1 EXT. MIDWEST COUNTRYSIDE - EARLY MORNING 1
CORN FIELDS line the horizon below a clear blue sky.
SUPER: Summer 2016 - Central Illinois
2 INT. A BEDROOM - MORNING 2
EYES snap wide open on a man's face.
A FARMER in his early 40s, lays in bed staring at the
ceiling. His alarm clock reads 8:15. The LAMP is still on
from the night before.
As he slowly sits up in bed he hears a SNAP and his alarm
clock goes DEAD and the light bulb in the lamp POPS.
Silence. Complete silence.
He looks up as his CEILING FAN slowly grinds to a halt.
3 INT. A FARMER’S KITCEHN - MORNING 3
He walks quietly into his kitchen. None of the appliances are
working.
Power is out. He gets a glass of water from the sink to
drink. His CELL PHONE is charging on the counter. He checks
it, but it's dead too.
Won't even turn on or light up as he FIDDLES with the phone
Strange.
4 EXT. A FARMER’S YARD - MORNING 4
He walks out to enjoy the morning sun until something catches
the Farmer's eye. He slowly walks away from his front door,
STARING into the distance and up into the SKY.
We start to hear a strange sound that is getting louder and
LOUDER.
We see a COMMERCIAL JET, struggling to maintain flight, as it
crashes into a distant corn field in a giant FIREBALL.
Music: In the Year 2525 by Zager and Evans
We following the BURNING wreckage plume up into the sky,
settling on the BRIGHT and RAGING Sun.
5 INT/EXT. TITLE CREDITS 5
After the credits, an epigraph quote from the episode:
SUPER: "Only then can we move beyond this... post apocalyptic
nightmare."
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Frantic Reflections
6 INT. A HALLWAY IN HER HOME - DAY 6
A door to a bedroom sits partially open at the end of a long
hallway.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
If there's one thing you can say
about mankind, there's nothing kind
about man. You can drive out nature
with the pitchfork but it always
comes roaring back again.
(a pause)
You always hated it when I did
that. But I was always more into
music than you were.
7 INT. A SUPPLY TENT - DAY 7
Music: One More Cup of Coffee by The White Stripes
A table covered in various tools and junk in a dark large
tent.
Someone's hands sift through various items. A panicked search
for SOMETHING but they can't find it.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
In hindsight, I'd give everything
to have problems like that now.
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Reflections Under the Night Sky
8 EXT. A NIGHT SKY - EVENING 8
A clear night sky with a FULL MOON. We leave the moon and
fade into the blackness of the night sky.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Now I've been awake for days, I
can't fight it anymore.
(a pause)
I remember that concert. Like it
was yesterday. I just...
(sighs)
What could I say, I was far away.
The blackness is disturbed as bits of light - a few then a
dozen then a HUNDRED - start to fill the sky as they arc
through the night like little rockets.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Inescapable Memories
9 INT. A DESK - DAY 9
A woman's hand is writing on paper on a large wooden desk - a
LETTER that we can't see the contents of as the pen continues
to work.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
I remember everything, things I
can't forget.
10 EXT. A CREEKBED - EVENING 10
Two hands use a small BLADE to begin cutting a stripped piece
of a thick TREE BRANCH. Someone carefully whittling wood by
the light of a camp fire.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Now there is no running from it.
11 EXT. OPEN PRAIRIE - DAY 11
An overhead shot of the open GREEN PRAIRIE GRASS - centered
on freshly disturbed DIRT in the vague shape of a SHALLOW
GRAVE with a shovel nearby.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
It's become the crux of me.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Demons of the Battlefield
12 EXT. A GRASSY FIELD - AFTERNOON 12
Two legs, covered in pressed military slacks, take FOREBODING
strides through tall grass, random blades of which are
stained in BLOOD. We see the barrel of a RIFLE swing down by
the legs for a moment.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
I wish that I could rise above it.
13 EXT. THE OPEN PRAIRIE - AFTERNOON 13
A nebulous and out of focus shot of hundreds of men clashing
in melee combat in the open prairie. Two ARMIES at BATTLE.
We see the side of a man, a HACHET AX hanging from his belt,
as he drops an open small open BLACK SATCHEL to his side.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
But I stay down... with my demons.
SMASH CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
The Fall: A Reflection on Darkness
14 EXT. PASTURE BY A GIANT COTTONWOOD TREE - AFTERNOON 14
SEAMUS TOBIAS sits on a large tree branch that has grown into
the ground in a grassy pasture. He takes a deep long DRAG
from a PIPE.
SUPER: Fall 2032 - Central Illinois
After a moment, he speaks to his audience.
SEAMUS
This is extortion, you know that. A
story then.
(pause)
I remember reading something. Long
ago. Something that I didn't
understand at the time, but it
stayed with me. It was in a book,
by John Passaro. The passage said:
There is a club in this world you
do not join knowingly. One day you
are just a member. It's the life
changing events club. The fee to
join the club is hurt beyond
belief, payable in full, up front
for a lifetime membership. I always
think of the young ones. Like some
of you. Thrust into life. No one
ever asked your permission. And no
one ever warned you God is an
Indian Giver.
(pause)
I'm sorry, a story. A history
lesson? Yes. Yeah... Our story
begins sixteen years ago. The day
everything went dark. The moment
humanity was sent back to the stone
age. We call it the fall. But it
was really the day that every man,
woman and child got their
membership to the club.
15 EXT. A CITY IN RUINS - AFTERNOON 15
SUPER: Fall 2016
We see a city that lies in RUIN. Bodies in the street.
Buildings smoldering. A post apocalyptic HELLSCAPE.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Society collapsed as humanity was
unable to cope with the disaster.
What happened? No one really knows,
but everything went dark, and we
never saw the light again.
Genres:
["Drama","Sci-Fi","Post-Apocalyptic"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
From Survival to Society: The Rise and Threat of the People of the Prairie
16 EXT. A LARGE OPEN PRAIRIE - AFTERNOON 16
SUPER: Spring 2019
A group of lost survivors are moving through tall prairie
grass and they survey the scene, desperate and hungry.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Some survivors made their way into
the vast rural space of the
Midwest. Over time they called
themselves the People of the
Prairie.
17 EXT. A PRAIRIE SETTLEMENT - DAY 17
SUPER: Summer 2021
We see scenes of people gathering wood. Fashioning tools.
Building simple structures.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Isolated away from the urban decay
and blessed with fertile lands the
locals came together to rebuild
society.
18 EXT. A PRAIRIE SETTLEMENT - AFTERNOON 18
SUPER: Spring 2026
Now with several buildings and basic walls being constructed
around their settlement, more and more people are there
pitching in their part, including children and families.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Basic government returned to
humanity once again. A beacon of
hope and progress, folks came from
all around to join the People of
the Prairie and their great
Republic.
Several dozen adults gather round in serious discussions.
19 EXT. PAIRIE GRASS - MORNING 19
SUPER: Fall 2026
A large open field and in the distance, the ominous shape of
AN ARMY approaches on the horizon.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
But nothing lasts forever. Six
years ago they would attract the
attention of an intractable foe.
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic","Survival"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Arrival of The Tribe
20 EXT. OUTSIDE OF A SETTLEMENT - AFTERNOON 20
Tall green PRAIRIE GRASS sways in a gentle breeze.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Everything changed the day they
came... The Tribe.
SUPER: Fall 2032 - Central Illinois
A rough path of crushed grass with thin tire tracks has a
horse drawn CARRIAGE meandering down it. A dozen people
follow on foot.
The carriage approaches the gate of a large walled
SETTLEMENT.
CONVOY DRIVER
Prairie City! Prairie City. Last
stop for us today.
They approach PRAIRIE CITY - a large walled settlement with
tents, buildings and dozens of people bustling about their
day.
Folks have long hair, full beards and simple clothing.
A few men stand at the GATE with crude axes and stop the
Convoy before it enters.
LAURA ROSEN, a woman in her late 50s, approaches the carriage
with several attendees following close behind.
CONVOY DRIVER
Laura Rosen! It's been a while.
LAURA ROSEN
What do you have for us?
CONVOY DRIVER
The final crop from Nokomis.
LAURA ROSEN
The final crop? Carl this is the
first delivery.
CONVOY DRIVER
Aye. It was a bad year, Laura. To
be frank, I'm surprised they sent
anything.
Laura is stunned but nods to him and starts to turn as the
Convoy Driver gets her attention.
CONVOY DRIVER
Laura - we have some tag alongs.
Can't speak to their character, but
they were quiet and didn't fuck
around any on the ride over.
LAURA ROSEN
A rousing endorsement. Why did they
travel?
CONVOY DRIVER
Food and shelter I'd assume. Before
winter.
LAURA ROSEN
Thank you Carl. Send Donna my
regards.
CONVOY DRIVER
Aye, will do. And you take care of
yourself Laura. I wouldn't put it
past the Tribe to try something
before it gets cold.
Laura shakes his hand firmly and cautiously makes her way
behind the convoy to the dozen migrants.
LAURA ROSEN
Welcome to Prairie City, seat of
our great Republic. We respect
honest, hard work. Check in with
the guards at the gate.
Laura walks off as the migrants follow to line up at the
gates.
ROY, a shorter black haired and heavily bearded man, steps
forward with ANGUS, a taller, fair haired man with patchy
facial hair.
ROY
(yells to Laura)
Ma'am!
Roy excitedly runs up to Laura and her guards promptly GRAB
and stop him. Laura turns around to face the boys.
ROY
I'm Roy, this is Angus. We're
making our way west. To the
Mississippi river! Could you put us
up for a few days?
LAURA ROSEN
Check in at the main gate if you
want to stay. If you head west,
that is Tribe territory.
A beat. The boys look at each other with concern.
LAURA ROSEN
(continued)
So, you know.
(pause)
Your best bet is to head south,
then west. That will avoid the
Tribe. St. Louis. The arch. You
can't miss it.
Laura starts to turn to walk away from the boys and towards
the main gate.
ROY
Uh... Angus I are great workers
ma'am.
ANGUS
(supporting Roy)
Yeah - the best workers!
ROY
We will do anything you need! We
chopped wood in Nokomis and then
we...
LAURA ROSEN
(interrupts)
Please. I'll waive you through the
gate. Go to the General Store. Talk
to Sean. He has work... Now, if you
don't mind.
A group of men is walking towards Laura and the boys from the
main gate.
ROY
Gee, that sounds great ma'am we'd
love to help in any way that we
can...
Angus puts his arms around Roy forcefully hugging him and
stopping him mid sentence.
ANGUS
(interrupts)
Sorry lady, my friend gets a little
excited. Its just we been walking
and traveling for months. All the
way from Washington DC. We'll get
right to work and earn our stay
don't you...
Laura takes a moment and before she gets a word out, the
other group of men reach them.
PHILIP SONTAG
(interrupting)
Laura, do you have a moment my
dear?
Everyone turns to give their attention to PHILIP SONTAG a man
in his late 60s. RICK SONTAG accompanies him. Laura cringes
at him calling her dear but sees her chance and makes leave
of the boys.
LAURA ROSEN
Yes Philip, of course.
Laura waves the boys in past the gate guard and walks off
with Philip and his entourage. The boys get the lay of the
land.
ANGUS
(to himself)
What a fuck nut.
ROY
I thought she was nice.
ANGUS
No, you. Never letting you lead
again.
ROY
Letting me? You cut me off before I
could get going. Besides, she
seemed important. Wanted to
impress.
ANGUS
Yeah and you made too much of an
impression.
ROY
Hardly. If anything she thinks less
of us.
ANGUS
Like that's possible... we have to
lay low Roy. Keep it simple. It's
what keeps us alive.
The boys spot the General Store and walk towards it a bit.
They stop and take it in then look to each other and give a
devious smile to each other. They put out their hands to each
other and do a secret handshake.
ROY / ANGUS
(quiet - in unison)
Vulture fuck.
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic","Survival"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Clash of Diplomacy
21 EXT. PRAIRIE CITY MAIN STREET - DAY 21
Laura and Philip are walking and talking, their entourages
following behind them.
PHILIP SONTAG
Laura, we all know what you put in
this.
LAURA ROSEN
Thank you, but I must insist, the
peace talks with the Tribe won't go
well if I'm not there. I agree -
the President shouldn't go. We're
on the same page Philip I just
want...
PHILIP SONTAG
(interrupts)
Good. Top leadership from both the
Tribe and Republic will skip the
initial talks. That's how these
things go. You and the President
are the same as far as I'm
concerned. As agreed we will send
non-food supplies to the Tribe as a
sign of good faith for the talks.
Besides, this would be too
stressful for you. After all you've
gone through lately.
LAURA ROSEN
You know I should be there. I'm
going. End of story.
PHILIP SONTAG
Laura.
LAURA ROSEN
I have worked for months on this
Philip. I have a rapport with them.
I'm the most familiar with them.
They trust me. This is our chance.
Our chance to end six years of
conflict with the Tribe. We
can't...
PHILIP SONTAG
(interrupts)
And we all appreciate what you've
done. But it's time to take a step
back. There is only so much you can
accomplish sending letters back and
forth. Now it's time for in person
diplomacy. It's time for me to
shine.
LAURA ROSEN
I am not the President. But neither
are you. I'm going Philip.
PHILIP SONTAG
Sweetheart, you know they won't
respect you. I'm sorry. It's not
fair. But that's how things work
with... brutes like this. They're
monsters, Laura. You know that. Go
see Josh. He needs you now more
than ever.
LAURA ROSEN
Josh? You mean, President Rosen.
PHILIP SONTAG
Of course. We should get dinner
before I head out.
(beat)
My place, at sundown?
The audacity.
LAURA ROSEN
I'll be having dinner. With my
husband. Your President.
PHILIP SONTAG
Our President, Laura. He's a lucky
man. At least, he was.
Philip and his entourage walk off. RICK SONTAG follows at the
end of the group. Embarrassed by his father he looks to Laura
as he walks by following the entourage.
RICK SONTAG
(quietly)
I'm sorry Laura.
Laura doesn't break her eyes from Philip as he walks off. If
looks could kill, Philip would be dead in the street.
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic","Political"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Strength Over Literacy
22 INT. GENERAL STORE PRAIRIE CITY - DAY 22
SEAN sorts through odds and ends on some makeshift shelves.
Dusty and dark, he stocks simple tools and trinkets alike.
Roy and Angus enter the store.
ANGUS
Sean? I'm Angus, this is my friend
Roy. Laura said we could find work
here.
Sean eyes them suspiciously.
ROY
We're very strong. We chopped wood
in Nokomis and then we...
SEAN
(interrupts)
Are you posties?
Roy stops, almost confused.
SEAN
(continue)
Are you two posties? Were you born
after the fall?
ROY
I know what posties are, sir. I
just never know how to answer. We
both were 3 and 4 at the time of
the fall.
ANGUS
I'm older.
ROY
So we're like... neither, you know?
SEAN
Can ya read and write?
The boys look ashamed and pause.
ROY
We're very strong.
ANGUS
Strong as fuck.
23 EXT. GENERAL STORE PRAIRIE CITY - AFTERNOON 23
Roy and Angus are cutting wood behind the general store.
Sweating and labored, they finish up their logs and take a
break.
ROY
(breathing heavily)
Well this sucks.
ANGUS
It was your idea.
ROY
I know, I know - let me think.
ANGUS
(to himself)
Why start now?
ROY
I didn't see anything valuable. At
least that we could carry.
ANGUS
Why are you always such a wuss. We
can take bigger things. Just need
to be smart about it.
ROY
Fine. Well you can enjoy hauling it
on your ass until the next
settlement.
ANGUS
You heard the lady. I don't think
there is another settlement.
(leans in excited)
Means we're close to the
Mississippi river!
ROY
You heard the cold is coming. Do
you really want to get on a river
in winter? Let's vulture fuck and
head back east. Nokomis was nice.
Jessica from Nokomis was nice.
ANGUS
Focus Roy! Don't let your dick get
us into trouble. Again.
ROY
Well, what about Julia?
ANGUS
(defensive)
What about her?
Roy makes a face to Angus. It breaks through Angus's armor.
ANGUS
Yeah, yeah... she was nice. But
lets keep our eye on the prize
punchy.
Roy gets a log and starts CHOPPING WOOD again. Angus thinks a
moment.
ANGUS
(continued)
You heard what she said if we keep
head'n west, though.
ROY
Tribe territory.
(a beat)
Do you think what they say is true?
ANGUS
Why would people lie about that
shit, man.
ROY
Yeah. Everyone is terrified of'em
Angus. The Tribe... What did Julia
say, they're just run of the mill
bloodthirsty slavers. Here we
thought Indiana was bad.
ANGUS
Yeah we ain't fucking with that.
(pause)
Lets focus on now, buddy.
Angus gestures to the STORE. Roy gets back to chopping wood.
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
The Great Store Heist
24 INT. GENERAL STORE PRAIRIE CITY - AFTERNOON 24
Sean sees a trader on his way as they store some wheat in the
corner in bundles. Roy and Angus come in dirty and sweaty.
ANGUS
All done!
Sean eyes them suspiciously.
SEAN
I'll be the judge of that. Wait
here.
Sean heads out back to check their work. A few moments after
Sean is outside and out of eye shot, the boys get to work.
They start to make their way through the store looking at the
tools on the shelves. Salvaged knick knacks. A lot of stored
food and agricultural tools. Hammers. Simple weapons. Garden
tools. String. Backpacks.
Angus grabs two backpacks and throws one to Roy. They start
to grab items here and there and put them into the packs. Roy
gets fixated on a SNOW GLOBE that sits on a shelf.
Angus makes a SNAP sound towards him that gets his attention.
They put the backpacks on and make their way to the main
entrance as Sean comes back in from the rear.
SEAN
(out of eye shot)
Well you two, I have to say, did a
good job on that wood.
Angus and Roy go panic eyes. Angus DUMPS his backpack and
stuffs it in the corner. He nonverbally gets furious at Roy.
Roy starts to slip the pack off as Sean comes into view.
SEAN
(continued)
If you're ever looking for more...
Sean stares at the boys. Roy with the backpack still on one
shoulder but he freezes. Sean goes back to his suspicious
LOOK. Angus thinks quickly on his feet.
ANGUS
Sorry yeah we just - started
looking at what you had here. A
very nice selection of...
ROY
(supporting Angus)
Very nice..
ANGUS
Stuff you have here um Roy really
liked this bag so was just trying
it on.
Sean's eyes the boys intensely. Both boys freeze.
FIGHT or FLIGHT? After a pregnant pause...
SEAN
It does look good on'em. And it's
only a fair trade for the work you
did. Its yours.
The boys breath a sigh of relief.
ROY
I'll cherish this bag for the rest
of my life.
Angus pushes Roy a bit to get moving.
ANGUS
Have a good day, sir.
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic","Survival"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Great Escape Attempt
25 EXT. OUTSIDE GENERAL STORE - AFTERNOON 25
As they walk out they slap each other's hands, shit eating
grins on their faces.
ROY / ANGUS
(in unison)
Vulture Fuck!
They pass by and into the main street of Prairie City.
Suddenly - Sean BURSTS out of the General Store.
SEAN
(yelling and furious)
Stop those two! Stop them! Stop
them now!
Roy and Angus immediately take off RUNNING towards the
settlement GATE.
Sean starts after them but is not very quick in his age. The
gate guards start to CLOSE the gate. The boys are running
hard. A few bystanders start to go after them and the boys
have to run at angles to dodge them.
HAWKINS, a fit man with long hair and a big beard walks out
of a tent - sees the commotion - makes an assessment and
grabs a SPEAR from a guard next to him.
Taking his aim he launches it towards our fleeing boys. Angus
has the lead with Roy a step behind with his heavy backpack.
The spear lands perfectly in the dirt and TRIPPING Roy he
falls to the ground HARD.
Angus stops up and looks back at his friend. As Roy tries to
get up several bystanders come to GRAB him. Angus looks at
the gate. He could make it still if he ran.
He looks at Roy. He looks to the gate. And back to Roy.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
The Trial of Roy and Angus
26 INT. PAIRIE CITY TOWN HALL - EVENING 26
Roy and Angus sit on their knees, hands tied, in the town
hall of the Prairie Republic.
Torches burn to light the room. Elevated at the front stands
Laura Rosen next to her husband PRESIDENT ROSEN.
At his other side are Hawkins and BRICE. Sean recants his
testimony.
SEAN
... after the chase, I got the bag
back and it was filled with stolen
goods.
Laura looks down from the elevated stage to the boys.
LAURA ROSEN
I spoke with you two this morning.
I must say, I am disappointed.
Young men like yourselves have a
choice in this world. You can
build. Or you can tear down. One is
selfless. The other is selfish.
(beat)
What do you have to say in your
defense?
The silence fills the room. Roy looks to Angus, and Angus
says not to talk with his face. Roy can't help himself.
ROY
We uh...
(chokes)
Sorry. We're sorry.
ANGUS
(sarcastically whispers)
Nice. That was good. Got anything
else?
President Rosen, a withered old man, is seated in a chair.
He looks at the boys, a half smile on his face - he's not in
sync with what is going on and just interjects himself into
the proceedings.
PRESIDENT ROSEN
Do you wanna hear a joke?
Roy and Angus give him their attention, a bit confused.
PRESIDENT ROSEN
I told my doctor I broke my arm in
two places. He told me to stop
going to those places.
The room is SILENT. Laura puts her hand on her husband's
shoulder and speaks softly into his ear. Laura turns back to
the boys.
LAURA ROSEN
This trial can reach it's verdict.
The boys look at her, terrified.
LAURA ROSEN
(continued)
You have shown no respect for
others or their property. You are
found guilty and are hereby
banished from our city.
The boys loosen slightly - at least they are free to go.
LAURA ROSEN
(continued)
Brice will see to your relocation.
This trial has ended.
Guards make their way to the bound boys.
Laura assists Josh in getting to his feet and once he is she
has a thought and turns back to the boys.
LAURA ROSEN
It was Roy and Angus, right?
The boys look up at her as the guards are standing them up.
ANGUS
That's our names.
(a pause)
Ma'am.
LAURA ROSEN
The choice between building or
tearing down. You make that choice
every single day of your life.
Every day is a second chance to get
it right.
Laura nods and the guards get them to their feet and they
march off with them and Brice.
27 INT. PRAIRIE CITY TOWN HALL - EVENING 27
Brice and Hawkins stand in the hallway outside of a room
quietly.
Inside Laura is sitting next to President Josh Rosen as he
lays down in a bed. She gently hugs him and gives him a kiss.
A candle is illuminating a family photo of Josh, Laura and
their three children from before the fall of society. She
takes the candle and quietly leaves the room.
LAURA ROSEN
Philip cut me out.
HAWKINS
Out of what?
LAURA ROSEN
The talks with the Tribe.
(pause)
That snake.
They continue to walk, Brice and Hawkins are silent. Laura
picks up on this - and stops to look at the men.
LAURA ROSEN
You already knew?
BRICE
If you'll excuse me.
Brice walks off leaving the two alone.
HAWKINS
He asked me to be a part of the
delegation. For security.
LAURA ROSEN
And?
HAWKINS
Laura... The man's half cocked and
has his head up his ass. The least
I can do is, be there to help... If
it hits the fan.
Laura doesn't react and starts to walk again with Hawkins
following.
LAURA ROSEN
If it hits the fan, God help us
all. I should be there Hawkins.
They make their way through the hall a bit more when it hits
her.
LAURA ROSEN
I have an idea.
Hawkins looks concerned.
Genres:
["Drama","Post-Apocalyptic","Political"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Chains of Resignation
28 EXT. PRAIRIE GRASS WEST OF PRAIRIE CITY - NEXT MORNING 28
Roy and Angus and two other older men walk in a chain gang as
Brice leads them on a horse to their exile. They slowly come
upon a LARGE TREE by a small stream. Brice stops his horse
and ties them off on a large branch.
BRICE
Alright my merry men, you can rest.
All four of them drop to the ground, some of them lay down to
stretch.
CHAIN GANG GUY ONE
How much further are you going to
take us before letting us out of
these goddamn chains.
Brice smiles.
BRICE
All in good time my merry men, all
in good time.
Brice walks off to go take a piss by the tree. Roy and Angus
are laying in the grass together looking into the sky.
ANGUS
This fucking sucks. Remind me, why
are we the way we are?
ROY
We got this Angus. Don't worry.
Roy just closes his eyes. Angus stares a bit more into the
morning light. His eyes get heavy and his vision fades into
sleep.
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Brutality and Captivity
29 EXT. LARGE TREE BY STREAM WEST OF PRAIRIE CITY - LATE MORNING 29
Blurry eyed Angus looks up, the sun higher now. How long was
he asleep?
Dazed in that daylight nap, it's hard to see much. Two
shadowy figures walk by above him as he is still half asleep.
BRICE
These two are the posties. They're
young and healthy.
Angus is still coming to. Roy is passed out.
MAN
We'll take just those two. We have
no need of the others.
BRICE
I can't exactly take them back.
Just set them free?
MAN
Sure.
THE MAN takes a blade from his side, and bends down on top of
one of the other two men in the chain gain - still asleep.
The Chang Gang Man One starts to come to as The Man takes the
knife to his throat - he starts to scream and fight and the
Man SLICES his throat several times, blood flowing out as he
screams in gurgles.
Angus starts to panic and get up and Roy is shocked awake -
but everyone is still chained together. Angus is grabbed by
another man and HELD.
Brice starts to try to stop The Man as he moves to CHAIN GANG
GUY TWO, who now is awake but still on the ground - The Man
pounces on him and SLICES through his throat as well.
Roy and Angus are now both being HELD by men against their
will.
BRICE
Good Lord Rex, we were gonna set
them free!
COLONEL REX
I did. Free of the burden of life.
And you will address me as Colonel.
Rex points his bloody BLADE at Brice. The Tribe soldiers
holding Roy and Angus laugh. Brice slinks back.
COLONEL REX
Are you going to get these chains
off them or do I have to cut them
too?
Brice unshackles the boys. Colonel Rex goes to his horse and
removes a bag and throws it to Brice.
COLONEL REX
(sarcastic)
It's been a pleasure Brice. I
always look forward to our little
meetings.
Brice takes the bag with his payment but rolls his eyes once
the Colonel can't see. He looks at his chains, now half
covered in blood, knowing he will have to clean them.
The Tribe soldiers tie Roy and Angus together with rope and
slip hoods over their heads.
ANGUS
How are we supposed to walk if we
can't see.
COLONEL REX
You'll figure it out. If I hear
another peep out of either of you,
you die.
Colonel Rex rides their only horse and the soldiers follow up
behind with the captive boys.
We transition back into Seamus' history lesson as they march
off to captivity.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
The Tribe. Battle hardened and
brutal, they traveled and ravaged
the land.
30 EXT. A FIELD WITH TREES - DAY 30
SUPER: Fall 2026
Men with noticeably SHAVED faces and similar uniforms march
through the grass carrying implements of destruction.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Their goal was simple. Land,
resources and labor. If you didn't
fight, you were enslaved. If you
couldn't work, you were killed.
31 EXT. TRIBE CAMP - AFTERNOON 31
We see the leader of the Tribe, VIKTOR ROZHENKO over seeing
work within a simple Tribe camp. A man in his late 40s, clean
shaven and dressed in a fancy military uniform. Viktor
oversees the symphony of soldiers in his camp.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
The Tribal Lord Viktor Rozhenko
decided this is the land where they
would finally settle. Supported by
his trusted Colonels, Eric and
Markus, they started the invasion
of the region.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
The Last Stand at Prairie City
32 EXT. A FIELD - DAY 32
We see some skirmishes and small fights between Tribesman
(shaved and in uniforms) and the locals. The locals have
beards and mismatched outfits. A dozen men CLASH with make
shift weapons. The melee is brutal and bloody.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
The Tribe came down hard on the
peaceful locals. After a few
pitched battles, it seemed a
foregone conclusion the Tribe would
be triumphant.
33 EXT. A GRASSY FIELD WITH A HILL FACING PRAIRIE CITY - DAY 33
The Tribe has its full army on the high ground. At the base
of the hill and outside the city walls, a REPUBLIC ARMY is
the only thing between them and their city.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
The locals formed a ragtag army and
faced off in a decisive battle on
Steighbor's hill. It was to be
their last stand.
The armies meet on the hill and hundreds engage in brutal
hand to hand fighting. The locals, fighting for their
families and homes, hold their own against the ONSLAUGHT from
the Tribe.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
The people of the prairie were
holding their own.
Genres:
["Action","War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Tensions in Negotiation
34 INT. PRAIRIE CITY TOWN HALL - NOON 34
Laura, Hawkins and her young assistant Jessica are in her
office in the town hall back in the present day.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
But no one could have guessed what
Viktor had in store for them.
Hawkins is sitting in a chair as Laura paces around the room,
Jessica handling documents. Laura sits down next to Hawkins,
the group already deep into a discussion.
LAURA ROSEN
OK so lets go over it again.
Hawkins sighs.
HAWKINS
(a bit rushed)
The Tribe leadership is made of
General Markus and his Colonels.
Colonel Rex, Johnson and Mullens.
Rex is the lead Colonel and is a
roughneck, violent type. A bit of a
meat head. Johnson we don't know as
much about but he seems to be in
the Rex line of personalities.
Mullens is younger and quieter and
tends to their horses.
LAURA ROSEN
Excellent. See? This is useful.
HAWKINS
Laura - I'm not a diplomat.
Laura rolls past this to get some documents from Jessica who
is eager to please.
LAURA ROSEN
In our last letters I primarily
spoke with Colonel Rex. I get the
feeling General Markus and him
wrote these together.
(ruffles through papers)
Now I feel Rex is going to be the
bad cop. With Josh and Markus not
being present we'll have insight
into their plans by seeing who else
shows up with Rex at the meeting
and how they act when...
As Laura is mid sentence, Philip Sontag walks into her office
without knocking and cuts her off.
PHILIP SONTAG
(interrupts)
And whoever shows up with him will
have to deal with me.
Laura looks up from her letters and tutelage of Hawkins.
PHILIP SONTAG
Hawkins - Please see off the supply
convoy to the Tribe and help
prepare the main caravan at the
gate.
Hawkins looks to Laura with a soft smile and a nod. He makes
his leave.
Laura hands her letters back to Jessica and goes to sit
behind her desk, ignoring Philip as much as she can.
He just watches her.
PHILIP SONTAG
Jessica would you excuse us.
Jessica looks to Laura - Laura nods and then she leaves the
office. Laura continues to not make eye contact with Philip
and to work at her desk instead.
PHILIP SONTAG
I could of been more grateful
Laura.
Laura continues to write on some documents.
PHILIP SONTAG
You know it doesn't come naturally
to me.
Laura continues to write and ignore him.
PHILIP SONTAG
Listen. It's not personal. I
believe what I said. It will take a
man to talk to them. That's not a
slight against you. Corresponding
through letters is just different
than meeting in person.
He lifts up some of the letters on her desk but Laura
snatches them away from him and continues her work.
PHILIP SONTAG
Imagine if we sent the wife of our
President into the vipers nest of
our enemy and they killed or
captured you.
Laura continues writing.
PHILIP SONTAG
It would be a huge loss to the
Republic. I'm not stupid. You're
more valuable to this city than I
am.
Philip smiles to himself and chuckles softly in the silence.
PHILIP SONTAG
I guess you'll never give me the
satisfaction.
Philip turns and starts to leave her office. Laura speaks
without looking at him.
LAURA ROSEN
It's on you now Philip. The fate of
our Republic and this region are in
your hands.
Philip stops and turns back to Laura.
PHILIP SONTAG
We only have this opportunity
because of you Laura.
Laura finally looks up to him.
LAURA ROSEN
Don't screw it up.
Philip leaves. Laura sits alone at her desk, missing out on
the party.
Genres:
["Drama","Political","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Captives at the Tribe Camp
35 EXT. TRIBE CAMP - MAIN ENTRANCE - AFTERNOON 35
Rex and his caravan come upon the Tribe Camp with the boys.
A massive fortification. Tall walls with small watchtowers
and a large gate. It opens for the Colonel as they make their
way in.
Dozens of men - all faces are bare and shaved, a stark
contrast to everyone else in this world. Several are wearing
their distinct Tribe uniforms.
Rex gets off his horse as OLIVER approaches.
COLONEL REX
Only these two Oliver. Process
them.
A voice off screen calls to the Colonel.
COLONEL REX
(waving off screen to the
voice)
I'll be right there.
(to Oliver)
Oliver, take care of my horse will
ya.
OLIVER
Yes, Colonel.
Oliver takes the horse's reign and looks at Roy and Angus in
chains there, beaten by the day. He pulls the hoods off their
head and looks them over.
OLIVER
Posties? You're too old to be
Posties. You'll need to shave. All
Tribe members are to remain clean
shaven. Go with Ethan here, he'll
get you cleaned up.
ETHAN, a tall young tribal soldier, takes their rope from the
horse and starts to walk our boys off into the busy main
street of the camp.
ROY
(quietly to Angus)
At least you're gonna get rid of
that stupid fucking beard.
ANGUS
Excuse me?
Ethan leads the boys out and into the camp.
36 EXT. PRAIRIE CITY MAIN GATE - AFTERNOON 36
Philip, Hawkins stand in front of the Prairie City gate with
some men behind them. There are also a few attendants for
Philip and about a dozen armed men for Hawkins.
A couple of horses are pulling some supply wagons away out
into the prairie. The supply convoy.
Philip finally turns and nods his head and the caravan heads
out, making its way into the open prairie grass in a separate
direction from the supply convoy.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Orientation at the Tribe Camp
37 EXT. TRIBE CAMP - AFTERNOON 37
Roy and Angus, clean shaven and washed up check each other
out in their new Tribe uniforms.
A few other new recruits stand near them as Oliver
approaches.
OLIVER
Attention! My name is Oliver.
Welcome to the Tribe. Follow the
rules and do what you're told.
Serve faithfully and you will live
a quality of life not seen by
anyone in this world.
(pause)
Now, follow me.
The group starts to walk through the camp as Oliver narrates.
They pass by HAROLD, a man in his late 50s, wearing a large
apron and his crew, all working large pots boiling water over
a fire. Harold smiles and waves as the recruits go by with
Oliver.
OLIVER
You'll be excited to know that the
Tribe has our own brewery where
they make beer for special
occasions and celebrations. This is
Harold our brewmaster.
ROY
(to Angus)
What the hell is beer?
The procession comes upon a large open tent. Several raised
beds lay in the middle of the room. Surgical tools,
surprisingly clean lay along the side. Jars of liquid - large
thick candles burning.
A tall, white haired woman in her late 40s is moving with
conviction taking samples of liquid from one test tube to
another.
OLIVER
This is our hospital lead by Doctor
Mary Martin, the lead physician for
the Tribe.
Doctor Martin looks up and smiles at Oliver and the recruits
as they walk by on their tour.
The procession continues past a collection of horses in a
large stable.
OLIVER
Here are our horses in their
stables. Colonel Mullens has been
training new horse riders for the
Tribe.
The procession heads out the rear gate. Large fields of crops
are being worked by slaves with guards in the area.
OLIVER
The Tribe has a large exclusive
source of food as well as a clean
water pond over the ridge.
They are now back in the camp and pass near a large
extravagant tent.
OLIVER
General Markus and his Colonels
lead the Tribe. They work within
the command tent here.
There is a small raised platform by the command tent, Oliver
walks up it with his group of new recruits.
OLIVER
Each of you will be given a task
worthy of your natural skills. Work
hard. Do what you're told. Break
the rules, and you will die.
The recruits are silent.
OLIVER
The guards will take you to your
tents.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Tensions in the Command Tent
38 INT. TRIBE COMMAND TENT - AFTERNOON 38
A large table sits in part of the Tribe Command Tent.
On the wall is adorned a beautiful TRIBE UNIFORM, stained in
BLOOD with knife slashes through it.
Oliver is nervously setting out glasses of water and
preparing documents in front of the four seats at the main
table there.
Colonel Rex, Colonel Mullens and Colonel Johnson enter the
tent together. Oliver acts like their butler, taking their
jackets and hanging them up for them. Johnson is a dick to
Oliver.
The three colonels take their position in front of the BLOODY
tribe uniform on the wall. Oliver joins them from the rear.
They take their right arm and straight the fingers like a
blade, and lay it against their left shoulder.
After a moment Rex slashes his arm out from his shoulder down
to his side, and others do the same. A Tribe SALUTE. They
take their seats.
COLONEL REX
Alright. Harvest is going good,
we're on track for a surplus...
That's all I got. Colonel Mullens,
report?
COLONEL MULLENS
The horse training continues,
slowly, but it continues.
COLONEL JOHNSON
How hard is it to teach some
rednecks to ride a fucking horse?
COLONEL MULLENS
(quiet but sharp)
Well, you're welcome to help
Colonel Johnson.
Rex beckons to Oliver who hurriedly hands him some papers.
COLONEL REX
(ignoring the squabble)
We're sitting at 292 total
soldiers. Recruitment efforts have
been steady and strong. Our...
arrangement with our friend in the
Republic has proven very fruitful.
Oliver, how are the new recruits?
Oliver standing to the back of the table, is a little
surprised to be asked a direct question. He drops a plate and
hurries to pick it up as Colonel Johnson rolls his eyes.
OLIVER
(nervous)
Uh, they seem, uh, good. Yeah they
seem good. Yeah. Sir.
Colonel Johnson stares Oliver down.
COLONEL REX
Well, good is good.
(continuing)
Goal of 300 soldiers by years end.
We have our first round of talks
with the Republic tomorrow. They
are sending us a supply convoy as a
sign of good faith.
(a pause)
Colonel Johnson, you'll be joining
me at the talks. Colonel Mullens
we'll need a dozen horses.
Rex makes some notes on his documents and hands them off. He
is moving with haste, ready to leave.
COLONEL REX
Anything else?
The colonels look at each other.
COLONEL MULLENS
Sir...
Colonel Johnson gives Mullens a death stare and almost elbows
him.
COLONEL MULLENS
Sir, more and more soldiers are
slipping off in the night for...
nocturnal adventures.
COLONEL REX
Like with each other? The Tribe
does not tolerate deviant behavior.
COLONEL MULLENS
No, with women. In the Republic, we
think.
COLONEL JOHNSON
They're fucking Republic whores.
COLONEL MULLENS
Prostitutes, sir.
COLONEL REX
(to himself)
Oldest profession.
COLONEL JOHNSON
Just boys being boys. Bust'n a nut.
No harm in that.
Rex gives Johnson a look like, really?
COLONEL JOHNSON
(continued)
At least they're not fucking each
other. Sir.
COLONEL REX
Whores talk and do I need to remind
you who our enemy is?
COLONEL JOHNSON
(sarcastic)
After these talks that might
change, sir.
COLONEL REX
Well once we make peace with the
Republic, the men can have all the
whores they'd like.
COLONEL JOHNSON
I'm sorry. I just didn't see it as
a problem worth your time, sir.
He shoots a glare to Mullens.
COLONEL REX
Make it clear to your men that
leaving the camp at night to get
your rocks off is a dereliction of
duty and will not be tolerated and
will be punished.
COLONEL MULLENS
Punished how severely?
Colonel Rex thinks for a second.
COLONEL REX
Just end it.
(standing up)
If there are no other pressing
matters.
Rex gestures to Johnson, as they both leave the command tent.
39 EXT. TRIBE CAMP MAIN GATE - AFTERNOON 39
Colonel Rex, Colonel Johnson and a dozen Tribe soldiers head
off and out of the gate on horseback into the open prairie.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Standoff by the Stream
40 EXT. LARGE TREE BY STREAM WEST OF PRAIRIE CITY - LATE 40
AFTERNOON
The Republic delegation is relaxing around a large tree by a
stream.
Philip is PACING back and forth. Hawkins keeps watch and some
of his guards have made a perimeter. Suddenly one of his
guards makes a loud WHISTLE. Hawkins perks up and gestures
for several other guards to move that direction.
The Tribe convoy, moving at speed on their horses approaches
and stops a bit away.
Colonel Rex and Johnson dismount and a few guards follow
behind, the rest stay with the horses. Philip walks out and
waves off Hawkins to stay further behind, which he does not
agree with. The two groups STARE at each other. A STANDOFF.
Finally, Rex turns and shoots the snot rockets out of his
nose into the grass. Turns to Johnson and then they both walk
together towards the Republic delegation. Philip is standing
tall and proud without expression and matches them, Hawkins
following behind.
We watch as the two pairs approach each other in the isolated
field.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Risky Decisions in the Night
41 INT. TRIBE CAMP RECRUIT TENT - NIGHT 41
Roy and Angus lay next to each other in the tent. One of the
other recruits is snoring loudly. The boys are whispering.
ANGUS
I regret everything.
ROY
Maybe we just stay here?
Angus slowly looks over to Roy.
ANGUS
Are you fucking kidding me?
Roy SHRUGS. Some silence as they ponder through the snoring.
ROY
When Oliver showed us around, I did
spot a tent and it looked like
there was some valuable things
in...
ANGUS
(interrupts)
No.
ROY
What?
ANGUS
No, Roy. If we vulture fuck here,
we're dead. Just need to get out.
ROY
(annoyed)
Get out? This place is a prison.
ANGUS
Do you have a better idea? If we
stay, we die.
ROY
I know that, but if we're going to
escape, what difference does it
make? Angus, they'll kill us either
way.
ANGUS
It complicates things. And when you
complicate things, things go badly.
Lets keep it simple.
ROY
Fine. We'll keep it simple.
A moment passes. Roy closes his eyes to get some sleep.
ANGUS
What kind of valuables did you see?
Roy opens his eyes back up - he looks over at Angus in
silence like, really.
ROY
I didn't get a good look but there
was a lot of weird shit in that
tent.
ANGUS
I heard the guards talking about
going somewhere at dark.
ROY
Vulture fuck, baby.
Roy gets out from his blankets and crawls to the flap of the
tent. He perks his head out. It's dark but there are some
sporadic fires and torches lighting the area. Several TRIBE
GUARDS are gathered around, laughing and talking.
Angus comes up next to Roy and PEAKS out of the tent with
him.
RECRUIT GUARD ONE
Just absolutely huge.
RECRUIT GUARD TWO
How huge?
RECRUIT GUARD ONE
Like a bouncy sack of potatoes.
RECRUIT GUARD THREE
If we don't go now we won't go at
all.
RECRUIT GUARD ONE
Fine fine lets go. Be quiet about
it.
The guards start to walk off together towards the camp wall.
ANGUS
Simple Roy. Keep it simple!
They start to crawl out of the tent as Roy rolls his eyes.
Angus scopes the area and Roy nonverbally tells him they are
good to go. They make their way quietly but quickly along
some tents.
They hunker down by a LARGE TENT looking to the CAMP WALL.
Suddenly they hear some commotion and duck down behind the
large tent - a Tribal guard exits the tent and is walking
away with urgency - implying he really needs to go to the
bathroom. Close call.
ANGUS
Roy, lets just go. Now.
They start moving and Roy stops Angus. Angus comes in close.
ROY
This is the tent.
ANGUS
Jesus, Roy, no we just need to
get...
ROY
(interrupts)
Let's just take a look.
Roy slips into the LARGE TENT. Angus looks around nervously
as he follows Roy into the tent.
ANGUS
(to himself)
Holy fucking Toledo.
The two enter the tent. A simple torch lights the area. They
fan out and start to look at the various tools, weapons,
trinkets. Angus lifts up a sword and looks at it.
Roy picks up a FLARE GUN and eyes it but sets it back down.
Roy comes upon a large BLACK BAG. Several of them. He looks
inside and his eyes light up like a child.
Angus is not impressed with the goods but he notices Roy.
ANGUS
(whispering)
What is it?
ROY
(whispering)
I don't know. They're shiny.
He lifts one of the BLACK BAGS.
ROY
And heavy.
Angus is getting nervous
ANGUS
We have to go. Now.
ROY
Shiny and heavy - it's valuable!
ANGUS
Fine.
Angus gestures to exit the tent as they slip out.
Roy grabs the BLACK BAG and it makes a RUCKUS as he slings it
onto his back, he feels the weight.
Angus reacts to the noise with PANIC eyes. This isn't going
to end well but they can't help themselves.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Great Escape
42 EXT. TRIBE CAMP AUXILLARY GATE - NIGHT 42
Two tribal guards walk past the small auxiliary gate,
chatting. After the light of their torch has faded we see two
figures slide the gate open just a hair and start to make
their way out into the darkness.
Our boys move swiftly but carefully through the prairie grass
away from any signs of life, anxiously checking and looking
around. After they make a safe distance they stop to survey
the area. All clear.
Roy smiles and looks to Angus. Angus can't help but crack a
grin, it's contagious. They put their hands together.
ROY / ANGUS
(whispering)
Vulture fuck!
They continue off into the darkness with their stolen bag.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Urgent Action: The Missing Bag
43 INT. TRIBE CAMP SUPPLY TENT - NEXT MORNING 43
Oliver, Colonel Mullens and Ethan stand in the LARGE TENT.
Staring at the table where the BLACK BAGS lay. One of them
missing leaving an open spot on the table.
OLIVER
Who is going to tell the General?
The other men slowly look at Oliver.
44 EXT. TRIBE COMMAND TENT - MORNING 44
Colonel Mullens and Ethan wait outside of the command tent.
Oliver bursts out of the command tent.
OLIVER
We've got work to do. Here are our
orders.
45 EXT. TRIBE CAMP MAIN GATE - MORNING 45
Colonel Mullens DASHES out of the gate on horseback and out
into the prairie at full speed.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
A Moment of Rest
46 EXT. PRAIRIE CREEK - MORNING 46
Roy and Angus lay low down by a creek out of sight.
They are exhausted. Roy slings the heavy BLACK BAG off his
back and starts to nap.
Angus rolls over towards him. He opens the BLACK BAG to look
in.
ANGUS
What the hell did we take?
ROY
(exhausted)
Shiny. Heavy. Valuable.
The boys chuckle. Angus rolls back onto his back.
ANGUS
Whatever Roy. It's your back.
As the boys start to fade off into a nap by the creek, we see
inside the black bag.
It's filled with HUNDREDS of rounds of AMMUNITON. A bag of
bullets. We transition back to Seamus' history lesson.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
As Viktor oversaw the Battle of
Steighbor's hill.
Genres:
["Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Betrayal on the Battlefield
47 EXT. A GRASSY FIELD WITH A HILL TRIBE SIDE - DAY 47
SUPER: Fall 2026
Viktor strides forth from the high ground dozens of yards
away from the main battle line, the young Colonel Eric at his
side.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
He played his hand.
He nods as Eric gives a signal. The Tribe line splits away in
opposite direction to the flanks, opening a hole in the
middle of their line. The locals start to CHARGE through the
breakthrough and up the hill - this is their chance!
SEAMUS (V.O.)
A fully functional assault rife.
Viktor reveals an AK-47 and takes aim down the hill. Bullets
start to rain down as shells fly out and smoke rises from the
barrel. The shots are not chaotic but controlled. POP. POP.
POP. POP. As bodies start falling on the hill below him.
The local army PANICS mid-charge up the hill. They start to
retreat, falling over the bodies of those who were hit. CHAOS
ensues.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Once plentiful, guns still exist
but are now rare and most are in
disrepair with ammunition hard to
come by. Viktor's was pristine and
he had thousands of rounds of
ammo... there was nothing the
locals could do. But as victory
drew near for the Tribe, something
happened that would change the
region forever.
As Viktor drops a magazine and grabs another from the grass
to reload - Colonel Eric attacks him suddenly and violently
STABS him. Viktor's eyes go wide as he drops the gun and
attempts to protect himself in vain. Eric is furious. STAB.
STAB. STAB. Blood flying into the air. No one else is within
a hundred yards of the two. He takes the gun and makes a
break for it, fleeing the battle field.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
Colonel Eric, one of Viktor's
trusted officers, betrayed him in
his moment of triumph.
The Tribe rallies into a full ROUTE and RETREATS from the
field.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
The Tribe retreated in chaos that
day. Many deserted in the days to
come. The Tribe hastily settled on
a strong hill in the region.
48 EXT. A GRASSY CREEK - DAY 48
Along a deep creek embankment we see the AK-47 laying in the
grass.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
No one knows for sure what happened
to Eric. Some say he didn't make it
far. Others that he's long gone.
A pair of ARMS come into the frame from off screen and gently
pick up the RIFLE from the creek bed.
Genres:
["Action","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Tensions at the Negotiation Table
49 EXT. LARGE TREE BY STREAM WEST OF PRAIRIE CITY - MORNING 49
Philip and Colonel Rex are in the middle of a field deep into
their negotiations in present day.
SEAMUS (V.O.)
As with most things in this world,
it all became the stuff of legend.
Johnson and Hawkins at their side, and their soldiers off in
the distance behind each group.
PHILIP SONTAG
And that's why we think it's only
fair.
COLONEL REX
You're fucking with me.
PHILIP SONTAG
No we're serious. A grain exchange
would be appropriate reparations.
We already sent you a supply convoy
in good faith.
COLONEL REX
You guys don't have enough food, do
ya?
PHILIP SONTAG
We want to end hostilities between
us. But the Tribe was the
aggressor.
COLONEL REX
Aggressor?
(pauses)
You and I have a very different
view of things.
Philip pauses but doesn't take the bait.
PHILIP SONTAG
We want the same thing. Peaceful
cooperation. But the deal must be
fair. Quid pro quo.
In the distance, we see Colonel Mullens ride up to the group
of Tribe horses and soldiers behind Rex and Johnson.
COLONEL REX
Fair? Can you even hear yourself.
Life isn't fair. Look around. The
strong survive. Those who take what
they want end up on top.
(thinks a moment)
Give me one reason why the Tribe
shouldn't just take your fucking
city now and get it over with?
Philip considers his answer carefully.
PHILIP SONTAG
If you could, you would. But you
haven't.
A Tribe soldier who was talking to Colonel Mullens approaches
the negotiators in the middle of the field.
COLONEL REX
You want peace and then you ask for
reparations or whatever. You're
getting greedy. I don't even know
why we're here...
TRIBE SOLDIER
Colonel Rex, a moment.
Rex scoffs at Philip and then walks back with the soldier.
Rex talks to Colonel Mullens in the distance away from Philip
and Hawkins ear shot. Philip turns to Hawkins.
PHILIP SONTAG
I think we're getting somewhere.
These knuckle draggers are all the
same. Keep your chin up and your
chest out.
Hawkins placates Philip with a nod. After talking to Mullens,
Rex walks back with haste and purpose, riled up by what he
just learned. Philip doesn't sense his change in demeanor.
PHILIP SONTAG
Colonel, the Republic's position
does not come from greed but...
COLONEL REX
(interrupts)
Why are we here?
PHILIP SONTAG
We're negotiating a peace treaty.
COLONEL REX
Why the fuck are we here?
Philip puts his chin up and chest out, like trying to scare
away a predator in the wild.
PHILIP SONTAG
I don't appreciate that tone.
Colonel Rex SHOVES Philip with unexpected strength, throwing
him onto his back side in the grass.
Hawkins, with an axe in hand, rushes towards Rex. Johnson
reacts and gets into Hawkins' face.
PHILIP SONTAG
Hawkins, it's all right.
Philip gets back to his feet, defusing the situation.
PHILIP SONTAG
(continued)
It's all right. We're just talking
here. Just two men talking.
Colonel Rex is not backing down and gets into Philip's face.
COLONEL REX
Why are we here?
The tension reaching a boiling point, Philip decides how to
respond to the tense situation... we DON'T SEE his decision
before...
FADE TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
A Tense Encounter on the Prairie
50 EXT. PRAIRIE - TRANSITION 50
We see the AFTERNOON turn into EVENING as the moon rises and
falls to bring a new day to the countryside.
FADE TO:
51 EXT. PRAIRIE BEYOND THE CREEK - MORNING 51
Roy and Angus are making their way across the open prairie,
still clean shaven, in tribe uniforms and carrying the black
bag of ammo.
A lone farm house surrounded by a large field. An older woman
is outside tending to some crops. As the boys survey the area
they slowly get closer. Roy taps Angus. He gestures away from
the farm. Angus holds his hand up - just wait a minute.
Angus moves slowly closer to the farm, Roy hangs back and
observes. It seems fine so then Roy starts to catch up with
Angus.
Angus looks to Roy - he shrugs. Angus ponders. He shrugs too.
As he starts to gesture away from the farm a pitchfork jabs
right towards his face as he's crouched down and he stops in
his tracks.
DENNIS THE FARMER
Now wait there just a minute there.
It's DENNIS the farmer from the opening scene, now sixteen
years older. Roy freezes. Then he ACTS. Roy LUNGES his body
at the old farmer.
They tussle out of the grass and into the harvested field.
Angus goes after them and the farmer lunges the pitchfork at
him and he dodges it and launches himself into the dirt.
AGNOY! Angus is hurt. He yells out in pain as he rolls on the
ground. The Old Farmer points the pitchfork at Roy.
DENNIS THE FARMER
I don't want to hurt cha. Don't do
anything stupid.
Roy puts his hands up, giving up. The Old Farmer is breathing
heavy.
DENNIS THE FARMER
I startled ya... Lets try this
again.
Roy nods his head.
DENNIS THE FARMER
My name is Dennis. That there is my
wife Linda.
LINDA an older woman with gray hair is tending to Angus on
the ground.
DENNIS THE FARMER
We good son?
ROY
We good.
DENNIS THE FARMER
What brings two Tribesmen out here
all alone?
Roy and Angus look at their outfits. Of course!
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
A Night of Caution
52 INT. FARMER’S HOUSE - EVENING 52
Angus has a make shift sling on his left shoulder. Roy sits
at a table with him and Linda.
DENNIS THE FARMER
You're not safe in these clothes
this far away from their camp.
ANGUS
Would you have anything for us to
wear?
Dennis looks to Linda and shakes his head.
LINDA THE FARMER
We are just simple folk, tending
our crops. I'm sorry.
Dennis smiles fondly as he looks to the boys, a sentimental
wave sits on his face. After a pause he continues.
DENNIS THE FARMER
Where ya boys head'n?
ROY
The Mississippi river!
Angus shoots Roy a look. We're not quite trusting these
people yet.
ANGUS
We're heading west.
LINDA THE FARMER
You're heading the wrong direction.
ANGUS
Slowly... heading west.
Dennis continues to look over them fondly. He relents.
DENNIS THE FARMER
You boys remind me of my son. We
can put you up for the night.
The boys nod in agreement. Linda looks to the large black bag
on the floor behind them.
LINDA THE FARMER
What's in that bag?
The boys look at each other.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
The Weight of the Stolen Bag
53 INT. FARMER’S HOUSE - EVENING 53
Dennis is pacing in the kitchen, the boys sitting at the
table with Linda. The bag lays open on the table in front of
them.
ROY
We just thought it looked valuable.
Angus gives Roy a look to stop talking.
DENNIS THE FARMER
Just let me think a moment.
LINDA THE FARMER
Dennis.
LINDA THE FARMER
We need to help them.
DENNIS THE FARMER
Do you realize what that is Linda?
LINDA THE FARMER
It's a bunch of bullets honey.
Dennis walks up to her and the table.
DENNIS THE FARMER
They stole it from the Tribe, right
boys?
ANGUS
(nervous)
Yeah.
Roy looks at Angus like, oh you can talk but I can't?
LINDA THE FARMER
You're thinking...
DENNIS THE FARMER
Yeah.
LINDA THE FARMER
Viktor.
(she looks to the boys)
Steighbor's hill.
(pause)
The Tribe will do anything to find
this. To find you boys.
Linda looks to Dennis.
DENNIS THE FARMER
Roy. Angus. I want to show you
something.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Portrait of Loss and Resolve
54 INT. FARMER’S HOUSE - EVENING 54
The boys stand in front of a portrait painting on the wall of
a young man. Linda holds a candle in front of it with Dennis
next to her.
Roy and Angus are AMAZED by the painting.
DENNIS THE FARMER
I've lived most of my life here.
Met Linda after the fall. Her
family became mine. This here is
our son. He was, so ambitious.
Always trying to do the right thing
in a wrong world. After the Tribe
invaded he knew. He always...
(fights back tears)
He always knew his purpose. To do
what's right. Then the Tribe took
him from us.
Linda looks back to the boys from the portrait. She pauses as
she holds back her feelings. Dennis walks up to Linda and
puts his arm around her in solidarity.
LINDA THE FARMER
Dennis and I support the Resistance
against the Tribe here. Anything
that hurts them is good in our
book. Please rest up here this
evening. In the morning we will
send you to a much safer place.
Genres:
["Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Morning Resolutions
55 INT. FARMER’S HOUSE - MORNING 55
Roy and Angus wake up, a good night's rest finally. Angus can
move his shoulder a bit more but the pain is evident on his
face.
56 INT. FARMER’S HOUSE - MORNING 56
Linda and Dennis stand there with the boys as they are
preparing to leave.
DENNIS THE FARMER
The man who painted that portrait
of our son is The Artist. Like us,
he supports the Resistance here
against the Tribe.
ROY
(confused)
So you're with the Republic?
LINDA THE FARMER
No. Together we have kept the Tribe
in check, but we're not apart of
the Republic.
(pause)
We value our independent way of
life, free of the hustle and bustle
of Prairie City.
DENNIS THE FARMER
But don't worry about all dat. Head
to The Artist. It's a days walk.
He'll keep you safe.
Dennis smiles to the boys and they nod in agreement.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
A Morning Departure
57 EXT. FARMER’S HOUSE - MORNING 57
Dennis points the way and gives directions to the boys. Linda
gives them a hug, a careful one to Angus cause of his
shoulder.
They head off north from the house as the old farmers watch.
Once they are a distance away, Angus is concerned.
ANGUS
Roy, what the fuck are we doing?
Why are we staying here? Nokomis?
The Mississippi?
(pauses in thoughts)
Big tits. Riding the river south.
Lets get out of dodge!
ROY
Can't pass up an opportunity can
we? See what they have, ya know.
Roy flashes his eyes. Angus is confused, then gets it.
ANGUS
You little dog, you.
Roy turns and starts to walk away.
ROY
(to himself)
Vulture fuck!
Angus follows after with a grin.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
The Uninvited Guests
58 INT. FARMER’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON 58
Dennis and Linda sit at their dinning room table.
Trouble Comes Knocking by Timber Timbre
A noise. Dennis perks up. More noises. The sound of movement.
Footsteps. Clanking of metal. Rustling. It's getting louder.
There was no warning. Now it's concern - fear. This may be
it. The noise built to a roar but now has settled. It's quiet
again. A simple knock at their front door.
DENNIS THE FARMER
(whispers)
I love you so much.
Dennis stands tall and walks to his front door. He opens
it...
There's over 100 Tribe soldiers in his yard. An ARMY. A dozen
men are on horseback near the back of the army including
Colonel Mullens. Colonel Rex and Oliver approach him and Rex
starts to PAT him down for weapons.
Dennis is frozen. Rex and Oliver enter his home with a few
Tribe soldiers when from behind a horse, a man walks out to
catch Dennis's eye.
GENERAL MARKUS, a tall broad shouldered man, dusty blonde
hair, clean shaven - dressed to the nines in a custom
officer's outfit that you might see on a photograph of
General Sherman - gracefully waltzes towards Dennis.
The General approaches Dennis and Dennis backs into his home
as Rex guides him to sit next to Linda at the table.
Oliver and Rex leave the room and start to search other parts
of the house as the other guards stand behind the farmers.
There are some old faded family portraits on the wall that
catch the General's attention and he goes over to look at
them more closely.
GENERAL MARKUS
(to himself)
There are things I truly miss.
Dennis and Linda look on in the awkwardness as Markus ignores
them looking at the photos.
GENERAL MARKUS
(to Linda)
Are these your photos?
DENNIS THE FARMER
They're mine.
GENERAL MARKUS
The Tribe has tried so hard to
balance our culture against this
cruel world. You may know... we
wear uniforms. We shave. We keep
ourselves clean. And we brew beer.
Markus turns back to the old farmers.
GENERAL MARKUS
(continued)
Yet, I can barely grow a beard. I
don't drink alcohol. I miss wearing
t-shirts and flip flops. But in
this world we live in, we must have
rules. Without rules, what are we
left with? Anarchy. Where man
becomes a savage. Now, don't get me
wrong, men have their needs. Women
have their roles. But I do miss the
little things.
(back to the photos)
Family photos. We lost the ability
to capture a permanent memory.
Markus comes upon the large painted portrait of their dead
son.
GENERAL MARKUS
Art. The greatest triumph of
humanity. So many things we had
accomplished are so damn practical.
Farming. Engineering. Physics. They
all serve a practical purpose. But
art - now, that was the pinnacle of
achievement. Our greatest gift to
the universe.
Dennis and Linda look at each other. This is not what they
expected.
GENERAL MARKUS
(to the farmers)
Who is this?
DENNIS THE FARMER
He... was my son.
GENERAL MARKUS
I see. I am sorry for your loss.
May I ask, when did he pass?
DENNIS THE FARMER
During the fall.
GENERAL MARKUS
It took a lot from us, didn't it?
The old farmers acknowledge it. General Markus slowly and
deliberately joins them at their dinner table. His GUARDS
remain behind the farmers on their side of the table.
The General removes a sheathed BLADE from his side and gently
plays with it on the table.
GENERAL MARKUS
I am General Markus, leader of the
Tribe. Not many would welcome me
into their homes here. There are
awful rumors and opinions of the
Tribe. Often I find, a little
perspective goes a long way.
(a pause)
The Republic prides itself on it's
self determination. The resistance
prides itself on it's independence.
But do you know what the Tribe
prides itself on?
The farmers are silent.
GENERAL MARKUS
Structure. Structure. It's in our
blood. It's our very being. We're
described as bandits, murderers,
rapists and thieves. None of those
descriptions are even remotely
accurate. And as if the rest of
them were so pure and blameless...
the Republic is ran by politicians.
Do you know what politicians are
best at? Lying. They have to lie.
There is no choice. It's the only
way they can keep their power. The
resistance claims it enjoys
independence. But its ran by
bloodline and rejects any outsiders
without thought. And we've all
heard the rumors about the
resistance, no doubt. The Tribe is
diverse. Honest. Built of men and
women and slaves collected over
years as we traveled the land.
Bringing the gift of structure to
all who will receive it. A last
stand against the reality of the
world we now live in. Truth be
told, I've grown tired of it. This
world. I want our old lives back.
And only the Tribe can take us
there. I will take us there. There
is no place for the weakness and
indecision of democracy here. A
broken system that literally
encourages the exact people you
would never want in power to have
power. We don't have the time or
luxury for that silly endeavor. But
also isolation and fear of
outsiders only serve to divide and
slow progress. Strong, decisive
leadership - and structure. It's
the only way. The only solution.
Only then can we move beyond
this... post apocalyptic nightmare.
Colonel Rex and Oliver return to the room from their search.
Rex SHAKES HIS HEAD NO to Markus as they share a LOOK and
UNDERSTANDING. Markus turns back to the Farmers.
GENERAL MARKUS
And now... to the point my visit.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Secrets of the Prairie
59 EXT. PRAIRIE GRASS WEST OF PRAIRIE CITY - DAY 59
Music: Smoke and Mirrors by RJD2
Brice is leading two men away, both of them CHAINED together,
following behind him.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
A compromised Republic official has
been selling young men to the Tribe
for a few months now, in what was a
mutually beneficial deal.
60 EXT. PRAIRIE SIDE - AFTERNOON 60
Roy and Angus, carrying the BLACK BAG of ammo, make their way
through the countryside.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
Recently he recruited two petty
criminals to us. At the same time,
the Tribe agreed to initial peace
talks with the Republic.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Betrayal by the Stream
61 EXT. LARGE TREE BY STREAM WEST OF PRAIRIE CITY - AFTERNOON 61
Philip Sontag is staring down an aggressive Colonel Rex as he
considers his decision from earlier. Now we SEE HIS CHOICE.
Philip ACTS - he takes a swing and PUNCHES Rex square in the
face. Colonel Johnson immediately TACKLES Hawkins to the
ground.
Philip surprised himself and is a bit shocked and giddy at
what he did... But Rex rebounds quickly. Pulling a dagger
from his boot and shoving it into Philip's throat, blood
SQUIRTING everywhere.
Hawkins delivers a few swift punches to Johnson before
realizing Philip's injury. Several guards from each side are
now SPRINTING to the middle of the field to help their men.
Rex helps Johnson off the ground and starts to retreat as
Hawkins tends to Philip Sontag who is bleeding out.
COLONEL REX
There's your peace!
Rex spits on the ground as both sides withdraw.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
Turns out, it was a ploy. A plot. A
deception. The boys were plants.
Meant to infiltrate. The boys stole
my ammunition and then fled our
camp.
Genres:
["Action","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Betrayal at the Gates
62 EXT. PRAIRIE CITY MAIN GATE - LATE AFTERNOON 62
Laura Rosen and Rick Sontag pace in the main street as the
gate starts to open. An EXHAUSTED Hawkins comes through the
main gate.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
I didn't think the Republic had it
in them.
Hawkins looks to Laura - his face says it all. She closes her
eyes, knowing the peace talks have FAILED. Laura is
DEVASTATED.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
The greatest mistake you can make
is to underestimate your enemy. I
won't make that mistake twice.
Soldiers carry in Philip's lifeless body. Rick slowly
approaches, embraces the body of his father and breaks down
CRYING in grief. Laura look on in shock.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
The Tribe went to talk with the
Republic in good faith... and this
is our reward.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","War"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Betrayal and Bloodshed
63 EXT. PRAIRIE - AFTERNOON 63
A dozen Tribe soldiers wheel a large carriage away, the
SUPPLY DELIVERY from the Republic as part of the peace talks.
Colonel Mullens rides next to them on horseback.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
This betrayal will only be
matched...
As we pan around from whence they came, we see the Republic
supply delegation - a dozen civilians - lying BLOODY and DEAD
in the prairie grass.
64 EXT. LARGE TREE BY STREAM WEST OF PRAIRIE CITY - AFTERNOON 64
A HORSE is being lead away by some tribal soldiers. Two
BODIES lay bloody and dead in the grass by the tree - CHAINED
together.
The body of BRICE is gently swaying in the breeze, HANGING
dead from a tree.
Colonel Johnson walks into view and DUSTS his hands off as he
follows the tribal soldiers away.
Their business dealings have come to an END.
GENERAL MARKUS (V.O.)
By the magnitude of our revenge.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Price of Silence
65 INT. FARMER’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON 65
The General sits at the head of the table, blade in hand,
staring at the captive farmers.
GENERAL MARKUS
No peace in our time.
The General stands and turns his eyes to the large PAINTING
of their son.
GENERAL MARKUS
(continued)
I've heard stories of The Artist.
And I know who he works for... and
who you secretly support. I believe
those two boys were given shelter
here. Judging by the fact my men
have not found the boys or my ammo,
I believe they are now being
protected by the Resistance.
(a beat)
How am I doing so far?
The farmers remain silent. Colonel Rex and some soldiers move
in CLOSE behind the farmers.
GENERAL MARKUS
Assist me and live. Resist me and
die.
Dennis and Linda remain silent. The General leans in.
GENERAL MARKUS
Tell me where the boys are going or
where my ammo is. If you comply, no
harm will come to you.
The farmers are resolute in their silence. Markus gives them
a long moment. He looks to Colonel Rex and NODS slightly.
Rex pulls out a BLADE and grabs Linda from behind, holding
the knife to her THROAT. A commotion sets in as Dennis panics
but the other Tribe soldiers restrain him.
Linda is struggling but her eyes never break from Dennis.
Dennis's eyes fill with tears as Rex draws superficial blood
from her neck.
Linda tells Dennis to RESIST with her EYES.
Dennis and her share a long moment, communicating eye to eye.
She calms him. She gives him strength. Dennis looks to
General Markus.
DENNIS THE FARMER
That painting is of our son. And
you bastards took him from us. Go
to hell.
Markus opens up a bit, softening his posture.
GENERAL MARKUS
I know we did. And he refused to
comply. And we hung him for it.
A beat. The farmers wilt.
GENERAL MARKUS
Your son is dead. He's gone.
(to Dennis)
But you have to ask yourself, do
you also want to lose her? Because
I will not kill you. You will have
to live in this world without her.
Every morning until your last day,
you will wake alone. You will see
her only in your dreams and upon
entry into a new morning, you will
face the daily realization that you
will never, ever see or hold her
again. Things will never be the
same. And that pain and emptiness
will follow you for the rest of
your fading days.
(a pause)
Tell me what I want to know and
your wife lives.
Tears start to roll down Dennis's face, unable to break from
the General's gaze.
DENNIS THE FARMER
(stuttering)
They were two boys - dressed in
your uniforms...
LINDA THE FARMER
(interrupts and
struggles)
Dennis No!
Colonel Rex pulls Linda back in her chair as she resists, the
knife drawing more blood from her neck.
Dennis turns and pleads to them.
DENNIS THE FARMER
Don't hurt her please don't hurt
her please please!
Dennis begs Rex not to hurt her as Linda STRUGGLES in his
hold. General Markus stands and raises his hand to temper Rex
who keeps Linda in his grasp but lightens his grip.
It becomes quiet and calm again, Rex holding Linda from
behind with an arm around her neck but not killing her due to
the General's directive.
Dennis is SHAKING and CRYING as General Markus observes and
crouches down next to him and puts his arm on Dennis's
shoulder.
GENERAL MARKUS
Dennis - you were saying?
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Harvest of Despair
66 EXT. FARMER’S HOUSE - AFTERNOON 66
General Markus, Colonel Rex and Oliver exit the farm home.
A defeated Dennis moves to the door to watch them walk back
into their army. Linda stays close to Dennis.
GENERAL MARKUS
Rex, form up the vanguard. Mullens,
return as much of the harvest you
can to our camp on horseback.
Oliver, review our supply
situation, we will remain on the
march longer than expected.
LINDA THE FARMER
Please, you can't take our harvest!
GENERAL MARKUS
You have your life.
Linda sinks under his unrelenting glare and backs down.
The Tribesmen gather their wheat, grain and stored food from
the barn. The horses are packed and Colonel Mullens leads
them away.
The soldiers break camp, carrying it on their backs. General
Markus walks up and starts to face north. He brings up some
old binoculars and SURVEYS the land.
OLIVER (O.S.)
We are ready to march, General.
GENERAL MARKUS
Excellent.
(pause)
Burn the rest of their harvest.
(reluctantly)
Spare the house.
Music: If the World Should End In Fire by The Handsome Family
Tribesmen start small fires in the dry grain.
Dennis and Linda hold each other as they watch it all burn.
The Tribe army MARCHES out. The montage continues with the
song...
67 INT. PRAIRIE CITY MAIN STREET - AFTERNOON 67
Laura and her attendees speak to some folks in the street at
a distance.
We cut to Rick Sontag, close up by a building, as he watches
Laura from afar. His gaze is one of ANGER.
68 EXT. THE ARTIST’S FAMRHOUSE - AFTERNOON 68
Roy and Angus make their way slowly through an overgrown
gravel lane towards the FARM HOUSE, the BLACK BAG of ammo
slung over their shoulder. They give a SMILE to each other.
Genres:
["Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
The Weight of Stories
69 EXT. PASTURE BY A GIANT TREE - AFTERNOON 69
As the montage ends we return to Seamus perched on the tree
branch, still speaking to his audience.
SEAMUS
So here we are. Almost six years
after the battle of Steighbor's
Hill. The Tribe. The Republic. And
a region in conflict. Will we
survive? I don't know. But, if it
all goes to hell, maybe you'll be
lucky... and it'll be quick.
Humanity never learns their lesson.
Maybe... its just our nature.
(pause)
As a great poet once said: See, to
live, is to suffer. But to survive.
Well, that is to find meaning in
the suffering... Enjoy yourself,
it's later than you think.
We cut away to reveal half a dozen CHILDREN listening to his
story in utter terror. They were his audience the ENTIRE
TIME.
SEAMUS
Now, I gave you a story. May I
please have my apples back?
Seamus CLEARS his throat. One of the kids scampers up a large
overgrown tree branch to retrieve a captive basket of APPLES
and returns them to Seamus.
SEAMUS
Thank you.
Seamus turns to leave as a CHILD finds their courage.
CHILD
Seamus tell us another story!
ANOTHER CHILD
Yeah Seamus another story!
CHILD
Please!
The children start to badger him but his eye catches the
BLACK SMOKE rising in the distance. The smoke is rising from
the RAZED farm fields around Dennis and Linda's farm, the
story coming full circle.
Seamus stares intently at the distant flames as the children
quiet down.
SEAMUS
The sleeping giant awoke. The Tribe
is on the march... I must go see an
old friend.
CHILD
What friend is that, Seamus?
SEAMUS
His name is Francis. He's an
Artist. And among many admirable
traits, he and another protects an
important person.
CHILD
Who's that?
SEAMUS
They protect a person who holds a
secret. A secret that could change
the balance of power here... they
protect the only person who knows
where Viktor's lost gun is hidden
away.
Music: My Shits Fucked Up by Warren Zevon
Seamus turns walks off north with haste as we look to the
thickening black smoke on the horizon.
70 INT/EXT. ENDING CREDITS - DAY 70
Credits...