Chapter 1 Transcript

Music Intro

NARRATOR
We're Alive, A Story of Survival, Episode 1, It Begins.

MICHAEL
As I recall, the months leading up to when this all began weren't much to remember. My unit returned home earlier that year from our tour in Iraq. I had spent three-sixty-five on ground working as military intelligence. Our group came up with those playing cards you saw on the news, the 52 most wanted. I was a hard-charged PFC back then.
(Beat)
But, that was the first tour. After our 3rd, I was the tired and depressed Sergeant. Nothing scared me back then. I didn't fear death or what might be there on the other side if today was my last day. That was then, and this is now. I write this not really for anyone to read it, but for my own sanity. Maybe if I go over it from the beginning, it might make more sense to me. Then again, maybe not.


End Intro


MICHAEL (CONT'D)
I was 27 at the time and in my 4th year in college. I started my freshman year in 2001, almost 8 years ago now. I remember the date as if it was burned into my head. May 8th, 2009.

Sounds of campus in the background.

FEMALE STUDENT1
Hey Michael, where you going?

MICHAEL
Class-

FEMALE STUDENT1
Oh, did you study for the quiz today?

MICHAEL
No, not really.

FEMALE STUDENT1
(laughs)

Oh, well neither did I.

MICHAEL
Yeah, well, alright.

FEMALE STUDENT1
Hey are you going to the Omega's party this weekend? It's going to be so awesome, I thought you might want to go with-

MICHAEL
Nope, don't want to. Thanks though.

FEMALE STUDENT1
Why not?

MICHAEL
Is it a better response to say, oh OK, well maybe another time?

FEMALE STUDENT1
Geeze, you don't have to be such a jerk about it.

MICHAEL
I was direct, how is that being a jerk?

Michael opens the door to the classroom.

MALE OLD TEACHER
Once you are done, um, go ahead and put your papers up here and you guy will be free to go.

An explosion way off in the background.

MICHAEL
What the hell?

FEMALE STUDENT1
Did you hear that?

MALE OLD TEACHER
It's probably just the construction going on next door, now please take your seat-

MICHAEL
That's not construction.

MALE OLD TEACHER
Hey! You know there are no make ups for this quiz!

Michael and the and Female Student both leave the classroom and head down the hall.

MICHAEL (V.O.)
I remember seeing everyone gathered around the television. I expected a bombing, or maybe even another attack on U.S. Soil. Part of me was planning for the worst, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.

The sound of the TV gets louder as they get closer.

MALE TV ANNOUNCER
I know some of these images much be shocking, but I assure you they are very real. We're receiving reports from all around the Los Angeles area and downtown San Diego. Men and women, attacking each other, biting and thrashing at one another. Local law enforcement is now responding- oh my god they're attacking the police officers.

Sounds of shots fired on the TV.

MALE TV ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
The attackers seem to have no hesitation as the officers are responding with lethal enforcement.

FEMALE STUDENT1
What the hell is going on? That's only like 20 miles from here. You think it's going to reach us?

Michael's cell phone goes off.

MICHAEL
Hello?

ANGEL (O.S.)
(On Phone)
Michael, it's Lieutenant Angel, where are you?

MICHAEL
I'm at school right now, what's going on?

ANGEL
We need you to come to the unit right away.

MICHAEL
Is this about what's on the TV?

ANGEL
I'm stuck in traffic, so I have no idea. I just got a phone call from the commander and now I'm calling you. How long till you can get here?

MICHAEL
Maybe 30 minutes, but I don't have my uniform.

ANGEL
Don't worry about those, we have a couple spares at the unit, just get there as fast as you can.

MICHAEL
Alright I'm on my way.

Michael hangs up and runs off to his car, starts it up and heads off into the distance. Music Bridge broken by sound of honking.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
What the hell do you want me to do? He's not moving in from of me either!

Honking continues.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
I can't go anywhere! God Damn!

Michael takes a deep breath and clicks on the radio.

RADIO ANNOUNCER
The 101 has been completely shut down in the area of the riot. Do not attempt taking the five freeway as it has stopped due to a massive accident outside Bell in south Los Angeles.

MICHAEL
Great, right before my exit.

He clicks off the radio. Honking continues behind him.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
I swear gonna rip your ass out of the car-

Sound of the car starting to move.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Finally.
(beat)
What the hell is that?

Under the voice over you hear the sounds of the man being attacked.

MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The first time I saw them, I froze. Something inside me told me to not to move. The group of them moved past my car to the man honking behind me.
(Beat)
Their bodies were littered with scars and bruises and their eyes were glazed over. The news made it sound like these were people gone mad, but the way they moved made me think that these may not be people at all.
(Beat)
It seemed almost in slow motion the way they piled onto the honker's car. Within seconds they shattered the glass and pulled him through the windshield. Like a pack of wild dogs they tore him apart. I found my feet seconds later and pushed on the pedal as hard as I could; driving into the grassy medium. The escaping look of mortality on the man's face still haunts me today.

Music Bridge

ELECTRONIC GATE VOICE
Invalid entry. Please try again.

ELECTRONIC GATE VOICE (CONT'D)
Access granted, please enter.

Michael pulls up and parks his vehicle abruptly.

MICHAEL (V.O.)
When I drove up, I saw Lieutenant Angel. The short blond spoiled kid who just got out of officer school, a program tailored to turn men into leaders, but I had more command experience in my thumb than he had in his entire body.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Angel, where the hell is everyone else?

ANGEL
I was told they were on their way. I keep calling the commander, but he's not picking up. Wait, is that his truck? No, it's just Saul.
(beat)
What the hell happened to you? You look pale.

The sound of Saul parking in the background.

MICHAEL
You didn't see it? Weren't you on the five too?

SAUL
Can someone please tell what that was?

ANGEL
I came in off the 710? What was-

MICHAEL
Those things just ran onto the freeway.

SAUL
You see that shit? They tore that car apart like a tin can. Poor angry bastard, actually kinda feel sorry for him now.

ANGEL
What the hell are you talking about?

MICHAEL
You have no idea what's going on?

ANGEL
No, would somebody please explain to me-

SAUL
You're the one who called us in, why don't you tell us-

ANGEL
No one told me a thing. All they told me was to call my squad and get my ass down here right away. I heard about the rioters on the radio, but why the hell would they run onto the freeway?

MICHAEL
Those were not rioters. They attacked a guy who was honking at me on the freeway.

SAUL
They weren't attacking him, they were eating him.

ANGEL
They were what?

SAUL
I wasn't far behind Michael. They were taking big chunks and shoving them in their mouths.

ANGEL
What? Why would they be-

MICHAEL
They were like animals, and they sure as hell weren't like us any more, not with those eyes.

ANGEL
Then what are they?

SAUL
Zombies.

MICHAEL
Come on Saul, this isn't the time-

SAUL
No joke, Sarge, what if they are?

ANGEL
Think about it for just a second.
(beat)
Ok, the mental hospital is not too far from here, what if, what you saw was just a breakout. We probably were brought in to take them down.

SAUL
You didn't see them. What the hell do you know?

ANGEL
Don't you talk to me that way! I'm still an officer, and you're still a lowly Specialist.

Angel picks up his phone and tries calling again.

MICHAEL
Hey, easy Angel, I got this.
(Beat)
Saul, come here.

SAUL
How can he say that shit, you know as well as I do, that hospital is like 10 miles from here, there's no way they could have-

MICHAEL
I agree, I don't think so either. I know he's a pain in the ass, and once he sees one of these things he'll change his mind, but right now, we can't lose our heads. We still have a chain of command, and he is still in charge.

SAUL
I know, I'm sorry Sarge.

MICHAEL (V.O.)
Saul was a great soldier. Sure, he always spoke his mind, and it often got him in trouble. If he had held his tongue, he would have outranked me by now. He came to our unit with the rank of Specialist from a Mountain Division. I guess he got tired of the cold weather. We served overseas together and when we got back he transferred to our unit. He said something about the California-girls calling to him.

Angel hangs up the phone.

ANGEL
Still no answer.

MICHAEL
The rest may be stuck in traffic trying to get here.

SAUL
So what do we do?

ANGEL
I dunno, let's just wait till they get here.

MICHAEL
Lieutenant, you think we can get into the arm's room and at least get a few rifles in case something happens?

ANGEL
We can't.

MICHAEL
Why not?

ANGEL
I have the key for the door, but the commander has the combo for the alarm and the key for the arms racks. We'll just wait for the commander, he'll know what to do.

A loud explosion is heard nearby.

SAUL
That one was close.

MICHAEL
The way I see it, it's better safe than sorry. I say we open the door, clip the locks, and to hell with the alarm.

SAUL
I'll get the bolt cutters from the cage.

Saul runs off.

ANGEL
Wait, I didn't say we were going to.

MICHAEL
Look, Sir, all due respect but my instincts are a lot more field tested then your month out of officer candidate school. I'm trying to help you out and you're not playing ball.

ANGEL
You're acting completely drastic, what you're asking me to do could really get us in trouble. You act as if we're at war.

MICHAEL
Do you HEAR that out there? That's exactly what it sounds like to me.

Saul comes running up out of breath.

SAUL
Got them, you ready?

MICHAEL
Come on, let's open her up.

Music Bridge. Sound of keys into door.

ANGEL
You don't want to wait like 5 more minutes? The commander could just-

SAUL
I don't want to wait for that asshole.

The keys move and the security door swings open. Beeping is heard in the background. 1 Beat every 10 seconds.

MICHAEL
No point in arguing now. Saul clip the locks on cages 12 and 14. Hurry.

ANGEL
Now you're nervous all of a sudden?

MICHAEL
I just have a feeling is all.

ANGEL
That we're in deep shit? I could have told you that.

MICHAEL
How long till the alarm goes off?

ANGEL
Two minutes, more or less.

Saul clips one lock.

SAUL
Got it.

MICHAEL
I'll grab your rifle, just get 14 open.

Michael grabs his rifle and Saul's.

ANGEL
My rifle number's 17.

MICHAEL
When was the last time you oiled this thing?

ANGEL
Just give it to me.

Saul clips the other lock.

SAUL
14's Open.

MICHAEL
Load up two magazines.

SAUL
That's it?

MICHAEL
We'll come back. I don't want to be here loading magazines if or when someone responds to the alarm.

ANGEL
Now you're worried.

MICHAEL
Head outside. Don't chamber a round, unless I say so.

SAUL
Got it Sarge.

They all leave the vault to outside. The beeping can be heard in the distance.

MICHAEL
How long did you say it had?

The alarm blares in the background.

MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We stood there watching the gate, waiting for someone to show up. After a minute or so I started to think of what the consequences were for my actions. Did I jump the gun on this one? Would I get punished? My thoughts of guilt and plea bargaining stopped once I heard the rumbling.

SAUL
You hear that?

ANGEL
How can you hear ANYTHING over that alarm?

The rumbling grows louder.

MICHAEL
It's getting closer.

ANGEL
Come on stop pulling my-
(beat)
Uh, guys.

SAUL
They're coming!

MICHAEL
Shoot the ones dragging down the barb wire.

Shots are fired. Sound of commotion.

SAUL
I'm trying damn it. There's too many!

MICHAEL
Aim for the head!
(beat)
Come on Angel, what the hell you doing?

ANGEL
It jammed!

MICHAEL
Yeah, no shit!

SAUL
They're over the fence!

MICHAEL
Get inside!

SAUL
Where?

MICHAEL
The vault! Move it!
(beat)
Saul, help me with the door!

Sounds of gun shots and the guys shoving the door shut. They are out of breath. There is a long pause as the door is pounded on.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Angel, give me your rifle.
(Beat)
Let go, just let go of it, I'm going to fix it. Alright?

ANGEL
Alright.

MICHAEL
Hey, hey, look at me. I want you to take a deep breath and have a seat.

Heavy breaths in the background.

SAUL
How the hell are there so many? So fast?

ANGEL
Those are what you saw on the freeway?

SAUL
Pfft, yeah, but there were only like 7 of them. That was like a hundred! How the hell are we going to get out of here?

MICHAEL
Take it easy Saul. There's no need to get worked up.

SAUL
What do you mean no need? What we going to do? Oh shit, I gotta call my girl. Tell her-

Saul's phone beeps.

ANGEL
I'm surprised it's even working in here. Let me try.

Beep, Beep, Beep.

MICHAEL
The lines are flooded right now. Why don't you just take a seat and have a breather.

ANGEL
I knew getting into the vault was a mistake, you wouldn't listen, I'm the officer here and-

SAUL
Fuck you, Sir, if Michael hadn't, you wouldn't be here right now. I'd love to see you try and open the door while those things are chasing you down. I saw how fast you were with your rifle, you bout shit your pants.

ANGEL
Don't you get it, they came because we opened it! They heard the alarm.

MICHAEL
We don't know that for sure, maybe they just followed the road- or maybe-

ANGEL
Think about it. You said they attacked the guy in the car behind you because he was honking. They must be attracted to loud sounds.

SAUL
So, you can understand them all of a sudden? Well maybe now you can step outside, talk to them and sort some of this shit out, maybe you can shove your-

MICHAEL
That's enough Saul.
(Beat)
He's right.

SAUL
He's what?

MICHAEL
It makes perfect sense. Why else would they come here in such numbers, and directly here? I caused them to come.

There's a long pause.

ANGEL
You were right, too, if that makes any difference.

MICHAEL
How so?

ANGEL
One of those things that came over the fence, I swear one of them looked like the commander.

SAUL
Serious?

ANGEL
No one else was coming.

MICHAEL
No matter what we did, the longer we waited, less time we would have to prepare.

SAUL
Prepare? Prepare for what?

MICHAEL
Angel, how long till the alarm shuts off?

ANGEL
Not sure exactly, an hour I think. Why?

MICHAEL
Once it goes silent, they should go away, and we can get the hell out of dodge.

ANGEL
Alright, but then what?
(beat)
We don't even know what THEY are.

SAUL
Told you, they're zombies man.

ANGEL
You know what specialist, I swear-

MICHAEL
Whoa, easy, both of you. He may be right. Maybe not exactly Zombies, but there are similarities.

ANGEL
Oh, not you too!

MICHAEL
Military intelligence is my job, it's what I'm good at. I've encountered different tribes on my deployment and the key to managing these situations is to know who you are dealing with.

ANGEL
Military intelligence, pfft. I'm the one who figured out about the sound thing.

MICHAEL
None of that matters now. What else do we know?

SAUL
We know they go after people.
(beat)
They sure as hell aren't no slow moving zombies either.

MICHAEL
So they are quicker than us.

SAUL
Got some strength too, the way they were bending the bars.

ANGEL
Wonderful.

MICHAEL
Head shots seem to drop them like stones.

ANGEL
Is that all we know?

MICHAEL
The rest would be just assumptions based off of what we have seen in movies.

ANGEL
I still don't believe this. Are you listening to what you're saying? Zombies? I mean the dead rising-

SAUL
Who said they were dead?

ANGEL
Whatever-

MICHAEL
What would you have me do? We're dealing with something we've never come close to experiencing before. All I'm trying to do is reason some way through this, something 'they' aren't able to do.

ANGEL
Now who's being presumptuous? How can you be sure they can't reason?

MICHAEL
Because we left the key in the door.

They are all silent for a moment.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
If we're going to make it through this, and I have every intention of doing so, we are going to have to stick together and use our heads.

The alarm shuts off.

SAUL
whoa, That was no hour.

ANGEL
Well, I said I think. No one has set off the alarm before.

MICHAEL
Saul, look out the peephole.

ANGEL
They leaving?

SAUL
No, I don't think so.

MICHAEL
Maybe, it'll just take some time.

SAUL
You sure they can't hear us?

MICHAEL
Not a chance. That door is about a foot thick and the walls are solid concrete.

ANGEL
Give it some time, they could move on.
(Beat)
Alright well, say they clear out enough for us to get through. Where do we go?

SAUL
We couldn't just stay here, and defend this place?

MICHAEL
They are able to climb over the walls, and come from any direction around the base. Not to mention every building has like four or five entrances. There's only three of us.

SAUL
You need some place like a prison.

MICHAEL
Good idea, but not the best place for living.

ANGEL
We would be able to contain the area pretty easily. I could probably get by in a cell, I know you could too.

MICHAEL
This isn't just about us.

SAUL
It's not?

MICHAEL
Look, there are a lot of people out there who are where we are now. Locking themselves in someplace safe, waiting things out, hoping that someone is going to come rescue them.

SAUL
Like the Army.

MICHAEL
But we know that's not going to happen, at least not with our unit. There are no active military stations around here, and there's a lot of people out there that need our help. Don't you feel a little responsible to them?

SAUL
Nope, Not at all. Naw, just kidding.

ANGEL
My girlfriend's apartment building!

SAUL
See now, he's got the right idea, go out with a bang.

ANGEL
That's not what I.
(Beat)
Michael, it's perfect. One main lobby with one stairwell. We could turn off the elevators. That gives us a very small area to contain as the entrance. We could manage it with three people. Best of all the parking garage has a security gate that we can seal off from anyone getting in.

MICHAEL
Could work. Plenty of space for any other survivors, not to mention the amount of supplies throughout the building.

SAUL
Given that we could make it there in one piece.

ANGEL
It's not too far from here.

MICHAEL
It'll work. Depending on how long we're going to hold up, it would last us.

ANGEL
This could just be a local epidemic.

MICHAEL
Given the rate of growth, I highly doubt it.

SAUL
How do you expect to make it to the building? The roads are probably jammed with broken down cars and god knows what else.

ANGEL
We'll take one of the humvees.

SAUL
You won't get too far with the steering wheels chained and locked. You'll only be able to turn like half way.

ANGEL
Then clip the lock with the bolt cutters.

SAUL
So we run out of here, fight through the zombies that are, let me check, yup, still outside the door. Carrying ammo, rifles and bolt cutters all the way to the motor pool being chased by things we know are faster and stronger than us, and want to eat us.

MICHAEL
Yeah, sounds about right.

SAUL
Hey as long as I get the SAW, I'm in.

MICHAEL
Fine, we'll need an automatic weapon anyway. Angel and I can carry an extra rifle, but any more would really slow us down.

Angel opens up another cage.

ANGEL
Here put these on.

SAUL
Do we really need to wear uniforms?

ANGEL
You wear this, people will know who you are and won't think twice about coming with you. There's a lot that this uniform represents that we'll need out there.

MICHAEL
Hey, He's right Saul, come on let's put them on.

ANGEL
Alright, We can do this.

Music Bridge.

MICHAEL
How does it look out there?

SAUL
I don't see any, maybe they left.

ANGEL
Don't take any chances, go slow and quiet.

SAUL
You ready?

MICHAEL
Let's do it.

The large door opens slowly as they creep out slowly.

MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The moment we opened the door, the world felt different. There was no one in sight, but we could feel they were close.

SAUL
(whispers)
Clear.

ANGEL
(whispers)
Head around back to the motor pool.

MICHAEL
Angel, There's one, look.

ANGEL
It's the commander, what is he doing?

SAUL
He's just standing there, like he's in formation.

ANGEL
Weird...

MICHAEL
Hey, come on!
(beat)
Motor pool is just around the corner, take it slow.

They move towards the motor pool slowly until they hear a scream.

ANGEL
Move!

MICHAEL
Saul, you're driving!

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Clip the lock!

CHINK

ANGEL
Start it!

SAUL
I CAN'T! I have to warm up the glow plug.

MICHAEL
Fuck, I forgot about that!

ANGEL
What is that?

SAUL
Come on, come on...

Saul starts the engine.

ANGEL
Oh shit, seal the hatch!

MICHAEL
You can't!

SAUL
Got it, hold on.
(beat)
They're everywhere.

MICHAEL
Run 'em over!

Saul pushes on the pedal as they plow through the zombies.

ANGEL
There's one on the roof.

BLAM

MICHAEL
Got him.

SAUL
Hey, look who it is.

Saul speeds up and hits a zombie with a thud.

ANGEL
Did you really have to run over the commander?

SAUL
Um, he was in the way.

ANGEL
You swerved to hit him!

MICHAEL
Saul! Stop fucking around and get us out the gate.

Saul rams the gate and they head down the road.

ANGEL
Turn left on Bandini, and keep heading west.

There is silence for a moment.

MICHAEL (V.O.)
None of us would say it, but we feared what we might find outside the gate. For the first time in a long time, I was afraid, not for what might happen to me, but what happened to the world. We were three men lost in a land of confusion.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Keep your eyes peeled for any survivors. We can fit around 4 or 5 more in here if we pile up a bit.

SAUL
That's IF we find any. This place, it's a ghost town.

ANGEL
How fast did you think it spreads?

MICHAEL
Too fast for anyone to be able to do anything about it.

ANGEL
Just keep your eyes peeled.

Motor continues on.

ANGEL (CONT'D)
You have family out here?

MICHAEL
Um, yeah, kinda. My parents live in northern California. Outside San Luis Obispo. You?

ANGEL
It's just my girlfriend and I.
(beat)
I'm sure your parents are alright. The less populated-

MICHAEL
I'd rather not talk about it right now.

SAUL
My mom lives outside Anaheim.
(Beat)
Angel, did you try your cell phone again?

ANGEL
Busy still. I'm going to keep-

MICHAEL
STOP THE CAR!

ANGEL
What is it?

MICHAEL
Look, up there, the roof of the flower shop. Angel get in the turret, Saul, keep the engine running.

Michael gets out of the Hummer.

PEGS
Oh thank god! Riley come here!

MICHAEL
How many up there?

PEGS
Just two.

MICHAEL
Get down here as fast as you can.

The familiar scream is heard again.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Oh shit!

Several shots ring out.

ANGEL
Got him! Hurry up! There are more coming!

More shots.

MICHAEL
Pull the humvee up closer.
(Slight beat)
Jump onto the roof!

Riley jumps down on top of the hummer.

RILEY
Come on Pegs!

PEGS
I can't!

RILEY
It's only like 7 feet! It's not hard! I'll catch you, come on.

MICHAEL
We need to go now!

More shots fired.

ANGEL
There's too many of them!

SAUL
Michael, we have to leave her!

Thump, Pegs jumps down.

MICHAEL
Climb through the hatch!

Michael climbs in as they close the doors and speed away.

RILEY
You're crushing me.

MICHAEL
Just hold on!

Several thumps of zombies being run over as they head off into the distance.

ANGEL
We're clear.

SAUL
Where do I go from here?

ANGEL
Left at the light. Keep going straight for a couple miles until you hit Harbor.

Silence.

RILEY
Thanks for picking us up.

MICHAEL
No Problem.

PEGS
Where are the rest of you?

ANGEL
This is it.

PEGS
You're it? Where are the others? You know, Army people.

MICHAEL
We were the only ones to show up. Everything happened too fast, no one could have prepared for this.

PEGS
Where is everyone else?

ANGEL
For all we know we could have just been shooting at them.

Silence.

RILEY
Where are we going?

MICHAEL
We're headed to an apartment building that we can hold up in for a while.

PEGS
Is that going to be safe?

ANGEL
We'll make it safe. Once we have it locked down, we can go out and look for survivors.

PEGS
What happens after that?

MICHAEL
Not sure. Once step at a time.

Silence

RILEY
Pegs and I were on the roof for a while. I didn't think anyone was going to come.

SAUL
Who's Pegs?

PEGS
That would be me.

SAUL
Oh, um. Hi Pegs, I'm Saul. And that's Angel and Michael.

RILEY
Riley, nice to meet all of you. Where are you all from?

MICHAEL
I don't mean to be rude, I know you're trying to be polite, but we'll have much more time later to fill each other in on the details. Right now, we need to focus on what's going on.

RILEY
Totally, you do your thing.

MICHAEL (V.O.)
We sped through what was left of downtown. Small fires were all over the place and abandoned cars littered the road. We never saw anyone else. I had to keep my eyes on the road, but they kept wandering back to Pegs. Her chocolate brown hair and her dark eyes seemed to draw me to her. She looked to be in her early 20's. Unlike Pegs, Riley gave off a very confident vibe. She was fit and strong, maybe somewhere in her 30's. I knew Army girls who weren't as put together as she was.

ANGEL
Do either of you know how to use a rifle? Any type of hand gun?

RILEY
I'm a pro-archer.

SAUL
Like Robin Hood? Like a bow and arrow?

RILEY
Yeah, that.

ANGEL
OK, well that doesn't really help us. What about you?

PEGS
I've never shot a weapon before.

RILEY
Well, I've shot a gun, but I just don't remember how.

ANGEL
Here, we have two berettas, they're handguns. They're really easy to use. All you need to do is flip these switches from safe to fire. See that red dot there. If you see that, the safety is off. If we get into a really bad situation, you use it. Otherwise, let us be the first to fire.

RILEY
I can do that.

PEGS
No thanks.

ANGEL
What do you mean no thanks?

PEGS
I mean, I don't need one.

ANGEL
Oh, you mean you don't feel comfortable with it? Well once we get some down time I'll help train you.

MICHAEL
Or, I could. Angel here is an officer and he doesn't like to get his hands dirty.

ANGEL
No, really, I wouldn't mind.

PEGS
It's not that, I just don't agree with weapons.

MICHAEL
Wait, you what?

PEGS
I just don't want to.

MICHAEL
Alright, I'm not going to push. Riley, you OK with it?

RILEY
Hell, if you wouldn't have given me a weapon, I probably would've stolen one.

MICHAEL
Fair enough. So how do you two know each other?

ANGEL
I thought we were going to save the small talk.

MICHAEL
I can pay attention to more than one thing at a time.

RILEY
Oh, we don't really know each other, well not until today. I work as a chef near the farmer's market, Pegs here works, or well worked at the flower shop you picked us up at.

PEGS
Yeah, Riley found me in the commotion and we climbed up to the roof, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you, Riley.

RILEY
Yeah, well, everyone else wasn't so lucky. If we had waited only a few more seconds we would have rounded the corner, right into them.

ANGEL
What happened?

PEGS
It all happened so fast, they just collided.

Pegs gets too emotional and can't continue.

RILEY
The people that were attacked first got it the worst. Blood went everywhere. Then the ones that were sprayed on started to attack others as well.

MICHAEL
So they turned into them from the blood?

RILEY
I don't know. Not everyone did, I don't think. Only a few. It was hard to tell who was attacking who, they all looked the same. Within a few minutes though, it was clear who was who, and there weren't any of US any more.

Silence.

RILEY (CONT'D)
Until you showed up, I figured it wouldn't be much longer before they found us, and we'd end up joining them.

MICHAEL
I know it's difficult right now, but the details are important. How long did it take for the people to turn into them?

RILEY
A few minutes I guess, it depended on how close they were. There were some that tried to run away, but were chased down. They're so fast.

SAUL
We already knew that.

ANGEL
We're almost there.

MICHAEL
Look, once we get inside and we make it safe, I need you to tell me every detail, even if it seems obvious or irrelevant. Ok? You too Pegs.

Pegs
Alright.

MICHAEL
The more we know about what we're dealing with the better chance we have of surviving and NOT becoming one of those things.

RILEY
Alright.

ANGEL
Pull around to the side and down that ramp. We'll secure from the ground floor, starting with the parking garage.

SAUL
Going there.

Saul pulls the vehicle through the entrance and into the parking garage.

MICHAEL
Kill the engine.

The garage is silent.

SAUL
Should I shut the security gate?

ANGEL
What do you think, Michael?

MICHAEL
Do it, the hummer can get through it if we need it to.

Saul pulls the gate slowly shut.

ANGEL
Looks clear.

MICHAEL
It does, but we have to make sure. Sweep across the back row of cars. If we miss one of these things, the whole tower could fall.
(beat)
Check in and under the cars.

RILEY
Hey, we got something over here.

MICHAEL
What is it?

RILEY
It looks like they got him when he was trying to get in his car.

MICHAEL
He breathing?

RILEY
I don't see how he can... oh god.

ANGEL
Saul, you know what to do.

SAUL
Got it.

The sound of Saul taking out a knife.

MICHAEL
Pegs, Riley, come over here by me.

PEGS
What is he doing?

MICHAEL
Unless we have to, we don't want to shoot anything down here. The sound could echo out of the building and bring more of them here.

RILEY
So he's going to...?

MICHAEL
He's going to make sure he doesn't get back up, and we only know one method of making sure.

PEGS
I think I'm going to be sick.

ANGEL
Make sure you don't get any blood on you.

Saul finishes.

SAUL
Yeah, I didn't. Cut through pretty easily, was already half way through before I even started on his neck.

MICHAEL
Well, leave your knife here. We don't know exactly how it spreads. Let's head up towards the lobby.

Music Bridge.

MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I was worried that the new additions might complicate the plan, but they followed my lead and stuck close by, never getting in the way. The lobby wasn't as secure as I would have hoped. Sunlight was streaming through the many windows and glass panes. I was pretty sure anything could get in here if it really wanted to.

ANGEL
Clear.

MICHAEL
Saul, I need you to find something to lock or barricade the main entrance door.

SAUL
I saw some chains in the hummer, and I think there's a spare lock in the tool box.

MICHAEL
Do it. Riley, you go with him?

RILEY
Will do.

SAUL
Man, it's alright, we were just down there.

MICHAEL
Until we've cleared this entire building, no one is to be alone, ever, got it?

SAUL
Yeah, come on girl. You got my back, just don't shoot it.

Riley and Saul head downstairs.

MICHAEL
Angel, I'll cover the front, would you check the elevators?

ANGEL
Why don't I watch the front and you can check them.

MICHAEL
I just need to know if they're working.
(Beat)
Fine, I'll do it.

Michael pushes the button.

ANGEL
Out of order.

Pounding erupts from inside the elevator.

MICHAEL
Someone's inside there.

Saul returns.

SAUL
See what I tell you, nothing to worry- What, What is it?

MICHAEL
Angel, Secure the front door.

Angel chains the door and returns to them.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Saul, give me your knife, I'm going to pry open the doors.

SAUL
You had me leave it downstairs.

MICHAEL
I know you didn't, now hand it over.

SAUL
I cleaned it off, it's fine.

MICHAEL
You made yourself the guinea pig by not listening to me. We wanted to avoid any contact with that blood. Don't let it happen again.

ANGEL
Front doors secure.

MICHAEL
Alright, I'll open it, you two, be ready to fire. On three. One, Two,
(beat)
THREE!

Michael pries open the door as a body falls out.

DATU
Oh shit... Oh man, don't shoot, don't shoot.

SAUL
Who the hell are you?

DATU
I'm Datu, the maintenance guy for the building, oh thank god you're here!

RILEY
What were you doing in there?

DATU
I was coming down when the power went out. Oh thank god you found me.

ANGEL
You work here?

DATU
Well I live here too, where, where are the rest of you?

MICHAEL
This is it.

DATU
Where are your tanks and shit, I mean you are the U.S. Army, right?

MICHAEL
We are IN the Army, but like I said, this is it.

They start to walk away.

DATU
Well, whatever, I'm just glad you're here. Wait, where are we going?

SAUL
Upstairs.

DATU
I don't think there's anyone else up there. Most everyone in the building was at work, and those who were here left. Word has it there is an evacuation site a few miles from here.

PEGS
Oh thank god-

ANGEL
Evac site? Where?

DATU
Off of 4th street and Bandini.

ANGEL
We drove by that intersection, there's no-one there.

DATU
No, one? No one at all?

SAUL
I would have remembered seeing something.

DATU
Oh no.
(beat)
I've worked in this building for 5 years, you don't know how many of those people I knew, the ones that left. Some of them had children. I watched them grow up over the years-

ANGEL
I didn't say they died, I just said they weren't there. Maybe there was an evacuation, maybe they got out.

SAUL
Yeah, or maybe they didn't.

MICHAEL
At ease.

DATU
Still, there's no reason to go upstairs. We can get going, right?

MICHAEL
We're staying here.

DATU
You're what? But there's nothing here.

MICHAEL
Exactly.

DATU
I can't, I just can't.

Datu goes to open the door, but it's chained.

DATU (CONT'D)
Take these chains off, let me out. Maybe they're coming back.

ANGEL
Sir, you're not listening to us.

DATU
Let me out!

PEGS
Riley, wait!

RILEY
I got this-
(beat)
Look, Datu, you may think it could be better out there, but it's not. We've been out there, we know. Your building is much safer.
(Beat)
And, we have these soldiers here to help us. They already saved Pegs and me, and they can save lots more too. But we can't do it without your help. We need to make sure this place is safe before we bring them back here.

DATU
Why do you need me?

RILEY
We need to make sure it's safe here. That means going from room to room making sure. You have the keys don't you? And you know what key opens what door and every place that someone or something might be hiding in this building. We need your help.

DATU
Yeah, I guess you do.

RILEY
Those men, they're trained for this sort of thing. They'll protect us. So why not help them? The less time in here, the more lives they could save out there.

DATU
OK, OK, I'll help. Come on, this way.

SAUL
Why don't you just point which way, and I'll go first.

DATU
This is the stairwell, here.

ANGEL
You sure the other elevator is clear?

DATU
Yeah, I think so.

ANGEL
We have to make certain, what floor is it on?

DATU
Top Floor, See, the hours pointing to number 15.

ANGEL
There's only 15 floors?

DATU
Well 14, but there's no number 13.

ANGEL
Think you can do anything about the power?

DATU
Oh we still have power, something just blew the breaker.

ANGEL
So where do we turn it back on?

DATU
It's in the maintenance room in the basement, but that's not the problem.

ANGEL
Then what's is?

DATU
Something blew the main, which means it is something big. If I flip it back on, it could start a fire.

MICHAEL
Yeah, that would definitely be a problem.

DATU
I have some flashlights in my apartment on the second floor, once we find what blew it, I can flip it back on.

ANGEL
Come on, let's go.

Datu, Angel and Saul head up the stairs.

DATU
Hey, You look familiar, do I know you?

ANGEL
Naw, you must be mistaken.

PEGS
What about Riley?

The voices trail off up the stairs.

MICHAEL
We'll be up in a sec.
(Beat)
Hey Riley. Thanks for talking to Datu.

RILEY
No problem. We needed him. We're all on the same team now, right?

MICHAEL
I guess. Thanks though, I don't think he would have listened to me.

They start up the stair well.

RILEY
Well, you work as long as I have in the restaurant biz, you have to deal with a lot of people that don't like your food.

MICHAEL
You were a bad cook?

RILEY
I was great, you just can't please everyone.

MICHAEL
No, you can't.

Music bridge.

MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The first few floors reminded me of my time overseas; going from room to room, in near total darkness. You didn't know what was behind every door and every step could be your last. The place was empty. Some rooms had clothes strewn about, like they had scrambled to leave in a hurry. The pictures of the people on the wall haunted me as I walked past them. I kept a close eye on Angel. He never told us what apartment his girlfriend lived in. But, I knew from his reaction on the third floor that we had found it.

SAUL
This door's open.

MICHAEL
Careful.

A scream down the hall.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Contact! Down the hall.

They open fire and hit the target.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Cease fire! He's down.

ANGEL
You know this guy?

DATU
That was Mr. Larth. Good man, well was.

A sound from the apartment.

SAUL
We have something in here.

ANGEL
(very nervous)
OK, um, be careful.

MICHAEL
You okay Angel?

ANGEL
Yeah, I'm fine, come on.

They walk deep into the apartment.

SAUL
(whispers)
Living room clear.

MICHAEL
Check the bedroom.

They move into the bedroom.

SAUL
We got a live one! Looks like her legs are broken.

MICHAEL
Don't get too close.

SAUL
Why not?

MICHAEL
Ma'am, I know you're hurt, but can you hear us?

SAUL
She's crawling towards us.

MICHAEL
She's turned. Shoot her.

ANGEL
(barely holding back tears)
NO! Wait, please, just wait.

MICHAEL
Angel, she's one of them, look at her.

ANGEL
I know, I see it.

MICHAEL
It's her, isn't it?

ANGEL
It's Cindy.

MICHAEL
We don't have much of a choice on this one. What do you want us to do?

SAUL
This bitch is getting closer to me, can I shoot her already?

ANGEL
Don't call her that!

MICHAEL
Angel, we have to do this, but I need you to make the call.

A long pause.

ANGEL
(whispers)
Do it.

BLAM.

MICHAEL
Saul, wait outside with the others.

SAUL
Got it.

MICHAEL
You made the only choice you had, and you know it.

ANGEL
I know.

MICHAEL
Once we get things calmed down a bit, I'll help find a place and we can bury her.

ANGEL
Thanks Michael.

MICHAEL
But right now, we can't do that. We need to continue going through this place. I need to know you're OK to do that.

ANGEL
I am.

MICHAEL
You sure? I can't have any hesitation.

ANGEL
I'm on it, Michael.

MICHAEL
Alright.

They leave the apartment.

PEGS
Is he OK, what happened in there?

MICHAEL
He'll be fine. We found one, but we took care of it.

DATU
Was it Cindy? Aww. Man she was a really nice lady.

Angel starts to break into tears.

DATU (CONT'D)
What'd I say?

MICHAEL
Angel, What the hell?

SAUL
Come on Michael.

MICHAEL
Look, I lost people I love as well and you don't see me breaking down. We can't do this right now.

SAUL
Have a heart, this was like a few feet in front of him.

Angel breaks down further in tears.

PEGS
What the hell is wrong with you Michael?
(Beat)
We all lost people today, Angel. You're not alone.

Michael walks away.

SAUL
Michael, where you going?

MICHAEL
If he gets a moment, I get one too!

Michael enters an apartment.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Come on where are you, I know you had them in here, I could smell them. Shit, here we go. Now where the fuck did you put your lighter?

The sound of a lighter flickers in the background.

RILEY
Need a light?

MICHAEL
Thanks, Riley. You know you shouldn't sneak up on me like that.

Michael inhales and coughs.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Here, you want one.

RILEY
Thanks.

MICHAEL
I quit this a long time ago. Gave it up when I was overseas. I guess I made it long enough.

RILEY
Me too. Stopped cause it was bad for my health, that's the least of my concerns now, right?

MICHAEL
You know, I'll be alright on my own. Saul may need backup, but I sure as hell don't. You don't have to be in here right now.

RILEY
I didn't have to jump onto the back of your Humvee either, but it's a choice I made.

MICHAEL
Why don't you go and try and console Angel. Work some of that magic like you did on Datu.

RILEY
I'm where I should be.

MICHAEL
What does that mean?

RILEY
You may have them fooled, but not me.

MICHAEL
Oh, and how's that?

RILEY
You're hurting right now, but for different reasons.

MICHAEL
Because we had to shoot Angel's girlfriend? Well yeah, I feel bad about it, but it was the right thing to do.

RILEY
No, I mean about the losing loved ones today. The thought never crossed your mind until now, did it?

MICHAEL
(sarcastically)
Yes, it did, bothered me all day.

RILEY
I don't think so.

Michael sits down. Riley closes the door.

RILEY (CONT'D)
Look, it's alright to talk about it.
(Beat)
You don't have anyone do you?

MICHAEL
Maybe I do, and maybe I don't, what does it matter?

RILEY
You look, pretty young, where are your parents?

MICHAEL
Oh god... We're smoking a cigarette not having drinks. I ain't about to give you my life story already.

RILEY
Look, I know I don't know you very well, but we need to look after each. I can see when someone's in pain. I just don't want whatever it is, to get to you.

MICHAEL
And how would that happen?

RILEY
Something back there hurt you as much as Angel is hurting and you're not letting it out, and until you do, it will continue to eat you away.

MICHAEL
It may be cute to think you hold some kind of inspired wisdom that can cure all wounds, but you don't know anything about me. And no quick-fix flirtation is going to heal any open wounds.

Riley Laughs.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
(can't hold his anger and starts to chuckle)
Can you tell me what is so funny? You know you make it really hard to keep a straight face.

RILEY
No, it's not that, it's just, well flirtatious- Seriously, you're not my type. I'm flattered though.

MICHAEL
You know, you have an infectious laugh, anyone ever tell you that?

RILEY
Yeah, few times.

MICHAEL
Made me feel better than all the squabbling you were doing before that.

Door flings open.

SAUL
What's wrong? I thought I heard something scream in here.

MICHAEL
Nope, that would have just been Riley's laugh.

SAUL
Oh, alright. Well anyway Angel's on his feet, and looking for you.

MICHAEL
You heard the man, let's move out.

RILEY
Michael, don't forget what I said, alright?

MICHAEL
Whatever.

Michael continues into the hall.

SAUL
How many floors we got to go?

DATU
Eleven more is all.

SAUL
Holy-shit, eleven? This is going to take forever.

MICHAEL
Especially now that Riley has warned them in their own language. They probably understood that shit.

PEGS
What? I like her laugh.

They enter the stairwell and through the door to the fourth floor.

SAUL
Oh, shit, you smell that?

RILEY
I do now, phew.

MICHAEL
Something's burning, Datu, you have an extinguisher?

DATU
It's down the hall, but I don't see any smoke.

PEGS
Whatever it is, it's awful.

SAUL
Hey Michael, remember suicide gate?

MICHAEL
Why would you bring that up now?

SAUL
Smell familiar?

MICHAEL
A little bit, why?

SAUL
Just a hunch, follow me.

They wander down the halls.

ANGEL
Stay close together.

SAUL
Here, through this door.

DATU
Just a second.

Datu fiddles with the keys and unlocks it.

SAUL
Oh god, yup, I knew it.

RILEY
What, I don't see anything?

SAUL
Michael, why don't you, me and Datu take this one. Angel, you watch the hall with Riley and Pegs.

They wander into the bathroom.

DATU
Holy-

SAUL
Well, That's one way to go.

MICHAEL
Smells just like suicide gate?

SAUL
Yup, you got it.

DATU
What happened there?

MICHAEL
There was a gate outside one of the green zones that was constantly hit by car bombs. When it torched the bodies in the surrounding cars, the smell stayed in the area long after.

SAUL
Look at this, he must have been standing in the bathwater when he reached up and grabbed it. Must have flown like 4 feet.

MICHAEL
What happened to just using a blow dryer or toaster.

DATU
The circuit would have just popped.

SAUL
I guess he didn't want to do it wrong. Look at this, he ripped the entire strand of wires out of the wall. Bit over-kill.

MICHAEL
No pun intended?
(Beat)
Datu, can you shut the power off to this room, so you can get it back on for the rest of the building?

DATU
Of course.

MICHAEL
Saul, go with him downstairs. We'll wait for you.

Datu and Saul head downstairs and Michael shuts the door.

PEGS
What was it?

MICHAEL
Oh, someone chose an alternative to survival.

RILEY
Ew... how?

MICHAEL
Let's just say you don't want this room.

RILEY
Or this floor for that matter, pew.

ANGEL
Well, I think it's safe to say that I'll be staying on the top floor. The further from the ground the better.

MICHAEL
I'm sure you'll think different after 14 flights of steps.

ANGEL
Oh yeah, no elevator.

MICHAEL
Not unless you wanna risk getting stuck.

RILEY
I don't know about you, but I really liked that apartment on the second floor, with the nice TV and the classic modern sofa.

PEGS
I thought that one was nice too. I'll stay with you there.

RILEY
Um. Really, you don't have to, there are a lot of others to choose from.

MICHAEL
You already making stakes on the rooms?

PEGS
Well why not? I mean it is our building now.

MICHAEL
That's one way of looking at it.

ANGEL
You know, I liked the one, what was it, 2b. The one with the nice leather couch and the king size bed.

MICHAEL
See, told you this place was a better idea than the prison.

The lights flicker back on.

ANGEL
Oh nice!

MICHAEL
Now just because the lights are on and this place feels a lot safer, don't go getting complacent on me.

PEGS
What's that mean?

ANGEL
Don't let your guard down.

PEGS
I'm not doing much, so, alright. I'm kinda worthless now, aren't I?

MICHAEL
Maybe you're not able to do something right NOW, but once this place is secure, I'm sure you will be useful. What did you do outside, like for your job.

PEGS
I was a florist.

MICHAEL
OK, um. Well I guess you could, um. Angel?

ANGEL
Got me there, I dunno.

RILEY
Oh come on guys, I thought you had thought this one through.

ANGEL
We did, mostly, I mean we're here aren't we.

RILEY
Look, Pegs, once this place is up and running we're going to need food, and not just what hasn't expired in people's cupboards.

MICHAEL
There you go- You could make a garden on the roof! We're going to need fruit, vegetables, spices-

RILEY
Sure, take my idea.

PEGS
What are you talking about? It's ok to claim a nice place to sleep for a few nights, but you want me to start a garden? How long are we planning on staying here? I'm sure someone will come for us. This will be over in a few days.

MICHAEL
It might, and it might not. I'd rather plan for long term and be rescued tomorrow.

ANGEL
Riley brings up a good point, Michael. But, we need to do more than just planting food. We're going to need to get organized.

MICHAEL
The more people that we can help and have hide out here, the more important it is that they each pull their own weight.

RILEY
Everyone would be more than willing to, I mean Pegs and I would do damn near anything for you after you picked us up.
(Beat)
Wait, I just made us sound like prostitutes.

MICHAEL
Well- I thought that was implied.

RILEY
Oh, come on that's not even funny.

Saul and Datu return.

DATU
Power's back on.

Saul
That's right, everything's all good.

ANGEL
Alright, let's get moving.

MICHAEL (V.O.)
After our first day in the tower, my legs ached like no time before. We couldn't stop and rest before the building was empty and clear. We found a few more of those things, here and there, but no survivors. Each flight of steps made my shins splint and my back ache. I think that first day was the longest for me. By the time we reached the last floor, I thought I was prepared for everything. I was wrong.