A map of the planet hangs behind
him. They all listen enraptured, taking in all he says.
A LITTLE BOY raises his hand. Steven calls on him. (All
dialogue in { } is in French.
LITTLE BOY
{But what does this have to do with
us?}
Steven does a demonstration, making drawings on the blackboard
with chalk to represent what he is saying.
STEVEN
{It has a great deal to do with you.
You and the rest of the world.
There's a cycle to all things. We
are born...
(imitates a baby)
We hopefully live long and full lives,
playing with friends, falling in
love. We eat the food we grow, taking
in its nutrients that allow us to
play and love. But then, one day,
hopefully a long way down the road
of our lives, we die...}
Steven falls over, pretending to be dead. The children LAUGH.
He sits up right.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
{And our body provides life giving
nutrients to the plants and animals
that others will use to survive. So
too, is the cycle of the planet.
Ice melting and refreezing.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
85.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
The current of the air circulating
in the sky. All the world runs on
cycles. And if man tampers with
them too greatly, the world won't
know what to do.}
LITTLE BOY
{But how could man tamper with
something so large? We are too small
to have an affect on something so
big.}
Steven smiles and glances up from looking at the boy to the
doorway of the class room. Janae stands listening and
smiling.
Steven walks over and kneels before the little boy.
STEVEN
{Just because you are smaller than a
thing, does not preclude you from
affecting it. Even someone as small
as you.}
Steven pokes the Little Boy in the stomach. He giggles, as
does the rest of the class.
Steven looks down at his watch.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
{Please have your math homework
completed for tomorrow. On time! I
do not wish to see anyone completing
it during our grammar lesson!}
The moment Steven said "Please" the students were up like
lightening leaving and preparing to leave.
Steven saunters over to Janae, flirtatious as ever.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
I'm getting fired.
JANAE
(smiling)
No.
STEVEN
I'm getting a raise.
JANAE
No.
Steven approaches her.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
86.
STEVEN
Then tell me, my dear Ms. Janae, to
what do I owe the pleasure of this
visit?
JANAE
I thought you might like to have
dinner.
STEVEN
Even better.
The two kiss. It's a passionate kiss, filled with love.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF NYAMUGALI, RWANDA -- DAY
Steven and Janae walk slowly, hand in hand through the Rwandan
Village. Children run and play as adults do their daily
work.
Steven and Janae wave to one of the adults.
JANAE
How much longer do you intend to
stay in Nyamugali?
STEVEN
I'm not sure. I've spent so much
time traveling. It feels good to be
of use somewhere that really needs
it.
JANAE
The children do enjoy having you
here.
STEVEN
They are my link to humanity.
JANAE
You don't feel, uncomfortable?
STEVEN
Being the only white in the village?
JANAE
I was going to say, being the only
alien in the village.
STEVEN
You do love to focus on that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
87.
JANAE
I am just worried that some day,
I'll walk into your classroom and
you'll be gone. Whisked away on
that spaceship that is coming for
you.
They stop strolling and Steven turns to face her. Steven
can see the worry in her face.
JANAE (CONT'D)
You will tell me before you leave,
won't you?
STEVEN
That depends. Would you prefer to
come with me?
The worry leaves Janae's face, happiness and jubilation
returns.
JANAE
You would take me?
Steven brings her closer and touches her face.
STEVEN
No matter where I go or how far I
travel. If you'll have me, you can
come.
Steven kisses her.
A YOUNG GIRL runs over and tackle hugs Steven. He picks her
up and tickets her.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
{Hello little one. Are we a
troublemaker?}
JANAE
(looking down the
street)
What's that?
Steven looks down the street to see a large group of HUTU
MEN with Machetes's walking down the street towards them.
They grab and hack at whomever is around them.
Steven, still holding the little girl, grabs Janae's hand
with his free one and heads in the opposite direction of the
violence. A car catches Steven's eye. He bolts for it,
pulling Janae with him.
STEVEN
Get in.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
88.
Steven puts the little girl in the back seat while Janae
gets in the passenger.
As he moves to get into the drivers seat he glances down the
street to see a group of the Hutu men are running toward
them.
Steven gets in, reaches under the steering wheel, and hot
wires the car. The car engine fires up. Steven puts the
pedal to the metal.
The Hutu's arrive and begin to hack and slash at the car.
JANAE
{What is happening?}
STEVEN
Hold on. Just hold on.
The passenger side window explodes! A machete catches Janaes
right arm. Blood spurts uncontrollably. Janae CRIES OUT in
pain.
Steven reaches out to her as he attempts to control the car
with one hand.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Hold it. Put pressure on it.
Steven tries to help, taking his eyes off the road for a
moment.
When his attention returns to the road from STEVENS POV we
sees a crowd of people attempting to flee armed men in the
street.
Steven swerves to avoid them, plowing the car into the a
building on the left side of the street. Stevens head slams
into the steering wheel while Janae's hits the windshield.
The little girls body flies between them, slamming into the
windshield as well.
Steven awakens from his daze to see the body of the little
girl next to him, dead. He looks to the passenger side of
the car. Janae is gone.
STEVENS POV
We see motion, but our vision is obscured.
STEVEN
Shakes his head and his vision clears considerably.
STEVENS POV
We men's arms are swinging at something.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
89.
STEVEN
Shakes his head again
STEVENS POV
We see five men with machetes's hacking at Janae.
Rage absorbs Steven as he climbs out the broken drivers side
window. He mounts the car and leaps at the assailants.
He grabs's one of their machetes's and hacks and stabs at
the men, easily killing the men.
Steven drops to his knees at Janae's body. She coughs and
hacks blood, slashes and puncture wounds litter her body.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
It's ok. You're going to be ok. I'll
heal you. I'll heal you.
Steven reaches goes back to the car and grabs his bag out of
the back. He pulls out the balm squeezes some of it onto
her wounds.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
^This will heal you. It has to. It
has to.^
Janae stops coughing or moving. Steven cradles her lifeless
body in his arms, crying as he rocks her.
Men scream in the distance. Steven looks up.
TEN MACHETE WIELDING MEN
Have spotted him. He lays Janae's body down on the ground.
Steven gets to his feet, holding a machete in each hand. He
stares directly at the men.
STEVENS HANDS
Adjust his grip on the blades.
THE MEN
SCREAM and run at him. Steven, like a quiet warrior, runs
at them. A bright light fills the frame.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST OF RWANDA -- NIGHT
The forest is beautiful at night. Birds chirp, animals of
various shapes and sides make noises as the sun goes down.
We hear crying in the distance.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90.
Janae's body lies next to Steven, who is digging a grave for
his love beneath a tree. He cries, tears running down his
face. He attempts to stop himself, wiping the muck from his
face.
He finishes his hole. He delicately and places Janae's
inside of it. He pulls "Utopia" from his bag and places it
in her hands.
CUT TO:
Steven walks away, Janae's name carved into the trunk of the
tree. Bright light.
CUT TO:
MORE MONTAGE'S OF IMAGES:
- STEVEN TRAVELING TO THE US
- GETTING CRACKED OVER THE HEAD
- MEETING LORETTA AND EARVIN
CUT TO:
INT. SMITHSONIAN ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING -- DAY
PAINTING POV
Steven stands staring at a painting. Earvin walks up to him
from the side.
EARVIN
What's up man? You like this one?
STEVEN
What exhibit did you say this was?
EARVIN
Uh..
(looks in program)
"Lost Modern Art of the Rwandan
People." It's a bunch of art they
found unfinished after the '94
massacre. You like this one?
REVERSE ANGLE
We finally see the painting. It's the one that Steven had
been working on of Janae in his dream. It's real and breath
taking.
STEVEN
Yeah. I do. I really do.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
91.
MONTAGE OF ALL THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE MOMENT THAT
STEVEN SAYS "TRANSMIT"
INT. SPACE SHIP -- NIGHT
The Orb has finished it's job. It's slowly descends to a
resting cup beneath it's hovering position. Loretta and
Steven stand, as if frozen.
LORETTA
Vomits and then passes out.
STEVEN shakes his head, unaware that Loretta has passed out.
CRYING. Steven turns around and see's Klaatu, who is softly
sobbing. Steven presses a few buttons on the table and
Klaatu's invisible restraint's are released. He falls to
the ground, sobbing.
STEVEN'S WATCH
The digital numbers click over from 10:59pm to 11:00pm.
Steven turns his head around to look at where he thinks
Loretta is.
STEVEN
Loretta?
He sees the vomit and looks down. He kneels down beside
her. He places his face on top of hers to check her
breathing. She is taking very small, labored breaths.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
It's all right. You're going to be
all right.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC -- CONTINUOUS
The soldiers outside awaken, slowly rising, helping each
other up, etc. Their weapons remain on the ground and those
holding theirs drop them.
Julius and Earvin wander out of the woods. The soldiers
look at them, but do nothing. Everyone's expressions are
like those of lost children looking for their mothers.
Gort lies on the ground, twitching. There's a giant hole in
his chest.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
92.
INT. WHITE HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
The President awakens from his trance, sitting upright in
his chair. He looks over at the Senators and Mr. Spencer
who are awakening while sitting on couch's.
PRESIDENT
What was that?
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. -- CONTINUOUS
The looters are all rising. They look around at each other,
not sure what to do.
CUT TO:
INT. WHITE HOUSE - STATE DINING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Dr. Barnhardt sits in a chair at the end of the table,
sobbing.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
Steven hovers over Loretta, petting her head.
STEVEN
Come on, now. Come on.
Klaatu rises to his feet. Steven feels his presence behind
him as rises, turning to face Klaatu. Klaatu is holding the
Glock in his hand.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
What are you going to do Klaatu?
(glancing down at the
gun)
Do you still want to kill them all?
KLAATU
Do you?
STEVEN
Sometimes. But I'm hoping my gamble
has paid off and that I won't have
to feel that way anymore.
Loretta's hand touches Steven's. Steven turns back to face
her.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Hey. We almost lost you there?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
93.
LORETTA
I'm sorry.
STEVEN
(smiling)
For what?
LORETTA
Did we do it? Did it work?
STEVEN
I don't know. Let's find out.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY OUTSIDE DC -- MOMENTS LATER
Steven and Klaatu help a weak Loretta to exit the ship.
Outside, they are greeted by the soldiers. The two groups
stare at each other, not sure what to do.
LORETTA
Is this a good sign?
A few soldiers walk over to help Loretta down from the ship.
STEVEN
I'll take this as "yes".
Steven leaps down and comes face to face with a SOLDIER.
The two look at each other for a moment and then the Soldier
reaches out and hugs Steven.
SOLDIER
I'm sorry.
The other soldiers huddle around them into a group hug Steven.
Klaatu and Loretta watch.
LORETTA
Thaaaaat's interesting.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. -- CONTINUOUS
The people in the streets hug each other, some sobbing
lightly.
PRESIDENT (V.O.)
We have been given an incredible
gift.
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
94.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE LAWN-- DAY
The President stands behind a podium on the White House lawn,
the repaired Space Ship his backdrop. Klaatu, Steven,
Loretta, Julius, and the Senators, sit behind them in chairs.
A full compliment of reporters snap pictures and video the
Presidents address.
LEGEND: One week later...
PRESIDENT
The gift of love and loss. The gift
of a shared experience that we can
all treasure and remember. Of the
love of one man and one woman. And
of the pain of the loss felt by that
man. It is that love that has saved
us. We are all connected. No matter
who we are, no matter what we do,
regardless of race or country, we
are all one people. That we can
fight no longer and that peace is
ours to be had. We must work together
to save our planet and put an end to
our petty bickering.
LORETTA (V.O.)
Do you have to go?
FADE TO:
EXT. WHITE HOUSE LAWN -- LATER
The lawn has cleared. Steven and Loretta walk slowly,
striding hand in hand.
STEVEN
I've spent most of my life here. I
need to return home. Klaatu and I
have a great deal of explaining to
do to our superiors.
LORETTA
What do you think they'll say?
STEVEN
If they are anything like Klaatu, I
think their response will be positive.
LORETTA
Do you think that you'll come back?
They stop strolling.
STEVEN
Will I have a couch to crash on?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
95.
LORETTA
Always.
They kiss lightly on the lips.
CUT TO:
EXT. WHITE HOUSE LAWN -- MOMENTS LATER
The Space Ship's engine's fire up and it rises off the White
House lawn. Thousands have gathered to watch from outside
the fences of the compound. Loretta, Earvin, Julius, and
Senator Benson watch from inside the compound. The President
watch's from his office.
EARVIN
Is he ever coming back?
LORETTA
I hope so.
JULIUS
So what do we do now?
SENATOR BENSON
Fix the planet. Fix ourselves.
The Space ship disappears as it cross over from sky to space.
CUT TO:
INT. SPACE SHIP -- CONTINUOUS
STEVEN sits at the controls, fire licking the windows the
ship passes through the atmosphere.
Klaatu enters from behind and sits down.
KLAATU
Feel comfortable flying.
STEVEN
Like riding a bike. I do know how
to drive stick, you know.
KLAATU
Then your time on earth was not
wasted.
STEVEN
Have we given up on our native tongue?
KLAATU
I thought you might like conversing
in English, since you won't have
much use for it back home. Will you
miss them?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96.
STEVEN
Terribly. But we have people to
convince. And I'd like to see our
world once more.
KLAATU
I wonder if they can save themselves.
STEVEN
I think we've given them the thing
they need to do it.
KLAATU
You've given it to them. You're
love has given it to them.
Steven smiles. He pulls a photo of Janae out of his pocket
and sticks it between the dials and knobs of the controls.
STEVEN
Let's go home.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
The ship flies effortlessly through the quiet of space and
then disappears.
CUT TO:
EXT. WHITE HOUSE LAWN -- CONTINUOUS
Loretta looks up to the sky. Even in the brightness of the
day, she can see the spaceship shine like a shooting star as
it races off into space.
The End.
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