Post by Dale on Jul 27, 2009 10:07:59 GMT -5
"Underground Zero"
EPISODE 1x6 "The Stars My Journey"
EXT.GROCERY STORE-NIGHT
We open to Oliver's grocery store hideout, the building sitting still in the dark sky. We cut to a farther shot of it. No one can be seen, except for a small flicker of light in the window. Some rustling is then heard from inside as well as a faint "no", shouted distantly from someone. The building then explodes, pieces flying everywhere in a fiery rain. Cut to black.
Words appear that read "One Day Prior". We open to the four, Oliver and Michel in the back room. They are walking out.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Michel...put the sheets back on
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
You got it
Everyone but Michel leaves, who starts picking up sheets and putting them back on the weapon. Cut to outside the room. Everyone congregates together.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Of course, there's some preliminary work to be done still, though, as I said, its not too far from...
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It doesn't matter if its ready in two days or two weeks, the sheer fact that you have this is...its astounding. Pierre, do you realize what this means?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Listen, it’s...its great that you got this out here, and...I'm amazed that you've managed to escape detection this far, but can we be realistic for a second?
Oliver shrugs.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Even if you did manage to somehow...wire it somehow to make it feasible for detonation, there are, God, innumerable factors that can go amiss.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Such as?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, for starters, you'll need gas, for propellant, and I don't mean a canister or two, you'll need...
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
About five hundred times as much, somewhere in the ballpark of five hundred and fifty gallons. Sound about right?
Oliver smiles.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well...okay, so you know what your talking about, I'll give you that...but I'm sorry to say talk doesn't fill up the tank.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, do you know what you’re standing on right now?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Stand...it’s...its a floor, Oliver.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Yes, it is, you are correct. But...depending on where you stand it can also act as a ceiling, a ceiling to a cellar, one loaded with about a couple hundred bottles filled to the brim with eighty five percent of the gas we'll ever need.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
So, it’s a good thing none of you are smokers.
Pierre thinks for a moment, obviously impressed.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, then...how about calculating enough force for the required distance...yes, when you took the missile, you took the base with it, but you'll need...a good amount of extended power in order to launch that thing where it needs to go...quite a bit more, actually, how do you explain that?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
And where exactly am I launching this thing too Pierre?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Wh...I...I assume through the atmosphere, try to inflict some damage on an arriving carrier, maybe even force an emergency landing, which brings me straight to another point, the chances of hitting one of their carriers is...its astronomically small, I...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Well, Pierre...I see you too, know your facts, but there is one thing that you missed out on, something you failed to realize...we're not planning to send it into space at all.
Pierre is silent as he ponders.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well...if your not sending it...up there to them, then...where are you going to launch it to?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
...we're sendin' her home.
He smiles. Cut to black.
We cut back open to the same room, same shot. Everyone looks puzzled.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Sending it...home, what...to the military base?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Why would you waste it like that, there's nothing out there, is there?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Actually, uh...Jean...there is. You see, back when we stole this thing in the first place, it wasn't a run-in-run-out affair, they had already started to infiltrate the base. We slowed them down, yes, we gave them a shook, but you all tend to forget how...immovable...these things are. After we were done, got out of there, another shipment of troops came and they just continued on like nothing had ever happened. That same base now acts as their Western headquarters, all activity done in the surrounding eight counties falls under their supervision, every troop sent out, every fleet ordered to invade, and every scout positioned comes from that one building.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
So...your planning to wipe out their entire hierarchy of command...and in result render them defenseless from here on out?
Oliver nods.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, I'm sorry, but that just can't be done...if we take them out here, then more will come from out East, more, with the pre-knowledge of what we are capable of doing, they'll be prepared for heavy resistance, basically, which we won't have.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Sure, more troops will be sent out; I never said there wouldn't be. But you’re not putting this thing into perspective, Pierre, your only looking at the effects...you gotta think of the cause.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
And what might the cause be?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Hitting them where it hurts...right at their production base...think of what a major loss it would be, 1/4 of their supply vessels destroyed, 1/8 of all of their troops. Put it like that and then tell me you aren't sold.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure about Pierre, but I'm more then sold. Its been too long we've just been...hiding, waiting...we need to kick back for a change, and I can't think of any better way to do it. We can't just be the victims our whole lives Pierre, none of us would want to do that.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I have to agree with Jean...how much longer do you think we could last out there, in those woods? A month, longer? That's no life for anyone.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
We gave up our lives when we decided we weren't going to die at their hands, you think, no matter what you do, there is a life for you anywhere? Because there isn't, no matter...no matter how many bombs you blow up, or how many bases you attack. It's just...I'm only saying it might be best to not draw attention to ourselves.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Getting them to notice us might be the only way to survive...they'll fear us, they'll know that...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean, listen to yourself. Know? These things don't know anything, they'll do what they're programmed to do. To those who send them, they're nothing but spare parts put to good use, an easy sacrifice if it means cutting down on rebels. No one...will fear us, they'll only be irritated, and then...they'll take us out like the pests we are.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well at least we have hope, Pierre; at least we have the will to fight back. What is it you have, hm?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Sense
Jean just stares at Pierre, causing Michel to step forward.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Listen, I'm...thrilled that you are all taking such a passionate stance on this issue, and excuse me for coming off as rude, but...none of you, have any say in this. Oliver and me stole it from the base, we gathered the gallons after gallons of gasoline...we're launching this thing as soon as we can, and that's all there is to it. So if you don't like it...
Cut to Pierre.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
You can just go back to hopping around in the woods.
Cut to black.
We open to the aisles in a shop. There is a row of backpacks on the shelves. Pierre enters the screen and looks through them, grabbing one. He then goes to the food and starts packing some in. Jean runs up.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, have you got a moment, 'cause we need to talk...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Sorry Jean, I'm a bit busy at the moment, you'll have to talk while I pack
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Listen, I know that you have some doubts about...well, whether or not these two know what the hell their getting themselves into, but wouldn't you rather find out they're right, whether then assume they're wrong?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Personally? I thought things were much more simple before we crossed paths with these guys.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Simple as in what? Simple as in life or death? You can't see everything so two-faced, here is our chance, perhaps our first real chance, to add another face on that coin. A chance to tilt the wheel a bit more to our side of the table, and you want to give it all up?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
You may think...that getting "the wheel" would be a good thing, that it would give us some power, but if we don't have it in the first place, they've no reason to take it back.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Exactly, and so they go on thinking they can get away with...well, whatever they want to, no one stops them, no one "tries" to stop them.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, but...
After packing food in, he zips up the backpack.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Ever think there might be a reason for that, Jean?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, you’re too...stubborn. Say, where are you going anyway, whats with the packing?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I'm glad you asked, Jean...I'm going out to that base.
Jean looks surprised and shocked.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wha...Pierre, if you wan to commit suicide, there are easier methods.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
It's not suicide, Jean...its research.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Mind letting me in on your thesis, because right now, it sounds like nothing more then a good way to get your head blown off.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Because I want to see what we're shooting at...first hand, I want to see if it is worth going for, if it’s worth the struggle that's...absolutely bound to ensue. I need to see it with my own eyes, is all.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not letting you go alone, let me come too, you need two people, at least, in case there's trouble.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I'm not going alone...
He nods at Oliver.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
...he's gonna take me.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Oliver? We...did you eve ask him yet, does he know about this?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No...but he will now.
Pierre takes his pack and starts walking over to Oliver. Cut to Oliver drinking a soda. Pierre approaches him. He looks at Pierre with the backpack on.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What, you want an apple for Miss...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, yeah, save it, I want the truck.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Well, keys are right...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I want you to drive it.
Oliver smiles.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Figured as much. Gonna tell me where we're goin', or is this my birthday surprise?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
You have all right to know, we're going to that base you stole the missile from.
Oliver's face turns dead serious.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Now listen, Pierre, here is where the jokes end.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Good, because I'm dead serious. When do we leave?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Hold on now, don't I have any say in this? After all, it is my...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No, Oliver...you don't have a say in this, since right now...I'm not convinced that launching this thing is a good idea, and your going to have to convince me, and in order to do that...we're going to have to take me out there.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, maybe you misunderstood Michel, he wasn't just bein' a hard ass, he meant it. This thing's blastin', it was before you got here, it will with you too.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yes, but...if I heard correctly, you only have...what, eighty five percent of the gas you need, right?
Oliver looks at him, sighing, he knows what is coming.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
What if I said I knew a source, to get all the gas you could want and more...you could launch that thing three times over. What'd you think of that?
Oliver sighs.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, get in the truck.
Cut to black.
Open to Michel taking out a wooden crate. He is loading food and supplies into it. Jean walks over to him.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
You hear about...
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Nope...but I knew it was coming. Your friend is quite persistent, isn't he?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Hey, that's Pierre for you; he's always been that way, right from the start.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
And may I ask when that start was?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Isn't it all the same? As soon as the war started, I thought we all were in the same boat?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Heh..."the war". That's what they all call it, "the war".
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What would you call it?
There is a brief pause.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure...but I know that a war has two sides fighting, fighting with a cause. These things...they have no purpose.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Now, we don't know that do we? We don't know anything, why, for all we know...
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
For all we know, they want to kill us all and have this planet for themselves. Can't that be true?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well, it’s...possible, all right
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Don't mix possible and probable, I don't think we can believe anything else then that. Otherwise, wouldn't there be demands? Requests?
He strips a piece of tape and puts it on the crate.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm really not sure.
Michel smiles and there is a small silence.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Say, what are the crates for; by the way, you two aren't leaving, are you?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Of course not...it’s just a monthly shipment, an export...for them.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wha...for the robots? Your giving supplies to the enemy?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
No Jean...
He picks up the crate and starts walking away.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I didn't mean the robots.
He walks off, leaving Jean there.
Cut to Catherine and Monica sitting on the bed, relaxing.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I noticed that...when everyone was arguing about the missile...I noticed you never said your opinion on the matter.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
It's easier to just not have an opinion on such matters, Catherine. It's painless to just let things come as they go.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Painless? Is it so painful to stick up for your mind, to decide your own choices?
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
No...but whats painful is to find out that you were wrong.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
But what if you aren't? And if you are, it is only a mistake...surely you make those, we all do, it is what makes us different then them.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
And here we are...about to use a missile on them, furthering this war that we never took part in. Now we put our foot in the door.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Why Monica, you almost seem like your ready to give in, like you can't take any more of it.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
It's not that...it's just...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Just what?
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
I used to think we were different from them, that there was some common grasp of humanity they could never touch. Something pure, something eternal, something innocent and sweet. Today...I see what this war has done, it has destroyed that element.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Oh, I don't think so. I only think that it has...well, showed us that we must value some attributes more then others. The will to fight, for example.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
Is that such a good thing, though? As you say it, do you really believe in it?
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I know its better to kill then be killed. Don't you think so?
We cut to a shot of Monica thinking. She rolls over and looks out the window.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
It's a nice day out...I bet we won't see one like it for the rest of our lives, will we?
We cut to the truck driving down a long road. Cut to inside the car with Pierre and Oliver.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
How much farther is it, I thought you said...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I know what I said, but we'll get there when we get there.
There is a brief pause.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Say, Pierre...now, I'll take you to this base...trust me on that. But I want you to tell me what this gasoline source is...not a rocket, is it?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Why should I tell you know, isn't that all I have to my advantage?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I don't know what you take me for, but I'm not a man to break my word. Tell me...you can trust me; we are going to that base.
There is some silence.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I'm going to need you to tell me.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
In case something happens to me?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Well...God forbid, yes, for example. I can't give up the hope of this working on account of you risking your neck.
Pierre thinks a bit.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
The hospital...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What’s that?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
The hospital...the, the one who picked us up at. When I was looking for a stretcher...for my wife...I found a source of gasoline running though a pipe, down in one of the stock rooms. I'm not sure where the gas is coming from, but...there's a gas station next by, granted, that's empty...but there may be an underground pipe still there.
Oliver just stares ahead.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH) [QUIETLY]
Well...I'll be damned.
They continue driving.
Cut to a shot of the tree line to the woods. After a few moments, the truck pulls up to it. Oliver gets out of the truck.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Hey, what’s going on, I thought you were taking me to the base, what is...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
The base...is straight through the woods, we need to go on foot for the rest of the way. You alright with that?
Pierre gets out of the truck and walks over to Oliver.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Hey, take me to a visible position of the base, and I'm more then satisfied.
Oliver shrugs to the woods.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
After you.
Pierre nods and the two start going through the woods.
Cut to Michel. He has the last of the crates and is stacking them on top of each other behind a rock. After he is done, he gets out his radio.
Cut to Oliver and Pierre walking. A radio goes to static in Oliver's pocket. Pierre stops.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Say, what’s that?
Oliver takes out the radio.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Michel, what’s goin' on?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Hey, you never told me you had a radio, what’s going on here, where are we going?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH) [ON OTHER SIDE]
The shipments in place, pick up time is noon tomorrow. Is all of your business taken care of?
Oliver quickly shuts the radio off. Pierre frowns.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
What business...what...what’s going on here?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Nothin'...he just meant us goin' to see the base, that's all.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
You know, I'd be a lot more satisfied if I could trust you were taking me where I want to go.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
You don't trust me...
He points at the tree's nearby.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I'd suggest going and takin’ a look out those tree's.
Pierre gets excited and runs over to them peering out them.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Is it...hey...are you sure there isn't some sort of mistake. This isn't a base, why, there's nothing here except for...
Oliver hits Pierre on the head with his rifle, knocking him out. He then sighs and turns back on his radio.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Now...I'm done Michel, "now" I am.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH) [ON OTHER SIDE]
Great, you did that quickly, nice job. So, what should I do now?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I'll tell you what to do now, get that missile set in place, get every ounce of gasoline we have and pour it in, I've got to make a detour.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH) [ON OTHER SIDE]
Detour to where?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
The hospital, but just you let me worry about that. All you need to do is get those bottles loaded, and do it now!
He walks off, leaving Pierre's body lying there in the grass. Cut to black.
Cut back to the grocery shop. Michel is loading bottles of gas into the room, putting them in stacks. Jean comes in.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Hey, Pierre and your friend have been gone for an hour in a half now, it only takes forty minutes, tops, to reach the base, would you mind radio-ing in again?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I just told you a moment ago, I already did and they said everything was fine.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
That's it?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
That's it, told us to get started without them, and that they'd be coming around shortly.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
So...just so I'm not misunderstanding you here, your telling me that your friend brought Pierre out to the base, and then, just like that, changed his mind?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Well, as you know, I wasn't there, but it certainly seems like it, doesn't it?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
If that is true, then where the hell are they, they should've been back thirty minutes ago.
There is a brief pause.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I want to talk to Pierre.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I'm sorry; I can't let you do that.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Dammit! I'm not asking your permission, I want to speak to Pierre...now.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Hey, you want to talk to your friend, I'd suggest you get walking, cause that base is quite a few miles away. Otherwise...you can just sit here and wait.
Jean sighs and takes a seat somewhere.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It's just...it doesn't seem like Pierre...changing his mind like this. I don't know what he saw, but...whatever it was...I'm glad I didn't see it.
He then watches Michel load gas in, and notices something.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Why are you loading it in here, it's just gonna weigh it down?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Weigh what down?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
The...the missile, of course, it'll be hard to move out of here once you load it full of gas, we should move it...
Michel pushes a button and the wall rolls up like a garage. The missile is pointing outside. Michel looks at Jean.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well, that 'bout takes care of it, doesn't it?
We hear the screeching of tires in back. Jean turns around.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Hey, that must be your friend and Pierre, they've finally got back.
Michel hits Jean on the head with a wrench, knocking him out. Oliver walks in.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
He out?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
'Bout as out as you can get him.
Oliver nods and then takes a few canisters into the room.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
We finally got enough?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
If this doesn't do it, nothin' will, help me get it loaded, will you? I'll tie up that idiot and the women.
Oliver walks off as Michel loads the gas in.
Open to fuzzy shot. We get more in focus and see the grocery store from far away. We cut out and see Jean, Catherine and Monica tied together in the grass somewhere. Jean nods a bit.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Monica?...Monica, are you alright? Catherine?
They aren't waking up. He grimaces and then struggles.
JEAN (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
Ah, god dammit...
He squirms some more.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Someone help! Anyone...help me!
Cut to Oliver and Michel in the room with the missile, they are still loading gas. They stop when they hear Jean faintly in the background.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Shit...I thought you said he was out cold.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Hey, the guy's tied up, what's the worst he can do. We finished here?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
One canister left, you want to take care of that, I'll clear out, and set up the detonator, meet you by the creek?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Sure thing, you be careful, won't you?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Hey, you just worry about being out of here in five minutes or so, okay?
Oliver runs out of the room.
Cut to the grass outside the grocery store. He is setting a mechanical object on the ground, planting it in. He puts the antenna in the sky and waives to the building. Michel waives back and then goes inside.
Cut to inside. Michel attaches a similar mechanical device on the missile and then pushes a button on it. He turns and runs out.
Cut to Jean trying to wiggle out. Someone comes up to him and puts their hand around his mouth. Jean turns and see's Pierre.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, where the hell were...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Shh...update me, what’s going on, is the missile set to go, how much longer do I have? Answer, dammit.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
They loaded the gas in a few minute ago...you probably got, oh, three or four minutes, but there's nothing you can do, they've got it all ready.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I wouldn't be so sure of that, where are they?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I have no idea, but Pierre...how did you get here so fast?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I took a car.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Took a car?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Listen, you wait here, I have to do whatever can be done, just you wait here.
Pierre runs off.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre!
Cut to Oliver and Michel.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What was that, did you just hear something?
Michel shrugs.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Go check it out will you; I'll be done by the time you get back.
Michel stands and walks off, taking a gun from his waist. He walks around a bit and then see's movement in the grass.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Hey!
Pierre comes up and shoots him twice.
Oliver stands up, with a gun too.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Shit...that bastard isn't about to ruin this shot, not our one shot.
He pushes "execute" on the detonator. A timer reads "One Minute and a Half". He aims his gun up then. Pierre comes out of the tree's with a gun too.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What are you gonna do, shoot me? Go ahead; it’s too late for that. This timer's going, you can’t do anything now.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I need to know why
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Why what?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Why you were targeting that base, why you lied...there's no threat there, there isn't...there's nothing there but pe...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I did it, because we couldn't afford not to. You don't know what they are, what they stand for, what they were about to do. If you knew, you’d agree with me, you’d go along with this. You have no idea.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I don't, do I? I know more then you think. I know that you’ve been giving them supplies for the last few months, that even though you disagreed, you lived peacefully…I know that Fritz...well…I also know what they are planning. Is that it, hm? Is that why you wanted to kill them, because they…
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Listen to yourself. You have no idea of the danger we were in.
Pierre is shot in the leg by Michel, who is on the ground. As he falls, Pierre shoots Oliver, who falls to the ground. He grimaces and turns, shooting Michel again.
Cut to Jean.
JEAN (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
What the hell was that? Pierre! Pierre!
Pierre looks at his leg, and then the timer. He grimaces and stands, limping for the building with the bomb.
Cut to inside. He looks at the missile, and then looks around the room.
Cut to the timer, it says thirty seconds.
Pierre walks over to a button on the wall and pushes it. The wall goes back down, covering the missile's path.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
Goodbye...Monica
Words come up that reads "Five Minutes Later". We open to the grocery store, blown up and shattered. Jean is still tied up with Catherine, but Monica is missing. They are all knocked out. Some rustling can be heard in the brush nearby, and a figure, human or robot, steps out.
Cut to black.
THE END
NEXT WEEK ON "UNDERGROUND ZERO"
CASABLANCA
Next week there is a very exciting episode planned, one in which many questions can be asked. Where is Monica, and what happened to her? Who is this “figure”? What is at the base if Oliver was lying? With Pierre seemingly dead, how will our characters go on? All of this and more next week on “Underground Zero”.
EPISODE 1x6 "The Stars My Journey"
EXT.GROCERY STORE-NIGHT
We open to Oliver's grocery store hideout, the building sitting still in the dark sky. We cut to a farther shot of it. No one can be seen, except for a small flicker of light in the window. Some rustling is then heard from inside as well as a faint "no", shouted distantly from someone. The building then explodes, pieces flying everywhere in a fiery rain. Cut to black.
Words appear that read "One Day Prior". We open to the four, Oliver and Michel in the back room. They are walking out.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Michel...put the sheets back on
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
You got it
Everyone but Michel leaves, who starts picking up sheets and putting them back on the weapon. Cut to outside the room. Everyone congregates together.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Of course, there's some preliminary work to be done still, though, as I said, its not too far from...
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It doesn't matter if its ready in two days or two weeks, the sheer fact that you have this is...its astounding. Pierre, do you realize what this means?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Listen, it’s...its great that you got this out here, and...I'm amazed that you've managed to escape detection this far, but can we be realistic for a second?
Oliver shrugs.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Even if you did manage to somehow...wire it somehow to make it feasible for detonation, there are, God, innumerable factors that can go amiss.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Such as?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, for starters, you'll need gas, for propellant, and I don't mean a canister or two, you'll need...
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
About five hundred times as much, somewhere in the ballpark of five hundred and fifty gallons. Sound about right?
Oliver smiles.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well...okay, so you know what your talking about, I'll give you that...but I'm sorry to say talk doesn't fill up the tank.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, do you know what you’re standing on right now?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Stand...it’s...its a floor, Oliver.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Yes, it is, you are correct. But...depending on where you stand it can also act as a ceiling, a ceiling to a cellar, one loaded with about a couple hundred bottles filled to the brim with eighty five percent of the gas we'll ever need.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
So, it’s a good thing none of you are smokers.
Pierre thinks for a moment, obviously impressed.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, then...how about calculating enough force for the required distance...yes, when you took the missile, you took the base with it, but you'll need...a good amount of extended power in order to launch that thing where it needs to go...quite a bit more, actually, how do you explain that?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
And where exactly am I launching this thing too Pierre?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Wh...I...I assume through the atmosphere, try to inflict some damage on an arriving carrier, maybe even force an emergency landing, which brings me straight to another point, the chances of hitting one of their carriers is...its astronomically small, I...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Well, Pierre...I see you too, know your facts, but there is one thing that you missed out on, something you failed to realize...we're not planning to send it into space at all.
Pierre is silent as he ponders.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well...if your not sending it...up there to them, then...where are you going to launch it to?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
...we're sendin' her home.
He smiles. Cut to black.
We cut back open to the same room, same shot. Everyone looks puzzled.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Sending it...home, what...to the military base?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Why would you waste it like that, there's nothing out there, is there?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Actually, uh...Jean...there is. You see, back when we stole this thing in the first place, it wasn't a run-in-run-out affair, they had already started to infiltrate the base. We slowed them down, yes, we gave them a shook, but you all tend to forget how...immovable...these things are. After we were done, got out of there, another shipment of troops came and they just continued on like nothing had ever happened. That same base now acts as their Western headquarters, all activity done in the surrounding eight counties falls under their supervision, every troop sent out, every fleet ordered to invade, and every scout positioned comes from that one building.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
So...your planning to wipe out their entire hierarchy of command...and in result render them defenseless from here on out?
Oliver nods.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Well, I'm sorry, but that just can't be done...if we take them out here, then more will come from out East, more, with the pre-knowledge of what we are capable of doing, they'll be prepared for heavy resistance, basically, which we won't have.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Sure, more troops will be sent out; I never said there wouldn't be. But you’re not putting this thing into perspective, Pierre, your only looking at the effects...you gotta think of the cause.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
And what might the cause be?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Hitting them where it hurts...right at their production base...think of what a major loss it would be, 1/4 of their supply vessels destroyed, 1/8 of all of their troops. Put it like that and then tell me you aren't sold.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure about Pierre, but I'm more then sold. Its been too long we've just been...hiding, waiting...we need to kick back for a change, and I can't think of any better way to do it. We can't just be the victims our whole lives Pierre, none of us would want to do that.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I have to agree with Jean...how much longer do you think we could last out there, in those woods? A month, longer? That's no life for anyone.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
We gave up our lives when we decided we weren't going to die at their hands, you think, no matter what you do, there is a life for you anywhere? Because there isn't, no matter...no matter how many bombs you blow up, or how many bases you attack. It's just...I'm only saying it might be best to not draw attention to ourselves.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Getting them to notice us might be the only way to survive...they'll fear us, they'll know that...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Jean, listen to yourself. Know? These things don't know anything, they'll do what they're programmed to do. To those who send them, they're nothing but spare parts put to good use, an easy sacrifice if it means cutting down on rebels. No one...will fear us, they'll only be irritated, and then...they'll take us out like the pests we are.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well at least we have hope, Pierre; at least we have the will to fight back. What is it you have, hm?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Sense
Jean just stares at Pierre, causing Michel to step forward.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Listen, I'm...thrilled that you are all taking such a passionate stance on this issue, and excuse me for coming off as rude, but...none of you, have any say in this. Oliver and me stole it from the base, we gathered the gallons after gallons of gasoline...we're launching this thing as soon as we can, and that's all there is to it. So if you don't like it...
Cut to Pierre.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
You can just go back to hopping around in the woods.
Cut to black.
We open to the aisles in a shop. There is a row of backpacks on the shelves. Pierre enters the screen and looks through them, grabbing one. He then goes to the food and starts packing some in. Jean runs up.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, have you got a moment, 'cause we need to talk...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Sorry Jean, I'm a bit busy at the moment, you'll have to talk while I pack
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Listen, I know that you have some doubts about...well, whether or not these two know what the hell their getting themselves into, but wouldn't you rather find out they're right, whether then assume they're wrong?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Personally? I thought things were much more simple before we crossed paths with these guys.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Simple as in what? Simple as in life or death? You can't see everything so two-faced, here is our chance, perhaps our first real chance, to add another face on that coin. A chance to tilt the wheel a bit more to our side of the table, and you want to give it all up?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
You may think...that getting "the wheel" would be a good thing, that it would give us some power, but if we don't have it in the first place, they've no reason to take it back.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Exactly, and so they go on thinking they can get away with...well, whatever they want to, no one stops them, no one "tries" to stop them.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, but...
After packing food in, he zips up the backpack.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Ever think there might be a reason for that, Jean?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, you’re too...stubborn. Say, where are you going anyway, whats with the packing?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I'm glad you asked, Jean...I'm going out to that base.
Jean looks surprised and shocked.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wha...Pierre, if you wan to commit suicide, there are easier methods.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
It's not suicide, Jean...its research.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Mind letting me in on your thesis, because right now, it sounds like nothing more then a good way to get your head blown off.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Because I want to see what we're shooting at...first hand, I want to see if it is worth going for, if it’s worth the struggle that's...absolutely bound to ensue. I need to see it with my own eyes, is all.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not letting you go alone, let me come too, you need two people, at least, in case there's trouble.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I'm not going alone...
He nods at Oliver.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
...he's gonna take me.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Oliver? We...did you eve ask him yet, does he know about this?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No...but he will now.
Pierre takes his pack and starts walking over to Oliver. Cut to Oliver drinking a soda. Pierre approaches him. He looks at Pierre with the backpack on.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What, you want an apple for Miss...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, yeah, save it, I want the truck.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Well, keys are right...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I want you to drive it.
Oliver smiles.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Figured as much. Gonna tell me where we're goin', or is this my birthday surprise?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
You have all right to know, we're going to that base you stole the missile from.
Oliver's face turns dead serious.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Now listen, Pierre, here is where the jokes end.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Good, because I'm dead serious. When do we leave?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Hold on now, don't I have any say in this? After all, it is my...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
No, Oliver...you don't have a say in this, since right now...I'm not convinced that launching this thing is a good idea, and your going to have to convince me, and in order to do that...we're going to have to take me out there.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, maybe you misunderstood Michel, he wasn't just bein' a hard ass, he meant it. This thing's blastin', it was before you got here, it will with you too.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Yes, but...if I heard correctly, you only have...what, eighty five percent of the gas you need, right?
Oliver looks at him, sighing, he knows what is coming.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
What if I said I knew a source, to get all the gas you could want and more...you could launch that thing three times over. What'd you think of that?
Oliver sighs.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, get in the truck.
Cut to black.
Open to Michel taking out a wooden crate. He is loading food and supplies into it. Jean walks over to him.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
You hear about...
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Nope...but I knew it was coming. Your friend is quite persistent, isn't he?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Hey, that's Pierre for you; he's always been that way, right from the start.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
And may I ask when that start was?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Isn't it all the same? As soon as the war started, I thought we all were in the same boat?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Heh..."the war". That's what they all call it, "the war".
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What would you call it?
There is a brief pause.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure...but I know that a war has two sides fighting, fighting with a cause. These things...they have no purpose.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Now, we don't know that do we? We don't know anything, why, for all we know...
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
For all we know, they want to kill us all and have this planet for themselves. Can't that be true?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well, it’s...possible, all right
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Don't mix possible and probable, I don't think we can believe anything else then that. Otherwise, wouldn't there be demands? Requests?
He strips a piece of tape and puts it on the crate.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm really not sure.
Michel smiles and there is a small silence.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Say, what are the crates for; by the way, you two aren't leaving, are you?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Of course not...it’s just a monthly shipment, an export...for them.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wha...for the robots? Your giving supplies to the enemy?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
No Jean...
He picks up the crate and starts walking away.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I didn't mean the robots.
He walks off, leaving Jean there.
Cut to Catherine and Monica sitting on the bed, relaxing.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I noticed that...when everyone was arguing about the missile...I noticed you never said your opinion on the matter.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
It's easier to just not have an opinion on such matters, Catherine. It's painless to just let things come as they go.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Painless? Is it so painful to stick up for your mind, to decide your own choices?
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
No...but whats painful is to find out that you were wrong.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
But what if you aren't? And if you are, it is only a mistake...surely you make those, we all do, it is what makes us different then them.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
And here we are...about to use a missile on them, furthering this war that we never took part in. Now we put our foot in the door.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Why Monica, you almost seem like your ready to give in, like you can't take any more of it.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
It's not that...it's just...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Just what?
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
I used to think we were different from them, that there was some common grasp of humanity they could never touch. Something pure, something eternal, something innocent and sweet. Today...I see what this war has done, it has destroyed that element.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Oh, I don't think so. I only think that it has...well, showed us that we must value some attributes more then others. The will to fight, for example.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
Is that such a good thing, though? As you say it, do you really believe in it?
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I know its better to kill then be killed. Don't you think so?
We cut to a shot of Monica thinking. She rolls over and looks out the window.
MONICA (IN FRENCH)
It's a nice day out...I bet we won't see one like it for the rest of our lives, will we?
We cut to the truck driving down a long road. Cut to inside the car with Pierre and Oliver.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
How much farther is it, I thought you said...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I know what I said, but we'll get there when we get there.
There is a brief pause.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Say, Pierre...now, I'll take you to this base...trust me on that. But I want you to tell me what this gasoline source is...not a rocket, is it?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Why should I tell you know, isn't that all I have to my advantage?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I don't know what you take me for, but I'm not a man to break my word. Tell me...you can trust me; we are going to that base.
There is some silence.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I'm going to need you to tell me.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
In case something happens to me?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Well...God forbid, yes, for example. I can't give up the hope of this working on account of you risking your neck.
Pierre thinks a bit.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
The hospital...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What’s that?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
The hospital...the, the one who picked us up at. When I was looking for a stretcher...for my wife...I found a source of gasoline running though a pipe, down in one of the stock rooms. I'm not sure where the gas is coming from, but...there's a gas station next by, granted, that's empty...but there may be an underground pipe still there.
Oliver just stares ahead.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH) [QUIETLY]
Well...I'll be damned.
They continue driving.
Cut to a shot of the tree line to the woods. After a few moments, the truck pulls up to it. Oliver gets out of the truck.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Hey, what’s going on, I thought you were taking me to the base, what is...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
The base...is straight through the woods, we need to go on foot for the rest of the way. You alright with that?
Pierre gets out of the truck and walks over to Oliver.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Hey, take me to a visible position of the base, and I'm more then satisfied.
Oliver shrugs to the woods.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
After you.
Pierre nods and the two start going through the woods.
Cut to Michel. He has the last of the crates and is stacking them on top of each other behind a rock. After he is done, he gets out his radio.
Cut to Oliver and Pierre walking. A radio goes to static in Oliver's pocket. Pierre stops.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Say, what’s that?
Oliver takes out the radio.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Michel, what’s goin' on?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Hey, you never told me you had a radio, what’s going on here, where are we going?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH) [ON OTHER SIDE]
The shipments in place, pick up time is noon tomorrow. Is all of your business taken care of?
Oliver quickly shuts the radio off. Pierre frowns.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
What business...what...what’s going on here?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Nothin'...he just meant us goin' to see the base, that's all.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
You know, I'd be a lot more satisfied if I could trust you were taking me where I want to go.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
You don't trust me...
He points at the tree's nearby.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I'd suggest going and takin’ a look out those tree's.
Pierre gets excited and runs over to them peering out them.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Is it...hey...are you sure there isn't some sort of mistake. This isn't a base, why, there's nothing here except for...
Oliver hits Pierre on the head with his rifle, knocking him out. He then sighs and turns back on his radio.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Now...I'm done Michel, "now" I am.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH) [ON OTHER SIDE]
Great, you did that quickly, nice job. So, what should I do now?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I'll tell you what to do now, get that missile set in place, get every ounce of gasoline we have and pour it in, I've got to make a detour.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH) [ON OTHER SIDE]
Detour to where?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
The hospital, but just you let me worry about that. All you need to do is get those bottles loaded, and do it now!
He walks off, leaving Pierre's body lying there in the grass. Cut to black.
Cut back to the grocery shop. Michel is loading bottles of gas into the room, putting them in stacks. Jean comes in.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Hey, Pierre and your friend have been gone for an hour in a half now, it only takes forty minutes, tops, to reach the base, would you mind radio-ing in again?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I just told you a moment ago, I already did and they said everything was fine.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
That's it?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
That's it, told us to get started without them, and that they'd be coming around shortly.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
So...just so I'm not misunderstanding you here, your telling me that your friend brought Pierre out to the base, and then, just like that, changed his mind?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Well, as you know, I wasn't there, but it certainly seems like it, doesn't it?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
If that is true, then where the hell are they, they should've been back thirty minutes ago.
There is a brief pause.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I want to talk to Pierre.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
I'm sorry; I can't let you do that.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Dammit! I'm not asking your permission, I want to speak to Pierre...now.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Hey, you want to talk to your friend, I'd suggest you get walking, cause that base is quite a few miles away. Otherwise...you can just sit here and wait.
Jean sighs and takes a seat somewhere.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It's just...it doesn't seem like Pierre...changing his mind like this. I don't know what he saw, but...whatever it was...I'm glad I didn't see it.
He then watches Michel load gas in, and notices something.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Why are you loading it in here, it's just gonna weigh it down?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Weigh what down?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
The...the missile, of course, it'll be hard to move out of here once you load it full of gas, we should move it...
Michel pushes a button and the wall rolls up like a garage. The missile is pointing outside. Michel looks at Jean.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well, that 'bout takes care of it, doesn't it?
We hear the screeching of tires in back. Jean turns around.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Hey, that must be your friend and Pierre, they've finally got back.
Michel hits Jean on the head with a wrench, knocking him out. Oliver walks in.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
He out?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
'Bout as out as you can get him.
Oliver nods and then takes a few canisters into the room.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
We finally got enough?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
If this doesn't do it, nothin' will, help me get it loaded, will you? I'll tie up that idiot and the women.
Oliver walks off as Michel loads the gas in.
Open to fuzzy shot. We get more in focus and see the grocery store from far away. We cut out and see Jean, Catherine and Monica tied together in the grass somewhere. Jean nods a bit.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Monica?...Monica, are you alright? Catherine?
They aren't waking up. He grimaces and then struggles.
JEAN (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
Ah, god dammit...
He squirms some more.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Someone help! Anyone...help me!
Cut to Oliver and Michel in the room with the missile, they are still loading gas. They stop when they hear Jean faintly in the background.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Shit...I thought you said he was out cold.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Hey, the guy's tied up, what's the worst he can do. We finished here?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
One canister left, you want to take care of that, I'll clear out, and set up the detonator, meet you by the creek?
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Sure thing, you be careful, won't you?
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Hey, you just worry about being out of here in five minutes or so, okay?
Oliver runs out of the room.
Cut to the grass outside the grocery store. He is setting a mechanical object on the ground, planting it in. He puts the antenna in the sky and waives to the building. Michel waives back and then goes inside.
Cut to inside. Michel attaches a similar mechanical device on the missile and then pushes a button on it. He turns and runs out.
Cut to Jean trying to wiggle out. Someone comes up to him and puts their hand around his mouth. Jean turns and see's Pierre.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre, where the hell were...
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Shh...update me, what’s going on, is the missile set to go, how much longer do I have? Answer, dammit.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
They loaded the gas in a few minute ago...you probably got, oh, three or four minutes, but there's nothing you can do, they've got it all ready.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I wouldn't be so sure of that, where are they?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I have no idea, but Pierre...how did you get here so fast?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I took a car.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Took a car?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Listen, you wait here, I have to do whatever can be done, just you wait here.
Pierre runs off.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre!
Cut to Oliver and Michel.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What was that, did you just hear something?
Michel shrugs.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Go check it out will you; I'll be done by the time you get back.
Michel stands and walks off, taking a gun from his waist. He walks around a bit and then see's movement in the grass.
MICHEL (IN FRENCH)
Hey!
Pierre comes up and shoots him twice.
Oliver stands up, with a gun too.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Shit...that bastard isn't about to ruin this shot, not our one shot.
He pushes "execute" on the detonator. A timer reads "One Minute and a Half". He aims his gun up then. Pierre comes out of the tree's with a gun too.
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
What are you gonna do, shoot me? Go ahead; it’s too late for that. This timer's going, you can’t do anything now.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I need to know why
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Why what?
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
Why you were targeting that base, why you lied...there's no threat there, there isn't...there's nothing there but pe...
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
I did it, because we couldn't afford not to. You don't know what they are, what they stand for, what they were about to do. If you knew, you’d agree with me, you’d go along with this. You have no idea.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH)
I don't, do I? I know more then you think. I know that you’ve been giving them supplies for the last few months, that even though you disagreed, you lived peacefully…I know that Fritz...well…I also know what they are planning. Is that it, hm? Is that why you wanted to kill them, because they…
OLIVER (IN FRENCH)
Listen to yourself. You have no idea of the danger we were in.
Pierre is shot in the leg by Michel, who is on the ground. As he falls, Pierre shoots Oliver, who falls to the ground. He grimaces and turns, shooting Michel again.
Cut to Jean.
JEAN (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
What the hell was that? Pierre! Pierre!
Pierre looks at his leg, and then the timer. He grimaces and stands, limping for the building with the bomb.
Cut to inside. He looks at the missile, and then looks around the room.
Cut to the timer, it says thirty seconds.
Pierre walks over to a button on the wall and pushes it. The wall goes back down, covering the missile's path.
PIERRE (IN FRENCH) [TO HIMSELF]
Goodbye...Monica
Words come up that reads "Five Minutes Later". We open to the grocery store, blown up and shattered. Jean is still tied up with Catherine, but Monica is missing. They are all knocked out. Some rustling can be heard in the brush nearby, and a figure, human or robot, steps out.
Cut to black.
THE END
NEXT WEEK ON "UNDERGROUND ZERO"
CASABLANCA
Next week there is a very exciting episode planned, one in which many questions can be asked. Where is Monica, and what happened to her? Who is this “figure”? What is at the base if Oliver was lying? With Pierre seemingly dead, how will our characters go on? All of this and more next week on “Underground Zero”.
