Chapter 1 Transcript

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    [file]Chapter1Cover.jpg|thumb|Chapter 1 Cover[/file]
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    [category]Transcripts[/category]
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    [SIZE="4"]Writing done by Kc Wayland
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    Transcript of [wiki]1 - It Begins[/wiki]
    Written by Kc Wayland
  6.  
    Transcription courtesy of Kc Wayland
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    Edited by Re1ndeer[/SIZE]

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    Edited by Re1ndeer and DemetriusH
    [url="http://zombiepodcast.com/forum/group.php?groupid=22"]Join the WA Transcribers Project![/url]
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    [h="2"]Part 1[/h]
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    [center]
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    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 365 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-charge PFC back then. But that was the first tour. After a third, I was the tired and depressed sergeant. Nothing scared me back then. I didn’t fear death, or what might be 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, but for my own sanity. Maybe if I go over it again from the beginning it might make more sense to me. And then again, maybe not.
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    Music Intro
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    (Footsteps are heard as Michael walks down a hallway)
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  15. -
    NARRATOR
  16. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    I was 27 at the time and in my fourth year in college. I started my freshman year in 2001, almost 8 years ago now. Huh. I remember the day as it was burned into my head. May 8th, 2009.
  17.  

  18. -
    We're Alive, A Story of Survival, Episode 1, It Begins.
  19. +
    COLLEGE GIRL:
    Hey Michael, where you goin’?
  20.  

  21. -
    MICHAEL
  22. +
    MICHAEL:
    Uh, class.
  23.  

  24. -
    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.
  25. +
    COLLEGE GIRL:
    (giggle) Did you study for the quiz today?
  26.  

  27. -
    (Beat)
  28. +
    MICHAEL:
    Ha, no, not really.
  29.  

  30. -
    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.
  31. +
    COLLEGE GIRL:
    Neither did I.
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  33. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, well, alright.
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  35. -
    End Intro
  36. +
    COLLEGE GIRL:
    Hey, are you going to the Omega party this weekend? It’s gonna be so awesome, and I thought you might wanna, go with me-
  37.  

  38. +
    MICHAEL:
    Uh no, don’t wanna, but thanks though.
  39.  

  40. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
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    COLLEGE GIRL:
    Why not?
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  43. -
    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.
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    MICHAEL:
    What, is it better to say, “O-ok, maybe, well, another time?”
  45.  

  46. -
    Sounds of campus in the background.
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    COLLEGE GIRL:
    Geez, you don’t have to be such a jerk about it.
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  49. -
    FEMALE STUDENT1
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    MICHAEL:
    I was direct, how’s that being a jerk?
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  52. -
    Hey Michael, where you going?
  53. +
    (Michael and the College Girl enter their classroom, where the students are taking a test)
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  55. -
    MICHAEL
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    TEACHER:
    Once you’re done, um, go ahead and, put your papers up here, and uh you guys, you guys are free to go.
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    Class-
  59. +
    (A distant explosion sounds off)
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    FEMALE STUDENT1
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    MICHAEL:
    What the hell?
  63.  

  64. -
    Oh, did you study for the quiz today?
  65. +
    COLLEGE GIRL:
    Did you hear that?
  66.  

  67. -
    MICHAEL
  68. +
    TEACHER:
    You know, it’s probably just the uh, the construction going on next door, now, please just-
  69.  

  70. -
    No, not really.
  71. +
    MICHAEL:
    That’s not construction.
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    FEMALE STUDENT1
  74. +
    TEACHER:
    C’mon, take your seat.
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  76. -
    (laughs)
  77. +
    (Michael gets up from his seat, ready to leave)
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  79. -
    Oh, well neither did I.
  80. +
    TEACHER:
    Hey! Hey, you know, there’s not gonna be any make-ups for the quiz if you go. I-I-
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  82. -
    MICHAEL
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    (Classroom door shuts as Michael hurries down the hall)
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  85. -
    Yeah, well, alright.
  86. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    I remembered 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’ve prepared me for what I saw.
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    FEMALE STUDENT1
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    STUDENT:
    Did you see that?
  90.  

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    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-
  92. +
    NEWSCASTER (TV):
    …must be shocking, but I assure you, they are very real. Uh, we are 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. (students gasp) Local law enforcement is now responding. Oh my God. They’re attacking the police officers. The attackers seem to have no hesitation as to…
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    MICHAEL
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    COLLEGE GIRL:
    The hell is going on? That’s only like, 20 miles from here, do you think it’s gonna reach us?
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    Nope, don't want to. Thanks though.
  98. +
    (Michael phone rings and he picks up)
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    FEMALE STUDENT1
  101. +
    MICHAEL:
    Hello?

    ANGEL (PHONE):
    Michael, it’s Lieutenant Angel. Where are you?

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

    ANGEL (PHONE):
    We need you to come to the unit, right away.

    MICHAEL:
    Is this about what’s on the TV?

    ANGEL (PHONE):
    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:
    Um, maybe 30 minutes, but I don’t have my uniform.

    ANGEL (PHONE):
    Don’t worry about those, we have a couple spare in the unit. Just get there as fast you as can.

    MICHAEL:
    Alright, I’m on my way.

    (Michael runs outside)

    [hr][/hr]

    (Various cars can be heard honking)

    MICHAEL:
    What the hell do you want me to do? He’s not moving in front of me either! Can’t go anywhere, God damn!

    (Michael turns on the radio)

    NEWSCASTER (RADIO):
    The 101 has been completely shut down in the area of the riots. Do not attempt taking the five freeway as it is stopped due to a massive accident outside Bell in South Los Angeles.

    (Michael turns off the radio)

    MICHAEL:
    Great, right before my exit.

    (A guy behind Michael starts honking)

    MICHAEL:
    I swear, I’m gonna rip your ass outta that car- (car starts driving) finally!

    (Michael’s car comes to an abrupt halt)

    MICHAEL:
    What the hell is that?

    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    The first time I saw ‘em, I froze. Something inside me told me not to move. The group of them moved past my car to the guy honking behind me. 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.

    (More honking and sounds of running)

    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    It seemed almost in slow motion the way they piled onto that 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. (sounds of the man screaming) I found my feet seconds later and pushed on the pedal as hard as I could, driving onto the grassy medium. The escaping look of mortality in the man’s face… still haunts me today.

    [hr][/hr]

    (Michael pulls up to a gate and attempts to enter a code to open it)

    PINPAD VOICE:
    Invalid entry. (Michael groans) Please try again.

    (Michael tries again)

    PINPAD VOICE:
    Access granted. Please enter.

    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    When I drove up, I saw Lieutenant Angel Tunudo: the tall, 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's car door shuts)

    MICHAEL:
    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.
    (to Michael)
    What the hell happened to you, you look pale!

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

    SAUL:
    Could someone please tell me what the fuck that was?

    ANGEL:
    I came off the 710, what was-

    MICHAEL:
    Those things 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 talkin’ 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-

    MICHAEL:
    They were like animals, and they sure as hell weren’t like us anymore, not with those eyes.

    ANGEL:
    Then what were they?

    SAUL:
    Zombies.

    MICHAEL:
    C’mon Saul, this isn’t the time.

    SAUL:
    No joke Sarge, what if they are?

    (Sirens are heard in the distance)

    ANGEL:
    Think about it just for a second.

    (Sirens stop)

    ANGEL:
    Ok. The mental hospital is not too far from here, what if, what you saw was just a breakout. We were probably brought in just to take them down.

    SAUL:
    Oh, you didn’t see them, what the hell do you know?

    ANGEL:
    Hey, don’t talk to me that way! I’m still an officer, and you’re just still a lowly specialist!

    MICHAEL:
    Hey, hey, easy Angel, I got this! Saul, come here.

    (Michael and Saul step aside to talk in private)

    SAUL:
    Well, how can he say that shit, you know as well as I do that the hospital is like 10 miles from here, there’s no way that they could-

    MICHAEL:
    Hey, hey, hey, I agree, 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 (NARRATOR):
    Saul was a great soldier. Sure, he always spoke his mind, and it often got him in trouble. If he’d held his tongue he would’ve outranked me by now. He came to our unit with the rank of specialist from 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. (chuckle) He said something about the California girls calling to him.

    (Three beeps sound from Angel’s phone)

    ANGEL:
    Still no answer.

    MICHAEL:
    Oh. Well the rest may be stuck in traffic trying to get here.

    SAUL:
    So what do we do?

    ANGEL:
    I don’t know. Let’s, just wait till they get here.

    MICHAEL:
    Lieutenant, do you think we can get into the arms room and at least get a few rifles in case something happens?

    ANGEL:
    W-we can’t!
  102.  

  103. +
    MICHAEL:
  104.  
    Why not?

  105. -
    MICHAEL
  106. +
    ANGEL:
    Look, I have the key to the door, but the commander has the combo for the alarms and the key for the arms racks. You know, we’re- we’ll just wait for the commander. He will know what to do.
  107.  

  108. -
    Is it a better response to say, oh OK, well maybe another time?
  109. +
    (Nearby explosions go off close to base)
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    FEMALE STUDENT1
  112. +
    SAUL:
    That one was close!
  113.  

  114. -
    Geeze, you don't have to be such a jerk about it.
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    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!
  116.  

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    MICHAEL
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    SAUL:
    I’ll get the bolt cutters from the cage.
  119.  

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    I was direct, how is that being a jerk?
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    ANGEL:
    Wait, I didn’t say we were gonna-
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  123. -
    Michael opens the door to the classroom.
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    MICHAEL:
    Look, sir, all due respect, but my instincts are a lot more field-tested than your month out of officer candidate school. I’m tryna help you out and you’re not playing ball!
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  126. -
    MALE OLD TEACHER
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    ANGEL:
    You’re acting completely drastic. What you’re asking me to do could really get us into trouble. You act as if we’re at war!
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  129. -
    Once you are done, um, go ahead and put your papers up here and you guy will be free to go.
  130. +
    (Nearby gunfire continues)
  131.  

  132. -
    An explosion way off in the background.
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    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, do you hear that out there? That’s exactly what it sounds like to me!
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    MICHAEL
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    SAUL:
    Got ‘em. You ready?
  137.  

  138. -
    What the hell?
  139. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, c’mon, let’s open ‘er up.
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    FEMALE STUDENT1
  142. +
    (The sound of keys is heard)
  143.  

  144. -
    Did you hear that?
  145. +
    ANGEL:
    You don’t wanna wait like 5 more minutes? The commander could just be around-
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    MALE OLD TEACHER
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    SAUL:
    I don’t wanna wait for that asshole!
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  150. -
    It's probably just the construction going on next door, now please take your seat-
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    MICHAEL:
    Look, listen, there’s no point in arguing now!
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    MICHAEL
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    (The vault door is opened and the alarm starts beeping, about to sound off)
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    That's not construction.
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    MICHAEL:
    Saul, clip the locks on cages 12 and 14. Hurry!
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    MALE OLD TEACHER
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    ANGEL:
    Now you’re nervous all of a sudden?
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    Hey! You know there are no make ups for this quiz!
  163. +
    MICHAEL:
    I just have a feeling is all!
  164.  

  165. -
    Michael and the and Female Student both leave the classroom and head down the hall.
  166. +
    ANGEL:
    That we’re in deep shit? I could’ve told you that!
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    MICHAEL (V.O.)
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    MICHAEL:
    (groans) How long till the alarm goes off?
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    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.
  172. +
    ANGEL:
    Two minutes, more or less.
  173.  

  174. -
    The sound of the TV gets louder as they get closer.
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    SAUL:
    Got it.
  176.  

  177. -
    MALE TV ANNOUNCER
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    MICHAEL:
    Good. I’ll grab your rifle, just get 14 open.
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  180. -
    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.
  181. +
    ANGEL:
    My rifle’s number 17.
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  183. -
    Sounds of shots fired on the TV.
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    MICHAEL:
    When was the last time you oiled this thing?
  185.  

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    MALE TV ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
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    ANGEL:
    Just give it to me!
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    The attackers seem to have no hesitation as the officers are responding with lethal enforcement.
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    SAUL:
    14’s open.
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    FEMALE STUDENT1
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    MICHAEL:
    Load up two magazines.
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    What the hell is going on? That's only like 20 miles from here. You think it's going to reach us?
  196. +
    SAUL:
    That’s it?
  197.  

  198. -
    Michael's cell phone goes off.
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    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, yeah, we’ll come back. I don’t wanna be here and loading magazines if or when someone responds to the alarm.
  200.  

  201. -
    MICHAEL
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    ANGEL:
    Now you’re worried!
  203.  

  204. -
    Hello?
  205. +
    MICHAEL:
    Head outside! Don’t chamber a round unless I say so.
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    ANGEL (O.S.)
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    SAUL:
    Got it Sarge.
  209.  

  210. -
    (On Phone)
  211. +
    (The door is opened and the soldiers run outside)
  212.  

  213. -
    Michael, it's Lieutenant Angel, where are you?
  214. +
    MICHAEL:
    How long did you say it had?
  215.  

  216. -
    MICHAEL
  217. +
    (The alarm goes off)
  218.  

  219. -
    I'm at school right now, what's going on?
  220. +
    [hr][/hr]
  221.  

  222. -
    ANGEL
  223. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    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? Well, my thoughts of guilt and plea-bargaining stopped once I heard the rumbling.
  224.  

  225. -
    We need you to come to the unit right away.
  226. +
    (The sounds of rumbling in the distance gets closer)
  227.  

  228. -
    MICHAEL
  229. +
    SAUL:
    You hear that?
  230.  

  231. -
    Is this about what's on the TV?
  232. +
    ANGEL:
    How can you hear anything over that alarm?
  233.  

  234. -
    ANGEL
  235. +
    MICHAEL:
    Shh-sh-sh! It’s getting closer!
  236.  

  237. -
    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?
  238. +
    ANGEL:
    C’mon, stop pullin’-
  239.  

  240. -
    MICHAEL
  241. +
    (A zombie call is heard)
  242.  

  243. -
    Maybe 30 minutes, but I don't have my uniform.
  244. +
    ANGEL:
    Uh… guys?
  245.  

  246. -
    ANGEL
  247. +
    (The various zombies attack the fence and the gate)
  248.  

  249. -
    Don't worry about those, we have a couple spares at the unit, just get there as fast as you can.
  250. +
    SAUL:
    They’re comin’!
  251.  

  252. -
    MICHAEL
  253. +
    MICHAEL:
    Ah! Shoot the ones dragging down the barbed wire!
  254.  

  255. -
    Alright I'm on my way.
  256. +
    SAUL:
    I’m trying, damnit! There’s too many!
  257.  

  258. -
    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.
  259. +
    ANGEL:
    Ah! It won’t fire!
  260.  

  261. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
  262. +
    SAUL:
    It’s just not stopping them, help!
  263.  

  264. -
    What the hell do you want me to do? He's not moving in from of me either!
  265. +
    MICHAEL:
    Aim for the head!
  266.  

  267. -
    Honking continues.
  268. +
    ANGEL:
    Somebody!
  269.  

  270. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
  271. +
    MICHAEL:
    C’mon Angel, what the hell are you doing?
  272.  

  273. -
    I can't go anywhere! God Damn!
  274. +
    ANGEL:
    It’s jammed!
  275.  

  276. -
    Michael takes a deep breath and clicks on the radio.
  277. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, no shit!
  278.  

  279. -
    RADIO ANNOUNCER
  280. +
    SAUL:
    They’re over the fence!
  281.  

  282. -
    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.
  283. +
    ANGEL:
    Is that the-
  284.  

  285. -
    MICHAEL
  286. +
    MICHAEL:
    Get inside!
  287.  

  288. -
    Great, right before my exit.
  289. +
    SAUL:
    Where?
  290.  

  291. -
    He clicks off the radio. Honking continues behind him.
  292. +
    MICHAEL:
    The vault, move it!
  293.  

  294. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
  295. +
    ANGEL:
    Saul, what did you do!?
  296.  

  297. -
    I swear gonna rip your ass out of the car-
  298. +
    MICHAEL:
    Saul, help me with the door!
  299.  

  300. -
    Sound of the car starting to move.
  301. +
    ANGEL:
    We gotta go! Run, guys!
  302.  

  303. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
  304. +
    (They make it inside just in time)
  305.  

  306. -
    Finally.
  307. +
    MICHAEL:
    Angel, give me your rifle.
  308.  

  309. -
    (beat)
  310. +
    (Angel holds on to it)
  311.  

  312. -
    What the hell is that?
  313. +
    MICHAEL:
    Let go, just let go of it, I’m gonna fix it, alright!?
  314.  

  315. -
    Under the voice over you hear the sounds of the man being attacked.
  316. +
    ANGEL:
    Al-alright!
  317.  

  318. -
    MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
  319. +
    MICHAEL:
    Hey, hey, look at me! I want you to take a deep breath and have a seat.
  320.  

  321. -
    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.
  322. +
    SAUL:
    How the hell are there so many? So fast?
  323.  

  324. -
    (Beat)
  325. +
    ANGEL:
    Those are what you saw on the freeway?
  326.  

  327. -
    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.
  328. +
    SAUL:
    Pfft, yeah. But there were only like 7 of ‘em. That was like a hundred! How the hell are we gonna get out of here?
  329.  

  330. -
    (Beat)
  331. +
    MICHAEL:
    Take it easy Saul, there’s no need to get worked up.
  332.  

  333. -
    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.
  334. +
    SAUL:
    What do you mean, no need? What we gonna do? Oh shit, oh shit, I gotta call my girl. Tell her that- (phone beeps)
  335.  

  336. -
    Music Bridge
  337. +
    ANGEL:
    I’m surprised it’s even working in here. Here, let me try. (more phone beeps)
  338.  

  339. -
    ELECTRONIC GATE VOICE
  340. +
    MICHAEL:
    The lines are flooded right now, why don’t you just take a seat and have a breather.
  341.  

  342. -
    Invalid entry. Please try again.
  343. +
    ANGEL:
    I knew getting into the vault was a mistake. You wouldn’t listen! I’m the officer here-
  344.  

  345. -
    ELECTRONIC GATE VOICE (CONT'D)
  346. +
    SAUL:
    Hey, fuck you sir! Ok, if Michael hadn’t, you wouldn’t be here right now! Alright, 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!
  347.  

  348. -
    Access granted, please enter.
  349. +
    ANGEL:
    Don’t you get it, they came because we opened it! They heard the alarm!
  350.  

  351. -
    Michael pulls up and parks his vehicle abruptly.
  352. +
    MICHAEL:
    We don’t know that for sure, maybe they just followed the road, or, or maybe-
  353.  

  354. -
    MICHAEL (V.O.)
  355. +
    ANGEL:
    Think about it! You said they attacked a guy in the car behind you because he was honking! They must be attracted to loud sound!
  356.  

  357. -
    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.
  358. +
    SAUL:
    (laughs) So, you can understand ‘em all of a sudden? Huh? Well maybe now, you can step outside, you know, talk to them and sort some of this shit out. Maybe if you just shove your-
  359.  

  360. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
  361. +
    MICHAEL:
    Hey, ok, ok, it’s enough Saul. He’s right.
  362.  

  363. -
    Angel, where the hell is everyone else?
  364. +
    SAUL:
    He’s what?
  365.  

  366. -
    ANGEL
  367. +
    MICHAEL:
    No no, it makes perfect sense. Why else would they come in here and in such numbers and directly here? I caused ‘em to come.
  368.  

  369. -
    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.
  370. +
    ANGEL:
    You were right, too, if that makes any difference.
  371.  

  372. -
    (beat)
  373. +
    MICHAEL:
    How so?
  374.  

  375. -
    What the hell happened to you? You look pale.
  376. +
    ANGEL:
    One of those things that came over the fence… I swear one of them looked like the commander.
  377.  

  378. -
    The sound of Saul parking in the background.
  379. +
    SAUL:
    Serious?
  380.  

  381. -
    MICHAEL
  382. +
    ANGEL:
    No one else was comin’.
  383.  

  384. -
    You didn't see it? Weren't you on the five too?
  385. +
    MICHAEL:
    Well, no matter what we did, the longer we waited, the less time we would’ve had to prepare.
  386.  

  387. -
    SAUL
  388. +
    SAUL:
    Prepare? Prepare for what?
  389.  

  390. -
    Can someone please tell what that was?
  391. +
    MICHAEL:
    Angel, how long until the alarm shuts off?
  392.  

  393. -
    ANGEL
  394. +
    ANGEL:
    I’m not sure exactly. Uh, an hour I think. Why?
  395.  

  396. -
    I came in off the 710? What was-
  397. +
    MICHAEL:
    Once it goes silent, they should go away. And then we can get the hell out of dodge.
  398.  

  399. -
    MICHAEL
  400. +
    ANGEL:
    Alright, but then what? We don’t even know what they are!
  401.  

  402. -
    Those things just ran onto the freeway.
  403. +
    SAUL:
    I told you man, they’re zombies!
  404.  

  405. -
    SAUL
  406. +
    ANGEL:
    You know what, specialist, I-
  407.  

  408. -
    You see that shit? They tore that car apart like a tin can. Poor angry bastard, actually kinda feel sorry for him now.
  409. +
    MICHAEL:
    Woah, hey, hey, easy, both of you. He may be right. Maybe not exactly zombies, but there are similarities.
  410.  

  411. -
    ANGEL
  412. +
    ANGEL:
    Oh no, not you too!
  413.  

  414. -
    What the hell are you talking about?
  415. +
    MICHAEL:
    Hey! Military intelligence is my job, it’s what I’m good at! You know, I’ve, I’ve encountered different tribes on my deployment, and the key to managing these situations is to know who you’re dealing with.
  416.  

  417. -
    MICHAEL
  418. +
    ANGEL:
    Military intelligence? (scoffs) I am the one who figured out about the sound thing.
  419.  

  420. -
    You have no idea what's going on?
  421. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, well none of that matters now. What else do we know?
  422.  

  423. -
    ANGEL
  424. +
    SAUL:
    We know they go after people. They sure as hell aren’t no slow moving zombies either.
  425.  

  426. -
    No, would somebody please explain to me-
  427. +
    MICHAEL:
    So, they’re quicker than us.
  428.  

  429. -
    SAUL
  430. +
    SAUL:
    Got some strength too. The way they were bending the bars.
  431.  

  432. -
    You're the one who called us in, why don't you tell us-
  433. +
    ANGEL:
    Wonderful.
  434.  

  435. -
    ANGEL
  436. +
    MICHAEL:
    Headshots seem to drop ‘em like stones.
  437.  

  438. -
    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?
  439. +
    ANGEL:
    Is that all we know?
  440.  

  441. -
    MICHAEL
  442. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, well, the rest would just be assumptions based off of what we’ve seen in movies.
  443.  

  444. -
    Those were not rioters. They attacked a guy who was honking at me on the freeway.
  445. +
    ANGEL:
    I still don’t believe this, are you listening to what you’re saying? Zombies? I mean, the dead, rising?
  446.  

  447. -
    SAUL
  448. +
    SAUL:
    Who said they were dead?
  449.  

  450. -
    They weren't attacking him, they were eating him.
  451. +
    ANGEL:
    Whatever!
  452.  

  453. -
    ANGEL
  454. +
    MICHAEL:
    What would you have me do? We’re dealing with something we’ve never come close to experiencing before! All I’m tryna do is reason some way through this, something they aren’t able to do!
  455.  

  456. -
    They were what?
  457. +
    ANGEL:
    Now who’s being presumptuous, how can you be sure that they can’t reason!?
  458.  

  459. -
    SAUL
  460. +
    MICHAEL:
    Because we left the key in the door!
  461.  

  462. -
    I wasn't far behind Michael. They were taking big chunks and shoving them in their mouths.
  463. +
    MICHAEL:
    Alright, if we’re gonna make it through this, and I have every intention of doing so, we’re gonna have to stick together, and use our heads.
  464.  

  465. -
    ANGEL
  466. +
    (The alarm shuts off)
  467.  

  468. -
    What? Why would they be-
  469. +
    SAUL:
    Whoa. That was no hour.
  470.  

  471. -
    MICHAEL
  472. +
    ANGEL:
    Well I said “I think”. No one has ever set off the alarm before.
  473.  

  474. -
    They were like animals, and they sure as hell weren't like us any more, not with those eyes.
  475. +
    MICHAEL:
    Saul, look out the peephole.
  476.  

  477. -
    ANGEL
  478. +
    (Peephole opens)
  479.  

  480. -
    Then what are they?
  481. +
    ANGEL:
    They’re leaving?
  482.  

  483. -
    SAUL
  484. +
    (Peephole closes)
  485.  

  486. -
    Zombies.
  487. +
    SAUL:
    Um, no, I don’t think so.
  488.  

  489. -
    MICHAEL
  490. +
    MICHAEL:
    Maybe it’ll just take some time.
  491.  

  492. -
    Come on Saul, this isn't the time-
  493. +
    SAUL:
    You sure they can’t hear us?
  494.  

  495. -
    SAUL
  496. +
    MICHAEL:
    Not a chance. The door’s about a foot thick and the walls are solid concrete.
  497.  

  498. -
    No joke, Sarge, what if they are?
  499. +
    ANGEL:
    Give it time. They… they could move on.
  500.  

  501. -
    ANGEL
  502. +
    ANGEL:
    Al-alright well, say they clear out enough for us to get through. Where do we go?
  503.  

  504. -
    Think about it for just a second.
  505. +
    SAUL:
    We couldn’t just stay here, and defend this place?
  506.  

  507. -
    (beat)
  508. +
    MICHAEL:
    No, they’re 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 3 of us.
  509.  

  510. -
    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.
  511. +
    SAUL:
    We need… some place, like a prison.
  512.  

  513. -
    SAUL
  514. +
    MICHAEL:
    Good idea, but not the best place for living.
  515.  

  516. -
    You didn't see them. What the hell do you know?
  517. +
    ANGEL:
    Well, we would be able to contain the area pretty easily. I could probably get by in a cell, I know you could too.
  518.  

  519. -
    ANGEL
  520. +
    MICHAEL:
    This isn’t just about us.
  521.  

  522. -
    Don't you talk to me that way! I'm still an officer, and you're still a lowly Specialist.
  523. +
    SAUL:
    It’s not?
  524.  

  525. -
    Angel picks up his phone and tries calling again.
  526. +
    MICHAEL:
    Look, there are a lot of people out there who are where we are now. Locking themselves in some safe place, waiting things out, hoping that someone is gonna come rescue them.
  527.  

  528. -
    MICHAEL
  529. +
    SAUL:
    Like the army.
  530.  

  531. -
    Hey, easy Angel, I got this.
  532. +
    MICHAEL:
    But we know that’s not gonna 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?
  533.  

  534. -
    (Beat)
  535. +
    SAUL:
    Nope. Not at all.
  536.  

  537. -
    Saul, come here.
  538. +
    SAUL:
    Nah, just kidding.
  539.  

  540. -
    SAUL
  541. +
    ANGEL:
    My girlfriend’s apartment building!
  542.  

  543. -
    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-
  544. +
    SAUL:
    See, now, ha! He’s got the right idea: go out with a bang!
  545.  

  546. -
    MICHAEL
  547. +
    ANGEL:
    That’s not what I-! Michael, it’s perfect. One main lobby with a small 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!
  548.  

  549. -
    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.
  550. +
    MICHAEL:
    That could work. Plenty of space for any other survivors, not to mention the amount of supplies throughout the building.
  551.  

  552. -
    SAUL
  553. +
    SAUL:
    Given that we could make it there in one piece.
  554.  

  555. -
    I know, I'm sorry Sarge.
  556. +
    ANGEL:
    It’s not too far from here!
  557.  

  558. -
    MICHAEL (V.O.)
  559. +
    MICHAEL:
    It’ll work. Depending on how long we’re gonna hold up, it would last us.
  560.  

  561. -
    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.
  562. +
    ANGEL:
    This could just be a, a local epidemic.
  563.  

  564. -
    Angel hangs up the phone.
  565. +
    MICHAEL:
    Nah. Given the rate of growth, I highly doubt it.
  566.  

  567. -
    ANGEL
  568. +
    SAUL:
    How do you expect to make it to the building? Like, the roads are probably jammed with broken down cars and God knows what else.
  569.  

  570. -
    Still no answer.
  571. +
    ANGEL:
    Well, take one of the Humvees!
  572.  

  573. -
    MICHAEL
  574. +
    SAUL:
    You won’t get too far with the steering wheel chained and locked! You’d only be able to turn like halfway!
  575.  

  576. -
    The rest may be stuck in traffic trying to get here.
  577. +
    ANGEL:
    Then clip the lock with the bolt cutters!
  578.  

  579. -
    SAUL
  580. +
    SAUL:
    (laughs) So we run outta here, fight through zombies that are, let me check: (opens peephole) yep, still outside the door (closes peephole), carrying ammo, rifles, and bolt cutters, all the way to the motor pool being chased by the things that we know are faster and stronger than us, and want to eat us!?
  581.  

  582. -
    So what do we do?
  583. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yep, sounds about right.
  584.  

  585. -
    ANGEL
  586. +
    SAUL:
    Hey, as long as I get the SAW, I’m in.
  587.  

  588. -
    I dunno, let's just wait till they get here.
  589. +
    MICHAEL:
    Fine. We’ll need an automatic weapon anyway. Angel and I can carry an extra rifle, but anymore would really slow us down.
  590.  

  591. -
    MICHAEL
  592. +
    ANGEL:
    Here, put these on.
  593.  

  594. -
    Lieutenant, you think we can get into the arm's room and at least get a few rifles in case something happens?
  595. +
    SAUL:
    Do we really need to wear uniforms?
  596.  

  597. -
    ANGEL
  598. +
    ANGEL:
    You wear this, and people will know who you are and won’t think twice about coming with you. There is a lot that this uniform represents that we will need out there.
  599.  

  600. -
    We can't.
  601. +
    MICHAEL:
    Hey. He’s right, Saul, c’mon, let’s put ‘em on.
  602.  

  603. -
    MICHAEL
  604. +
    ANGEL:
    Alright. We can do this.
    [/center]
  605.  

  606. -
    Why not?
  607. +
    [h="2"]Part 2[/h]
    [center]
    MICHAEL:
    How does it look out there?
  608.  

  609. -
    ANGEL
  610. +
    (Peephole opens)
  611.  

  612. -
    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.
  613. +
    SAUL:
    I don’t see any. (peephole closes) Maybe they left.
  614.  

  615. -
    A loud explosion is heard nearby.
  616. +
    ANGEL:
    Don’t take any chances. Go slow, and quiet.
  617.  

  618. -
    SAUL
  619. +
    SAUL:
    You ready?
  620.  

  621. -
    That one was close.
  622. +
    MICHAEL:
    Let’s do it.
  623.  

  624. -
    MICHAEL
  625. +
    (The vault door opens and Saul grunts)
  626.  

  627. -
    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.
  628. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    The moment we opened the door, the world felt different. There was no one in sight, but we could feel they were close.
  629.  

  630. -
    SAUL
  631. +
    SAUL:
    (whisper)
    Clear.
  632.  

  633. -
    I'll get the bolt cutters from the cage.
  634. +
    ANGEL:
    (whisper)
    Head around back. Check the motor pool.
  635.  

  636. -
    Saul runs off.
  637. +
    (The soldiers start walking quietly)
  638.  

  639. -
    ANGEL
  640. +
    MICHAEL:
    (whisper)
    Angel! There’s one, look.
  641.  

  642. -
    Wait, I didn't say we were going to.
  643. +
    ANGEL:
    (whisper)
    It’s the commander. What is he doing?
  644.  

  645. -
    MICHAEL
  646. +
    SAUL:
    (whisper)
    He’s just standing there. Like he’s in formation.
  647.  

  648. -
    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.
  649. +
    ANGEL:
    (whisper)
    Weird…
  650.  

  651. -
    ANGEL
  652. +
    MICHAEL:
    (whisper)
    Hey, come on! Motor pool’s just around the corner, take it slow.
  653.  

  654. -
    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.
  655. +
    (The commander zombie hears them)
  656.  

  657. -
    MICHAEL
  658. +
    ANGEL:
    Move!
  659.  

  660. -
    Do you HEAR that out there? That's exactly what it sounds like to me.
  661. +
    (The soldiers start running)
  662.  

  663. -
    Saul comes running up out of breath.
  664. +
    MICHAEL:
    Saul, you’re driving!
  665.  

  666. -
    SAUL
  667. +
    (Everyone gets into the Hummer)
  668.  

  669. -
    Got them, you ready?
  670. +
    MICHAEL:
    Clip the lock!
  671.  

  672. -
    MICHAEL
  673. +
    ANGEL:
    Start it!
  674.  

  675. -
    Come on, let's open her up.
  676. +
    SAUL:
    I can’t! I have to warm up the glow plug!
  677.  

  678. -
    Music Bridge. Sound of keys into door.
  679. +
    MICHAEL:
    Fuck! I forgot about that!
  680.  

  681. -
    ANGEL
  682. +
    ANGEL:
    What is that?
  683.  

  684. -
    You don't want to wait like 5 more minutes? The commander could just-
  685. +
    SAUL:
    C’mon! C’mon!
  686.  

  687. -
    SAUL
  688. +
    (The Hummer starts up)
  689.  

  690. -
    I don't want to wait for that asshole.
  691. +
    ANGEL:
    Oh- oh shit! Seal the hatch!
  692.  

  693. -
    The keys move and the security door swings open. Beeping is heard in the background. 1 Beat every 10 seconds.
  694. +
    MICHAEL:
    You can’t!
  695.  

  696. -
    MICHAEL
  697. +
    SAUL:
    Got it! Hold on!
  698.  

  699. -
    No point in arguing now. Saul clip the locks on cages 12 and 14. Hurry.
  700. +
    (The Hummer speeds off)
  701.  

  702. -
    ANGEL
  703. +
    SAUL:
    They’re everywhere!
  704.  

  705. -
    Now you're nervous all of a sudden?
  706. +
    MICHAEL:
    Well run ‘em over!
  707.  

  708. -
    MICHAEL
  709. +
    ANGEL:
    There’s one on the roof!
  710.  

  711. -
    I just have a feeling is all.
  712. +
    MICHAEL:
    Got ‘em.
  713.  

  714. -
    ANGEL
  715. +
    SAUL:
    Hey, look who it is!
  716.  

  717. -
    That we're in deep shit? I could have told you that.
  718. +
    (Saul runs over a zombie)
  719.  

  720. -
    MICHAEL
  721. +
    ANGEL:
    Did you really have to run over the commander!?
  722.  

  723. -
    How long till the alarm goes off?
  724. +
    SAUL:
    Um, he was in the way.
  725.  

  726. -
    ANGEL
  727. +
    ANGEL:
    You swerved to hit him!
  728.  

  729. -
    Two minutes, more or less.
  730. +
    MICHAEL:
    Saul, stop fucking around and get us out the gate.
  731.  

  732. -
    Saul clips one lock.
  733. +
    (The Hummer smashes through the gate)
  734.  

  735. -
    SAUL
  736. +
    ANGEL:
    Turn left on Bandini! And then, keep heading west!
  737.  

  738. -
    Got it.
  739. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    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 had happened to the world. We were three men lost in the land of confusion.
  740.  

  741. -
    MICHAEL
  742. +
    MICHAEL:
    Keep your eyes peeled for any survivors. We can fit around 4 or 5 more in here if we pile up a bit.
  743.  

  744. -
    I'll grab your rifle, just get 14 open.
  745. +
    SAUL:
    That’s if we find any. This place, it’s a ghost town.
  746.  

  747. -
    Michael grabs his rifle and Saul's.
  748. +
    ANGEL:
    How fast do you think it spreads?
  749.  

  750. -
    ANGEL
  751. +
    MICHAEL:
    Too fast for anyone to be able to do anything about it.
  752.  

  753. -
    My rifle number's 17.
  754. +
    ANGEL:
    Just keep your eyes peeled.
  755.  

  756. -
    MICHAEL
  757. +
    ANGEL:
    You have family out here?
  758.  

  759. -
    When was the last time you oiled this thing?
  760. +
    MICHAEL:
    Uh, yeah, kinda. My, my parents live in Northern California. Outside San Luis Obispo. You?
  761.  

  762. -
    ANGEL
  763. +
    ANGEL:
    It’s just my girlfriend and I. You know, I’m sure your parents are alright. You know, the less populated-
  764.  

  765. -
    Just give it to me.
  766. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, I’d rather not talk about it right now.
  767.  

  768. -
    Saul clips the other lock.
  769. +
    SAUL:
    My mom lives outside Anaheim.
  770.  

  771. -
    SAUL
  772. +
    MICHAEL:
    That’s great.
  773.  

  774. -
    14's Open.
  775. +
    SAUL:
    Angel, did you try your cell phone again?
  776.  

  777. -
    MICHAEL
  778. +
    ANGEL:
    Busy still, but I’m gonna keep-
  779.  

  780. -
    Load up two magazines.
  781. +
    MICHAEL:
    Stop the car!
  782.  

  783. -
    SAUL
  784. +
    (The Hummer comes to a halt)
  785.  

  786. -
    That's it?
  787. +
    ANGEL:
    What is it?
  788.  

  789. -
    MICHAEL
  790. +
    MICHAEL:
    Look, up there, the roof of the flower shop. Angel, get in the turret. Saul, keep the engine running.
  791.  

  792. -
    We'll come back. I don't want to be here loading magazines if or when someone responds to the alarm.
  793. +
    (Michael gets out)
  794.  

  795. -
    ANGEL
  796. +
    PEGS:
    Oh thank God. Riley, come here!
  797.  

  798. -
    Now you're worried.
  799. +
    MICHAEL:
    How many up there?
  800.  

  801. -
    MICHAEL
  802. +
    PEGS:
    Just two.
  803.  

  804. -
    Head outside. Don't chamber a round, unless I say so.
  805. +
    MICHAEL:
    Well get down here as fast as you can!
  806.  

  807. -
    SAUL
  808. +
    (A zombie approaches)
  809.  

  810. -
    Got it Sarge.
  811. +
    MICHAEL:
    Ah, shit!
  812.  

  813. -
    They all leave the vault to outside. The beeping can be heard in the distance.
  814. +
    (Angel on turret kills the zombie)
  815.  

  816. -
    MICHAEL
  817. +
    ANGEL:
    Got ‘em! Hurry up, there are more coming.
  818.  

  819. -
    How long did you say it had?
  820. +
    MICHAEL:
    Pull the Humvee closer.
  821.  

  822. -
    The alarm blares in the background.
  823. +
    (More turret shots from Angel)
  824.  

  825. -
    MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
  826. +
    MICHAEL:
    Jump onto the roof! Angel!
  827.  

  828. -
    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.
  829. +
    RILEY:
    C’mon Pegs!
  830.  

  831. -
    SAUL
  832. +
    PEGS:
    I can’t.
  833.  

  834. -
    You hear that?
  835. +
    RILEY:
    It’s only like, 7 feet, it’s not hard.
  836.  

  837. -
    ANGEL
  838. +
    ANGEL:
    Got ‘em.
  839.  

  840. -
    How can you hear ANYTHING over that alarm?
  841. +
    RILEY:
    I’ll catch you, c’mon!
  842.  

  843. -
    The rumbling grows louder.
  844. +
    MICHAEL:
    We need to go now.
  845.  

  846. -
    MICHAEL
  847. +
    ANGEL:
    There are too many of them.
  848.  

  849. -
    It's getting closer.
  850. +
    SAUL:
    Michael, we have to leave her.
  851.  

  852. -
    ANGEL
  853. +
    RILEY:
    C’mon!
  854.  

  855. -
    Come on stop pulling my-
  856. +
    PEGS:
    Alright.
  857.  

  858. -
    (beat)
  859. +
    (They jump onto the Hummer)
  860.  

  861. -
    Uh, guys.
  862. +
    MICHAEL:
    Climb through the hatch.
  863.  

  864. -
    SAUL
  865. +
    RILEY:
    You’re crushing me.
  866.  

  867. -
    They're coming!
  868. +
    MICHAEL:
    Just hold on.
  869.  

  870. -
    MICHAEL
  871. +
    (The Hummer starts moving again)
  872.  

  873. -
    Shoot the ones dragging down the barb wire.
  874. +
    ANGEL:
    We’re clear.
  875.  

  876. -
    Shots are fired. Sound of commotion.
  877. +
    SAUL:
    Where do I go from here?
  878.  

  879. -
    SAUL
  880. +
    ANGEL:
    Left at the light. Just, keep going straight for a couple miles till you hit Harbor.
  881.  

  882. -
    I'm trying damn it. There's too many!
  883. +
    RILEY:
    Thanks for picking us up.
  884.  

  885. -
    MICHAEL
  886. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, no problem.
  887.  

  888. -
    Aim for the head!
  889. +
    PEGS:
    Where are the rest of you?
  890.  

  891. -
    (beat)
  892. +
    ANGEL:
    This is it.
  893.  

  894. -
    Come on Angel, what the hell you doing?
  895. +
    PEGS:
    You’re “it”? No, where are the others? You know, army people.
  896.  

  897. -
    ANGEL
  898. +
    MICHAEL:
    We were the only ones to show up. Everything happened too fast. No one could’ve prepared for this.
  899.  

  900. -
    It jammed!
  901. +
    PEGS:
    Where is everyone else?
  902.  

  903. -
    MICHAEL
  904. +
    ANGEL:
    For all we know… we could’ve just been shooting at ‘em.
  905.  

  906. -
    Yeah, no shit!
  907. +
    RILEY:
    Where are we going?
  908.  

  909. -
    SAUL
  910. +
    MICHAEL:
    We’re heading to an apartment building that we can hold up in for a while.
  911.  

  912. -
    They're over the fence!
  913. +
    PEGS:
    Is that gonna be safe?
  914.  

  915. -
    MICHAEL
  916. +
    ANGEL:
    We’ll make it safe. Once we have it locked down and we can go out and look for survivors.
  917.  

  918. -
    Get inside!
  919. +
    PEGS:
    What happens after that?
  920.  

  921. -
    SAUL
  922. +
    MICHAEL:
    Not sure. One step at a time.
  923.  

  924. -
    Where?
  925. +
    RILEY:
    Pegs and I were on the roof for a while. I didn’t think anyone was going to come.
  926.  

  927. -
    MICHAEL
  928. +
    SAUL:
    Who’s Pegs?
  929.  

  930. -
    The vault! Move it!
  931. +
    PEGS:
    That would be me.
  932.  

  933. -
    (beat)
  934. +
    SAUL:
    Oh. Um, hi Pegs. I’m Saul, and that’s uh, Angel and Michael.
  935.  

  936. -
    Saul, help me with the door!
  937. +
    RILEY:
    Riley. Nice to meet all of you. Where are you all from?
  938.  

  939. -
    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.
  940. +
    MICHAEL:
    I don’t mean to be rude, I know you’re trying to be polite, but we will have much more time later on to fill each other in on the details. Right now, we need to focus on what’s going on.
  941.  

  942. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
  943. +
    RILEY:
    Totally, you do your thing.
  944.  

  945. -
    Angel, give me your rifle.
  946. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    We sped through what was left of downtown. Small fires were all over the place, and abandoned cars littered the road. (car alarm) We never saw anyone else. (car honk) I had to keep my eyes on the road but they kept wandering back to Peg. 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.
  947.  

  948. -
    (Beat)
  949. +
    ANGEL:
    Do either of you know how to use a rifle, any type of handgun?
  950.  

  951. -
    Let go, just let go of it, I'm going to fix it. Alright?
  952. +
    RILEY:
    I’m a pro archer.
  953.  

  954. -
    ANGEL
  955. +
    SAUL:
    Like, Robin Hood? Uh, 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.

    (The sound of a firearm safety being flipped)

    ANGEL:
    Here, we have two Berettas. They are 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 downtime, I’ll- 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:
    No, no, 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 gonna push. Riley, you OK with it?

    RILEY:
    Hell, if you hadn’t 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 gonna save the small talk?

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

    RILEY:
    O-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:
    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:
    Everyone else wasn’t so lucky. If we had waited only a few more seconds, we would’ve rounded the corner right into them.

    ANGEL:
    What happened?

    PEGS:
    It all happened so fast…

    RILEY:
    The people that got attacked first got it the worst.

    PEGS:
    They just, collided.

    RILEY:
    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 anymore. Until you showed up, I figured it wouldn’t be much longer before they found us, and we’d end up joining them.

    MICHAEL:
    Look, 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 they were chased down. They’re so fast!

    SAUL:
    Oh, 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.
  956.  

  957. +
    PEGS:
  958.  
    Alright.

  959. -
    MICHAEL
  960. +
    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.
  961.  

  962. -
    Hey, hey, look at me. I want you to take a deep breath and have a seat.
  963. +
    RILEY:
    Alright.
  964.  

  965. -
    Heavy breaths in the background.
  966. +
    ANGEL:
    Pull around to the side and down that ramp. We’ll secure from the ground floor, starting with the parking garage.
  967.  

  968. -
    SAUL
  969. +
    SAUL:
    Going there.
  970.  

  971. -
    How the hell are there so many? So fast?
  972. +
    [hr][/hr]
  973.  

  974. -
    ANGEL
  975. +
    (The Hummer comes to a stop)
  976.  

  977. -
    Those are what you saw on the freeway?
  978. +
    MICHAEL:
    Kill the engine.
  979.  

  980. -
    SAUL
  981. +
    (Everyone gets out)
  982.  

  983. -
    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?
  984. +
    SAUL:
    Should I shut the security gate?
  985.  

  986. -
    MICHAEL
  987. +
    ANGEL:
    What do you think, Michael?
  988.  

  989. -
    Take it easy Saul. There's no need to get worked up.
  990. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, do it. The Hummer can get through it if we need it to.
  991.  

  992. -
    SAUL
  993. +
    ANGEL:
    Looks clear.
  994.  

  995. -
    What do you mean no need? What we going to do? Oh shit, I gotta call my girl. Tell her-
  996. +
    MICHAEL:
    It does, but we have to make sure. Uh, sweep across the back row of cars. If we miss one of these things, the whole tower could fall. Check in and under the cars.
  997.  

  998. -
    Saul's phone beeps.
  999. +
    RILEY:
    Hey, we’ve got something over here.
  1000.  

  1001. -
    ANGEL
  1002. +
    MICHAEL:
    What is it?
  1003.  

  1004. -
    I'm surprised it's even working in here. Let me try.
  1005. +
    RILEY:
    It looks like they got him when he was trying to get into his car.
  1006.  

  1007. -
    Beep, Beep, Beep.
  1008. +
    MICHAEL:
    He breathing?
  1009.  

  1010. -
    MICHAEL
  1011. +
    RILEY:
    I don’t see how he can… ugh, God…
  1012.  

  1013. -
    The lines are flooded right now. Why don't you just take a seat and have a breather.
  1014. +
    ANGEL:
    Saul. You know what to do.
  1015.  

  1016. -
    ANGEL
  1017. +
    SAUL:
    Got it.
  1018.  

  1019. -
    I knew getting into the vault was a mistake, you wouldn't listen, I'm the officer here and-
  1020. +
    (Saul pulls a knife from his sheath)
  1021.  

  1022. -
    SAUL
  1023. +
    MICHAEL:
    Pegs, Riley, come over here by me.
  1024.  

  1025. -
    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.
  1026. +
    PEGS:
    What is he doing?
  1027.  

  1028. -
    ANGEL
  1029. +
    MICHAEL:
    Well, 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.
  1030.  

  1031. -
    Don't you get it, they came because we opened it! They heard the alarm.
  1032. +
    RILEY:
    So, he’s going to-
  1033.  

  1034. -
    MICHAEL
  1035. +
    MICHAEL:
    He’s gonna make sure he doesn’t get back up. And we only know one method of making sure.
  1036.  

  1037. -
    We don't know that for sure, maybe they just followed the road- or maybe-
  1038. +
    (The knife audibly stabs)
  1039.  

  1040. -
    ANGEL
  1041. +
    PEGS:
    I think I’m gonna be sick.
  1042.  

  1043. -
    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.
  1044. +
    ANGEL:
    Hey, make sure you don’t get any blood on you.
  1045.  

  1046. -
    SAUL
  1047. +
    SAUL:
    I didn’t. Cut through pretty easily. Was already halfway through before I even started on his neck.
  1048.  

  1049. -
    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-
  1050. +
    MICHAEL:
    Well, leave your knife here. We don’t know exactly how it spreads. Let’s head up towards the lobby.
  1051.  

  1052. -
    MICHAEL
  1053. +
    (Everyone starts walking and the lobby door is opened)
  1054.  

  1055. -
    That's enough Saul.
  1056. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    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. (door closes) The lobby wasn’t as secure as I would’ve 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.
  1057.  

  1058. -
    (Beat)
  1059. +
    ANGEL:
    Clear.
  1060.  

  1061. -
    He's right.
  1062. +
    MICHAEL:
    Saul. I need you to find something to lock or barricade the main entrance door.
  1063.  

  1064. -
    SAUL
  1065. +
    SAUL:
    I saw some chains in the Hummer. And I think there’s a spare lock in a toolbox.
  1066.  

  1067. -
    He's what?
  1068. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, do it. Riley, you go with him?
  1069.  

  1070. -
    MICHAEL
  1071. +
    RILEY:
    Will do.
  1072.  

  1073. -
    It makes perfect sense. Why else would they come here in such numbers, and directly here? I caused them to come.
  1074. +
    SAUL:
    Man, it’s alright. We were just down there.
  1075.  

  1076. -
    There's a long pause.
  1077. +
    MICHAEL:
    Until we’ve cleared this entire building, no one is to be alone. Ever. Got it?
  1078.  

  1079. -
    ANGEL
  1080. +
    SAUL:
    Yeah. C’mon, girl. You got my back. Just don’t shoot it.
  1081.  

  1082. -
    You were right, too, if that makes any difference.
  1083. +
    MICHAEL:
    Angel, I’ve cover the front. Check the elevators.
  1084.  

  1085. -
    MICHAEL
  1086. +
    ANGEL:
    Why don’t I watch the front and you check them?
  1087.  

  1088. -
    How so?
  1089. +
    MICHAEL:
    I just need to know if they’re working!
  1090.  

  1091. -
    ANGEL
  1092. +
    MICHAEL:
    Fine. I’ll do it.
  1093.  

  1094. -
    One of those things that came over the fence, I swear one of them looked like the commander.
  1095. +
    (The elevator buttons are pressed)
  1096.  

  1097. -
    SAUL
  1098. +
    ANGEL:
    Out of order?
  1099.  

  1100. -
    Serious?
  1101. +
    (Pounding comes from inside the elevator)
  1102.  

  1103. -
    ANGEL
  1104. +
    MICHAEL:
    Someone’s inside there.
  1105.  

  1106. -
    No one else was coming.
  1107. +
    (The lobby door opens)
  1108.  

  1109. -
    MICHAEL
  1110. +
    SAUL:
    See, what I tell ya? Nothin’ to wor- what? What is it?
  1111.  

  1112. -
    No matter what we did, the longer we waited, less time we would have to prepare.
  1113. +
    MICHAEL:
    Angel, secure the front door. Saul, gimme your knife. I’m gonna pry open the doors.
  1114.  

  1115. -
    SAUL
  1116. +
    SAUL:
    You had me leave it downstairs.
  1117.  

  1118. -
    Prepare? Prepare for what?
  1119. +
    MICHAEL:
    I know you didn’t, now hand it over.
  1120.  

  1121. -
    MICHAEL
  1122. +
    (Saul pulls out his knife)
  1123.  

  1124. -
    Angel, how long till the alarm shuts off?
  1125. +
    SAUL:
    I cleaned it off, it’s fine!
  1126.  

  1127. -
    ANGEL
  1128. +
    MICHAEL:
    Listen, you made yourself a guinea pig by not listening to me. We wanted to avoid any contact with that blood! Don’t let it happen again.
  1129.  

  1130. -
    Not sure exactly, an hour I think. Why?
  1131. +
    ANGEL:
    Front door’s secure.
  1132.  

  1133. -
    MICHAEL
  1134. +
    MICHAEL:
    Alright. I’ll open it. You two be ready to fire. On 3. 1, 2, 3!
  1135.  

  1136. -
    Once it goes silent, they should go away, and we can get the hell out of dodge.
  1137. +
    (The elevator doors open)
    [/center]
  1138.  

  1139. -
    ANGEL
  1140. +
    [h="2"]Part 3[/h]
    [center]
    MICHAEL:
    Alright. I’ll open it. You two be ready to fire. On 3. 1, 2, 3!
  1141.  

  1142. -
    Alright, but then what?
  1143. +
    (Michael pries open the doors and a body falls out)
  1144.  

  1145. -
    (beat)
  1146. +
    DATU:
    Oh shit… Oh man, don’t shoot, don’t shoot!
  1147.  

  1148. -
    We don't even know what THEY are.
  1149. +
    SAUL:
    Who the hell are you?
  1150.  

  1151. -
    SAUL
  1152. +
    DATU:
    I’m Datu, the maintenance guy for the building. Oh thank God you’re here!
  1153.  

  1154. -
    Told you, they're zombies man.
  1155. +
    RILEY:
    What were you doing in there?
  1156.  

  1157. -
    ANGEL
  1158. +
    DATU:
    I was coming down when the power went out. Oh thank God you found me.
  1159.  

  1160. -
    You know what specialist, I swear-
  1161. +
    ANGEL:
    You work here?
  1162.  

  1163. -
    MICHAEL
  1164. +
    DATU:
    Well I live here too. Where- where are the rest of you?
  1165.  

  1166. -
    Whoa, easy, both of you. He may be right. Maybe not exactly Zombies, but there are similarities.
  1167. +
    MICHAEL:
    This is it.
  1168.  

  1169. -
    ANGEL
  1170. +
    DATU:
    Where- where are your tanks and shit- I mean, you are the U.S. Army, right?
  1171.  

  1172. -
    Oh, not you too!
  1173. +
    MICHAEL:
    We are in the army, but like I said, this is it.
  1174.  

  1175. -
    MICHAEL
  1176. +
    DATU:
    Eh, well, whatever. I’m just glad you’re here.
  1177.  

  1178. -
    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.
  1179. +
    (The soldiers start walking away)
  1180.  

  1181. -
    ANGEL
  1182. +
    DATU:
    Wait, where are you going?
  1183.  

  1184. -
    Military intelligence, pfft. I'm the one who figured out about the sound thing.
  1185. +
    SAUL:
    Upstairs.
  1186.  

  1187. -
    MICHAEL
  1188. +
    DATU:
    I- I don’t think there’s anyone else up there. But, 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.
  1189.  

  1190. -
    None of that matters now. What else do we know?
  1191. +
    PEGS:
    Oh thank God.
  1192.  

  1193. -
    SAUL
  1194. +
    ANGEL:
    Evac site? Where?
  1195.  

  1196. -
    We know they go after people.
  1197. +
    DATU:
    Off of 4th Street and Bandini.
  1198.  

  1199. -
    (beat)
  1200. +
    ANGEL:
    We drove by that intersection. There’s no one there.
  1201.  

  1202. -
    They sure as hell aren't no slow moving zombies either.
  1203. +
    DATU:
    No one? No one at all?
  1204.  

  1205. -
    MICHAEL
  1206. +
    SAUL:
    I would’ve remembered seeing somethin’.
  1207.  

  1208. -
    So they are quicker than us.
  1209. +
    DATU:
    Oh no… I’ve worked in this building for five 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.
  1210.  

  1211. -
    SAUL
  1212. +
    ANGEL:
    I didn’t say they died, I just said they weren’t there. Maybe there was an evacuation, maybe they got out.
  1213.  

  1214. -
    Got some strength too, the way they were bending the bars.
  1215. +
    SAUL:
    Yeah, hehe, or maybe they didn’t.
  1216.  

  1217. -
    ANGEL
  1218. +
    MICHAEL:
    At ease.
  1219.  

  1220. -
    Wonderful.
  1221. +
    DATU:
    Still. There’s no reason to go upstairs. W-we can get going, right?
  1222.  

  1223. -
    MICHAEL
  1224. +
    MICHAEL:
    We’re staying here.
  1225.  

  1226. -
    Head shots seem to drop them like stones.
  1227. +
    DATU:
    You’re what? But there’s nothing here!
  1228.  

  1229. -
    ANGEL
  1230. +
    MICHAEL:
    Exactly.
  1231.  

  1232. -
    Is that all we know?
  1233. +
    DATU:
    I can’t. I-I just can’t. (Datu runs to the door) Take these chains off, let me out. M-maybe they’re coming back?
  1234.  

  1235. -
    MICHAEL
  1236. +
    ANGEL:
    Sir, you’re not listening to us.
  1237.  

  1238. -
    The rest would be just assumptions based off of what we have seen in movies.
  1239. +
    PEGS:
    Riley, wait.
  1240.  

  1241. -
    ANGEL
  1242. +
    RILEY:
    I got this.
  1243.  

  1244. -
    I still don't believe this. Are you listening to what you're saying? Zombies? I mean the dead rising-
  1245. +
    (Riley runs over to Datu)
  1246.  

  1247. -
    SAUL
  1248. +
    DATU:
    (pounding on the door) Let me out!
  1249.  

  1250. -
    Who said they were dead?
  1251. +
    RILEY:
    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. 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.
  1252.  

  1253. -
    ANGEL
  1254. +
    DATU:
    W-why do you need me?
  1255.  

  1256. -
    Whatever-
  1257. +
    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 could be hiding in this building. We need your help.
  1258.  

  1259. -
    MICHAEL
  1260. +
    DATU:
    Yeah. I guess you do.
  1261.  

  1262. -
    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.
  1263. +
    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.
  1264.  

  1265. -
    ANGEL
  1266. +
    DATU:
    OK. OK. I’ll help. C’mon, this way.
  1267.  

  1268. -
    Now who's being presumptuous? How can you be sure they can't reason?
  1269. +
    SAUL:
    Whoa whoa. Why don’t you just point which way, and I’ll go first.
  1270.  

  1271. -
    MICHAEL
  1272. +
    DATU:
    This is the stairwell, here.
  1273.  

  1274. -
    Because we left the key in the door.
  1275. +
    ANGEL:
    You sure the other elevator is clear?
  1276.  

  1277. -
    They are all silent for a moment.
  1278. +
    DATU:
    Yeah, I think so.
  1279.  

  1280. -
    MICHAEL (CONT'D)
  1281. +
    ANGEL:
    We have to make certain. What floor is it on?
  1282.  

  1283. -
    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.
  1284. +
    DATU:
    Top floor. See, the hours pointing to the number 15.
  1285.  

  1286. -
    The alarm shuts off.
  1287. +
    ANGEL:
    There are only 15 floors?
  1288.  

  1289. -
    SAUL
  1290. +
    DATU:
    Well, 14. But, there- there’s no number 13.
  1291.  

  1292. -
    whoa, That was no hour.
  1293. +
    ANGEL:
    Think you can do anything about the power?
  1294.  

  1295. -
    ANGEL
  1296. +
    DATU:
    O-oh, we still have power. Something just blew out the breaker.
  1297.  

  1298. -
    Well, I said I think. No one has set off the alarm before.
  1299. +
    ANGEL:
    So where do we turn it back on?
  1300.  

  1301. -
    MICHAEL
  1302. +
    DATU:
    It’s in the maintenance room in the basement. But, that’s not the problem.
  1303.  

  1304. -
    Saul, look out the peephole.
  1305. +
    ANGEL:
    Then what is?
  1306.  

  1307. -
    ANGEL
  1308. +
    DATU:
    Something blew out the main, which means it is something big. If I flip it back on, it could start a fire.
  1309.  

  1310. -
    They leaving?
  1311. +
    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, that would definitely be a problem.
  1312.  

  1313. -
    SAUL
  1314. +
    DATU:
    I have some flashlights in the apartment on the second floor. Once we find what blew it, I can flip it back on.
  1315.  

  1316. -
    No, I don't think so.
  1317. +
    ANGEL:
    C’mon, let’s go.
  1318.  

  1319. -
    MICHAEL
  1320. +
    (The soldiers walk up the stairwell)
  1321.  

  1322. -
    Maybe, it'll just take some time.
  1323. +
    DATU:
    (to Angel)
    Hey, you look familiar. Do I know you?
  1324.  

  1325. -
    SAUL
  1326. +
    ANGEL:
    Nah, you must be mistaken.
  1327.  

  1328. -
    You sure they can't hear us?
  1329. +
    PEGS:
    What about Riley?
  1330.  

  1331. -
    MICHAEL
  1332. +
    MICHAEL:
    We’ll be up in a sec.
  1333.  

  1334. -
    Not a chance. That door is about a foot thick and the walls are solid concrete.
  1335. +
    (Stairwell door shuts)
  1336.  

  1337. -
    ANGEL
  1338. +
    MICHAEL:
    Hey, Riley. Thanks for talking to Datu.
  1339.  

  1340. -
    Give it some time, they could move on.
  1341. +
    RILEY:
    No problem, we needed him. We’re all on the same team now, right?
  1342.  

  1343. -
    (Beat)
  1344. +
    MICHAEL:
    I guess. Thanks though. I don’t think he would’ve listened to me.
  1345.  

  1346. -
    Alright well, say they clear out enough for us to get through. Where do we go?
  1347. +
    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.
  1348.  

  1349. -
    SAUL
  1350. +
    MICHAEL:
    You a bad cook?
  1351.  

  1352. -
    We couldn't just stay here, and defend this place?
  1353. +
    RILEY:
    I was great! (Michael laughs) You just can’t please everyone.
  1354.  

  1355. -
    MICHAEL
  1356. +
    (Stairwell door is opened)
  1357.  

  1358. -
    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.
  1359. +
    MICHAEL:
    No, you can’t.
  1360.  

  1361. -
    SAUL
  1362. +
    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    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’d scrambled to leave in a hurry. The pictures of the people in the walls 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 3rd floor, that we had found it.
  1363.  

  1364. -
    You need some place like a prison.
  1365. +
    SAUL:
    This door’s open.
  1366.  

  1367. -
    MICHAEL
  1368. +
    MICHAEL:
    Careful.
  1369.  

  1370. -
    Good idea, but not the best place for living.
  1371. +
    (A zombie breaks down a door)
  1372.  

  1373. -
    ANGEL
  1374. +
    MICHAEL:
    Contact, down the hall!
  1375.  

  1376. -
    We would be able to contain the area pretty easily. I could probably get by in a cell, I know you could too.
  1377. +
    (The soldiers kill the zombie)
  1378.  

  1379. -
    MICHAEL
  1380. +
    MICHAEL:
    Cease fire! He’s down!
  1381.  

  1382. -
    This isn't just about us.
  1383. +
    ANGEL:
    You know this guy?
  1384.  

  1385. -
    SAUL
  1386. +
    DATU:
    That was Mr. Larth… good man, well, was.
  1387.  

  1388. -
    It's not?
  1389. +
    SAUL:
    We have something in here.
  1390.  

  1391. -
    MICHAEL
  1392. +
    ANGEL:
    OK, um, uh… be careful.
  1393.  

  1394. -
    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.
  1395. +
    MICHAEL:
    You OK Angel?
  1396.  

  1397. -
    SAUL
  1398. +
    ANGEL:
    Yeah. I’m, I’m fine, c’mon.
  1399.  

  1400. -
    Like the Army.
  1401. +
    SAUL:
    Living room clear.
  1402.  

  1403. -
    MICHAEL
  1404. +
    MICHAEL:
    Check the bedroom.
  1405.  

  1406. -
    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?
  1407. +
    (Noises are heard from inside)
  1408.  

  1409. -
    SAUL
  1410. +
    SAUL:
    We’ve got a live one. Looks like her legs are broken.
  1411.  

  1412. -
    Nope, Not at all. Naw, just kidding.
  1413. +
    MICHAEL:
    DON’T get too close!
  1414.  

  1415. -
    ANGEL
  1416. +
    SAUL:
    Why not?
  1417.  

  1418. -
    My girlfriend's apartment building!
  1419. +
    MICHAEL:
    Ma’am, I know you’re hurt but can you hear us?
  1420.  

  1421. -
    SAUL
  1422. +
    (The noises intensify)
  1423.  

  1424. -
    See now, he's got the right idea, go out with a bang.
  1425. +
    SAUL:
    She’s crawling towards us!
  1426.  

  1427. -
    ANGEL
  1428. +
    MICHAEL:
    She’s turned, shoot her.
  1429.  

  1430. -
    That's not what I.
  1431. +
    ANGEL:
    No, wait, please just wait.
  1432.  

  1433. -
    (Beat)
  1434. +
    MICHAEL:
    Angel, she’s one of them, look at her!
  1435.  

  1436. -
    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.
  1437. +
    ANGEL:
    I know, I see it!
  1438.  

  1439. -
    MICHAEL
  1440. +
    MICHAEL:
    It’s her, isn’t it.
  1441.  

  1442. -
    Could work. Plenty of space for any other survivors, not to mention the amount of supplies throughout the building.
  1443. +
    ANGEL:
    It’s Cindy.
  1444.  

  1445. -
    SAUL
  1446. +
    MICHAEL:
    We don’t have much of a choice on this one. What do you want us to do?
  1447.  

  1448. -
    Given that we could make it there in one piece.
  1449. +
    SAUL:
    This bitch is getting closer to me, can I shoot-
  1450.  

  1451. -
    ANGEL
  1452. +
    ANGEL:
    Hey, don’t call her that!
  1453.  

  1454. -
    It's not too far from here.
  1455. +
    MICHAEL:
    Angel, we have to do this but I need you to make the call.
  1456.  

  1457. -
    MICHAEL
  1458. +
    (Cindy continues crawling closer and making noise)
  1459.  

  1460. -
    It'll work. Depending on how long we're going to hold up, it would last us.
  1461. +
    ANGEL:
    Do it.
  1462.  

  1463. -
    ANGEL
  1464. +
    (Zombie Cindy is put down)
  1465.  

  1466. -
    This could just be a local epidemic.
  1467. +
    MICHAEL:
    Saul, wait outside with the others.
  1468.  

  1469. -
    MICHAEL
  1470. +
    SAUL:
    Got it.
  1471.  

  1472. -
    Given the rate of growth, I highly doubt it.
  1473. +
    MICHAEL:
    You made the only choice you had, and you know it.
  1474.  

  1475. -
    SAUL
  1476. +
    ANGEL:
    I know.
  1477.  

  1478. -
    How do you expect to make it to the building? The roads are probably jammed with broken down cars and god knows what else.
  1479. +
    MICHAEL:
    Once we get things calmed down a bit, I’ll help you find a place and we can bury her.
  1480.  

  1481. -
    ANGEL
  1482. +
    ANGEL:
    Thanks, Michael.
  1483.  

  1484. -
    We'll take one of the humvees.
  1485. +
    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.
  1486.  

  1487. -
    SAUL
  1488. +
    ANGEL:
    I am.
  1489.  

  1490. -
    You won't get too far with the steering wheels chained and locked. You'll only be able to turn like half way.
  1491. +
    MICHAEL:
    Ah- you sure. I can’t have any hesitation.
  1492.  

  1493. -
    ANGEL
  1494. +
    ANGEL:
    I’m on it, Michael.
  1495.  

  1496. -
    Then clip the lock with the bolt cutters.
  1497. +
    MICHAEL:
    Alright.
  1498.  

  1499. -
    SAUL
  1500. +
    (Angel and Michael leave the apartment)
  1501.  

  1502. -
    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.
  1503. +
    PEGS:
    Is he OK? What happened in there?
  1504.  

  1505. -
    MICHAEL
  1506. +
    MICHAEL:
    He’ll be fine, he’ll be fine, we found one but we took care of it.
  1507.  

  1508. -
    Yeah, sounds about right.
  1509. +
    DATU:
    Was it Cindy? Oh, man, she was a really nice lady…
  1510.  

  1511. -
    SAUL
  1512. +
    (Angel starts crying)
  1513.  

  1514. -
    Hey as long as I get the SAW, I'm in.
  1515. +
    MICHAEL:
    Angel, what the hell?
  1516.  

  1517. -
    MICHAEL
  1518. +
    SAUL:
    C’mon Michael!
  1519.  

  1520. -
    Fine, we'll need an automatic weapon anyway. Angel and I can carry an extra rifle, but any more would really slow us down.
  1521. +
    MICHAEL:
    Look, I lost people I love as well and you don’t see me breaking down right now, we cannot do this right now!
  1522.  

  1523. -
    Angel opens up another cage.
  1524. +
    SAUL:
    Have a heart. This was like a few feet in front of him.
  1525.  

  1526. -
    ANGEL
  1527. +
    PEGS:
    What the hell is wrong with you, Michael?
  1528.  

  1529. -
    Here put these on.
  1530. +
    PEGS:
    We all lost people today, Angel. It’s ok, you’re not alone.
  1531.  

  1532. -
    SAUL
  1533. +
    (Michael storms off)
  1534.  

  1535. -
    Do we really need to wear uniforms?
  1536. +
    SAUL:
    Michael! Where you going?
  1537.  

  1538. -
    ANGEL
  1539. +
    MICHAEL:
    Ay, if he gets a moment, I get one too.
  1540.  

  1541. -
    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.
  1542. +
    (Michael opens up another apartment looking for smokes)
  1543.  

  1544. -
    MICHAEL
  1545. +
    MICHAEL:
    C’mon, where are ya, I know you had them in here, I could smell ‘em. Shit. Oh, here we go. Where the fuck you put your lighter?
  1546.  

  1547. -
    Hey, He's right Saul, come on let's put them on.
  1548. +
    (Lighter lights up)
  1549.  

  1550. -
    ANGEL
  1551. +
    RILEY:
    Need a light?
  1552.  

  1553. -
    Alright, We can do this.
  1554. +
    MICHAEL:
    Thanks Riley. You know you shouldn’t sneak up on me like that?
  1555.  

  1556. -
    [h="2"]Part 2[/h]
  1557. +
    (They light a cigarette together and Michael coughs)
  1558.  

  1559. -
    [h="2"]Part 3[/h]
  1560. +
    MICHAEL:
    Here, you want one?

    RILEY:
    Thanks.

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

    RILEY:
    Yeah, me too. Stopped because 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. Uh, Saul may need backup, but, uh, 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:
    What, 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:
    Oh yeah, it did, it bothered me all day.

    RILEY:
    I don’t think so. Look, it’s alright to talk about it. You don’t have anyone, do you?

    MICHAEL:
    Well maybe I do and maybe I don’t, what does it matter?

    RILEY:
    You look pretty young. Where are your parents?

    MICHAEL:
    God, we’re smoking a cigarette, not having drinks. I ain’t about to give you my life story already.

    RILEY:
    Look, I don’t know you very well, but we need to look after each other. 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:
    You know 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. (cabinet closes) And no quick-fix flirtation is gonna, heal any open wound.

    (Riley starts manically laughing as Michael puts out his cigarette)

    MICHAEL:
    Hey, hey hey! Can you tell me what’s so funny? You know you make it really hard to keep a straight face.

    RILEY:
    No, it’s not that, it’s just… (laughs) flirtatious? (more laughing) Seriously? You’re not my type. I’m flattered though. (laughing keeps going)

    MICHAEL:
    (chuckles) You know you have an infectious laugh, anyone ever tell you that?

    RILEY:
    (still laughing) Yeah, a few times.

    MICHAEL:
    Well it made me feel better than all the squabbling we were doing before that.

    (Saul busts in the door)

    SAUL:
    What’s wrong? I thought I heard something scream in here!

    MICHAEL:
    Uh, no, that would’ve been Riley’s laugh.

    SAUL:
    Oh. Alright. Well anyway, Angel’s on his feet, and looking for you.

    MICHAEL:
    Alright, you heard the man, let’s move out.

    RILEY:
    Michael, don’t forget what I said, alright?

    MICHAEL:
    Yeah, whatever.

    [hr][/hr]

    (The survivors enter the stairwell)

    SAUL:
    Uh, how many floors we got to go?

    DATU:
    11 more is all.

    SAUL:
    Holy shit, 11? Oh, this is gonna take forever.

    (A gun is cocked as they enter the 4th floor)

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

    PEGS:
    What? I like her laugh.

    (The door to the 4th is opened)

    SAUL:
    (sniffs) Oh shit. You smell that?

    RILEY:
    Oh! I do know. Ugh…

    MICHAEL:
    Something’s burning. Datu, you have an extinguisher?

    DATU:
    It’s down the hall. But I don’t see any smoke.

    PEGS:
    Oh, whatever it is, it’s awful.

    SAUL:
    Hey Michael. Remember Suicide Gate?

    MICHAEL:
    Why would you bring that up now?

    SAUL:
    Smell familiar?

    MICHAEL:
    Ah, a little bit, why?

    SAUL:
    Just a hunch. Follow me.

    ANGEL:
    Stay close together.

    SAUL:
    Here. Through this door.

    (Keys starts jangling)

    DATU:
    Just a second.

    (Datu opens the door and the smell gets worse)

    SAUL:
    Oh God. Yep. 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.

    (The three go inside the apartment’s bathroom)

    DATU:
    Holy…

    SAUL:
    Well… that’s one way to go.

    MICHAEL:
    Smells just like Suicide Gate.

    SAUL:
    Yep. 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.

    (The shower curtain is pulled back to reveal the source of the stench)

    SAUL:
    Ugh, look at this. He must’ve been standing in the bathwater when he reached up and grabbed it. Must’ve flown like 4 feet!

    MICHAEL:
    What happened to just using a blowdryer or a toaster?

    DATU:
    The circuit would’ve 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 overkill.

    MICHAEL:
    No pun intended?

    (The bathroom door is shut)

    MICHAEL:
    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 walk away)

    PEGS:
    What was it?

    MICHAEL:
    Oh, someone chose an alternative to survival.

    RILEY:
    Oh. How?

    MICHAEL:
    Well, let’s just say you don’t want this room.

    RILEY:
    Or this floor for that matter. Phew!

    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 differently after 14 flights of steps.

    ANGEL:
    Oh yeah, no elevator.

    MICHAEL:
    Not unless you want to risk getting stuck.

    RILEY:
    Well, 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:
    Uh, really, you don’t have to, there are a lot of others to choose from…

    MICHAEL:
    You’re already making stakes on the rooms?

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

    MICHAEL:
    Well, 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-sized bed?

    MICHAEL:
    See? Told you this place was a better idea than the prison.

    (The lights flicker 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:
    Well, maybe you’re not able to do something right now, but uh, once this place is secure I’m sure you’ll be useful. What’d you do outside, like for your job?

    PEGS:
    I was a florist.

    MICHAEL:
    Ok, um… well I guess you could uh… Angel?

    ANGEL:
    Got me there, I don’t know.

    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:
    Ah, so there, there, there you go, you could make a garden on the roof! We’re gonna 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’ll 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 gonna need to get organized.

    MICHAEL:
    The more people that we can help and have hideout here, the more important it is 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. (laughs) Wait, that just made us sound like prostitutes.

    MICHAEL:
    Well, I, thought that was implied.

    RILEY:
    Aw, c’mon, that’s not even funny. (laughs)

    (Stairwell door opens and the maintenance team walk in)

    DATU:
    Power’s back on.

    SAUL:
    That’s right, everything’s all good.

    ANGEL:
    Alright. Let’s get moving.

    MICHAEL (NARRATOR):
    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.
    [/center]


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