Storm At Home
(was Katrina)
by
Jose Montalvo Jr
Inspired By True Events
CONTACT:
Jose Montalvo Jr
3310 Brooklyndell ave
75211
E-mail: Jmontalvojr@yahoo.com
Phone: 469-235-0159
FADE IN:
EXT. IRAQ FALLUJAH STREET- DAY (AUGUST 15, 2005)
The sun beats down on two marines on patrol.
AENEAS
You okay?
AENEAS a handsome white marine with a strong built stops.
MICHAEL
I’ve been better.
MICHAEL a tall black marine drenched in sweat responds.
AENEAS
So have I.
MICHAEL
It’s the fucking heat. It’s hot as
hell.
AENEAS
Hell is the right word.
MICHAEL
I wonder what’s taking them so
long.
Aeneas hears the sound of roaring engines.
AENEAS
Look.
Aeneas points at a convoy headed in their direction. Michael turns towards the convoy.
MICHAEL
It’s about time.
A hummer pulls up next to Aeneas and Michael. Behind the hummer the convoy
following stops.
AENEAS
What took you so long?
One of the two soldiers, sitting on passenger side of the hummer responds.
SOLDIER #1
He had to take a dump.
The first soldier points at the driver.
AENEAS
Is that true marine?
SOLDIER #2
Yes sir.
The soldier responds while holding the wheel. Aeneas looks at Michael.
MICHAEL
Sounds about right.
Aeneas shakes his head. The two marines in the hummer laugh.
AENEAS
Let’s go.
Aeneas and Michael jump in the hummer. The hummer takes of into the streets of
Fallujah, leading the convoy.
INT. HUMMER (MOVING)
AENEAS
You alright?
MICHAEL
How much longer?
Michael pads the back of the driver.
SOLDIER #2
Ten minutes.
Michael turns to Aeneas.
MICHAEL
I’m better now.
Michael winks at Aeneas.
AENEAS
Good...
The hummer begins to slow down.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
What is it?
SOLDIER #1
Kids.
Soldier #1 points at some Iraqi kids playing soccer on a narrow street.
AENEAS
Just honk they'll move.
SOLDIER #2
Yes sir.
Soldier #2 starts to honk the horn.
SOLDIER #2 (CONT'D)
Damn...
The hummer stops.
INT. HUMMER (PARKED)
AENEAS
Why did you stop?
Soldier #1 points at the scene in front of them.
SOLDIER #1
Kids didn’t move sir
.
AENEAS
Honk at them again.
Michael loads his gun. Aeneas looks at him.
MICHAEL
Just staying alert.
Aeneas shakes his head to agree.
SOLDIER #2
Move you little fuckers!
Soldier #2 honks the horn twice.
AENEAS (WHISPERS)
You okay?
Aeneas grabs Michael arm.
MICHAEL
I just don't like to be
sitting ducks sir.
AENEAS
Are they moving?
SOLDIER #2
Yes sir.
Some of the Iraqi kids move, except for a little girl dressed all in black holding the soccer
ball. The Hummers behind them begin to honk.
SOLDIER #2 (CONT'D)
Chill out ass holes!
Soldier #2 puts his head out the window and motions for them to wait.
SOLDIER #1
What the hell?
The little girl stands their motionless.
.
MICHAEL
Honk again.
Soldier #2 honks the horn.
.
SOLDIER #1
She isn’t moving.
Aeneas looks at the little girl.
AENEAS
I’ll move her.
Aeneas begins to open the door.
SOLDIER #1
Be careful.
MICHAEL
Hey hurry up. But be
careful, I don’t like this.
Aeneas shakes his head up and down
.
AENEAS
I got it...
EXT. FALLUJAH STREET - DAY
Aeneas starts to walk up to the girl dresses in black.
AENEAS
You okay?
The girl stands motionless as Aeneas gets closer to her.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
You need to move,
okay?
Aeneas motions with his gun, the girl just stands their.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Come on.
She drops the soccer ball. Aeneas kicks it out of the street.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Their. You do the same. Okay.
Aeneas reaches out for the little girl but she steps back.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Don’t be afraid. It’s
okay.
Aeneas grabs something from his pocket and tries to hand it to the little girl.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Want some candy?
The little girl looks at the candy then suddenly looks to her left. Aeneas eyes follow hers.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
No...
Aeneas sees a masked man holding a cell phone.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
(shouting)
Get out!
Suddenly a large EXPLOSION goes off. The hummer is destroyed and Aeneas and the
little girl get thrown hard against the ground. Their is a loud ringing in Aeneas ears.
Aeneas tries to stand, but falls back down. Aeneas looks around in slow motion.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Damn...
-POP-POP-POP marines from the back of the convoy begin shooting and taking up
positions all around him. A soldier runs at Aeneas.
SOLDIER #3
You okay sir?
Aeneas doesn't respond he looks at the little girl. She has a piece of scrap metal lodged in
her chest. Her body is motionless.
SOLDIER #3 (CONT'D)
Sir! You okay?
Aeneas doesn’t respond he lays on his back and closes his eyes.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE- FRONT LAWN - LATE DAY (AUGUST 27, 2005)
Aeneas stands in front of his home. Located in the upper ninth ward of New Orleans.
AENEAS
Here we go.
Aeneas walks up to the door and knocks.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Hello? Hello?
Aeneas knocks again. Then the door begins to open. BRYAN a skinny white twenty year
old opens the door.
BRYAN
Hey!
AENEAS
Is that all, little bro?
Hey?
Aeneas laughs as he grabs his little brother.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
It’s nice to see you
again.
Aeneas laughs as he hugs his brother.
BRYAN
You look good.
Bryan pushes Aeneas back and looks at him up and down.
AENEAS
What do you mean?
Aeneas looks at Bryan with a curious face.
BRYAN
You’re in one piece.
AENEAS
Yeah and what’s with
the starring ?
Bryan smiles.
BRYAN
Just checking.
AENEAS
So you heard?
BRYAN
Mom and dad told me.
Aeneas grins than bear hugs his brother.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Get off me man!
INT. NEW ORLEANS SUPERMARKET - AISLE
WILL a medium height light skin black man, waits in line at a packed supermarket.
WILL
Katrina...
Will picks up a magazine with a picture of a storm on it. In red bold letters the name
Katrina appears.
WILL (CONT'D)
You don’t look so bad.
LORENA
Hey baby?
LORENA a pregnant, beautiful Hispanic women comes up to Will. She kisses him softly
on the lips.
WILL
Did you get the cheap
batteries?
LORENA
I’m sorry sweetie,
these were the only one’s.
Lorena hands Will a pack of batteries.
WILL
Baby, these are too expensive.
I’ll just get them some
where else. We can’t
afford to pay to much.
LORENA
Sweetie look around.
Will looks around the packed store.
LORENA (CONT'D)
All the stores are packed.
WILL
Okay you’re right.
Will puts back the magazine.
LORENA
You okay sweetie?
WILL
I just don’t want to spend
so much money right now.
LORENA
I know sweetie but
we might need them.
Will looks at the magazine again.
WILL
Maybe...
INT. JASON’S HOUSE – BEDROOM
In the lower 9th ward JASON a young skinny black teenager sits on his bed. CLIFF a
heavy set black man in his early twenties sits on the edge of the bed playing a video
game. The peace is suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.
JASON
What’s up?
The door swings open and a black man in his late twenties wearing a all red walks in. He
is covered in tatoos.
JASON (CONT'D)
Yo! What’s up Trigger?
TRIGGER
What’s up with you?
Jason jumps up from his bed, and shakes hands with Trigger.
JASON
Just chillen.
TRIGGER
Just came to holler at
you. You going to my
crib this week.
JASON
Why what’s up?
What’s popping?
Trigger turns toward Cliff.
TRIGGER
What up nigga?
CLIFF
What’s up?
TRIGGER
Nothing much. And you?
CLIFF (SHOUTING)
Same. Oh Shitt! Oh Shitt!
Cliff begins to jump up and down.
CLIFF (CONT'D)
Damn! That’s bull.
Jason and Trigger laugh, as Cliff throws the remote on the floor.
TRIGGER
It’s just a game playa.
CLIFF
Fuck man.
Trigger laughs.
JASON
Ignore him man. So what’s
up? What’s going down
at your crib?
TRIGGER
Just going to chill, you
know smoke something.
Trigger starts to laugh.
JASON
That’s what’s up.
They shake hands while laughing. And then Trigger begins to turn around to leave.
TRIGGER
You down Cliff?
Trigger turns and looks at Cliff.
CLIFF
Fuck it.
Trigger starts walking out the door.
JASON
Hey Trigger?
Trigger turns around.
TRIGGER
Yeah?
JASON
Why did you stay?
TRIGGER
Why not. It’s a storm,
I’ve been through worst.
Jason grins.
JASON
For show...
INT. AENEAS HOUSE - LIVING-ROOM – NIGHT
Aeneas is sitting on the couch laughing with his brother.
AENEAS
Man, it’s good to see
you. It’s been a long time.
BRYAN
Yeah same---Ding Dong, the door bell rings.
AENEAS
Finally.
Bryan and Aeneas get up and walk towards the door.
BRYAN
Finally what?
AENEAS
Mom and dad?
BRYAN
No it’s not them.
Bryan shakes his head.
AENEAS
Grandma.
BRYAN
No. Not eve close.
Bryan begins to open the door.
AENEAS
Where are they?
BRYAN
Their not coming back
for a while.
Bryan opens the door. BRANDY a cute black girl with long legs stands outside.
AENEAS
What do you mean?
BRYAN
Come in.
The black girl walks inside the home.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
This is my girl Brandy.
BRANDY
I just came to say goodbye.
BRYAN
I know.
BRANDY
Come with us. We have
enough room.
BRYAN
I can’t. I mean, my brother
here.
Brandy looks at Aeneas.
BRANDY
Hi.
Brandy waives her hand.
BRYAN
Oh my bad, that’s my
brother Aeneas this is Brandy..
Brandy looks at Aeneas up and down.
AENEAS
What? You too?
BRANDY
You're in one piece.
Bryan smiles.
AENEAS
In one piece?
BRANDY
I heard you survived a
bomb.
AENEAS
Yeah something like
that.
BRANDY
Well you look good.
AENEAS
Thanks. But what the
fuck have you been telling
people?
Aeneas turns to Bryan.
BRYAN
Nothing, I swear.
Aeneas watches Bryan and Brandy hug.
AENEAS
Whatever.
They all walk towards the middle of the living-room.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
So. Where are mom
and dad?
BRYAN
They took off.
AENEAS
And grandma?
BRYAN
The hospital still. She’s
going to be released tomorrow.
AENEAS
Good, we can pick her up.
BRYAN
Okay. I’ll call her and
let her know you’re coming.
AENEAS
Don’t I want to surprise
her.
BRYAN
Cool.
AENEAS
Why did mom and dad
leave?
BRYAN
Because of the storm.
They got scared and fucked
off.
Aeneas stairs at Bryan with a blank face.
BRANDY
That reminds me. I got
to go.
BRYAN
Why?
BRANDY
Go to help my parents
get ready.
BRYAN
You guys are pretty smart.
BRANDY
You shouldn't stay, it’s
not safe. We have room
if you want to come with us.
BRYAN
No, will tough it out.
BRANDY
Sounds like a bad storm.
BRYAN
I know. I can’t wait.
BRANDY
Well I wouldn't want to
be caught up in it.
Brandy leans over and begins to kiss Bryan.
AENEAS
Hey?
BRYAN
What?
Bryan and Brandy stop kissing.
AENEAS
What storm?
Brandy and Bryan look at each other and laugh.
INT. WILL’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Will is sitting on his bed watching the television.
WILL
Damn...
The television is set on mute. Will watches as a picture of the huge storm Katrina, hovers
over Louisiana.
LORENA
What are you doing?
Lorena walks into the room.
WILL
Watching the news.
Lorena looks at the screen with concern.
LORENA
On mute?
WILL
What’s wrong?
LORENA
Our parents got out
of here, our friends and
neighbors we-WILL
--we cant afford it.
Will stands up and walks over to Lorena.
WILL (CONT'D)
I can’t afford to spend
money on fixing our
car. Then spending
money on gas. It’s to
much.
LORENA
We could take a bus.
WILL
That’s crazy, their packed
with people right now.
Will looks around the room.
WILL (CONT'D)
We’re going to be fine.
LORENA
I just don’t feel safe.
WILL
Baby their is no place
safer, than our home.
\Will wraps Lorena in his arms.
WILL (CONT'D)
People are just over
Reacting, like always.
LORENA
You sure?
Lorena looks into Will’s eyes.
WILL
I would never put you,,
or my son at risk.
Will looks down at Lorena pregnant belly.
LORENA
I know I’m just afraid.
WILL
Don’t be I got you.
Will hugs Lorena again.
LORENA (IN SPANISH)
Esta’s loco.
WILL
Only for you.
LORENA
You promise?
WILL
I promise...
Will points the remote towards the television, and turns it off.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - DAY - (AUGUST 28, 2005)
The sky is gray. Aeneas and Bryan walk towards a liquor store.
AENEAS
Did grandma call?
BRYAN
Yeah, we got to pick
her up today.
AENEAS
Okay.
BRYAN
Better not forget or
that’s is our ass, she said.
Aeneas and Bryan laugh.
AENEAS
Is Brandy gone?
BRYAN
Took off this morning.
AENEAS
So, how much you got?
BRYAN
A bill.
Aeneas stops walking.
AENEAS
Mom and dad gave
you a hundred dollars?
BRYAN
Sort off.
Aeneas looks at Bryan.
AENEAS
What do you mean
sort off?
BRYAN
It was a little more.
AENEAS
How much more?
Bryan moves quickly into the liquor store, avoiding Aeneas stretched arm.
INT. LIQUOR STORE - NEW ORLEANS
Aeneas marches into the liquor store.
AENEAS
How much more?
Aeneas passes a homeless man in a wheelchair wearing many strange necklaces. The man
in the wheelchair is dressed like a black pirate.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Hey.
Aeneas catches up to Bryan.
BRYAN
Just a little.
AENEAS
What’s a little.
BRYAN
Two or three hundred.
AENEAS
And all you got know
is a hundred?
Bryan shrugs his shoulders.
BRYAN
I spent it.
They move through the aisles of liquor and beer.
AENEAS
On what?
Bryan smiles.
BRYAN
Stuff…
Bryan grabs a bottle of Jack Daniels.
AENEAS
Like what?
BRYAN
You know stuff.
They walk up to the fridge and grab some beer.
AENEAS
Did you smoke this
stuff?
BRYAN
Not all of it.
AENEAS
What a waste.
The homeless man in the wheelchair appears behind them, and begins to laugh.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
AENEAS
What’s so funny.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
(Hessian accent)
It doesn't sound like
a bad waste.
Bryan smiles.
BRYAN
See.
AENEAS
Yeah, what does he
Know?
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Much...
AENEAS
Really? Cause you’re
the only homeless guy here.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
For know.
The homeless man moves around in his wheelchair.
AENEAS
What the fuck does
that mean?
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Theirs a storm coming.
Bryan and Aeneas look at each other and smile.
AENEAS
And? I’m not scared
Of a storm.
The homeless man moves the wheelchair closer to them.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
It’s more than that.
BRYAN
What is it?
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
It’s hell...
AENEAS
Then why are you here?
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Because, I have been
waiting for it.
Aeneas chuckles.
AENEAS
Really?
The man in the wheelchair smiles, some teeth are missing.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Yes.
BRYAN
Why are-AENEAS
-- cause he's crazy.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
AENEAS
See he’s crazy.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Maybe, but I am not
afraid.
AENEAS
I just came back from
a war zone. And I’m
not afraid of a little rain.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Good, but rain is not
all you must fear.
AENEAS
I’ll be find old man.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Good. And you?
The man in the wheelchair looks at Bryan.
BRYAN
I’ve been better.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
The man in the wheelchair takes off one of his necklace’s.
MAN IN WHEELCHAIR (CONT'D)
Here.
Then hands it to Bryan.
BRYAN
Thanks?
Bryan looks at the necklace made of small bones.
AENEAS
Nice.
BRYAN
What is it? What the fuck?
The man is gone.
AENEAS
Damn.
Bryan puts the necklace in his pocket. They walk up to the counter.
CLERK (SOUTHERN ACCENT)
You find what you
need?
AENEAS
Yep.
Aeneas puts the liquor and beer on the counter.
CLERK
Where is that bastard?
The clerk looks around.
BRYAN
Who?
The clerk scans the items.
CLERK
The voodo guy.
AENEAS
The crazy man in the
wheelchair.
CLERK
Twenty three fifty.
Yeah where’s the
wheelchair man? Voodoo...
Aeneas gives the clerk the money. The clerk puts the items in paper bags.
BRYAN
Voodo?
CLERK
That’s his name.
AENEAS
He took off.
CLERK
Strange, but he is
a strange man.
AENEAS
What does he do.
CLERK
A little bit of everything.
The clerk hands Aeneas the paper bags.
CLERK (CONT'D)
You guys take care
. It’s suppose to rain
tomorrow.
The clerk begins to laugh. Aeneas and Bryan turn away from the clerk, and walk out of
the store slowly.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - NEW ORLEANS
Aeneas and Bryan walk outside the store.
BRYAN
Aeneas?
AENEAS
What?
BRYAN
You think he was
serious?
AENEAS
Come on you believed
that?
Bryan shakes his head and laughs nervously.
BRYAN
I guess not.
AENEAS
Good. Now hold this.
Aeneas gives him the paper bags.
INT. WILL HOUSE BED - ROOM
Lorena is packing franticly.
LORENA
Come on.
She slams shut the suitcase.
LORENA (CONT'D)
Their.
WILL
What are you doing?
Will walks in the room. The television is on CNN.
CNN REPORTER (ON TV)
It seems the storm could
be a category three when
it hits. People who have
decided to stay might be
in for more then they
bargained for. Many---Will turn off the television.
LORENA
Leaving.
Lorena tries to move pass him.
WILL
Are you crazy?
Will gets in her path.
LORENA
No, you are crazy.
You’re the one that
wants to stay!
WILL
What’s wrong with
You?
LORENA (IN SPANISH)
Nada! Tu tas menso!
No lo puedo crear!
Will stops Lorena.
WILL
Baby what’s wrong?
LORENA
What’s wrong?
She drops the suitcase.
LORENA (CONT'D)
All my friends and family
are gone. But not me, why
because I listened to you.
Know I’m stuck waiting
for a hurricane. Pregnant!
Lorena GRUNTS.
WILL
And what do you plan
to do. Walk out of
New Orleans?
LORENA
Yes! Better that then
swimming! Lorena
pushes Will and walks
out the room.
WILL
Damn.
He shakes his head.
WILL (CONT'D)
Latin women are loco.
LORENA (O.S)
I heard that!
INT. TRIGGERS HOUSE- LIVINGROOM – AFTERNOON
Trigger is playing video games while sitting on his couch.
TRIGGER
Run! Run! Run!
He jumps up and down in celebration.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Yeah! Hell yeah!
BOOM! BOOM! The knocking on the door stuns him.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Who is it?
Trigger ask while pointing the x-box control like a gun.
JASON
Police!
Trigger begins to laugh.
TRIGGER
Fuck you!
Trigger walk’s to the door and opens it.
JASON
You scared?
TRIGGER
Hell no!
Trigger puts the control down.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Don’t knock so hard.
I was about to blast you.
Jason smiles.
JASON
You’re fucked up in
the head.
T
rigger grins.
TRIGGER
You already know.
Jason shakes his head while staring at a grinning Trigger.
INT. AENEAS LIVINGROOM - NIGHT
Aeneas and Bryan are laughing.
AENEAS
That’s all?
BRYAN
No. I can take more.
Aeneas gives Bryan another shot off liquor.
AENEAS
Here you go.
BRYAN
Cheers.
Bryan takes the shot.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
It fucking Burns.
Aeneas laughs.
AENEAS
I’m sorry princess you
okay?
BRYAN
Oh I’m the girl. What
have you drank?
Aeneas grabs the bottle of Jack Daniels and opens it.
AENEAS
I’m a marine. I got
trained for this.
Aeneas starts to drink.
BRYAN
Man, you’re going
to die.
Aeneas stops drinking, and jumps up.
AENEAS
What! You ain’t got
nothing on me!
They both laugh and continue drinking.
BRYAN
Hey, we haven't picked
up grandma.
AENEAS
What hospital is she
in?
BRYAN
Memorial Hospital...
AENEAS
I thought we were
going to pick her up
today?
BRYAN
You driving?
AENEAS
I can barely walk.
BRYAN
Tomorrow.
AENEAS
She’s going to be mad.
BRYAN
It’s just one day.
Outside a storm is brewing.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - SOMEWHERE NEAR LEVEES - (AUGUST 29, 2005)
It’s early in the morning and it is pitch black. Rain is coming down on Voodoo face. He
is pushing his wheelchair around in what looks like a swamp. The storm has reached New
Orleans as a category three hurricane.
VODOO
Come to me.
The water is beginning to rise all around him.
VODOO (CONT'D)
Yes...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - DOWNTOWN
Lightning and rain fill the dark skies. Debris fly’s around everywhere. Windows in high
rise buildings shatter. A hotel bed is being blown around on a street. Alarms go off
everywhere. The rain falls hard in downtown New Orleans.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - LOWER NINTH WARD
The streets are flooding with water. The rain is poring down hard as the water rises faster
and faster. Some homes have power other’s don’t.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - DOWNTOWN
Strong winds race around, the deserted downtown. The water level is rising faster and
faster.
INT. LOWER NINTH WARD - UNKNOWN HOME
And old lady sits on her wheelchair, as man tries franticly to stop the water from coming
through the roof. He grabs some buckets and puts them under the leaking water. The old
lady begins to have water drip on her. The man sees it and moves her out the way. The
man looks up at the roof and sees more water leaks.
INT. TRIGGERS HOUSE - LIVINGROOM - MORNING
It’s dark Trigger and Michael are holding flashlights. They can hear the wind from the
strong storm outside of them.
JASON
Yo Cliff? Where you
at?
Cliff a heavy set young black man walks in from the kitchen.
CLIFF
Thirsty.
He holds up a beer.
JASON
Bicth ass!
CLIFF (CONT'D)
What? I’m thirsty!
Fuck!
Trigger and Michael stretch out their hands for beer. And Cliff throws it at them.
JASON
Damn!
TRIGGER
What’s wrong with
you?
CLIFF
I’m stuck in the middle
of a fucking hurricane
man! Besides that
everything is fucking
peachy!
Jason tries to open the beer.
JASON
I need a bottle opener.
CLIFF
Who gives a shitt!
We’re going to fucking
die man!
Cliff moves around in a circle. Jason follows him with a flashlight.
JASON
Well don’t drink.
What if we have to swim.
CLIFF
Fuck it then!
Cliff chugs his beer.
CLIFF (CONT'D)
I might as well drink
cause I can’t swim.
Damn I should have
listened to mom!
Damn you Jason!
JASON
Damn me? I still
need a bottle opener.
CLIFF
Fuck your bottle opener!
TRIGGER
Use your teeth.
JASON
Hell no.
TRIGGER
Cliff.
Trigger throws his beer at Cliff.
CLIFF
I got you!
JASON
You got me?
CLIFF
Hell no!
Cliff opens the beer using his teeth. Then throws the beer back.
TRIGGER
Appreciate it.
CLIFF
What now?
TRIGGER
Outside…
They stair at each other.
JASON
For what?
TRIGGER
You want to stay here?
BOOM! Thunder strikes.
CLIFF (SHOUTING)
Oh shitt!
JASON
Yeah, I kind of do.
TRIGGER
We’re going to miss
the storm. If we stay
inside.
CLIFF
So? That’s the point
of a house. Shelter.
Jason and Trigger begin to move towards the door.
TRIGGER
Come on.
CLIFF
Damn.
Cliff moves with them.
CLIFF
Yeah, ya got it right.
Cliff points at the closed door.
TRIGGER
Man move your punk
ass!
Trigger open the door.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Son of a bicth!
Wind and water rushes in the door.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Don’t stand their! Help me close it!
The door swings open drenching Trigger in water. Jason and Cliff move next to the
opened door.
CLIFF
Holy-JASON
- -shitt.
The scene outside is chaotic, the streets are flooded and the rain is pouring down.
CLIFF (STUTTERING)
What? What? Do
we do?
More water begins to rush in the home.
TRIGGER
Close the door!
Cliff and Jason push the door close.
JASON
Damn!
CLIFF
Shitt is bad.
TRIGGER
We go to get high.
Trigger takes off his drenched shirt revealing more tatoos.
CLIFF
Higher up?
TRIGGER
What?
Trigger shakes his head no.
CLIFF
Higher ground?
The roof?
TRIGGER
No. Just high.
CLIFF
You’re fucking crazy...
Trigger takes out a joint.
INT. WILL HOUSE BEDROOM - DAY
Will and Lorena are on their bed.
WILL
It’s not that bad.
LORENA
It doesn’t sound
so good.
WILL
It’s just rain and
some thunder.
LORENA
I’m just worried about
flooding.
Will get’s up to take a piss. He walks into the bathroom, leaving the door open.
WILL (O.S.)
We got stuff for that.
LORENA
Right...
\Lorena covers herself with sheets.
INT. AENEAS HOUSE - LIVINGROOM
Aeneas is waking up to thunder.
AENEAS
Damn!
Aeneas grabs his head.
BRYAN
Shut up.
Bryan is getting of the floor slowly.
AENEAS
My head...
BRYAN
Shut up.
Aeneas get’s up and walks to the kitchen.
INT. AENEAS HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Aeneas grabs some aspirin and drinks it down with some water.
AENEAS
Fuck...
Bryan walks in the kitchen holding a small Sony camera. Bryan opens the refrigerator.
BRYAN
We should have spent
some money on food.
AENEAS
What’s up with
the camera?
Bryan grabs some milk and sits down at the table.
BRYAN
I’m going to tape
the storm.
AENEAS
You’re an idiot! For
what?
BRYAN
I’m going to sell it
to CNN. Make some
money.
Aeneas laughs and sits down at the table.
AENEAS
CNN? Yeah right!
Those bastards.
BRYAN
What’s wrong with
them?
AENEAS
Nothing. Unless you
want you’re video,
to turn in to some liberal
bull shitt!
Bryan inspects the small camera.
BRYAN
Oh, okay right. And
I guess the great Fox
news would do better?
I wonder how their going
to link this storm to liberals
or terrorist?
Aeneas laughs.
AENEAS
Better then CNN finding
a way to blame Bush.
BRYAN
They don’t need to.
Bush will find away
to fuck this is up.
Aeneas grins.
AENEAS
Okay you got me.
You got me. Score
one for the liberals.
BRYAN
Fuck you! You would
be a democrat if you
weren't so homophobic.
AENEAS
Whatever. I’m not
homophobic.
BRYAN
Yeah right, you got prove.
AENEAS
I don’t have to have it.
BRYAN
Oh I get it. Don’t
ask don’t tell.
They both laugh.
AENEAS
You’re on fire today.
BRYAN
Thank you. I try.
AENEAS
Yes you do.
BRYAN
So how’s the storm.
Aeneas get’s up and moves towards a window.
AENEAS
Cool.
BRYAN
Cool?
AENEAS
Yeah it’s not so bad.
BRYAN
How does it look out
their?
Aeneas stairs out the window. The water is and wind is raging outside.
AENEAS
Just a storm.
Aeneas walks over to the table and sits down.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Did mom and dad call?
BRYAN
No, they haven't called
since they told me you
where coming.
AENEAS
That sucks.
BRYAN
They suck.
AENEAS
Why? They hate me
not you.
BRYAN
Yeah right. Their hero
son. No, no they hate
their not in college yet,
bum of a son. Oh and
I’m a thief.
AENEAS
Yeah you do suck.
Aeneas laughs.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
A thief? How are
you a thief?
BRYAN
I kind of took some
money?
AENEAS
What?
BRYAN
They didn't want to
corporate with me staying.
Bryan finishes his milk.
AENEAS
Well they want you
to be safe.
Bryan laughs and get’s up.
BRYAN
No, not that much.
AENEAS
And why not?
BRYAN
Their mad at me.
AENEAS
For what?
BRYAN
Brandy.
Bryan takes out his cell phone from his pocket.
AENEAS
Brandy?
Bryan begins to dial a number on his cell.
BRYAN
Yeah Brandy.
AENEAS
Why?
Bryan puts his phone back in his pocket.
BRYAN
Damn.
AENEAS
What is it? Is her
phone dead?
BRYAN
No.
AENEAS
She didn't answer?
BRYAN
No.
AENEAS
So what?
BRYAN
Didn't pay my bill.
Aeneas begins to laugh.
AENEAS
Guess you didn't
steal enough.
BRYAN
Guess not.
AENEAS
Don’t worry, unlike
your dumb ass she’s
safe.
BRYAN
Unlike our dumb
asses.
Aeneas and Bryan smile.
AENEAS
So what’s with
Brandy?
BRYAN
Mom and dad don’t
like the fact, that
she’s you know?
AENEAS
No? What?
BRYAN
Colored... Mom and
dad are a bunch of racist.
AENEAS
I don’t believe that.
BRYAN
What?
Bryan puts his hands on his head.
AENEAS
I mean, we go to a
black church. Mom
and dad have a lot of
black friends. We live in
fucking New Orleans.
Bryan puts his hands back down.
BRYAN
Yeah black people are
cool. Their great neighbors
and friends for mom
and dad. But their
not okay to date.
AENEAS
You shitting me?
BRYAN
No...
Aeneas get’s up.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
You believe me?
AENEAS
You’re my brother.
I trust you.
BRYAN
Thank’s man.
Aeneas starts to walk away.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Where you going?
AENEAS
I’m going to throw up.
Bryan starts to laugh.
BRYAN
It’s always nice talking
to you. Aeneas disappears
into the living room,
and begins to gag.
INT. WILL HOUSE LIVINGROOM - DAY
Will sit’s on his couch staring at a black screen on his television.
LORENA
What are you doing?
Lorena walks in.
WILL
Nothing.
LORENA
You must be bored.
WILL
I’m enjoying listening
to the rain.
Will begins to laugh.
LORENA
How long do you
think the power
will be out?
WILL
Not long. I’m sure
they got someone
working on that...
INT. TRIGGERS HOUSE - LIVINGROOM - DAY
Jason is passing around a joint.
JASON
Here.
TRIGGER
About time. You were
hogging it.
Jason laughs.
JASON
Whatever.
TRIGGER
You want some?
Cliff shakes his head.
CLIFF
I’m cool.
TRIGGER
Why you being a punk?
Cliff get’s up.
CLIFF
I got a job interview.
JASON
For what?
CLIFF
A job. Something
you ain't got.
TRIGGER
A hustle for mine.
CLIFF
I don’t give a shitt
50 cent! Fucking rapper
mother fucker! Whatever
man. I work! Like a
real man!
TRIGGER
Like a real fumb ass.
Cliff starts walking towards another room.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Where you going?
CLIFF
I’m going to sleep.
TRIGGER
Don’t wet the bed.
Trigger and Jason laugh.
TRIGGER (CONT’D)
You want some more?
Trigger looks at Jason.
JASON
Sleep sounds good.
TRIGGER
Alright for tomorrow then.
JASON
Yeah tomorrow
sounds cool.
INT. AENEAS HOUSE - LIVINGROOM – AFTERNOON
Aeneas is laying on the couch.
BRYAN
How you feel?
Bryan walks into the living room.
AENEAS
Better.
BRYAN
So you ready?
Bryan opens a curtain and looks out the window.
AENEAS
I think you can handle
it.
BRYAN
Come on.
Aeneas gets up from the couch.
AENEAS
Alright. Why not?
INT. WILL HOUSE LIVINGROOM
Lorena is starring out her window.
LORENA
Only an idiot would
be out their.
WILL
You’d be surprised.
LORENA
Babe?
WILL
Yeah?
LORENA
The water keeps rising...
Will get’s up and walks next to her.
WILL
It’s a big storm. Theirs
going to be some minor
flooding. But its not
the end of the world...
LORENA
I feel bad for those
out their.
WILL
Only workers babe.
Besides them only
idiots would be out their.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE - FRONT YARD
Aeneas and Bryan are soaking wet. Bryan is holding the camera as rock music blast
through speakers.
BRYAN (SINGING)
“Here I am! Rock
me like a Hurricane!”
Bryan is pretending to play the guitar.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Hell yeah!
AENEAS
This is crazy!
Aeneas and Bryan laugh.
INT. TEXAS HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Brandy is watching television.
NEWS REPORTER (ON TV)
Their have been some
reports of some levee
failures. We don’t know
exactly how bad they
are. We will keep you
posted as we get more information.
Brandy turns off the television.
BRANDY
Oh baby...
INT. AENEAS HOUSE - LIVINGROOM – NIGHT
Aeneas is sitting on the couch soaking wet.
BRYAN
Did you enjoy that?
AENEAS
Yep.
Bryan is looking at the footage on his camera.
BRYAN
Looks good.
AENEAS
Can you sell it?
BRYAN
Na. Not news worthy.
More like You- tube.
AENEAS
Yeah that’s it.
BRYAN
It wasn’t to bad.
AENEAS
No. It wasn’t.
Bryan get’s up and walks away.
BRYAN
Tomorrow we go
get grandma.
AENEAS
Sounds good.
BRYAN
By the way, how
long are you staying?
AENEAS
What do you mean?
BRYAN
You know are you
going back?
AENEAS
Don’t know. I got
a week off.
BRYAN
Alright.
AENEAS
Hey.
BRYAN
What’s up?
AENEAS
I told you it was just
some rain and wind.
BRYAN
Nothing we can’t
handle.
AENEAS
Hell no!
Aeneas laughs as Bryan leaves the room.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - NEAR LEVEES - MORNING (AUGUST 30, 2008)
Water roars through some broken levees. In other locations water is beginning to push
through the unbroken levees.
INT. LOWER NINTH WARD - UNKNOWN HOME
And old lady sits on her wheelchair, as man tries franticly to stop the water from coming
through. The older black man falls as he slips on the rising water. He tries to get up but
falls again. Suddenly the door breaks open and water surges through it.
EXT. LOWER NINTH WARD
Water is beginning to rush the lower ninth ward with force. Homes are beginning to fill
with water fast, and the streets have turned to rivers.
EXT. TRIGGERS HOUSE - OUTSIDE FRONT YARD
Trigger is the first one out the door into the raging water. The water reaches Triggers
neck.
JASON
I got you!
Jason reaches out for Trigger.
TRIGGER
Damn.
The water is higher now and still rising.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
Jason is holding on to the door.
JASON
I have no idea!
What are you doing?
TRIGGER
Trying to get to the
roof.
CLIFF
Shitt!
Cliff squeezes out the door.
TRIGGER
Let me go!
JASON
You got it?
TRIGGER
Yeah! Ya need to
hurry!
Jason let’s Triggers hand go. Trigger moves cautiously to the corner of his house.
JASON
Cliff!
CLIFF
What!
JASON
You ready?
CLIFF
Hell no!
JASON
Come on!
Cliff moves his head up and down.
TRIGGER
Come on!
Trigger is at the corner of the his house. The water current is getting stronger.
JASON
Let’s go!
Jason and Cliff maneuver to the corner of the house.
TRIGGER
Come on shitt!
Trigger reaches out for Jason.
JASON
Shitt!
CLIFF
Grab his hand! Shitt!
Jason reaches Trigger hand.
TRIGGER
Give me you’re hand.
JASON
Fuck!
Jason’s hand breaks free from Triggers.
TRIGGER
Damn!
Trigger climbs his way to the roof.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Get closer to the edge!
Jason reaches the corner.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Grab my hand!
Jason reaches out.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
I got you!
Trigger helps Jason get on the roof.
JASON
Come on Cliff!
CLIFF
Alright.
Cliff moves towards the edge of the home.
JASON
Come on! Give me
your hand!
TRIGGER
Hurry!
Cliff has reached the corner of the house.
JASON
Damn it Cliff!
Jason almost slips.
TRIGGER
Grab his ass!
Jason reaches for Cliff.
JASON
Cliff! Give me your
hand!
Cliff reaches out for Jason.
JASON (CONT'D)
Come on! Come on!
Cliff misses Jason hand.
JASON (CONT'D)
Grab it damn it!
Cliff reaches his hand out again.
JASON (CONT'D)
Shitt Cliff!
The water continues to rise around Cliff.
CLIFF
Damn! Help me!
JASON
Hold my legs!
Trigger grabs Jason legs.
JASON (CONT'D)
Grab my hand!
Jason stretches out for Cliff.
JASON (CONT'D)
Got you!
Their hands lock.
CLIFF
Help me up!
JASON
Come on Cliff shitt!
Jason is slipping closer to the edge off the roof.
TRIGGER
Damn it!
CLIFF (SHOUTING)
No!
JASON (SHOUTING)
Cliff!
Cliff gets swept away fast by the raging water.
CLIFF
Ah!
JASON
Cliff!
Trigger and Jason watch as Cliff is thrown hard against a house. Cliff hits the house face
first, neck bones shatter.
TRIGGER
Damn...
Trigger grabs Jason.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Move.
Jason is motionless.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Come on! You’re to
close to the edge.
Jason and Trigger move towards the middle of the roof. The water is still raging all
around them.
JASON
Damn Cliff...
INT. WILL HOUSE - BEDROOM
The water has reached Will And Lorena. The roaring water is deafening and still rising.
Will and Lorena hold each other trying to fight the current.
WILL (SHOUTING)
Hold on!
They both stand on top of their bed.
WILL (CONT'D)
We got to get out of here!
Will looks around the room.
LORENA
I cant move! I’m
scared!
Will brings Lorena closer to him.
WILL
Come on! Move with me!
Will grabs Lorena arm, and moves her towards the window.
WILL (CONT'D)
Hold on!
Lorena hugs Will tight.
WILL (CONT'D)
Come on!
Will is tries to open the window. The window slowly opens.
LORENA
What are we doing?
WILL
The roof.
Will guides Lorena out the window.
LORENA
Oh my god!
WILL
Calm down. Okay.
Will climbs out the window.
EXT. WILL HOUSE - BACKYARD
Lorena and Will are surrounded by water.
WILL
Damn!
Will is looking around.
WILL (CONT'D)
Where is it!
LORENA
Where’s what?
WILL
The latter. Damn it!
Will is looking around franticly.
WILL
The latter must of fell.
LORENA
What do we do?
WILL
I’ll find it.
LORENA
No!
She grabs Will.
WILL
I have to.
Lorena cringes and then Will goes under water.
LORENA
Come on.
Lorena looks around.
LORENA (CONT'D)
Come on. Baby!
Suddenly will burst out the water.
WILL
Got it.
Will struggles with the latter.
WILL (CONT'D)
Damn it!
Will presses the latter against his home.
WILL (CONT'D)
Fuck!
Will plants the latter.
WILL (CONT'D)
Are you ready?
LORENA
No.
WILL
You have to do this.
LORENA
I can’t.
Lorena begins to cry.
WILL (SHOUTING)
Yes you can!
Will and Lorena slowly move towards each other.
WILL (CONT'D)
Trust me.
Lorena moves in front of Will and begins to climb.
WILL (CONT'D)
I got you!
Will moves up the latter behind Lorena.
WILL (CONT'D)
Keep going.
Lorena continues to climb.
LORENA
Oh god. Oh god.
WILL
Keep going. We’re
almost their.
LORENA
Oh god. Oh god.
Lorena stops moving.
LORENA (SPANISH) (CONT'D)
Dios santo. I can’t.
WILL
Don’t start that
spanish. Come on! You can do it!
Lorena reaches slowly for the roof.
WILL (CONT'D)
I got you.
Lorena stretches out towards the roof.
WILL (CONT'D)
Good.
Lorena reaches the roof.
LORENA
Come on baby.
She turns back to Will.
WILL
Almost their.
The latter begins to move side to side.
LORENA
Hurry!
WILL
Crap!
The latter is swept away and Will jumps. He reaches the edge of the roof.
LORENA
Come on!
Lorena begins to pull Will up.
EXT. WILL HOUSE - ROOF
WILL
Baby.
Will hugs Lorena as she begins to cry.
WILL (CONT'D)
It’s okay. It’s okay.
Will holds Lorena tight.
WILL (CONT'D)
It’s okay...
INT. AENEAS LIVINGROOM - DAY
Aeneas is on top of his couch.
BRYAN
Hey!
Aeneas is startled.
AENEAS
What? What is it?
Bryan walks into the living room with his camera.
BRYAN
The water coming
through the back door.
AENEAS
Yeah it’s everywhere.
They both move thought the waist deep water to the back door.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Get that out of my face.
Aeneas slaps the camera.
BRYAN
Open it.
Aeneas opens the door.
AENEAS
Fuck.
Their back yard is completely flooded.
BRYAN
Damn!
AENEAS
This is bad.
BRYAN
I wonder how the
9th ward is.
AENEAS
Worst...
BRYAN
Man we got to jet!
Fast!
Bryan puts the camera down.
AENEAS
Id like to, but I left
my boat in Iraq.
BRYAN
Look we just go to
get out of here.
AENEAS
Okay. How?
BRYAN
Your asking me?
Aeneas looks around.
AENEAS
Yeah. I am.
BRYAN
You’re the marine.
Cant you swim through
this, with me on your
back.
AENEAS
Very funny. But no.
All we can do is get
on the roof. And wait
for help. It’s to flooded
for cars.
Aeneas looks around.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Or we can find higher
ground. I don’t think
downtown is this bad.
BRYAN
What if it is?
AENEAS
I don’t think so. We’re
closer to the levees.
BRYAN
So the roof?
Aeneas looks up.
AENEAS
The water isn't that
high. But yeah. Bring
some food.
BRYAN
Do you think it can
get worse. I mean,
can it?
AENEAS
I didn't think it could
get this bad.
BRYAN
True.
AENEAS
As soon as we can,
we should move
towards the city.
BRYAN
Okay.
Aeneas turns around and closes the door.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
What was that for?
AENEAS
Force of habit. This isn’t
a barn.
BRYAN
More like a aquarium now.
But whatever. We can
reach the roof through
the attic.
AENEAS
Let’s go.
They both moves towards a closet door..
BRYAN
Hold up.
AENEAS
What?
Bryan grabs a family picture.
BRYAN
Got to save something.
Bryan turns on the camera.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
And, we got to record
it.
They look at the scene in front of them.
AENEAS
Is it CNN worthy
yet?
BRYAN
No. But it’s getting
their.
AENEAS
Yeah...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - DOWNTOWN
Thousands of people are walking around in flood waters heading for the super dome.
Windows in high rise buildings are shattered everywhere. And the debris outnumbers the
people on the street.
INT. WASHINGTON D.C. - UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
A man in a black suit is moving fast through the white house.
MAN IN BLACK
Mr. vice president?
The man in black knocks on the door and it swings open.
VICE PRESIDENT (O.S.)
What?
The man in black holds up a folder.
MAN IN BLACK
The levees did not
hold sir.
VICE PRESIDENT (O.S.)
Did you alert the
president?
MAN IN BLACK
Yes. The situation is-VICE PRESIDENT (O.S.)
- -Good.
The door closes shut.
MAN IN BLACK
Dire sir.
The man in black moves away from the door. He throws the folder in the trash. And
walks away.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE - ROOF - AFTERNOON
Aeneas and Bryan are on the roof watching the scene around them. Their are cars floating
around and small parts of other homes crash against theirs.
AENEAS
I can’t believe this.
A pit bull swims by them.
BRYAN
Shitt!
Bryan turns on his camera and begins recording.
AENEAS
Damn! You getting
this?
BRYAN
Yeah.
The dog’s chain is tied to a dog house.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
He took off with the
damn dog house!
AENEAS
That’s a tough dog.
BRYAN
You think he’s going
to make it?
AENEAS
I’m more worried about
us. Plus that’s not
the worst thing we’ve
seen.
Bryan move close to the edge of the roof.
BRYAN
The water stinks.
AENEAS
Yeah. Their is some
bad stuff in their.
Bryan takes out the necklace made of chicken bones.
BRYAN
Okay...
Bryan puts on the necklace.
EXT. WILL HOUSE - ROOF - AFTERNOON
Will and Lorena are on their roof. Will has Lorena around his arms.
LORENA
We need to get off
this roof.
WILL
I know.
A helicopter passes over them. Will gets up and waives his arms in the air.
WILL (CONT'D)
They’ll be back.
LORENA
I hope.
Will sits back down.
WILL
They will trust me.
LORENA
I do.
WILL
You okay, are you
hungry?
LORENA
Yeah but, I’m okay.
WILL
What about...
Will starts rubbing Lorena pregnant belly.
LORENA
Maybe a little.
WILL
I got a little something.
Will takes out a wet snicker.
LORENA
A wet snicker.
WILL
It’s still good.
It’s in the package.
Lorena smiles.
LORENA
Thank you...
She grabs the snickers.
EXT. TRIGGERS HOUSE - ROOF - AFTERNOON
Trigger and Jason are walking around in circle.
TRIGGER
Damn! I’m hungry.
JASON
What?
TRIGGER
I’m hungry.
JASON
How can you think
about that? Cliff’s
dead and were stuck
on this damn roof!
TRIGGER
It is what it is.
JASON
Damn!
TRIGGER
You hungry?
JASON
Man. I’m hungry as
hell. But that’s not
the first thing on my
mind. We need to
get down town get
some help. Do something!
TRIGGER
Be my guess.
Trigger walks up to the edge of the roof.
JASON
What’s your plan?
TRIGGER
Don’t have one.
JASON
Fuck.
Jason sits down and hides his face with his hands.
TRIGGER
Maybe I can catch
some fish.
JASON
Man your retarded.
TRIGGER
What? What’s your
plan? For food?
JASON
Nothing butt it’s-TRIGGER
--Shut up you sound
like a bitch! I’m hungry
and I’m going to catch
something.
Jason shakes his head.
JASON
Alright man.
Jason walks over to the edge.
JASON (CONT'D)
What you got?
TRIGGER
For what?
JASON
To catch fish.
TRIGGER
My hands man!
JASON
Whatever.
Jason starts to move away.
TRIGGER
Let’s go.
Trigger put’s his hands under water.
JASON
Crazy ass.
Jason sits down.
TRIGGER
Oh! Oh!
JASON
What?
Jason jumps up.
TRIGGER
I got something.
JASON
Pull it up.
Trigger takes out his hands.
TRIGGER
Damn!
Trigger brings up a moist piece of wood.
JASON
Holy shitt.
Jason starts to cough and gag.
TRIGGER
What’s wrong with
you?
Jason is on his hands and knees gagging.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
What the hell is
wrong with you?
JASON
Look.
Trigger looks toward the water. A body is floating by them.
TRIGGER
Damn...
EXT. WILL HOUSE - ROOF - NIGHT
Will is holding on to Lorena closely.
WILL
Go to sleep.
LORENA
I cant. I’m thinking
about him.
WILL
Him? I’m having
a boy?
LORENA
Yes.
They smile and kiss.
WILL
You have to save
you’re strength.
LORENA
I’m scared.
WILL
I know.
LORENA
Do you think
someone is going
to save us?
WILL
I’ll wake you when
they come.
LORENA
If?
WILL
When.
LORENA
Okay.
Lorena lays her head on Will chest.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE - ROOF - NIGHT
BRYAN
Hey! Hey!
Bryan is yelling at the helicopters passing by high above them.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
I got you on film!
Ass holes!
Bryan points his camera at the helicopters.
AENEAS
Give it up.
Aeneas is laying down flat on the roof. Bryan turns off his camera.
BRYAN
I’m recording you
ass hole!
AENEAS
They don’t care.
BRYAN
They are when the
world sees this.
AENEAS
You don’t think
the world is watching?
Give it up.
BRYAN
What? Give it up?
I’m not going to die
on a rooftop. I’m
getting out of here.
AENEAS
How?
BRYAN
I’m starving.
AENEAS
One problem at a
time.
Aeneas begins to laugh.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
You’ve only been
up here a couple
of hours.
BRYAN
Feels like days.
I’m tired too.
AENEAS
Then rest.
BRYAN
Rest for what?
AENEAS
Tomorrow.
BRYAN
Tomorrow? Are you
brain dead? Did the
marines send you back
cause you got brain
damage? We need
to do something now.
Aeneas get up slowly.
AENEAS
We are going to rest.
So that tomorrow
in case we don’t
get rescued. We
can go look for help.
BRYAN
Why not now?
AENEAS
It’s dark?
BRYAN
So. You scared of
the dark?
AENEAS
I don’t know what’s
in that water.
BRYAN
You serious?
AENEAS
Yeah it’s Louisiana.
Anything can be
out in that water.
BRYAN
Theirs dead bodies
out their.
AENEAS
Yeah.
BRYAN
This shitt sucks so
much ass! Got damn
it!
Aeneas lays back down and Bryan does the same.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
So much ass.
AENEAS
You’re worried about
her? Aren't you?
BRYAN
Yes.
AENEAS
Trust me she’s fine.
She’s probably more
worried about you.
INT. TEXAS HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Brandy is watching television.
CNN REPORTER (ON TV)
The flooding is
massive. It is truly
unprecedented. The
rescue effort has gone
into the night. As
thousands of people
wait for help all over
Louisiana’s lower
ninth ward. Also
the super dome has
turned into a shelter.
BRANDY
God…
She shakes her head.
CNN REPORTER
A lot of people are
in need of help. This
is truly one of the worse
disasters in American
history...
Brandy turns off the television and begins to cry.
EXT. TRIGGERS HOUSE - ROOF - MORNING (AUGUST 31, 2005)
JASON
The water isn’t
going down.
TRIGGER
How you know?
JASON
The levees broke.
They need to pump
the water out. It
might take a while.
Jason stands up.
JASON (CONT'D)
You see that?
Trigger and Jason stair into the night.
TRIGGER
What am I looking
for?
JASON
That light!
TRIGGER
Were?
JASON
Hey! Hey!
A light shines by them.
TRIGGER
Hey!
Trigger and Jason are jumping up and down.
JASON
Hey! Over here!
A boat is heading for them.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE - ROOF - MORNING
A helicopter passes by Aeneas and Bryan. Aeneas picks up his head and watches it fly
away.
AENEAS
Come on.
Aeneas puts his head back down.
BRYAN
This is bull shitt!
AENEAS
Don’t worry about
that. Are you ready
for today?
BRYAN
Very.
AENEAS
Okay lets go.
Aeneas stands up and walks to the edge of the roof.
BRYAN
This sucks. I just
hope grandma is okay.
AENEAS
She better be, she’s
in the hospital after
all.
BRYAN
They got generators
and shitt.
AENEAS
Right...
Bryan puts his head back down.
BRYAN
Where to first?
AENEAS
The ground.
Aeneas jumps off the roof and splashes in to the water.
BRYAN
Damn!
Bryan gets up and looks at Aeneas.
AENEAS
Come on!
BRYAN
Damn!
Bryan jumps.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE - FRONT YARD - NOON
BRYAN
What are you doing?
Bryan and Aeneas are waist deep in water. Aeneas is stretching his hands.
AENEAS
Getting ready.
BRYAN
For what?
AENEAS
A long walk.
BRYAN
Hell yeah.
AENEAS
The water stinks. If
you don’t want to
smell that all day,
we got to move fast.
BRYAN
Let’s go.
Aeneas points towards the street.
AENEAS
This way.
BRYAN
Are you ready?
Aeneas laughs.
AENEAS
For what?
BRYAN
Adventure and shitt.
Bryan holds up his camera.
AENEAS
Always...
Aeneas and Bryan begin to move through the water.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET - DAY
Trigger jumps of a boat, into waist deep water.
TRIGGER
Damn!
JASON
Hell no. Where are
we?
TRIGGER
This is bull.
The boat starts to move away.
JASON
Ass holes.
TRIGGER
What you expect?
Their cops, we should
be grateful they brought
us this far.
JASON
For real. Hey, what
was that shitt they
had?
TRIGGER
What? The blow
torch and shovels?
JASON
Yeah. What’s that
all about.
TRIGGER
Their going to hit
a lik.
JASON
For real? The cops?
TRIGGER
Yeah.
JASON
That’s crazy.
Robbing during a
flood.
TRIGGER
That’s New Orleans.
JASON
True.
TRIGGER
We got to keep
moving.
JASON
Super dome?
TRIGGER
That’s what they
said.
JASON
This is bull shitt!
I’m hungry!
Jason and Trigger start moving.
TRIGGER
I’ve never been to
the super dome.
Jason spits.
JASON
Neither have I.
The Saints suck.
EXT. WILL HOUSE - ROOF - DAY
Will is standing up on his roof.
WILL
Baby?
He moves over slowly next to Lorena.
WILL (CONT'D)
You okay?
WILL (CONT'D)
Baby?
Lorena pick her head up.
LORENA
I’m tired.
Will stands up and looks around.
WILL
I know. Don’t worry
were going to be okay.
We already got through
the worst part.
LORENA
I know. I just wish
someone would come
soon.
WILL
Me to...
EXT. LOWER NINTH WARD - STREET - DAY
The sun is covers Trigger’s face.
TRIGGER
Where we at?
JASON
I don’t know exactly.
TRIGGER
So where are we
going?
JASON
Straight.
TRIGGER
Why the hell are
we going straight?
Jason points at a cemetery.
JASON
The cemetery is up
their.
Jason and Trigger stop walking.
TRIGGER
So?
JASON
That’s how I know
I’m heading down
town. I always pass
by the cemetery.
TRIGGER
Fuck it.
Jason begins to move again.
JASON
Come on.
Trigger follows.
EXT. WILL HOUSE - ROOF - AFTERNOON
Will and Lorena are lying down. Suddenly Will gets up.
WILL
Wake up baby.
The sound of a boat is getting closer to them.
WILL (CONT'D)
Where are you?
Will looks around.
WILL (CONT'D)
Come on. Where
are you?
Will sees a boat headed for him.
WILL (SHOUTING) (CONT'D)
Hey! Hey! Stop!
An old white man in a boat pulls up next to the roof.
MAN IN BOAT
You okay?
The boats loud motor makes it hard to hear.
WILL
No! My wife is
pregnant! She
needs help!
MAN IN BOAT
I got people I need
to help! I can’t take
you right now. I’ll
come back.
Will shakes his head side to side.
WILL
No! You go to
help us!
MAN IN BOAT
I cant!
WILL
You have to!
The man in boat stairs at Will and Lorena.
MAN IN BOAT
Damn. Okay come
on.
WILL
Thank you.
Will moves over to Lorena.
WILL (CONT'D)
Come on.
LORENA
Okay.
Lorena gets up slowly.
MAN IN BOAT
Where to?
WILL
Somewhere with
help.
MAN IN BOAT
I cant go to far. I got people
waiting for me. But I’ll
take you were the water
is more shallow. That
way you can walk
to the next town.
Will helps Lorena on the boat.
WILL
Anywhere but here.
MAN IN BOAT
Okay. I can get
you near a bridge.
WILL
Where does it lead?
MAN IN BOAT
Gretna...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET - AFTERNOON
Aeneas and Bryan are passing by a cemetery. The water is knee deep.
BRYAN
Almost their?
AENEAS
You see that
building?
BRYAN
All I see is a
cemetery.
AENEAS
Don’t worry, I
remember passing
by this cemetery.
Every time I went
downtown.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET - DAY
Trigger and Jason are walking on the other side of the same cemetery.
TRIGGER
Hold up.
JASON
Why.
Jason stops walking and turns to Trigger.
TRIGGER
Look.
Trigger points at Bryan.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET
Bryan spots Trigger.
BRYAN
Shitt.
AENEAS
What?
BRYAN
Trouble…
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - UNKNOWN FLOODED AREA - BOAT (MOVING)
Will is holding on to a weak Lorena.
WILL
Got any water?
MAN IN BOAT
No. All out.
WILL
Almost their?
MAN IN BOAT
Yep.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET
Trigger and Bryan are face to face.
TRIGGER
Long time no see.
AENEAS
Who is this guy?
Aeneas steps between Bryan and Trigger.
TRIGGER
Yo step off.
AENEAS
You think your
tough? Huh?
TRIGGER
I don’t know who
you are-BRYAN
--Yo chill.
AENEAS
What’s this about?
TRIGGER
It’s not your
business.
AENEAS
Anything that has to
do with my brother,
is my business.
Aeneas moves closer to Trigger.
TRIGGER
Alright. I want
my money. He
owes me.
AENEAS
For what?
TRIGGER
Some killa.
AENEAS
Some what?
JASON
Weed fool!
BRYAN
I didn't owe you
when we were cool.
AENEAS
What?
BRYAN
He use to date
Brandy.
TRIGGER
Man I dropped
that bitch!
BRYAN
Hey man that’s
my girl.
Bryan and Trigger get closer to each other.
TRIGGER
Man whatever!
Trigger pushes Bryan.
AENEAS
Hey! Chill out!
TRIGGER
Ya need to give
me my paper!
BRYAN
How? Huh?
TRIGGER
I don’t give a shitt?
JASON
Yo white boy!
BRYAN
What?
JASON
Just pay up.
AENEAS
Pay up? Okay fine
let’s all go to the
local bank. I think
they close at six
today.
TRIGGER
You know what
forget this. Let’s
bounce.
Trigger starts to move away.
AENEAS
Wait.
TRIGGER
What?
BRYAN
Yeah what?
Bryan stairs at Aeneas with a blank face.
AENEAS
Where you headed?
JASON
Downtown.
They all stop moving.
AENEAS
So are we.
TRIGGER
And?
AENEAS
Four is better then
two. Trigger and Jason
look at each other.
TRIGGER
Hell no! No way.
JASON
Yo man, it sounds
cool.
TRIGGER
What?
BRYAN
I don’t like the
idea either.
AENEAS
Look we can get
through this faster.
If we all work together.
Who knows what else
can happen.
Aeneas pick up his hands.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
No one expected this.
JASON
Sounds cool.
TRIGGER
Alright. That way
I can keep you’re
punk ass close.
Trigger points at Bryan.
BRYAN
This is a bad idea.
AENEAS
It’s not that bad.
BRYAN
Why doesn’t someone
just come save us.
AENEAS
Maybe you I was
right. Maybe no
one is watching.
INT. TEXAS HOTEL ROOM
Brandy has the television on.
NEWS REPORTER
Some people as you
can see.
Two white man are holdings grocery bags.
NEWS REPORTER (CONT'D)
They have to
move through the
water, to get to food.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - UNKNOWN LOCATION – BOAT (STOPPED)
Will and Lorena get of the boat.
MAN IN BOAT
The bridge over to
Gretna is that way.
The man points straight.
WILL
Okay. Thanks for
the ride.
MAN IN BOAT
I wish I could do
more. But I got
someone I got to find.
WILL
I understand. I hope
you find that person.
MAN IN BOAT
I hope so to.
The man turns around and turns on the boat.
WILL
You ready baby.
LORENA
Yes.
WILL
Just a little bit of
walking. Okay.
LORENA
Okay.
Will puts one of Lorena’s hands over his shoulder.
WILL
I got you.
LORENA
I know...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET - AFTERNOON
Trigger is walking ahead of the group.
TRIGGER
What?
Trigger stops moving.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Ah shitt.
Trigger notices some men dressed in red and black ahead of him.
AENEAS
Why did you stop?
TRIGGER
Them fools up their.
Aeneas looks at the men.
AENEAS
What about them?
JASON
We got beef with
their ward.
Jason steps up next to Aeneas.
BRYAN
What do we do?
AENEAS
You really think their
going to start something?
TRIGGER
I don’t know.
BRYAN
Damn their looking
at us.
The gang is pointing and staring at them.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
What do we do?
AENEAS
I say we walk by
their. Fast and quiet.
TRIGGER
That’s stupid.
AENEAS
If we walk away,
we lose time.
TRIGGER
Better time then
my life.
AENEAS
What if they follow
us?
JASON
He’s right, Trigger. I
say we just walk
by them. Keep it cool.
AENEAS
It’s going to be cool.
They just went through a
storm, their not looking
for a fight.
TRIGGER
People in New Orleans
are always looking
for a fight...
JASON
What if their strapped.
AENEAS
We run...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - SOMEWHERE NEAR GRETNA
Will and Lorena are walking slowly.
LORENA
Baby.
Lorena stops walking.
WILL
Come on babe.
Just a little bit more.
LORENA
I can’t.
Will looks around.
WILL
Okay come here.
Will and Lorena walk over by a tree.
WILL (CONT'D)
Stay here.
LORENA
No.
WILL
Baby the town only
a couple of minutes
away. I’m going to
bring you some water.
LORENA
Don’t leave...
WILL
I’ll be back.
Will kisses Lorena.
WILL (CONT'D)
I love you.
LORENA
Me to...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET
Aeneas and Trigger walk ahead of Jason and Bryan.
AENEAS
Here we go.
They begin to walk by the gang. Two men are standing in front of a turned over car,
another man is on top of the car.
GANG MEMBER #1
Look at this fools.
Gang Member #1 A tall black heavy set man, stairs down Aeneas and Trigger.
GANG MEMBER #2
Say whose that?
Gang Member #2 a short skinny black man points at Trigger.
GANG MEMBER #1
I don’t know.
GANG MEMBER #2
Man that’s what’s his name. From the sixth ward.
GANG MEMBER #3
Who.
Gang Member #3 a shirtless black man stands on top of the car.
GANG MEMBER #2
That’s trigg.
GANG MEMBER #1
Yeah?
GANG MEMBER #2
Let’s move on this fools.
They begin to move quickly.
GANG MEMBER #1
Say fool! What were ward you from?
He points at Trigger.
GANG MEMBER #2
Huh nigga?
Trigger stands motionless.
TRIGGER
6th ward bitch!
AENEAS
Fuck! Go!
\Trigger and Bryan run left into an alley, while Aeneas and Jason run right headed
towards a small store.
GANG MEMBER #1
That way!
Gang Member #1 and Gang Member #2 run left and Gang Member #3 runs right.
INT. SMALL STORE - AISLE
Aeneas and Jason are hiding in a grocery aisle.
JASON
Oh shitt.
AENEAS
Be quiet.
Gang Member #3 walks into the store. The store is dark and their is debris everywhere.
GANG MEMBER #3
Here we go.
Gang Member #3 takes out a 9mm gun and begins maneuvering around the store.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET
Trigger and Bryan are running through an alley.
BRYAN
This way!
They take a sharp right.
TRIGGER
Hold up!
Trigger tries to catch up to Bryan.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Hold up.
BRYAN
We got to keep moving.
TRIGGER
Damn!
Dead end.
BRYAN
Shitt.
They hear voices getting closer.
GANG MEMBER #1
Where they at?
The Gang Members stop running. In front of them stand a trapped Trigger and Bryan.
GANG MEMBER #1 (CONT'D)
You in the wrong ward homeboys.
Gang member #1 points the gun at Trigger.
GANG MEMBER #1 (CONT'D)
What the-Suddenly an ALLIGATOR SNAPS at Gang Member #1 arm.
GANG MEMBER #1 (CONT'D)
Oh shitt!
Gang member #1 SHOOTS at the alligator, but it doesn’t slow it.
GANG MEMBER #1 (CONT'D)
Ah!
The alligator TEARS into the arm of Gang Member #1.
GANG MEMBER #1 (CONT'D)
Get him off!
The alligator moves quickly and brings down gang member #1 into the water.
GANG MEMBER #2
Come on dawg!
Gang Member #2 tries to help but the alligator continues to wrestle away Gang Member
#1.
GANG MEMBER #2 (CONT'D)
Shitt!
GANG MEMBER #1 (SHOUTING)
Help me!
Both gang members faces are covered in blood.
GANG MEMBER #1 (CONT'D)
Ah!
Gang member #1 is tries to punch the alligator in the eye.
GANG MEMBER #2
Where’s the gun?
TRIGGER
Let’s go man!
Bryan has his mouth open hypnotized by the scene in front of him.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Come on!
Trigger shakes Bryan.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Come on!
BRYAN
Okay.
They run by the two gang members still trying to fight off the alligator.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Shitt.
Trigger kicks something under his feet.
TRIGGER
Hold up.
Trigger brings up a gun.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Move!
Trigger pushes Bryan.
BRYAN
What about them?
Bryan points at the gang members struggling with the alligator.
TRIGGER
What about them?
Bryan shakes his heads and then begins to run.
INT. SMALL STORE - AISLE
Aeneas and Jason are moving around slowly, they are three aisle away from Gang
Member #3..
GANG MEMBER #3
You’re boys are probably already toast.
Gang member #3 jumps into an aisle with his gun pointed.
GANG MEMBER #3 (CONT'D)
Damn! Not here.
He continues to move to the next aisle slowly.
GANG MEMBER #3 (CONT'D)
Come on...
Aeneas begin to look around.
AENEAS (WHISPERS)
Give me that.
Aeneas points at a can off food.
GANG MEMBER #3
Ya heard the fire go off earlier.
Yeah, I know ya did. Ya heard that lead go off.
Gang member #2 stalks the second aisle.
AENEAS (WHISPERS)
When I throw it run, towards the back door.
JASON (WHISPERS)
Okay.
Aeneas throws the can over to the next aisle.
GANG MEMBER #3
Here we go!
Gang member #3 runs into the aisle SHOOTING.
AENEAS
Go!
GANG MEMBER #3
Damn!
Aeneas and Jason run towards the back door as Gang member #3 follows.
EXT. STORE - BACK ALLEY
Aeneas and Jason BURST out the back door.
AENEAS
Come on!
They run fast heading for the street.
GANG MEMBER #3
I’m going to fuck ya up!
Gang member #3 points his gun and fires.
JASON (SHOUTING)
Ah!
Jason gets hits on his shoulders and falls into the water.
AENEAS
Damn!
Aeneas helps Jason up.
JASON
Ah shitt!
Jason is soaking wet and bleeding from his shoulder.
AENEAS
Come on get up!
GANG MEMBER #3
Don’t bother.
Gang member #3 is breathing heavily.
GANG MEMBER #3 (CONT'D)
It’s over.
BOOM! A shot goes off.
TRIGGER
Yeah, it is.
Gang Member #3 body falls to the ground disappearing into the water.
AENEAS
Shitt...
Aeneas helps Jason up.
TRIGGER
You alright?
JASON
Yeah.
Jason leans on Trigger.
AENEAS
You okay?
Aeneas moves towards Bryan and hugs him.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
I thought you were dead.
Aeneas looks at Bryan face.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
What’s wrong?
BRYAN
Nothing.
Bryan stairs at some of Gang Member #3 body.
AENEAS
Hey, shitt happens. It was us or them.
TRIGGER
That’s right.
AENEAS
How did ya get away?
Bryan looks down.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Trigger?
TRIGGER
They got tore up...
EXT. GRETNA - BRIDGE
Will is running on a bridge.
WILL
Finally.
Will sees two cops, and two cop cars in front of him blocking the middle of the bridge.
WILL (CONT'D)
About time.
Will begins to run to them.
WILL (CONT'D)
Hey! Hey!
The police do not respond to Will.
WILL (CONT'D)
Shitt!
Will finally reaches the cops.
WILL (CONT'D)
I need help.
Will is breathing heavily.
COP #1
Turn around.
WILL
What?
COP #1
Turn around.
Cop #1 a heavy set tall white man with dark glasses points his shotgun at Will.
WILL
Turn around?
COP #1
Yes. Turn around.
WILL
I need some help.
Cop #2 a short stocky white man walks up to Will.
COP #2
He said turn around.
WILL
Look man you got help me.
COP #2
I’m going to count to three. And you better be gone boy...
Cop #2 points his shot gun towards Will face.
COP #2 (CONT'D)
One.
WILL
I’m not moving.
\Will stands motionless.
COP #2
Two.
COP #1
You better leave boy.
WILL
I’m not moving.
Will eyes are getting watery.
COP #2
Get the fuck out of here.
COP #1
God damn it! We cant help you!
WILL
That’s your job.
COP #2
We’re not going to let you people, over run our city.
COP #1
Three.
BOOM! A shot goes off into the air.
COP #1 (CONT'D)
Damn it!
Cop #1 walks up to Will.
COP #1 (CONT'D)
You really want to try me? You think you’re the first black
trying to get through.
Will face is turning red as he bits his upper lip.
COP #1 (CONT'D)
Just give me a reason boy.
WILL
I don’t want to get through. Just give me some water.
COP #1
Hell no! Get!
Cop #1 PUNCHES Will in the stomach.
COP #1 (CONT'D)
Get!
Will falls to one knee. Cop #2 looks away.
COP #1 (CONT'D)
Fuck!
WILL
I’m not leaving. Your going to have to kill me.
COP #1
I said get!
Cop #1 PUNCHES Will in the face. Will falls to the floor and gets back up with a bloody
lip.
WILL
No.
COP #1
God damn it!
Cop #1 PUNCHES Will in the face again. Will falls to the ground again.
WILL
No.
COP #1
Okay. You asked for it.
Cop #1 points his shot gun at Will.
COP #1 (CONT'D)
I told you to leave.
Cop #1 puts the shot gun next to Will head.
COP #2
That’s enough!
Cop #2 pushes Cop #1 away.
COP #2 (CONT'D)
Here! Now get out of here!
Cop #2 puts a gallon of water next to Will face.
COP #1
If we help him! The hole town is going to be over run!
COP #2
You wont tell anyone while you? Huh?
Will grabs the gallon of water and gets up.
COP #2 (CONT'D)
While you?
Cop #2 points his gun at Will.
WILL
No. I don’t wish this on anybody.
Will turns around and starts to limp away. The Two cops stand their staring at him.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Downtown is pitch black. Aeneas is walking ahead of Bryan and Trigger. Jason has
stopped to pee.
BRYAN
Hey man!
JASON
What?
BRYAN
That’s nasty!
JASON
Whatever. My pees probably cleaner then the water.
Aeneas stops walking.
AENEAS
Okay.
TRIGGER
Okay what?
AENEAS
This is where our partnership ends.
TRIGGER
Why where you going?
AENEAS
We got someone to check on.
Aeneas points at Bryan. Bryan shakes his head up and down.
TRIGGER
Okay man. Cool.
JASON
Yo hold up! What we doing?
BRYAN
We separating man.
JASON
Why?
TRIGGER
They got business to handle. Their business not ours.
AENEAS
Good luck.
Aeneas shakes Trigger hand.
BRYAN
We cool?
TRIGGER
Yeah. Squash that shitt. We cool.
BRYAN
Alright man.
JASON
Yeah we all cool.
Jason holds up his hand. Aeneas and Bryan just stair at him.
TRIGGER
Put your hands down nigga!
Jason smiles.
JASON
My bad.
Aeneas and Bryan smile, as they begin to walk away.
TRIGGER
Nasty ass.
JASON
Whatever man.
Jason and Trigger begin walking deeper into downtown.
EXT. GRETNA - NEAR BRIDGE - NIGHT
Will is walking in the dark towards some trees. He looks around and sees nobody.
WILL
Lorena?
Will looks around.
WILL (CONT'D)
Lorena?
He stairs at the empty tree.
WILL (SHOUTING) (CONT'D)
Lorena!
Will drops the gallon of water.
WILL (CONT'D)
Lorena!
Will falls to his knees and begins to cry.
LORENA
Will! Are you okay?
Will jumps up and looks behind him.
WILL
I thought.
Will runs towards her and hugs her crying.
LORENA
I’m okay. I was worried about you I heard gun shots.
Will stairs at her.
LORENA (CONT'D)
What happen to your face?
WILL
They...
Will notices the man in the boat in front of him.
WILL (CONT'D)
What?
Will points at the man standing on the boat.
LORENA
Oh. He and his wife helped me. He came back to help us.
WILL
I?
The man and his wife are staring to him and Lorena.
LORENA
Babe. What happened?
WILL
What?
Will is still staring at the man and his wife.
LORENA
What happened to you’re face?
WILL
I... I fell.
LORENA
You fell?
WILL
Yeah, I was a moving to fast.
Lorena kisses Will and hugs him.
LORENA
I’m sorry. It’s my fault.
WILL
No it’s okay. It’s no ones fault.
Lorena turns around.
LORENA
Where are you headed?
MAN IN BOAT
Home.
WILL
Isn’t New Orleans your home?
MAN IN BOAT
No. My wife’s.
Will and Lorena stair at the man.
MAN IN BOAT (CONT'D)
We we’re separated.
The man in the boat hugs his wife.
MAN IN BOAT (CONT'D)
But when I heard of the flooding. I came. I can’t let her
down.
WILL
I know the feeling.
Will kisses Lorena.
MAN IN BOAT
Come on! You can do that later.
Will and Lorena kiss and smile.
WILL
Yes we can...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS DOWNTOWN - STREET – NIGHT
Trigger and Jason are walking down the street. Trigger has
his head down.
JASON
Damn...
Trigger picks up his head and sees the super dome.
TRIGGER
Shitt.
In front of Jason and Trigger is a chaotic scene. People are everywhere, jamming and
pushing their way into the super dome. Some people are lying on the floor motionless.
Nurses and aid workers are moving around franticly but are out numbered by the
multitude of people.
JASON
Do we go?
TRIGGER
Were else do we go?
Trigger and Jason stair at each other.
JASON
It’s got to be better inside.
TRIGGER
I doubt it...
Trigger puts his arm around Jason.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
But we can take it. We’re from New Orleans.
Trigger and Jason begin to move towards the super dome.
INT. TEXAS HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Brandy and her family are watching television.
CNN REPORTER
Those are images of people looting in the streets.
The television shows some black man holding some bags.
BRANDY
Bull shitt!
INT. NEW ORLEANS - UNKNOWN STORE
Aeneas trying to get comfortable on the floor. A small fire has been light on a torn trash
can.
BRYAN
You think we should have gone to the super dome.
AENEAS
Maybe. But we made a promise. I’m just glad we found
food.
BRYAN
Yeah me too.
Bryan looks at some empty cans of tuna on the floor.
BRYAN (CONT’D)
Do you think she is still their?
AENEAS
What do you think?
Bryan looks at his chicken bone necklace.
BRYAN
I have a feeling. I’m just glad Brandy is okay.
Bryan puts his head down and closes his eyes.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - UNKNOWN STREET –
MORNING (SEPTEMBER 1, 2005)
Aeneas and Bryan are walking down a flooded street. The water is knee deep.
AENEAS
You okay?
BRYAN
Yeah. Just tired.
AENEAS
Are we close?
BRYAN
Yep. The problems the water.
AENEAS
I know.
BRYAN
What if the water keeps getting higher?
AENEAS
We swim.
BRYAN
Damn.
AENEAS
What. You don’t want to go?
Aeneas stops moving.
BRYAN
I’m just tired. I can’t be tired?
Bryan stops moving.
AENEAS
You sound like a punk.
BRYAN
What! After all we’ve been through! Please tell me, that’s
some marine bull shitt, motivational speech.
AENEAS (SHOUTING)
It’s all bull shitt to you? Huh? The marines messed up my
head? Is that what you think?
Aeneas walks up to Bryan.
BRYAN
What? Man forget you.
Bryan pushes Aeneas.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
You always got to bring up that American hero attitude.
Fuck you.
Bryan picks up his hands.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Look around hero. No one gives a shitt what you do over
here. Or over their.
AENEAS
Your wrong. Don’t believe the shitt the television tells you.
We’re helping people.
BRYAN
Yeah some fucking liberators.
AENEAS
Fuck you. You’re just a punk.
BRYAN
The armed forces aren't helping anybody.
AENEAS
How do you know? Huh? You’re here! I was their!
Aeneas pushes Bryan.
BRYAN
And what did you see? Was it help? Is that what you
remember?
Aeneas stays quiet and turns around.
AENEAS
You don’t know a damn thing.
BRYAN
You’re right maybe I don’t. Maybe the Iraq war is the
greatest thing to ever happen to Iraq, and it’s people.
Bryan walks up to Aeneas.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
But what about our people?
AENEAS
What?
BRYAN
Where’s the army now? I sure could use some help. How
about you?
AENEAS
You've seen the helicopters the boats. Their is dedicated
people working their ass off to help!
Bryan shakes his head.
BRYAN
Yeah, maybe. But their should be more. But you know
what I do see a lot off. Dead bodies. Everywhere. They
could have used some marines, they could have used some
fucking liberators!
AENEAS
You think this is our fault? We did this? You don’t know
the sacrifice we make. The many families who suffer, so
you can have the right to stay home and protest. We die
with pride to defend this nation.
BRYAN
That’s not what you’re doing over their. It’s political bull
shitt.
AENEAS
We don’t give a shitt. Were soldiers we follow orders.
BRYAN
Well I question your orders and you.
AENEAS
Don’t ever question us. Question the leaders you put in
charge and question yourself. But never us. We follow
orders no matter what...
Bryan moves away.
EXT. SOMEWHERE NEAR NEW ORLEANS - BOAT (MOVING)
Will and Lorena are sitting on a boat.
LORENA
Wow.
WILL
What?
LORENA
I can’t believed all that happened.
Will smiles.
WILL
We made it.
Will kisses Lorena.
LORENA
Yeah. But again, next time we take off.
Will and Lorena smile.
WILL
Yes baby. Next time, where gone.
Will and Lorena kiss.
INT. NEW ORLEANS - SUPER DOME - DAY
It’s very loud inside the crowded super dome. People are occupying every space
available. The rest room lines are packed and some people urinate while in line. Jason
and Trigger are standing by a wall.
JASON
Damn, this place is fucked up!
TRIGGER
Hell yeah.
Trigger looks around.
JASON
Look at this shitt!
Jason points at someone lying on the floor.
JASON (CONT'D)
The guy needs help.
TRIGGER
Yo chill.
JASON
Chill? We need to help him.
TRIGGER
No. We need to take care of ourselves.
Jason stairs down Trigger.
JASON
No. We need to help.
TRIGGER
Whatever man. That’s your deal.
JASON
Yeah, it is...
Jason moves next to the man on the floor.
JASON (CONT'D)
You okay.
The man on the floor doesn't answer.
JASON (CONT'D)
Come on.
Jason tries to pick up the man.
JASON (CONT'D)
Hey?
Jason struggles to lift him.
JASON (CONT'D)
Damn. Hold up okay. I’ll get some help.
The man on the floor moves his head up and down.
TRIGGER
Don’t have to.
Trigger grabs the man’s legs.
TRIGGER (CONT'D)
Come on. Help me out.
Jason smiles.
JASON
Already...
Jason grabs the man, and with Trigger help picks the man up.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - STREET - DAY
Aeneas and Bryan are walking through a flooded street. All the buildings around them
are empty and damaged. Some of the cars are up on the sidewalk.
BRYAN
You going to be quiet all day?
AENEAS
I don’t need to talk to you.
BRYAN
Look.
Bryan points at a man coming their way. The man is limping towards them, he is dressed
like a fisherman.
MAN ON STREET
Hey! Hey!
The man stops walking in front of Aeneas.
MAN ON STREET (CONT'D)
You're going the wrong way. Everything is flooded back
their.
The man points behind him.
AENEAS
We got to get to Memorial Hospital.
MAN ON STREET
Why? You wont get help their.
BRYAN
Our grandma is their.
The man stairs at Bryan.
MAN ON STREET
Is she really sick.
BRYAN
No. She was set to be released.
MAN ON STREET
Then you should leave her their. Unless you plan to swim.
BRYAN
We cant.
MAN ON STREET
Why?
BRYAN
We promised.
AENEAS
Look we don't need your help. But we appreciate you’re
information.
MAN ON STREET
Okay. But I hope you can swim like a fish.
The man begins to limp away.
AENEAS
More like a marine.
The man smiles.
MAN ON STREET
You a marine?
AENEAS
Yeah?
MAN ON STREET
Why ain't you in the shitt?
AENEAS
I got into an accident. So the marine core sent me on a
vacation.
Aeneas points at the scene around him.
MAN ON STREET
Vacation?
AENEAS
Yeah, a vacation...
Everyone stays quiet. The man stairs at Aeneas. Then walks up to Aeneas, and begins to
laugh hysterically.
MAN ON STREET
Okay.
Aeneas and Bryan begin to laugh.
MAN IN BOAT
Tell you what. I left my boat about two blocks down that
way.
The man points towards the more flooded streets.
MAN ON STREET
It’s a piece of shitt, but you can use it.
BRYAN
Thanks.
AENEAS
Thank you.
MAN IN BOAT
No. Thank you son.
Aeneas and the man shake hands. And the man then begins to walk away.
MAN IN BOAT (CONT'D)
A vacation...
The man shakes his head and laughs as he walks away.
INT. NEW ORLEANS - SUPER DOME - DAY
Trigger is smoking a cigarette.
JASON
Those things will kill you.
Jason walks up to Trigger.
TRIGGER
You want one?
JASON
Hell yeah.
Trigger gives Jason a cigarette.
TRIGGER
So what now?
JASON
I heard buses are moving people everywhere. Especially to
Texas.
TRIGGER
Texas?
JASON
Houston.
TRIGGER
So what do we do?
JASON
Well you want to stay here?
Trigger looks around at the packed stadium.
TRIGGER
Guess not.
JASON
Sure? I heard the mayor coming.
Jason smiles.
TRIGGER
Yeah I’m sure. I wouldn't stay for the president.
INT. TEXAS HOTEL ROOM
Brandy is walking around in circles.
BRANDY
Damn it!
She points the remote and turns on the television.
NEWS REPORTER
The president is working close with Fema, to try to get
some help to some of this people. They have as you know
so far been criticized for taking to long, to respond to the
storm.
BRANDY
Bastards. Didn't take them this long to invade Iraq.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - ON BOAT(MOVING) - AFTERNOON
Aeneas and Bryan are on a small crappy boat. They are maneuvering the boat around a
hospital.
AENEAS
Where do we park?
BRYAN
Close to those doors.
Bryan points at the emergency entrance.
AENEAS
I see it.
Aeneas moves close to the large emergency doors.
BRYAN
Shitt.
Bryan jumps off the boat, into the waist deep water.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Give me the rope.
Aeneas tosses some rope. Bryan moves towards a pillar and ties the boat.
AENEAS
Good.
Aeneas jumps off the boat.
BRYAN
Hope they work.
Bryan walks up to the automatically opening hospital doors.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Damn.
They don’t open.
AENEAS
It’s okay.
Aeneas stick his fingers between the door, and begins to open them.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Come on.
Aeneas and Bryan walk in.
INT. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - FIRST FLOOR
Aeneas and Bryan are walking down a dark hallway. Some of the lights flicker on and
off.
BRYAN
This is creepy.
AENEAS
I’m glad we decided to come for grandma.
BRYAN
For real.
All of a sudden a white foam come out of nowhere.
AENEAS
What the fuck!
Aeneas and Bryan are covered in it.
BRYAN
It’s a nurse.
Bryan points at a nurse with a fire extinguisher.
NURSE
Get out of here!
She sprays Bryan again.
BRYAN
Stop! Where here for our grandma.
Bryan closes his eyes and retreats backwards.
NURSE
No you’re not! You’re hear to steal drugs! Fucking junkies!
AENEAS
No where not.
Aeneas moves close to the nurse.
NURSE
Get out of here! You junkies!
AENEAS
Look were not junkies.
NURSE
Okay. What’s your grandmas name?
BRYAN
Mary Williams.
The nurse puts the fire extinguisher down.
NURSE
Why dint you just say so.
The nurse begins to move away quickly down the hallway.
NURSE (CONT'D)
Come on!
Aeneas and Bryan follow the nurse.
INT. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - SECOND FLOOR
Aeneas and Bryan stand in front of a door.
BRYAN
Here?
NURSE
Yes. Open it.
Then nurse begins to walk away.
AENEAS
Open it.
Bryan begins to open the door.
BRYAN
It looks empty.
Bryan walks into the dark hospital room.
INT. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - HOSPITAL ROOM
Aeneas and Bryan begin to look around. The two beds are empty.
Aeneas tries to open the bathroom door.
AENEAS
It’s locked.
Aeneas tries harder to open it.
BRYAN
It must be locked from the inside.
Bryan tries to help Aeneas.
AENEAS
We got to open it.
BRYAN (SHOUTING)
Hello? Hello?
Bryan looks around.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Wait. Why do we have to open it?
AENEAS
She could be in their and might need help.
BRYAN
Grandma! You in their?
Aeneas takes out a gun.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
We’re did you get that?
AENEAS
Trigger gave it to me.
BRYAN
What? Why?
AENEAS
He didn't want it. Seems he doesn't enjoy killing.
Aeneas points the gun at the door.
BRYAN
Hold up!
AENEAS
What is it?
BRYAN
What are you doing?
AENEAS
Opening it.
BRYAN
With a gun? Are you crazy what if you shoot grandma?
AENEAS
I wont. I can handle a gun. Marine training. Better this than
kick the door open.
BRYAN
Hold up.
Bryan points toward the open door behind them. A doctor is walking towards the door,
followed by a nurse and an old lady.
AENEAS
Okay.
Aeneas puts the gun away.
BRYAN
I think that's.
The doctor walks in.
DOCTOR
Thanks for not shooting.
The nurse followed by an old lady walk in .
BRYAN
Grandma.
GRANDMA
I knew you would come.
Aeneas and Bryan hug their grandma.
AENEAS
Why is that door locked? We though you we’re stuck in
their.
GRANDMA
No sweet heart the door is jammed.
NURSE
I’m sorry about earlier.
BRYAN
It’s okay. We understand.
Aeneas walks over to the doctor.
AENEAS
How’s the hospital holding up?
DOCTOR
Looters! And no right now I wouldn't call this a hospital.
AENEAS
What would you call it?
DOCTOR
I’ll be calling it a morgue soon, if we don’t get help.
AENEAS
Grandma you okay.
GRANDMA
It’s so good to see you.
She hugs and kisses Aeneas.
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
I prayed for you every day.
AENEAS
Thank you.
GRANDMA
No. Thank you.
Aeneas hugs his grandma.
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
You ready to go?
AENEAS
Yeah you?
GRANDMA
Very.
She looks at Bryan.
GRANDMA (CONT'D)
And you?
She grabs Bryan and kisses him.
BRYAN
Let’s go.
AENEAS
Wait.
BRYAN
What.
Aeneas looks at the doctor.
AENEAS
Are you going to be okay?
DOCTOR
I don't know.
AENEAS
It’s a hospital?
DOCTOR
You keep saying that. But look around. We got very sick
people suffering, and I don’t know how I’m going to help
them.
AENEAS
I’m sorry.
DOCTOR
That doesn't help me.
NURSE
Not even a little.
Aeneas shakes his head.
DOCTOR
Take your grandma. She’s been cleared. We’re going to try
our best with the rest of the patients.
The doctor begins to close the door.
AENEAS
Good luck.
The doctor walks out the door.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - ON BOAT(MOVING)
Aeneas steers the boat through the flooded city. Bryan and his grandma sit in front of the
boat.
GRANDMA
My god. It’s so bad.
BRYAN
I know grandma.
Bryan hugs her.
GRANDMA
I wonder what where going to do?
AENEAS
Rebuild...
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - GAS STATION - DAY (DECEMBER 12, 2005)
Aeneas exits a gas station, and passes by a group of Mexican workers. He walks over to
the gas pump and begins to fill his truck. Suddenly Aeneas hears the sound of a window
lowering.
BRYAN
Wow, that’s a lot of Mexicans.
Bryan sticks his head out of the driver side door.
AENEAS
Yep.
BRYAN
Where they come from?
AENEAS
Everywhere. And their not all Mexicans.
BRYAN
Maybe not. But their all illegal.
AENEAS
That doesn’t matter. At least not now.
BRYAN
What do you mean it doesn’t matter? What if someone calls
immigration?
AENEAS
No ones going to call immigration. Not while theirs work
to be done, maybe latter when we don’t need them
anymore.
Bryan shakes his head up and down and raises the window. Aeneas finishes pumping gas
and walks over to the passenger side door and gets in.
INT. NEW ORLEANS STREET - TRUCK(MOVING)
Bryan and Aeneas are driving down their old neighborhood. All around them their are
damaged homes.
BRYAN
This is crazy.
Bryan points to graffiti on some homes.
AENEAS
That’s how they marked the homes, that had dead bodies.
BRYAN
That’s a lot of houses.
AENEAS
Yeah...
Aeneas rolls down his window.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
How’s Brandy?
BRYAN
Good.
AENEAS
Is she coming back.
BRYAN
I don’t know. She took this kind of hard.
AENEAS
A lot of people did.
BRYAN
Here we go.
Bryan pull over and parks. Aeneas and Bryan get out of the truck.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE - FRONT YARD
Aeneas walks over to the opened front door.
AENEAS
You left the door open.
Aeneas smiles at Bryan then starts to walk in the home.
AENEAS (CONT'D)
Come on.
Bryan walks in the home.
INT. AENEAS HOUSE - LIVING-ROOM
Aeneas looks around at all the water damage.
AENEAS
You sure you want to live here? Seems crazy.
Bryan picks up a family portrait.
BRYAN
You sure you want to go back to Iraq? That seems crazier.
AENEAS
I got a job to do.
BRYAN
I know and so do I.
JASON
Hello? Yo hello?
Jason walks in the front door.
BRYAN
Hey what’s up!
Bryan shakes Jason’s hand.
AENEAS
Hey!
Aeneas shakes Jason’s hand.
JASON
Nice to see ya again. Dint think you would come back.
BRYAN
We’re else would we go? Ain’t no other city crazy enough
to let New Orleans people live their.
They all laugh.
JASON
True.
AENEAS
And Trigger?
JASON
It’s Michael now.
BRYAN
Michael?
AENEAS
Michael...
JASON
Yeah, Michael he changed his life. Became a Christian and
goes to a church in Houston. He decided he dint want to be
part of his past life anymore.
AENEAS
That’s crazy.
JASON
Yeah, he keeps saying god had to send a hurricane to save
his soul.
Jason smiles.
JASON (CONT'D)
What are ya up to? Ya going to rebuild?
JASON (CONT'D)
I’m going to try.
JASON (CONT'D)
And you?
He looks at Aeneas.
AENEAS
Iraq.
JASON
Alright man.
Jason shakes his head up and down.
JASON (CONT'D)
That takes balls.
BRYAN
Yeah it does.
AENEAS
So are you staying?
JASON
Hell yeah. Are you?
AENEAS
I’ll be back. Where else is their to go but home...
They all shake their heads and walk outside.
EXT. AENEAS HOUSE - FRONT YARD
Aeneas stands outside his home and looks around, Everywhere their are people. Some are
looking through what’s left of their homes. Other people are cleaning. Some kids wearing
Saint jerseys are playing football. Aeneas smiles at the scene around him.
AENEAS
Yeah, nowhere like New Orleans...
FADE OUT.