Underground Zero 1x04 "A Splinter in Time"

[Dale]

"Underground Zero"

[/b]

EPISODE 1x4 "A Splinter in Time"

EXT.WOODS-NIGHT

We open to a shot of the woods, mostly seeing the sky. It is dark, but not overtly so, with the same blue light visible from afar. Words come up that read "One Day Prior". Everything is still and silent, but then, suddenly, a noise appears. It grows louder and louder until we recognize it as the whooshing sound. A rocket ship then whips past the screen, flying high up and quickly.

Cut to a shot of another part of woods. The ship whooshes over it as well, flying into the distance.

Cut to a shot of the sky from another angle, the ground quite clear. On it, we see a cliff, with Pierre standing on top, looking down. We realize that this is the scene from episode one on a cliff. The noise comes quickly and the rocket goes straight over them too, so fast that they do not notice.

Cut to a shot of the abandoned rocket sitting there, town in the distance. The rocket whirls right over it and crosses town, but then slowly stops, hovering in the sky for a few moments.

Cut to a close shot of it, a few miles from town. It brings itself down with a loud hiss and slowly lands, planting its feet on the ground. A metallic door opens and a ramp protrudes, growing longer and longer until it touches the ground. Just then, robots begin to leave the ship, in a single filed line, until a dozen or so are gone. The ship's door then closes and with some loud noise and slow rising, the rocket raises in air and takes off again. We see a cut of the robots in the same filed line, marching to town. Cut to black.

Words appear "Present Day".

Cut to Pierre and the group where we last saw them, by the front door of the hospital, hiding behind a wall.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Pierre...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I'm thinking; just...just give me a minute

There is a moment of silence.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, we don't have ti...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I said I'm thinking, I just can't...where the hell did they come from anyways, dammit, they weren't here when we got in. They've no reason to be here now, so why are they?

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Perhaps it was the scout, it could have re-activated without us knowing, you said it had four minutes left, right? Well...it's possible.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No, if that scout was what brought them here, then that thing wouldn't have walked right past us just now, no...if it was that scout, then we'd know, trust me.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
There has to be some logical reason for this happening. Jean, you swept the perimeter, didn't you?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
A quick peak and browse, sure

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
But that should be enough, shouldn't it? I mean, if they came from some sort of...base around here, that's all it would have taken to spot it, right?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
They came from a base around here; you'd see it with your eyes closed.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
W...wh...well, they got in somehow, base or no base, and that's where we stand now, be there a...two sips landing or four.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
To tell the truth, I'm not so sure we can rule out the fact...they could have been here before all of this happened.

Everyone looks at him.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Don't know about you but when we were running in through the rain, sheets over our heads, I didn't look around to take tabs on what or what wasn't here prior.

MONICA (IN FRENCH)
He has a point, Pierre...none of us were paying attention, we could easily have missed them...its a big town, they could have been elsewhere, I suppose...maybe at the other end of the village.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No...I refuse to believe that our luck's been that good, it hasn't until now, there is no reason for us to be fortunate now.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
You call this fortunate?

Pierre grimaces and sighs.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Did anyone...we only saw one, right? Maybe that's all there is, perhaps he could have been left behind, or maybe he's here to pick up the scout, we don't...know...anything...All we realize is that there is a robot walking around the perimeter, hell, for all we know, it could be completely inoperable, walking around blind, lost in the dark.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It could, but tell me Pierre, tell me, honestly, do you really believe that? Any more then you believe that there isn't ten or so of them...just like it, within a square block from us? We've got to face facts here, we know those things don't travel alone, they couldn't afford to. We also know that there isn't a power source around here, remember Pierre, you said it yourself, right when we crossed over to the road.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, I guess I was wrong, wasn't I?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
No...no, you were right. There isn't a...you see any of their lines put up? Because if so you caught something I missed. No, there's nothing...which must mean they're fresh from a ship, fresh as within the last day or so. Now, those things move slow, I'd go so far as to say they move slower then us. They couldn't have walked a mile or two from their drop point...can't you all see what this means? They were planted here.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
But why, dammit, that's the question?...They had no way of knowing we were here, no way of telling where we'd be next. It'd have to be...sheer coincidence, nothing more.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Maybe you've overlooked something...something which might just point us to an answer to all these questions of yours.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
And whats that Jean, why don't you tell me?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
How are we so certain...that these things came here for us?

Everyone simply stares at Jean, trying to figure things out. Cut to black.

Cut back to the same situation, except everyone looks more tense then before.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Well, I'm through with this...while you two sit here and lose yourself in your thoughts, we could be acting...we could be trying to get out of here.

JEAN (IN FRENCH) [SARCASTICALLY]
We could be...? I apologize Catherine; did we forget to inform you of the possible armada off the Hospital coast?

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I'm sorry, but what those thing's motives are, or whatever they want...its none of my business, my only concern is getting back into the woods.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm glad you feel that way, Catherine, but I'm afraid those things don't follow your agenda. They spot you, they'll make it your business without any thought given to your concerns.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean's right...we can't go anywhere until we devise some sort of plan, and the only way we can do that...is by considering our resources, so how about you just sit down and...

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Fine...You and Jean take your time, plan you moves carefully, but but while you consider your "resources", may I, again, inform you that those things have resources of their own.

Pierre and Jean look stumped.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Tell me, what do you think will happen when that scout activates and detects that we've been here. We don't have the element of time we used to have...that thing sets its alarm off, whatever fleet is out there will be up in arms in a minute, tops.

Pierre and Jean look nervous, they forgot this.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
But...you can go on back to thinking if you want...only thought I'd point that out for you.

Jean makes something of a smile as he stands up.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean, did you...

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Yeah...yeah, I did.

There is a moment of silence.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well...I guess that rules all in favor of Plan Catherine...reasoning is long past, we better get moving, even if we don't know where we're goin', staying on the run's alot safer then sitting here waiting for them to find us.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
All right, but by the looks of things, those were regulars...shooters, only purpose to to seek and destroy, so don't, even for a minute, assume they are gonna find whatever they need and just walk on out of here. We can't take safety for granted, not until we reach the woods. Everyone be quiet, don't breath unless you have to, don't talk unless its too late...I'll lead us in hand movements, at least until we get past the East wing, everyone understand?

There are murmurs of agreement.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Let's head out then.

They turn to leave.

Cut to the scout. It's timer now reads two minutes.

We then cut back to the group walking down a hallways, being quiet. They reach a fork in the hallway, and everyone stops as Pierre indicates for them to wait. He then carefully walks forward to the edge of the wall. Suddenly, he crosses over and briskly walks to the other side, looking out in all directions. After he gets to the other side, he waves the rest of the group over. Afterward, Jean walks up to Pierre.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre...I've been thinking about this, all of what we're doing, and...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Keep your voice down

Jean sighs and then lowers his voice.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It's just...are you sure that we're doing the right thing, I mean, we really haven't thought about the long term effects of this, we don't even know if...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean, you’re dodging your point...now, if you have a better idea then I'd love to hear it, but it seems to me that we don't even know what the hell we're up against.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I know that, I do...it's just...why not go West instead, if we do that, we've got...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
East, West, South...Jean, I'm sorry, but I don't see your point, does it really make a difference what...

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
The difference...Pierre, is that if we go West, hang a sharp turn at the corner down the hall...plants us smack in front of the back door.

Pierre stops and faces Jean.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No...no, we're not about to...

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Yes, yes, I know its...risky, I never said it wouldn't be, its just...if we go straight East we hit a staircase and some supply rooms, now what have we got to gain from that?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
It's not simply risky, Jean, its careless, have you even begun to think about the consequences of this, I mean...

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Who's being careless Pierre? You don't think I notice, but I've seen whats happened to you, this...situation...with Monica. It's made you see what you have to lose, and I understand, but your making a huge mistake, your...you'd be leading me, Catherine...and Monica included...right into a trap, we'd only have to wait for that scout to go off and then that'd be it.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
As opposed to what, darting out the...

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
As opposed to tactics...this isn't a whim, it’s a plan. Here, take the front door...we try to take our chances, run as fast as we can, we'd need to pass...jeez, a block or two of streets before we hit the woods. Now the back door...I'm not sure, but I'd be willing to wager that there isn't a few dozen feet before tree line. Which has better odds to you?

Pierre is silent, thinking.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I know your trying to do what you think is best, but we both know our only chance to survive this is that door...its the only way.

Pierre thinks some more and then glances at the women, who are watching the two from a distance. He then glares back at Jean.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
All right...we'll go...West, we'll check the door, see if there's a possibility to make it safely out, but one last thing Jean...if this doesn't work out, that is, if this explodes right in our face...that one's gonna be on you. You'll see what it feels like and trust me...if they don't kill you, the thought of that would. I'm just saying...

Pierre turns and walks off, going west.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Don't do anything stupid just because you have a grudge to carry out. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but you’re not putting me and my wife on the hot seat to go through with it.

Pierre walks farther, indicating to the women they are going West. Jean just sits there, looking down in reflection.

Cut to the scout again. It's timer is at "One Minute". Then, suddenly, a soft beeping ensues and the light around it disappears. The red light on top of the robot flickers and then finally becomes solid. It expands to original form and starts moving a bit, then across the room to the door. It extrudes its arm, slowly and weakly, but with a growing firmness until it opens the door slightly. It leaves and enters the hall, looking in both directions before turning and heading down it. We pan up and see a sign that reads "West Wing" with an arrow pointed in the direction the robot is headed.

Cut back to the group of four. They are walking, but then stop when they hear a faint noise down the hall. Pierre quickly opens a door to a room.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, get in, quick.

They all enter, hiding behind a wall, waiting silently. From outside, we see the scout enter their hallway and come closer and closer. It reaches the door they are at and then stops. Jean frowns as he looks at it. He takes out his gun quietly. Pierre looks down and notices this. Cut back to the robot. It drops on the floor. It's indicator reads "Detecting Carbon Dioxide Levels". Jean lifts his gun and steps forward.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH) [VERY SILENTLY]
Jean, what the hell are you doing, get back here.

Jean gets closer to the scout without listening. He aims his gun at it, but right when he puts his finger on the trigger, the scout turns to him and blinks the light a few times. The indicator reads "Homing Active Units" and a shrill alarm blares. Jean then shoots the robot, destroying it.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Shit! Jean, what were you thinking?

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH
Did...did you get it...is it...did it activate?

Jean runs over to it and picks the body up, glaring at the indicator. It still has the same message. He stares for a few moments, and then the message disappears. A new one comes up- "Message Relayed- Homing Troops- Threat Realized". Jean throws the body on the ground. He whispers something.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)[SARCASTICALLY]
So Jean...what's Plan B?

Cut to Jean glaring at the floor angrily. Cut to black.

Cut the four of them again, a similar scene.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
We've got to get out of here, now!

They begin to run, except for Jean, who sits there.

JEAN (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
It didn't work dammit, he was right

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean! We don't have time, get up now! We need to make it to that door, hurry!

Jean sits for a bit more, then stands up and starts running. They get to the end of the hall and turn left, where they stop. A robot is there. It turns to face them but Pierre quickly shoots it, destroying it.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
They know we're here now, that's the end of it. The most we can do is hope they're dispersed enough to have some clearing, otherwise, we mine as well dig our graves now.

They run down the hall some more and then pass a window. Pierre stops and goes to it.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Dammit Jean, so much for your plan.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What? There's the woods right there, it's not close, but better then the front.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, but there's something you failed to mention.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
And whats that?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
See for yourself

Jean looks out the window, and we see what there is. Between the hospital and the woods is a road.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Just try to tell me they won't see us from there, just try.

Jean bangs his fist on the window.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
No! It's so close...so close.

He slinks to the ground. Head is his hands.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, now we're back to base one...it's too late to go East, there's no chance West...I suppose we have nothing to do then hide and hope they figure the scout's message is some mechanical malfunction.

Catherine points to the destroyed robot.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
And how about him? Is that bullet in his control system a mechanical malfunction as well?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Okay Catherine...what, then, hm? What else is there?

Jean stands up and then walks across the room into another door.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean, where do you think you’re going, we can't split up now, we need to find somewhere secure...Jean.

Jean walks back out with a brick.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
What the hell are you...

Jean brings his arm back and tosses the brick through the window. Everyone stares at him.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Catherine...find me some cloth, rope...and for Christ sakes, go quick.

Cut to black.

Cut to Catherine walk up to the group with some rags. Pierre has his gun drawn and is looking out the window, aiming it around.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
This is all I could gather, they're few, but they seem to be strong...between these and the towels, we should have enough to reach the ground, shouldn't we?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure Catherine, but we don't have the luxury of a test trial, start putting these together, tie end on end. If anything, it'll bring us lower to cushion the drop. It can't hurt, that's the point.

He walks over to Monica.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Monica, you'll help Catherine?

Monica walks over to her and begins tying, Jean goes to Pierre.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
See anything that might pose a threat?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Pose...pose a threat? As in, other then your plan of lunging out the window, no, Jean, there's nothing. But they're out there, all right, I know they are.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Of course they are, close too, maybe real close. But they didn't get us yet, did they?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, they're waiting for us to foul up, that's it, wait until we're an easy target, I know these Jean, don't think I don't.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Are they, Pierre?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Are they what?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Really waiting for us to...what you said...hoping we screw up?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Of course. Why do you think we're still here, those things don't choose favorites.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What if...we're still here, because we were never supposed to have been here?

Pierre looks at him.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
What are you talking about; you think...you think they just shrugged us off?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Shrugged us off or put us on the back burner for something more important.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No, that's...it's just not possible, what else could there be, this towns been unused for the last few years by the looks of it, what could be of any interest to them all the way out here, it's...it's the middle of nowhere.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure...but...though you are right, they are dangerous, and they will...given the chance, kill us...I don't think the main objective of this raid...I don't think so at all.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, let’s pray your right then, shall we?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Oh, I'm not so sure. I don't know about you, but I can't seem to decide which one frightens me most...those enemies out there...or whatever is damaging enough for them to send a fleet of troops to apprehend.

Pierre looks at Jean, who paces back to Catherine. Pierre then turns back to the window.

Cut to Catherine and Monica, who are tying knots.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Monica...

Monica looks up at her.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH
I've been meaning to ask...how you have been feeling? No signs of faintness or fatigue, are there?

MONICA (IN FRENCH)
I've felt fatigue for the last four years, Catherine, it comes to me naturally.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I see your point...I think we all have been under immense strain since the start...why, I don't even remember what it feels like to sleep in a soft bed, or to eat dinner without worrying about what troubles the night would bring. As time goes on, I find it harder and harder to recall a normal life.

MONICA (IN FRENCH)
You are lucky...I have simply given up on the past. This is normalcy now...always running, always hiding, always fearing that today will be our last. I know nothing besides it, it has...it is my life now.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
You say I am lucky...how I wish I could adapt like that.

MONICA (IN FRENCH)
I'm not lucky Catherine...I've just lost everything that once was held so dear to me.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Not Pierre...you still have him, your husband. That's more then many people can say. I bet it feels nice, loving someone through all of this chaos. Like a single ray of light in the pitch darkness of destruction. I wish I could feel such things, such emotions. Instead I'm only cold, always.

Cut to Monica staring at the cloth. She smiles faintly. Jean walks up.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Sorry to push production, but we should've been out of here a few minutes ago, you've gotta pick up the pace...Pierre.

Pierre glances over.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
This is it, I need a final scan of the back, if there's nothing there, we'll lower ourselves down individually, starting with me, then you, then the women once we give it the once over, sound all right with you?

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, sure thing, just give me shout when you're ready.

Cut to outside the hospital. A rope of cloth flies out on of the windows.

Cut back to inside. The rope is tied to a pillar and Jean is getting ready to crawl on.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
It's all fine here, be careful on your way down, will you?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Same goes for you...see you on the other side Pierre.

Jean starts to crawl down. He gets a quarter down. Pierre looks about outside, confirming it is all fine. Jean goes lower and lower and reaches the half mark. Then, gunshots can be heard.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, get down!

The women and he dodge. Jean tries to grab the rope, but slips and slides down, then falling on his back. He grimaces and grabs his back, taking out his gun too and crawling against a wall. Silence. The gunshots again, then, but he frowns this time.

Cuts to inside. With these new shots, Pierre stands carefully and goes to the window. He looks out.

CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, what are you doing, get back from the window, get down.

Pierre just continues to stare.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean...Jean! You okay?

Jean comes out from hiding and stands below the window.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, I'm...

He looks back in the distance.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
...I'm fine.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Then tell me something, Jean, will you...are you hearing the same thing I am?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I sure am...

He stares some more.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Those shots are a mile away, at least.

He sighs.

JEAN (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
Those things weren't coming for us at all.

Cut to black.

Open back to Jean staring in the distance. After a moment he turns to the window.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Okay, Pierre, you’re up next, I'll stand below, just in case...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
In case of what?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well...never can be too careful.

Pierre smirks and starts climbing down as Monica and Catherine get ready. Pierre lands safely by Jean.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Looks like things are turning around after all, doesn't it?

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Forgive me for not celebrating, but first, I just want to make it in the woods. Catherine, let's go, your up.

Catherine begins to climb down. She gets to the bottom and then Jean holds her hand, helping her off. Monica starts climbing down.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Monica, it’s on you now, take your time, just...be careful, dammit, last thing we need now is an accident.

A gunshot is heard, this one louder. Everyone jumps.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
That didn't sound a mile away to me.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH
Monica, listen, we don't have much time, your going to have to jump.

MONICA (IN FRENCH)
Jump? I can't jump, it’s too...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Monica, trust me...I'll catch you, just jump, please, we can't wait around.

A bullet sounds, closer yet.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, I'm two seconds from giving that rope a good shake, you better...

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Okay, okay...Monica, you have to come now, just...jump. Now Monica, n...

She jumps with a scream. Pierre catches her.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
You could have warned me.

A gun shot is even closer, right behind a building.

JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Let's go, now!

They all start running for the woods past the road. As they run across the grass, some robots come out from behind the buildings, shooting at something we cannot see. A few then see the four and shoot at them. Pierre shoots back as they run, but Monica trips.

PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Monica!

He shoots a robot as he goes back and grabs her. He then hears beeping and turns. A robot has a gun aimed right at him. Pierre shuts his eyes. A bullet can be heard. He opens them in shock and we see the robot's head blown off.

Cut to Jean and Catherine, who are shocked too. We pan over and see a truck on the road. A man leaning out of the window with a gun aimed.

MAN (IN FRENCH)
My aim isn't usually that accurate; I suppose you caught me on a good day

Everyone just stares at him.

MAN (IN FRENCH)
Well, come on then...get in the truck.

Cut to black.

THE END

NEXT WEEK ON "UNDERGROUND ZERO"[/color]

CASABLANCA
Next week, we have an episode that brings into play a whole new element to the story, and this can be seen by the questions that can be asked. Who is this new found man? Are there more of his people? Why did the robots want to kill him so much, why is he so big a threat? Is he a threat to our characters too? Where did they come from…the list goes on and on, until next week, when all of these and more will be answered and digested. Only next week on “Underground Zero”. [/center]