THE TRIBE(6)
EPISODE TWO
By Kent Hainsworth
(FINAL DRAFT 22/7/03)
Script Consultant – David Fox
1.EXT. BEACH/JUNGLE DAY.
AN ESTABLISHING SHOT OF THE BEACH AT FIRST LIGHT. THE STORM HAS PASSED IN THE NIGHT AND THE MORNING UNVEILS THE ISLAND
AS A TRUE PARADISE.
CUT TO JAY WHO IS LYING FACE DOWN ON THE GRASS WHERE HE HAD BEEN FELLED LAST NIGHT.
SOME BARBARIANS PEER AT HIM FROM THE UNDERGROWTH, SUSPICIOUSLY.
LOOKING FOR SIGNS OF MOVEMENT.
BUT THERE IS NONE.
CUT TO:
2. EXT. TREES. DAY.
JACK AND ELLIE ARE WALKING TOGETHER THROUGH THICK FOLIAGE.
JACK’S GETTING A LITTLE AHEAD, MAKING ELLIE NERVOUS.
ELLIE
Jack, stay close.
JACK
I’m here. Relax.
ELLIE
(SARC) Yeah, relax. Nothing bad’s going to happen. Seems like I’ve heard that before somewhere.
JACK
Ellie come on, don’t freak out on me, okay? That’s Trudy’s department.
ELLIE
And she’s doing a good job, but for once I don’t blame her.
JACK
The others have probably found a nice little hotel somewhere, they’ve had a good night’s sleep, a good hearty
breakfast and they’re on their way to pick us up.
ELLIE
You don’t really believe that, do you?
CLEARLY NOT. THEY PAUSE. JACK TAKES A DEEP BREATH.
JACK
If you want the truth, I don’t believe we’re here at all.
ELLIE
What do you mean?
JACK
Well it’s the strangest thing. I’ve been looking at the stars, maps, trying to work out where we are.
ELLIE
And?
JACK
Well strictly speaking… there’s not supposed to be any land here at all. We seem to be stuck on an island that
doesn’t exist!
ELLIE
(SARC) That’s a great help. Thanks. And there I was, worried that this place was real…
JUST THEN, JACK STIFFENS, HOLDS HIS HAND UP FOR QUIET.
JACK
Wait! Quiet!
SHE GRABS HIM, ALARMED.
ELLIE
What is it?
JACK
Hear that?
ELLIE
What? I don’t hear anything. Jack, you’re scaring me.
JACK
Sort of … like running water?
CUT TO:
3. INT. PALACE: AMBER’S ROOM. DAY.
AMBER IS SLEEPING SOUNDLY ON SILK SHEETS IN AN OPULENT ROOM – WITH HINTS THAT IT HAS BEEN LOOTED AND TRASHED.
ETHEREAL MUSIC PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND – ADDING TO THE REVERIE OF HER SLEEPY STATE.
SHE STIRS AND SITS UP IN HER BED. SUDDENLY SHE IS ALERT, REMEMBERING WHERE SHE IS.
SHE STARTS LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT, BUT THEN IMMEDIATELY NOTICES A PLATTER OF SUMPTUOUS FOOD NEXT TO HER BED –
A LAVISH COOKED BREAKFAST WITH EXOTIC FRUITS.
SHE’S SUSPICIOUS, BUT HER HUNGER GETS THE BETTER OF HER AND SHE IMMEDIATELY STARTS TO DEVOUR THE FOOD, CRAMMING IT
IN HER MOUTH. AS SHE EATS, SHE CANNOT HELP BUT STARE WIDE EYED AT HER EXTRAVAGANT SURROUNDINGS, A ONCE-LUXURIOUS
HOTEL ROOM, NOW GONE TO SEED.
CUT TO:
4.EXT. BEACH. DAY.
SALENE AND TRUDY SIT ON BLANKETS WITH THE KIDS UNDER THEIR MAKESHIFT CANOPY OF PALM LEAVES.
THEY BOTH ARE DISHEVELLED. NEITHER HAVE SLEPT WELL, AND TRUDY IS DISTRAUGHT.
TRUDY
Everyone who goes wandering off seems to disappear. We shouldn’t have let Jack and Ellie go.
SALENE
They’ll be okay. Besides, what choice do we have? We can’t stay here on the beach forever.
TRUDY
There’s something very weird about this island. I knew it the minute we arrived. We should have all got back on the
boat and… and sailed away again.
SALENE
Trudy, don’t you remember how it felt, after all that time, to see land on the horizon? The promise of food … shelter?
TRUDY NODS, FEELING A LITTLE ASHAMED, BUT SHE’S NOT READY TO GIVE UP HER SULKING QUITE YET.
SALENE SMILES INDULGENTLY.
SALENE
(CONTINUES) Come on, it’ll be okay. We’ll make it work somehow.
BUT SUDDENLY…
WE FOLLOW A WOODEN SPEAR AS IT FLIES -THWAAAK!!! IT LODGES ITSELF IN A PALM TREE JUST METRES AWAY FROM THE GIRLS.
SALENE AND TRUDY SPIN AROUND, FILLED WITH FEAR.
CAMERA REVEALS THAT IT WAS EBONY WHO THREW THE SPEAR. SHE WANDERS OVER TO COLLECT IT.
TRUDY AND SALENE ARE LIVID.
TRUDY
What the heck are you doing?
EBONY
Sorry about that, guys. Just practising my aim. Did I scare you?
SALENE
You could have hit us.
EBONY
I didn’t see you there. Do you like my spear? I made it myself.
TRUDY
(FUMING) The babies are playing right here!
EBONY
Someone got out of the wrong side of the hammock this morning. What’s the big deal, I said I’m sorry.
TRUDY
Just be a little more careful with that thing or –
EBONY
What?! Don’t threaten me -
SALENE
Look we’re all really exhausted …
EBONY
You might be. I slept like a baby.
TRUDY
How could you sleep with the others missing?
EBONY
Wherever they are, I’m sure they’re not thinking about me. Anyway, why lose sleep? We need to do something practical,
rather than wallowing around in self-pity all day.
CLEARLY POINTED AT TRUDY, WHO IN TURN IS SCEPTICAL.
TRUDY
So what are you going to do? Go hunting? You’re a city girl.
EBONY
It’s called unleashing the warrior within. Don’t worry your pretty head about it.
TRUDY SCOFFS. BRADY INTERRUPTS.
BRADY
(TO TRUDY) Mummy. Can I go hunting with Ebony?
TRUDY
No chance.
EBONY IS HEADING OFF.
EBONY
At least the kid’s got some get up and go, unlike her mother.
JUST THEN THEY SEE ELLIE AND JACK RUNNING TOWARDS THEM UP THE BEACH, WAVING THEIR ARMS AROUND. EBONY STOPS IN HER
TRACKS.
WE FEAR THE WORST.
SALENE
Oh no.
TRUDY
What now?
BUT JACK AND ELLIE ARE ALL SMILES.
JACK
Hey guys, Guess what …
EBONY
What?
ELLIE
We found a stream. ! Up there,in the jungle.
JACK
Fresh water. It’s beautiful!
EBONY
Where there’s fresh water… there’s fresh fish.
CUT TO:
5. INT. PALACE. DAY.
AMBER TAKES A COUPLE OF SPARE BREAD ROLLS FROM THE BREAKFAST TRAY, STUFFS HER POCKETS, THEN HEADS FOR THE DOOR.
SHE’S SURPRISED TO FIND THE DOOR IS UNLOCKED. SHE PUSHES IT OPEN, ONLY TO FIND HARMONY STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER.
AMBER STARTS, FALLING BACK INTO THE ROOM.
HARMONY
(A FAKE SMILE) Ah. Glad I caught you. I wanted to see how you were getting on.
AMBER
(ABRUPT) Why are you keeping me prisoner?
HARMONY
(SMILE IMMEDIATELY WEARS THIN) Prisoner? But you’re Privileged ...you’re an honoured guest.
AMBER
Strange way of treating guests – torch ceremonies, guards…
HARMONY
Fantastic, wasn’t it? Flame has seen it fit to meet with you personally today. I’ll send you some helpers to bathe
and dress you.
HARMONY WAITS FOR AMBER’S DELIRIOUS REACTION. THERE IS NONE.
HARMONY
Well… have you nothing to say? Most would be overjoyed to have such a chance to meet with The Flame.
AMBER
What you have done with Ram?
HARMONY
Your friend?
AMBER
He was here last night and you sent him away…
HARMONY
Why on earth would you care? You are beautiful and have been deemed Privileged. This other boy is Discarded – he’s
irrelevant. Simple as that.
CUT TO:
INT. MUD HUT. DAY.
JAY IS DRAGGED, HALF-CONSCIOUS, INTO A MUD HUT, BY THE BARBARIANS. THEY LOOK HIM OVER WITH A MIXTURE OF INTEREST AND
DISTRUST.
JAY’S POV: THE BARBARIANS SWIM IN AND OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
BARBARIAN #1
Tie his hands.
A ROPE IS PRODUCED.
TWO BARBARIANS WATCH AS THE THIRD TIES JAY UP.
BARBARIAN #1
He’s dangerous.
CUT TO:
6. EXT. STREAM. DAY.
AT THE STREAM, THE MALL RATS ARE WHOOPING WITH JOY, ALL UP TO THEIR KNEES IN THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER OF THE
STREAM, WHICH BUBBLES OVER ROCKS TO FORM DEEPER POOLS.
JACK AND ELLIE EMBRACE, WATER SPLASHING UP EVERYWHERE AROUND THEM.
EBONY, MEANWHILE, IS PROWLING BY THE WATER’S EDGE, ATTENTION FOCUSED ON THE PLAY OF LIGHT BENEATH THE SURFACE.
EBONY’S POV: A SUDDEN MOVEMENT OF LIGHT IN THE WATER. A FISH!
EBONY
(POINTING AND SHOUTING) There!
SHE HURLS THE SPEAR, BUT IN DOING SO LOSES HER FOOTING, AND STUMBLES BACKWARDS, SITTING DOWN ABRUPTLY IN THE COLD
WATER.
TRUDY AND THE OTHERS LOOK OVER, AS EBONY STRIVES TO LOOK AS IF SHE MEANT TO DO THAT.
SALENE
Warrior woman.
EBONY GLANCES OVER. SHE HEARD THAT. TRUDY AND THE OTHERS STRUGGLE TO KEEP STRAIGHT FACES.
CUT TO:
7. EXT. PLANTATION. DAY.
AN EXPANSIVE BANANA PLANTATION. RAM IS PART OF A GANG BEING HERDED FROM HUTS BY A BARBARIAN GUARD WHO WALKS ALONG
WITH A LONG POLE/TRUNCHEON.
THEY ARE CROSSING TO OTHER WORKERS WHO HAVE THEIR HEADS DOWN AND ARE QUITE UNCOMMUNICATIVE WHILE THEY DIG THE SOIL
AND PICK THE FRUIT.
BARBARIAN
(AGGRESSIVE) Come on – hurry up. Keep working. Or you’ll never make your quota. And I won’t be happy about that …
RAM, AFFRONTED IN THE UPMOST, IS TRYING TO STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION WITH A FELLOW PRISONER. THIS IS OMAR, A
SHABBILY-DRESSED, SLIGHT BOY WITH A HAUNTED LOOK ABOUT HIM.
RAM
(UNDER HIS BREATH) Why are you letting this happen? I’ve seen doormats better treated than this.
(NO RESPONSE)
Are you dumb as well as ugly?
OMAR ANGRILY TURNS TO RAM AND SPEAKS IN AN AGGRESSIVE TONE UNDER HIS BREATH.
OMAR
(WHISPERED TONES) Don’t call me dumb. Keep your head down and follow instructions.
RAM
What sort of “instructions”? What am I doing here?
OMAR
You’ll find out soon enough – now shut it.
RAM
(SEETHING) Do you know who I am?
(UNCONSCIOUSLY RAISES VOICE, LOOKING TOWARDS GUARD)
Do any of you freaks know who I am????
SUDDENLY THE GUARD SLAMS AN ELBOW INTO RAM’S MIDRIFF. RAM COLLAPSES IN A HEAP.
SOME CRUEL LAUGHTER, EVEN FROM THE OTHER PRISONERS.
BARBARIAN
(LAUGHING) Yeah. You’re the guy who just volunteered to clean my boots with his tongue.
A WORRIED OMAR LOOKS ON WITH DREAD.
RAM, WINDED, CLUTCHING HIS STOMACH. A LOOK OF HATRED IN HIS EYES, STARING DEFIANTLY AT THE BARBARIAN.
CUT TO:
9. INT. PALACE: CORRIDOR DAY.
CLOSE ON A DOOR HANDLE OPENING.
AMBER EXITS HER ROOM INTO THE SPLENDID BUT DECAYING CORRIDOR BEYOND.
PEELING WALLPAPER ON THE WALLS, INCONGRUOUSLY LINED WITH PRECIOUS ORNAMENTS AND PAINTINGS.
AMBER WALKS DOWN THE CORRIDOR, STOPPING BY A WALL OF WINDOWS LOOKING DOWN ON BEAUTIFUL POOLS AROUND WHICH ATTRACTIVE
MEMBERS OF THE PRIVELEGED ARE DRAPED OR SWIM. AMBER LOOKS AT THEM, CONFUSED – THEN AS SHE MOVES OFF SHE ALMOST
COLLIDES WITH A YOUNG BOY STANDING THERE. HE IS ALSO VERY HANDSOME, BUT LOOKS TERRIFIED. HE IS A BOY OF ABOUT NINE,
AND HIS NAME IS CALLAN.
AMBER
Oh. Hi. What’s your name? I’m Amber. Do you live here?
HE JUST STARES AT HER.
AMBER
Er… I was just… looking for the way out. You know. The exit? Is it that way?
THE BOY LOOKS HOPELESSLY CONFUSED. HE SUDDENLY TAKES OFF, RUNNING FULL TILT.
AMBER
Wait! It’s okay. I won’t hurt you!
BUT HE’S GONE.
CUT TO:
10. EXT. STREAM. JUNGLE. DAY.
JACK IS TRYING TO CRACK A COCONUT ON A ROCK, WHILE ELLIE IS WATCHING EBONY, WHO IS STILL TRYING TO SPEAR A FISH.
ELLIE IS ALMOST STARTING TO ADMIRE HER.
ELLIE
You’ve got to hand it to her.
JACK
Who, Ebony?
ELLIE
Once she gets an idea in her head…
JACK
Yeah. But she’s going about it all wrong.
ELLIE
What do you mean?
JACK
All this warrior woman stuff. It’s not very scientific, is it? I mean, we’re not living in the Stone Age.
ELLIE
We might as well be. Look around you.
JACK
Right. See what you mean.
ELLIE
So what’s wrong with a spear? What would be ‘scientific’?
JACK
I don’t know. Some kind of net? They’re in a stream, so they can’t get far.
ELLIE IS SUDDENLY VERY AGITATED.
ELLIE
A net! Well don’t just talk about it! Get working on it! The sooner the better!
JACK IS DEFENSIVE.
JACK
Okay, okay. Didn’t realize you were that hungry.
ELLIE
(QUIETLY) Starving! And I want to catch a fish - before she does.
EBONY THROWS HER SPEAR ONCE AGAIN, TO NO AVAIL.
JACK CASTS A GLANCE TO HEAVEN AND WE END ON ELLIE’S BEADY-EYED, DETERMINED LOOK.
CUT TO:
11. EXT. PALACE. DAY.
AMBER EXITS OUT INTO THE BRIGHT SUNLIT POOL COURTYARD.
THERE ARE SOME GORGEOUS PEOPLE BATHING AND BASKING ON RECLINERS. THEY SIP FROM GOBLETS, LAUGH AND EAT FROM FRUIT
BOWLS – A SCENE OF ROMAN-LIKE DECADENCE.
WHILE THEY WATCH A FASHION SHOW APPLAUDING MODELS PARADING AND DISPLAYING ALMOST FUTURISTIC NEW ROMANTIC FASHIONS.
A STRIKING, ANGELIC LOOKING GIRL, TISH, INTERCEPTS AMBER. CALLAN, THE BOY WE MET, IS ALSO THERE, BUT HOLDING BACK,
EITHER INTENSELY SHY OR SCARED.
TISH LOOKS CROSS.
TISH
(TO CALLAN) Is this the one?
HE NODS. TISH IS EVIDENTLY GOING TO TELL AMBER OFF.
AMBER TRIES TO AVOID HER.
AMBER
Excuse me. Can I get by?
TISH
My brother says you want to leave.
AMBER
(IMPATIENTLY) Look, I didn’t mean to scare him, okay?
TISH
Of course you scared him, saying things like that. Nobody leaves. Why would anybody want to leave here?
BEAT. AMBER IS INTRIGUED NOW.
AMBER
Well, they might. If there was someone on the outside, someone they loved. You see I have a little baby boy.
TISH
What’s his name?
AMBER
Bray.
TISH
Is he beautiful?
AMBER
I think so.
TISH
(FLATLY) Then he should be Privileged.
SHE FINALLY SMILES, BUT IT’S A COOL, DETACHED AFFAIR.
AMBER STUDIES THE TWO KIDS.
AMBER
(TO TISH) What’s your name?
TISH
Tish.
AMBER
And your brother?
TISH
Callan.
SUDDENLY, A SONG BREAKS OUT, PLAYING LOUDLY OVER SPEAKERS.
SOME OF THE REVELLERS CHEER AND GET UP TO DANCE.
TISH BEGINS DANCING AMBER AROUND IN A CIRCLE, PLAYFULLY. CALLAN HAS HIS HEAD DOWN, IGNORING AMBER AND THE MUSIC.
TISH
It’s Flame’s latest song. Callan loves it.
BUT THERE’S NO EVIDENCE THAT HE DOES.
AMBER
Can he speak?
TISH
He’s just shy. Doesn’t like talking to strangers.
SUDDENLY CALLAN LUNGES FORWARD, GRABBING AMBER BY THE HAND.
CALLAN
I’m not shy! I want to leave too.
TISH ROUNDS ON HIM, A VICIOUS GLINT IN HER EYE.
TISH
Be quiet! Someone will hear you. (THEN, QUICKLY, TO AMBER) He doesn’t mean it.
TISH DRAGS CALLAN AWAY. AMBER WATCHES CONCERNED AND WANTS TO FOLLOW THEM, BUT HER PATH IS SUDDENLY BLOCKED BY SOME
VERY BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMEN, HANDMAIDENS.
HANDMAIDEN #1
(TO AMBER) Wondered where you got to.
HANDMAIDEN #2
Come on, we have to get you ready.
CUT TO:
12. INT. MUD HUT. DAY.
JAY COMES TO AND GAZES TERRORSTRICKEN AT THE BARBARIANS.
JAY
Who … are you?
FIRST BARBARIAN
We‘ll ask the questions. Who Are you?
JAY
My name is Jay. And I don’t know what the problem is – but I don’t want any trouble.
FIRST BARBARIAN
Are you priveleged. Or disgarded –
JAY
What?
SECOND BARBARIAN
Seems Privileged. Yet this man follows the machines. He communes with them. I saw it with my own eyes!
JAY
I don’t know what you’re talking about. What machines?
FIRST BARBARIAN
You were seen! Now tell us what you know!!
BEAT. JAY COMES CLEAN.
JAY
All right. I saw something, a machine, yes. But I fell… Look, if you were watching, then you’ll know. They
attacked me. I don’t follow anything. We just arrived…
SECOND BARBARIAN
You’re a liar! Are you with them?
JAY
I…don’t know what you're talking about.
SECOND BARBARIAN
The machines! You're with them, aren’t you! And you're going to tell us – everything, aren’t you!
JAY STEALS A TERRIFIED LOOK AT THE BARBARIANS WHO GLARE AND CONSIDER HIM IN GROWING SUSPICION.
CUT TO:
13. EXT. BEACH: SETTLEMENT DAY.
ON EBONY, DEADPAN.
EBONY
You want my what?
JACK FACES HER ON THE BEACH, HIS FACE AS RED AS HIS HAIR.
JACK
(EMBARASSED, ALMOST A WHISPER) Your pantyhose…
EBONY
My pantyhose?
JACK
(FUMBLING)Or..Or your stockings – I’m not fussy…
EBONY
Well, it’s an original line, Jack, I’ll give you that. What’s up? Want to play the field, is that it?
JACK SQUIRMS. ELLIE AND SALENE HAVE BOTH ARRIVED TO LEND JACK MORAL SUPPORT.
JACK
Come on, Ebony. It’s for a fishing net. (TACTFULLY) In case… in case your spear isn’t sharp enough.
EBONY
(COLD) It’s sharp enough.
SALENE
Still, Ebony, it’s worth a try, don’t you think? The scientific method? Me and Ellie have volunteered.
EBONY
You gave him your stockings? Good, then he won’t need mine.
JACK
But the more I have, the bigger fish I can catch.
EBONY
You’re not going to catch anything with some stupid net, okay?
ELLIE
(COOLLY) What’s the matter Ebony? Afraid of a little competition?
BEAT. EBONY IS RILED NOW.
EBONY
Oh, it’s a competition now? Well why didn’t you say?
SHE BEGINS TO UNBUTTON HER SKIRT. A BEAT, THEN SHE LOOKS AT JACK, WHO IS WATCHING FASCINATED. ALL EYES ARE NOW ON
HIM. HE FINALLY GETS THE MESSAGE.
JACK
Right. I’m out of here.
HE DARTS AWAY. EBONY CONTINUES TO UNDRESS, HER EYES LOCKED WITH ELLIE’S.
CUT TO:
14. EXT. PLANTATION. DAY.
RAM IS PICKING BANANAS IN A FIELD. THE SUN BEATS DOWN ON HIS BACK. HE IS LOATHING IT. RAM IS WORKING NEXT TO OMAR.
THEY ARE BEING WATCHED OVER BY A GUARD.
RAM
So you… people… actually enjoy doing this?
OMAR
What else is there?
RAM
Well, let’s see. Ski instructor? That’s a good career. Or if you wanted more security … a teacher.
OMAR
Go ahead, laugh. This place may be rough, but at least we get to eat.
RAM
Why don’t you try to get up amongst the… what do you call it…?
OMAR
The Privileged.
RAM
That’s right… the Privileged.
OMAR
The Privileged are beautiful… I’m ugly. End of story.
RAM
(SHAKES HIS HEAD) You people really gotta work on your self-esteem.
THEY ARE INTERRUPTED BY A LOUD MESSAGE OVER A LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM.
GUARD
(OVER LOUDSPEAKER) The Don wishes to talk to all workers – report immediately to Area One - report immediately to
area one.
OMAR HUSTLES RAM AND THEY WALK QUICKLY TOWARDS THE DESIGNATED AREA OF THE FIELD
OMAR
(IN A PANIC) Come on. We can’t be late for the Don. Believe me, you don’t want to go upsetting him.
RAM
(NODS, MUTTERING) Right. We don’t upset the Don - Why.
OMAR
I don’t know where you’ve been all your life friend – but you’ve got a lot to learn.
CUT TO:
15. EXT. BEACH: CAMP DAY.
TRUDY, SALENE AND JACK ARE SITTING ON THE GROUND AROUND THEIR SETTLEMENT AREA, ALONG WITH THE BABIES.
JACK IS ATTACHING THE STOCKING MATERIAL TO A FISHING NET FRAME MADE OF FLAX AND TWIGS. SALENE IS ALSO MAKING ONE
NEARBY.
BRAY IS CRYING. TRUDY COMFORTS HIM.
TRUDY
He misses mommy.
SALENE
These things going to work, Jack?
JACK
They have to, or I’ll be for it.
SALENE
How do you mean?
JACK
(SHRUGS IT OFF) Nothing. What do you think?
HE HOLDS THE FINISHED NET ALOFT. IT LOOKS FLIMSY. THE GIRLS ARE SCEPTICAL.
TRUDY
Good luck.
JACK
(SIGHS) It’s hopeless, isn’t it.
SALENE
(FIRMLY) No. It’s going to work. We’re going to catch some fish, and we’re going to eat them. Amber and Jay would
manage if they were here. So we can too!
SHE HOLDS HER OWN NET ALOFT. THE OTHERS SMILE BACK, A MOMENT OF SHARED OPTIMISM.
CUT TO:
16. INT. PALACE: FLAME’S ROOM DAY.
IN A CORNER OF HIS ROOM, FLAME IS PLAYING CHESS WITH SHADOW.
SHADOW MAKES A MOVE. HE GRUNTS, TRYING TO SAY ‘CHECKMATE.’ FLAME SURVEYS THE BOARD.
FLAME
You never cease to amaze me Shadow. For someone so ugly, you’re still capable of occasional brilliance. Awesome.
WITHOUT WARNING FLAME SWEEPS THE PIECES OFF THE BOARD WITH HIS ARM.
FLAME
I’ve had enough now.
SHADOW GRUNTS BUT BEGINS TO PICK THE PIECES UP. HE IS DISTRACTED AT THE ENTRY OF HARMONY. HE GROWLS AND LOOKS UP
TOWARDS HER, DISTRUSTINGLY.
FLAME
Back off Shadow.
HARMONY
If you know what’s good for you!
SHADOW OBEYS BE IT SLIGHTLY GRUDGINGLY
FLAME
Ooohhh. Bitchy.
HARMONY
And what about you?. Suffering after the game?
HARMONY INDICATES SHADOW PICKING UP THE CHESS PIECES.
FLAME
(OF SHADOW) I let him win. I was feeling generous.
HARMONY
Good to hear you sounding positive this morning.
FLAME
I’ve had a breakthrough. I’m going to write something today – something with real class. I know I am.
HARMONY
Well that is good news, but…
A CHANGE OF ATMOSPHERE. HE GLOWERS.
FLAME
But?
HARMONY
(DELICATELY) There are one or two official duties…
FLAME
(SHARPLY) Such as?
HARMONY
Firstly, the new girl. The one they found in the jungle.
FLAME
Later.
FEIGNED INDIFFERENCE. HE HAS HIS BACK TO HER, AND WE SEE WHAT SHE DOESN’T. HE IS PLEASED AT THE THOUGHT.
FLAME
What else?
HARMONY
Greeting the Discarded?
FLAME
The Discarded! Not today.
HARMONY
Without the Discarded…
FLAME
…there can be no Privileged. Spare me the lecture.
HARMONY
We are their… (CORRECTS HERSELF) You are their reason for being.
FLAME
(CONSIDERING) Yes. But is it me? Or my music? And if it’s the music…
HARMONY
Flame, it’s you they really want. You are Perfection. You are Beauty.
FLAME
No beauty without ugliness. No music without silence.
HE PATS SHADOW ON THE HEAD, A NEW MELANCHOLY COMING OVER HIM. HARMONY IS CURIOUS.
HARMONY
What happened?
FLAME
Hmmm?
HARMONY
What was the breakthrough?
CLOSE UP ON FLAME. A SUDDEN
FLASHBACK
TO THE FINAL SCENE OF EPISODE ONE.
AMBER AND FLAME, THEIR EYES MEET. FLAME RELIVES THE MOMENT.
END FLASHBACK
ON FLAME. HOW CAN HE TELL HER THE TRUTH?
FLAME
Shadow. He inspired me. With his chess playing. Eh boy?
SHADOW NODS IMPASSIVELY. HARMONY WATCHES WITH A JAUNDICED EYE.
CUT TO:
17. INT. HUT DAY 1050
[JAY, BARBARIAN CAPT, BARBARIAN #2, N/S BARBARIAN]
JAY’S HANDS ARE STILL RAISED AND ROPED. HE IS BENT OVER SUGGESTING THAT HE HAS BEEN HIT SEVERAL TIMES IN THE STOMACH.
BARBARIAN CAPT
One more time. Are you in league with the machines?
NO ANSWER. THE BARBARIAN CAPT NODS TOWARDS THE THUG WHO STANDS OVER JAY. THE THUG GETS READY TO STRIKE.
JAY
(SHOUTING) Okay…
THE THUG STOPS.
JAY
Okay. I admit it… we’re working together. I have control over them. Over the machines.
BARBARIAN CAPT
(TO JAY) Explain yourself.
JAY
They respond to my voice. I can summon them.
BARBARIAN CAPT
(CONFUSED) Can you contact them right now?
JAY
Of course – they are ready to strike at my command. Look, I’ll do you a deal. If you let me go now, I’ll assure your
safety. If you don’t… they’ll destroy you.
BEAT. WILL THEY CALL HIS BLUFF?
THE BARBARIAN CAPT NODS TO THE OTHERS AND THEY FILE OUT. ONCE OUT OF EARSHOT, WE SEE THEM BREAK OUT INTO WORRIED
CHATTER. CLOSE ON JAY, WATCHING THEM WARILY, BUT MEANWHILE WORKING FURTIVELY, RUBBING THE TWINE THAT BINDS HIS HANDS
UP AND DOWN AGAINST THE SHARP EDGE OF THE GIRDER-LIKE METAL POST. IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING.
CUT TO:
18. EXT. BEACH: SETTLEMENT AREA DAY 1055
[EBONY, TRUDY, SALENE, JACK, ELLIE, BRAY, BRADY]
THE GROUP IS WALKING TOGETHER AWAY FROM THE SETTLEMENT ON THE WAY TO THE STREAM. TRUDY HOLDS ONE OF THE COMPLETED
NETS AND JACK THE OTHER ONE. EBONY HAS A NEW SPEAR. SALENE HAS BABY BRAY STRAPPED TO HER, ELLIE HOLDING BRADY. SOME
HAVE COCONUT SHELLS TIED AROUND THEIR NECKS TO GATHER WATER IN.
TRUDY IS STRUGGLING, FINDING IT HARD TO KEEP UP.
SALENE
You OK Trudy?
TRUDY
Just tired.
EBONY
She’s not the only one… just makes more noise about it.
ELLIE
Have a heart, Ebony.
SALENE PUTS HER HAND AROUND TRUDY IN SUPPORT.
EBONY
You turkeys haven’t got a chance. I made a new spear – I call it “The Predator.”
ELLIE
What was your last one called?
JACK
Toothpick?
EBONY
I’ll have the last laugh. What you’re all missing is the killer instinct.
SALENE
I don’t care who catches a fish, just as long as I get to eat some of it.
EBONY
This isn’t about a lousy fish. This is war.
AND ONCE AGAIN SHE AND ELLIE EXCHANGE A HOSTILE GLANCE.
CUT TO:
19. EXT. PLANTATION. DAY 1058.
[RAM, OMAR, WORKERS, KC; BARBARIANS]
RAM AND THE WORKER JOIN A LARGE CROWD FOCUSING ON A MAKESHIFT PODIUM. THERE IS A QUIET HUM AS THE CROWD WAITS
EXPECTANTLY. FROM THE PODIUM WE SEE THE DON, BACK TO THE CAMERA, DRESSED IN A TRENCH COAT PACING BACK AND FORTH IN
FRONT OF THE CROWD.
RAM
(QUIETLY TO OMAR) That’s him? He doesn’t look so tough.
SUDDENLY THE DON RAISES HIS HAND. THERE IS TOTAL SILENCE.
DON
(OOV) Friends… I’ve got some good news…
CAMERA REVEAL: THE DON IS… KC! HE PUNCHES HIS FIST SKYWARDS AS THE CHANT STARTS.
KC
Flame is coming… Flame is coming…
THE CROWD TAKE UP THE CHANT. CLOSE UP OF KC GESTURING WITH HIS FIST AND SMILING MADLY.
CUT TO:
20. EXT. STREAM. DAY 1100
[EBONY, JACK, TRUDY, ELLIE, SALENE, BABY BRAY, BRADY]
WE SEE EBONY DISAPPEARING UPSTREAM WITH HER SPEAR.
TRUDY AND ELLIE HAVE ALSO SPOTTED HER. THEY ARE LIKE CONSPIRATORS.
TRUDY
She won’t find any fish up there.
ELLIE
You’re right, they’re all in the deeper pools, downstream. Come on, let’s go.
THEY CLAMBER OVER ROCKS. BRADY IS HOLDING TRUDY’S HAND, ELLIE CARRIES HER NET.
SALENE GIVES BABY BRAY A DRINK FROM A COCONUT SHELL.
JACK, NEAR TO SALENE AND BRAY, HAS FINISHED SETTING UP HIS NET.
JACK
(LOOKING AT TRAP) Right… now it’s just a case of waiting.
SALENE
(DOUBTFUL) And what? They just swim into it?
JACK IGNORES HER SUDDEN DISPLAY OF SCEPTICISM.
CUT BACK TO ELLIE, BRADY AND TRUDY AS THEY ROUND A BEND. ELLIE SEES A DEEP SPOT AGAINST THE BANK.
ELLIE
There. That’ll do us.
BRADY STARTS TO CRY.
TRUDY
Oh Sweetie!
ELLIE
What happened?
TRUDY
She slipped on the rocks. Got a bit of a graze.
ELLIE
Let me take her back to the beach. I’ve got a bandaid.
TRUDY
Are you sure?
ELLIE
I won’t be long. Here, take this.
ELLIE PASSES THE NET TO TRUDY.
CUT TO:
21. EXT. PLANTATION. DAY 1103.
[RAM, OMAR, KC, PLANTATION WORKERS]
KC IS NOW PREACHING TO THE MASSES IN A TONE BOTH THREATENING AND EVANGELICAL. THE MASSES ARE COMPLETELY FOCUSED ON KC.
CLAPPING FROM CROWD.
KC
(WAITS FOR CLAPPING TO STOP) By harvesting the crops you are keeping the Privileged in power and supporting our one
true idol… Flame.
CLAPPING FROM THE CROWD.
RAM LOOKS AROUND FEELING CONFUSED AT THE ALMOST BRAINWASHED RESPONSE OF THE WORKERS.
FOCUS ON RAM AND OMAR.
OMAR
(ASIDE) You see? I told you he was scary.
RAM NODS ASSENT.
KC
And are you happy in your work?
CROWD
(IN UNISON) We are happy.
KC
Good. The Privileged must prosper, for only in the Privileged can we find Perfection. And only in Perfection can we
be free.
KC STEPS DOWN TO MORE ENTHUSIASTIC CLAPPING FROM THE CROWD.
SUDDENLY A CHANT STARTS UP FOR ‘WORSHIP THE FLAME’
OUT ON A WORRIED RAM.
CUT TO:
22.INT.HUT. DAY 1110
[JAY; BARBARIAN CAPT, BARBARIAN MEMBER #2; N/S BARBARIAN]
THE BARBARIANS ARE STILL IN HEATED DISCUSSION.
BARBARIAN CAPT
(TAUNTING TOWARDS JAY) Make him prove it. It could all be lies.
BARBARIAN #2
(TO FANDOM CAPT) No! We must let him go… or he’ll destroy us.
UNSEEN, JAY MANAGES TO WEAR THROUGH THE LAST OF THE TWINE, KEEPING HIS HANDS RAISED.
BARBARIAN CAPT
It’s not your call. (THEN, ANGRILY, TO JAY) Go ahead! Let’s see you summon the machines!
JAY
Okay. You asked for it.
JAY, SEIZING HIS OPPORTUNITY, BRINGS HIS NOW UNBOUND HANDS DOWN UPON THE FANDOM CAPTAIN’S NECK, SENDING HIM TO THE
GROUND. JAY MAKES A BREAK TOWARDS THE OPEN DOOR. ONE OF THE HEAVIES REACTS AND TRIES TO STOP HIM BUT JAY MANAGES TO
PUSH HIM ASIDE AND ESCAPES.
BARBARIAN CAPT.
(IN PAIN ON THE GROUND) Get him!
CUT TO:
23. EXT. STREAM. DAY 1130.
[TRUDY]
TRUDY, ALONE NOW, HOLDS THE NET, NOT REALLY KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH IT. SHE PUTS THE NET IN THE WATER AND HEADS FOR
THE SHORE.
SHE LIFTS HERSELF ONTO THE BANK AND LIES DOWN, RELAXING IN THE SUN. HER EYES BEGIN TO DROOP.
ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE IS A HARSH METALLIC SOUND OF CHAINS… SCREEEECH!!! AND, OUT OF THE TREES, SHE SEES A HUGE
METALLIC BALL HEADING IN HER DIRECTION.
TRUDY
Aaahhhh!
TRUDY IS IMMEDIATELY UP ON HER FEET. SHE STUMBLES OFF THE BANK AND FALLS INTO THE DEEP PART OF THE STREAM,
DISAPPEARING UNDER THE WATER.
CUT TO:
24.EXT. JUNGLE. DAY 1230
[JAY, BARBARIANS]
JAY IS RUNNING THROUGH THE JUNGLE.
NOT FAR BEHIND, THE RUTHLESS BARBARIANS ARE IN HOT PURSUIT – A COUPLE SCREAM A BATTLE CRY.
BARBARIAN CAPT
I want him. Bring him to me!!!
CUT TO:
25. EXT. STREAM. DAY.
[TRUDY, SALENE, JACK, EBONY]
JACK AND EBONY ARE HELPING A BEDRAGGLED TRUDY OUT OF THE WATER.
JACK
Take it easy. You’ll be okay.
TRUDY LIES ON HER BACK, PANTING AND COUGHING.
SALENE ARRIVES.
SALENE
What’s the matter? What happened?
TRUDY CAN BARELY TALK.
TRUDY
Didn’t you see it? There.
THEY ALL LOOK AROUND BUT THERE’S NO SIGN OF ANYTHING.
EBONY
What are we looking for?
TRUDY
It was… big… and… and coming right at me…
EBONY
Loch Ness Monster?
SALENE’S LOOK AT EBONY IS FULL OF REPROACH.
SALENE
(TO TRUDY) Poor thing. You’re exhausted, hungry. Don’t try to talk. Let’s get you back to camp.
JACK WALKS BACK OVER IN THE SHALLOWS. HE HAS COLLECTED TRUDY’S NET TO TAKE BACK.
HE SUDDENLY SHOUTS OUT. THEY ALL LOOK OVER.
JACK
Hey look! In Trudy’s net!!
HE HOLDS IT ALOFT AND THERE’S A HUGE FISH STRUGGLING IN IT.
EBONY
I don’t believe it…
CHEERS GO UP FROM THE OTHERS.
JACK
I don’t know, Trudy. The lengths you’ll go to get a decent fish!
CUT TO:
26.INT. PALACE: AMBER’S ROOM DAY 1225.
[AMBER, HANDMAIDENS, COUNCIL MEMBER]
LATER. ESTABLISH THE PALACE.
IN AMBER’S ROOM, THE HANDMAIDENS FINISH THE LAST DELICATE TOUCHES TO AMBER’S PREPARATION.
AMBER IS A STUNNING SIGHT – DRESSED IN ONE OF THE GARMENTS PROVIDED BY HARMONY EARLIER. BUT SHE’S NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT.
AMBER
I told you, I can manage!
THE GIRLS JUST GIGGLE.
A ROBED COUNCIL MEMBER ENTERS THE ROOM.
COUNCIL MEMBER
Flame will see you now.
AMBER NODS HESITANTLY. SHE’S RESIGNED TO GOING THROUGH WITH THIS.
CUT TO:
27. EXT. BEACH. DAY 1227.
[EBONY, JACK, TRUDY, ELLIE, SALENE, BABY BRAY, BRADY]
THEY ARE ALL SITTING AROUND A ROARING FIRE, WHERE THE LARGE FISH IS COOKING. TRUDY IS SLEEPING. THE OTHERS ARE ALSO
LYING DOWN EXHAUSTED, BUT THE MOOD OF THE GROUP IS BUOYED BY THE SMELL OF THE COOKING FISH.
EBONY
I have to admit, it’s a real beauty.
SALENE
All thanks to the pantyhose.
JACK
And can I remind everyone that the final score was Trudy One, Ebony… Nil I believe?
EBONY
Yeah yeah… Don’t rub it in. It was a fluke.
SALENE
Oh come on… you were fairly beaten, Ebony.
EBONY
Well, I have only one thing to say about that.
EBONY GETS UP WITH HER SPEAR. WHAT’S SHE GOING TO DO?
EBONY
(SMILES) We need some more wood for the fire.
SHE CASTS THE SPEAR INTO THE FLAMES. A FEW CHEERS.
SALENE
Oh… Poor Predator…
EBONY
Good riddance.
SHE WIPES HER HANDS CLEAN. THE GROUP’S SPIRITS SEEM IMPROVED FOR THE MOMENT. CLOSE ON SALENE, SMILING.
CUT TO:
28. INT. PALACE: CORRIDOR DAY 1235
[AMBER, FLAME, COUNCIL MEMBER, TISH, CALLAN, COUNCIL MEMBERS]
THE ROPED COUNCIL MEMBER LEADS AMBER DOWN THE CORRIDOR, AMBER RESPLENDENT IN HER EXPENSIVE CLOTHES.
AHEAD OF HER COMING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION SHE SEES TISH AND CALLAN. AS THEY APPROACH, AMBER REALISES THAT CALLAN
LOOKS DREADFUL. HE STARES AT HER, HIS EYES TERRIFIED, HUNTED AND SCARED.
TISH
(TO AMBER) Hello again. You look beautiful.
AMBER IGNORES TISH’S PLATITUDES AND TRIES TO GET THROUGH TO CALLAN. SHE STOPS AND TAKES HIM BY THE SHOULDERS. THE
ROBED FIGURE ALSO HALTS, A LITTLE SURPRISED.
AMBER
Are you all right? Callan?
THE BOY IS TOO FRIGHTENED TO SPEAK, STARING STRAIGHT THROUGH HER.
TISH
Oh he’s fine. Don’t worry about him.
SUDDENLY THERE IS A GREAT FANFARE IN THE HALLWAY. DOWN AT THE END OF THE CORRIDOR SOME LARGE DOORS OPEN.
AMBER
Callan, speak to me.
THROUGH THE DOORS, WE SEE FLAME ON A THRONE-LIKE CHAIR. HE BECKONS WITH HIS HANDS.
THE ROBED COUNCIL MEMBER HOLDS OUT HIS HAND.
COUNCIL MEMBER
Come now … Flame must not be kept waiting…
REALISING THAT SHE HAS NO OPTION, AMBER TURNS TO THE DOORWAY.
SUDDENLY CALLAN GRABS HOLD OF AMBER’S DRESS.
CALLAN
(PLEADING) Please…. Take us away from here. Please!
TISH
Let her go… (FREEING THE BOYS HAND FINGER BY DESPERATE FINGER) Everybody’s looking at us! (TO AMBER) Sorry about
that … he gets confused.
WE SEE FLAME BECKONING WITH HIS HANDS.
FLAME
(TO AMBER) Come through. Yes. You. Come through. It is time.
AMBER WALKS THROUGH, GLANCING BACK NERVOUSLY AT THE BOY. THE DOORS CLOSE BEHIND HER.
OUT ON CALLAN’S DESPERATE LOOK.
END OF EPISODE.