Post by Dale on Jul 29, 2009 12:14:34 GMT -5
"UNDERGROUND ZERO"
EPISODE 1x7 "The End of Forever"
INT.BASE-NIGHT
We open to the shot of a robot's head lying on the floor, the one destroyed by Oliver at the base. We stay on this still shot for a second before someone's foot kicks it out of their way, as they walk right past it. We then cut to a further shot, as we see the entire headless robot body, sprawled on the ground. Another, further, shot shows us much more similarly dead robot bodies, as if a fight had just ensued.
Cut to the person's legs walking down a hall. They are wearing cargo pants and no shoes. They walk past a doorway, where we see people, from their backs, digging through papers and drawers. We only see this briefly, as the person continues walking.
Cut to inside another room where people are looking through papers. They have face masks on. They are all digging through cabinets. One points to a cabinet on the far right wall.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
And what about that...have you checked there yet?
Man #2 looks at it and shrugs.
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
We can't...that one was bolted shut before we got here, apparently they didn't want us to see what was inside.
Man #1 fishes in his pocket.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
He said we should check it all before we pull out...here
He takes out a gun and gives it to Man #2.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Open 'her up, and for Christ's sake, be careful....you know how he hates these things.
Man #2 hesitates, but nods, taking the gun and looking it over. He ties to cock it.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
You'll want to make sure the safety's off, otherwise it won't shoot.
MAN #3 (IN FRENCH)
Say, who do you think killed all these robots in the first place?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Don't be stupid, who do you think?
Man #2 has now turned the safety off on the gun and then raises it to the cabinet, bracing as he slowly brings his finger to the trigger.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
I thought I told you...
We pan over and see the same legs we saw walking through the halls.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
...there is to be no gunfire, the weaponry are only to act as a last resort, I thought I made it perfectly clear.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
I apologize sir, it was under my authorization...it's this damned cabinet, it's the only way to see what's inside...you told us to search the entire premises, I was only following orders, alright?
Man #4 slowly walks over to the two men. He reaches his hand out and takes the gun. Man #1 looks nervous as Man #4 raises it. Just then, he whirls it down, breaking the lock on the cabinet. He then tosses the gun in a nearby trash bin.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Well, obviously...you weren't following orders quite well enough. And what of your men, have you found anything yet?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Nothing sir, not currently...two acres of stock room and nothing but damned dust, I told you, it's just more of the same...it's not here...we mine as well just keep searching, maybe go farther West, though I sincerely doubt that...well, you know the drill, the farther West we go, the closer to East we get, it's no man's land.
There is a brief moment of silence as Man #4 takes a seat behind an empty desk in the room.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Shit...I was so convinced...so determined...that we'd have found it here. We've been North, South, East...and now West. All of their major bases, and yet...there's only a few more places it can be, places which may be unreachable, and even then...otherwise.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Otherwise?
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Well...we didn't come all of this way for nothing, we've worked too hard, put too much into this project to simply quit now....if we don't find it within a week, a few days preferably...I'm afraid to say we'll need to improvise.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Impro...sir, you can't tell me that your serious, we don't know the first thing about their...well...the technology is just beyond us.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Beyond our capability or beyond our will?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Why...both, do you honestly think these men will follow you to the end of forever? And justly so, we've little means, scarce stock, we eat and drink imported supplies from...them...I mean, who do you think you are, Moses?
Man #4 stands and begins pacing around the room.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Remember your place, Francois; it'd be too easy to step out of line. We're all frustrated, but we must endure. We have for four years and we can for...be it as it may, four more.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
But four isn't what you promised us, nor was it three, but two. Two years is what you said, that was a year and a half ago. And what have we to show for it...nothing but a pile of...
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
I sincerely hope...Francois...that what your doing isn't insinuating that I'm a liar. Because you know well more then anyone that...
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Perhaps...I'm skeptic anyhow...skeptic as to whether or not we'll have enough manpower at the end of the month to even further production. Aren't you?
There is a brief pause as Man #4 starts pacing more rapidly.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
No...no, I...I'm keeping faith...I see good things in the future, Francois...bright, generous things. It's only a feeling, of course, but how I sense it.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Have you ever stopped and thought....that maybe that feeling is a loss of hope, that maybe you are convincing yourself that things can still turn themselves around. It's finished,
Fritz...you'll soon see that it all goes downhill from this point, there's no more...generosity for us.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Then how come you and I are still breathing?
There is another pause as Francois frowns at Fritz.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
We...you think that us living is a sign of good virtue? We didn't even have enough luck for that...if I remember, we had to buy our lives, Fritz, we had to...
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
Hey...hey guys....Fritz, you might want to come and take a look at this.
Fritz stops pacing and then goes over to Man #2, who is looking through the cabinet.
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
I mean, the chances are...well, the way its printed, I feel we might be on to something.
Fritz takes a rolled up sheet of paper and starts unfolding it on a desk.
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
I think that this is it, I think we found it.
Fritz finishes unrolling it and spreads it out, looking at it. We cannot see what it is, but it is a blue print of some kind. Fritz smiles.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well...I'll be damned.
Cut to black.
Words come up that read "Present Day- Months Later".
Cut back to Oliver's grocery store, still standing. Cut to Jean, tied up to Catherine and Monica.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre! Pierre, No! Pie...
The grocery store blows up. Afterward, we hear a whooshing noise. Jean starts to scream again, but a board flies over and hits him in the head. Quick cut to black.
Cut to the scene we last left off with, Jean and Catherine tied together, with Monica gone. We hear crunching off in the distance, footsteps growing louder and louder. A figure then enters the screen from the tree's, stopping when it see's the two of them knocked out. Whoever it is kneels down, getting a better look at them. We can know tell it is a human. Their hand reaches out and feels both of their pockets, checking for something. After, they stand back up. We pan up and see Francois, the man from earlier. He rubs his hand through his hair as another man approaches him.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
What's the consensus...are they his?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I don't think so...I found them here, just now...they've been bound previously.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Any indication on whose side they might be on?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure, but...they've no guns in their pockets...Whatever the hell the case is, Fritz will want to see them, regardless. Waste of time, if you ask me.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
So, you want me to bring them along?
Francois just stares at them for a moment in silence.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yeah...we better bring them back. What else have you found out?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Oliver and Michel are just over that ridge, both of them shot...he did his job, we're all set here.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Any sign of...
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
No...no, but I have a feeling I know where he is...to block the missile...the door was pulled down manually.
Francois looks a bit sad, but then picks his head back up.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well, he knew the consequences when he signed up for this, here, help me pick them up. I'll load them in the car, is the supply cargo still here, or did they get that too?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
No, no, its still here...guess we beat 'em to it, eh?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I suppose...surprises me; frankly, I always thought Oliver kept them tight in the loop.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Yeah...well you think Oliver told them about this bomb he's been harboring away?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Wouldn't come as a shock to me...they've been dropping off like flies, lately...could very well be he did.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
So...that's it, we're just...safe again...everything's back the way it should be?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
We're never safe, Martin...we've never been safe. We're just....at least we're not walking on such a weak bridge anymore.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
If you say so...you take these two from here, I'll go get that cargo, you fine with that?
Francois is broke from distraction.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, yeah...sounds fine, I'll meet you at the car in a minute.
Man #1 walks off as Francois kneels down. We pan over and see Jean's face, still knocked out.
Words appear which read "Weeks Earlier".
We open to the base. A man, Francois, is running down the hall. He gets to a room and opens the door; Fritz is there, looking over papers.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Fritz, have you got a moment?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Just...just give me a second, I've got a few details to finish...if we go on schedule, we should be fine for production in a day, maybe two, granted, of course, that...
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Sir, I'm afraid that this project is going to have to wait a second, Marcel and Louis came back from supply pick-up, just got back from Oliver's.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
And?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well, sir...Oliver approached them...said that he was going to have to ask for another two gallons of gasoline per pick-up, basically told us he was rising his prices.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, what the hell does he burn his gas on, a power station? Well...I suppose we'll have to give in, figuring he doesn't go too far, but...we need those God forsaken supplies of his.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
That's what I told Marcel...but then I told him to ask Oliver why he needed so much of this stuff, why we had to keep on giving him more.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well, did you get an answer?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
No, I'm afraid that Oliver wouldn't tell him...either that or he made a phony excuse, that's not the point, though...the point is...Marcel detected a high level of electric circuiting branching into the stock room on that department shop.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It could possibly have been for refrigeration, or for...
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
It wasn't that kind of wiring.
Fritz begins to pace.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I see...and there's no way that...well, there’s no possibility that they know about...what we plan to do, is there?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well...there are always rumors, sir, especially now, with all these people leaving...they...might have heard something.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Enough for him to react on, do you think?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I...I really can't say, I suppose it depends on the magnitude he plans to react with.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
On a scale of one to ten, dammit, what are we looking at?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Here, I'm going off of Marcel's description, but...if they were like he said they were...you'd need to look off the charts for this.
Fritz rubs his face, sitting down.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well...how do we even know that Marcel can be trusted, couldn't he...I mean, couldn't he be feeding us false information, trying to scare us into abandoning our project?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
It's...feasible, I suppose...unlikely, but...
Fritz hits his hand against the desk.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Damned! You can't trust anyone, anymore...there's all these...side deals, what...what do you even suppose Oliver wants, protection? No, he threw that out the window when he took his stance, they all did. They don't have the same privileges we do, they accepted that.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
It's not like we're making things easier for them, Fritz.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I never said it wasn't a sacrifice.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yes, but it wasn't a blow to you either...Face it, you...you didn't have any regret of throwing them out the window, you never did. Nor did you even warn them what they were up against, I mean...to me, it sounds like we're getting nothing but a taste of our own medicine. And I know it's not an easy pill to swallow, but we're going to have to.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
...All right. All right, give them their...damned gasoline...let them do...whatever the hell it is they're doing out there, but I want them watched, do you understand me? Watched with the highest scrutiny.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'll do my best...but...it'll hard to keep track of them...We'll see what we can do. Anything else before I take off?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
No, no...wait, yes. Can you...
Fritz hands him some papers.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Take these down to the production room, will you, hand them to Martin, tell him there's a slight change in the blue prints.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
For compatibility?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It's not a surrender, Francois, it’s just a modification...we'll still get it finished, I know we will.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Very well sir.
Francois turns and goes to the door.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Francois, one more thing...
Francois turns to face him.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Any news on, well...her?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'm afraid not...I would've told you right away if we found anything.
Fritz looks down and nods, sending Francois off, out of the room.
Words appear that read "Present Day".
We open to a fuzzy shot. It gets clear, and we se a ceiling of a room. Cut to Jean lying on the ground, untied, staring at the ceiling. He gets up and rubs his head, looking around. He is in a prison cell with Catherine.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Catherine...Catherine...
She starts to wake up, gripping her head too.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Oh, it's...my head...
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Catherine, talk to me now, Catherine...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
God, it's...what happened to us, wha...where are we?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm...not sure where we are, but first things first, how are you feeling, no signs of, uh...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
It's...no, it's...they came in while we were sleeping, they must have. Where's...where's Pierre...or Monica, where is everybody?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Monica was tied to our backs earlier, but I'm not sure where she went, Pierre...
He sighs as he sits back.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
For all we know he could have blown to bits, I've...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Well, where is this, who took us here, Oliver?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure, I...I only, myself, awoke a moment ago, only looked around briefly, but...there's nothing. No discernible way of indicating where we are, no form of life except for whoever, or whatever, took us here. We could be...anywhere, I suppose.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Perhaps whoever it was is simply...saving us. Maybe they are protecting us from Oliver, it's...possible, isn't it?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
They dragged us into the jungle while we were unconscious. Unless you know some form of common courtesy I don't, then...they were either very late, or they don't intend to help us at all.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Do you think it's...I mean, could it be...them?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
No, I don't think so, there's a few crates of general supplies at the end of the hall, couldn't be for them.
Catherine stands up and goes to the bars, looking out.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I only see boxed crates, how are you so certain that they are supplies?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Because...I saw Michel packing them up.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Do you think that these are...friends of Oliver, some people associated with him?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure...hope not, but...it sure seems that way.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Well...either way, they took us, perhaps miles, away from a missile that could have exploded on a false note in a heart beat, we can't...we just shouldn't assume that these people are harmful, all we need to do is meet them, and find their true intentions with us.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Is that it, eh? Sorry to shatter your plans, but I don't think that they're in any hurry to talk to us.
Just then, the doors at the end of the hall fly open. Fritz and some men walk down the hall and reach the cell.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I'm not a advocate of being rude to guests, so I'll give you a chance, one chance, to settle things softly, so take note. Now, who are you?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Now you see here, there's no way I'm telling you anything until you tell me where our people are...what did you do with them?
Fritz hesitates for a moment and nods to the gate.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
All right, open it up.
A man behind him does, and after, Fritz walks in, taking Jean by the throat and pushing him to a wall.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Don't!
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Shut it...now...perhaps I should have mentioned something sooner, when I told you I wasn't an advocate of treating my guests rudely, well, that is true. But I am also not an advocate of repeating myself, so why don't you make this easy on both of us?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It's...my name's Jean, Jean.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
What, is that supposed to mean something to me...which side do you come from...are you with Oliver?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Side...I...listen, I have no idea what you are talking about, we just...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Just happen to be staying at Oliver's little...camp...yes, I know. So do you want to explain that to me...or shall I ask her?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Listen, there may be something you think I am, or some...force that I'm not...but I honestly don't know what you are talking about, we...we have been, just that...walking through the woods. Oliver saved us from being killed, he took us back to his place, and we've been there since, it...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It what? It was be chance that we found you there, by chance that once you showed up, that damned fool received enough gasoline for his...bomb...excuse me for asking, but don't all of these coincidences seem a bit much?
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Seem it or not, he's only telling you the truth.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
When I want your input, I'll ask for it.
Jean tries to break free, but men hold him down.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Where are they, what did you do with them?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
If your referring to Oliver, he's dead, don't worry. Don't honestly tell me you expected us to let them live.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
No, not...our people, dammit, can't you understand me, where did you put them? Down the hall, or did you shoot them, as you are to shoot us?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It seems that the confusion is mutual...uh, Jean...but let me first ask you a final question, and perhaps we can help each other. What did you do....with my people?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What! I don't...I don't even know who you are, your peop...we've no idea who are talking about, like I told you, we've just been walking in the woods, we haven't met anyone.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well, then...I suppose there is no point in us continuing this conversation, is there?
Fritz starts to walk away.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wait! Wait! At least tell me if he is till alive, at least tell me...
Fritz turns around.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
At least tell you if who is still alive?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
He was trying...he only wanted to save us...his name...is Pierre.
Fritz frowns and walks over to the cell.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Did you say Pierre?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Yes...he...he was one of our people, him and a woman named...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Francois...untie them, will you, quickly?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Sir, are you sure its such a good idea to...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Listen to me...if you had any idea what Pierre did for us...or what he had to lose in doing it...you'd jump quicker then I at the chance.
Francois hesitates, but finally unties their hands and unlocks the cell. Jean and Catherine step forward.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What is this? Why...why all this only at the mention of Pierre's name, what is he to you? How do you know him?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
He...well...you say that this is a man who saved your lives...he saved our lives as well.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wha...when, when was he here, I....where is this place?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
When you were at Oliver's...did you know where he intended to...use the missile on, the exact location, I mean.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Yes...some...old military base, recently been habituated by some robots, he said it stands as their Western base...that it'd do them harm...that it'd...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Jean, but Oliver fed you nothing but a pack of lies. There aren't any...robots...there at all, none of them. It's not their base, it's never been.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well, if it’s...not their base then...what is it, who's...who is there?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
We are Jean...we are.
Cut to black.
The words appear that read "Weeks Earlier". Open to Francois in Fritz's office.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'm afraid not...I would've told you right away if we found anything.
Fritz nods and then Francois leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. He has the papers Fritz gave him and is walking down the hall. He gets to a room and knocks twice.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH) [FROM INSIDE]
Yeah, come on in.
Francois opens the door and enters. Martin, covered in a worker's uniform comes over to him.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Well, hey there Francois...gotta say, ain't too often I see you down in these quarters.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yes, well, I like to stay as far away from this as I can, it only...reminds me that...well, Fritz told me to give you these, he said there might be slight changes to the blueprint, but nothing major.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
God...he'd give me modifications after the thing was good and finished, I wish he'd...why the changes there? That shouldn't be a problem, provided he has a...
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
He doesn't...that’s the point, with every day that passes, our means become less and less and thus...well, you know how it is.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Well, either way, looks like its coming along nicely, doesn't it?
Francois looks at something off screen.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I suppose...for what its worth. Don't you think, though that its a bit...well, a premature decision to be doing this?
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
How do you mean?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well, it’s just...I know that Fritz is naive about this, as in...I know he expects to find something, something which may or may not be there. And...it...pains me to think that he may be wrong.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Yes, but...maybe you are just looking at things the wrong way, Francois.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
How's that?
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Well...Fritz is hoping to find mercy from paradise out there...but if he is wrong...there might be mercy of another form.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Hours of working on this have made you cynical Martin, isn't that a bit dark?
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Oh...I don't know. Might be, but...at least we'd be free.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Heh...sad, isn't it...the only way to be free is to be...well, there's no use whining about it, is there. Four years, you think we'd be used to it.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
If we were so used to it, we wouldn't be building this, would we?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I often wonder why Francois commissioned this in the first place...it's what brought alot of us to him, yes, but...I can't help shake the feeling that he built this for that purpose only.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Are you crazy, you think he really wants to stay here?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I think he has reasons to, yes.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Oh...her.
Francois nods as they sit in silence, staring at whatever it is.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I really ought to be going though, see what he's up to. If there's a problem with the changes, then...actually...just work around it if there are.
Martin sighs.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
All right, take care.
Francois nods and walks off. Martin returns to work. We slowly pan over to see what he is working on- a rocket ship, not a weapon, but one for transport.
Cut to black.
THE END
NEXT WEEK ON "UNDERGROUND ZERO"
CASABLANCA
With all of this preliminary talk through with, we are now onto the “meat” of this episode, hence the two-parter. With our characters now on friendly terms, questions come up. Why are they building a rocket? What is with the mentions of protection? Why did Oliver want to kill them? And what is going on with Pierre? All of these and much, much more next episode on “Underground Zero”.
EPISODE 1x7 "The End of Forever"
INT.BASE-NIGHT
We open to the shot of a robot's head lying on the floor, the one destroyed by Oliver at the base. We stay on this still shot for a second before someone's foot kicks it out of their way, as they walk right past it. We then cut to a further shot, as we see the entire headless robot body, sprawled on the ground. Another, further, shot shows us much more similarly dead robot bodies, as if a fight had just ensued.
Cut to the person's legs walking down a hall. They are wearing cargo pants and no shoes. They walk past a doorway, where we see people, from their backs, digging through papers and drawers. We only see this briefly, as the person continues walking.
Cut to inside another room where people are looking through papers. They have face masks on. They are all digging through cabinets. One points to a cabinet on the far right wall.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
And what about that...have you checked there yet?
Man #2 looks at it and shrugs.
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
We can't...that one was bolted shut before we got here, apparently they didn't want us to see what was inside.
Man #1 fishes in his pocket.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
He said we should check it all before we pull out...here
He takes out a gun and gives it to Man #2.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Open 'her up, and for Christ's sake, be careful....you know how he hates these things.
Man #2 hesitates, but nods, taking the gun and looking it over. He ties to cock it.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
You'll want to make sure the safety's off, otherwise it won't shoot.
MAN #3 (IN FRENCH)
Say, who do you think killed all these robots in the first place?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Don't be stupid, who do you think?
Man #2 has now turned the safety off on the gun and then raises it to the cabinet, bracing as he slowly brings his finger to the trigger.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
I thought I told you...
We pan over and see the same legs we saw walking through the halls.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
...there is to be no gunfire, the weaponry are only to act as a last resort, I thought I made it perfectly clear.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
I apologize sir, it was under my authorization...it's this damned cabinet, it's the only way to see what's inside...you told us to search the entire premises, I was only following orders, alright?
Man #4 slowly walks over to the two men. He reaches his hand out and takes the gun. Man #1 looks nervous as Man #4 raises it. Just then, he whirls it down, breaking the lock on the cabinet. He then tosses the gun in a nearby trash bin.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Well, obviously...you weren't following orders quite well enough. And what of your men, have you found anything yet?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Nothing sir, not currently...two acres of stock room and nothing but damned dust, I told you, it's just more of the same...it's not here...we mine as well just keep searching, maybe go farther West, though I sincerely doubt that...well, you know the drill, the farther West we go, the closer to East we get, it's no man's land.
There is a brief moment of silence as Man #4 takes a seat behind an empty desk in the room.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Shit...I was so convinced...so determined...that we'd have found it here. We've been North, South, East...and now West. All of their major bases, and yet...there's only a few more places it can be, places which may be unreachable, and even then...otherwise.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Otherwise?
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Well...we didn't come all of this way for nothing, we've worked too hard, put too much into this project to simply quit now....if we don't find it within a week, a few days preferably...I'm afraid to say we'll need to improvise.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Impro...sir, you can't tell me that your serious, we don't know the first thing about their...well...the technology is just beyond us.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Beyond our capability or beyond our will?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Why...both, do you honestly think these men will follow you to the end of forever? And justly so, we've little means, scarce stock, we eat and drink imported supplies from...them...I mean, who do you think you are, Moses?
Man #4 stands and begins pacing around the room.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Remember your place, Francois; it'd be too easy to step out of line. We're all frustrated, but we must endure. We have for four years and we can for...be it as it may, four more.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
But four isn't what you promised us, nor was it three, but two. Two years is what you said, that was a year and a half ago. And what have we to show for it...nothing but a pile of...
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
I sincerely hope...Francois...that what your doing isn't insinuating that I'm a liar. Because you know well more then anyone that...
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Perhaps...I'm skeptic anyhow...skeptic as to whether or not we'll have enough manpower at the end of the month to even further production. Aren't you?
There is a brief pause as Man #4 starts pacing more rapidly.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
No...no, I...I'm keeping faith...I see good things in the future, Francois...bright, generous things. It's only a feeling, of course, but how I sense it.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Have you ever stopped and thought....that maybe that feeling is a loss of hope, that maybe you are convincing yourself that things can still turn themselves around. It's finished,
Fritz...you'll soon see that it all goes downhill from this point, there's no more...generosity for us.
MAN #4 (IN FRENCH)
Then how come you and I are still breathing?
There is another pause as Francois frowns at Fritz.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
We...you think that us living is a sign of good virtue? We didn't even have enough luck for that...if I remember, we had to buy our lives, Fritz, we had to...
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
Hey...hey guys....Fritz, you might want to come and take a look at this.
Fritz stops pacing and then goes over to Man #2, who is looking through the cabinet.
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
I mean, the chances are...well, the way its printed, I feel we might be on to something.
Fritz takes a rolled up sheet of paper and starts unfolding it on a desk.
MAN #2 (IN FRENCH)
I think that this is it, I think we found it.
Fritz finishes unrolling it and spreads it out, looking at it. We cannot see what it is, but it is a blue print of some kind. Fritz smiles.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well...I'll be damned.
Cut to black.
Words come up that read "Present Day- Months Later".
Cut back to Oliver's grocery store, still standing. Cut to Jean, tied up to Catherine and Monica.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Pierre! Pierre, No! Pie...
The grocery store blows up. Afterward, we hear a whooshing noise. Jean starts to scream again, but a board flies over and hits him in the head. Quick cut to black.
Cut to the scene we last left off with, Jean and Catherine tied together, with Monica gone. We hear crunching off in the distance, footsteps growing louder and louder. A figure then enters the screen from the tree's, stopping when it see's the two of them knocked out. Whoever it is kneels down, getting a better look at them. We can know tell it is a human. Their hand reaches out and feels both of their pockets, checking for something. After, they stand back up. We pan up and see Francois, the man from earlier. He rubs his hand through his hair as another man approaches him.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
What's the consensus...are they his?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I don't think so...I found them here, just now...they've been bound previously.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Any indication on whose side they might be on?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure, but...they've no guns in their pockets...Whatever the hell the case is, Fritz will want to see them, regardless. Waste of time, if you ask me.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
So, you want me to bring them along?
Francois just stares at them for a moment in silence.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yeah...we better bring them back. What else have you found out?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Oliver and Michel are just over that ridge, both of them shot...he did his job, we're all set here.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Any sign of...
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
No...no, but I have a feeling I know where he is...to block the missile...the door was pulled down manually.
Francois looks a bit sad, but then picks his head back up.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well, he knew the consequences when he signed up for this, here, help me pick them up. I'll load them in the car, is the supply cargo still here, or did they get that too?
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
No, no, its still here...guess we beat 'em to it, eh?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I suppose...surprises me; frankly, I always thought Oliver kept them tight in the loop.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
Yeah...well you think Oliver told them about this bomb he's been harboring away?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Wouldn't come as a shock to me...they've been dropping off like flies, lately...could very well be he did.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
So...that's it, we're just...safe again...everything's back the way it should be?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
We're never safe, Martin...we've never been safe. We're just....at least we're not walking on such a weak bridge anymore.
MAN #1 (IN FRENCH)
If you say so...you take these two from here, I'll go get that cargo, you fine with that?
Francois is broke from distraction.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yeah, yeah...sounds fine, I'll meet you at the car in a minute.
Man #1 walks off as Francois kneels down. We pan over and see Jean's face, still knocked out.
Words appear which read "Weeks Earlier".
We open to the base. A man, Francois, is running down the hall. He gets to a room and opens the door; Fritz is there, looking over papers.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Fritz, have you got a moment?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Just...just give me a second, I've got a few details to finish...if we go on schedule, we should be fine for production in a day, maybe two, granted, of course, that...
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Sir, I'm afraid that this project is going to have to wait a second, Marcel and Louis came back from supply pick-up, just got back from Oliver's.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
And?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well, sir...Oliver approached them...said that he was going to have to ask for another two gallons of gasoline per pick-up, basically told us he was rising his prices.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Dammit, what the hell does he burn his gas on, a power station? Well...I suppose we'll have to give in, figuring he doesn't go too far, but...we need those God forsaken supplies of his.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
That's what I told Marcel...but then I told him to ask Oliver why he needed so much of this stuff, why we had to keep on giving him more.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well, did you get an answer?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
No, I'm afraid that Oliver wouldn't tell him...either that or he made a phony excuse, that's not the point, though...the point is...Marcel detected a high level of electric circuiting branching into the stock room on that department shop.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It could possibly have been for refrigeration, or for...
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
It wasn't that kind of wiring.
Fritz begins to pace.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I see...and there's no way that...well, there’s no possibility that they know about...what we plan to do, is there?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well...there are always rumors, sir, especially now, with all these people leaving...they...might have heard something.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Enough for him to react on, do you think?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I...I really can't say, I suppose it depends on the magnitude he plans to react with.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
On a scale of one to ten, dammit, what are we looking at?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Here, I'm going off of Marcel's description, but...if they were like he said they were...you'd need to look off the charts for this.
Fritz rubs his face, sitting down.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well...how do we even know that Marcel can be trusted, couldn't he...I mean, couldn't he be feeding us false information, trying to scare us into abandoning our project?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
It's...feasible, I suppose...unlikely, but...
Fritz hits his hand against the desk.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Damned! You can't trust anyone, anymore...there's all these...side deals, what...what do you even suppose Oliver wants, protection? No, he threw that out the window when he took his stance, they all did. They don't have the same privileges we do, they accepted that.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
It's not like we're making things easier for them, Fritz.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I never said it wasn't a sacrifice.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yes, but it wasn't a blow to you either...Face it, you...you didn't have any regret of throwing them out the window, you never did. Nor did you even warn them what they were up against, I mean...to me, it sounds like we're getting nothing but a taste of our own medicine. And I know it's not an easy pill to swallow, but we're going to have to.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
...All right. All right, give them their...damned gasoline...let them do...whatever the hell it is they're doing out there, but I want them watched, do you understand me? Watched with the highest scrutiny.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'll do my best...but...it'll hard to keep track of them...We'll see what we can do. Anything else before I take off?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
No, no...wait, yes. Can you...
Fritz hands him some papers.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Take these down to the production room, will you, hand them to Martin, tell him there's a slight change in the blue prints.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
For compatibility?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It's not a surrender, Francois, it’s just a modification...we'll still get it finished, I know we will.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Very well sir.
Francois turns and goes to the door.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Francois, one more thing...
Francois turns to face him.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Any news on, well...her?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'm afraid not...I would've told you right away if we found anything.
Fritz looks down and nods, sending Francois off, out of the room.
Words appear that read "Present Day".
We open to a fuzzy shot. It gets clear, and we se a ceiling of a room. Cut to Jean lying on the ground, untied, staring at the ceiling. He gets up and rubs his head, looking around. He is in a prison cell with Catherine.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Catherine...Catherine...
She starts to wake up, gripping her head too.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Oh, it's...my head...
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Catherine, talk to me now, Catherine...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
God, it's...what happened to us, wha...where are we?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm...not sure where we are, but first things first, how are you feeling, no signs of, uh...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
It's...no, it's...they came in while we were sleeping, they must have. Where's...where's Pierre...or Monica, where is everybody?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Monica was tied to our backs earlier, but I'm not sure where she went, Pierre...
He sighs as he sits back.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
For all we know he could have blown to bits, I've...
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Well, where is this, who took us here, Oliver?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure, I...I only, myself, awoke a moment ago, only looked around briefly, but...there's nothing. No discernible way of indicating where we are, no form of life except for whoever, or whatever, took us here. We could be...anywhere, I suppose.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Perhaps whoever it was is simply...saving us. Maybe they are protecting us from Oliver, it's...possible, isn't it?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
They dragged us into the jungle while we were unconscious. Unless you know some form of common courtesy I don't, then...they were either very late, or they don't intend to help us at all.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Do you think it's...I mean, could it be...them?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
No, I don't think so, there's a few crates of general supplies at the end of the hall, couldn't be for them.
Catherine stands up and goes to the bars, looking out.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
I only see boxed crates, how are you so certain that they are supplies?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Because...I saw Michel packing them up.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Do you think that these are...friends of Oliver, some people associated with him?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
I'm not sure...hope not, but...it sure seems that way.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Well...either way, they took us, perhaps miles, away from a missile that could have exploded on a false note in a heart beat, we can't...we just shouldn't assume that these people are harmful, all we need to do is meet them, and find their true intentions with us.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Is that it, eh? Sorry to shatter your plans, but I don't think that they're in any hurry to talk to us.
Just then, the doors at the end of the hall fly open. Fritz and some men walk down the hall and reach the cell.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I'm not a advocate of being rude to guests, so I'll give you a chance, one chance, to settle things softly, so take note. Now, who are you?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Now you see here, there's no way I'm telling you anything until you tell me where our people are...what did you do with them?
Fritz hesitates for a moment and nods to the gate.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
All right, open it up.
A man behind him does, and after, Fritz walks in, taking Jean by the throat and pushing him to a wall.
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Don't!
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Shut it...now...perhaps I should have mentioned something sooner, when I told you I wasn't an advocate of treating my guests rudely, well, that is true. But I am also not an advocate of repeating myself, so why don't you make this easy on both of us?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
It's...my name's Jean, Jean.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
What, is that supposed to mean something to me...which side do you come from...are you with Oliver?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Side...I...listen, I have no idea what you are talking about, we just...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Just happen to be staying at Oliver's little...camp...yes, I know. So do you want to explain that to me...or shall I ask her?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Listen, there may be something you think I am, or some...force that I'm not...but I honestly don't know what you are talking about, we...we have been, just that...walking through the woods. Oliver saved us from being killed, he took us back to his place, and we've been there since, it...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It what? It was be chance that we found you there, by chance that once you showed up, that damned fool received enough gasoline for his...bomb...excuse me for asking, but don't all of these coincidences seem a bit much?
CATHERINE (IN FRENCH)
Seem it or not, he's only telling you the truth.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
When I want your input, I'll ask for it.
Jean tries to break free, but men hold him down.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Where are they, what did you do with them?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
If your referring to Oliver, he's dead, don't worry. Don't honestly tell me you expected us to let them live.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
No, not...our people, dammit, can't you understand me, where did you put them? Down the hall, or did you shoot them, as you are to shoot us?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
It seems that the confusion is mutual...uh, Jean...but let me first ask you a final question, and perhaps we can help each other. What did you do....with my people?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What! I don't...I don't even know who you are, your peop...we've no idea who are talking about, like I told you, we've just been walking in the woods, we haven't met anyone.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Well, then...I suppose there is no point in us continuing this conversation, is there?
Fritz starts to walk away.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wait! Wait! At least tell me if he is till alive, at least tell me...
Fritz turns around.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
At least tell you if who is still alive?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
He was trying...he only wanted to save us...his name...is Pierre.
Fritz frowns and walks over to the cell.
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Did you say Pierre?
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Yes...he...he was one of our people, him and a woman named...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Francois...untie them, will you, quickly?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Sir, are you sure its such a good idea to...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
Listen to me...if you had any idea what Pierre did for us...or what he had to lose in doing it...you'd jump quicker then I at the chance.
Francois hesitates, but finally unties their hands and unlocks the cell. Jean and Catherine step forward.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
What is this? Why...why all this only at the mention of Pierre's name, what is he to you? How do you know him?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
He...well...you say that this is a man who saved your lives...he saved our lives as well.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Wha...when, when was he here, I....where is this place?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
When you were at Oliver's...did you know where he intended to...use the missile on, the exact location, I mean.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Yes...some...old military base, recently been habituated by some robots, he said it stands as their Western base...that it'd do them harm...that it'd...
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Jean, but Oliver fed you nothing but a pack of lies. There aren't any...robots...there at all, none of them. It's not their base, it's never been.
JEAN (IN FRENCH)
Well, if it’s...not their base then...what is it, who's...who is there?
FRITZ (IN FRENCH)
We are Jean...we are.
Cut to black.
The words appear that read "Weeks Earlier". Open to Francois in Fritz's office.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I'm afraid not...I would've told you right away if we found anything.
Fritz nods and then Francois leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. He has the papers Fritz gave him and is walking down the hall. He gets to a room and knocks twice.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH) [FROM INSIDE]
Yeah, come on in.
Francois opens the door and enters. Martin, covered in a worker's uniform comes over to him.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Well, hey there Francois...gotta say, ain't too often I see you down in these quarters.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Yes, well, I like to stay as far away from this as I can, it only...reminds me that...well, Fritz told me to give you these, he said there might be slight changes to the blueprint, but nothing major.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
God...he'd give me modifications after the thing was good and finished, I wish he'd...why the changes there? That shouldn't be a problem, provided he has a...
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
He doesn't...that’s the point, with every day that passes, our means become less and less and thus...well, you know how it is.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Well, either way, looks like its coming along nicely, doesn't it?
Francois looks at something off screen.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I suppose...for what its worth. Don't you think, though that its a bit...well, a premature decision to be doing this?
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
How do you mean?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Well, it’s just...I know that Fritz is naive about this, as in...I know he expects to find something, something which may or may not be there. And...it...pains me to think that he may be wrong.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Yes, but...maybe you are just looking at things the wrong way, Francois.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
How's that?
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Well...Fritz is hoping to find mercy from paradise out there...but if he is wrong...there might be mercy of another form.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Hours of working on this have made you cynical Martin, isn't that a bit dark?
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Oh...I don't know. Might be, but...at least we'd be free.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
Heh...sad, isn't it...the only way to be free is to be...well, there's no use whining about it, is there. Four years, you think we'd be used to it.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
If we were so used to it, we wouldn't be building this, would we?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I often wonder why Francois commissioned this in the first place...it's what brought alot of us to him, yes, but...I can't help shake the feeling that he built this for that purpose only.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Are you crazy, you think he really wants to stay here?
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I think he has reasons to, yes.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
Oh...her.
Francois nods as they sit in silence, staring at whatever it is.
FRANCOIS (IN FRENCH)
I really ought to be going though, see what he's up to. If there's a problem with the changes, then...actually...just work around it if there are.
Martin sighs.
MARTIN (IN FRENCH)
All right, take care.
Francois nods and walks off. Martin returns to work. We slowly pan over to see what he is working on- a rocket ship, not a weapon, but one for transport.
Cut to black.
THE END
NEXT WEEK ON "UNDERGROUND ZERO"
CASABLANCA
With all of this preliminary talk through with, we are now onto the “meat” of this episode, hence the two-parter. With our characters now on friendly terms, questions come up. Why are they building a rocket? What is with the mentions of protection? Why did Oliver want to kill them? And what is going on with Pierre? All of these and much, much more next episode on “Underground Zero”.
