RING OF FIRE
88-MINUTE PUB VERSION
NIGHT TWO
TIMED AS-PRODUCED SCRIPT
December 5, 2012
Prepared by:
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RECAP
FADE IN:
1.
(03:00:00:00)
EXT./INT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS – DAY/NIGHT
MATTHEW pushes a research buoy away from his boat and speaks into a SAT phone.
MATTHEW
All right, Audrey, ready for calibration.
AUDREY (V/O)
I am seeing a major sub-surface CO2 spike.
Matthew looks around as the water around his boat fills with dead fish.
OLIVER (V/O)
The drill site…
OLIVER addresses JENNIFER and the rest of his TEAM in the boardroom.
OLIVER (CONT’D)
…is located on a national…
PROTESTERS protest outside the well site.
OLIVER (CONT’D V/O)
…preserve…
A Trans Nova promotional video plays.
OLIVER (V/O CONT’D)
…which is already one strike against us. Jobs…
HECTOR, GLEN and EDWARD work in the well site operations room.
OLIVER (V/O CONT’D)
…and the…
Sunlight glitters on a lake.
OLIVER (V/O CONT’D)
…environment. We have to…
OLIVER addresses a CROWD, the MAYOR beside him.
OLIVER (V/O CONT’D)
…deliver both.
Oliver addresses the boardroom.
1
OLIVER (CONT’D)
That's how we get the injunction lifted.
Matthew shakes hands with a DNR AGENT outside a farm.
DNR AGENT (V/O)
Dead livestock.
The SHERIFF and the DNR Agent look on as Matthew tosses a smoke bomb into a field full of dead
cows.
DNR AGENT (V/O CONT’D)
I've never seen anything like this.
They watch as the smoke covers the field, hovering a foot off the ground.
EMILY (V/O)
Dr. Cooper…
Emily approaches the FARMER, the Sheriff, the DNR Agent and Matthew outside the farm.
EMILY (CONT’D)
…do you have any idea how these cows died? It was
gas, wasn't it?
Emily looks into a room where YOUNG BOY lies hooked up to an IV.
EMILY (CONT’D V/O)
People are getting sick, Dad…
Emily confronts Oliver.
EMILY (CONT’D)
…so why don't you try telling the truth for once?
AUDREY looks at Matthew with concern as he grips his forehead.
DR. STANTON (V/O)
The pressure on the aneurysm is going to continue to
build until…
Dr. Stanton addresses Matthew.
DR. STANTON (CONT’D)
…it bursts.
Oliver walks along with Jennifer.
OLIVER
We got the votes. We're back up and running.
CLOSE ON a monitor showing the laser drill blasting into rock.
2
EMILY (V/O)
There's something…
A screen shows heat pockets spreading across the landscape.
EMILY (V/O CONT’D)
…happening at that well. If I'm right…
Hector is on the phone, looking worried.
EMILY (V/O CONT’D)
…we could be standing on a…
Emily faces Matthew in his home.
EMILY (CONT’D)
…ticking time bomb.
TOWNSPEOPLE look on at a huge ash plum rising into the air in the distance.
Emily stands with Matthew in the farmer’s field as Matthew checks an instrument. The earth trembles
beneath their feet.
EMILY (CONT’D)
Do you feel that?
A geyser blows in the field. Emily and Matthew run over to it. Before them is a huge sinkhole.
MATTHEW (V/O)
Mr. Booth…
Matthew catches up to Oliver on the street.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
…there's a major problem developing at the well. You
need to shut it down. What you think is a large…
CLOSE ON a screen, which shows a representation of the drill as it reaches the underground well.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
…oil deposit is actually compressed magma.
Hector and his crew look on.
MATTHEW (V/O CONT’D)
If you rupture that chamber, you could cause a
catastrophic…
DYLAN, KATIE and the KIDS on the school field trip look out over the lake at huge ash plumes in the
distance.
3
MATTHEW (V/O CONT’D)
…volcanic event.
Oliver talks with Matthew.
OLIVER (V/O)
Doesn't matter how you slice it, you still signed off on
this.
MATTHEW
That's exactly right, and that's why you're going to shut it
down.
Matthew grabs Oliver and shoves him against a wall.
The well core begins to overheat.
Emily and Matthew approach the well site.
HECTOR (V/O)
Mr. Booth…
Glen hangs on as the operations room shakes.
HECTOR (V/O CONT’D)
…we've had a major breach—
Jennifer stands by Oliver’s desk. Oliver is on speakerphone with Hector.
OLIVER
What the hell are you talking about?
HECTOR
We need to cap…
HECTOR (CONT’D V/O)
…it right now.
OLIVER
Detonating the cap is a last resort.
Hector hangs up.
The well head blows, sending an ENGINEER flying.
Matthew and Emily watch as a hill in the distance explodes in a plume of ash.
MATTHEW
Come on, let's go!
Matthew’s Jeep races along a dirt road as geysers blow all around it.
Katie calls to Dylan and the other Kids.
4
KATIE
Let's get back on the bus.
MATTHEW (V/O)
The Ring of Fire stretches…
Matthew and Emily stand by Matthew’s wrecked vehicle and gaze off.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
…from Yellowstone…
Matthew walks with Emily through a tunnel.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
…to Indonesia, and it's about…
A monitor shows the ring of fire.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
...75% of the world's volcanoes.
A cloud of ash blasts along a street, sending running PEOPLE flying.
MATTHEW (V/O CONT’D)
One eruption could trigger the rest.
EMILY (V/O)
If that happens?
Matthew and Emily walk through the tunnel.
MATTHEW
It's what we call an E.L.E….
The school bus lies on its side, ash sweeping over it.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
…an Extinction-Level Event.
FADE OUT
END OF RECAP
5
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
2.
(03:01:30:01)
INT. TRANS NOVA REGIONAL OFFICE – BOARDROOM – DAY
Oliver and Jennifer watch a newscast.
NEWS ANCHOR (V/O)
...completely blocked by the haze, and it does appear to
be getting worse and—
MT #1: (03:01:30:27) (03:01:33:23)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Ring of Fire)
Oliver changes to another news channel showing the scope of the disaster.
NEWS ANCHOR #2 (V/O)
--continues to spew ash and smoke into the sky.
The channel flips.
NEWS ANCHOR #3 (V/O)
Authorities are trying to get through to the affected
areas, but—
The channel flips.
NEWS ANCHOR #4 (V/O)
--breaking news that a major volcanic eruption has gone
off within the Oregon-The channel flips.
NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O)
--still several miles away, but you can see the ash is now
spewing upward with great ferocity. Now, we can only
imagine what it's like for those who are actually…
3.
(03:01:54:10)
INT. ALL EARTH FOUNDATION OFFICE – DAY
PETER and the rest of the EMPLOYEES are glued to the TV as Peter flips through channels.
NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O CONT’D)
…close to—
MT #2: (03:01:55:05) (03:01:57:20)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Michael Vartan)
NEWS ANCHOR #2 (V/O)
One witness tells us--
6
NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O)
--The eruption itself is still several miles away, but you—
MT #3: (03:01:59:13) (03:02:02:00)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Lauren Lee Smith)
NEWS ANCHOR #1 (V/O)
--Once again, we can tell you-NEWS ANCHOR #3 (V/O)
--Here are the first images from central Oregon.
NEWS ANCHOR #4 (V/O)
Again, a major volcanic eruption has rocked the--NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O)
In fact, the sun now is being completely blocked by the
haze.
4.
(03:02:09:25)
INT. TRANS NOVA REGIONAL OFFICE – BOARDROOM – DAY
Jennifer covers her face with her hands as Oliver keeps his eyes locked on the TV.
NEWS ANCHOR #4 (V/O)
--all of this has become the focus of rescue efforts
throughout the area—
MT #4: (03:02:11:20) (03:02:14:04)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Ian Tracey)
Oliver turns up the volume.
NEWS ANCHOR #4 (V/O CONT’D)
We're getting reports that federal authorities are working
from Paxton, which remains cut off but, at this time,
there's little that can be done but to wait for Mother
Nature to take its course.
MT #5: (03:02:21:18) (03:02:24:03)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Brian Markinson)
Oliver shuts off the TV. A silence stretches.
MT #6: (03:02:24:20) (03:02:27:17)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Agam Darshi
Brendan Fletcher
Janet Kidder)
MT #7: (03:02:28:19) (03:00:27:23)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Adam Greydon Reid
Laci J. Mailey
Connor Levins)
7
OLIVER
We need a list of who was at the well.
MT #8: (03:02:32:15) (03:02:35:12)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
Andy Nez
Brendan Penny
Patrick Gilmore)
Jennifer nods somberly.
OLIVER (CONT’D)
Their families are going to start calling. We need to know
who they are.
JENNIFER
Yes, sir.
Jennifer walks out. Oliver remains sitting with his head bowed.
MT #9: (03:02:44:27) (03:02:47:12)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
AND
Terry O’Quinn)
NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O)
Now…
5.
(03:02:50:02)
INT. ALL EARTH FOUNDATION OFFICE – DAY
Peter and the others watch the news.
NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O CONT’D)
…we are getting reports that the entire town of Maple
Grove has been completely destroyed.
Peter types a text to Emily: “Where are you?”
NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O CONT’D)
Now, a helicopter pilot we spoke to says he's seen more
than just this eruption.
MT #10: (03:03:00:00) (03:03:02:29)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
CASTING
Sean Cossey, C.S.A.
Lynn Kressel)
NEWS ANCHOR #5 (V/O CONT’D)
In fact, several eruptions through the caldera--
8
6.
(03:03:03:05)
EXT. FOREST – DAY
The smoke is getting thick on all sides of Matthew and Emily as they move through the trees. Matthew
helps her over the uneven ground.
MATTHEW
How old's your boy?
MT #11: (03:03:04:17) (03:03:07:02)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
MUSIC
Rich Walters)
EMILY
He's nine.
MATTHEW
Does he live with you?
EMILY
No, I, uh, I lost custody.
MT #12: (03:03:10:00) (03:03:12:15)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
VISUAL EFFECTS SUPERVISOR
Lee Wilson)
EMILY (CONT’D)
His father's a very good lawyer.
(beat)
He's also a jerk.
MT #13: (03:03:15:02) (03:03:17:16)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
EDITOR
Alison Grace)
MATTHEW
I'm sorry to hear that.
EMILY
(beat)
Are we going to make it out of this?
MATTHEW
I don't know.
MT #14: (03:03:20:24) (03:03:23:09)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Eric Fraser)
He stops and looks at her.
EMILY
Well, isn't this one of those situations when you're
supposed to lie?
9
MATTHEW
Well, I've never really been in one of those situations,
so…
MT #15: (03:03:26:06) (03:03:28:21)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Jon Joffin, A.S.C.)
Matthew suddenly grips the side of his head and doubles over, groaning in pain.
EMILY
Matthew?
He sinks to his knees.
EMILY (CONT’D)
Matthew!
She leans over him with concern.
7.
(03:03:38:25)
EXT. PAXTON – DAY
PEOPLE have begun to evacuate the town, but all it’s done is clog the roads. People honk at each other
and yell, ash raining down. POLICE OFFICERS try to keep order.
MT #16: (03:03:39:17) (03:03:42:11)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
PRODUCERS
Shan Tam
Michael O’Connor)
POLICE OFFICER #1
Hold it, hold it! Let's go. Go! Go!
MT #17: (03:03:44:06) (03:03:47:02)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Douglas Davis
Chris O’Shea-Daly
Jeffrey Simmons)
POLICE OFFICER #1 (CONT’D)
Come through, come through! That's it! Keep going,
keep going, keep going!
MT #18: (03:03:50:12) (03:03:53:09)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Matthew O’Connor
Lisa Richardson
Tom Rowe)
Two army trucks roll into town.
10
8.
(03:03:53:22)
EXT./INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
A Sheriff’s patrol car with sirens flashing leads an SUV and some military vehicles to an area on the
outskirts of town.
MT #19: (03:03:54:09) (03:03:57:02)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
STORY BY
William Gray AND
Michael Vickerman AND
Steven H. Berman)
MT #20: (03:03:59:05) (03:04:01:21)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
TELEPLAY BY
Michael Vickerman)
MT #22: (03:04:03:27) (03:04:06:12)
(TITLE FADES IN, FADES OUT
DIRECTED BY
Paul Shapiro)
The vehicles park. The Sheriff gets out and approaches the SUV, where AERA agent HARRY
STROMWELL steps out, all business.
HARRY
Sheriff, I'm going to need a power genny and a satellite
uplink to Caltech USGS and the Emergency Response
Association.
Harry strides along, the Sheriff keeping pace behind him.
HARRY (CONT’D)
I'm also going to need you to liaise with Health Services.
We've got to make sure we can get these victims taken
care of.
SHERIFF
The hospital is down, sir. Backup generator is gone as
well.
They enter a huge command tent, where EMERGENCY PERSONNEL are hurrying to and fro.
HARRY
Okay, see if you can get your guys to ID and secure a
triage. Get all available health supplies you can. We're
going to need 'em.
SHERIFF
Yes, sir.
9.
(03:04:53:29)
EXT. FOREST – DAY
Emily helps Matthew to his feet amid the smoldering flames. Matthew grips his head.
11
EMILY
Hey. You okay?
MATTHEW
Yeah. Yeah.
EMILY
What the hell was that?
MATTHEW
I'm fine... I'm fine. Look, we can't keep breathing this
stuff. We have to move on. All right, we're going to have
to break through that.
He points at a wall of smoke in the trees ahead.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
Are you ready?
She nods.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
Let's go.
He takes her hand and together they run into the smoke. Geysers erupt all around them. He releases
her hand and keeps running, Emily a few paces behind.
10. (03:05:25:00)
EXT./INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Ash continues to flutter down on the half-buried bus.
Inside, Katie moves from place to place, trying to get her cracked phone to work. It remains
unresponsive, and finally she lowers it in defeat.
KATIE
Come on, come on...
Katie gets a first aid kit and makes her way to Tommy, who is still unconscious.
KATIE (CONT’D)
Everybody, I know you're scared, but it's going to be
okay.
Katie kneels by Tommy. Andrea and Dylan look on.
12
KATIE (CONT’D)
Okay, um, Dylan and Paul? Reach up and make sure
the windows are shut tight.
Dylan climbs up to the windows above them.
KATIE (CONT’D)
Andrea, I need you to check all the backpacks for food
and water, okay?
ANDREA
Okay.
Andrea moves off.
Katie pats Tommy’s face with a cloth.
KATIE
Put any blankets or jackets on the floor to cover the
windows. Watch out for the glass.
GIRL #1 (O/S)
I can't find my jacket.
KATIE
Is anyone else hurt?
GIRL #2 (O/S)
Oh, I’ve got a jacket. Here’s my jacket.
Katie looks back at the Kids. Hands rise throughout the bus.
11. (03:06:20:12)
INT. WELL SITE OPERATIONS ROOM – DAY
Hector takes a couple of flashlights from a supply cabinet and passes one to Glen. Glen checks the
cabinet.
GLEN
There's supposed to be oxygen tanks here. They never
restocked after we started up again.
EDWARD
How much air do we have left?
GLEN
A few hours, tops.
Edward purses his lips.
13
GLEN (CONT’D)
(accusingly)
Not quite so normal now, is it, Hector? How many
others, huh? Including us? But you still have your job,
don't you?
(shouting)
You still have that!
Glen gives Hector a shove.
EDWARD
Hey, come on!
GLEN
Huh! You still have that!
The two men grapple. Edward breaks them up. Hector raises a fist.
EDWARD
Guys! Guys! Relax!
Hector pulls free and jabs a finger.
HECTOR
I made the 911 call before the communications were
knocked out.
GLEN
(shouting)
But even if they find us, there's no way they can get to
us! Is there?
Hector glares.
HECTOR
Are you finished?
Glen goes quiet. Hector turns away and crosses the room, letting Glen cool down. His eyes settle on a
ventilation shaft in the corner.
12. (03:07:47:04)
EXT./INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
An army-style command tent has been set up in the center of a wide, empty area. EMERGENCY
PERSONNEL are bustling about with trucks and equipment.
Harry gives instructions in the tent.
HARRY
We have to keep that area clear.
Audrey strides up to Harry.
14
AUDREY
Mr. Stromwall? Audrey Lee. We spoke on the phone.
They walk and talk.
HARRY
Audrey. You have the data?
She holds up a flash drive.
AUDREY
Yeah, it's right here.
HARRY
Let's have a look.
13. (03:08:09:06)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – LATER
CLOSE ON a map on a laptop. A grid superimposes over the map.
AUDREY
This is the latest from our satellites. Our own sensors
are still giving us a pretty good idea of where the activity
is centered.
Audrey brings up another screen. It’s a computer-generated overhead map of the entire region. It’s
topographical, with areas highlighted in orange and red. Harry looks on.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
We're right here, and the epicenter is right here, about
20 miles. The well site is right here.
HARRY
Okay, what's the distance?
AUDREY
Approximately halfway between us and the epicenter.
Now, when they punctured the magma, they pressurized
four of the chambers, which we've identified, and this
was the first to go.
HARRY
There's going to be more. So, what about this?
AUDREY
I think the lava has been expelled from the drill site itself,
so we're seeing lots of steam. It's also trying to get out
through other natural vents, but, God, there's so much
ash in the air that we're losing our imaging.
HARRY
Okay, the DOD is moving a thermal satellite into position
as we speak. It's going to give us a better set of eyes.
15
AUDREY
Yeah.
HARRY
We need you to upload this data to our equipment,
ASAP.
AUDREY
Yeah, yeah.
Audrey goes to work as Harry moves to another computer.
14. (03:09:01:12)
EXT. FOREST – DAY
Emily and Matthew continue to make their way through the forest. A geyser explodes behind them and
they take off running. Suddenly geysers are exploding in every direction, forcing them to change course
multiple times. They run through the forest, which is now full of smoke and flames.
15. (03:09:38:19)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
BARBARA ZIMMERMAN, an officious-looking woman, approaches Harry.
BARBARA
Barbara Zimmerman, CalTech.
HARRY
Glad you made it through.
BARBARA
Are you still linked up with California?
HARRY
They're feeding us live data. We've got new satellite
imagery coming in as well.
They cross to a console, where Audrey is studying a map.
AUDREY
Hold on. It's showing a new event.
Audrey zooms in on the event as the others look on intently.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Depth of 15,400 meters. Registering at 3.7.
The ground shakes.
HARRY
Looks like another eruption.
On the screen, a red blob animates outward.
16
HARRY (CONT’D)
Wow, that's sizable. Seven miles from the original event.
What's the population out there?
AUDREY
It's sparse. It's a mostly rural area.
16. (03:10:19:28)
EXT. HECTOR’S HOUSE -- DAY
Samuel knocks on Hector’s and Ana’s front door. Ana opens the door. She freezes when she sees him
standing there.
SAMUEL
Ana.
ANA
What do you want?
SAMUEL
I want to know if Hector's okay.
ANA
You're not welcome here, Samuel.
SAMUEL
I know-ANA
I'm sorry.
SAMUEL
I know, I know, I'm just worried about Hector. Was he at
the well?
ANA
Just leave.
SAMUEL
You can't stay here. They're evacuating the town.
ANA
I am not leaving Paxton until he comes home. And I'm
asking you one more time, Samuel. Please, just leave.
Ana closes the door, leaving him standing alone on the porch. He turns away.
17. (03:12:53:28)
INT. WELL SITE OPERATIONS ROOM – DAY
Hector goes over a blueprint.
17
HECTOR
There's a walkway right here, it's mostly contained, that
branches off from that vent right up there.
GLEN
No. No, that vent is sealed.
HECTOR
It's sealed at the back, where it connects to the internal
air ducts. 20 feet in from there, it branches off, takes us
to the walkway, right here.
Hector points at a spot on the blueprint.
EDWARD
Where does that take us?
HECTOR
The walkway will take us to the upper complex.
GLEN
But that's... there's no outside access here. We'd be
trapped the same as we are here.
HECTOR
No, from the upper complex, there's a ventilation shaft-right here-- take us right into the mines. That is, if the
mines are still intact.
Glen scoffs, stepping back.
GLEN
Well, that's a big assumption.
HECTOR
Look, it's either that or we stay here and suffocate.
GLEN
And what if the upper complex is contaminated with
that?
Glen points into the well head chamber through the glass.
There is a long silence.
HECTOR
We die quicker.
18
18. (03:12:02:17)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Katie passes along a bottle of water and moves carefully through the bus.
KATIE
Just take a sip of water and pass it on, but just one. We
have to conserve it.
GIRL #3
Thanks.
BOY #1
Here.
KATIE
Now, I know I said no cell phones, but did any of you
bring one?
GIRL #4
No.
KATIE
I promise you won't get in trouble.
GIRL #5
No.
Dylan doesn’t say anything. He fingers the cell phone in his pocket.
19. (03:12:28:17)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Audrey, Harry and Barbara watch the monitor with growing alarm. Multiple red points are erupting
around the region.
HARRY
My god.
(beat)
What the hell is that?
BARBARA
Switch to wider.
Audrey hits a button and the image moves to a view of the entire Pacific Rim. Several areas are lit up
around the rim.
BARBARA (CONT’D)
This is no longer contained. The Ring of Fire is active.
HARRY
The whole damn world's about to catch fire.
19
20. (03:12:57:07)
INT. TERRA NOVA REGIONAL OFFICE – CORRIDOR – DAY
Oliver has his cell phone on his ear as he puts on his jacket.
EMILY (V/O)
You've reached Emily Booth with All Earth Foundation.
Please leave me a message.
OLIVER
Emily, it's me. This is the only number I have for you.
He moves along the hallway.
OLIVER (CONT’D)
I need to know that you're okay. And Dylan? If you don't
want to call me, call my office.
Oliver hangs up as Jennifer joins him.
JENNIFER
Oliver, we've got to get to the airport. The G5 jet is on its
way. Lawyers are waiting for us in Atlanta.
OLIVER
Well, they can wait.
JENNIFER
We have got some serious damage control to do. It
cannot wait-OLIVER
Damage control? The damage is done. The damage out
there.
JENNIFER
Well, I know that, Oliver, but we've got to get prepared
for this.
OLIVER
My daughter and my grandson are out there.
JENNIFER
(urgently)
Look, the roads are jammed. The G5 is the only way
out. They are not going to take off without you. You are
putting our lives at risk if you will not leave now.
Oliver stops and turns to her.
OLIVER
Do your damage control, I'll do mine.
Jennifer gasps in shock as he strides on.
20
JENNIFER
Oliver!
21. (03:13:39:02)
INT. WELL SITE OPERATIONS ROOM -- DAY
Hector and the others cross to the well shaft grate. Hector holds out his flashlight to Glen.
HECTOR
Hold that. Hold that, hold the light.
Hector clambers up and removes the grate from the shaft.
Glen looks fearfully into the hole.
GLEN
I can't do this. There's no way. I can't do this.
Hector takes the flashlight and heads in.
HECTOR
There's not a lot of other options.
GLEN
No, I don't...
Glen tries to take a breath.
GLEN (CONT’D)
I'm claustrophobic. And not just a little.
HECTOR
What? Well, what you're going to be is dead, Glen, if you
stay here. Come on, this is the only way out-GLEN
I can't do this.
EDWARD
Yes, you can. It's gonna be all right. Just imagine, like, a
beach, or a lake or something-- Oh, Montana.
Glen chuckles ruefully and looks at Edward.
GLEN
Montana?
EDWARD
Yeah. Lot of open spaces.
HECTOR
Come on, let's go. Come on, you can do this. Get in.
Hector climbs on through the vent.
21
EDWARD
You can do it, man.
With great effort, Glen climbs inside and follows Hector.
22. (03:14:53:14)
INT. AIR DUCT -- DAY
It’s slow going through the duct. Hector squeezes through in the lead, shining his flashlight ahead. Glen
and Edward follow, Glen’s face registering his strain.
23. (03:15:12:17)
EXT. PAXTON – DAY
Cars are jammed on the road, all packed to the hilt, crawling forward. Horns honk. POLICE OFFICERS
wave them on.
24. (03:15:20:14)
INT. LOCAL PUB – DAY
A newscast plays on a TV over the bar.
NEWSCASTER #6 (V/O)
--reports now that the second eruption was part of a
larger extended eruption, experts saying there could be
more.
CHRIS enters and steps up to DEVON, who wipes a counter.
NEWSCASTER #6 (V/O CONT’D)
But in fact this entire...
CHRIS
(quietly)
They won't let anyone through.
DEVON
They just said on the news they're calling in the National
Guard.
CHRIS
You think they're gonna make our boys up there a
priority? They'll leave them up there to die.
DEVON
Look, Chris, I just overheard the guys in the tent say
there's no one alive within five miles of that well. The
whole area went up.
CHRIS
There was a 911 distress from the well after the
eruption. I worked construction on that rig.
Chris grabs a piece of paper and a pen and draws a crude sketch of the well.
22
CHRIS (CONT’D)
This is the well head. This is the operations room. It can
be sealed off. It's built to withstand a nuclear blast.
DEVON
It doesn't matter, there's no way to even get close to that
well.
Chris keeps drawing.
CHRIS
This is the third part here, we called it "the upper
complex," the guts of the rig. There's a five-mile lateral
ventilation tunnel that goes outward from the upper
complex. There's at least three or four entry points.
That's how we get to them.
DEVON
(irritated)
Look, Chris, the whole place is a furnace. Even getting
to these access points is impossible.
SAMUEL (O/S)
You don't have to.
They turn. Samuel approaches them. He’s been listening in.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
Just hear me out-CHRIS
I don't need to listen to a damn word you say-SAMUEL
Well, you're going to listen, Chris, because I'm going to
go find my brother. I'm going to get him out, and I can't
do it by myself.
Chris continues his hard stare, but doesn’t fire back.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
We can access the upper complex through the mines.
The others eye Samuel warily.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
I know I'll never pay enough for what I did, but I know
these mines. I know them. I can trace them, I know
where they start, where they stop... They used to use
them as natural ventilation, right up into the guts of the
rig.
CHRIS
(beat)
Hector's boy was my godson.
23
SAMUEL
(emotional)
And he was my nephew. I loved him. I can't bring him
back. The least you could do is just help me bring Hector
home. Okay?
Chris nods grudgingly.
25. (03:17:15:21)
EXT. CAMPGROUND – DAY
Matthew and Emily enter a campground to find a tent set up by a car. Camping supplies are arranged
here in there, all of it covered in ash.
Several CAMPERS are also there, some sitting in chairs, another with her head down on a picnic table.
It’s haunting, like a scene from Pompeii. Their eyes are closed and they appear frozen in place.
Matthew and Emily take in the scene.
A YOUNG CAMPER lies with his eyes closed, his back to a log, dust blowing over him.
EMILY
Why are they just sitting here like this?
MATTHEW
It's gas. Before the eruption. CO2 at those levels would
kill you almost instantly. They had no chance.
Matthew rummages through a duffle bag and comes up with a set of keys.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
Hey.
Emily doesn’t respond.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
I know. We'll bring it back. Let's go.
Matthew crosses to the car and starts it up. Emily gets in.
26. (03:18:34:08)
INT./EXT. SUV / CAMPSITE – CONTINUOUS
Emily and Matthew sit in the car. Matthew takes a photo down from the visor. It’s a family of four posing
with smiles. He glances at Emily and puts the photo back in its place, then puts the car in gear and starts
away.
END OF ACT ONE
24
ACT TWO
27. (03:18:58:00)
EXT./INT. PAXTON / SUV – DAY
A line of cars, all packed to the brim, are jammed on the road, horns honking. Some PEOPLE are
carrying duffle bags and other belongings along the road, having abandoned their cars.
Matthew and Emily drive by in the SUV, moving in the other direction alongside the line.
EMILY
My god, look at all of these people. Where are they all
going to go?
MATTHEW
I don't know. Right now you should be worried about
finding your son. If it's this bad out here, can you
imagine how bad it is in town? I've got to get back to the
command center, see if there's any news on USGS or
CalTech.
They drive on.
28. (03:19:28:11)
EXT. PAXTON SCHOOL – DAY
A POLICE OFFICER tries to direct the chaotic traffic. He holds a hand on his hat to keep it from blowing
off. Matthew’s SUV drives past. Matthew parks and he and Emily get out and look at each other deeply.
EMILY
You saved my life out there. Thank you.
Matthew gives her a hug.
MATTHEW
Go find your son.
EMILY
Okay.
Matthew heads back to the SUV. Emily starts for the school.
29. (03:20:07:20)
EXT. FOREST – DAY
Eric and Hank make their way through the smoky woods. Eric stops, leans on a tree, and coughs.
HANK
We can't stop here.
ERIC
I have to, man.
Hank starts to cough violently. The coughing spell subsides.
25
ERIC (CONT’D)
It's poison, isn't it?
Hank just looks at him, walks on. Eric trails.
ERIC (CONT’D)
You know, my nose still hurts, man.
HANK
Good.
(beat)
You were wrong about something.
ERIC
Oh, yeah?
Eric winces.
Hank stops and turns to him.
HANK
You never called me "Hank the Tank" in high-school.
Frank Rinelli did. He was going to kick my ass. You
threatened to kick his.
ERIC
I don't remember that.
HANK
I do.
Hank walks on. After a beat, Eric follows.
30. (03:21:15:19)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Audrey works at her computer. Matthew enters.
MATTHEW
Audrey.
Audrey turns and rises, breathing a sigh of relief.
AUDREY
Matthew.
She hugs him and looks at him with concern.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Are you okay?
MATTHEW
Yeah, I'm fine.
26
AUDREY
You scared me.
Matthew chuckles.
Harry approaches.
HARRY
Dr. Cooper? Harry Stromwall.
Harry shakes Matthew’s hand.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Welcome.
MATTHEW
Thank you.
HARRY
So, what can you tell us from the ground?
MATTHEW
Well, there's a lot of venting, more than I've ever seen.
Mostly CO2, but there's a lot more that wants to get out.
Are we getting anything from our thermal satellite
readings?
HARRY
Yes, unfortunately, the lava field is continuing to grow,
larger than any initial measurements showed. It's
actually expanding. Paxton is now well within its
perimeter. We're also getting reports of seismic activity
up and down the Western seaboard.
They look at the map showing the seismic activity around the Pacific Rim.
31. (03:22:05:15)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
Emily comes in to see dozens of PARENTS and CITIZENS huddled in the half darkness.
EMILY
Dylan?
Emily spots Todd amongst the others and approaches him.
EMILY (CONT’D)
Todd... Todd! Where's Dylan?
TODD
He's not with you?
EMILY
He was on a field trip.
27
TODD
Yeah, I know. They're not back. They didn't come back. I
just assumed that you had taken him somewhere else
instead.
Emily leans heavily on a desk, trying to catch her breath as she absorbs this.
TODD (CONT’D)
We've all been waiting here. Nobody has told us
anything.
32. (03:22:35:26)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Everyone stops what they’re doing, feeling the ground tremble.
33. (03:22:42:14)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Dylan and the other Kids gasp as the bus shakes. The shaking stops.
KATIE
It's okay. It's okay, it's okay...
34. (03:22:56:14)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER -- DAY
Audrey checks her monitor.
AUDREY
A third eruption, less than six miles.
An alert sounds and the ground shakes again.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Hang on!
35. (03:23:07:27)
EXT. PAXTON – DAY
The edge of the blast hits Paxton. A Police Officer ushers a MAN back into his car.
POLICE OFFICER
Move your vehicle. Now. Let's go!
A Police Officer waves on the cars.
36. (03:23:20:22)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Harry, Matthew and Barbara rush to Audrey’s side.
28
BARBARA
From our office in California.
Barbara punches something into Audrey’s computer. A new display pops up. It shows a cross section of
the ground with the massive magma chamber well below the surface.
BARBARA (CONT’D)
It's somewhat crude, but between the satellite thermal
imagery and our own substrata sensors, it's given us a
better look.
AUDREY
It's looking for another way out, and we're it.
HARRY
So, how long have we got?
BARBARA
This was four hours ago.
The CG graphic model shows the lava rising through fissures below the town.
BARBARA (CONT’D)
The increase in lava elevation has been consistent. I'm
guessing 24 hours.
HARRY
How accurate is that?
BARBARA
This technology is light years ahead of anything we've
ever had. It's going to be pretty close.
Harry’s phone rings. He answers it.
HARRY
Yeah?
(beat)
Thank you.
Harry lowers the phone.
HARRY (CONT’D)
They just shut down Route 15.
MATTHEW
15's the only way in or out. Every other road leads to the
epicenter of those eruptions.
Silence as they absorb this.
29
37. (03:24:11:24)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Katie digs through a medical kit. Dylan approaches her.
DYLAN
Miss Preston?
KATIE
Yes, Dylan?
Dylan holds out his cell phone. Katie snatches it eagerly.
KATIE (CONT’D)
Dylan! Oh, why didn't you say anything?
DYLAN
My mom gave it to me, and I didn't want her to get into
any more trouble.
Katie types on the cell phone.
KATIE
She's not going to get in trouble, sweetheart.
Katie frantically pushes buttons on the cell phone. She holds it up to get a signal. The phone reads:
“DIALING… 911,” then, “Low Signal.”
Katie lowers the phone, frustrated. Dylan watches her.
38. (03:24:46:19)
INT. PAXTON SCHOOL – DAY
Emily paces. The room is now packed with frightened Citizens, dimly illuminated by the emergency
lights.
Todd trots up.
TODD
Emily... The bus driver called in right after the eruption.
They had just left Rec Park.
EMILY
We have to do something.
TODD
There's nothing we can do.
EMILY
I can't just sit here.
Emily starts for the door.
30
TODD
Emily...
She pauses and turns back to him.
TODD (CONT’D)
The air is toxic. The roads are closed, and we don't even
know where he is. Now, if they're mobile, they're on their
way. And all information is going to come through here.
Emily considers this. She nods.
EMILY
(quietly)
Okay.
TODD
(softly)
Okay.
She looks away.
39. (03:25:33:25)
INT. AIR DUCT -- DAY
Hector crawls along through the duct, Glen and Edward trailing. Glen suddenly stops, having a panic
attack.
GLEN
I can't...
EDWARD
What?
GLEN
I can't...
EDWARD
Keep going forward.
GLEN
I can't do this!
EDWARD
Take a breath, Glen.
HECTOR
Come on, man, keep moving.
GLEN
I can't do this, I can't do this...
EDWARD
Keep going!
31
HECTOR
Keep moving!
GLEN
I gotta get outta here.
Glen backs up along the tunnel, backing into Edward.
EDWARD
(panicking)
Keep going. We've gotta go!
An earthquake shakes the vent.
GLEN
I've gotta get out of here now! I've gotta get out of here
now!
EDWARD
Glen!
GLEN
I’ve gotta get out of here! I've gotta get out of here!
HECTOR
Glen, no. Glen! Glen!
Hector backs up and gets hold off Glen.
HECTOR (CONT’D)
Look at me! Stop, stop!
Hector grips Glen by the chin and forces him to look in his eyes.
HECTOR (CONT’D)
Look at me! Hey, hey, stop it. Stop! Stop! Stop. Look at
me. Calm down... Calm down. Calm down. Your
girlfriend's waiting for you, Glen. Your family, they're all
waiting for you outside. Now, take it easy. Calm down.
Look at me, look at me. Keep it together.
Glen starts to breathe a little easier.
HECTOR (CONT’D)
Calm down. Okay? Okay? Okay? Calm down... Calm
down. Okay, wait here. Wait here. Stay there. I'm going
to give you some room.
Glen is through the worst of it. Hector crawls on.
EDWARD
That's it. Come on, buddy. Keep going.
Glen drags himself forward.
32
40. (03:27:02:04)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Audrey, Barbara, Harry and Matthew confer.
AUDREY
So, each increase on CalTech's crystal ball, and there's
increased activity from Yellowstone to the Aleutians.
We're getting a chain reaction throughout the entire
network.
HARRY
Can you use the same prediction model?
BARBARA
Not as precise. We just don't have feeds into all those
areas. I've sent this information to CalTech. They have a
broader range.
HARRY
Can you bring it up for us?
BARBARA
Yeah.
MATTHEW
These increases along the Ring of Fire, are they at the
same trajectory?
HARRY
So far. If you ask me, if the one we're sitting on goes, so
goes the rest of the world.
BARBARA
Our imaging shows the same increase from Yellowstone
into the Aleutians. It doesn't appear to be stopping at just
one. I agree. The Ring of Fire is moving toward sizable
activity.
MATTHEW
Then we are in fact facing an Extinction Level Event.
The ground trembles again.
HARRY
So, how the hell do we stop it?
AUDREY
Doc, what are you thinking?
Everyone looks to Matthew.
33
41. (03:28:08:26)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
The heat is almost unbearable now. The Kids are coughing, whimpering. One GIRL is coughing
incessantly. Katie, Dylan and Andrea crouch beside her.
ANDREA
She has asthma.
KATIE
Do you have your inhaler?
The Girl nods.
ANDREA
I'll get it.
Andrea holds up a bag. Katie takes out an inhaler and gives it to the Girl. The Girl presses the plunger
and inhales.
KATIE
Just hang on.
Katie reaches up and opens a window. Wind whistles and dust falls in. She immediately closes it again
and crouches among the Kids.
42. (03:28:48:28)
EXT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Ash piles up around the bus.
END OF ACT TWO
34
ACT THREE
43. (03:29:03:00)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Matthew turns to Audrey, holding a folded map.
MATTHEW
Audrey, bring up our data on the Miyakejima event.
Matthew spreads a map on a table.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
All right, guys. What we have here-- well, what mother
nature has here-- is a very sophisticated network of
caves and tunnels, very much like veins and arteries.
And in these arteries is molten rock, where the pressure
is constantly increasing. Now, our magma chamber was
punctured here, and that relieved some of the pressure,
resulting in the eruptions we saw here, here and here.
Unfortunately, as CalTec h has informed us, that
pressure is still building. It is now pushing the magma
upward.
HARRY
So we need to cap it?
MATTHEW
No, we'd risk collapsing the magma chamber onto itself,
and that would only increase combustion. Okay, the
Miyakejima event in Japan.
Matthew shows them a CG model on a laptop.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
Now, at first, it was only a phreatic explosion, only lasted
a few minutes. But down below, the magma intrusion
was broadening and the pressure was increasing quite
dramatically until, all of a sudden, a fissure opened up
with the chamber and created a type of thermal drain all
the way to the ocean. Now, obviously there were several
undersea eruptions and explosions, but, eventually, that
magma cooled, and we avoided a pretty catastrophic
event. So, what if, in our scenario, we were able to
create a similar type fissure? I mean, there's a chance
we could divert all of this liquid magma away from our
chamber. I mean, literally like pulling the plug on a
bathtub.
HARRY
To the ocean?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
35
HARRY
Doc, Miyakejima was a massive seismic occurrence.
How can you possibly expect to duplicate that?
MATTHEW
Well, we'd obviously have to use some type of
explosive, right?
HARRY
(skeptically)
Okay, but you're going to have a very limited outward
burst with any kind of incendiary bomb that far
underground.
MATTHEW
What about a sonic bomb?
Harry frowns at him.
HARRY
Come again?
MATTHEW
I know the military used them under the mountains of
Afghanistan. Look, rock is a great amplifier.
Matthew moves from computer to computer as he explains.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
In essence, what we'd be doing is creating a massive
sonic boom and letting that shock wave travel through
the rock as far as it can. In Afghanistan, these things
toppled caves and tunnels that were miles away from
the detonation point. So, if we could pick the right target,
at the right depth, I mean, there's a chance we could
create our own chain reaction, opening fissures all along
the way, and giving our magma a free run to the Pacific.
HARRY
Okay, and exactly how do you expect to deliver your
sonic bomb to the right fissure? Call Trans Nova back
over here and have them drill another hole?
MATTHEW
We don't have to.
Matthew grabs his map.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
The pit crater back at the farm.
He unfurls the map and shows it to Harry and the others.
36
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
Here. Thermal readings have shown that there's an
entry point into a fissure. This is the one we want. Now,
obviously, we'd have to use some sort of time-delay
detonation, encase it in something that could withstand
that kind of heat.
AUDREY
Titanium?
MATTHEW
Titanium could work.
BARBARA
But it would be impossible to identify the entry point from
the surface.
HARRY
Right, not to mention that we're talking about a pretty
damn small target here. We can't just drop this in.
MATTHEW
No, well, we'd have to get close.
HARRY
In that kind of heat?
Matthew purses his lips.
44. (03:31:36:15)
INT. ALL EARTH FOUNDATION OFFICE – DAY
The rest of the office is empty. Peter is at a desk, typing feverishly on the computer.
Emily steps in and approaches him.
PETER
Emily. My God.
He hugs her.
PETER (CONT’D)
What happened to you?
EMILY
I'm fine. Dylan is still out there. His phone has one of
those GPS trackers on it, but my internet's down. Are
you online?
PETER
Yeah. Yeah, I'm tweeting live. I've got the networks on
the hook. What's the number?
Emily types it in.
37
PETER (CONT’D)
You know, if there's no signal, you're not going to be able
to track it.
A message pops up on the monitor: “NUMBER UNAVAILABLE.”
PETER (CONT’D)
Sorry.
Emily sighs softly.
PETER (CONT’D)
You should do the interview, Em.
Emily turns to him sharply, as if snapping out of a daze.
EMILY
What?
PETER
Well, you know exactly what happened up there. It's
your story. This is a major victory for us, Em.
He smiles at her.
EMILY
(stunned)
People are trapped out there, Peter. People are dying.
That's-that’s our only priority right now.
PETER
And I know that. But if we don't get the truth out there
right now, their spin machine is going to smother us.
This is their final nail. This is exactly what needed to
happen. You were right.
Emily turns and walks out without another word. Peter sighs and resumes typing.
45. (03:32:53:21)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
They’ve been at it for a while now, feeling the stress and fatigue, still pouring over maps and charts.
HARRY
Okay, so what if we rig a cable, use a hydraulic winch to
maneuver it.
MATTHEW
No, we'd be blind. I mean, the only way we can really
ensure we're going to hit that target with any kind of
precision is if someone's right on top of it.
HARRY
But in what? That heat's going to be unbearable.
38
BARBARA
The equivalent to what a shuttle goes through on reentry. Maybe the space program can help us.
Harry frowns, getting an idea.
HARRY
Wait a minute. You ever heard of the Titan Project?
MATTHEW
No.
HARRY
All right.
Harry moves to a computer and types. Audrey and Matthew look over his shoulder as an image of a
spacecraft-like capsule pops up on the monitor.
HARRY (CONT’D)
It was originally designed as a manned capsule to be
the first Venus lander. They scrapped the project 10
years ago. The technology to make it practical was still
too far off, but the capsule itself, that was built. Now, it
was sized for one astronaut, and it was built, in fact, to
withstand the rigors of re-entry. Now, we might have to
piece-meal it, but I think we could probably convert the
instrumentation to our needs.
MATTHEW
Maybe tweak a few of the controls to be able to release
the bomb.
AUDREY
Wait, wait. Why does someone have to be in it? Why
can't it be done remotely?
MATTHEW
Well, we don't really have the time to build that kind of
technology, and like I said before, you know, the only
way to make sure we really hit that target on the nose is
if someone is right on top of it. Otherwise that sonic blast
won't do any good.
HARRY
So, who draws the short straw?
Matthew looks around. Harry and Barbara are looking at him suggestively.
AUDREY
No way. No way, I don't care how strong that thing is. It's
suicide-MATTHEW
Look, Audrey, if we don't stop this thin--
39
AUDREY
No, I don't care. There's got to be other options on the
table-MATTHEW
(interrupting urgently)
There are no other options. This is the table. This is our
only option. We're running out of time, okay? Harry, if
they still have this thing, make a phone call. Let's get this
started.
HARRY
Okay.
Harry strides away.
Audrey stares at Matthew anxiously. He looks away and she walks off.
46. (03:34:44:08)
EXT./INT. PAXTON / OLIVER’S SUV -- DAY
Oliver drives through the nearly deserted, ash-strewn streets. Emergency vehicles are among the only
vehicles on the street, their lights flashing.
NEWSCASTER #7 (V/O)
The town of Paxton is reported to be completely cut off,
and authorities are trying to break through to evacuate
remaining citizens.
Oliver scans the street, looking for his daughter and grandson.
NEWSCASTER #7 (V/O CONT’D)
They can confirm that there has been widespread
destruction of property and lives from volcanic eruptions
in the caldera that surrounds Paxton.
Oliver picks up his cell phone and dials.
EMILY (V/O)
You've reached Emily Booth with All Earth Foundation.
Please leave me a message.
Oliver hangs up and keeps driving.
47. (03:35:11:15)
INT./EXT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Matthew strides along with Harry.
MATTHEW
Make sure you tell those engineers they're going to have
to rig a hell of a counter balance on that crane.
40
HARRY
They're already on it.
Harry calls to another OFFICIAL.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Paul! Get Reed on the horn! Tell him the arrival's going
to have to come in from the Northeast.
Harry and Matthew exit the tent, joining the Official.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Those choppers won't get close from any other
direction. They're going to have to coordinate directly
with the Corp of Engineers. So, where's Washington on
this?
OFFICIAL
They're deferring to us at the moment. They're briefing
the President as we speak. USGS is trying to coordinate
with National Guard operations, but they haven't been
able to get through.
MATTHEW
How long until we get delivery?
HARRY
They're still fitting it to our specs. They said by noon
tomorrow if they can get the choppers through.
MATTHEW
Not till noon?
HARRY
You need to go home and get some sleep. We have a
hell of a day tomorrow. There's a lot of people working
round the clock to get this thing ready for you.
Matthew hesitates.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Sleep.
Harry relents and gets in the back of a police car. Harry turns to an OFFICER.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Take him home.
The Officer starts for the driver’s seat.
41
48. (03:35:58:12)
INT. AIR DUCT – DAY
Hector stops in the air duct and takes out the blueprint. Glen crawls up beside him.
HECTOR
Hold on, one sec. One second...
GLEN
What do we got?
HECTOR
An access point. This-- This should be it. Up here.
GLEN
Are we lost? This is it, or is this it?
HECTOR
No, should be here, just up here.
EDWARD
The air... it doesn't smell right.
HECTOR
It's not right. It's contaminated. We don't have much
time. Just keep moving.
Hector crawls on.
49. (03:36:33:21)
INT. MINE– DAY
Chris and Samuel walk along through a dark tunnel, wearing gas masks, their flashlights beaming
ahead.
CHRIS
Are you okay?
SAMUEL
Yeah.
CHRIS
Must be weird to be back here.
SAMUEL
Doesn't matter what I think or feel. This is all about
Hector.
The cave rumbles, shaken by a fresh earthquake. Small bits of debris rain down on them.
CHRIS
You good?
42
SAMUEL
Yeah, good.
They walk on.
50. (03:37:01:17)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Dylan moves the cell phone around, trying to locate a signal.
KATIE
Try the other side. Sometimes, you can only get a signal
in one tiny little spot.
Dylan moves to the other side of the bus.
Katie smiles at Andrea, trying to keep her spirits up.
KATIE (CONT’D)
In my bedroom, it's on the floor, right by the bed. That's
weird, huh?
Andrea starts to cry.
ANDREA
I wanna go home. I don't want to be here anymore. I
want my mom.
KATIE
I know, it's okay. Shh... So do I. We're going home really
soon, okay?
Katie strokes Andrea’s cheek as the girl continues to cry.
Dylan returns, cell phone in hand.
DYLAN
There's no signal.
Katie sighs heavily. Dylan keeps scanning.
END OF ACT THREE
43
ACT FOUR
51. (03:38:04:20)
INT. MATTHEW’S HOUSE – NIGHT
CLOSE ON a computer screen. It shows several brain images under a headline: “ALTERNATIVE WAYS
TO TREAT AN ANEURISM.” The image switches to more in-depth info.
REVEAL Emily at Matthew’s computer. She covers her mouth as she reads. She gazes off. The sound
of a door opening and closing snaps her out of her reverie. She jumps up as Matthew walks in.
EMILY
Sorry. The door was open. Power's out.
MATTHEW
Yeah.
EMILY
I, um... I came to find you. I was trying to track my son
down on his cell phone.
Matthew’s eyes move to the computer screen. Emily opens her mouth, as if to explain, but no words
come out.
MATTHEW
It's okay. Anything?
EMILY
No.
MATTHEW
I'm sorry.
He crosses to the bar and pours himself a drink.
EMILY
Is it operable?
MATTHEW
(beat)
You want a drink?
EMILY
Why don't you want to talk about it?
He puts the bottle down.
MATTHEW
(brusquely)
Why do I have to talk about it?
44
EMILY
Because maybe people care.
Matthew returns to Emily, hands her a drink, and sits with it, drinking. She sits on the couch beside him.
EMILY (CONT’D)
This way, it's not real, right?
He looks at her.
EMILY (CONT’D)
You don't have to face it.
Matthew sighs.
MATTHEW
You always think you're going to have more time, and...
then you realize you won't.
He puts his hand to his face, turning his head away.
EMILY
It's okay to be afraid. It's okay to be afraid, Matthew.
He lowers his hand and reaches for her. They hold each other, two lonely people finding comfort. They
cradle each other’s faces, kiss, then hold each other tightly once more.
52. (03:41:05:23)
INT. AIR DUCT / UPPER COMPLEX -- NIGHT
Hector and the others crawl along. Hector shines his light ahead.
HECTOR
Hey. There we go.
GLEN
Is that it?
HECTOR
This is it, this is it. We got it. We're out.
Glen chuckles in triumph, crawling forward eagerly.
EDWARD
Whoo!
Hector clambers out of the vent and sets down on a catwalk.
HECTOR
Good work, man.
EDWARD
Whoo!
45
GLEN
I trusted you. It was a test.
EDWARD
Good job, man.
Edward gets his arm caught on an exposed, sharp piece of metal, slicing it nearly to the bone. He
screams in agony, gripping his arm.
GLEN
Whoa, whoa, whoa, what happened? What's going on?
Edward is bleeding from the arm. Glen tries to help him forward.
GLEN (CONT’D)
He's bleeding. He's bleeding... Okay, come on. What's
happened? Did you get cut?
EDWARD
Oh, god... Oh, god...
Glen and Hector help Edward out of the vent. He’s still bleeding from the wound.
HECTOR
Come here. That's okay. Keep a hand on it.
(to Glen)
Help him out, all right? Ready? Let's go!
Hector heads up some stairs.
GLEN
(to Edward)
Okay, let's go, let's go. Come on. Come on...
Glen helps Edward up the stairs, following Hector.
53. (03:42:03:07)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Katie and the Kids are lying down, trying to sleep. Dylan keeps checking his cell phone, waiting for a
signal.
54. (03:42:17:14)
INT. MATTHEW’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Emily sits on Matthew’s couch, holding her cell phone in the same way, just staring at it, as if willing it to
ring. Finally she sets it down.
Matthew comes in from the hall and sits on a chair. He looks at her silently.
EMILY
I know he's out there. I know he's alive.
46
MATTHEW
Well, he has your blood, which means he's tenacious
and unrelenting. He'll be all right.
Emily nods, anxious.
Matthew takes out the same boring grey stone had pocketed earlier and shows it to her.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
My grandfather gave me this rock when I was a kid. The
very first rock he ever gave me. I want you to give it to
Dylan when you see him again.
He passes the rock. Emily fights tears as she takes it.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
And tell him there's a story there, that it's not just some
stupid rock, okay?
EMILY
Okay.
They sit in silence for a long beat.
MATTHEW
Hey, earlier, when you broke into my house, you said
that you came to see me. Why?
EMILY
The chances tomorrow aren't very good, are they?
Matthew shakes his head.
MATTHEW
No.
EMILY
That's why I came.
He looks at her. She fights the tears and checks her cell phone. Still nothing. She sets it down again.
55. (03:44:46:01)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – NIGHT
Dylan falls asleep, the cell phone dropping from his hand.
56. (03:44:59:15)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – NIGHT
Hector, Glen and Edward move along the catwalk. Glen helps Edward along.
47
GLEN
Let's go. Keep it up. Keep at it. We're almost there.
Edward groans with each step, gripping his arm. Hector shines his flashlight this way and that, searching
for the way.
GLEN (CONT’D)
Keep going. Sorry. Keep coming. We made it. We made
it, we're actually going to get out of here. Right, Hector?
HECTOR
The vent, it's right over here. The vent's here. Let's get
him settled down.
GLEN
Yeah, yeah, let's go, buddy. Just a little further.
They arrive at a grate. Hector shines his light up at it.
HECTOR
We've got to find a way to open this.
GLEN
Okay.
Glen helps Edward to sit.
GLEN (CONT’D)
All right. All right. I’ll take off my belt.
Glen takes off his belt and kneels beside Edward, fashioning a tourniquet.
GLEN (CONT’D)
All right... Okay, you've got to keep breathing.
Glen wraps his belt around the wound.
GLEN (CONT’D)
You've got to keep breathing. Ed, breathe, man!
Breathe, man! I gotta see this. I gotta unplug the hole.
Hector shines a flashlight up at a ladder leading up through the cement.
57. (03:45:55:10)
INT. MINE – NIGHT
Samuel and Chris walk along, shining their flashlights ahead of them.
CHRIS
Do you know where we are?
48
SAMUEL
We're not far from the perimeter of the plant.
They come to a fork in the path.
CHRIS
Which way?
Samuel looks one way, then the other.
SAMUEL
(firmly)
This way.
Samuel heads off decisively in one direction. After a beat, Chris follows.
58. (03:46:25:12)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – NIGHT
Hector climbs the ladder as Glen tends to Edward.
GLEN
I'm going to put some pressure on this. At the count of
three. One, two, three.
Glen tightens the makeshift tourniquet around Edward’s arm. Edward screams in pain.
GLEN (CONT’D)
Okay, that's it. What was that about Montana? What was
that you said? Think about it. Think about Montana,
man.
Edward continues groaning.
Hector clambers up the ladder and comes to a grate. He shines his light along the edges, looking for a
way to open it.
59. (03:46:54:12)
INT. MINE – NIGHT
Samuel and Chris make their way along the old tracks, flashlights beaming ahead.
SAMUEL
We're almost there. It's just down here.
An earthquake shakes the cave. They duck for cover as rocks and stone crash down ahead of them. It’s
a cave in.
60. (03:47:06:20)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – NIGHT
Glen sits next to Edward as the earth shakes.
49
GLEN
We're almost out of here, buddy.
Hector works on the grate above, banging, crashing and straining.
61. (03:47:28:15)
INT. MINE – NIGHT
Samuel and Chris peer ahead at the blocked tunnel.
CHRIS
There's gotta be another way around, right?
SAMUEL
The only other access is 10 miles the other way.
CHRIS
That's going to take us all night.
SAMUEL
(beat)
Then it takes us all night.
They pull a rock from the pile and let it drop behind them, then grab another.
62. (03:47:59:24)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – NIGHT
Hector continues straining against the grate while Edward and Glen look on. Glen rises.
GLEN
Hector?
Hector doesn’t answer, continuing to work.
GLEN (CONT’D)
What's going on?
HECTOR
Whoa, look out!
A wrench comes crashing down. Hector bangs on the grate in frustration, then stops, panting. He limbs
back down the ladder.
GLEN
What's wrong?
HECTOR
It's solid steel. It's all rusted shut. I can't open it.
Glen looks at him despairingly, but Hector just shakes his head. Behind them, Edward closes his eyes,
his arm hanging.
END OF ACT FOUR
50
ACT FIVE
63. (03:49:10:29)
EXT. FARM – DAY
The giant sinkhole has now consumed half the cornfield. Lava sparks sporadically up from the hole.
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL hurry to and fro around a staging area nearby.
64. (03:49:15:14)
EXT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
There is a bustle of activity. Harry goes over the plans with some other OFFICIALS. He looks up as
helicopters approach overhead.
65. (03:49:48:06)
INT./EXT. PAXTON SCHOOL / SUV – DAY
Matthew pulls up in his borrowed SUV outside, Emily in the passenger seat. He turns off the engine and
sighs. They sit in silence for a long beat.
EMILY
I wish we had more time.
They look at each other solemnly.
EMILY (CONT’D)
I would have liked that.
MATTHEW
Me too.
EMILY
Good luck, Dr. Cooper.
They shake hands.
MATTHEW
You, too, Ms. Booth.
She puts her other hand on his. They look at each other tenderly.
Emily gets out of the SUV and Matthew drives away. She heads inside.
66. (03:50:42:23)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – DAY
Glen sits, exhausted, as Hector pores over a blueprint by flashlight.
GLEN
There's gotta be another way out of here. Huh?
Hector shakes his head.
51
HECTOR
No. That's the only ventilation shaft that leads into the
mines. The rest are all sealed off.
GLEN
What do we do then?
Hector lowers his blueprint.
HECTOR
We wait.
They look to Edward, who is looking pale, his eyes half-closed.
EDWARD
I can't... I can't hardly... I can't breathe.
HECTOR
Someone will come.
(beat)
Someone will come.
GLEN
Just stay awake. Stay awake, man. Stay awake. Just got
to keep breathing, man.
67. (03:51:30:12)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
The place is packed with PEOPLE waiting to be evacuated. Ana moves through the gym, searching the
faces around her. She approaches SERGEANT DUNLAP, who speaks into a radio.
SERGEANT DUNLAP
Tango Unit...
ANA
Excuse me. I'm a registered nurse.
SERGEANT DUNLAP
Thank you. I'll get you over there. We're waiting for
some supplies, so you'll have to make do in the
meantime.
The Sergeant raises his radio again.
ANA
Sergeant...
He lowers the radio.
ANA (CONT’D)
Has there been any news of any survivors at the well?
52
SERGEANT
Nobody's been able to get near that area.
ANA
(into radio)
Go again.
Ana absorbs this, then turns away.
68. (03:52:08:08)
INT. MINE – DAY
Samuel and Chris are covered in dust and dirt, but they’ve managed to pull most of the rocks away,
opening a small hole.
SAMUEL
Pass me the bag?
Chris passes him a bag. Samuel tosses the bag in front of him.
CHRIS
Here's a light.
Chris passes up a flashlight.
69. (03:52:36:00)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
Oliver enters the gym, moving through the crowded space.
MAN
Coming through! Coming through, please.
He approaches an EMERGENCY OFFICIAL.
OLIVER
Hey, excuse me. I'm looking for a woman named Emily
Booth.
EMERGENCY OFFICIAL
Sorry, sir. But you can check with the registrar, just down
this way.
OLIVER
Thanks.
Oliver starts away.
53
70. (03:52:48:17)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – LATER
Emily enters and finds Ana tending a wounded CHILD. Emily approaches her.
EMILY
Sorry, I don't want to bother you, I just... I just wanted to
ask how Hector was.
ANA
I haven't heard from him.
EMILY
I'm sorry. I know he did the right thing. He was trying to
warn people.
ANA
So were you.
EMILY
Yeah.
Emily turns away.
ANA
I lost a son.
Emily pauses.
ANA (CONT’D)
I know about the bus, and I know the kind of pain you're
in right now. Don't give up.
EMILY
I haven't.
Emily gives her a look of appreciation and starts away.
OLIVER (O/S)
Emily!
Emily looks up. It’s Oliver. He jogs up to her and takes her by the shoulders.
OLIVER (CONT’D)
I have a jet waiting. I'm going to get you out of here.
EMILY
No-- Are-are you kidding me? You're just going to leave?
OLIVER
I want you safe. Come on.
Emily gasps in shock, knocking his hands from her arms and stalking away. Oliver trails.
54
EMILY
No, look around you. This is all because of you.
OLIVER
We didn't know. Emily, I'm sorry. We didn't know.
Emily swivels on him.
EMILY
(shouting)
You have been sorry since I was 10 years old!
OLIVER
Emily, listen to me.
EMILY
No, you-- you need to go.
OLIVER
No, listen-EMILY
You need to go right now!
OLIVER
You can hate me, you cannot speak to me for the next
10 years, but I'm going to get you and Dylan out of here.
EMILY
Dylan is out there.
OLIVER
What?
EMILY
He's out there, and I-I don't even know if he's alive!
(beat)
You did this.
He looks at her with a stunned expression.
EMILY (CONT’D)
You knew it was wrong, and you did anyways.
Tears well up in her eyes.
EMILY (CONT’D)
What could be more important than our children? Tell
them.
He doesn’t say anything.
55
EMILY (CONT’D)
Tell them!
Emily stalks on, leaving Oliver standing there.
71. (03:54:34:02)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Dylan wakes and looks around. He sees Andrea sitting beside Tommy, who wakes groggily. Other Kids
are standing around.
ANDREA
Ms. Preston. He's waking up.
GIRL #6 (O/S)
Tommy?
GIRL #7 (O/S)
Tommy's awake.
Katie comes up from the other side of the bus and kneels beside Tommy, smiling at him.
KATIE
Hey, buddy, how you doing?
Tommy tries to sit up, his expression strained.
KATIE (CONT’D)
Oh, hang on, go slow. Keep your head back for a
minute. How are you doing? Are you dizzy? Let’s get
some water here...
Katie gives Tommy some water.
KATIE (CONT’D)
Here, just a sip.
He sips it and leans back.
KATIE (CONT’D)
Just keep your head back for a minute, okay?
Dylan checks his cell phone. It reads: “NEW TEXTS.”
KATIE (CONT’D)
Just give him some air, guys. He's okay.
DYLAN
Ms. Preston, look. These weren't here before. There
must have been a signal.
KATIE
There's a signal?
56
GIRL #8 (O/S)
There's a signal?
BOY #2 (O/S)
Yes!
Dylan moves his cell phone around. The phone beeps.
DYLAN
There!
KATIE
Try texting. Sometimes, a text will go through even if a
call won't.
72. (03:55:31:26)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
Todd approaches Emily and offers her some water.
TODD
Hey.
EMILY
Hey. Thanks.
Emily takes the water. Her cell phone buzzes and chimes.
EMILY (CONT’D)
(urgently)
My cell...
Emily whips out her phone and checks the number.
EMILY (CONT’D)
Oh, my god. It's Dylan. It’s Dylan.
TODD
What?
Emily checks the text. It reads: “mom.”
EMILY
He's okay.
TODD
Oh, my god.
Emily and Todd throw their arms around each other.
EMILY
He's okay!
57
TODD
Okay. Okay.
Todd bustles away.
TODD (CONT’D)
Sergeant? Sergeant?
Emily dials on her cell phone. The disconnection tone warbles. She types a message instead: “R U ok?”
EMILY
Come on...
TODD (O/S)
Anything?
INTERCUT WITH:
73. (03:56:18:28)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
CLOSE ON the phone in Dylan’s hands. It reads: “Low Battery.”
KATIE
Tell them we're at Recreation Park, the south end. Gate
D.
Dylan types the message. As he’s sending it, the phone dies, making it impossible to determine if it went
through.
74. (03:56:29:11)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Matthew is huddled around the computer with Barbara, Harry, Audrey and an ENGINEER, who is
showing them a rendering of the coming Titan capsule plan.
ENGINEER
All right, we're going to see the same thing topside as
you'll have on your instrument panel, but it's up to you to
guide the operator to the entry point. Now, it is a very
narrow target. When the release point has been
reached, you'll see this on your screen.
The animation shows a cross-hair view into the fissure.
ENGINEER (CONT’D)
The bomb is on a five-minute delay, and you're going to
need every second of that to get back up past the blast
range.
58
MATTHEW
(to Harry)
You'd better pull me up quick.
Harry nods.
ENGINEER
There's one more thing. The Titan was designed for a
maximum 15-minute atmospheric re-entry. Every minute
past that, and this thing's going to start coming apart.
Harry’s SAT phone rings. He answers.
HARRY
Yeah.
(beat)
Okay, thank you.
Harry hangs up. He looks at Andrew.
HARRY (CONT’D)
It's ready.
The Engineer pats Matthew on the arm and heads off. Harry moves to another station.
Barbara shakes Matthew’s hand.
BARBARA
Good luck to you.
MATTHEW
Thanks.
Barbara moves off.
Audrey looks at the animation on the screen, trying not to show her emotions.
MATTHEW
Aw, come on, Audrey, I'm the luckiest geologist in the
world right now. I get to go into the bowels of a volcano.
Just like going to Disneyland.
She puts on a smile.
AUDREY
Not exactly the happiest place on Earth.
He steps past her and walks away.
59
75. (03:57:41:18)
EXT. ROUTE 15 – DAY
Eric is almost carrying Hank now as they limp along Route 15. A line of cars have created a choke point,
all trying to get out, no one moving.
HANK
We don't even know if the hospital's up and running. We
don't know anything.
ERIC
Hang in there, buddy, okay?
Hank coughs weakly. Eric waves to a DRIVER in a car. The Driver’s FAMILY peers out from behind him
as he rolls down his window.
ERIC
My friend's hurt. Can you give us a ride back into town?
DRIVER
They're evacuating. We're not going back.
ERIC
There's nowhere to go, man. It's all blocked that way!
HANK
(weakly)
Please. Please!
DRIVER
I'm sorry. I've got a family.
The Driver rolls up his window.
HANK
Please...
Eric and Hank limp on to the next car.
ERIC
Hey.
Eric knocks on the window. The DRIVER inside the second vehicle doesn’t even lower her window. Eric
and Hank walk on.
76. (03:58:19:01)
INT./EXT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Matthew walks out of the tent with Harry. All of the Personnel that have been buzzing around the
Command and Control Center have stopped what they’re doing. They watch Matthew solemnly as he
makes his way to a waiting SUV. Audrey waits beside it. She gives him a smile and a hug.
60
AUDREY
We'll celebrate when you get back.
Matthew just gets in the SUV. The engine starts up and the SUV drives away.
END OF ACT FIVE
61
ACT SIX
77. (03:58:48:16)
EXT. FARM / SUV – DAY
A giant crane has been set up beside the sink hole. The beam extends high into the air, with a double
cable attached to the hanging Titan capsule. The SUV approaches the sink hole, driving through the
corn fields.
Harry and Matthew ride in the back of the SUV as it approaches the site. Outside, Engineers go about
their work.
The SUV parks and Harry, Matthew, and two engineers cross to the capsule.
HARRY
These prototype tiles are the next generation from those
used for the Space Shuttle, but if the heat gets too
much, if this tinker toy doesn't hold up the way we
expect it to, don't be a damn hero. Say the word, we'll
pull you up.
They mount a small platform beside the capsule.
MATTHEW
Then what?
HARRY
Exactly.
An Engineer opens the capsule door. Harry and Matthew shake hands.
HARRY (CONT’D)
I'll be up here.
Matthew starts into the capsule.
78. (03:59:58:26)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Barbara and Audrey sit at a station, monitoring their computers.
79. (04:00:06:27)
EXT./INT. FARM / TITAN CAPSULE– DAY
The capsule stands on the field.
OPERATIONS ENGINEER (V/O)
Now, we've gone through this on paper, but real quick…
REVEAL that Matthew is now strapped into the capsule. An OPERATIONS ENGINEER goes over the
controls.
62
OPERATIONS ENGINEER
(CONT’D)
…we've rigged it so you have rotation control. There's
your thermal monitor. Your depth, your temperature, and
your oxygen. Keep your eye on that gauge. Now, if any
of these get to the red line, we've gotta pull you back up,
understood?
MATTHEW
Yeah.
80. (04:00:22:24)
EXT. FARM – DAY
CLOSE ON a monitor showing Matthew in the capsule.
OPERATIONS ENGINEER (CONT’D
V/O)
Good luck.
MATTHEW (V/O)
Thanks.
The Operations engineer moves off.
REVEAL Harry and another ENGINEER at some computers mounted in the back of the SUV. Other
Engineers look on behind them.
Harry puts on a headset.
HARRY
Okay, Matthew, can you hear us?
MATTHEW (V/O)
Copy.
INTERCUT WITH:
81. (04:00:30:29)
INT. TITAN CAPSULE – MOMENTS LATER
Matthew sits in the capsule.
INTERCUT WITH:
63
82. (04:00:32:21)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – MOMENTS LATER
Barbara and Audrey watch their monitors intently.
On Harry and the Engineers.
An Engineer looks off as a CRANE OPERATOR manipulates his controls. The Titan rises.
On Matthew.
Matthew sits in the capsule as it rises over the field, ash blowing past it.
On Harry and the Engineers.
They watch the rising capsule.
On Barbara and Audrey.
They watch their screen intently.
On Harry and the Engineers.
HARRY
Okay, we're extending the boom now.
MATTHEW (V/O)
Copy.
The boom extends over the sinkhole.
On Matthew.
On Harry and the Engineers.
They watch the boom swinging into place.
On Matthew.
Matthew takes a deep breath.
MATTHEW
I'm ready, Harry.
HARRY (V/O)
Copy that.
On Harry and the Engineers.
64
HARRY (CONT’D)
Okay, lowering the vehicle.
The crane lowers the capsule toward the sinkhole below.
On Barbara and Audrey.
On the capsule.
The capsule lowers as Harry and the Engineers look on.
On Matthew.
On the capsule.
The capsule lowers into the sinkhole.
AUDREY (V/O)
CalTech models are projecting an Extinction Level Event
in 30 minutes.
On Audrey and Barbara.
They watch Matthew’s image on their monitors.
On Matthew.
END OF INTERCUT
83. (04:02:20:15)
EXT./INT. SINK HOLE / TITAN CAPSULE – MOMENT LATER
Matthew wears a look of concentration as the capsule lowers into the sinkhole.
INTERCUT WITH:
84. (04:02:29:10)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
CLOSE ON a monitor showing the capsule’s hull integrity index.
Barbara and Audrey look on.
AUDREY
Hull integrity index 100%.
HARRY (V/O)
Okay, Matthew…
65
85. (04:02:36:00)
EXT. FARM – CONTINUOUS
Harry and the Engineers stand at the back of the SUV.
HARRY (CONT’D)
…we're 10 meters in.
MATTHEW (V/O)
Copy.
On Matthew.
The capsule descends deeper into the sink hole, a lake of lava beneath it. Out the window, Matthew can
see heat and lava sparking past the rocky cavern walls.
AUDREY (V/O)
Hull integrity index…
On Barbara and Audrey.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
…96%. 25 minutes and counting.
On Matthew.
Matthew works the controls.
CLOSE ON a monitor, which shows hull integrity index dropping steadily.
On Harry and the Engineers.
ENGINEER
We're losing structural fast on this thing.
The screen showing Matthew fuzzes out.
On Matthew.
Smoke billows past the window and the capsule creaks as the Titan descends.
AUDREY (V/O)
Hull integrity index 78%.
On Barbara and Audrey.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
20 minutes and counting.
On Matthew.
Sweat drips off Matthew’s face.
66
HARRY (V/O)
Matthew!
On Harry.
HARRY (CONT’D)
How you enjoying that sauna?
Matthew chuckles on the monitor.
On Matthew.
MATTHEW
Funny.
On Barbara and Audrey.
Audrey smiles.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
Uh…
On Matthew.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
…I'm not seeing any breach.
On Harry.
END OF INTERCUT
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
O2 levels seem okay.
86. (04:03:36:03)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
Emily paces and dials on her cell phone. She gets an error alert. Todd waits to one side.
SERGEANT DUNLOP
(into radio)
I understand. Very good.
Sergeant Dunlop strides up to them.
SERGEANT DUNLOP (CONT’D)
I just spoke to our field lieutenant. They're having a hard
time getting into the area.
EMILY
Can't you just send a helicopter?
67
SERGEANT DUNLOP
No, there is still too much ash. It wouldn't make it. We're
doing the best we can.
The Sergeant walks off.
TODD
Try him again.
Emily dials. The lost signal tone warbles once more.
87. (04:04:08:14)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
They are all weak. There’s no air left. Dylan has his eyes closed, as does Andrea. Katie does what she
can to try to keep them awake.
KATIE
Guys, try to stay awake. Ava, keep your brother awake,
okay?
AVA
Okay, Ms. Preston.
88. 02:04:31:15)
EXT. ROUTE 15 – DAY
Eric continues to struggle with Hank, walking against the line of cars that still aren’t moving. A
LUMBERJACK steps out of a pickup truck and approaches them.
LUMBERJACK
You guys need help?
ERIC
I need to get him to a doctor in Paxton. Can you take
us?
The Lumberjack looks at the road in front of him, an uncertain look in his eyes.
ERIC (CONT’D)
There's nowhere to go. Please. He's gonna die.
LUMBERJACK
Let's go. Let's go...
The Lumberjack opens the back door of his truck and helps Eric to get Hank inside. He then gets in the
truck, turns it around, and heads the other way.
68
89. (04:05:10:12)
INT./EXT. PICK-UP – MOMENTS LATER
Eric and Hank ride in the back of the truck. He gives Hank a reassuring tap on the shoulder.
ERIC
We made it, Hank. Almost there.
Hank coughs weakly.
The truck continues on, smoke and flames licking up from the street.
ERIC (CONT’D V/O)
Looks like it's getting worse. What do you think, Hank?
Hank stammers as he tries to speak.
HANK
(weakly)
S-Sorry about Daniels, man.
Eric gives him a sidelong look.
90. (04:05:42:01)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – DAY
Edward, Glen and Hector are slumped, asleep. Hector wakes as his flashlight falls from his hand. He
picks it up, head dropping. They’re running out of air.
Hector nudges Glen awake.
HECTOR
Wake up.
GLEN
Yeah.
(to Edward)
Hey…
Edward leans over Edward, who remains asleep.
GLEN (CONT’D)
Hey, Edward.
Glen nudges Edward, but the other man doesn’t move.
GLEN (CONT’D)
Edward.
Glen looks at Edward with growing concern.
69
GLEN (CONT’D)
Edward?
Glen takes Edward’s pulse and stares at him in horror.
GLEN (CONT’D)
He's dead, man.
HECTOR
What?
GLEN
He's dead.
HECTOR
He's not-GLEN
He's dead.
Hector gets to his feet and leans over Edward. He touches his cheek and takes his pulse, then
withdraws his hand and bows his head.
91. (04:07:26:21)
INT. MINE – DAY
The mine seems to go on forever as Samuel and Chris crawl along.
SAMUEL
Come on.
92. (04:07:43:10)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Audrey and Barbara work at their computers.
AUDREY
Hull integrity index at 58%.
INTERCUT WITH:
93. (04:07:46:05)
EXT. FARM -- DAY
Harry and the Engineers watch the computers at the back of the SUV.
INTERCUT WITH:
70
94. (04:07:46:05)
INT. PAXTON SCHOOL – DAY
Matthew looks out the window and sees a waterfall of lava bleeding from the cavern wall.
HARRY (V/O)
Okay, Matthew, you are passing the halfway mark.
MATTHEW
Listen, um, I'm showing some blistering on the port side.
An alarm sounds on a monitor.
On Harry and the Engineers.
ENGINEER
Down to 42%.
HARRY
It'll hold.
Harry and the Engineer exchange a look.
On Matthew.
Matthew flips some switches.
On Barbara and Audrey.
AUDREY
Hull integrity index 39%. 17 minutes and counting to
projected E.L.E.
On Matthew.
Matthew frowns at his console. The hull integrity index now reads: “39%.”
On Barbara and Audrey.
On Matthew.
An alert beeps on Matthew’s console.
MATTHEW
Okay, I have visual on target.
Out the window, Matthew sees the base of the sink hole as the capsule moves closer to the exposed
fissure.
On Harry and the Engineers.
71
HARRY
What is your position?
On Matthew.
CLOSE ON a monitor showing the target crosshairs.
MATTHEW
I need another five meters... at 227 degrees.
HARRY (V/O)
Copy that.
On Harry and the Engineers.
Harry barks orders.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Lower, five more meters! 227 degrees!
The Crane Operator turns the crane.
On the capsule.
The capsule lowers over the fissure, a lake of lava below it.
On Harry and the Engineers.
CLOSE ON a monitor showing Matthew at work. The hull integrity is now at “26%.”
On Audrey.
END OF INTERCUT
AUDREY
Hull integrity index 25%. 12 minutes and counting.
CLOSE ON a screen showing the fissure in the crosshairs.
END OF ACT SIX
72
ACT SEVEN
95. (04:08:56:24)
INT. SCHOOL BUS – DAY
Dylan and the other Kids are drooping in the school bus. Wind blows against the outside. Then there is a
thump.
Dylan looks up and sees the silhouette of a human shape through the ash-covered window. Before he
can say anything, there is a distinct knocking sound, which wakes Katie and the other Kids.
ANDREA
There's someone here?
The Kids all starting crying out and shouting excitedly. Hands wipe the outside of the window and a
flashlight shines in.
Dylan and Katie make their way to the front of the group as another flashlight joins the first, shining in.
Relief shows on their faces.
96. (04:09:28:24)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
Emily and Todd stand nervously. Emily stares off into space. She looks up as Sergeant Dunlap strides in.
SERGEANT DUNLOP
They have them. They're safe, all of them. They're on
their way here.
Todd breathes a sigh of relief. Emily beams.
TODD
Oh, man.
EMILY
Thank you.
TODD
Thank you.
Sergeant Dunlop smiles at them and walks away.
Todd and Emily share a smile.
97. (04:09:46:14)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – DAY
Hector and Glen lie on the floor, barely able to move anymore. Glen tries to rise, breathing shallowly.
HECTOR
Just stay down. Just stay down, stay down. Rest.
Glen lies down again.
73
HECTOR (CONT’D)
Just take it easy. But don't sleep.
They both burst out laughing.
HECTOR (CONT’D)
Don't sleep. Just rest.
98. (04:10:30:00)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Barbara and Audrey work at their computers.
BARBARA
New activity. We've got heat indicators all over the map.
Fresh hotspots pop up all over the topographical map.
INTERCUT WITH:
99. (04:10:34:26)
EXT. FARM – DAY
Harry and the Engineers watch the monitors.
HARRY
Matthew, we are down to the wire up here. What is
your…
100. (04:10:38:00)
INT. TITAN CAPSULE – DAY
Matthew works the controls.
HARRY (CONT’D V/O)
…range to target?
MATTHEW
Harry…
On Harry and the Engineers.
CLOSE ON Matthew’s face on a monitor.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
…I need another 30 meters.
On Harry.
CLOSE ON a monitor showing the fissure target in the crosshairs.
On Matthew.
Matthew looks to the side of his craft as a heat tile comes loose. An emergency alarm beeps and the
capsule groans and shakes.
74
MATTHEW
What the hell was that?
AUDREY (V/O)
Hull integrity index 22%.
Matthew hits a button.
On Harry and the Engineers.
An Engineer looks up at the crane, which has stopped lowering the capsule.
On Matthew.
Matthew hits buttons on his console.
MATTHEW
Harry, why have we stopped?
HARRY (V/O)
Your heat shield is…
On Harry and the Engineer.
HARRY (CONT’D)
…breaking apart. I cannot lower you any closer to that
lava.
On Matthew.
MATTHEW
I need another 10 meters.
On Harry.
HARRY
You're not going to make it 10 more meters. We have to
drop right now, while we can…
On Matthew.
CLOSE ON a hull integrity index monitor, which reads: “22%.”
HARRY CONT’D V/O)
…at this depth.
MATTHEW
Harry, it's not going to work. We need to get closer, or it
won't reach the…
On Harry.
75
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
…target.
Harry rubs the bridge of his nose.
On Barbara and Audrey.
AUDREY
Hull integrity index 19%.
On Harry and the Engineers.
AUDREY (CONT’D V/O)
Eight minutes and counting.
On Audrey.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Harry, just lower it. We're going to be a giant Roman
candle in minutes. Jeez...
Audrey stands and paces anxiously.
On Matthew.
Matthew hits some buttons. He grips the side of his head and winces.
On Barbara.
Barbara frowns, watching the monitor.
On Harry.
CLOSE ON the monitor, which shows Matthew gripping his temple.
On Matthew.
MATTHEW
Look, we're wasting time we don't have…
On Harry and an Engineer.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
…okay?
Harry hesitates. He looks at Matthew on the monitor.
HARRY
Lower it.
76
MAN (O/S)
Lower it!
The Crane Operator lowers the crane.
On Audrey and Barbara.
Barbara watches her monitor intently.
On the capsule.
The capsule lowers toward the lava field.
Matthew sits in the creaking capsule.
MATTHEW
Come on, baby, hang in there.
Alerts blare all around him as the capsule gets lower and lower.
On Harry and the Engineers.
They watch the monitor anxiously.
On Matthew.
Matthew’s control systems start to spark.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
Hold on...
On Audrey and Barbara.
Audrey paces.
On Matthew.
The inside of the capsule is filling with smoke and sparks.
MATTHEW (CONT’D)
Come on, hold on.
On Harry and the Engineers.
On Matthew.
The capsule groans and rattles.
AUDREY (V/O)
Six minutes and counting.
77
MATTHEW
Okay, give me... give me three meters, 46…
On Harry and the Engineers.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
…degrees. Slowly-HARRY
(to Engineer)
How's it holding together?
ENGINEER
13%. Explosives still intact.
On Barbara and Audrey.
END OF INTERCUT
Audrey closes her eyes.
101. (04:12:40:15)
INT. MINE –DAY
Samuel and Chris reach the end. At their feet is a raised piece of concrete with a metal grate. Samuel
kneels on the grate and bangs on it.
SAMUEL
Hector! Hector! Hey!
Samuel looks down through the grate and sees Hector, Glen and Edward lying with their eyes closed.
They don’t stir at his pounding or cries.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
Hey! Hey!
Samuel pulls out his torch.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
Pass me the light.
Chris flicks a lighter and the torch fires up. Samuel cuts into the metal grate.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
Come on.
102. (04:13:09:18)
INT./EXT. TITAN CAPSULE / SINK HOLE -- DAY
Matthew uses his control to rotate the capsule, and the explosive rotates over the target.
CLOSE ON a screen, which zeroes in on the target.
78
MATTHEW (V/O)
Okay, I'm rotating over target.
INTERCUT WITH:
103. (04:13:20:00)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER -- DAY
CLOSE ON the monitor, which shows Matthew working in the capsule.
REVEAL Barbara checking her console.
BARBARA
The lava has risen…
INTERCUT WITH:
104. (04:13:23:18)
EXT. FARM – DAY
Harry listens to Barbara on his headset.
BARBARA (CONT’D V/O)
…to the next chamber.
AUDREY (V/O)
Hull integrity index…
On Barbara and Audrey.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
…4%!
On Harry.
HARRY
Matthew, it has got to happen now.
On Matthew.
CLOSE ON instruments registering danger signals.
Another monitor shows the crosshair locking on target.
Matthew rubs his eyes and groans. He flips some firing switches.
On Harry.
79
HARRY (CONT’D)
You are out of time.
On Barbara and Audrey.
Barbara and Audrey sit tensely, worried looks on their faces.
On Matthew.
MATTHEW
I'm releasing explosives.
On Harry and the Engineers.
Harry listens intently as Matthew’s garbled voice comes over the headset.
MATTHEW (CONT’D V/O)
Now.
On Matthew.
Matthew flicks the firing switch and the sonic bomb drops away from the capsule and descends toward
the fissure.
On Harry and the Engineers.
ENGINEER
Explosives are out.
HARRY
(into radio)
All right, get him out of there! Get him out of there!
The Crane Operator activates the crane.
On Matthew.
Matthew bows his head, his expression pained.
On Barbara and Audrey.
Audrey wears a worried look.
AUDREY (V/O)
Four minutes and 50 seconds to detonation.
On the Titan.
The Titan rises away from the lava lake.
On Barbara and Audrey.
80
HARRY (V/O)
Matthew…
On Harry and the Engineers.
HARRY (CONT’D)
…do you copy?
On Barbara and Audrey.
CLOSE ON a snowy monitor, which reads: “SIGNAL LOST.”
COMPUTER VOICE (V/O)
Three minutes and 30 seconds to detonation.
On Harry and an Engineer.
HARRY
What are his vitals?
ENGINEER
We've lost all contact.
On Barbara and Audrey.
They wait anxiously.
On Matthew.
END OF INTERCUT
Matthew sits in the rattling capsule, his head bowed and his eyes closed.
COMPUTER (V/O)
Three minutes to detonation.
105. (04:14:32:24)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – MOMENTS LATER
Hector and the others lie with their eyes closed.
106. (04:14:39:15)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – MOMENTS LATER
Ana sits on a cot and prays.
107. (04:14:52:13)
INT. UPPER COMPLEX – MOMENTS LATER
Hector opens his eyes and looks up groggily. Over his head, he sees the grate being pulled back, two
masked faces looking down.
Samuel climbs down to the upper complex level, where Hector has once again closed his eyes. He
rushes to Hector.
81
SAMUEL
Hector! Hector... Hey, hey!
Samuel takes off his mask and puts it over Hector’s nose and mouth.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
Here. Here...Huh? You with me? Huh?
Chris follows Samuel down the ladder and places his own mask over Glen’s face.
Hector groans feebly.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
Breathe. Breathe... Just breathe through it. Hey, take it
easy. Take it easy, bro. Just breathe. Just breathe...
Samuel looks to Edward.
HECTOR
He's gone. He's gone.
SAMUEL
Anyone else?
Hector covers his face with the mask again.
HECTOR
No.
SAMUEL
No?
HECTOR
No.
SAMUEL
Let's get you out of here, huh? Okay. Ready to get out of
here?
Hector nods.
SAMUEL (CONT’D)
Okay, come on. Put your arm over me.
Chris and Samuel haul Hector and Glen to their feet and drag them toward the ladder.
108. (04:16:02:06)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
Emily comes in with a sandwich and joins Todd, who stands waiting anxiously.
EMILY
Hey... Do you want half?
82
TODD
Yeah. Thanks.
109. (04:16:13:08)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Barbara and Audrey watch their monitors.
AUDREY
Hull index frozen at 2%. Come on, Doc, are you there?
INTERCUT WITH:
110. (04:16:19:13)
INT./EXT. TITAN CAPSULE / SINK HOLE – MOMENTS LATER
Matthew sits in the rattling, beeping capsule, his head bowed and his eyes closed.
COMPUTER VOICE (V/O)
25 seconds till…
On Barbara and Audrey.
Audrey closes her eyes.
COMPUTER VOICE (V/O CONT’D)
…detonation.
AUDREY
Don't be playing games with me now.
BARBARA
We're getting a burn at Yellowstone. Another at the
Aleutian trench.
INTERCUT WITH:
111. (04:16:28:17)
EXT. FARM – MOMENTS LATER
Harry and the Engineers watch anxiously.
COMPUTER VOICE (V/O)
15 seconds to detonation.
Harry puts on his headset.
HARRY
Matthew, do you copy?
No answers.
83
HARRY (CONT’D
Matthew, I repeat, do you copy?
On Barbara and Audrey.
On an Engineer.
ENGINEER
Five seconds.
COMPUTER VOICE (V/O)
Commencing detonation.
HARRY
All right…
On Barbara and Audrey.
END OF INTERCUT
Alerts sound.
HARRY (CONT’D V/O)
…hang on, folks!
The earth begins to shake.
112. (04:16:46:13)
INT. SINK HOLE – CONTINUOUS
A huge explosion erupts in the sink hole as the Titan rises above it.
113. (04:16:48:09)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – CONTINUOUS
Barbara and Audrey hang on tight as the earth shakes violently.
114. (04:16:53:28)
EXT. FARM – CONTINUOUS
Harry and the Engineers try to keep their footing as the ground shakes.
115. (04:16:56:02)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – CONTINUOUS
Todd and Emily react as the gymnasium starts to shake. People scream.
116. (04:16:59:01)
EXT. FARM – CONTINUOUS
Harry and the Engineers hang on as the ground continues to shake.
INTERCUT WITH:
84
117. (04:17:02:29)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – CONTINUOUS
The ground continues to shake. The topographical map shows flare-ups around the Pacific Rim.
An indicator shows the lava rising through a fissure.
AUDREY
Levels are still rising.
On Harry and the Engineers.
They hang on as the ground shakes.
On Audrey and Barbara.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Hull integrity index still frozen at 2%. Four minutes on
the clock.
On Harry and the Engineers.
END OF INTERCUT
The earth continues to shake.
118. (04:17:24:14)
EXT. THE OCEAN – UNDERWATER – MOMENTS LATER
At extreme depth there is an explosion of rock and debris. At first it is an incredible, awesome mushroom
of bubbles. Then the lava bursts out, red and glowing even as it’s quickly cooled by the sea.
119. (04:17:36:14)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – MOMENTS LATER
All at once the shaking stops.
120. (04:17:42:00)
INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – MOMENTS LATER
The earthquake abruptly stops. Todd and Emily look at each other.
TODD
You okay?
EMILY
Yeah.
121. (04:17:54:24)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – MOMENTS LATER
CLOSE ON a monitor, which shows the “ring of fire” around the Pacific subsiding, the hotspots
disappearing one after the other.
85
AUDREY
It's receding.
Audrey chuckles in disbelief.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
It's a thing of beauty.
122. (04:18:08:00)
EXT. FARM – MOMENTS LATER
Harry and the Engineers stare in amazement at the readings on the computers. They breathe sighs of
relief. The relief turns to subdued jubilation as the Engineers pat each other on the back and shake
hands.
HARRY
All right, guys.
123. (04:18:25:23)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – MOMENTS LATER
The last of the hotspots disappear on the monitor.
BARBARA
Ring of Fire is receding.
Barbara sighs in relief.
Audrey puts an anxious hand on her earpiece, listening for signs of Matthew.
124. (04:18:36:10)
INT. PAXTON SCHOOL – DAY
Emily stacks some blankets in the school.
Dylan steps in, followed closely by a NATIONAL GUARDSMAN.
Todd stops what he’s doing and stares. Dylan spots him.
DYLAN
Dad?
TODD
Dylan?
Todd runs for Dylan. Emily looks up from the blankets.
EMILY
Dylan?
Todd catches Dylan up in his arms. Dylan hugs him tightly.
TODD
Oh, my god, buddy. Oh, my god...
86
EMILY
Dylan?
Emily runs toward Dylan, then pauses.
Todd sets the boy down.
TODD
Go to your mom.
Dylan runs toward Emily.
DYLAN
Mom!
Emily takes Dylan in her arms. They hug each other for a long time, Emily in tears.
EMILY
I love you.
DYLAN
I love you, too, Mom.
EMILY
Let's get the doctor to look at you, okay?
DYLAN
Okay.
She hugs him again and looks to Todd. Todd smiles wanly.
EMILY
Come on.
Emily puts her arm around Dylan and leads him away.
125. (04:19:29:04)
INT./EXT. PAXTON SCHOOL – DAY
The Lumberjack’s truck pulls up outside. Eric gets out and rushes over to some PARAMEDICS and Ana,
who is now in nurse’s scrubs.
ERIC
I need some help! Hey. My friend needs a doctor. He
needs help.
ANA
Okay.
(to Paramedics)
Okay, I'll be right back.
(to Eric)
Where is he?
Eric leads Ana to the truck, where Hank sits in the back.
87
ANA
Oh, god. Okay.
Eric coughs as Ana checks on Hank.
ANA (CONT’D)
(to Eric)
Okay, I'm going to take you over there-ERIC
No, it's him. He's hurt.
ANA
He's gone.
Eric just stares, trying to register what she’s saying.
ANA (CONT’D)
Okay? You've got to let him go.
LUMBERJACK
(mollifying, to Eric)
Come on. You did all you could.
Ana and the Lumberjack lead the distraught Eric away from Hank. Ana sits him on the edge of an
ambulance. He cries.
ANA
It's okay. I'm so sorry.
126. (04:20:24:09)
EXT. FARM – DAY
Harry and Engineer are at the back of the SUV, looking for any sign of life on Matthew’s monitor.
HARRY
Matthew, do you copy? Come on, buddy.
INTERCUT WITH:
127. (04:20:28:04)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – CONTINUOUS
Barbara and Audrey listen anxiously to their headsets.
On Harry and the Engineer.
END OF INTERCUT
They wait, listening.
HARRY
Come on, you son of a bitch.
END OF ACT SEVEN
88
ACT EIGHT
128. (04:20:41:09)
INT. PAXTON SCHOOL – DAY
Dylan lies on a cot. Emily and Todd are there, waiting anxiously as a NURSE wraps Dylan’s hand.
Ana works on Eric nearby.
NURSE
It doesn't look too bad, but let's get it cleaned out. I need
more antiseptic.
(to Emily)
There's some in the classroom down the hall. Could you
go get it?
EMILY
Okay.
(to Dylan)
I'll be right back. Okay?
Dylan nods.
Emily moves off.
129. (04:21:02:14)
INT. PAXTON SCHOOL – CLASSROOM – MOMENTS LATER
Emily goes into a classroom and stops cold. In the classroom is Oliver, sitting alone. Emily passes him
without a word and gets some antiseptic from a box.
OLIVER
I saw Dylan.
Emily looks at him.
OLIVER (CONT’D)
He's okay?
EMILY
Yeah, considering.
Oliver nods, head bowed.
EMILY (CONT’D)
I should get back.
OLIVER
Emily...
89
EMILY
You can't just walk away this time.
He looks at her and nods.
Emily walks out, leaving him alone in his misery.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O)
Oh that song is singing
130. (04:21:58:12)
INT./EXT. MINE ENTRANCE – DAY
Samuel and Chris pull Hector and Glen toward the cave mouth, sharing their oxygen.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O CONT’D)
Singing into me
Over everything I used to be
They emerge from the cave. Hector and Glen hack and cough, breathing in lungfuls of fresh air.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O CONT’D)
Oh, that song is singing
Singing into me
Slow and sweet...
Hector’s eyes at least meet his brother’s. Nothing is said, but then Hector embraces him.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O CONT’D)
It carries me
Samuel cries tears of sorrow and joy as his brother holds him tightly.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O CONT’D)
Carries me
Carries me
Out to sea
And swallows me into…
Hector kneels, trying to catch his breath.
131. (04:23:10:18)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – DAY
Barbara and Audrey sit and wait anxiously for sign of Matthew.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O CONT’D)
…the deep
And comfort me…
END OF INTERCUT
90
132. (04:23:18:20)
EXT. FARM – DAY
Harry and the Engineers wait for Matthew.
HARRY
Matt, do you copy? Come on, buddy, give us a sign.
ENGINEER
He's out of oxygen, too.
HARRY
How long till he gets up?
ENGINEER
Almost there.
On Barbara and Audrey.
Audrey closes her eyes and clenches her hands.
On Harry and the Engineers.
END OF INTERCUT
They head toward the crane.
133. (04:23:37:10)
EXT./INT. FARM / TITAN CAPSULE – LATER
The capsule is once again on the ground. FIREFIGHTERS spray it with hoses.
The Operations Engineer rushes into the capsule and finds Matthew slumped inside. He quickly
unclasps his straps, grips him under the arms, and drags him toward the door.
FIREFIGHTER
Keep it on there. All you've got!
134. (04:23:58:28)
INT./EXT. AMBULANCE / FARM – LATER
Paramedic place Matthew, now on a stretcher and hooked up to oxygen, in the back of an ambulance.
Harry steps up behind Matthew.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O)
All that weight…
HARRY
Thought I told you not to be a hero.
(beat)
Well done, Doc.
91
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O)
…is lifting...
Harry steps back. The back of the ambulance closes.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O CONT’D)
Lifting on me…
INTERCUT WITH:
135. (04:24:21:15)
INT. COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER – MOMENTS LATER
Audrey waits anxiously.
HARRY (V/O)
Audrey, he’s alive.
Audrey smiles through her tears.
HARRY (V/O CONT’D)
He's going to be okay.
“BREATHE” PLAYS (V/O)
Out to the sea
And swallows me
Audrey takes several shaky breaths.
136. (04:24:36:05)
INT. PAXTON SCHOOL – DAY
Ana continues to help the wounded.
Hector enters and stops in the doorway for a moment, watching her.
HECTOR
Ana...
Ana looks up. Her eyes widen. She rushes over and cups his face, tears coming into her eyes.
ANA
Oh, my god...
She kisses him and cries.
Samuel, standing in the doorway, averts his eyes and turns to go.
ANA (CONT’D)
Oh, thank god.
Ana spots Samuel as he starts out.
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ANA (CONT’D)
Samuel.
Samuel stops and looks back at her.
ANA (CONT’D)
Thank you.
She reaches out a hand. He steps forward. Ana pulls him into an embrace, hugging them both.
ANA (CONT’D)
Thank you.
Samuel hugs his brother.
SAMUEL
Thank you.
Emily watches the scene from across the room, then turns to Dylan, who continues being treated. She
gives him a smile.
EMILY
Hey. I bet you're hungry, huh?
Dylan nods.
EMILY (CONT’D)
How about I go try to find you a sandwich?
DYLAN
Thanks, Mom.
Emily smiles and walks out.
137. (04:25:39:27)
INT. PAXTON SCHOOL – CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS
The chaos of emergency personnel and the seriously wounded has not abated. Someone is being
rushed past on a gurney by a MEDIC and a DOCTOR, connected to oxygen and an IV. It’s Matthew.
MEDIC #1
We've got to get him to a hospital stat. He's got a preexisting medical condition, a cerebral aneurysm-DOCTOR
Army choppers are coming in. Have we gotten word
yet?
Emily trails the gurney.
MEDIC #1
ETA 10 minutes.
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DOCTOR
All right, prep him for transport. Find Dr. Pierce and call
ahead to General. Get me 10 cc's Heparin—
The gurney stops. Emily takes Matthew’s hand and slips the rock into it. He looks at her.
EMILY
There's a story here. It's not over.
Matthew gives her a look heavy with meaning. The Medic and Doctor push the gurney away, Emily
gazing after it wistfully.
138. (04:26:13:02)
EXT. PAXTON – DAY
PEOPLE shamble through the ash-strewn streets, coughing and filthy.
FADE TO BLACK
139. (04:26:32:20)
INT. EMILY’S HOUSE – DAY
Emily is at her desk, writing. She hears a car door closing outside and looks up with a frown. After a beat,
she resumes writing.
Matthew comes into view, climbing the front stairs with the help of a cane.
Emily looks up and stops writing, seeing him standing at the door and looking in. She rises and looks at
him through the glass. He gives her a small smile, which she returns. They gaze deeply into each other’s
eyes.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT EIGHT
END OF NIGHT TWO
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