Chapter 1 Transcript
This is an old revision of this page, as edited Dec 28th, 2021, 01:08 PM by DemetriusH (contribs). It may differ significantly from the current revision.
Written by Kc Wayland
Transcription courtesy of Kc Wayland
Edited by Re1ndeer and DemetriusH
Join the WA Transcribers Project!
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.
(Footsteps are heard as Michael walks down a hallway)
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.
COLLEGE GIRL:
Hey Michael, where you goin’?
MICHAEL:
Uh, class.
COLLEGE GIRL:
(giggle) Did you study for the quiz today?
MICHAEL:
Ha, no, not really.
COLLEGE GIRL:
Neither did I.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, well, alright.
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-
MICHAEL:
Uh no, don’t wanna, but thanks though.
COLLEGE GIRL:
Why not?
MICHAEL:
What, is it better to say, “O-ok, maybe, well, another time?”
COLLEGE GIRL:
Geez, you don’t have to be such a jerk about it.
MICHAEL:
I was direct, how’s that being a jerk?
(Michael and the College Girl enter their classroom, where the students are taking a test)
TEACHER:
Once you’re done, um, go ahead and, put your papers up here, and uh you guys, you guys are free to go.
(A distant explosion sounds off)
MICHAEL:
What the hell?
COLLEGE GIRL:
Did you hear that?
TEACHER:
You know, it’s probably just the uh, the construction going on next door, now, please just-
MICHAEL:
That’s not construction.
TEACHER:
C’mon, take your seat.
(Michael gets up from his seat, ready to leave)
TEACHER:
Hey! Hey, you know, there’s not gonna be any make-ups for the quiz if you go. I-I-
(Classroom door shuts as Michael hurries down the hall)
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.
STUDENT:
Did you see that?
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…
COLLEGE GIRL:
The hell is going on? That’s only like, 20 miles from here, do you think it’s gonna reach us?
(Michael phone rings and he picks up)
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)
(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.
(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!
MICHAEL:
Why not?
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.
(Nearby explosions go off close to base)
SAUL:
That one was close!
MICHAEL:
The way I see it, it’s better safe than sorry. I say we open the door, clip the locks, and to hell with the alarm!
SAUL:
I’ll get the bolt cutters from the cage.
ANGEL:
Wait, I didn’t say we were gonna-
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!
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!
(Nearby gunfire continues)
MICHAEL:
Yeah, do you hear that out there? That’s exactly what it sounds like to me!
SAUL:
Got ‘em. You ready?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, c’mon, let’s open ‘er up.
(The sound of keys is heard)
ANGEL:
You don’t wanna wait like 5 more minutes? The commander could just be around-
SAUL:
I don’t wanna wait for that asshole!
MICHAEL:
Look, listen, there’s no point in arguing now!
(The vault door is opened and the alarm starts beeping, about to sound off)
MICHAEL:
Saul, clip the locks on cages 12 and 14. Hurry!
ANGEL:
Now you’re nervous all of a sudden?
MICHAEL:
I just have a feeling is all!
ANGEL:
That we’re in deep shit? I could’ve told you that!
MICHAEL:
(groans) How long till the alarm goes off?
ANGEL:
Two minutes, more or less.
SAUL:
Got it.
MICHAEL:
Good. I’ll grab your rifle, just get 14 open.
ANGEL:
My rifle’s number 17.
MICHAEL:
When was the last time you oiled this thing?
ANGEL:
Just give it to me!
SAUL:
14’s open.
MICHAEL:
Load up two magazines.
SAUL:
That’s it?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, yeah, we’ll come back. I don’t wanna be here and loading magazines if or when someone responds to the alarm.
ANGEL:
Now you’re worried!
MICHAEL:
Head outside! Don’t chamber a round unless I say so.
SAUL:
Got it Sarge.
(The door is opened and the soldiers run outside)
MICHAEL:
How long did you say it had?
(The alarm goes off)
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.
(The sounds of rumbling in the distance gets closer)
SAUL:
You hear that?
ANGEL:
How can you hear anything over that alarm?
MICHAEL:
Shh-sh-sh! It’s getting closer!
ANGEL:
C’mon, stop pullin’-
(A zombie call is heard)
ANGEL:
Uh… guys?
(The various zombies attack the fence and the gate)
SAUL:
They’re comin’!
MICHAEL:
Ah! Shoot the ones dragging down the barbed wire!
SAUL:
I’m trying, damnit! There’s too many!
ANGEL:
Ah! It won’t fire!
SAUL:
It’s just not stopping them, help!
MICHAEL:
Aim for the head!
ANGEL:
Somebody!
MICHAEL:
C’mon Angel, what the hell are you doing?
ANGEL:
It’s jammed!
MICHAEL:
Yeah, no shit!
SAUL:
They’re over the fence!
ANGEL:
Is that the-
MICHAEL:
Get inside!
SAUL:
Where?
MICHAEL:
The vault, move it!
ANGEL:
Saul, what did you do!?
MICHAEL:
Saul, help me with the door!
ANGEL:
We gotta go! Run, guys!
(They make it inside just in time)
MICHAEL:
Angel, give me your rifle.
(Angel holds on to it)
MICHAEL:
Let go, just let go of it, I’m gonna fix it, alright!?
ANGEL:
Al-alright!
MICHAEL:
Hey, hey, look at me! I want you to take a deep breath and have a seat.
SAUL:
How the hell are there so many? So fast?
ANGEL:
Those are what you saw on the freeway?
SAUL:
Pfft, yeah. But there were only like 7 of ‘em. That was like a hundred! How the hell are we gonna get out of here?
MICHAEL:
Take it easy Saul, there’s no need to get worked up.
SAUL:
What do you mean, no need? What we gonna do? Oh shit, oh shit, I gotta call my girl. Tell her that- (phone beeps)
ANGEL:
I’m surprised it’s even working in here. Here, let me try. (more phone beeps)
MICHAEL:
The lines are flooded right now, why don’t you just take a seat and have a breather.
ANGEL:
I knew getting into the vault was a mistake. You wouldn’t listen! I’m the officer here-
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!
ANGEL:
Don’t you get it, they came because we opened it! They heard the alarm!
MICHAEL:
We don’t know that for sure, maybe they just followed the road, or, or maybe-
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!
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-
MICHAEL:
Hey, ok, ok, it’s enough Saul. He’s right.
SAUL:
He’s what?
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.
ANGEL:
You were right, too, if that makes any difference.
MICHAEL:
How so?
ANGEL:
One of those things that came over the fence… I swear one of them looked like the commander.
SAUL:
Serious?
ANGEL:
No one else was comin’.
MICHAEL:
Well, no matter what we did, the longer we waited, the less time we would’ve had to prepare.
SAUL:
Prepare? Prepare for what?
MICHAEL:
Angel, how long until the alarm shuts off?
ANGEL:
I’m not sure exactly. Uh, an hour I think. Why?
MICHAEL:
Once it goes silent, they should go away. And then we can get the hell out of dodge.
ANGEL:
Alright, but then what? We don’t even know what they are!
SAUL:
I told you man, they’re zombies!
ANGEL:
You know what, specialist, I-
MICHAEL:
Woah, hey, hey, easy, both of you. He may be right. Maybe not exactly zombies, but there are similarities.
ANGEL:
Oh no, not you too!
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.
ANGEL:
Military intelligence? (scoffs) I am the one who figured out about the sound thing.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, well none of that matters now. What else do we know?
SAUL:
We know they go after people. They sure as hell aren’t no slow moving zombies either.
MICHAEL:
So, they’re quicker than us.
SAUL:
Got some strength too. The way they were bending the bars.
ANGEL:
Wonderful.
MICHAEL:
Headshots seem to drop ‘em like stones.
ANGEL:
Is that all we know?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, well, the rest would just be assumptions based off of what we’ve seen in movies.
ANGEL:
I still don’t believe this, are you listening to what you’re saying? Zombies? I mean, the dead, rising?
SAUL:
Who said they were dead?
ANGEL:
Whatever!
MICHAEL:
What would you have me do? We’re dealing with something we’ve never come close to experiencing before! All I’m tryna do is reason some way through this, something they aren’t able to do!
ANGEL:
Now who’s being presumptuous, how can you be sure that they can’t reason!?
MICHAEL:
Because we left the key in the door!
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.
(The alarm shuts off)
SAUL:
Whoa. That was no hour.
ANGEL:
Well I said “I think”. No one has ever set off the alarm before.
MICHAEL:
Saul, look out the peephole.
(Peephole opens)
ANGEL:
They’re leaving?
(Peephole closes)
SAUL:
Um, no, I don’t think so.
MICHAEL:
Maybe it’ll just take some time.
SAUL:
You sure they can’t hear us?
MICHAEL:
Not a chance. The door’s about a foot thick and the walls are solid concrete.
ANGEL:
Give it time. They… they could move on.
ANGEL:
Al-alright well, say they clear out enough for us to get through. Where do we go?
SAUL:
We couldn’t just stay here, and defend this place?
MICHAEL:
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.
SAUL:
We need… some place, like a prison.
MICHAEL:
Good idea, but not the best place for living.
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.
MICHAEL:
This isn’t just about us.
SAUL:
It’s not?
MICHAEL:
Look, there are a lot of people out there who are where we are now. Locking themselves in some safe place, waiting things out, hoping that someone is gonna come rescue them.
SAUL:
Like the army.
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?
SAUL:
Nope. Not at all.
SAUL:
Nah, just kidding.
ANGEL:
My girlfriend’s apartment building!
SAUL:
See, now, ha! He’s got the right idea: go out with a bang!
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!
MICHAEL:
That could work. Plenty of space for any other survivors, not to mention the amount of supplies throughout the building.
SAUL:
Given that we could make it there in one piece.
ANGEL:
It’s not too far from here!
MICHAEL:
It’ll work. Depending on how long we’re gonna hold up, it would last us.
ANGEL:
This could just be a, a local epidemic.
MICHAEL:
Nah. Given the rate of growth, I highly doubt it.
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.
ANGEL:
Well, take one of the Humvees!
SAUL:
You won’t get too far with the steering wheel chained and locked! You’d only be able to turn like halfway!
ANGEL:
Then clip the lock with the bolt cutters!
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!?
MICHAEL:
Yep, sounds about right.
SAUL:
Hey, as long as I get the SAW, I’m in.
MICHAEL:
Fine. We’ll need an automatic weapon anyway. Angel and I can carry an extra rifle, but anymore would really slow us down.
ANGEL:
Here, put these on.
SAUL:
Do we really need to wear uniforms?
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.
MICHAEL:
Hey. He’s right, Saul, c’mon, let’s put ‘em on.
ANGEL:
Alright. We can do this.
MICHAEL:
How does it look out there?
(Peephole opens)
SAUL:
I don’t see any. (peephole closes) Maybe they left.
ANGEL:
Don’t take any chances. Go slow, and quiet.
SAUL:
You ready?
MICHAEL:
Let’s do it.
(The vault door opens and Saul grunts)
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.
SAUL:
(whisper) Clear.
ANGEL:
(whisper) Head around back. Check the motor pool.
(The soldiers start walking quietly)
MICHAEL:
(whisper) Angel! There’s one, look.
ANGEL:
(whisper) It’s the commander. What is he doing?
SAUL:
(whisper) He’s just standing there. Like he’s in formation.
ANGEL:
(whisper) Weird…
MICHAEL:
(whisper) Hey, come on! Motor pool’s just around the corner, take it slow.
(The commander zombie hears them)
ANGEL:
Move!
(The soldiers start running)
MICHAEL:
Saul, you’re driving!
(Everyone gets into the Hummer)
MICHAEL:
Clip the lock!
ANGEL:
Start it!
SAUL:
I can’t! I have to warm up the glow plug!
MICHAEL:
Fuck! I forgot about that!
ANGEL:
What is that?
SAUL:
C’mon! C’mon!
(The Hummer starts up)
ANGEL:
Oh- oh shit! Seal the hatch!
MICHAEL:
You can’t!
SAUL:
Got it! Hold on!
(The Hummer speeds off)
SAUL:
They’re everywhere!
MICHAEL:
Well run ‘em over!
ANGEL:
There’s one on the roof!
MICHAEL:
Got ‘em.
SAUL:
Hey, look who it is!
(Saul runs over a zombie)
ANGEL:
Did you really have to run over the commander!?
SAUL:
Um, he was in the way.
ANGEL:
You swerved to hit him!
MICHAEL:
Saul, stop fucking around and get us out the gate.
(The Hummer smashes through the gate)
ANGEL:
Turn left on Bandini! And then, keep heading west!
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.
MICHAEL:
Keep your eyes peeled for any survivors. We can fit around 4 or 5 more in here if we pile up a bit.
SAUL:
That’s if we find any. This place, it’s a ghost town.
ANGEL:
How fast do you think it spreads?
MICHAEL:
Too fast for anyone to be able to do anything about it.
ANGEL:
Just keep your eyes peeled.
ANGEL:
You have family out here?
MICHAEL:
Uh, yeah, kinda. My, my parents live in Northern California. Outside San Luis Obispo. You?
ANGEL:
It’s just my girlfriend and I. You know, I’m sure your parents are alright. You know, the less populated-
MICHAEL:
Yeah, I’d rather not talk about it right now.
SAUL:
My mom lives outside Anaheim.
MICHAEL:
That’s great.
SAUL:
Angel, did you try your cell phone again?
ANGEL:
Busy still, but I’m gonna keep-
MICHAEL:
Stop the car!
(The Hummer comes to a halt)
ANGEL:
What is it?
MICHAEL:
Look, up there, the roof of the flower shop. Angel, get in the turret. Saul, keep the engine running.
(Michael gets out)
PEGS:
Oh thank God. Riley, come here!
MICHAEL:
How many up there?
PEGS:
Just two.
MICHAEL:
Well get down here as fast as you can!
(A zombie approaches)
MICHAEL:
Ah, shit!
(Angel on turret kills the zombie)
ANGEL:
Got ‘em! Hurry up, there are more coming.
MICHAEL:
Pull the Humvee closer.
(More turret shots from Angel)
MICHAEL:
Jump onto the roof! Angel!
RILEY:
C’mon Pegs!
PEGS:
I can’t.
RILEY:
It’s only like, 7 feet, it’s not hard.
ANGEL:
Got ‘em.
RILEY:
I’ll catch you, c’mon!
MICHAEL:
We need to go now.
ANGEL:
There are too many of them.
SAUL:
Michael, we have to leave her.
RILEY:
C’mon!
PEGS:
Alright.
(They jump onto the Hummer)
MICHAEL:
Climb through the hatch.
RILEY:
You’re crushing me.
MICHAEL:
Just hold on.
(The Hummer starts moving again)
ANGEL:
We’re clear.
SAUL:
Where do I go from here?
ANGEL:
Left at the light. Just, keep going straight for a couple miles till you hit Harbor.
RILEY:
Thanks for picking us up.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, no problem.
PEGS:
Where are the rest of you?
ANGEL:
This is it.
PEGS:
You’re “it”? No, where are the others? You know, army people.
MICHAEL:
We were the only ones to show up. Everything happened too fast. No one could’ve prepared for this.
PEGS:
Where is everyone else?
ANGEL:
For all we know… we could’ve just been shooting at ‘em.
RILEY:
Where are we going?
MICHAEL:
We’re heading to an apartment building that we can hold up in for a while.
PEGS:
Is that gonna be safe?
ANGEL:
We’ll make it safe. Once we have it locked down and we can go out and look for survivors.
PEGS:
What happens after that?
MICHAEL:
Not sure. One step at a time.
RILEY:
Pegs and I were on the roof for a while. I didn’t think anyone was going to come.
SAUL:
Who’s Pegs?
PEGS:
That would be me.
SAUL:
Oh. Um, hi Pegs. I’m Saul, and that’s uh, Angel and Michael.
RILEY:
Riley. Nice to meet all of you. Where are you all from?
MICHAEL:
I don’t mean to be rude, I know you’re trying to be polite, but we 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.
RILEY:
Totally, you do your thing.
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.
ANGEL:
Do either of you know how to use a rifle, any type of handgun?
RILEY:
I’m a pro archer.
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.
PEGS:
Alright.
MICHAEL:
The more we know about what we’re dealing with, the better chance we have of surviving and not becoming one of those things.
RILEY:
Alright.
ANGEL:
Pull around to the side and down that ramp. We’ll secure from the ground floor, starting with the parking garage.
SAUL:
Going there.
(The Hummer comes to a stop)
MICHAEL:
Kill the engine.
(Everyone gets out)
SAUL:
Should I shut the security gate?
ANGEL:
What do you think, Michael?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, do it. The Hummer can get through it if we need it to.
ANGEL:
Looks clear.
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.
RILEY:
Hey, we’ve got something over here.
MICHAEL:
What is it?
RILEY:
It looks like they got him when he was trying to get into his car.
MICHAEL:
He breathing?
RILEY:
I don’t see how he can… ugh, God…
ANGEL:
Saul. You know what to do.
SAUL:
Got it.
(Saul pulls a knife from his sheath)
MICHAEL:
Pegs, Riley, come over here by me.
PEGS:
What is he doing?
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.
RILEY:
So, he’s going to-
MICHAEL:
He’s gonna make sure he doesn’t get back up. And we only know one method of making sure.
(The knife audibly stabs)
PEGS:
I think I’m gonna be sick.
ANGEL:
Hey, make sure you don’t get any blood on you.
SAUL:
I didn’t. Cut through pretty easily. Was already halfway through before I even started on his neck.
MICHAEL:
Well, leave your knife here. We don’t know exactly how it spreads. Let’s head up towards the lobby.
(Everyone starts walking and the lobby door is opened)
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.
ANGEL:
Clear.
MICHAEL:
Saul. I need you to find something to lock or barricade the main entrance door.
SAUL:
I saw some chains in the Hummer. And I think there’s a spare lock in a toolbox.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, do it. Riley, you go with him?
RILEY:
Will do.
SAUL:
Man, it’s alright. We were just down there.
MICHAEL:
Until we’ve cleared this entire building, no one is to be alone. Ever. Got it?
SAUL:
Yeah. C’mon, girl. You got my back. Just don’t shoot it.
MICHAEL:
Angel, I’ve cover the front. Check the elevators.
ANGEL:
Why don’t I watch the front and you check them?
MICHAEL:
I just need to know if they’re working!
MICHAEL:
Fine. I’ll do it.
(The elevator buttons are pressed)
ANGEL:
Out of order?
(Pounding comes from inside the elevator)
MICHAEL:
Someone’s inside there.
(The lobby door opens)
SAUL:
See, what I tell ya? Nothin’ to wor- what? What is it?
MICHAEL:
Angel, secure the front door. Saul, gimme your knife. I’m gonna pry open the doors.
SAUL:
You had me leave it downstairs.
MICHAEL:
I know you didn’t, now hand it over.
(Saul pulls out his knife)
SAUL:
I cleaned it off, it’s fine!
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.
ANGEL:
Front door’s secure.
MICHAEL:
Alright. I’ll open it. You two be ready to fire. On 3. 1, 2, 3!
(The elevator doors open)
Transcription courtesy of Kc Wayland
Edited by Re1ndeer and DemetriusH
Join the WA Transcribers Project!
[top]Part 1
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.
(Footsteps are heard as Michael walks down a hallway)
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.
COLLEGE GIRL:
Hey Michael, where you goin’?
MICHAEL:
Uh, class.
COLLEGE GIRL:
(giggle) Did you study for the quiz today?
MICHAEL:
Ha, no, not really.
COLLEGE GIRL:
Neither did I.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, well, alright.
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-
MICHAEL:
Uh no, don’t wanna, but thanks though.
COLLEGE GIRL:
Why not?
MICHAEL:
What, is it better to say, “O-ok, maybe, well, another time?”
COLLEGE GIRL:
Geez, you don’t have to be such a jerk about it.
MICHAEL:
I was direct, how’s that being a jerk?
(Michael and the College Girl enter their classroom, where the students are taking a test)
TEACHER:
Once you’re done, um, go ahead and, put your papers up here, and uh you guys, you guys are free to go.
(A distant explosion sounds off)
MICHAEL:
What the hell?
COLLEGE GIRL:
Did you hear that?
TEACHER:
You know, it’s probably just the uh, the construction going on next door, now, please just-
MICHAEL:
That’s not construction.
TEACHER:
C’mon, take your seat.
(Michael gets up from his seat, ready to leave)
TEACHER:
Hey! Hey, you know, there’s not gonna be any make-ups for the quiz if you go. I-I-
(Classroom door shuts as Michael hurries down the hall)
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.
STUDENT:
Did you see that?
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…
COLLEGE GIRL:
The hell is going on? That’s only like, 20 miles from here, do you think it’s gonna reach us?
(Michael phone rings and he picks up)
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)
(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.
(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!
MICHAEL:
Why not?
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.
(Nearby explosions go off close to base)
SAUL:
That one was close!
MICHAEL:
The way I see it, it’s better safe than sorry. I say we open the door, clip the locks, and to hell with the alarm!
SAUL:
I’ll get the bolt cutters from the cage.
ANGEL:
Wait, I didn’t say we were gonna-
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!
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!
(Nearby gunfire continues)
MICHAEL:
Yeah, do you hear that out there? That’s exactly what it sounds like to me!
SAUL:
Got ‘em. You ready?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, c’mon, let’s open ‘er up.
(The sound of keys is heard)
ANGEL:
You don’t wanna wait like 5 more minutes? The commander could just be around-
SAUL:
I don’t wanna wait for that asshole!
MICHAEL:
Look, listen, there’s no point in arguing now!
(The vault door is opened and the alarm starts beeping, about to sound off)
MICHAEL:
Saul, clip the locks on cages 12 and 14. Hurry!
ANGEL:
Now you’re nervous all of a sudden?
MICHAEL:
I just have a feeling is all!
ANGEL:
That we’re in deep shit? I could’ve told you that!
MICHAEL:
(groans) How long till the alarm goes off?
ANGEL:
Two minutes, more or less.
SAUL:
Got it.
MICHAEL:
Good. I’ll grab your rifle, just get 14 open.
ANGEL:
My rifle’s number 17.
MICHAEL:
When was the last time you oiled this thing?
ANGEL:
Just give it to me!
SAUL:
14’s open.
MICHAEL:
Load up two magazines.
SAUL:
That’s it?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, yeah, we’ll come back. I don’t wanna be here and loading magazines if or when someone responds to the alarm.
ANGEL:
Now you’re worried!
MICHAEL:
Head outside! Don’t chamber a round unless I say so.
SAUL:
Got it Sarge.
(The door is opened and the soldiers run outside)
MICHAEL:
How long did you say it had?
(The alarm goes off)
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.
(The sounds of rumbling in the distance gets closer)
SAUL:
You hear that?
ANGEL:
How can you hear anything over that alarm?
MICHAEL:
Shh-sh-sh! It’s getting closer!
ANGEL:
C’mon, stop pullin’-
(A zombie call is heard)
ANGEL:
Uh… guys?
(The various zombies attack the fence and the gate)
SAUL:
They’re comin’!
MICHAEL:
Ah! Shoot the ones dragging down the barbed wire!
SAUL:
I’m trying, damnit! There’s too many!
ANGEL:
Ah! It won’t fire!
SAUL:
It’s just not stopping them, help!
MICHAEL:
Aim for the head!
ANGEL:
Somebody!
MICHAEL:
C’mon Angel, what the hell are you doing?
ANGEL:
It’s jammed!
MICHAEL:
Yeah, no shit!
SAUL:
They’re over the fence!
ANGEL:
Is that the-
MICHAEL:
Get inside!
SAUL:
Where?
MICHAEL:
The vault, move it!
ANGEL:
Saul, what did you do!?
MICHAEL:
Saul, help me with the door!
ANGEL:
We gotta go! Run, guys!
(They make it inside just in time)
MICHAEL:
Angel, give me your rifle.
(Angel holds on to it)
MICHAEL:
Let go, just let go of it, I’m gonna fix it, alright!?
ANGEL:
Al-alright!
MICHAEL:
Hey, hey, look at me! I want you to take a deep breath and have a seat.
SAUL:
How the hell are there so many? So fast?
ANGEL:
Those are what you saw on the freeway?
SAUL:
Pfft, yeah. But there were only like 7 of ‘em. That was like a hundred! How the hell are we gonna get out of here?
MICHAEL:
Take it easy Saul, there’s no need to get worked up.
SAUL:
What do you mean, no need? What we gonna do? Oh shit, oh shit, I gotta call my girl. Tell her that- (phone beeps)
ANGEL:
I’m surprised it’s even working in here. Here, let me try. (more phone beeps)
MICHAEL:
The lines are flooded right now, why don’t you just take a seat and have a breather.
ANGEL:
I knew getting into the vault was a mistake. You wouldn’t listen! I’m the officer here-
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!
ANGEL:
Don’t you get it, they came because we opened it! They heard the alarm!
MICHAEL:
We don’t know that for sure, maybe they just followed the road, or, or maybe-
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!
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-
MICHAEL:
Hey, ok, ok, it’s enough Saul. He’s right.
SAUL:
He’s what?
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.
ANGEL:
You were right, too, if that makes any difference.
MICHAEL:
How so?
ANGEL:
One of those things that came over the fence… I swear one of them looked like the commander.
SAUL:
Serious?
ANGEL:
No one else was comin’.
MICHAEL:
Well, no matter what we did, the longer we waited, the less time we would’ve had to prepare.
SAUL:
Prepare? Prepare for what?
MICHAEL:
Angel, how long until the alarm shuts off?
ANGEL:
I’m not sure exactly. Uh, an hour I think. Why?
MICHAEL:
Once it goes silent, they should go away. And then we can get the hell out of dodge.
ANGEL:
Alright, but then what? We don’t even know what they are!
SAUL:
I told you man, they’re zombies!
ANGEL:
You know what, specialist, I-
MICHAEL:
Woah, hey, hey, easy, both of you. He may be right. Maybe not exactly zombies, but there are similarities.
ANGEL:
Oh no, not you too!
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.
ANGEL:
Military intelligence? (scoffs) I am the one who figured out about the sound thing.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, well none of that matters now. What else do we know?
SAUL:
We know they go after people. They sure as hell aren’t no slow moving zombies either.
MICHAEL:
So, they’re quicker than us.
SAUL:
Got some strength too. The way they were bending the bars.
ANGEL:
Wonderful.
MICHAEL:
Headshots seem to drop ‘em like stones.
ANGEL:
Is that all we know?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, well, the rest would just be assumptions based off of what we’ve seen in movies.
ANGEL:
I still don’t believe this, are you listening to what you’re saying? Zombies? I mean, the dead, rising?
SAUL:
Who said they were dead?
ANGEL:
Whatever!
MICHAEL:
What would you have me do? We’re dealing with something we’ve never come close to experiencing before! All I’m tryna do is reason some way through this, something they aren’t able to do!
ANGEL:
Now who’s being presumptuous, how can you be sure that they can’t reason!?
MICHAEL:
Because we left the key in the door!
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.
(The alarm shuts off)
SAUL:
Whoa. That was no hour.
ANGEL:
Well I said “I think”. No one has ever set off the alarm before.
MICHAEL:
Saul, look out the peephole.
(Peephole opens)
ANGEL:
They’re leaving?
(Peephole closes)
SAUL:
Um, no, I don’t think so.
MICHAEL:
Maybe it’ll just take some time.
SAUL:
You sure they can’t hear us?
MICHAEL:
Not a chance. The door’s about a foot thick and the walls are solid concrete.
ANGEL:
Give it time. They… they could move on.
ANGEL:
Al-alright well, say they clear out enough for us to get through. Where do we go?
SAUL:
We couldn’t just stay here, and defend this place?
MICHAEL:
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.
SAUL:
We need… some place, like a prison.
MICHAEL:
Good idea, but not the best place for living.
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.
MICHAEL:
This isn’t just about us.
SAUL:
It’s not?
MICHAEL:
Look, there are a lot of people out there who are where we are now. Locking themselves in some safe place, waiting things out, hoping that someone is gonna come rescue them.
SAUL:
Like the army.
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?
SAUL:
Nope. Not at all.
SAUL:
Nah, just kidding.
ANGEL:
My girlfriend’s apartment building!
SAUL:
See, now, ha! He’s got the right idea: go out with a bang!
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!
MICHAEL:
That could work. Plenty of space for any other survivors, not to mention the amount of supplies throughout the building.
SAUL:
Given that we could make it there in one piece.
ANGEL:
It’s not too far from here!
MICHAEL:
It’ll work. Depending on how long we’re gonna hold up, it would last us.
ANGEL:
This could just be a, a local epidemic.
MICHAEL:
Nah. Given the rate of growth, I highly doubt it.
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.
ANGEL:
Well, take one of the Humvees!
SAUL:
You won’t get too far with the steering wheel chained and locked! You’d only be able to turn like halfway!
ANGEL:
Then clip the lock with the bolt cutters!
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!?
MICHAEL:
Yep, sounds about right.
SAUL:
Hey, as long as I get the SAW, I’m in.
MICHAEL:
Fine. We’ll need an automatic weapon anyway. Angel and I can carry an extra rifle, but anymore would really slow us down.
ANGEL:
Here, put these on.
SAUL:
Do we really need to wear uniforms?
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.
MICHAEL:
Hey. He’s right, Saul, c’mon, let’s put ‘em on.
ANGEL:
Alright. We can do this.
[top]Part 2
MICHAEL:
How does it look out there?
(Peephole opens)
SAUL:
I don’t see any. (peephole closes) Maybe they left.
ANGEL:
Don’t take any chances. Go slow, and quiet.
SAUL:
You ready?
MICHAEL:
Let’s do it.
(The vault door opens and Saul grunts)
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.
SAUL:
(whisper) Clear.
ANGEL:
(whisper) Head around back. Check the motor pool.
(The soldiers start walking quietly)
MICHAEL:
(whisper) Angel! There’s one, look.
ANGEL:
(whisper) It’s the commander. What is he doing?
SAUL:
(whisper) He’s just standing there. Like he’s in formation.
ANGEL:
(whisper) Weird…
MICHAEL:
(whisper) Hey, come on! Motor pool’s just around the corner, take it slow.
(The commander zombie hears them)
ANGEL:
Move!
(The soldiers start running)
MICHAEL:
Saul, you’re driving!
(Everyone gets into the Hummer)
MICHAEL:
Clip the lock!
ANGEL:
Start it!
SAUL:
I can’t! I have to warm up the glow plug!
MICHAEL:
Fuck! I forgot about that!
ANGEL:
What is that?
SAUL:
C’mon! C’mon!
(The Hummer starts up)
ANGEL:
Oh- oh shit! Seal the hatch!
MICHAEL:
You can’t!
SAUL:
Got it! Hold on!
(The Hummer speeds off)
SAUL:
They’re everywhere!
MICHAEL:
Well run ‘em over!
ANGEL:
There’s one on the roof!
MICHAEL:
Got ‘em.
SAUL:
Hey, look who it is!
(Saul runs over a zombie)
ANGEL:
Did you really have to run over the commander!?
SAUL:
Um, he was in the way.
ANGEL:
You swerved to hit him!
MICHAEL:
Saul, stop fucking around and get us out the gate.
(The Hummer smashes through the gate)
ANGEL:
Turn left on Bandini! And then, keep heading west!
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.
MICHAEL:
Keep your eyes peeled for any survivors. We can fit around 4 or 5 more in here if we pile up a bit.
SAUL:
That’s if we find any. This place, it’s a ghost town.
ANGEL:
How fast do you think it spreads?
MICHAEL:
Too fast for anyone to be able to do anything about it.
ANGEL:
Just keep your eyes peeled.
ANGEL:
You have family out here?
MICHAEL:
Uh, yeah, kinda. My, my parents live in Northern California. Outside San Luis Obispo. You?
ANGEL:
It’s just my girlfriend and I. You know, I’m sure your parents are alright. You know, the less populated-
MICHAEL:
Yeah, I’d rather not talk about it right now.
SAUL:
My mom lives outside Anaheim.
MICHAEL:
That’s great.
SAUL:
Angel, did you try your cell phone again?
ANGEL:
Busy still, but I’m gonna keep-
MICHAEL:
Stop the car!
(The Hummer comes to a halt)
ANGEL:
What is it?
MICHAEL:
Look, up there, the roof of the flower shop. Angel, get in the turret. Saul, keep the engine running.
(Michael gets out)
PEGS:
Oh thank God. Riley, come here!
MICHAEL:
How many up there?
PEGS:
Just two.
MICHAEL:
Well get down here as fast as you can!
(A zombie approaches)
MICHAEL:
Ah, shit!
(Angel on turret kills the zombie)
ANGEL:
Got ‘em! Hurry up, there are more coming.
MICHAEL:
Pull the Humvee closer.
(More turret shots from Angel)
MICHAEL:
Jump onto the roof! Angel!
RILEY:
C’mon Pegs!
PEGS:
I can’t.
RILEY:
It’s only like, 7 feet, it’s not hard.
ANGEL:
Got ‘em.
RILEY:
I’ll catch you, c’mon!
MICHAEL:
We need to go now.
ANGEL:
There are too many of them.
SAUL:
Michael, we have to leave her.
RILEY:
C’mon!
PEGS:
Alright.
(They jump onto the Hummer)
MICHAEL:
Climb through the hatch.
RILEY:
You’re crushing me.
MICHAEL:
Just hold on.
(The Hummer starts moving again)
ANGEL:
We’re clear.
SAUL:
Where do I go from here?
ANGEL:
Left at the light. Just, keep going straight for a couple miles till you hit Harbor.
RILEY:
Thanks for picking us up.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, no problem.
PEGS:
Where are the rest of you?
ANGEL:
This is it.
PEGS:
You’re “it”? No, where are the others? You know, army people.
MICHAEL:
We were the only ones to show up. Everything happened too fast. No one could’ve prepared for this.
PEGS:
Where is everyone else?
ANGEL:
For all we know… we could’ve just been shooting at ‘em.
RILEY:
Where are we going?
MICHAEL:
We’re heading to an apartment building that we can hold up in for a while.
PEGS:
Is that gonna be safe?
ANGEL:
We’ll make it safe. Once we have it locked down and we can go out and look for survivors.
PEGS:
What happens after that?
MICHAEL:
Not sure. One step at a time.
RILEY:
Pegs and I were on the roof for a while. I didn’t think anyone was going to come.
SAUL:
Who’s Pegs?
PEGS:
That would be me.
SAUL:
Oh. Um, hi Pegs. I’m Saul, and that’s uh, Angel and Michael.
RILEY:
Riley. Nice to meet all of you. Where are you all from?
MICHAEL:
I don’t mean to be rude, I know you’re trying to be polite, but we 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.
RILEY:
Totally, you do your thing.
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.
ANGEL:
Do either of you know how to use a rifle, any type of handgun?
RILEY:
I’m a pro archer.
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.
PEGS:
Alright.
MICHAEL:
The more we know about what we’re dealing with, the better chance we have of surviving and not becoming one of those things.
RILEY:
Alright.
ANGEL:
Pull around to the side and down that ramp. We’ll secure from the ground floor, starting with the parking garage.
SAUL:
Going there.
(The Hummer comes to a stop)
MICHAEL:
Kill the engine.
(Everyone gets out)
SAUL:
Should I shut the security gate?
ANGEL:
What do you think, Michael?
MICHAEL:
Yeah, do it. The Hummer can get through it if we need it to.
ANGEL:
Looks clear.
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.
RILEY:
Hey, we’ve got something over here.
MICHAEL:
What is it?
RILEY:
It looks like they got him when he was trying to get into his car.
MICHAEL:
He breathing?
RILEY:
I don’t see how he can… ugh, God…
ANGEL:
Saul. You know what to do.
SAUL:
Got it.
(Saul pulls a knife from his sheath)
MICHAEL:
Pegs, Riley, come over here by me.
PEGS:
What is he doing?
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.
RILEY:
So, he’s going to-
MICHAEL:
He’s gonna make sure he doesn’t get back up. And we only know one method of making sure.
(The knife audibly stabs)
PEGS:
I think I’m gonna be sick.
ANGEL:
Hey, make sure you don’t get any blood on you.
SAUL:
I didn’t. Cut through pretty easily. Was already halfway through before I even started on his neck.
MICHAEL:
Well, leave your knife here. We don’t know exactly how it spreads. Let’s head up towards the lobby.
(Everyone starts walking and the lobby door is opened)
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.
ANGEL:
Clear.
MICHAEL:
Saul. I need you to find something to lock or barricade the main entrance door.
SAUL:
I saw some chains in the Hummer. And I think there’s a spare lock in a toolbox.
MICHAEL:
Yeah, do it. Riley, you go with him?
RILEY:
Will do.
SAUL:
Man, it’s alright. We were just down there.
MICHAEL:
Until we’ve cleared this entire building, no one is to be alone. Ever. Got it?
SAUL:
Yeah. C’mon, girl. You got my back. Just don’t shoot it.
MICHAEL:
Angel, I’ve cover the front. Check the elevators.
ANGEL:
Why don’t I watch the front and you check them?
MICHAEL:
I just need to know if they’re working!
MICHAEL:
Fine. I’ll do it.
(The elevator buttons are pressed)
ANGEL:
Out of order?
(Pounding comes from inside the elevator)
MICHAEL:
Someone’s inside there.
(The lobby door opens)
SAUL:
See, what I tell ya? Nothin’ to wor- what? What is it?
MICHAEL:
Angel, secure the front door. Saul, gimme your knife. I’m gonna pry open the doors.
SAUL:
You had me leave it downstairs.
MICHAEL:
I know you didn’t, now hand it over.
(Saul pulls out his knife)
SAUL:
I cleaned it off, it’s fine!
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.
ANGEL:
Front door’s secure.
MICHAEL:
Alright. I’ll open it. You two be ready to fire. On 3. 1, 2, 3!
(The elevator doors open)
[top]Part 3
Michael pries open the door as a body falls out.
DATU
Oh shit... Oh man, don't shoot, don't shoot.
SAUL
Who the hell are you?
DATU
I'm Datu, the maintenance guy for the building, oh thank god you're here!
RILEY
What were you doing in there?
DATU
I was coming down when the power went out. Oh thank god you found me.
ANGEL
You work here?
DATU
Well I live here too, where, where are the rest of you?
MICHAEL
This is it.
DATU
Where are your tanks and shit, I mean you are the U.S. Army, right?
MICHAEL
We are IN the Army, but like I said, this is it.
They start to walk away.
DATU
Well, whatever, I'm just glad you're here. Wait, where are we going?
SAUL
Upstairs.
DATU
I don't think there's anyone else up there. Most everyone in the building was at work, and those who were here left. Word has it there is an evacuation site a few miles from here.
PEGS
Oh thank god-
ANGEL
Evac site? Where?
DATU
Off of 4th street and Bandini.
ANGEL
We drove by that intersection, there's no-one there.
DATU
No, one? No one at all?
SAUL
I would have remembered seeing something.
DATU
Oh no.
(beat)
I've worked in this building for 5 years, you don't know how many of those people I knew, the ones that left. Some of them had children. I watched them grow up over the years-
ANGEL
I didn't say they died, I just said they weren't there. Maybe there was an evacuation, maybe they got out.
SAUL
Yeah, or maybe they didn't.
MICHAEL
At ease.
DATU
Still, there's no reason to go upstairs. We can get going, right?
MICHAEL
We're staying here.
DATU
You're what? But there's nothing here.
MICHAEL
Exactly.
DATU
I can't, I just can't.
Datu goes to open the door, but it's chained.
DATU (CONT'D)
Take these chains off, let me out. Maybe they're coming back.
ANGEL
Sir, you're not listening to us.
DATU
Let me out!
PEGS
Riley, wait!
RILEY
I got this-
(beat)
Look, Datu, you may think it could be better out there, but it's not. We've been out there, we know. Your building is much safer.
(Beat)
And, we have these soldiers here to help us. They already saved Pegs and me, and they can save lots more too. But we can't do it without your help. We need to make sure this place is safe before we bring them back here.
DATU
Why do you need me?
RILEY
We need to make sure it's safe here. That means going from room to room making sure. You have the keys don't you? And you know what key opens what door and every place that someone or something might be hiding in this building. We need your help.
DATU
Yeah, I guess you do.
RILEY
Those men, they're trained for this sort of thing. They'll protect us. So why not help them? The less time in here, the more lives they could save out there.
DATU
OK, OK, I'll help. Come on, this way.
SAUL
Why don't you just point which way, and I'll go first.
DATU
This is the stairwell, here.
ANGEL
You sure the other elevator is clear?
DATU
Yeah, I think so.
ANGEL
We have to make certain, what floor is it on?
DATU
Top Floor, See, the hours pointing to number 15.
ANGEL
There's only 15 floors?
DATU
Well 14, but there's no number 13.
ANGEL
Think you can do anything about the power?
DATU
Oh we still have power, something just blew the breaker.
ANGEL
So where do we turn it back on?
DATU
It's in the maintenance room in the basement, but that's not the problem.
ANGEL
Then what's is?
DATU
Something blew the main, which means it is something big. If I flip it back on, it could start a fire.
MICHAEL
Yeah, that would definitely be a problem.
DATU
I have some flashlights in my apartment on the second floor, once we find what blew it, I can flip it back on.
ANGEL
Come on, let's go.
Datu, Angel and Saul head up the stairs.
DATU
Hey, You look familiar, do I know you?
ANGEL
Naw, you must be mistaken.
PEGS
What about Riley?
The voices trail off up the stairs.
MICHAEL
We'll be up in a sec.
(Beat)
Hey Riley. Thanks for talking to Datu.
RILEY
No problem. We needed him. We're all on the same team now, right?
MICHAEL
I guess. Thanks though, I don't think he would have listened to me.
They start up the stair well.
RILEY
Well, you work as long as I have in the restaurant biz, you have to deal with a lot of people that don't like your food.
MICHAEL
You were a bad cook?
RILEY
I was great, you just can't please everyone.
MICHAEL
No, you can't.
Music bridge.
MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The first few floors reminded me of my time overseas; going from room to room, in near total darkness. You didn't know what was behind every door and every step could be your last. The place was empty. Some rooms had clothes strewn about, like they had scrambled to leave in a hurry. The pictures of the people on the wall haunted me as I walked past them. I kept a close eye on Angel. He never told us what apartment his girlfriend lived in. But, I knew from his reaction on the third floor that we had found it.
SAUL
This door's open.
MICHAEL
Careful.
A scream down the hall.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Contact! Down the hall.
They open fire and hit the target.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Cease fire! He's down.
ANGEL
You know this guy?
DATU
That was Mr. Larth. Good man, well was.
A sound from the apartment.
SAUL
We have something in here.
ANGEL
(very nervous)
OK, um, be careful.
MICHAEL
You okay Angel?
ANGEL
Yeah, I'm fine, come on.
They walk deep into the apartment.
SAUL
(whispers)
Living room clear.
MICHAEL
Check the bedroom.
They move into the bedroom.
SAUL
We got a live one! Looks like her legs are broken.
MICHAEL
Don't get too close.
SAUL
Why not?
MICHAEL
Ma'am, I know you're hurt, but can you hear us?
SAUL
She's crawling towards us.
MICHAEL
She's turned. Shoot her.
ANGEL
(barely holding back tears)
NO! Wait, please, just wait.
MICHAEL
Angel, she's one of them, look at her.
ANGEL
I know, I see it.
MICHAEL
It's her, isn't it?
ANGEL
It's Cindy.
MICHAEL
We don't have much of a choice on this one. What do you want us to do?
SAUL
This bitch is getting closer to me, can I shoot her already?
ANGEL
Don't call her that!
MICHAEL
Angel, we have to do this, but I need you to make the call.
A long pause.
ANGEL
(whispers)
Do it.
BLAM.
MICHAEL
Saul, wait outside with the others.
SAUL
Got it.
MICHAEL
You made the only choice you had, and you know it.
ANGEL
I know.
MICHAEL
Once we get things calmed down a bit, I'll help find a place and we can bury her.
ANGEL
Thanks Michael.
MICHAEL
But right now, we can't do that. We need to continue going through this place. I need to know you're OK to do that.
ANGEL
I am.
MICHAEL
You sure? I can't have any hesitation.
ANGEL
I'm on it, Michael.
MICHAEL
Alright.
They leave the apartment.
PEGS
Is he OK, what happened in there?
MICHAEL
He'll be fine. We found one, but we took care of it.
DATU
Was it Cindy? Aww. Man she was a really nice lady.
Angel starts to break into tears.
DATU (CONT'D)
What'd I say?
MICHAEL
Angel, What the hell?
SAUL
Come on Michael.
MICHAEL
Look, I lost people I love as well and you don't see me breaking down. We can't do this right now.
SAUL
Have a heart, this was like a few feet in front of him.
Angel breaks down further in tears.
PEGS
What the hell is wrong with you Michael?
(Beat)
We all lost people today, Angel. You're not alone.
Michael walks away.
SAUL
Michael, where you going?
MICHAEL
If he gets a moment, I get one too!
Michael enters an apartment.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Come on where are you, I know you had them in here, I could smell them. Shit, here we go. Now where the fuck did you put your lighter?
The sound of a lighter flickers in the background.
RILEY
Need a light?
MICHAEL
Thanks, Riley. You know you shouldn't sneak up on me like that.
Michael inhales and coughs.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Here, you want one.
RILEY
Thanks.
MICHAEL
I quit this a long time ago. Gave it up when I was overseas. I guess I made it long enough.
RILEY
Me too. Stopped cause it was bad for my health, that's the least of my concerns now, right?
MICHAEL
You know, I'll be alright on my own. Saul may need backup, but I sure as hell don't. You don't have to be in here right now.
RILEY
I didn't have to jump onto the back of your Humvee either, but it's a choice I made.
MICHAEL
Why don't you go and try and console Angel. Work some of that magic like you did on Datu.
RILEY
I'm where I should be.
MICHAEL
What does that mean?
RILEY
You may have them fooled, but not me.
MICHAEL
Oh, and how's that?
RILEY
You're hurting right now, but for different reasons.
MICHAEL
Because we had to shoot Angel's girlfriend? Well yeah, I feel bad about it, but it was the right thing to do.
RILEY
No, I mean about the losing loved ones today. The thought never crossed your mind until now, did it?
MICHAEL
(sarcastically)
Yes, it did, bothered me all day.
RILEY
I don't think so.
Michael sits down. Riley closes the door.
RILEY (CONT'D)
Look, it's alright to talk about it.
(Beat)
You don't have anyone do you?
MICHAEL
Maybe I do, and maybe I don't, what does it matter?
RILEY
You look, pretty young, where are your parents?
MICHAEL
Oh god... We're smoking a cigarette not having drinks. I ain't about to give you my life story already.
RILEY
Look, I know I don't know you very well, but we need to look after each. I can see when someone's in pain. I just don't want whatever it is, to get to you.
MICHAEL
And how would that happen?
RILEY
Something back there hurt you as much as Angel is hurting and you're not letting it out, and until you do, it will continue to eat you away.
MICHAEL
It may be cute to think you hold some kind of inspired wisdom that can cure all wounds, but you don't know anything about me. And no quick-fix flirtation is going to heal any open wounds.
Riley Laughs.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
(can't hold his anger and starts to chuckle)
Can you tell me what is so funny? You know you make it really hard to keep a straight face.
RILEY
No, it's not that, it's just, well flirtatious- Seriously, you're not my type. I'm flattered though.
MICHAEL
You know, you have an infectious laugh, anyone ever tell you that?
RILEY
Yeah, few times.
MICHAEL
Made me feel better than all the squabbling you were doing before that.
Door flings open.
SAUL
What's wrong? I thought I heard something scream in here.
MICHAEL
Nope, that would have just been Riley's laugh.
SAUL
Oh, alright. Well anyway Angel's on his feet, and looking for you.
MICHAEL
You heard the man, let's move out.
RILEY
Michael, don't forget what I said, alright?
MICHAEL
Whatever.
Michael continues into the hall.
SAUL
How many floors we got to go?
DATU
Eleven more is all.
SAUL
Holy-shit, eleven? This is going to take forever.
MICHAEL
Especially now that Riley has warned them in their own language. They probably understood that shit.
PEGS
What? I like her laugh.
They enter the stairwell and through the door to the fourth floor.
SAUL
Oh, shit, you smell that?
RILEY
I do now, phew.
MICHAEL
Something's burning, Datu, you have an extinguisher?
DATU
It's down the hall, but I don't see any smoke.
PEGS
Whatever it is, it's awful.
SAUL
Hey Michael, remember suicide gate?
MICHAEL
Why would you bring that up now?
SAUL
Smell familiar?
MICHAEL
A little bit, why?
SAUL
Just a hunch, follow me.
They wander down the halls.
ANGEL
Stay close together.
SAUL
Here, through this door.
DATU
Just a second.
Datu fiddles with the keys and unlocks it.
SAUL
Oh god, yup, I knew it.
RILEY
What, I don't see anything?
SAUL
Michael, why don't you, me and Datu take this one. Angel, you watch the hall with Riley and Pegs.
They wander into the bathroom.
DATU
Holy-
SAUL
Well, That's one way to go.
MICHAEL
Smells just like suicide gate?
SAUL
Yup, you got it.
DATU
What happened there?
MICHAEL
There was a gate outside one of the green zones that was constantly hit by car bombs. When it torched the bodies in the surrounding cars, the smell stayed in the area long after.
SAUL
Look at this, he must have been standing in the bathwater when he reached up and grabbed it. Must have flown like 4 feet.
MICHAEL
What happened to just using a blow dryer or toaster.
DATU
The circuit would have just popped.
SAUL
I guess he didn't want to do it wrong. Look at this, he ripped the entire strand of wires out of the wall. Bit over-kill.
MICHAEL
No pun intended?
(Beat)
Datu, can you shut the power off to this room, so you can get it back on for the rest of the building?
DATU
Of course.
MICHAEL
Saul, go with him downstairs. We'll wait for you.
Datu and Saul head downstairs and Michael shuts the door.
PEGS
What was it?
MICHAEL
Oh, someone chose an alternative to survival.
RILEY
Ew... how?
MICHAEL
Let's just say you don't want this room.
RILEY
Or this floor for that matter, pew.
ANGEL
Well, I think it's safe to say that I'll be staying on the top floor. The further from the ground the better.
MICHAEL
I'm sure you'll think different after 14 flights of steps.
ANGEL
Oh yeah, no elevator.
MICHAEL
Not unless you wanna risk getting stuck.
RILEY
I don't know about you, but I really liked that apartment on the second floor, with the nice TV and the classic modern sofa.
PEGS
I thought that one was nice too. I'll stay with you there.
RILEY
Um. Really, you don't have to, there are a lot of others to choose from.
MICHAEL
You already making stakes on the rooms?
PEGS
Well why not? I mean it is our building now.
MICHAEL
That's one way of looking at it.
ANGEL
You know, I liked the one, what was it, 2b. The one with the nice leather couch and the king size bed.
MICHAEL
See, told you this place was a better idea than the prison.
The lights flicker back on.
ANGEL
Oh nice!
MICHAEL
Now just because the lights are on and this place feels a lot safer, don't go getting complacent on me.
PEGS
What's that mean?
ANGEL
Don't let your guard down.
PEGS
I'm not doing much, so, alright. I'm kinda worthless now, aren't I?
MICHAEL
Maybe you're not able to do something right NOW, but once this place is secure, I'm sure you will be useful. What did you do outside, like for your job.
PEGS
I was a florist.
MICHAEL
OK, um. Well I guess you could, um. Angel?
ANGEL
Got me there, I dunno.
RILEY
Oh come on guys, I thought you had thought this one through.
ANGEL
We did, mostly, I mean we're here aren't we.
RILEY
Look, Pegs, once this place is up and running we're going to need food, and not just what hasn't expired in people's cupboards.
MICHAEL
There you go- You could make a garden on the roof! We're going to need fruit, vegetables, spices-
RILEY
Sure, take my idea.
PEGS
What are you talking about? It's ok to claim a nice place to sleep for a few nights, but you want me to start a garden? How long are we planning on staying here? I'm sure someone will come for us. This will be over in a few days.
MICHAEL
It might, and it might not. I'd rather plan for long term and be rescued tomorrow.
ANGEL
Riley brings up a good point, Michael. But, we need to do more than just planting food. We're going to need to get organized.
MICHAEL
The more people that we can help and have hide out here, the more important it is that they each pull their own weight.
RILEY
Everyone would be more than willing to, I mean Pegs and I would do damn near anything for you after you picked us up.
(Beat)
Wait, I just made us sound like prostitutes.
MICHAEL
Well- I thought that was implied.
RILEY
Oh, come on that's not even funny.
Saul and Datu return.
DATU
Power's back on.
Saul
That's right, everything's all good.
ANGEL
Alright, let's get moving.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
After our first day in the tower, my legs ached like no time before. We couldn't stop and rest before the building was empty and clear. We found a few more of those things, here and there, but no survivors. Each flight of steps made my shins splint and my back ache. I think that first day was the longest for me. By the time we reached the last floor, I thought I was prepared for everything. I was wrong.
DATU
Oh shit... Oh man, don't shoot, don't shoot.
SAUL
Who the hell are you?
DATU
I'm Datu, the maintenance guy for the building, oh thank god you're here!
RILEY
What were you doing in there?
DATU
I was coming down when the power went out. Oh thank god you found me.
ANGEL
You work here?
DATU
Well I live here too, where, where are the rest of you?
MICHAEL
This is it.
DATU
Where are your tanks and shit, I mean you are the U.S. Army, right?
MICHAEL
We are IN the Army, but like I said, this is it.
They start to walk away.
DATU
Well, whatever, I'm just glad you're here. Wait, where are we going?
SAUL
Upstairs.
DATU
I don't think there's anyone else up there. Most everyone in the building was at work, and those who were here left. Word has it there is an evacuation site a few miles from here.
PEGS
Oh thank god-
ANGEL
Evac site? Where?
DATU
Off of 4th street and Bandini.
ANGEL
We drove by that intersection, there's no-one there.
DATU
No, one? No one at all?
SAUL
I would have remembered seeing something.
DATU
Oh no.
(beat)
I've worked in this building for 5 years, you don't know how many of those people I knew, the ones that left. Some of them had children. I watched them grow up over the years-
ANGEL
I didn't say they died, I just said they weren't there. Maybe there was an evacuation, maybe they got out.
SAUL
Yeah, or maybe they didn't.
MICHAEL
At ease.
DATU
Still, there's no reason to go upstairs. We can get going, right?
MICHAEL
We're staying here.
DATU
You're what? But there's nothing here.
MICHAEL
Exactly.
DATU
I can't, I just can't.
Datu goes to open the door, but it's chained.
DATU (CONT'D)
Take these chains off, let me out. Maybe they're coming back.
ANGEL
Sir, you're not listening to us.
DATU
Let me out!
PEGS
Riley, wait!
RILEY
I got this-
(beat)
Look, Datu, you may think it could be better out there, but it's not. We've been out there, we know. Your building is much safer.
(Beat)
And, we have these soldiers here to help us. They already saved Pegs and me, and they can save lots more too. But we can't do it without your help. We need to make sure this place is safe before we bring them back here.
DATU
Why do you need me?
RILEY
We need to make sure it's safe here. That means going from room to room making sure. You have the keys don't you? And you know what key opens what door and every place that someone or something might be hiding in this building. We need your help.
DATU
Yeah, I guess you do.
RILEY
Those men, they're trained for this sort of thing. They'll protect us. So why not help them? The less time in here, the more lives they could save out there.
DATU
OK, OK, I'll help. Come on, this way.
SAUL
Why don't you just point which way, and I'll go first.
DATU
This is the stairwell, here.
ANGEL
You sure the other elevator is clear?
DATU
Yeah, I think so.
ANGEL
We have to make certain, what floor is it on?
DATU
Top Floor, See, the hours pointing to number 15.
ANGEL
There's only 15 floors?
DATU
Well 14, but there's no number 13.
ANGEL
Think you can do anything about the power?
DATU
Oh we still have power, something just blew the breaker.
ANGEL
So where do we turn it back on?
DATU
It's in the maintenance room in the basement, but that's not the problem.
ANGEL
Then what's is?
DATU
Something blew the main, which means it is something big. If I flip it back on, it could start a fire.
MICHAEL
Yeah, that would definitely be a problem.
DATU
I have some flashlights in my apartment on the second floor, once we find what blew it, I can flip it back on.
ANGEL
Come on, let's go.
Datu, Angel and Saul head up the stairs.
DATU
Hey, You look familiar, do I know you?
ANGEL
Naw, you must be mistaken.
PEGS
What about Riley?
The voices trail off up the stairs.
MICHAEL
We'll be up in a sec.
(Beat)
Hey Riley. Thanks for talking to Datu.
RILEY
No problem. We needed him. We're all on the same team now, right?
MICHAEL
I guess. Thanks though, I don't think he would have listened to me.
They start up the stair well.
RILEY
Well, you work as long as I have in the restaurant biz, you have to deal with a lot of people that don't like your food.
MICHAEL
You were a bad cook?
RILEY
I was great, you just can't please everyone.
MICHAEL
No, you can't.
Music bridge.
MICHAEL (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The first few floors reminded me of my time overseas; going from room to room, in near total darkness. You didn't know what was behind every door and every step could be your last. The place was empty. Some rooms had clothes strewn about, like they had scrambled to leave in a hurry. The pictures of the people on the wall haunted me as I walked past them. I kept a close eye on Angel. He never told us what apartment his girlfriend lived in. But, I knew from his reaction on the third floor that we had found it.
SAUL
This door's open.
MICHAEL
Careful.
A scream down the hall.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Contact! Down the hall.
They open fire and hit the target.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Cease fire! He's down.
ANGEL
You know this guy?
DATU
That was Mr. Larth. Good man, well was.
A sound from the apartment.
SAUL
We have something in here.
ANGEL
(very nervous)
OK, um, be careful.
MICHAEL
You okay Angel?
ANGEL
Yeah, I'm fine, come on.
They walk deep into the apartment.
SAUL
(whispers)
Living room clear.
MICHAEL
Check the bedroom.
They move into the bedroom.
SAUL
We got a live one! Looks like her legs are broken.
MICHAEL
Don't get too close.
SAUL
Why not?
MICHAEL
Ma'am, I know you're hurt, but can you hear us?
SAUL
She's crawling towards us.
MICHAEL
She's turned. Shoot her.
ANGEL
(barely holding back tears)
NO! Wait, please, just wait.
MICHAEL
Angel, she's one of them, look at her.
ANGEL
I know, I see it.
MICHAEL
It's her, isn't it?
ANGEL
It's Cindy.
MICHAEL
We don't have much of a choice on this one. What do you want us to do?
SAUL
This bitch is getting closer to me, can I shoot her already?
ANGEL
Don't call her that!
MICHAEL
Angel, we have to do this, but I need you to make the call.
A long pause.
ANGEL
(whispers)
Do it.
BLAM.
MICHAEL
Saul, wait outside with the others.
SAUL
Got it.
MICHAEL
You made the only choice you had, and you know it.
ANGEL
I know.
MICHAEL
Once we get things calmed down a bit, I'll help find a place and we can bury her.
ANGEL
Thanks Michael.
MICHAEL
But right now, we can't do that. We need to continue going through this place. I need to know you're OK to do that.
ANGEL
I am.
MICHAEL
You sure? I can't have any hesitation.
ANGEL
I'm on it, Michael.
MICHAEL
Alright.
They leave the apartment.
PEGS
Is he OK, what happened in there?
MICHAEL
He'll be fine. We found one, but we took care of it.
DATU
Was it Cindy? Aww. Man she was a really nice lady.
Angel starts to break into tears.
DATU (CONT'D)
What'd I say?
MICHAEL
Angel, What the hell?
SAUL
Come on Michael.
MICHAEL
Look, I lost people I love as well and you don't see me breaking down. We can't do this right now.
SAUL
Have a heart, this was like a few feet in front of him.
Angel breaks down further in tears.
PEGS
What the hell is wrong with you Michael?
(Beat)
We all lost people today, Angel. You're not alone.
Michael walks away.
SAUL
Michael, where you going?
MICHAEL
If he gets a moment, I get one too!
Michael enters an apartment.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Come on where are you, I know you had them in here, I could smell them. Shit, here we go. Now where the fuck did you put your lighter?
The sound of a lighter flickers in the background.
RILEY
Need a light?
MICHAEL
Thanks, Riley. You know you shouldn't sneak up on me like that.
Michael inhales and coughs.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Here, you want one.
RILEY
Thanks.
MICHAEL
I quit this a long time ago. Gave it up when I was overseas. I guess I made it long enough.
RILEY
Me too. Stopped cause it was bad for my health, that's the least of my concerns now, right?
MICHAEL
You know, I'll be alright on my own. Saul may need backup, but I sure as hell don't. You don't have to be in here right now.
RILEY
I didn't have to jump onto the back of your Humvee either, but it's a choice I made.
MICHAEL
Why don't you go and try and console Angel. Work some of that magic like you did on Datu.
RILEY
I'm where I should be.
MICHAEL
What does that mean?
RILEY
You may have them fooled, but not me.
MICHAEL
Oh, and how's that?
RILEY
You're hurting right now, but for different reasons.
MICHAEL
Because we had to shoot Angel's girlfriend? Well yeah, I feel bad about it, but it was the right thing to do.
RILEY
No, I mean about the losing loved ones today. The thought never crossed your mind until now, did it?
MICHAEL
(sarcastically)
Yes, it did, bothered me all day.
RILEY
I don't think so.
Michael sits down. Riley closes the door.
RILEY (CONT'D)
Look, it's alright to talk about it.
(Beat)
You don't have anyone do you?
MICHAEL
Maybe I do, and maybe I don't, what does it matter?
RILEY
You look, pretty young, where are your parents?
MICHAEL
Oh god... We're smoking a cigarette not having drinks. I ain't about to give you my life story already.
RILEY
Look, I know I don't know you very well, but we need to look after each. I can see when someone's in pain. I just don't want whatever it is, to get to you.
MICHAEL
And how would that happen?
RILEY
Something back there hurt you as much as Angel is hurting and you're not letting it out, and until you do, it will continue to eat you away.
MICHAEL
It may be cute to think you hold some kind of inspired wisdom that can cure all wounds, but you don't know anything about me. And no quick-fix flirtation is going to heal any open wounds.
Riley Laughs.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
(can't hold his anger and starts to chuckle)
Can you tell me what is so funny? You know you make it really hard to keep a straight face.
RILEY
No, it's not that, it's just, well flirtatious- Seriously, you're not my type. I'm flattered though.
MICHAEL
You know, you have an infectious laugh, anyone ever tell you that?
RILEY
Yeah, few times.
MICHAEL
Made me feel better than all the squabbling you were doing before that.
Door flings open.
SAUL
What's wrong? I thought I heard something scream in here.
MICHAEL
Nope, that would have just been Riley's laugh.
SAUL
Oh, alright. Well anyway Angel's on his feet, and looking for you.
MICHAEL
You heard the man, let's move out.
RILEY
Michael, don't forget what I said, alright?
MICHAEL
Whatever.
Michael continues into the hall.
SAUL
How many floors we got to go?
DATU
Eleven more is all.
SAUL
Holy-shit, eleven? This is going to take forever.
MICHAEL
Especially now that Riley has warned them in their own language. They probably understood that shit.
PEGS
What? I like her laugh.
They enter the stairwell and through the door to the fourth floor.
SAUL
Oh, shit, you smell that?
RILEY
I do now, phew.
MICHAEL
Something's burning, Datu, you have an extinguisher?
DATU
It's down the hall, but I don't see any smoke.
PEGS
Whatever it is, it's awful.
SAUL
Hey Michael, remember suicide gate?
MICHAEL
Why would you bring that up now?
SAUL
Smell familiar?
MICHAEL
A little bit, why?
SAUL
Just a hunch, follow me.
They wander down the halls.
ANGEL
Stay close together.
SAUL
Here, through this door.
DATU
Just a second.
Datu fiddles with the keys and unlocks it.
SAUL
Oh god, yup, I knew it.
RILEY
What, I don't see anything?
SAUL
Michael, why don't you, me and Datu take this one. Angel, you watch the hall with Riley and Pegs.
They wander into the bathroom.
DATU
Holy-
SAUL
Well, That's one way to go.
MICHAEL
Smells just like suicide gate?
SAUL
Yup, you got it.
DATU
What happened there?
MICHAEL
There was a gate outside one of the green zones that was constantly hit by car bombs. When it torched the bodies in the surrounding cars, the smell stayed in the area long after.
SAUL
Look at this, he must have been standing in the bathwater when he reached up and grabbed it. Must have flown like 4 feet.
MICHAEL
What happened to just using a blow dryer or toaster.
DATU
The circuit would have just popped.
SAUL
I guess he didn't want to do it wrong. Look at this, he ripped the entire strand of wires out of the wall. Bit over-kill.
MICHAEL
No pun intended?
(Beat)
Datu, can you shut the power off to this room, so you can get it back on for the rest of the building?
DATU
Of course.
MICHAEL
Saul, go with him downstairs. We'll wait for you.
Datu and Saul head downstairs and Michael shuts the door.
PEGS
What was it?
MICHAEL
Oh, someone chose an alternative to survival.
RILEY
Ew... how?
MICHAEL
Let's just say you don't want this room.
RILEY
Or this floor for that matter, pew.
ANGEL
Well, I think it's safe to say that I'll be staying on the top floor. The further from the ground the better.
MICHAEL
I'm sure you'll think different after 14 flights of steps.
ANGEL
Oh yeah, no elevator.
MICHAEL
Not unless you wanna risk getting stuck.
RILEY
I don't know about you, but I really liked that apartment on the second floor, with the nice TV and the classic modern sofa.
PEGS
I thought that one was nice too. I'll stay with you there.
RILEY
Um. Really, you don't have to, there are a lot of others to choose from.
MICHAEL
You already making stakes on the rooms?
PEGS
Well why not? I mean it is our building now.
MICHAEL
That's one way of looking at it.
ANGEL
You know, I liked the one, what was it, 2b. The one with the nice leather couch and the king size bed.
MICHAEL
See, told you this place was a better idea than the prison.
The lights flicker back on.
ANGEL
Oh nice!
MICHAEL
Now just because the lights are on and this place feels a lot safer, don't go getting complacent on me.
PEGS
What's that mean?
ANGEL
Don't let your guard down.
PEGS
I'm not doing much, so, alright. I'm kinda worthless now, aren't I?
MICHAEL
Maybe you're not able to do something right NOW, but once this place is secure, I'm sure you will be useful. What did you do outside, like for your job.
PEGS
I was a florist.
MICHAEL
OK, um. Well I guess you could, um. Angel?
ANGEL
Got me there, I dunno.
RILEY
Oh come on guys, I thought you had thought this one through.
ANGEL
We did, mostly, I mean we're here aren't we.
RILEY
Look, Pegs, once this place is up and running we're going to need food, and not just what hasn't expired in people's cupboards.
MICHAEL
There you go- You could make a garden on the roof! We're going to need fruit, vegetables, spices-
RILEY
Sure, take my idea.
PEGS
What are you talking about? It's ok to claim a nice place to sleep for a few nights, but you want me to start a garden? How long are we planning on staying here? I'm sure someone will come for us. This will be over in a few days.
MICHAEL
It might, and it might not. I'd rather plan for long term and be rescued tomorrow.
ANGEL
Riley brings up a good point, Michael. But, we need to do more than just planting food. We're going to need to get organized.
MICHAEL
The more people that we can help and have hide out here, the more important it is that they each pull their own weight.
RILEY
Everyone would be more than willing to, I mean Pegs and I would do damn near anything for you after you picked us up.
(Beat)
Wait, I just made us sound like prostitutes.
MICHAEL
Well- I thought that was implied.
RILEY
Oh, come on that's not even funny.
Saul and Datu return.
DATU
Power's back on.
Saul
That's right, everything's all good.
ANGEL
Alright, let's get moving.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
After our first day in the tower, my legs ached like no time before. We couldn't stop and rest before the building was empty and clear. We found a few more of those things, here and there, but no survivors. Each flight of steps made my shins splint and my back ache. I think that first day was the longest for me. By the time we reached the last floor, I thought I was prepared for everything. I was wrong.
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