The Stranger/Transcript

*“I’m no saint. I’m definitely not living up to God’s image. But I’ll tell you one thing, if we didn’t do what we had to do for each other, then we wouldn’t have made it here at all.”* *—Dean*

**Starring:**

Robin Lord Taylor as EDWARD REMAR

Paul Rudd as SOLOMON REED

Steve J. Palmer as AUSTIN KINGSTON

Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE

Anson Mount as MARCUS DOWNES

Michael Shannon as GERALD ROLAND

Stephen Gevedon as DEAN HOWARDS

Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON

Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES

Tom Holland as LLOYD WALLER

**Also Starring**

Kat Dennings as NANCY WARNER

Ming-Na Wen as LEONA HOLLOWAY

Christopher Mintz-Plasse as ELLIOTT ROWE

Owen Wilson as TOBIAS DUKE

Emma Stone as GENNA BROHEM

Kristian Bruun as JUSTIN BENNETT

Toni Collette as NAOMI STAFFORD

Mimi Keene as VIOLET GLOVER

Karen Fukuhara as KAYUMI SHIZUKO

**Guest Starring**

Martin Cummins as CARSON BURKE

Angela Sarafyan as BONNIE HARRELL

Sean Gunn as STANLEY PECK

Ha-Seung-lee as KYORI HYOTEKI

Pete Davidson as DAMIAN HOLT

Austin Crute as LAMAR ADAMS

Clancy Brown as DON CLEMENTS

Abigail Breslin as MACKENZIE BROHEM

Roger Ashton-Griffiths as CHESTER STAFFORD

James Karen as RICHARD NEUBLE

Alison Wright as HEATHER SOLIS

Xander Berkeley as FATHER DONOVAN

Lochlyn Munro as TODD GLOVER

Dylan O'Brien as CHRISTOPHER WOODS

Joey Ritcher as JOSEPH BENSON

Bill Paxton as TEX

Natalie Gold as IRENE KINGSTON

Dave Fennoy as DAMERAE BADRICK

Samuel L. Jackson as DERRICK WILLIAMS

**Co-Starring**

Rebel Wilson as EVELYN NELSON

Charlie Tahan as SETH HAYNES

DeObia Oparei as WAITA MATHANI

Jefferson Hall as LANCEL

Jefferson Arca as DEVON

Andrew Santino as CAMERON

Ivanna Sakhno as ULGA

Richard Riehle as BARRY CHALLIS

Ben Miles as CHARLES HOPKINS

Kathryn Hahn as MAGGIE HOPKINS

Angourie Rice as MELANIE HOPKINS

Keiko Agena as JOSLYN LARKIN

Chester Rushing as JERRY RHODES

Kedar Williams-Stirling as BLAKE CHRISTIAN

Judah Lewis as TRISTAN

Ed Oxenbould as HENRY STAFFORD

Vince Valenzuela as JOHNNY

Curtiss Cook as LELAND

David Ury as GEORGE

Cameron Crovetti as RYAN KINGSTON

Nathan Mitchell as JEREMIAH HURST

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**Scene #1**

**WILLAMETTE - BAR - NOON**

GEORGE steps out of his truck, tugging at his beard. He looks up at the building in front of him, a bar, and starts to approach the front door, taking note of the neon *Open* sign hanging crookedly in one window.

Entering the building, he sees that it’s a bit of a mess. Beer bottles, full and empty, sit on tables across the room, and there’s a man snoring in one corner. George starts to head towards the counter, and behind it, he sees a man wearing a cowboy hat sleeping.

***George:*** *Hey, buddy.*

There’s no reply.

***George: (He clears his throat)*** *Hey!*

Finally, AUSTIN KINGSTON snorts, awaking. He looks up, blinking rapidly, wondering if he was still dreaming.

***Austin:*** *Who the hell are you? How’d you get in?*

***George:*** *Door’s unlocked. The sign says you’re open. Are you open?*

Austin, rather than answering, slowly gets to his feet, rubbing his eyes. He walks over to a tap, splashing water on his face.

***Austin:*** *What time is it?*

***George: (Checking his watch)*** *12:24.*

***Austin:*** *Fucking-- it’s already noon?*

Grumbling, Austin dries his face with a cloth.

***George:*** *What was that?*

***Austin:*** *What’re you here for?* ***(He turns around)***

***George:*** *This is a bar ain’t it?* ***(He smiles, chuckling quietly)***

***Austin:*** *You got money?*

***George:*** *I didn’t come here to steal liquor. ‘Course I got money.*

The man takes out a five dollar bill, while seating himself on a stool.

***George:*** *Gimme a glass of bourbon, whatever that’ll get me. Don’t matter the brand. Oh, and add some ice.*

Austin silently takes the man’s money, and yawns as he starts to get his drink.

***Austin:*** *I ain’t seen you around before… I think.*

***George:*** *You haven’t. Just moved here, friend. From Minnesota.*

***Austin:*** *Minnesota? What the hell made you move down here?*

With George’s drink ready, Austin places it down in front of him. George takes a sip, nodding.

***George:*** *Thanks. Mmm. Decided I wanted a change of scenery, I suppose. Wasn’t much left for me up there anyway. I lived in Silver Bay -- decent place, but winter was hell.*

***Austin:*** *Heh. Welcome to the most boring town in all of America. And let me be the first to tell you - it gets pretty bad here in the winter too.*

George simply nods, going back to his drink for a few moments. After placing it back down, he glances over at Austin.

***George:*** *So what’s your deal? You live here or something? I’ve got a feeling that front door wasn’t left open on purpose.*

***Austin: (Scratching his nose)*** *Might as well live here. The wife fuckin’ hates me. Every time I go home it’s,* ***(Mocking his wife’s voice)*** *‘When are you going to stop drinking, Austin? When are you going to stop being so worthless?’ I’m tired of it.*

***George:*** *I hear you on that one.*

***Austin:*** *You married?*

***George:*** *Was. I worked my ass off for her, and all she did was complain, complain, complain. If I didn’t divorce her when I did, I swear I might’ve killed her.*

***Austin:*** *Hm…*

Austin looks away in deep thought.

***Austin:*** *You know-- You know, my son turned nine the other week. Kid’s growing up fast* ***(He smiles lightly)***. *He was, uh, having a birthday party. Just him and some of his school friends. Of course, I showed up - had a present for him. But when I walked through the front door -- my wife is standing there, staring at me - like a hawk. And you know what she does? She forces me back outside-- told me I stunk of alcohol. Didn’t even let me drop off his present.* ***(He shakes his head, narrowing his eyes)*** *I could’ve argued there with her all day, but I didn’t wanna ruin the boy’s birthday.*

***George:*** *You and your wife don’t sound too happy together. Why keep the marriage going? Divorce her like I did my ex-wife.*

Austin looks up at the man with a look that said he was offended.

***Austin:*** ***(Sternly)*** *No.*

***George:*** *Hm.* ***(He shrugs)*** *Whatever. Your life, not mine.*

George finishes his drink, and slides the empty glass over to Austin. He pulls out a dollar bill, placing it down.

***George:*** *Pour me a little more.*

Austin does as requested, silently. When George gets his drink, there’s an awkward silence between the two men for a long few moments.

***Austin:*** *What’s your name?*

***George:*** *George. You're Austin, right?*

***Austin:*** *Mhm.*

***George: (Finishing his drink)*** *You sell good alcohol, Austin. I’ll probably stick around here for a while - as long as this construction job I’ve landed sticks. I’ll see you around.*

He stands, beginning to head to the door.

***George:*** *Hope your marriage works out.*

He then exits the bar, heading back to his truck.

***Austin: (Quietly)*** *Hm… Yeah, thanks.*

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**Scene #2**

**WILLAMETTE - KINGSTON HOME - LATE EVENING**

That night, AUSTIN KINGSTON finds himself pulling into his driveway, the headlights of his truck shining against the garage door. The truck rolls to a halt, and Austin turns off the headlights, and shuts off the engine. He grunts, stepping out, closing the door, and making his way up to his front door, humming to himself. He unlocks the door with ease, and walks into the dark room. He closes and locks the door behind him, before kicking off his boots.

The man makes his way to the kitchen, searching the fridge for anything - but nothing inside appetizes him. Sighing, he closes the fridge, about to just hit the hay, when something catches his eye in the backyard. He stops, looking out, where he sees his wife, IRENE KINGSTON, smoking a cigarette and shaking her head. He hears her sob quietly - and is about to go outside, but he stops himself. He can’t bring himself to go out there, and so after a few moments, he lets go of the back doorknob, and walks away, falling into bed in his room.

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**Scene #3**

**WILLAMETTE - KINGSTON HOME - MORNING**

Before he knew it, morning had come, the sunlight from outside his window blinding him. He rolls over to get away from the light - and a few minutes later, he gets out of bed, preparing for the day.

AUSTIN KINGSTON eventually leaves his room, walking down the hallway to the kitchen, where IRENE KINGSTON is scrambling eggs on the stove.

***Austin:*** *Morning.*

Irene completely ignores her husband, as she scrapes the eggs into a bowl, and places the bowl onto the kitchen table.

***Irene:*** *Ryan! Get up and come eat breakfast!*

***Austin: (He scoffs, shaking his head)*** *‘Well, good morning, Austin’.*

She continues to ignore him, and starts walking into the kitchen. It’s just then that Austin remembers what he’d seen last night, prompting him to follow her into the living room.

***Austin:*** *Irene. Irene, are you okay?*

***Irene:*** *What? I’m fine.*

***Austin:*** *I, uh--* ***(He coughs)*** *I saw you out in the yard when I got home last night. I was gonna go out-- but I just… You know, I don’t know, I don’t. I just wanna check on you, you know?*

Irene looks at him, biting down on her lip, considering how to respond.

***Irene:*** *No, I’m not okay, if you really wanted to know.*

***Austin:*** *Well-- what - what’s wrong? You okay-- Are you sick? What- You can tell me.*

***Irene:*** *No, it’s not that - just-- drop it, okay? I’m fine.*

***Austin:*** *Irene, come on, you can talk to me. What’s wrong with you, then? I don’t think I’ve seen you smoke since--*

***Irene:*** *Fine. Fine, are you that desperate to know?* ***(She glares at him)*** *I was thinking about you. More specifically - what the fuck happened to you. I mean-- Jesus Christ. You actually* ***used*** *to be a good person. Now all you do is drink and-- fucking drink some more. God, you are a piece of shit, you do know that, right?*

Austin simply sighs, pocketing his hands. He’d heard this all before.

***Austin:*** *Irene--*

***Irene:*** *Shut up. What were you gonna say? What’s your excuse this time, Austin? You don’t have one. You don’t. I’m fucking sick of it. I-- I just don’t know anymore, Austin. Look at you. Look at yourself. Is this how you want to live the rest of your life? God…* ***(She wipes her eyes)*** *I just wish I’d chosen anybody but you. And you know what? I’m--*

She abruptly stops, taking a deep breath.

***Austin:*** *You’re what?*

She turns away, walking down the hallway.

***Austin:*** *Irene!*

She doesn’t stop, and Austin remains where he is, before going to sit on the couch, a feeling of worthlessness washing over him, a feeling that leaves him empty and regretful.

***Irene:*** *Ryan. Come on and eat, you have to go to school in five minutes.*

Moments later, RYAN KINGSTON is seen walking down the hall, and through to the kitchen, passing by his father.

***Ryan: (Quietly)*** *Hi, dad.*

***Austin: (Smiling briefly)*** *Hey, kiddo.*

Austin looks back down, and remains seated on the couch, thinking to himself for the next few minutes until Irene leaves to take Ryan to school. That’s when he finally gets up, gets his things, and heads outside towards his truck.

Next to the Kingston’s home, JEREMIAH HURST, a middle-aged man wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase, is seen leaving for work.

***Jeremiah:*** *Morning, Austin.*

***Austin: (Mumbling)*** *Good morning.*

***Jeremiah:*** *How’s the family?*

***Austin:*** *Fine.*

Austin opens the door to his truck, not wanting to waste his time talking with Jeremiah. Realizing this, Jeremiah quickly asks something.

***Jeremiah:*** *My boy was thinking about laser tag for his birthday next month. You think Ryan would wanna go? I know Jamie would love it if he was there.*

***Austin:*** *Yeah, whatever. Talk to my wife about it. I gotta go to work.*

***Jeremiah:*** *I’ll do that--*

Jeremiah is cut off by the sound of the truck door slamming shut as Austin climbs in. As Austin exits his driveway, Jeremiah goes to get into his own car, frowning.

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**Scene #4**

**WORTHWOOD - AUSTIN’S LODGE - EARLY MORNING**

AUSTIN KINGSTON awakes sometime early in the morning, *very* early in the morning, Austin judges by the pitch black sky outside. He climbs out of bed to get a better look outside, and sees a ghost town. All the lights to other lodges are off, and there’s nobody out walking as far as the eye can see.

He sighs, stretching and yawning, and getting ready to go, putting on his clothes. When he’s done, he swipes up an uncomfortable backpack, and leaves his lodge.

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**Scene #5**

**WORTHWOOD - GARAGE - EARLY MORNING**

A few minutes after leaving his lodge, AUSTIN KINGSTON nears the Worthwood garage, his backpack over his shoulders already annoying him. Sticking half-way out of one of the open garage doors is an RV, and next to it is GENNA BROHEM and MACKENZIE BROHEM.

The sisters, hearing his footsteps, turn around.

***Genna:*** *Oh. There you are. You’re just in time, I was about to go wake you up if you were any later.*

***Mackenzie:*** *Hi!* ***(She waves)*** *I think we’re good to go.*

***Austin:*** *If I was any later? Jesus-- it’s like fucking three in the morning. Did we have to leave this early?* ***(He glances towards Mackenzie)*** *Yeah. Hello. Good to see you.*

Mackenzie’s face goes pale upon hearing his bitterness.

***Mackenzie:*** ***(Stammering, uncomfortable)*** *Uh-- We-- just have to be ready. You know - to recruit people? When it’s later-- people usually - uh--*

***Genna:*** *She’s right. So enough with the attitude. This is just what we got to do as recruiters. So come on, we’ve got a bit of a drive. Maybe you can get some sleep along the way.* ***(To Mackenzie)*** *I’ll drive.*

Mackenzie looks down, a bit flustered, but glad that Genna had answered for it.

***Austin:*** ***(Under his breath)*** *Sleep on the way… Whatever you say.*

The three of them enter the RV, and once ready, Genna starts up the vehicle, driving towards the front gate, where two men standing guard open it for them. They drive out.

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**Scene #6**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EARLY EVENING**

During one quiet evening at the campsite, NANCY WARNER is by the supply wagon. She huffs, wiping her hands, having just finished stacking some boxes of supplies onto it. She looks over at CARSON BURKE, while taking a seat to rest.

***Carson:*** *That’s just about everything. All that’s left are the tents. Though, I imagine you want to leave those up until Edward gets back.*

***Nancy:*** *I don’t know. I think he’s being rash… and impulsive… y’know, in going on some big hunt through the woods for him, but… I don’t know, Carson. If Edward thinks it’s for the best, and that he’s keeping the group safe, who are we to argue with him? It’s not like we know any better. Being sheltered by Kurt didn’t exactly prepare us for much of… well, anything.*

***Bonnie:*** *Here.*

BONNIE HARRELL comes walking over carrying a cardboard box.

***Bonnie:*** *That’s the last of everything that was in the tents* ***(She smiles)***.

***Nancy:*** *Thanks, Bonnie. Just leave it there. I’ll load it onto the wagon.*

***Bonnie:*** *Of course.*

She nods, placing the box down, before turning around. Suddenly, the voice of STANLEY PECK is heard yelling through camp.

***Stanley:*** *Incoming!*

Stanley aims a rifle towards the woods, seeing a group approaching the camp. Nancy looks over, starting to approach Stanley.

***Nancy:*** *What is it? Are they back?*

***Stanley:*** *I’m not sure… can’t quite make ‘em out from here… but--*

***Edward:*** *LOWER THE RIFLE YOU IMBECILE!*

***Stanley:*** *Oh yep… that’s them.*

Stanley pouts, putting the gun down as EDWARD REMAR, KYORI HYOTEKI, ELLIOTT ROWE and LEONA HOLLOWAY push through some trees, nearing camp. Nancy narrows her eyes, seeing Leona accompanying the other three.

***Nancy:*** *There’s another person with them.*

***Carson:*** *Is it the prisoner? Did they capture him?*

***Nancy:*** *…I don’t think that’s the prisoner* ***(She shrugs)***.

When Edward and the others finally make it into the center of camp with everyone else, Nancy steps forward.

***Nancy:*** *What happened?*

***Edward:*** *We found him. Everything’s fine now. We won’t have to worry about moving away in a rush.*

***Nancy:*** *Well… we’re already packed up. You were making it sound serious.*

***Edward:*** *It was serious, and it was solved* ***(He nods)***. *Thanks to Leona here. Besides… it’s a good thing you packed regardless. We’ll leave here tomorrow morning.*

***Nancy:*** *The prisoner… is he…?*

***Edward:*** *Dead? Oh yes, he is* ***(He smiles)***. *A good thing too… he tried to murder Elliott.*

***Nancy:*** *What?* ***(She looks at Elliott)***

***Elliott:*** ***(Mumbling)*** *Mmm-- I- I don’t want to talk about it.*

Elliott rubs the scar on his neck, gently.

***Elliott:*** *Yes-- he… had a knife to me.*

***Nancy:*** *Oh my god… Well, I’m glad you’re okay. Get Evelyn to take a look at your scar, she’s still in her tent.*

Elliott nods silently, as he walks off to her tent.

***Edward: (To Nancy)*** *Anything worth reporting?*

***Nancy:*** *We’ve been packing things into boxes and lifting those boxes into the wagons… that’s about it. What will you have us do now?*

***Edward:*** *Rest… We’ll figure things out in the morning. Leave the tents up overnight.*

Edward starts to walk away, while Nancy watches him - before suddenly shooting a look at Leona.

***Nancy:*** *Hey… wait… what about--*

***Leona:*** *I’ll be out of your hair soon enough. As soon as I’m paid for saving your friend’s life.*

Edward stops in his tracks, looking back at Leona briefly. There’s a moment of hesitation before he speaks.

***Edward:*** *Of course.*

Edward again starts walking towards his personal tent.

***Nancy:*** *Oh-- Edward--- wait--*

***Edward:*** *What?*

***Nancy:*** *Just… uh…* ***(She nods towards his tent)*** *He’s been waiting to have a word with you.*

Edward sighs, looking at his tent.

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**Scene #7**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EARLY EVENING**

EDWARD REMAR opens the tent flap, stepping inside to see SOLOMON REED with his back turned to him. Upon hearing him enter, Solomon turns.

***Solomon:*** *Took you long enough. So what happened out there with Patrick?*

***Edward:*** *He’s dead. I hope you’re happy. You forced my hand.*

Solomon looks on, frowning with anger.

***Solomon:*** *‘Forced your hand’. All he did was steal. He didn’t have any intent to harm us, did he? Did you shoot him when you saw him, or did I ‘force your hand’ to shoot him? If you hadn’t been running the camp like Badrick did with his Rastas, or Kurt here prior to us, you’d have been able to settle the issue differently -- but no, you just had to keep that anger in you and kill an innocent man. This isn’t who we are, Edward. I should’ve known when we were on the road this was where we were heading to. You want to rule things but you don’t give a shit about whose side you’re on. It’s kill or be killed in your world. How many more lives are you gonna take away for something so small?*

***Edward:*** *You defied my orders. You endangered everyone when you set him free. He could’ve come back and killed us in our sleep! He could’ve been part of a larger group and come back to raid us! I went after him to* ***prevent*** *that. A no good thief. He could’ve approached us and* ***asked*** *for supplies. Had he strolled up to me and asked to join us, he very well could have. We can’t afford to look weak, Solomon. We have to be strong out here. It’s how we SURVIVE! And he hadn’t just stolen from us… he’d stolen from another person, too. One who helped us track him down. And when we found him? He held a knife to Elliott’s throat and could have killed him. We were fortunate our new friend stepped in and prevented him from doing so.*

Solomon stands there, a little shocked by the news, before he continues, raising his voice a bit this time.

***Solomon:*** *It wouldn’t have escalated to knifepoint if you were more civil about things! Instead you HAPPILY took him prisoner once you caught him instead of being more civilized about the whole ordeal, and then once you took him in you got a hard on for beating the shit out of him from what I saw. Beating prisoners isn’t something a civilized leader would have done, but instead you took it as some seemingly sort of sadistic pleasure you took joy in. And you had more joy in beating a prisoner instead of treating the situation as a duty.*

Edward swallows angrily, gritting his teeth.

***Edward:*** *How I treat prisoners is irrelevant. They’re scum. Who* ***cares*** *if we bruise them up a little bit? Who* ***cares*** *how we TREAT them? It’s punishment. It’s making an example out of them.*

***Solomon:*** *It’s ironic you say that when you met Clyde, and he was a prisoner at one point. Isn’t that how you met him? How you found love at first sight and how you found someone you’d die for in the end after spending time with him? You fought to hell and back for him and he never once feared you like Patrick did. Maybe Patrick would’ve been a decent person had you treated him like you did with Clyde and not beat him you fucking hypocrite.*

His eyes widen, a shaky breath coming from Edward, as he stares daggers through Solomon.

***Edward:*** *How dare you… How dare you say that. Clyde was… Clyde was not my prisoner. That is… Don’t you even pretend to understand anything about the things I’ve done. You’ve heard* ***stories***. *That is all.*

He clenches his cane, cheeks red, glaring at Solomon still.

***Edward:*** *I’m not having this conversation with you. Get your loyalties in check, Solomon. Get out of my tent.*

Turning, Solomon starts to walk out, stepping past Edward.

***Solomon:*** *Get your rage in check.*

Solomon steps out of the tent.

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**Scene #8**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EARLY EVENING**

Back outside, LEONA HOLLOWAY is leaning up against a tree near the edge of camp, simply observing everyone. She looks down at her sniper rifle, inspecting it, before the sound of approaching footsteps causes her to look up again.

***Nancy:*** *Hi.*

***Leona:*** *Hey.*

***Nancy:*** *Thanks for… saving Elliott, by the way. He’s a good guy.*

Leona continues looking at her.

***Nancy:*** *I’m Nancy, by the way.*

She extends a hand to her, but Leona simply quickly glances at her hand, then looks back down at her rifle, which she is holding with both hands. Slowly, NANCY WARNER retracts her arm.

***Nancy:*** *Right. Handshakes aren’t your thing, that’s cool. And… your hands are full, I guess. What exactly, uh… what kind of payment did Edward promise you?*

***Leona:*** *He just told me I’d be paid. Some supplies will do. I lost what I had to that thief, and there’s no chance of me retrieving it anymore.*

Speaking of EDWARD REMAR, it’s then that the man is seen walking over with his cane.

***Edward:*** *Getting along, are we?*

***Nancy:*** *Something like that.*

***Edward:*** *Well, if you don’t mind. I need to have a word with Leona.*

***Nancy:*** *Of course* ***(She nods)***. *See ya’.*

When Nancy walks off, Edward turns to face Leona.

***Edward:*** *Enjoying your stay?*

***Leona:*** *Not really, no. Are you just trying to waste my time?*

***Edward:*** *Guilty* ***(He raises a hand)***. *You got me.*

Leona stares, not the slightest bit amused.

***Edward:*** *Waste your time, no. Stall you? Yes.*

***Leona:*** *Why?*

***Edward:*** *Because you’re skilled. And you’re serious. And I need that by my side.*

***Leona:*** *I already told you. I work alone.*

***Edward:*** *You worked quite well with us back there. You saved my friend’s life. You didn’t have to do that.*

***Leona:*** *I was feeling generous… it was just spur-of-the-moment.*

***Edward:*** *What was in the backpack that he stole from you and lost? What were you tracking him for?*

***Leona:*** *Personal items. None of your business.*

***Edward:*** *Things that were sentimental to you. Personal belongings, I see. Something stupid, right? Like a childhood blanket, or a lucky charm. Those things we care so much about… get so caught up over. Things you can’t put a price on?*

***Leona:*** *Stop interrogating me.*

***Edward:*** *I don’t mean to come off as forceful. I’m only trying to identify with you. If you’re just going to leave after I pay you, what does it matter if you tell me what was in the bag?*

***Leona:*** *A scrapbook. Pictures of me and my girlfriend. Everything I had left of her. I’ll never see her face again. Now, it only exists in my memory. Soon enough, I’ll forget what she looked like. Is that what you wanted to hear?* ***(She steps forward)*** *Are you happy now?*

***Edward:*** *And you… could’ve interrogated him for the location of the bag. But you chose to save Elliott instead* ***(He smiles)***. *What will you do now, Leona? Where will you go? What are you fighting for?*

***Leona:*** *You’re bombarding me with questions that I don’t want to answer.*

***Edward:*** *Join me. Find new purpose with me and my crew. I’m going to accomplish big things. Help me achieve my goals and you’ll be right there at the top with me.*

***Leona:*** *I already told you--*

***Edward:*** *Just… consider it. I know what it’s like to be caught up on someone. But it sounds to me like you’re just roaming the world like a zombie yourself with no purpose. You’re smart and you’re skilled and it’s no use wasting your talent doing nothing. Make your loved one proud by moving on and making something of yourself. And trust me, I’m your best bet at accomplishing that.*

***Leona:*** *I want my payment… and then I’m* ***leaving***.

***Edward:*** *…Very well. We’ll give you a new backpack and as much food as you can carry.*

Edward turns.

***Edward:*** *Thank you for the help. It was lovely to make your acquaintance… if only briefly. I’ll have Nancy arrange your supplies.*

Leona exhales, watching as the man hobbles away.

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**Scene #9**

**WORTHWOOD - KATE’S LODGE - MORNING**

Hours after the Worthwood recruiters leave, KATE BLOODSTONE wakes up in her lodge, the sun shining bright outside. Gently, she removes MARCUS DOWNES’ arm off of her, and sits up.

***Marcus:*** *Mmmmm… You don’t wanna stay in bed a little longer?*

***Kate:*** *Easy, tiger. I’ve got work to do.*

***Marcus:*** *Yeahhh… You come get me if you need anything.*

Marcus groans, rolling over, eyes still closed. Meanwhile, Kate gets herself dressed, then steps into the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. She nods confidently.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #10**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - COUNCIL CHAMBERS**

In the council chambers, GERALD ROLAND sits at the head of the table, a rather dull expression on his face, as the council goes over the usual talking points.

***Chester:*** *Mr. Hopkins has reported that the construction crew are running low on steel beams for the expansion, and one of the machines in the sawmill has stopped working. The crew are also dissatisfied with the rations they are being provided, I believe morale is low among them as they feel what they are being given is not enough for the very demanding nature of their job physically.*

***Justin: (He scoffs)*** *What? Do they want a fuckin’ banquet? Maybe a five course meal? Some caviar for each nail that they whack with a hammer, or whatever?*

***Richard: (He sighs)*** *I’m tired of people around here -- acting as if they’re entitled to everything. Everyone gets the same amount, every day. That’s how it’s always been, and how it should be. They’ve ‘ought to feel lucky. Most days, I feel as though my granddaughter barely gets enough for a full meal…*

***Justin:*** *Little dramatic there, Rich? Judging by your waistline, the community isn’t the only thing expanding, you get me?* ***(He chuckles)*** *I know, I know. I’m bad.*

***Naomi:*** *How many lines of coke did you do this morning, Justin? One? Two?*

***Justin:*** *Okay, I see how it is. Listen, Naomi. It helps me function better, okay? It does* ***(He raises his hands defensively)***.

***Naomi:*** *You are around my son with all of that nonsense every single day. It is disgusting.* ***(She shakes her head)*** *I mean you’re exposing him to-- to dangerous substances!*

***Richard:*** *And here I thought cocaine was meant to bring out the creative parts of a person. A pity--you’re as predictable as a gamblers pocket* ***(He smiles, leaning back)***.

***Naomi:*** *Chester, tell him. Tell him he’s around our son with all of those… those illicit substances!*

CHESTER STAFFORD looks over, having been daydreaming.

***Chester:*** *Hm? Sorry, dear?*

***Naomi:*** *Oh for the love of god, tell him, Chester! Now!*

Chester frowns, and looks towards JUSTIN BENNETT, timidly leaning forward.

***Chester:*** *Justin, perhaps it--*

***Justin:*** *Yeah, shut the fuck up? Yeah?*

***Chester:*** *Right.*

NAOMI STAFFORD rolls her eyes, shaking her head. At the head of the table, Gerald sighs.

***Gerald:*** *Okay, that’s enough. Let’s get back on topic. The last thing we want is a bitter construction crew. We need them at their best if we want this expansion to be worth all of the resources it’s eating up. We can up the construction crew’s rations… a bit, and just a bit.* ***(He sighs, rubbing his eyes)*** *All of this bickering is giving me a headache, so please, let’s have an easy morning with no more--*

The door to the council chambers is heard clacking as it’s pushed open. KATE BLOODSTONE confidently steps in, approaching the table.

***Gerald:*** *…distractions.*

***Naomi:*** *Uhm, I’m sorry, how did she get in here?* ***(To Kate)*** *How did you get in here?*

***Gerald:*** *Well, isn’t this a… pleasant surprise… Good morning… Kate.*

***Naomi:*** *Don’t we have armed guards? Gerald, don’t you have a bodyguard?*

***Kate:*** *Morning, everyone.*

***Naomi:*** *How did she get in here?*

***Justin:*** *I’m sorry, armed guards? Armed fucking guards, Naomi? Really? Did you think those up in your dreams?*

***Naomi:*** *Oh be quiet, you.* ***(To Gerald)*** *Why is she in here?*

Gerald leans back in his chair, looking at Kate across the table.

***Gerald:*** *What brings you here, Kate?*

HEATHER SOLIS suddenly speeds into the room, panting.

***Heather:*** *Mr. Roland, I’m so sorry, she just barged in--*

***Gerald:*** *Yep. Can see that, Heather. Thank you.*

***Justin:*** *Great job, Heather. As usual* ***(He smiles mockingly)***.

Sighing, Heather walks back out.

***Naomi:*** *Uhm, Heather could you get someone to escort her out--*

Naomi falls silent, seeing as Heather is already gone.

***Kate:*** *I’m here because of what we talked about at the party. It’s important that we work together moving forward, and have some goodwill. I want to see how you run things here, to give you a chance to show me and my people how you run things here. Let us help you, like your people helped us by bringing us here.*

***Naomi:*** *Well, thank you for that, but--*

***Kate:*** *No, thank you, Naomi. I’m eager to get started. So… Gerald? What do you say? Allow me to sit in on this one?*

Justin looks around the table as the rest of the council sits in silence.

***Justin:*** *Is this fucking real? Are you being serious right now?*

***Gerald:*** *Kate… uh… I would’ve rather you didn’t… er… spring this on me, er, us, but I suppose that… Well, you’re here now, so…*

***Naomi:*** *Wait, what?* ***(She looks at Gerald with fiery eyes)*** *We cannot just let her walk in here with such disrespect and-- and reward her for acting out like some brat! If she wants goodwill, she has to earn it!*

She frowns, crossing her arms, while looking around at everyone else.

***Naomi:*** *RIGHT?*

***Richard:*** *Right you are, Naomi.*

RICHARD NEUBLE sits up, looking upon Kate with sympathy, yet a cold gaze.

***Richard:*** *Maybe you’ve never been told no before, so you don’t quite get the concept--but let me just put it plainly for you, Mrs… Lady-- if you can’t respect us, can you at least respect yourself? You’ve made yourself a fool EVERY time you’ve come in here, what exactly are you expecting? Do you just like hearing yourself talk? You fancy yourself some radio jockey? To be frank, you suck at it. You’re not entertaining at all. I’m sorry if this hurts, but it seems like--you really need to hear it.*

Richard sits back again, folding his arms, looking firmly at Kate.

***Kate:*** *Thank you for that, Richard. Maybe we can discuss it more over the course of the meeting* ***(She smiles)***. *I don’t want to waste any more time, though, so…*

She stops, stepping forward slowly, where she grabs a vacant sixth chair tucked underneath the table. She pulls it out, dragging it along, making a horrible scraping sound, then, with a smile, sits down and tucks herself in, now sitting directly opposite Gerald.

***Kate:*** *…let’s get started.*

Naomi stares, her jaw dropping. Richard does the same, looking at her, confused, giving a few blinks, his face twitching, while Justin leans back, a look of amusement on his face.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #11**

**WORTHWOOD - CHURCH - MORNING**

DEAN HOWARDS stands outside of the church, gazing up at the building - an emotion washing over him, something he’d not felt in a long time. Nervousness. Inside, he knows that there are normal people. His nervousness makes him feel like a real person again - and brings a light smile to his face. Slowly, he starts to approach the building, going up the steps and opening the front doors. He shuffles through, staring ahead at the altar, at the hulking statue of Jesus on the cross.

FATHER DONOVAN stands behind a lectern on stage. The interior isn’t very large - and it’s clear that it used to just be some old cabin that’d been repurposed and refurbished with furniture to look more like a traditional church. There’s a few different pews inside, and some people sitting on them, including BARRY CHALLIS, and the entire Hopkins family.

***Donovan:*** *Ahhh. I was beginning to worry you weren’t coming.*

Donovan reaches for his cane, and starts to hobble off stage, hacking and coughing in the process. He walks halfway down the aisle to meet Dean.

***Dean:*** *Just--trying to do something new- I guess.*

***Donovan:*** *Heh. ‘Atta boy* ***(He pats him on the shoulder)***. *‘Atta boy… How about you take a seat* ***(He clears his throat loudly).*** *Right here, on the front row. As close to the lord as possible.*

***Dean:*** *--Yeah-- ‘course.*

Dean nods, beginning to shuffle his way over there, aware of all the eyes watching him, beginning to worry him. He takes his seat, and looks up at the statue of Jesus, admiring it.

Donovan retakes his place behind the lectern.

***Donovan:*** *…Very good. Folks, I’d like you all to make sure that this new gentleman feels welcome here at the church. Warm smiles all around, please. We’re joined here today by… What’s your name, son?*

***Dean:*** *Oh-- uh-- Dean. Howards-- You, uh-- could just call me Dean.*

***Donovan:*** *Dean… Deeeeean. Welcome, Dean. You’re in the lord’s house now. Now, folks, as you can see…* ***(He raises a hand)*** *Dean is the only member of his group that decided to come to church. The only sinner who is interested in being cleansed and born anew with the lord’s blessing… and protection. For that, I salute you, my son.*

Dean looks around, still very confused by everything. But he stays positive, and nods briefly, smiling.

***Donovan:*** *The horrors of the outside world are kept at bay by the lord’s walls. For he blessed us with this haven that is Worthwood Castle. For he blessed us with the means to protect ourselves from the devil’s soldiers as they walk the earth trying to snuff out each and every one of God’s good followers. But do not be deceived, for the devil’s army comes in all shapes and sizes… The rotting corpses that we’ve come to fear are not the only demons in this world, no. The worst of the sinners take the deceptive form of God’s own creation-- man himself. Despicable acts and atrocities are committed beyond our walls. Inhumane acts that cause immense suffering to the victims… and that brings us to… all of the blessed people who are fortunate enough to seek refuge in Worthwood, the people we let into our walls and community out of the kindness of our hearts. Dean is one of those lucky individuals.*

The Priest looks down towards Dean.

***Donovan:*** *And I suspect… that Dean… has a lot to get off his chest. Confess to your sins, son. The first step to being cleansed is to seek forgiveness from the lord for the terrible things you’ve had to do to survive. So, Dean…*

He begins to hobble towards him again.

***Donovan:*** *Speak your truth, my boy. Speak your truth and tell us… what have you done, sinner?*

Dean looks up, his smile gone by this point. His mind wanders, and he opens his mouth to speak.

***Dean:*** *Father-- Respectfully, I-- don’t feel comfortable to talk about these subjects at this time.*

***Donovan:*** *But you must. Show no cowardice for your sins. Own them and take accountability! This is the first step towards taking the lord’s hand and being shown the light once again.*

Dean sits in silence, staring blankly at the man for a few moments. He pushes away the thoughts in his mind, then tries to speak again.

***Dean:*** *The--- sins-- I committed-- Well. I’ve done a lot. A lot of things that- most normal people should never have to do. I-- my group-- have witnessed horrific- horrific tragedies. Deaths-- Having to… take lives. Everything that we’ve done, we did to protect--keep each other safe. Much like a family would. I did a lot but… I don’t regret all of it. You gotta do what you have to do to keep your own safe.*

Donovan grimaces, wheezing in response, almost losing his balance.

***Donovan:*** *You… you wha--t? I think there’s, uh… some kind of mistake here. You should regret your sins, Dean. You’ve done… terrible things. I can see it in your eyes. Taking life is… no joke. No joke at all. You sir, are a coward. You’re a coward. You’re trying to justify the horrible things you’ve done.*

Dean’s eyes change, taken aback by the man’s sudden hostility.

***Dean:*** *…Respectfully-- I never said that taking a life was a joke. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever had to do. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. I’m not trying to say that what I did was good. None of us believe so. We just--had to. That’s all there is to it. I’m happy to turn over a new leaf. That’s what I’m here for.*

***Donovan: (He exhales, taking a deep breath)*** *And now, you must be cleansed of your sins, you’re right. And the first thing you have to do, son, is come to terms with the fact that you are a terrible person. The lord will not extend you an arm if you are still in denial of that fact. Confess.*

The memories in Dean’s mind become harder to push away, everything coming flooding back to him. All of the horrible things he’s seen and done. His chin trembles, his eyes changing again.

***Dean:*** *I’m sorry. I don’t have to confess anything to you, Father. That’s the end of it. Just do the sermon.*

***Donovan:*** *Then you’re nothing but a no-good sinner. You and the rest of your people are condemned to damnation. Ignorance at its finest. This, dear people, is a coward. A wolf among the sheep.*

Dean stares at the priest, hands resting on his knees. He begins to grip his knees harder, his nose twitching. Now, he could see Jim’s face clear as day in front of him, and his mangled, horrific body, blood spilling from his wounds. He sees Jeanne, and remembers stomping her head in to get her to let go of him.

***Donovan:*** *Think of the people you’ve killed, Dean. Think about them. Do you even truly regret… any of it?*

Dean glares up at the old man, a glaze building over his eyes. Suddenly, he shoots up robotically, baring his teeth like a wild animal. He power walks towards Donovan, and grabs his collar, lifting him, and slamming his back into the wall, an echo ringing through the church.

***Donovan:*** *What the-- UNHAND ME! Help! Help me!*

***Dean:*** *You shut the fuck up you pathetic worm. You shut the FUCK UP! You listen-- you listen to me. You have no fucking idea what you’re talking about. None of you do. Everything I’ve done? Everything my group has done? You think I don’t fucking think about it every day? You think-- you think I don’t FEEL IT?! I feel it. I think about it every goddamn day. I think about what I did to him. I think about what I did to him every time I close my eyes. When I try to sleep. YOU THINK-- YOU THINK I DON’T FUCKING FEEL IT?!*

Donovan begins to stumble over his words in a panic, while Dean stares at him with bloodshot eyes.

***Donovan:*** *You, you… ghh…*

***Dean:*** *You---- you think I’m some sort of coward. You think I’m vermin.* ***(He turns his head to the crowd)*** *All of you do. You have no idea what it’s like to be out there. I’ll tell you one thing, I’ve got regrets.*

Dean finally lets go of Donovan, letting him slide to the ground huffing and wheezing.

***Dean:*** *I’m no saint. I’m definitely not living up to God’s image. But I’ll tell you one thing, if we didn’t do what we had to do for each other, then we wouldn’t have made it here at all. Nothing would’ve mattered in the end, because we’d all be fucking dead. So yeah, I’m a shitty human being. I know that. But I’m alive. My family is alive. That’s what counts. And for the others-- I wish I was how I am now sooner. Maybe they still would’ve been alive. Maybe I-- maybe I could’ve done something. For you all- to look at us - to think we’re some sort of--some sort of scumbags. You have no goddamn right. You’ve been sitting behind these walls all this time, living peacefully. When outside your door is hell.*

He huffs, trying to recompose himself, while looking back at Donovan, and back at the rest of the churchgoers. CHARLES HOPKINS stands up from within his pew, looking over at Dean.

***Charles:*** *Dean. Please. He acted out of line.*

Dean stares at him, starting to walk away, knowing that he shouldn’t be here.

***Donovan:*** *I’ll… I’ll have the authorities onto you for this! Get out of my church! You have no right to be here in the lord’s house!*

***Dean:*** *…Fuck you, prick.*

He walks down the aisle, past all the pews, and pushes open the doors.

***Donovan:*** *You’ll regret this day, sinner! You-- you will- you will! Mark my words!*

Dean grits his teeth, marching out the door.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #12**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EVENING**

In her tent, EVELYN NELSON is dabbing at ELLIOTT ROWE’s scar with a cloth.

***Evelyn:*** *There is no lasting damage, Elliott. It’s just a little battle scar. You can wear it proudly. You must have been so brave out there* ***(She smiles)***.

***Elliott:*** *Aha… a battle scar. Well, uh-- thanks for taking a look at it… Glad there isn’t any permanent damage.*

EDWARD REMAR suddenly enters the tent, looking towards Elliott.

***Edward:*** *Elliott. Your maps. Get them and meet me in my tent. We need to plan our next move.*

***Elliott:*** *Uhm-- yeah, uh-- my maps… I’ll get them. Just as soon as I’m done here.* ***(He looks at Evelyn)*** *I’m, uh-- good to go?*

***Evelyn:*** *Yes. Fly freely again my brave little butterfly. You are so strong, Elliott* ***(She claps)***.

***Elliott:*** *Haha…*

Elliott stands slowly, and shuffles his way out of the tent.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #13**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EVENING**

ELLIOTT ROWE clears his throat, and points down to one area on the map.

***Elliott:*** *This place, uhm, it’s… good. Agh--*

He scratches the back of his head, still shaken up.

***Elliott:*** *Sorry-- Yeah, so this place here, it’s by a river, not too far from a main road and a town nearby. River could be used for catching fish - I don’t know. Erm--*

He drags his finger along to another location.

***Elliott:*** *This one is closer to that same town, a secluded little area out in the woods. Looks to be out of harm’s way, we shouldn’t be worried about anybody sneaking up on us… like Patrick* ***(He frowns)***. *Uh-- but there’s another place I found way out here* ***(He points to a new area)***. *It looks like a warehouse of sorts… maybe for storing lumber. Again, there’s a small town over thataway. I don’t know… that’s what I’ve got.*

EDWARD REMAR nods slowly at each of Elliott’s suggestions, but then abruptly plants his finger down on something else.

***Edward:*** *What’s this here? I see tracks.*

***Elliott:*** *Looks to be a railyard. Yeah, that’d be my guess.*

***Edward:*** *A good place to make camp. If there are carriages there, they could form a perimeter, keep us enclosed. Secluded. That’s where we’ll head in the morning. I’ll take a small group to scout it out to make sure that it’s safe.*

***Elliott: (Nodding slowly)*** *It’s not a bad idea… Yeah. I guess it works. I hope you don’t plan on bringing me along. I’ve - had enough scouting for now.*

***Edward:*** *I understand. If you’re still shaken up, you can sit this one out. But tell me something, Elliott. Do you want to learn to better protect yourself?*

***Elliott:*** *Well… I-- I guess. Probably, yeah - it’s just a bit -- scary out there.*

***Edward:*** *Of course it is. It’ll always be scary until you learn how to protect yourself. You need to have confidence. Knowing you can protect yourself if things go south will save your mind a lot of trouble. Panicking is the worst thing you can do. I’ll get Stanley to start training you properly.*

***Elliott:*** *Alright…* ***(He nods)***. *Thanks.*

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**Scene #14**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - MORNING**

GENNA BROHEM sits behind the wheel of the RV, driving steadily along a backroad. MACKENZIE BROHEM is in the back, idly sifting through her backpack, while AUSTIN KINGSTON is sitting on another seat in the back, staring out the window, watching the sunrise. They’d been on the road for a few hours now.

Bored out of his mind, and unable to sleep, Austin stands, marching his way down to the front of the vehicle, passing by Mackenzie, and seating himself in the passenger seat beside Genna.

***Genna:*** *Oh, hey. I thought you’d be sleeping. You know -- since you were* ***so*** *tired* ***(She half-smiles)***.

***Austin:*** *Mmm. Can’t sleep. You haven’t told me how we’re meant to do this. How you recruit people. I figure I should probably fucking know.*

***Genna:*** *Relax. I was going to tell you, we’ve still got a bit of a drive anyway. And besides, I thought you were sleeping.*

***Austin:*** *Well, here I am, wide awake. So how about you tell me what we’re doing?*

***Genna:*** *Well… We-- my sister and I -- usually drive around to different towns - looking for groups like yours, or just lone people too. We watch them -- uhm, just to ensure they aren’t a group of bandits that kill or rob anyone they come across. We’ve… encountered a few of those. But-- anyways, then we do what you’ve already seen. Approach them, inform them about where we’re from - and hopefully they come with us. Most do -- not everyone.* ***(She glances at him)*** *Doesn’t sound too hard, does it?*

Austin lets out a long, exaggerated sigh, kicking one of his feet up on the dashboard.

***Austin:*** *No, I suppose not. Still - you people came to our group unarmed. Really? No guns - nothing to protect yourself with. I won’t be walking up on some stranger without my gun, I’ll tell you that now. Fucking stupid if you ask me.*

Behind them, Mackenzie, having been listening in, finally looks up towards Austin, building the courage to speak.

***Mackenzie:*** *Why are you so… angry? …You… have somewhere to live now. You’ve made it, you know… You don’t have to be angry anymore.*

Austin looks back at her, clearly angry.

***Austin:*** *What? I’m not angry - I’m just-- giving you some advice. I think it’s stupid to go up to strangers without a gun. You don’t really know who people are just by watching them from a distance.*

***Genna:*** *It builds trust, that’s why we do it. Even if it didn’t work with your group -- well, with William specifically -- it works with most people we come across.*

***Mackenzie:*** *We didn’t know whether or not your group was dangerous. We were scared the whole way we were approaching you. You-- could’ve done horrible things. You didn’t. Maybe…*

She pauses for a long moment, not knowing how to word what she wants to say next.

***Mackenzie:*** *…You’ve seen a lot of horrible things. But maybe -- not everyone is as bad as you think they are.*

***Austin:*** *Yeah… maybe. Whatever you fucking say. You two are the experts after all.*

He stands back up, and walks back towards his seat.

***Austin: (Mumbling)*** *Try and get some damn sleep--*

He takes his seat, and takes his hat off, placing it onto the table in front of him, as he leans back and shuts his eyes.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #15**

**WILLAMETTE - BAR**

AUSTIN KINGSTON stands behind the counter at his bar, serving drinks to a pair of customers, his face emotionless. After giving the patrons their drinks, Austin sighs, and steps away - before hearing the front door open. He looks up, seeing GEORGE strolling in, a smile upon his face. George walks through the bar towards the counter, passing by other people who’re sitting at tables, conversing and laughing. It’s a usual busy night at the bar.

***George:*** *Hey-hey. I’ll take a glass of bourbon with ice. Same brand as yesterday.*

George hands over some cash, then sits down, while Austin wordlessly gets him his drink. As soon as Austin sets down George’s drink, he pours himself a glass, and takes a swig of it.

***George:*** *A bartender drinking on the job. You don’t see that too often* ***(He cackles)***.

***Austin:*** *Better get used to it if you stick around here.*

***George:*** *Mmm.*

George sips at his drink, waiting a moment, before looking back towards the bartender.

***George:*** *So what the hell’s with you? You don’t seem too happy.*

***Austin:*** *--Family problems.*

***George:*** *I getcha… Yeah. Wife problems* ***(He guffaws)***. *Hell, I know all about it. I told you I was married-- Yeah, I did. Anyway -- one time I got her a pair of shoes for her birthday. Oh, she was so happy until she put the damn things on, and get this, she goes-- she goes, ‘The fuckin’ things don’t fit, George!’*

George laughs, thinking back to it.

***George:*** *The way she said it-- You had to be there. Oh, Lord. Shit-- I can laugh about it now, but when it happened we were both furious. Boy, I’m glad to have left her. I don’t know how I did it.*

He chuckles a final time, before taking a swig of his drink, all the while Austin stands opposite him, forcing the smallest of a smile onto his face.

***Austin:*** *Hm.*

His smile quickly fades, the thoughts of Irene and what he told him earlier clouding his mind.

***George:*** *Oh - hey, hey, let me tell you another story. Enough about my ex-wife, this one’s about my old job, the one I had back in Silver Bay. So -- get this -- I was a roofer, right? And this one time a bunch of us were working on some old house. My buddy Brady’s climbing up a ladder--*

Austin stares at the glass in his hand, George’s voice fading away, as do the other distant conversations in the bar. He swishes the drink around in his glass, then downs it, letting it settle in him. Now staring at his empty glass, the thoughts of Irene gradually fade, as his eyes drift towards the wall of alcohol behind him. Without hesitation, he reaches over and grabs one of the bottles off the wall.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #16**

**WILLAMETTE - KINGSTON HOME - LATE EVENING**

Much later in the night, AUSTIN KINGSTON arrives back home, drunk. He twirls his house keys around, staggering up to his doorstep. Once at the front door, he struggles to unlock the door, then steps inside - where something beside the door catches his eye. It’s his things, packed into a few different bags.

***Austin:*** *Huh… Irene!*

There’s silence for a few moments, before IRENE KINGSTON steps towards the front door where Austin is, her hands pocketed, avoiding eye contact with him.

***Austin:*** *What the fuck is this?*

***Irene:*** *All of your stuff is in there. Clothes, mostly, but--*

***Austin:*** *I didn’t ask* ***what*** *was in it.*

Austin stumbles a bit, but keeps his balance, while Irene’s gaze drops to the floor, not responding. Everything starts to come together in Austin’s intoxicated mind.

***Irene:*** *Please, just go.*

***Austin:*** *Just go?* ***(He kicks at one of the bags)*** *What-- are you still upset at me for this morning?*

He steps forward, raising his voice.

***Austin:*** *Are you?*

***Irene:*** *Ryan is sleeping, Austin. Just… get your things and go.*

***Austin:*** *So this* ***is*** *about what happened this morning? Jesus-- I’m fuckin’ sorry, don’t be so dramatic.*

***Irene:*** *It’s not about this morning, Austin--*

***Austin:*** *Then what is it?!*

Irene closes her eyes for a moment, then reopens them, eyes now full of hatred.

***Irene:*** *Fourteen fucking years, Austin. And you’ve been a drunk piece of shit for half that time. And still, you have the NERVE to ask me what it is?*

Austin grumbles something under his breath, and dismissively waves a hand at her, walking back.

***Irene:*** *So please -- leave. Now. I’ve already talked to a lawye--*

***Austin:*** *Oh, fuck you. I’m--I’m- I’m working-- I’m working so that we can afford to live here - that’s what I do. Wh- what? What - you think I don’t care about you? Irene, you need to-- to rethink… what you’re doing. You’re overreacting. You need to rethink…*

***Irene: (She shakes her head, exhaling loudly)*** *You don’t get it, Austin. I’m done, okay? Should have done this-- God, I should have done this years ago. I’ve been wasting my life away with you. What happened to you?*

Austin grits his teeth, completely ignoring the question.

***Austin:*** *Wha-- what - what? You gonna keep fuckin’ working that shitty bank job the rest of your life now - barely making it by. Huh? Well, come on, then! I-- I provide, this- this is my house. My house. This is my house. You hear me? You fuckin’...*

Irene looks down again, burying her face into both hands. When she looks back up at him, there’s tears within her eyes.

***Irene:*** *I don’t wanna fight again. Not tonight. Just go someplace else… and calm down. Please.*

Austin grabs onto a coat rack beside him, while rubbing his head with the other hand, thoughts racing through his head.

***Austin:*** *I’m sorry. I’m sorry, honey. Irene, I’m sorry. You-- you- you’re not… I’m sorry. Let’s… sit and talk. You’re mad - it’s okay…*

***Irene:*** *Austin--* ***(She sighs)*** *I have made up my mind. I don’t want to talk, I want you to leave.*

Austin glares at her, every ounce of sympathy and regret he just had vanishing from his face. He steps forward aggressively, pointing at her.

***Austin:*** *I am trying to FUCKING WORK WITH YOU!*

Irene stands still, wiping her eyes, while Austin looks at her. After a moment, he lowers his hand.

***Austin:*** *Yeah, fine. Fine - you want to leave me. Yeah-- yeah… Yeah, fine. I’m taking-- I’m taking Ryan. He--*

***Irene:*** *Don’t even fucking try, Austin. He is staying here with me. You’re a good-for-nothing drunk.*

***Austin:*** *Oh, here she goes again.*

***Irene:*** *Wh-- Here* ***I*** *go again? Go to hell.*

Behind Irene, the floorboards creak, as RYAN KINGSTON comes walking out in his pajamas.

***Ryan:*** *Mom? What’s going on?*

***Irene:*** *Ryan, go back to bed, sweetie.*

***Austin:*** *No, no, no. Let him stay. Yeah -- since you think I’m such a-- a ‘good-for-nothing’ drunk.*

***Irene:*** *Look at you… You’re even drunk right now, you piece of shit.*

***Austin:*** *Hey! Don’t swear in front of him.*

***Irene:*** *Ryan, honey, I said go back to bed.*

***Ryan:*** *But--*

***Irene:*** *Now.*

***Austin:*** *No.*

Austin steps forward, looking down at his son, smiling.

***Austin:*** *Ryan -- buddy, you wanna come with dad? We’ll go to-- to a hotel. With a pool.*

He almost loses his balance and falls, needing to grab onto Irene to keep himself up. She pushes him off with rage, pointing a finger in his face.

***Irene:*** *Austin… Get out. He’s not going with you.*

***Austin:*** *Wha-- Why not?! I’m a-- I’m a good father!*

***Ryan: (Frowning)*** *I don’t wanna go with you, dad.*

***Irene:*** *You can’t live in a fucking hotel forever, Austin. I’m not letting my son grow up around the likes of you.*

***Austin:*** *The likes of me?* ***(He scoffs)***

***Irene:*** *Yes! The likes of you!*

She shoves him back again, tears streaming down her face now.

***Irene:*** *Every FUCKING night you’re either coming home in the middle of the night drunk, or not coming home at all! You’re never here, how can our son be trusted with you?! Who -- who’ll pick him up from school? Who’ll cook for him? Who’ll be a fucking parent to him?! Because it sure as shit won’t be fucking YOU! You haven’t been a good father in seven fucking years, Austin… Can’t you just be - normal for God’s sake? Look at Mr. Hurst as his wife next door - you don’t ever see them fighting, do you? Do you see Jeremiah getting home at three in the morning, stumbling up to his doorstep with a bottle in his hand? …What happened to you?*

The house falls silent, Austin left standing there. He slowly turns around, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples, processing everything. After what feels like an eternity, he turns around, looking at Irene with soft, regretful eyes.

***Austin:*** *Yo-- you’re right. I’m sorry. I am sorry. I’ll change… I’ll be better.*

Irene stares at him, amazed, and shakes her head, scoffing.

***Austin:*** *I-- I pr- promise. I promise, Irene. This time I will change. Please don’t do this. I swear, I’ll be different. I will.*

***Irene:*** *…No, you won’t. I’m done… I’m filing for a divorce, Austin.*

When she finishes, Austin simply nods once, taking a few deep breaths. He starts to walk back towards the front door, but accidently kicks the bottom of the coat rack. In a drunken rage, he grabs the rack and throws it to the floor, coats flying off and gliding across the floor. He then picks up his bags, and opens the front door, walking out, before **slamming** it closed behind him, so loud someone might mistake it for a gunshot.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #17**

**WILLAMETTE - BAR**

Close to seven in the evening the next night, GEORGE enters the bar, striding on through towards the counter, seeing AUSTIN KINGSTON stationed behind it as usual.

***George:*** *There he is.*

***Austin:*** ***(Quietly)*** *Evening. Same thing as yesterday?*

***George:*** *Yeah.*

George hands his cash over, and sits down, before waiting, while Austin *slowly* gets the man his drink, moving at a snail’s pace. When George finally gets his drink, he immediately takes a sip.

***George:*** *Mmm. Need that after a hard day’s work.*

He looks around the bar for a moment, before his eyes fall back onto Austin.

***George:*** *More family problems? You look tired.*

***Austin:*** *It’s nothing. I’m-- Yeah, I’m fine.*

***George:*** *Oh, come on. Somethin’ is bothering you. Let me hear it. No judgement.*

***Austin:*** *You don’t wanna hear me complain--*

***George:*** *I’m gonna be here all evening drinking, no work tomorrow. So come on.*

***Austin: (He sighs)*** *Fine. My wife’s divorcing me.*

George’s eyes widen for a brief second, as he takes a quick swig of his bourbon.

***George:*** *Shit. Sorry about that, Austin. But hey - it ain’t the end of the world.*

Austin gazes up at him, frowning.

***Austin:*** *I don’t know what to do. I’m-- I’m lost. I’m lost, man. She-- she said she was already talking to a lawyer - so it’s happening. I don’t kn-- I just-- I don’t know. I really don’t. What do I do? You were married, right?*

***George:*** *You’re right, I was married. And look at me now. I’m doing just fine. Yeah, it sucks, but hey, now you can focus on your business. I mean -- this place sure could use some renovating* ***(He chuckles)***. *And listen - you’ll find a new woman, you’ll be fine. Plenty of fish in the sea, eh? It’ll all be good.*

He awkwardly leans over to pat Austin on the side of his shoulder, while Austin stares at him, speechless. He considers his advice momentarily - before deciding that it’s stupid.

***Austin:*** *Yeah…*

***George:*** *As a matter of fact, I just found a lady of my own earlier. Christy… Divorced like I am. She’s an attorney - you believe that?* ***(He laughs)*** *And we’ve got a date tomorrow. Me - going out with an attorney. You should see the ass on her.*

***Austin: (Grumbling)*** *Sounds great, George.*

***George:*** *Sure is. I’ve got to go out and purchase myself a new suit, something nicer than the stained piece of shit suit I wore at my wedding all them years ago.*

***Austin:*** *Mmm.*

Austin looks away, growing irritated by George. The last thing he wanted to talk about was weddings and dates. But George remains ignorant, and continues.

***George:*** *I’m telling you man, it ain’t so bad being divorced. Say, you know of any good restaurants in town? I want to make a good impression on Christy.*

Austin slams his fist against the counter. Conversations around the bar fall silent, eyes shooting towards Austin.

***Austin:*** *For fuck’s sake, George. I ain’t interested in hearing your life story, or about your dates. I tell you I’m lost, and- and you start going on about how happy you are as a divorced man. Fuck you.*

George looks at him silently, raising an eyebrow. Then, after a few seconds, he scoffs, standing up.

***George:*** *All right. Fine* ***(He shakes his head, turning towards the door)***. *I was just trying to help. Jeez. I’m sure I can find another bar in town.*

He starts walking to the door, and on his way out, glances back at Austin.

***George:*** *Good luck with your life, dickwad.*

He exits, as Austin takes a deep breath, going to sit on a chair behind him. Slowly, the people around the bar get back to their conversations, as Austin grabs a bottle of whiskey behind him, opening it and downing it.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #18**

**WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY**

***Joslyn:*** *The ‘lapse’, as you call it, is caused by minor hemorrhaging in her frontal cortex. Similar symptoms can be seen in dementia patients, or those who have suffered from strokes or a brain tumour.*

Doctor JOSLYN LARKIN sits back in her chair with a face wrought with sympathy, looking across at REBECCA DAWSON and WILLIAM REYNES.

***Joslyn:*** *But that doesn’t mean it won’t go away. There’s a chance it could heal up nicely, and that this was just a once-off. It’s just… important to keep on top of things like this. Thank you both for coming as soon as you did.*

***Rebecca: (Nodding slowly)*** *So… What happens now?*

***Joslyn:*** *Well… if we were living in better times, I’d prescribe you some heavy-duty painkillers, to think out your platelets. But unfortunately that’s not possible right now. I know that you’re just getting used to being awake and out of the infirmary again… but it’s probably best off you spend another few nights here, so I can keep an eye on you. I can try to run a few tests and drain the fluid from your head, and you should be feeling better in no time.*

William looks painfully at Rebecca, then glances towards the doctor in misery and defeat.

***William:*** *Are you sure about this? There’s nothing else you can do? Not a… home visit, or… I don’t know. Any other medication you could put her on? Something?*

***Joslyn:*** *You know as well as I do how delicate situations like this can be, Mr. Reynes. It’s the best course of action I can think of - anything else we put her on would just be to treat the symptoms, not cure the figurative disease. I’m sorry.*

***Rebecca:*** *It’s okay… I appreciate all that you’re doing for me.* ***(She looks at William)*** *I’ll stay here a while longer if you think it’s for the best. Thank you.*

William goes to speak and somehow contests the doctor’s decision, but as he catches Rebecca’s gaze, he goes quiet.

***William:*** *…Yeah. Thank you, doctor. If there’s anything I can do to be of assistance, just… say so.*

***Joslyn:*** *Of course. I’ll give you two a moment alone.*

Joslyn gently rolls out of her office chair and stands, heading for the door.

Rebecca and William sit there in silence until they hear the door close. William gently squeezes her hand.

***William:*** *…Hey.*

***Rebecca:*** *Yeah. It’ll be fine, don’t worry.*

***William:*** *No. Shh, not today. You don’t have to be happy for my sake. This is something we’re going to go through together, okay? Even if it’s not okay, I’ll be here with you until it is.*

He tries to smile for her sake, but only briefly, before staring ahead silently.

***William:*** *…I’m sorry.*

***Rebecca:*** *What? Why?*

***William:*** *It’s just… something I never thought I’d get to say again. I’m sorry. For how I treated you, and the way I acted. Before you went under, we… argued, and I had been meaning to say I was sorry, that it was nothing, and that I was being an asshole… But then you were gone, just like that, and it wasn’t looking good. Nobody was sure what happened, we just knew you were hurt and that you wouldn’t wake up. When I saw you in that hospital bed, I didn’t think I’d ever see you out of it again. I didn’t think I’d ever get to hold your hand again, and I didn’t think I’d ever get to make up for being… an asshole. So I’m sorry. For all of it. For letting this happen in the first place, and for not being better than I have been.*

***Rebecca:*** *Will… You don’t… need to say any of that. None of it is your fault. None of it. You did your best out there for all of us. You kept us all alive, and you got us here, okay? Whatever happens, all that matters is right now I’m here. I’m right here. You hear me?*

***William: (He nods, smiling softly)*** *I hear you. Just… so long as you stay here. I need you here with me.*

***Rebecca:*** *I’m here. I’ll always be here… plus, the doctor said I’m not allowed to leave, so… I’m quite literally… always going to be here* ***(She giggles quietly)***.

William laughs light-heartedly, and lets out a relieved sigh.

***William:*** *I’ll hold you to it, then.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #19**

**WORTHWOOD - SCHOOL**

***Todd:*** *I wouldn’t stress over things too much, it’s just like teaching before, which I know you did. No big deal.*

TODD GLOVER shrugs while looking at WILLIAM REYNES, before he reaches into a cookie jar at his desk, taking one out.

***Todd:*** *Feel free to help yourself to these, by the way. We can treat this like more of a breakroom now. Honestly, I appreciate the extra help. While you’re teaching those guys, I’ll be down the hall with the little ones.*

***William:*** *I didn’t even know Worthwood* ***had*** *that many kids here. So there’s… two classes? The older bunch and the younger bunch. What’s the general curriculum I should be going over with them?*

***Todd:*** *I threw together a textbook when I got here, approved by the council and all. Stick to that, but honestly, as long as you’re teaching them something, I consider that a win. It’s uh… weird, considering what’s worth teaching to the youth when the world has ended. Personally, I specialize in world history. I was a history teacher before the fall, and… I guess I’d just like to conserve as much of it as I can… pass it on. You were a biology teacher, right? That’s a set of skills that is… particularly useful to kids these days, don’t you think? Learning about the human body and how you can protect it or tend to it seems like a godsend.* ***(He smiles, patting him on the shoulder)*** *Just don’t sweat it, Will.*

William nods slowly, finding himself agreeing with Todd’s words.

***William:*** *…Yeah* ***(He nods)***. *Yeah, just gotta… shake the rust off. Thanks for the pep talk.*

***Todd:*** *Heh, no problem, pal. Break a leg out there.*

Todd grins, and turns, strolling out of the room.

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**Scene #20**

**WORTHWOOD - SCHOOL**

In class, MELANIE HOPKINS is sitting at her desk, her chair turned around to talk with JOSEPH BENSON and CHRISTOPHER WOODS.

***Melanie:*** *No, really, he like… threw Father Donovan to the ground and everything. Church was dramatic.*

***Christopher:*** *Jeez… What set him off?*

***Melanie:*** *I think Donovan was just pushing his buttons… I mean, he was kind of acting like a pretentious rat. If you ask me… he had it coming.*

***Joseph:*** *Awww mannn, I never thought someone would be able to make church sound like actual fun. Maybe they’ll have a WWE ring in there for the next gathering.*

***Christopher:*** *Never liked that old priest anyway. He’s a strange one.*

***Melanie:*** *Jeez, Chris… it’s not like he’s dead* ***(She chuckles)***.

Joseph turns around, looking to the back of the classroom, seeing JERRY RHODES seated at the back row with BLAKE CHRISTIAN and TRISTAN. There’s a big ice pack pressed to his cheek, and Joseph can see blue and black bruises covering his face.

***Joseph:*** *Jesus Christ, Jerry looks like he’s been hit by a truck* ***(He snickers)***.

***Christopher:*** *Lloyd really did a number on him.*

The classroom door creaks open, and WILLIAM REYNES carefully enters the room quietly. The man observes the students while walking to the desk, and gets a look at Jerry too - but pushes that topic out of his mind for now.

It’s not long after this that LLOYD WALLER and VIOLET GLOVER approach the classroom as well, arriving at the door at the same time.

***Lloyd:*** *Oh, uh, sorry. After you.*

***Violet:*** *Such a gentleman, Lloyd.*

She smirks, and steps into the room first, notably wearing a pair of sunglasses that Lloyd finds a bit odd. He follows her into the classroom afterwards, immediately noticing Jerry at the back of the room. He stops in his tracks, awkwardly looking over at William, beckoning him over.

***Lloyd:*** *I, uh… uh…*

***William:*** *Come right in, Lloyd.*

***Lloyd: (Quietly, to William)*** *Should I, uh… be here? I wasn’t sure… Y’know… with…*

***William:*** *This is your classroom as much as it is everyone else’s. Come sit.*

Lloyd nods slowly, and goes to take his seat beside Joseph and Christopher.

Once the class settles down, William picks up a piece of chalk, and writes his name across a blackboard.

***William:*** *Good morning, class, I’m your new teacher. William Reynes. Alongside Mr. Glover, I’ll be working with you to make sure you grow up to be the best version of yourself you can possibly be. Before the apocalypse, I was a biology teacher, so naturally I’ll be focusing on all things… human. Now, just for an ice breaker, and just so I know everyone’s name, I want everyone to tell me their name, and one random fact about themselves.*

***Joseph:*** *Oh! Me, me, me! Joseph Benson, at your service, sir! And, uhhhh… I love baking. My mom taught me when I was younger, and I make a fantastic Mississippi Mud Pie!*

Violet nudges Melanie beside her, who turns to look at her, mouthing the word ‘What?’.

***Violet:*** ***(Whispering)*** *Tear a page out of your notebook for me. And I need a pen.*

Melanie does as asked, sliding the items over to her. Violet begins to scribble something down.

***William: (To Joseph)*** *I know your mother, she’s a lovely woman. You should make some for the class some time.*

William looks around the room, eyes landing on HENRY STAFFORD.

***William:*** *How about… you?*

***Henry:*** *Oh, me? I, uh… Henry Stafford, sir. I…  I like working on circuitry, sir. I was planning on going into engineering… before all this.*

Violet finishes writing her note, and then folds it up into a little square, flinging it over at Lloyd’s face. It bounces off him and lands on his desk. Lloyd picks it up, unraveling the note and reading it.

*Meet back here at 8pm*, it says. All Lloyd can do is wonder what that could mean. He looks across at Violet, and simply nods. As he does, Joseph cranes his head over to ogle at Lloyd’s note.

***Joseph:*** *…Yeahhhhhh. Yeah. There we go, what did I tell you? She’s soooo into you, broski. She is ON the Lloyd train.*

***Lloyd: (He sighs)*** *I guess I’ll… see what she wants, yeah.*

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**Scene #21**

**WILLAMETTE - HILL - MORNING**

A cold breeze blows through the area, the leaves on nearby trees rustling. EDWARD REMAR stands atop a hill, overlooking the town of Willamette, his hands pocketed. He looks down at his crippled leg, his foot twisted.

***Badrick:*** *You do not need to worry about that leg of yours.*

DAMERAE BADRICK approaches slowly, smoking a cigar. He blows the smoke into the air in front of him, as he puts an arm around Edward’s shoulder.

***Badrick:*** *Don’t dwell on your shortcomings. Look out. Tell me what you see.*

***Edward:*** *A town. Hills. The state of Colorado.*

***Badrick:*** *You’re thinking about it the wrong way, Edward. You disappoint me. I see a world waiting to be conquered. I see free real estate… I see resources, all of which can be mine. I see… a world that has been lost to the dead, a blank canvas just… waiting to be painted. We’re starting from scratch… with an opportunity to create the world we want to create. Maybe I’ll run the new world like the Roman Empire… The possibilities are limitless* ***(He chuckles)***. *Heed what I am telling you, Edward. I will continue to tell you until it bursts through that sickly little skull of yours. You are pale faced and weary eyed… a tiny man, a crippled man… and yet… I see a fire in you, my boy* ***(He grins)***.

***Edward:*** *I like the world better this way.*

***Badrick:*** *Yesssss… yes. As you should. Because now you have potential. We all do. But while everyone else is mourning their loved ones… crying about how much they miss the way things used to be… sobbing their little eyes out and being miserable… a pioneer sees opportunity. Your mother was the only person you loved in this world. I felt the same way about my own sweet mother before her passing. Why should we let their deaths weaken us? Why should we miss them? No, no. Mourning people is a waste of time. If they are dead, they have given us all they could. It’s time to focus.*

***Edward:*** ***(He looks over at him)*** *Mr. Badrick… if I may.*

***Badrick:*** *…By all means.*

Badrick lets go of the man, taking a puff from his cigar, starting to circle him like a vulture.

***Edward:*** *Why are you telling me all of this? Why are you… mentoring me?*

***Badrick:*** *Because I see something in you. A repulsive little rat who will stop at nothing to survive. I’ve seen what you are capable of doing… murdering those men with just sheer will and anger… driven by hatred. A weak little man like you… able to kill far bigger and better men. Why? You should not be able to. It makes no sense* ***(He shrugs)***. *And yet that is what happened. I saw it with my own eyes. You’re a rabid cur… and in taming you, I think I’ve found myself a valuable attack dog. And of course, in helping me, a valuable piece of the pie I’m baking will be carved out for you. A piece of my new world. Consider that, my boy. The opportunity of a lifetime.*

The crime boss chuckles quietly, flicking his cigar to the ground and stepping on it. He then starts to walk back, down to the side of the road where DERRICK WILLIAMS is standing guard, eyeing Edward with spite. Derrick pulls open the back door of a limousine as Badrick approaches, and he gets in.

Edward stares at the limo for a moment, then turns to look back at the horizon ahead. He exhales.

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**Scene #22**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - MORNING**

EDWARD REMAR wakes up inside of his tent, breathing heavily. Rubbing his eyes, he sits up, sighing to himself.

The little man reaches over to his cane, using it to help him stand. He looks down at his leg, hearing the words *Don’t dwell on your shortcomings.*

Hastily, he marches out of the tent.

**Scene #22 Cont.**

**FOREST - WOODS - MORNING**

On a strangely foggy morning, Edward carefully steps through the woods, occasionally looking at a map that Elliott had drawn for him.

Ahead of Edward is KYORI HYOTEKI, while trailing behind him is STANLEY PECK and SETH HAYNES. Stanley, who’s talking with Seth, points to a nearby log.

***Stanley:*** *You know my cousin sprained his ankle real bad when he tripped over one of those. My uncle was real pissed off, chasing him through the woods with a shotgun for getting paint all over his new rug* ***(He chuckles)***.

***Seth:*** *Oh, did he? Hah!*

Seth smiles awkwardly, obviously forcing a laugh to try to make it less awkward. He glances down at a hammer in his hand nervously.

***Stanley:*** *You know how to use that thing, buddy?*

***Seth:*** *What? Oh, this-- Pfft, ‘course I know how to use it. I’ve killed zombies before.*

Suddenly, a zombie lumbers out in front of Kyori. With an arrow already knocked in her bow, she drops the zombie quickly, and retrieves her arrow. Edward walks a little faster to catch up with her, now walking beside her.

***Edward:*** *You’re a talented archer, Kyori. Was this always your ambition?*

Edward looks at her, before reconsidering his words, remembering that she was still learning English.

***Edward:*** *Was this… always what you wanted to do?*

***Kyori:*** *Always. My life was set on this path, ever since I was a young girl.*

***Edward: (He nods, smiling)*** *It paid off.*

***Stanley:*** *Hey, boss man. Why didn’t the sniper lady want to join us? She probably would’ve been real useful, just like Kyori.*

***Edward:*** *She’s stubborn, but if she wants to find us… she will. She’s proven to be good at tracking already.*

Edward smirks, confident, as the group continues moving through the woods.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #23**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - MORNING**

SOLOMON REED stands alone leaning against a tree near the edge of camp, scrounging through a backpack that used to belong to Landon. He’s thinking about everything - all of the events that happened over the past few weeks, and is most especially worried about Edward.

He finds a cigar inside Landon’s pack, and lights it, smoking, continuing to simply think.

***Waita:*** *Solomon.*

Solomon jumps, startled, as he puts out the cigar and turns, facing WAITA MATHANI.

***Solomon:*** *Yeah?*

***Waita:*** *You did the right thing.*

***Solomon:*** *Thanks.*

He relaxes a bit, leaning back against the same tree.

***Solomon:*** *I needed that. It’s been hectic since Edward’s taken charge. I thought I was doing the right thing by helping him get to where he is but I think I’ve opened Pandora's box.*

***Waita: (Nodding slowly)*** *It's not in my nature to be a very trusting man. I gave your friend Edward the benefit of the doubt, because I thought he was better than the tyrant that was ruling things before him. That tyrant killed my friends, people I had come to respect. Circumstance brought us together when we were mere strangers. For the time I spent with them, I do not wish to see what is left of my old group become pawns in another tyrant's twisted game. They will be too afraid to leave him, only the girl, Kyori, would know how to handle herself out there alone, and even then, she is just young. I would never be able to convince them to leave. So I ask only that you have some kind of backup plan to talk your friend down from showcasing whatever… sick theatrics he was displaying the other day when beating a defenseless prisoner. I stand with you.*

***Solomon:*** *I’ll be honest… I’ve never been in a situation where I’m the one who has this grand plan, besides burning a school down but that’s a story for another day. Basically-- I’ll think of something to talk him down. I’ve known him since Christmas pretty much, but if there’s anyone who can try and talk him down, and figure out something to stop him from becoming another tyrant, it’ll be me and you and whoever else agrees. If you’re able to figure out who’s weary of Edward’s ruling he has set in place currently, bring them to me. If he doesn’t stand down after I try and chat with him again, we’ll try and get this whole thing back to a peaceful traveling group instead of a group who’s divided with following a tyrant and having a normal and peaceful traveling life moving around the state. I alone can’t stop this. Edward’s one of the smartest and most dangerous guys in this world.*

Waita simply nods slowly, considering Solomon’s last words carefully. He knows that keeping a man like that in check isn’t going to be easy.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #24**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - COUNCIL CHAMBERS**

In the council chambers, NAOMI STAFFORD scowls at KATE BLOODSTONE from across the table, a look of scorn on her face.

***Kate:*** *I’m just asking about how you manage your resources here. You have a department of workers who specifically manage the community’s rations and food supplies, no?*

***Gerald:*** *That’s right, we do. A team of wonderful and committed ladies who are doing their best every single day to make sure that everything is accounted for* ***(He nods)***.

***Kate:*** *Right, and… where does most of your food supply come from?*

***Naomi:*** *I’m sorry… is this an interrogation? I just… Who are you to come in here and question us regarding our methods… which, clearly, have been working quite well.*

***Gerald:*** *No, it’s okay, Naomi. We can help Kate to understand us. This is constructive, right?*

Naomi rolls her eyes and leans back in her chair, disengaging in the conversation, much like RICHARD NEUBLE is.

***Gerald:*** *In addition to our supply runners searching far and wide for goods, we have a farm, Kate. We grow our own crops and we keep livestock.*

GERALD ROLAND smiles, proud, and stands from his chair, starting to pace around the table.

***Gerald:*** *You know, Kate. Worthwood already had enough supplies in its cellars to last twenty people for six years. And that’s just referring to essential supplies… canned goods, packets of rice, you name it. The people of Worthwood eat well and live comfortably… so, please, tell me what you have such a problem with?*

***Kate:*** *You guys seem to live very extravagantly here in the castle… whereas, well, I’ve seen cabins of all different shapes and sizes down in the village. How do you decide who lives where, or who gets what? Does everyone really get equal rations here?*

***Gerald:*** *Kate… we’re the leaders… the founders of Worthwood. I mean, if it weren’t for us, this place would’ve, well… it wouldn’t be here* ***(He scoffs)***.

***Justin:*** *Too fuckin’ right, you tell her, Gere-bear.*

***Gerald:*** *Justin* ***(He sighs)***. *Please.*

***Justin: (Snickering)*** *Alright, alright.*

***Gerald:*** *We welcomed your people here with a lovely party… You met the whole community, who were actively enjoying themselves, and sharing the same luxuries as us. Beer and wine for all, a chocolate fountain, platters of delicious treats and savoury snacks. Is that not… satisfactory to you? Warm showers, working power, clean water, high walls, a police force, an education system… Need I go on?*

***Kate:*** *Most of those things could use some work, Gerald. You aren’t prepared for what’s beyond those walls. Let me and my people help you with that… so that this paradise you’ve created can stay standing. To tell you the truth, I’m not even sure what most of you on this council bring to the table.*

Naomi gasps in the most exaggerated and offended way possible.

***Naomi:*** *Excuse me?*

***Justin:*** *We’re like… literally the founders and shit… and like… we set this up, yo.*

***Naomi:*** *Exactly… What do you even bring to this council except your rude, demanding attitude? You sit down at this table and just think you can boss us around, don’t you? Like you own the place. Well, you don’t. We do. It’s that simple. We’re the ones who were at Worthwood and we let everyone in and helped make this place a community!*

***Richard:*** *For all we know, lady, you’re playing the long game. How are we supposed to listen to you? Clearly, you’ve been on the road too long. You could be just itching - waiting for your moment to slit our throats in our sleep. You stepped up right away to try and meddle with our leadership. Clearly you want to take control.* ***(He throws his hands up)*** *I don’t believe in your circus, ma’am.*

Kate looks at the man, a certain boldness coming over her.

***Kate:*** *And if me and my people wanted to, we could just take this place.*

***Gerald:*** *Is that… Is that a… a threat?*

Naomi looks at Kate, a little on edge, while Richard slides down in his seat, staring at Kate with fear, and a little excitement at the fact he was right about her - she’s a villain to him.

Kate stands, copying what Gerald was doing moments earlier, pacing around the table.

***Kate:*** *I mean… If me and my people don’t… someone else will. In the state Worthwood is currently in, you’d get steamrolled by even the smallest gang of bandits. They’d just… string you up and leave you hanging while they ride off with all your goods… or maybe they’d enjoy the comfort of these walls. My people and I have been on the road for too long, we’ve weathered storms far more scary than five pompous socialites who probably haven’t even faced a single zombie yet. We’re grateful to have found Worthwood… and I see the potential here. There’s no denying that what you’ve built is special… But if you aren’t willing to work with me, to start thinking and acting the way you need to, instead of burying your head in the sand and pretending everything is okay… then yeah, we’ll force a change in leadership.*

***Gerald: (Shaky voice)*** *I don’t appreciate your attitude, young lady…*

***Chester:*** *Good heavens…*

***Justin:*** *I am so turned on right now.*

HEATHER SOLIS opens the door to the chamber in a hurry, walking towards Gerald with urgency.

***Heather:*** *Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Roland, but--*

***Gerald:*** *What is it, Heather?*

***Heather:*** *Father Donovan is outside. He’s very upset. Says he’s been viciously assaulted during his morning sermon by one of the new people, Dean. He’s called the authorities, but you told me to pass on all matters of the new group to--*

***Gerald:*** *I know, Heather, uh-- thank you.*

***Naomi:*** *Assaulting a priest? My goodness, lock that man up at once. Get the entire police force to find him.*

***Kate:*** *No. You’ll do nothing. Dean would never harm anyone unless he was provoked. You’ll let me handle this.*

***Justin:*** *I mean… Father Donovan is… a bit of a drama queen. I bet he doesn’t even have a scratch.*

***Gerald:*** *Fine, Kate. Go and talk to your friend… Make sure that it doesn’t happen again. I trust you’ll defuse this situation.*

Naomi turns to look at Gerald, shocked.

***Naomi:*** *Uh-- what? Gerald?*

***Gerald:*** *This meeting is adjourned. Kate… we’ll address that… threat of yours later. I trust you won’t be organizing a coup to kill us in our sleep, like Richard said.*

***Kate: (She nods)*** *Thanks for having me.*

Kate immediately turns, and exits the council chambers with haste. In the lobby, FATHER DONOVAN is seen standing, leaning on his cane for support. He looks at Kate as she passes by him in a hurry.

***Donovan:*** *You… you and your people are animals. And I am frankly--*

***Kate:*** *Oh, fuck off, will you?*

She steps out of the room, closing the door behind her.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #25**

**WORTHWOOD - STREET - MORNING**

DEAN HOWARDS sits beneath a gazebo, eyes fluttering as he looks at his surroundings. Before, he might have been worried that he wouldn’t be able to fit in with the rest of the community - and after church, he’s 100% sure that he won’t. He gazes down, sighing.

***Kate:*** *Assaulting priests, I hear?*

He looks back up to see KATE BLOODSTONE, who walks over to the gazebo, slowly. He gives a very strained chuckle to her remark.

***Dean:*** *…That guy was a fucking dick. I’d hardly call him a priest. How are you doing?*

***Kate: (She smirks)*** *Honestly, I’m on a high right now. Feels like I finally got to… stick it to the council for once. I mean, I threatened them, kind of… yeah, but, well, bunch of fucking dicks, the lot of them. I just wanted to come and make sure you were okay. You aren’t the type of guy to have an outburst like that unless someone’s pushed all the wrong buttons.*

Dean bites the insides of his cheeks, thinking.

***Dean:*** *I don’t feel very bad about it. Not because--he was a dick--we all know that. I’m sure… even the people do* ***(He chuckles softly)***. *I think they had to see it. They seem to believe that we’re some sort of-- monsters or something. Makes no sense. It really doesn’t. I’m glad we get to show them that we’re trying--and that we’re people too. I’m glad you got to stick it to them. I think they need to see that they have no idea what’s going on. We could’ve done a lot worse than just-- sticking it to them-- or outbursts. I wanted to strangle him to death. In that church. I’ve never felt such a bloodlust before. Other people wouldn’t be able to hold that back.*

***Kate:*** *I don’t think they realize how difficult it is to just… shift back into living a normal life again, or… as close as we can get to it. You’re right, they have no idea what it’s like out there. I hope what I did today rattles around in the council’s minds for a while… because truthfully, Dean. Our group owns this place already. We could take it overnight, if we wanted to.*

***Dean: (Nodding)*** *I guess we could… if push came to shove. I just pray they can somehow use their damn heads and understand sooner. I’d like to have faith in them to understand, I do. To some degree… I feel like I can--or could’ve related to them.*

***Kate:*** *Yeah, me too. I think of how naive I was when we first got thrust into all of this…* ***(She shakes her head)*** *I know you were the same. These people have lived in a bubble since the beginning… They just need some help stepping out of it. It’s up to us, and our friends, to do that. And we will. Good job making an example out of that priest… because that’s probably what he was trying to do with you.*

***Dean:*** *I wasn’t exactly trying to make an example out of him, I just wanted to kick his ass but--yeah, you know, I’m glad I was able to make it a learning experience too* ***(He laughs quietly)***. *We’re gonna try here. I think they’re gonna start to listen. Now, maybe-- we showed them how serious we are. We’ve come this far, seen so much - we just wanted a home. To--make something work.*

Dean sits back with a sigh, looking out into the streets, seeing the people.

***Dean:*** *We will though. I know that you’re gonna be able to make those council people listen-- even if you have to beat it into their heads.*

***Kate:*** *We’ll make this work, Dean. I know it.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #26**

**FOREST - RAILYARD - NOON**

A man stands inside of the railyard, between two tracks occupied by train cars. In fact, most of this ‘railyard’ is just filled with loose train cars, and a couple of old warehouses near it. There’s an overpass that goes over part of the railyard, and surrounding the entire place is a dense forest.

The man pulls out a tiny metal box from his pocket, and flicks open the cap. It’s a lighter, which he tries to use to light a cigarette between his lips, though the flame just dies as quickly as it sparks.

***Tobias:*** *Stupid thing…*

Another man, DAMIAN HOLT, paces back and forth in front of him, resting one hand on his holster. He notices TOBIAS DUKE struggling to light his cigarette.

***Damian:*** *Need some help, old man?*

He ignores Damian, continuously flicking the lever on the lighter until finally, the flame stays alive long enough to light his cigarette. He exhales with relief, putting the lighter back to his pocket.

A third man, LAMAR ADAMS, stands stationary, leaning against one train car with his arms crossed. He has an ornate katana on his side.

***Damian:*** *There we go, now he’s getting it.*

He smiles, glancing towards Damian.

***Tobias: (He sighs)*** *Look, just… shut up, assholes. Spread out and search the carriages.*

***Damian:*** *This is really starting to seem like a fruitless effort. Dude could be anywhere. I think we should just… I don’t fuckin’ know, cut our losses and assume that he’s long gone by now.*

***Tobias:*** *You know we can’t do that. If push comes to shove, I’ll figure something out, alright? Come on, guys. You know me. I’ve always got a plan B, hell a plan C, D, E, F, you name it. So spread out and get searching.*

***Lamar:*** *Me personally, I don’t think this shit’s worth your whole old-man plan alphabet. We’ve been looking long enough. If I catch a cold or some shit, it’s on you.*

Lamar shrugs hopelessly, but relents and gives a nod.

***Lamar:*** *But sure. Let’s stick at it a bit longer.*

Tobias leans back against one of the train cars, continuing to smoke.

***Damian:*** *Oh, what? You’re not gonna help search? You takin’ a fuckin’ smoke break, are you for real?*

***Tobias:*** *I’m… I’m thinking, okay? Just fuck off and do your thing. Shoo.*

***Lamar:*** *Y’know, I think dear old President Lincoln would just love to hear about this one.*

He sighs, cracking his knuckles while beginning to walk off with Damian.

***Lamar:*** *Fucking slave drivers.*

Tobias watches as Damian and Lamar disperse. He stretches, looking up at the sky with a yawn.

***Tobias:*** *Man, this is such a monday…*

On the other side of the overpass, EDWARD REMAR and his crew arrive, looking down at the train graveyard from above. Edward grips his cane tightly, staring at it.

***Edward:*** *This… is… AWFUL!*

***Stanley: (Stepping forward)*** *Heyyy… come on now, boss man. It ain’t so bad. Don’t ya’ like train carriages? My buddy and I--*

***Edward:*** *It’s not about the* ***train carriages***, *Stanley. This place is USELESS! This isn’t a railyard-- it’s a-- a junkyard!! For old trains! We’ve wasted our time!!*

***Stanley:*** *Oh yep… it’s a graveyard… that’s for sure.*

STANLEY PECK nods, and steps back.

***Edward:*** *These carriages aren’t going to fortify anything! They’re all falling apart!*

KYORI HYOTEKI and SETH HAYNES both stay silent, while Stanley grins.

***Stanley:*** *Well… I’m sure this trip can still be useful, Ed. I’m sure we can salvage somethin’ out of these.*

***Edward:*** *Oh, you want to carry strips of metal back to camp?*

Edward sighs, and takes a deep breath, relaxing.

***Edward:*** *You’re right. Fine. We’ll have a look around.*

Back in the railyard, Tobias flicks his cigarette to the ground, finished with it. He stomps it out, and then adjusts his jacket collar.

***Lancel:*** *Ahem!*

Three men approach Tobias from the side. LANCEL walks at the front, a charming smile on his face. DEVON walks beside him, carrying a hunting rifle fitted with a scope. He looks at Tobias warily, and smirks. The last man, CAMERON, is trailing just behind the two of them.

***Cameron:*** *Lookie here.*

***Lancel:*** *Tobias Duke! Fancy running into you again. Still up to your usual, sewer-crawling, street-rat antics as per usual, I see.*

***Tobias:*** *Oh. Larry… how are you… how are you doing?*

Tobias smiles as the men near him, though he is evidently alarmed at their presence.

***Lancel:*** *Dementia’s eating at your brain already, old chap. It’s a shame, really - seeing a man wither away like that. Becoming - senile - so to speak. But I for one, am doing fantastic - thank you for asking. But I’m afraid our time for chit-chat has come to an end -- you’re going to run along out of here, now. Trespassing on the Don’s property is low, even for you, Tobias.*

***Tobias:*** *Oh well, pssssh. I mean… surely you understand that… this is accidental. I mean… how could I have known this was claimed by the Don? Oh, how’s he doing, by the way?*

***Lancel:*** *Swimmingly. Getting rid of certain… two-faced snakes… does wonders for one’s own mental health.*

After a long silence, during which Lancel keeps smiling, Lancel clears his throat.

***Lancel:*** *Now - shall I have one of these fine men show you the door?*

***Tobias:*** *No need, no need. I’ll just, uh… be going, of course. No need for trouble.*

***Lancel:*** *No really, I insist. Wouldn’t want you to get lost, now would we?*

Lancel glances at Devon.

***Lancel:*** *You. Kindly show our esteemed guest the way out.*

As Devon starts to walk Tobias away, Edward carefully enters one of the train cars nearby, along with Stanley, Kyori and Seth. Edward peeks out of a dirty window to get a better look at what’s happening.

***Stanley:*** *What is it?*

***Edward:*** *Shh!*

Tobias walks slowly, while Devon follows behind him with narrowed eyes.

***Tobias:*** *I’m glad we could, uh… be civil about this. Was just out here searching for someone, you haven’t, uh, seen anyone recently, by chance?*

***Lancel:*** *I can’t say I have, but if I do, you’ll be the first person I call* ***(He smiles)***. *Bye-bye, now!*

Devon shoves Tobias in his back.

***Devon:*** *Come on now, grandpa. Get a move on.*

***Tobias:*** *Right, right.*

Tobias takes slow, reluctant steps, hardly moving. This angers Devon, and so he raises his rifle, turns it around, and slams the butt of it into the back of Tobias’ head.

***Devon:*** *I said hurry the fuck up.*

Tobias falls to his knees, holding the back of his head in pain.

***Tobias:*** *Ah… man… was that really necessary?*

***Lancel:*** *Oh wait, silly me. Of course, one more thing.*

Lancel raises a hand, pacing towards Tobias.

***Lancel:*** *While you’re here, it’s time to make a generous donation to the Don himself - pay tribute for stepping onto his territory. Empty your pockets. Right now* ***(He nods to Devon)***.

***Tobias:*** *Listen, fellas. Come on, now. I’ve been complying with you. And… and truthfully… I don’t actually have that much on me* ***(He shrugs)***.

***Devon:*** *We’ll see about that. Now, are you gonna make me empty your pockets for you? Come on, let’s make this easy.*

Reluctantly, Tobias reaches into his pockets, taking out a lighter, and a pack of cigarettes. Unbeknownst to them, he has a snubnosed revolver tucked away on his belt.

***Tobias:*** *There. Happy?*

***Lancel: (To Devon)*** *Give him a rundown. I want everything.*

Devon nods to his superior, and slings his rifle over his shoulder, starting to pat him down, searching for anything. But just as he gets started, somebody yells from behind them, announcing himself.

***Damian:*** *Hey, guys!*

Cameron turns around first, sliding his hand down to his waist, gripping a pistol.

***Cameron:*** *Who the hell are you people?*

Lamar strolls into the open, nonchalantly eyeing up Cameron’s hand.

***Lamar:*** *Ladies, ladies please.*

***Tobias:*** *Hey, uh, Larry. Maybe just… call it a day and let us walk, yeah? I really don’t want things to get messy.*

Lancel looks at Damian and Lamar, bewildered, then shoots a look at Tobias.

***Lancel:*** *These two are with you?*

He looks between Tobias and the others, before suddenly erupting into a yell.

***Lancel:*** *KILL THEM! KILL THEM NOW!*

In a flash, Damian quickdraws two pistols, aiming them up and firing two shots immediately. One directly into Cameron’s throat, the other into Devon’s right knee cap.

***Devon:*** *GAH-- FUCK!*

Cameron doesn’t even have time to draw his gun, before he hits the ground, his throat spitting up blood, squirting all over the ground beside him. He twitches, grabbing at his throat.

Devon meanwhile stumbles to the ground, first attempting to crawl for cover, his blown knee cap making it impossible for him to walk. But as he sees Lamar running up on him, Devon desperately tries to unsling his rifle. But he’s far too slow, and the last thing he sees is Lamar’s katana swinging towards his head. It cleaves right through his rifle, and slices through his neck, decapitating the man. Pools of blood spill out, as Lamar then effortlessly kicks his head across the railyard.

***Tobias:*** *Oh, man. Yikes.*

Lancel stares ahead, eyes wide with panic, like a deer looking into headlights. He grabs for a radio strapped to his chest, and screams.

***Lancel:*** *I NEED BACK UP! THE RAILYARD, TOBIAS DUKE AND--*

Damian fires one shot through Lancel’s forehead. The man remains standing for a moment, before his body keels over with a thud.

Edward and the others look on through the window of the carriage they’re in, in shock. Seth covers his mouth in horror, wanting to vomit at the sight of the decapitated Devon.

***Stanley: (Quietly)*** *Holy shit.*

Damian turns to Lamar, a massive grin on his face.

***Damian:*** *That… was… AWESOME! Bring it in, brother!!*

Lamar approaches him, dapping him up, as if this was all routine to them.

***Lamar:*** *Light work, no reaction.*

***Damian:*** *No fucking shot! We out here popping off!*

***Tobias:*** *Oh, crud. Are you guys fucking kidding me? We’re in DEEP TROUBLE!*

Tobias gets back up, starting to pace around.

***Damian:*** *Heyyyyy, a little gratitude, old man. We just saved you like total badasases.*

***Lamar:*** *You were getting walked like a BITCH too, goddamn.*

***Tobias:*** *Alright that’s enough. Look… look, thank you. You did great…*

***Damian:*** *Damn straight.* ***(He turns back to Lamar)*** *One more time, man!*

***Tobias:*** *Alright, no. Enough! Enough! Now is not the time for this. We need to get the hell out of here. Forget Patrick, forget it all. They’ll be here in minutes.*

***Lamar:*** *What type of scooby-doo ass villain name is ‘The Don’? Can’t we just…*

In the train car, Edward perks his head up, hearing the name *Patrick*.

***Edward: (Muttering)*** *…Patrick? Patrick? Surely they don’t mean… I mean there are lots of people named Patrick.*

***Stanley:*** *The… the prisoner we had?*

***Edward: (He sighs)*** *Come on, we’re going out there.*

***Seth:*** *WH-- GOING OUT THERE? They just killed those guys, man! Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope.*

Outside, Tobias looks over at the train car.

***Tobias:*** *The fuck was that?*

***Edward:*** ***(Staring at Seth)*** *Well, now you’ve done it.*

Edward mumbles to himself, swinging open the train car door.

***Edward:*** *Hello!*

Damian points his two pistols at Edward, then looks at Tobias.

***Damian:*** *Their backup get here already?*

***Tobias:*** *No way. There’s no way* ***(He shakes his head)***.

***Edward:*** *Lower your weapons. We’re not here to fight you.*

***Tobias:*** *Listen, buddy… if you’re not here to kill us, then that’s great… but this isn’t a social call, okay? We don’t have time for that, and if you know what’s best for you, you’ll take your people and leave this place right now.*

***Lamar:*** *Lay off, old man. They don’t… look like much.*

***Tobias: (He sighs)*** *How can we help you fellas? Make it quick, we really need to disperse.*

***Edward:*** *What’s going on here? Who were those men?*

Edward slowly climbs out of the train, taking his shotgun off of his back.

***Damian:*** *Hey, you told us to lower our weapons. The hell is this?*

***Edward:*** *You can never be too careful. Besides, I just watched you shoot two men down in a flash, I’d hardly stand a chance.*

***Damian: (He smirks)*** *Fair.* ***(He looks over at Lamar)*** *He’s saying we’re fucking awesome, dude.*

***Lamar:*** *He’s not wrong* ***(He smiles)***.

***Tobias:*** *Listen. We can talk, if that’s what you wanna do. I’m all for making friends, but we can’t do it here. If you were listening to all of that, you know that they called for backup, and that backup should not be fucked with. Believe me, my two guys are good, but they are not going to be able to get us out of what’s coming, okay? So let’s…*

***Edward:*** *You’re looking for a man named Patrick.*

***Tobias:*** *That’s right. You, uh, you know him? Hold on--*

***Edward:*** *As it happens--*

The sound of a rocket whistling through the air cuts Edward off. The rocket slams into a train car somewhere nearby, exploding it.

***Damian:*** *Take cover!*

Damian, Lamar and Tobias all run for cover, while Edward is launched back by the explosion, landing on the gravel with a thud. Kyori and Stanley find cover too, while Seth lies down inside of the train car, whimpering.

***Seth:*** *Oh, God--*

***Tobias:*** *Christ all-fuckin-mighty. It came from above… It can’t… surely…*

***Lamar:*** *What is it?*

Tobias coughs, and looks up at the overpass above the railyard. Sure enough, standing on the overpass is a tall, well-built man sporting a black trenchcoat and hat. There’s a small convoy of jeeps behind him, as men are seen stepping out, armed with weapons of all kinds. Beside DON CLEMENTS stands ULGA, a woman with neck-length white hair, and a heavy RPG cradling against her shoulder.

A man approaches The Don and hands him a megaphone. He clears his throat, grunting.

***Don Clements:*** *Tobias Duke.*

***Tobias:*** *God… dammit.*

***Don Clements:*** *This is your one and only warning. Come out with your hands up and turn yourself in. Do so and you may be shown mercy. Ignore this call, and you will face the consequences of your actions, for trespassing on my property and murdering my men.*

Edward huffs as he is helped up by Kyori.

***Edward:*** *…what the hell?*

He looks up at Clements, and can only wonder what he’d just gotten himself into.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #27**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - MORNING**

AUSTIN KINGSTON’s eyes flicker open. He’s still sitting in the RV, and knows that he can’t have been asleep for more than an hour. He sighs quietly, the thoughts of Irene and Ryan stuck in his mind. Frowning, he gets up, and shambles down towards the front of the vehicle, passing by a sleeping MACKENZIE BROHEM.

GENNA BROHEM hears him coming, and looks back briefly.

***Genna:*** *You weren’t out for very long. Hopefully you’re less grumpy though.*

***Austin:*** *Yeah, yeah.*

He sits down in the passenger seat beside her again, staring down the road ahead. They were no longer on your average two lane highway, but were now driving along a tiny paved road deep in the woods.

***Genna:*** *What made you come along? You’ve done nothing but complain so far. I thought you’d like it out here, I mean--* ***you*** *said you liked it better out here.*

***Austin:*** *I-- I know. Yeah, I know. It’s just-- Just been doing some thinking, is all.*

***Genna:*** *Thinking? Well… what kind of thinking? You’re clearly upset about whatever it is.*

***Austin:*** *Yeah--*

He sighs, looking out the window at the passing trees, considering what to say, and if he even wants to say it.

***Austin:*** *My family-- I’ve been thinking about them. That’s what I’m thinking about.*

***Genna:*** *Family? What, uh…* ***(She frowns)***

***Austin:*** *They’re dead, if that’s what you want to know. Died a long time ago. I just-- Shit, it’s just all been coming back to me these past couple of days. Hard to think about.*

***Genna:*** *I’m sorry. How’d it… How’d it happen? If you don’t mind me asking.*

Austin closes his eyes, shaking his head lightly, clearly not wanting to think about that.

***Austin:*** *I didn’t realize until we arrived at Worthwood-- but I’ve just never had the chance to think about them. I mean - out here, all you’re ever thinking about is how to survive. I’m sure you understand.*

***Genna:*** *I do.*

***Austin:*** ***(He frowns slightly)*** *To be completely honest with you-- I never knew what the fuck I was doing my group. It’s just that- I didn’t know what else to do. I had a friend, Logan - was with him for a while after the outbreak. Then he vanished - don’t know what happened to him. I stumbled across William and the others-- just decided to stick with them, I guess. With my drinking -- and all the other crazy shit that we went through, there was never any time to slow down and think about them-- My family, I mean.* ***(He sighs)*** *I don’t even know why I’m telling you this - ain’t like you care.*

***Genna: (Shaking her head)*** *No, I do care. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard losing your family is. But it’s like my sister said - you’re safe now in Worthwood. It’s not like we’re out here recruiting 24/7. I really didn’t know what I was doing before I came to Worthwood. You’re always just thinking about how to survive, like you say. But now I’ve got a purpose. Not just to look after Mackenzie, but to find good people and bring them to our community. You’ve got that purpose now too - you can finally relax a little.*

***Austin:*** *Hm…* ***(He looks down)*** *Yeah, I guess so. I’m sorry - you know, for how I was acting. Didn’t mean to come off as some kind of asshole.*

***Genna:*** *You don’t need to apologize. You opened up to me - and I understand. You seem like a good guy, Austin.*

***Austin:*** *Maybe…*

Austin looks back ahead, down the road.

***Austin:*** *So - how far do we still have to go?*

***Genna:*** *Still a while. You could probably get some more sleep if you need it.*

***Austin:*** *I’ll be fine.*

Up ahead, just beyond a bend and out of sight of the RV, three men and their motorcycles stand in the road, completely blocking it. JOHNNY is in the middle of telling a story, while TEX and LELAND are listening in.

***Johnny:*** *--And so I kicked his fucking ass* ***(He laughs)***. *The motherfucker should have thought twice about taking my rations. The asshole is lucky I didn’t beat him into a coma.*

***Tex: (He chuckles)*** *I’ll tell you -- if I was there, I’d have did that fucker in myself! They gotta learn when they fuck around these days.*

***Leland:*** *Amen to that. Should have popped his ass, the fucker doesn’t get to steal and get off with a weak beating.*

***Johnny:*** *You calling me weak? I could kill you with my bare fucking fists, right here, right now. Come on.*

***Tex:*** *Careful there, blood sugar might rise too high, Johnnyboy* ***(He laughs quietly)***. *Wouldn’t be quite the talker if it did so, would ya’? Y’know I’m just fucki--*

Tex stops, as he hears the sounds of a vehicle approaching. He looks left, and sees an RV coming around the bend, approaching the bikers.

***Genna:*** *Oh, shit.*

***Austin:*** *What?*

Austin looks ahead, narrowing his eyes, immediately seeing what Genna sees. He stands out of his seat, and moves into the back of the vehicle as Genna starts to slow down.

***Austin:*** *Don’t stop too close to them, we don’t know who they are or what they want.*

Austin then shakes Mackenzie, who’s still sleeping. But when she doesn’t wake up, he shakes her more violently.

***Austin:*** *Hey! Get up, we’ve got company.*

Mackenzie finally wakes up, eyes shoot open as she rolls over, groggily.

***Mackenzie:*** *Wha-- wuh-- What’s going on?*

The RV comes to a halt, a few dozen feet from the bikers. Mackenzie goes quiet, hearing voices coming from outside, as she makes her way to the front of the RV, looking out and seeing the bikers in the road. She looks back at Austin, terrified, her breathing shaking.

***Mackenzie:*** *What-- what do we-- what-*

***Austin:*** *Calm down. We don’t know anything about them yet.*

***Tex: (He waves, friendly like)*** *Come on out! We don’t bite!*

***Johnny: (Quietly)*** *Well, what do we have here?*

Johnny grins, adjusting his vest while Tex looks back at him and Leland, a pair of dark shades blocking his eyes.

***Tex:*** ***(Quietly)*** *The usual, ladies. I’ll get the party started soon. Just play it casually.*

Smirking, Tex looks back at the RV, staring through the windshield at Genna, who's still behind the wheel.

***Genna:*** *What-- What do do we-- Shit…*

***Mackenzie:*** *I don’t like this - I don’t like this-- We--we can just turn back. We could go. They don’t look good, we can’t just stay here--*

Genna considers turning around too, but the road is far too small to flip a U-turn on such a large vehicle, so that’s out of the question.

***Genna:*** *It’s okay-- It’s okay, Mackenzie* ***(She grabs her hand)***. *It’ll be okay. They could just be -- some strangers in need of help--*

***Tex:*** *You know you can come out, road’s cleared of the zombies, we got the last batch not too long ago!*

***Mackenzie:*** *…Should we go out?*

Austin grabs a rifle from the back of the RV, holding it tightly.

***Austin:*** *We ain’t going anywhere unless we talk to them. I’ll step out - you two stay here, keep this RV ready to go.*

***Mackenzie: (Nodding)*** *Please be safe--*

Austin nods to the sisters, and exits the RV, rifle in hand. He heads around to the front of the vehicle, looking forward towards the three bikers.

***Mackenzie:*** ***(Whispering)*** *Please, God, keep him safe…*

***Austin:*** *Hey there, fellas. We’re just trying to get by here - is there something you need?*

Johnny eyes up the rifle in Austin’s hands, and draws his own pistol, keeping it lowered.

***Johnny:*** *Woah, friend. What’s with that? We’re just friendly strangers looking to chat. Why don’t you go put that back?*

***Tex:*** ***(Looking at Johnny)*** *My boy, my friend, my brother, I’ll handle this. No need to go full Rambo on these travelers.* ***(He turns to Austin)*** *Sorry about the guns, can never be too sure who’s friend or foe in this strange new world these days* ***(He chuckles)***.

Tex waits a moment to see if Austin says something, but he doesn’t, and only clutches the rifle in his arms. He looks between the three bikers, growing more suspicious, seeing Johnny giving him a strange look, and Leland resting a hand on his holster.

***Tex:*** *Well, usually introductions go like ‘Nice to meet you. I’m so and so and you’re?’ But it’s fine.*

***Austin:*** *Listen, buddy. We ain’t interested in talking with you. We ain’t looking to cause any trouble - just wanna get past you, and we’ll be on our way.*

Tex looks at him, his expression changing from that of a friendly one, to a more hostile, annoyed one.

***Tex:*** *I’ll explain how this goes, beer belly. We’re pretty friendly, pretty much down to earth, not a worry to give about us.*

***Austin:*** *If that’s the case, you’ll move out of the way and let us keep driving.*

***Tex:*** *You and your friends seem like you’re nice people too. But I think we’re at a genuine conundrum in this. We’re not wanting to move, y’see, it’s gonna be a bit tricky, I think-- but I think you’ll understand what you should be thinking.*

Tex reaches into his pocket slowly, as Austin watches him carefully, his hand twitching, thinking that Tex was going to pull out a pistol. But what Tex actually pulls out is a severed finger, a shiny, beautiful ring attached to it.

***Tex:*** *Give us your shit. Or you’ll end up like Clark here. Or you’ll end up in a worse state than-- than nine finger Clark* ***(He laughs)***.

Genna and Mackenzie watch from inside the RV, not fully sure what’s happening.

***Mackenzie:*** *I can’t hear them-- do you think he’s okay?*

***Genna:*** *I-- I don’t know.*

Austin stares at Tex, gritting his teeth. His finger slides towards the trigger of his rifle, getting ready to fight.

***Austin:*** *Get the fuck out of our way. Now.*

***Tex:*** *Or what? You’re gonna SHOOT ME?! Sure, I’ll die, but my brothers will drop your fat ass quicker than my bike hitting the ground. Go ahead and try it, fat boy. I’m the fastest fucking draw here. I could kill you right now.*

Mackenzie trembles in fear inside the RV, hearing Tex’s voice boom. Meanwhile, Austin begins to take slow steps backwards, getting closer to the RV door, while keeping his eyes on the bikers, watching for any sudden movements.

Suddenly, Tex draws a revolver, and shoots it right through the windshield of the RV, glass shattering. Mackenzie recoils back in fear, yelping out. Austin raises his gun and fires off three rounds at the bikers, two of them whizzing right past, while a third rings off the side of Tex’s bike. He sprints into the RV, practically diving to the ground.

***Tex:*** *WOOOOOOOOOO! Y’ALL BETTER FUCKING RUN, HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!*

***Genna:*** *SHIT--*

Genna slams on the gas, speeding directly towards the bikers, who all scurry out of the way.

***Tex:*** *TIRES! TIRES! TIRES!*

***Johnny:*** *CRAZY BITCH!*

Tex opens fire on the RV, specifically trying to hit the tires. Genna ducks her head down, not even seeing where she’s going. Because of this, she slams right into Johnny’s motorcycle, the RV rocking up and down, destroying the bike.

***Johnny:*** *MY BIKE! I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU FOR THAT!*

Mackenzie screams, hearing bullets ripping through the thin walls of the RV, and gunshots constantly ringing out. Genna keeps her foot on the gas, while Austin lies flat on the ground, looking around in a panic.

With Tex, Johnny and Leland all firing at the RV, eventually one of the tires is hit, just a few seconds after Genna had crushed Johnny’s motorcycle. Then, a second tire is hit, popping it. Genna no longer has control of the RV, as it starts to veer off the road towards the ditch. But because her head is still lowered, trying to avoid getting shot, she can’t see what’s happening.

***Mackenzie:*** *GENNA PLEASE! GENNA PLEASE--*

Mackenzie coughs and rolls around on the ground, petrified.

The vehicle goes off the road, catching some air, as it crashes into a large tree head-on. Genna slams her head on the dashboard, seatbelt keeping her in place, while Mackenzie and Austin are thrown around the back of the RV.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #28**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - MORNING**

Seconds later, AUSTIN KINGSTON coughs and groans, rolling around on the floor of the RV. His back aches, and his knee feels funny, but besides that he feels okay. He crawls towards his rifle, which he sees laying on the ground, and picks it up.

***Genna:*** *Ugh--*

GENNA BROHEM moves slowly in her seat, a small gash on her forehead, blood trickling out.

MACKENZIE BROHEM lies against the passenger seat, slammed into an awkward, contorted position. Blood is spilling from her mouth, and from cuts and a gash on her head.

***Austin:*** ***(Whisper yelling)*** *Genna! Mackenzie! Get up, come on.*

He moves hastily over to Mackenzie, shaking her, causing some blood to spray from her mouth.

***Austin:*** *Hey! Hey!*

***Genna:*** *Mackenzie…?*

Mackenzie gurgles out, gagging up blood.

***Mackenzie:*** *Plg-- ple--*

She coughs out, spitting blood, as well as a large chunk of her tongue that she’d bitten off in the crash.

***Austin:*** *Come on, ladies. You need to get up -- you need to go.*

***Genna:*** *What… Oh my god, Mackenzie-- Mackenzie!*

Genna, now out of her seat, kneels down in front of her sister, terrified. Mackenzie gazes down at her hands, covered with her own blood that spilled from her mouth. There’s a ringing in her ears, blood dripping from her lips. Then, she lets out a blood curdling scream, her body convulsing. She grabs at her face with her bloody hands.

***Austin:*** *Come on, get UP!*

Austin yanks Mackenzie to her feet.

***Austin:*** *Both of you, get the hell out of here. Those bikers’ll be here any second. I’ll hold them off.*

***Genna:*** *But-- You can’t--*

***Austin:*** *I ain’t fucking arguing. Get out of here NOW!*

Austin steps out of the RV, aiming the rifle up at the road. Nobody.

Genna, grabbing onto Mackenzie, exits the RV, as they weakly stumble down a steep ditch and into the woods.

As the women vanish into the trees, moving quickly now, Austin moves towards a large boulder to obtain some cover. He keeps the barrel of his rifle trained at the road, watching intently. He gnashes his teeth together, ignoring some pain in his leg.

Then, the sound of a leaf crunching beside the man.

***Tex:*** *Boo.*

A revolver is fired, and Austin gasps, dropping his gun.

***Austin:*** *Gh--*

He tumbles backwards, falling down a steep incline. His arms and legs flail, desperately trying to stop himself, his body smacking off of trees and rocks as he falls. His head bounces off a tree at one point, stunning him, as he keeps tumbling down and down, unable to stop himself. Finally, he comes to an abrupt stop, laying on his back, feeling water starting to soak his clothes. He’s lying in a stream, blood oozing out from his hip, colouring the clear water red. He stares up at the sky, mouth agape, breathing slowly.

***Tex:*** *Adios, beer belly.*

TEX smirks, turning back to look at JOHNNY and LELAND.

***Tex:*** *BOYS! FIND THE GIRLS!*

He walks out of sight.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #29**

**WORTHWOOD - SCHOOL - EVENING**

At eight o’clock, as instructed, LLOYD WALLER arrives at the front of the building acting as the school. It’s pitch black out - and he feels like he’s doing something forbidden, even though he’s just simply taking a stroll.

***Violet:*** *Hey.*

VIOLET GLOVER drops down from a tree above him, startling him.

***Lloyd:*** *Jesus.*

***Violet:*** *Little bit jumpy, aren’t you?*

***Lloyd:*** *Come on. There’s no way I was anticipating that.*

Lloyd shakes his head, looking at her closely.

***Lloyd:*** *Why are you still wearing sunglasses?*

***Violet:*** *That’s my style, Lloyd. What’s the problem?*

***Lloyd:*** *No, no, I didn’t mean to offend, I mean-- it’s the end of the world, right? Dress how you want.*

***Violet:*** *Yeah. Exactly* ***(She smiles)***.

***Lloyd:*** *So, uh, what’s all this… about?*

***Violet:*** *What’s all ‘what’ about?*

***Lloyd: (He looks around)*** *This.*

***Violet:*** *What?*

***Lloyd:*** *This. This… meeting. All of this.*

***Violet:*** *What, don’t you want to hangout with me? Thought we could have some fun.*

***Lloyd:*** *It’s not that… I was just, I mean I do. I was just wondering if like, if it was for something important.*

***Violet:*** *Relax, Lloyd. We’re just hanging…* ***(She smiles)***.

***Lloyd:*** *Cool, cool…*

***Violet:*** *Beyond the walls, of course.*

***Lloyd:*** *W--what?*

***Violet:*** *You’re not… scared, are you? I mean, you’ve been out there a lot more than I have.*

***Lloyd:*** *No, of course not, just… taken a little off guard. Why… out there? It’s dark out, Violet, I…*

***Violet:*** *Because like I told you… out there is freeing. I want to see what you’re made of.*

***Lloyd:*** *I dunno, Violet… It’s not… a game out there, or some kind of joke. It’s serious. I’ve lost friends, and…*

***Violet:*** *We can handle ourselves. We’ll be fine. I do this practically every night on my own. So… are you coming, or am I going solo?*

***Lloyd: (He sighs)*** *Yeah, yeah. I’m coming. But like, do they just… do they just let you walk out of the gate?*

***Violet: (Chuckling)*** *No, of course not. No. You think they’d let a couple of minors out when we have a curfew? We’d have enough trouble being allowed to get out during the day.*

***Lloyd:*** *So… how do we get out then?*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #30**

**WORTHWOOD - OUTER WALLS - EVENING**

She takes LLOYD WALLER to a large tree near the outer walls of the community, an area shrouded in darkness.

***Violet:*** *I hope you’re good at climbing. Just follow my lead.*

Without hesitation, she then begins climbing up the tree, pulling herself up using a branch. Lloyd looks up at her from below, sighing, before beginning to follow her.

***Lloyd: (Muttering)*** *What am I doing…*

After a couple of minutes of climbing, the two reach a point near the top of the tree where they can jump across and land on the wall’s walkway.

***Violet: (Whispering)*** *Alright. Don’t let one of the guards see you, yeah?*

***Lloyd:*** *…yeah.*

VIOLET GLOVER leaps over first, quickly standing and brushing herself off. Lloyd makes the jump after her, as she approaches a small box, where inside is a long piece of rope. As if this was all routine, she ties the rope around one of the castle’s turrets, then tosses the excess rope over the wall.

***Lloyd:*** *That’s… cool.*

***Violet:*** *Yeah, I’m sure you get the gist of it now.*

Violet swings off her backpack, and rummages through it until she pulls out two pairs of gloves, one for her, and one for Lloyd.

***Violet:*** *Put those on. Rope burn isn’t fun.*

Lloyd does as instructed, before watching Violet climb over the ledge, and slide down the rope. He gulps, before following suit.

**Scene #30 Cont.**

**FOREST - WOODS - LATE EVENING**

As they reach the bottom of the wall, Violet exhales and looks up at the man with a smile.

***Violet:*** *It’s so… peaceful out here.*

***Lloyd:*** *That’s one way to put it. Why do you really come out here, Violet? Do you like killing zombies or something? Do you just get bored inside the walls?*

***Violet:*** *Yeah. Feel so cooped up in there sometimes, I just… I feel free out here.*

Violet pulls a flashlight out of her bag, offering it to him. He takes it.

***Lloyd:*** *Thanks. I dunno, maybe I’d like it better if it was like… evening. It’s a little dangerous in the dark.*

***Violet:*** *Well, I’m lucky I have you to protect me, aren’t I?*

She starts to walk off, still smiling.

***Lloyd:*** *Hey, wait up!*

He rushes to catch up with her, as they enter a forest near the community.

It isn’t long after stepping into the woods that they encounter their first zombie staggering through the trees ahead of them. Violet eagerly raises a knife she’s taken out of her bag.

***Violet:*** *I’ll take this one.*

***Lloyd:*** *Uh, yeah. Sure. But I’m keeping a close eye.*

***Violet:*** *‘Course.*

She moves towards the zombie, and swiftly takes it down, cleanly stabbing it in the head.

***Lloyd:*** *This, uh… isn’t like, some kind of… hunt, to you, is it?*

***Violet:*** *What do you mean?*

***Lloyd:*** *You don’t just… come out here to roam around and kill zombies, right?*

***Violet:*** *Of course not. Just the ones in my way. The world’s a beautiful place, Lloyd. I think we should be able to enjoy it. Plus… I don’t want to fall out of practice. It’s good to face reality and remember what the world’s really like. Too long in there and… you’d begin to forget.*

***Lloyd:*** *That’s… fair, actually* ***(He nods)***. *I get that. Did you… have a rough time out there?*

***Violet:*** *Yeah. Yeah, it… it wasn’t easy for me and my dad.*

She nods, pushing up her glasses a bit.

***Lloyd:*** *How did you end up here?*

***Violet:*** *Genna and Mackenzie recruited us. Same girls who brought you and your group in, right?*

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah… yeah, we owe a lot to them. They were brave to come to us… in the state that we were in too, we were… we were on the verge of falling apart when they found us.*

***Violet:*** *Oh, I get that. We, uh… I don’t think we had many days left in us when they showed up and told us about Worthwood.*

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah. Exactly that.*

***Violet:*** *So… is our new teacher the one who was leading your group?*

***Lloyd:*** *Yeah… that’s him. William. I don’t know where I’d be without him. He’s… gotten us through a lot.*

***Violet:*** *How did you come to be with him? Were your parents…--*

***Lloyd:*** *Oh, no. I, uh, I never saw my parents again after the outbreak started. I was at school. I… don’t know what happened to them. Never will.*

***Violet:*** *Sorry. That’s… rough.*

Lloyd simply nods, looking towards her.

***Lloyd:*** *What… What about you? Your dad is here… but… is your mom--*

***Violet:*** ***(Quietly)*** *Dead. She and my sister both. My younger sister, Ruby, she was… she was my best friend. I mean that.*

***Lloyd:*** *Did you lose them during… this?*

***Violet:*** ***(Nodding)*** *Yeah. Sure did. It was, uh… only a few days before we ended up here. It’s still a fresh wound, I, uh… I struggle to…*

***Lloyd:*** *No, it’s okay, we don’t-- We don’t have to talk about that.*

She freezes up for a moment, mouth agape.

***Violet: (Shaky voice)*** *We took everything we had for granted, Lloyd. The world before, the way it was.*

***Lloyd:*** ***(Muttering)*** *Yeah… you can say that again.*

***Violet:*** *I mean, I was a fucking bitch.*

***Lloyd:*** *Violet, come on…*

***Violet:*** *No, really. I was a fucking bitch, Lloyd. A literal bitch. Head cheerleader bitch. I was a bully. Spent more time degrading other girls and making them miserable than anything else.*

***Lloyd:*** *…You were also just young. Bullies… don’t stay that way forever. They grow up and mature, it’s just…* ***(He shrugs)*** *how things are.*

***Violet:*** *Ruby was the only person I was ever real with. The only one I really got along with. Fake cheerleader friends at school didn’t count. They only liked me because I was head bitch. I guess it’s silly that I spend so much time thinking about my old school life.*

***Lloyd:*** *I think about it all the time too. When the outbreak hit, I was still in school, and I spent the first few weeks of this whole thing there* ***(He shakes his head)***. *It was… literally my world. Believe me, I understand how you feel, Violet. It’s been even weirder being thrust into a new school life after… after everything. It’s surreal to me.*

***Violet:*** *Yeah, I don’t know if you’ll ever really get used to that. I’m not… especially when it’s my dad teaching us most of the time. He hates me going out here. He went to the council about it, got the police force to hold an intervention. Said they were gonna keep an extra close eye on me to make sure I stop slipping out in the night. But… look how well that turned out for them.*

***Lloyd:*** *I… can’t say I blame him, Violet. He’s just worried about you. Like any parent would be.*

She stops to think for a moment, frowning.

***Violet:*** *…Yeah. I’m sorry, I didn’t think we’d have such a deep discussion, it’s kind of killed the vibe, hasn’t it?*

***Lloyd:*** *I think it’s… important. Like we’re having a genuine talk rather than just… messing around. I feel like I understand you a little better now.*

***Violet:*** *I enjoy your company, Lloyd. We should probably get back in before my dad finds out I’m gone. The last thing I want is to spend the night arguing with him.*

***Lloyd:*** *I get that… but, hey, Violet. Maybe you should… I don’t know how you can ever convince him you’re fine out here, just… ah, I don’t know. Forget it. I just know William would be worried about me, no matter how capable he knows I am out here.*

***Violet:*** *It’s just important that I… hone my skills, and stuff. Because then next time… when I have to protect someone…*

Her voice trails off, sadness in her tone.

***Lloyd:*** *Your sister…?*

Violet sniffles, as Lloyd sees tears streaming down her cheeks from under her shades.

***Lloyd:*** *Hey, hey, Violet* ***(He approaches)***. *It’s okay. Trust me… I understand you. Just let me… I’m here.*

She nods, sobbing quietly.

***Violet:*** *I wish I could… tell you…*

Lloyd narrows his eyes, a bit puzzled by what she means. He looks at the shades covering her eyes.

***Lloyd:*** *Can I… see you?*

When she nods, Lloyd slowly raises a hand and gently removes the sunglasses… until he finds himself looking at a freshly bruised eye, swelling all around it.

***Lloyd:*** *Violet… What happened? Why…?*

***Violet:*** *He… blames me. For their deaths. For Ruby… and my mom.*

Her voice breaks, as she cries, covering her eyes. Lloyd frowns, pulling her in for a hug. He stares ahead, processing everything in his head.

***Violet:*** *I’m sorry… I’m sorry.*

***Lloyd:*** *You… have nothing to be sorry about.*

***Violet:*** *I couldn’t protect her. I couldn’t protect either of them. It broke him. I ruined his life.*

***Lloyd:*** *Hey, hey. You didn’t ruin anything.* ***(He pulls away from her)*** *He… he is the one doing all of this to you? These injuries are serious, Violet. He’s hurting you. We have to report him to the authorities and have this dealt with. You need to be separated--*

***Violet:*** *No. No* ***(She shakes her head)***. *Lloyd… I can handle myself, okay? I… I come out, I escape, I do what I need to do, I’m dealing with my own shit. I just… I shouldn’t have said so much to you. I just… It’s been bottled up for so long I just… I didn’t mean to let so much spill.*

***Lloyd:*** *Violet, these injuries are serious. He… Your eye… That needs to be treated, that needs to be looked at -- by a doctor. People need to know if he’s… if he’s hurting you like that.*

***Violet:*** *Lloyd. Please. Stay out of it. Trust me, I’m fine, we argue about it, and it gets heated, and we just… We miss our family, that’s all.*

***Lloyd: (Shaking his head)*** *Violet… I can’t not… do anything about this.*

***Violet:*** *Well please… don’t. Let me handle my shit, okay? I can handle my own shit.*

She starts to walk back towards the walls of Worthwood in the distance.

***Violet:*** *We should get back. Come on.*

***Lloyd:*** *Violet… wait--*

He watches as she continues walking, not looking back at him.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #31**

**WILLAMETTE - STREETS - MORNING**

***Austin:*** *MOVE!*

AUSTIN KINGSTON lays on the horn of his truck, a car in front of him driving at a snail’s pace. He keeps honking, but when it refuses to get out of the way, he veers into oncoming lanes to get past it. As he speeds by, he sees a frail, worried looking old man behind the wheel.

He steers back into the right lane, continuing to drive, quickly. The city is falling into chaos. Civilians run through the streets, emergency vehicles race around the city frantically, and zombies are seen stumbling out of alleyways and storefronts, killing people. At one point, Austin drives past a mother screaming in agony as a zombie chomps on her arm, while a little girl stands nearby, crying. He shudders, but keeps driving, knowing he has no time to stop.

His truck continues speeding down road after road, eventually leaving the madness of downtown Willamette. He turns into a quiet neighbourhood on the outskirts of town, occasionally passing by another vehicle. He finally reaches his house, and slams on the brakes by the curb, grabbing his shotgun from the passenger seat and stepping out.

**Scene #31 Cont.**

**WILLAMETTE - KINGSTON HOME - MORNING**

Austin stomps up his driveway in a hurry, somewhat struggling to keep his balance, the drinks he had last night doing him no favour. When he makes it to his front door, he sees it swing open, as JEREMIAH HURST steps out, locking eyes with him.

***Jeremiah:*** *Austin. Thank God you’re here. You seen what’s going on?*

***Austin:*** *Why were you in my house?*

***Jeremiah:*** *I just talked to Irene, she and Ryan are gonna come over to our place, so are Clint and Jane from across the street, and anyone else who wants to. Gonna hold up here ‘till the military shows up*

Austin stares at him, bewildered, unsure of how to respond. Jeremiah suddenly looks to his left, at his house, where he sees his wife standing on the front porch, waving him over.

***Jeremiah:*** *Shit.* ***(He starts to jog away)*** *I’ll see you in a bit. Get over here as soon as you can!*

After watching Jeremiah go, Austin scrunches up his face and speed walks into his house, leaving the door wide open. He marches to the living room, boots leaving behind a muddy trail.

In the living room, he sees RYAN KINGSTON sitting on the couch, scared, while IRENE KINGSTON exits the kitchen, carrying a bag with canned goods and other non-perishable food.

***Irene:*** *Austin. Why are you… Nevermind, I don’t care. You must have seen what’s happening. Ryan and I are going over to the Hurst’s place to stay there--*

***Austin:*** *Like hell you guys are. It’s not safe. Come on, put that bag in my truck, we need to leave town.*

***Irene:*** *Go? Go where? We’re going over to Jeremiah’s place, I told you.*

***Austin:*** ***(Sincere)*** *Please-- I-- I’m sorry for what happened, but we need to leave. It’s-- it’s not safe here. Please, come on.*

***Irene:*** *Austin-- You aren’t thinking straight… We can’t just leave town. They were saying on the TV that we should stay at home…*

She quiets down, only now just realizing the shotgun Austin is carrying. She looks down at Ryan, who’s visibly scared.

***Irene:*** *And Jesus, Austin, can you put away the gun? You’re scaring Ryan.*

***Austin:*** *Put away the gun? Have you fucking seen what’s happening? Are they broadcasting that on the fucking television? To hell with staying put at home. We-- Us three-- need to go. Now.*

***Irene:*** *And go where?!*

***Austin:*** *I DON’T KNOW! Just… not here, and not with the fucking neighbours. It’s not safe. You haven’t seen the things that are happening in the city, the things that I’ve seen. It-it-it’s madness-- people being slaughtered left and right--*

***Irene:*** *Austin!*

She cuts him off, and kneels down in front of Ryan, who’s on the verge of crying, listening to his father.

***Irene:*** *It’s okay, honey. Don’t worry.*

***Austin:*** *Fuck-- I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Irene. Look - I-- I have a cousin out in Durango - you remember her, right? She lives in some isolated house off the highway, we can go there. It’s safer than here.*

***Irene: (She stands back up to face him)*** *Oh my God, Austin. Ryan and I aren’t going with you. Haven’t I made that clear to you?!*

***Austin:*** *IT IS NOT SAFE HERE! Haven’t* ***I*** *made that clear enough?! Now look - the main highway out of town is jammed, I saw it myself, but we can take the backroads. Probably safer that way anyway. So - for the love of God - get your things and let’s go.*

***Irene: (She shakes her head)*** *No, Austin. We* ***will*** *be safe here.*

***Austin: (Mumbling)*** *Jesus Christ…*

He walks towards the kitchen, annoyed with Irene, the stress getting to him. He lays his shotgun on the counter, then opens the fridge to grab a cold can of beer, which he cracks open and takes a long swig of.

Irene watches from the living room, narrowing her eyes and clenching a fist.

***Irene:*** *I don’t even want you here. Look at you, Austin. You plus guns and booze - I wonder how that’ll end. You’ll be the one endangering us, you lunatic.*

Austin shuts his eyes, crushing the beer can slightly. He takes a deep breath, and sets the drink down, turning around to face her.

***Austin:*** *You’re wrong. I’m just stressed out right now - I’ll be fine.*

***Irene:*** *I mean it, Austin. I don’t feel safe with you… not during all of-- this. Whatever this is that’s happening. We’ll be fine with Jeremiah and his family next door.*

***Austin:*** *What the fuck do you mean you don’t feel safe with me? Irene - I came here because I’m worried about you two! So - will you PLEASE just listen to me and get up, get your things, and follow me out to the truck. Just-- can you just trust me? Trust me, Irene. Trust me for one goddamn minute.*

***Irene:*** *…I’m not going to say it again, Austin--*

***Austin:*** *FUCK YOU, THEN! I’M ONLY TRYING TO HELP!*

He points a finger at her in rage, stepping forward, breathing heavily. Then, just a few seconds later, he lowers his hand and steps back, rubbing his face in shame.

***Austin:*** *I didn’t mean that-- I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Irene…*

Austin looks across at his family, at his frightened son, and at Irene, who’s staring at him like he’s some kind of monster.

Footsteps are heard jogging through the house, as Jeremiah is seen turning a corner into the living room.

***Jeremiah:*** *I heard yelling. Is everything okay?*

Austin gnashes his teeth, glaring at Jeremiah, with spite, and with jealousy.

***Austin:*** *Yeah. It’s just fucking peachy.*

He grabs his shotgun from off the kitchen counter, and walks past Jeremiah, headed towards the front door.

***Jeremiah:*** *Austin?*

***Austin:*** *What the fuck do you want? What’s your problem with me? You got everything-- you don’t get to complain.*

On that note, Austin storms off to the front door, and heads back outside into the cold November morning.

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**Scene #32**

**FOREST - WOODS - LATE MORNING**

In the present, AUSTIN KINGSTON is still lying in the stream with no sense of how much time has passed. He hears birds chirping, and the sound of the stream rushing next to him. His hip is still oozing blood, slowly, and he can hardly feel his body.

***Austin: (Quiet, raspy voice)*** *He-- Help--*

He moves his head from side to side, very slowly, but he can’t see anybody. He frowns, beginning to think that this was it.

He blacks out for a moment, but is awake seconds later, gasping, and with a sudden burst of energy. He tries to get up, but fails. He simply can’t. It’s too painful. He wheezes in pain, lying back against the water, and for a moment, he thinks he can see Irene and Ryan standing over him - but after blinking a few times, they’re gone. He starts to think of Dean, of Jon, of Kate, and of everybody else.

He wheezes quietly again, feeling his body shutting down. His breathing slows, as he shuts his eyes once again.

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**Scene #33**

**WILLAMETTE - STREETS - EARLY MORNING**

Early in the morning, AUSTIN KINGSTON awakes, lying in the backseat of his pickup truck. Slowly, he sits up from the backseat of his truck, looking out the windows. On the floor of his truck is an empty whiskey bottle. The truck itself is parked in an empty grocery store parking lot somewhere in town, with not a single sign of human life in sight. Grunting, Austin unlocks and opens the back door, climbing out. A breeze as chilly as ice hits him, but Austin hastily makes his way to the driver's seat, hopping in. He rubs his hands together to warm himself, but just for a minute, before he grabs the car keys from the center console and starts the engine.

Slowly, he maneuvers his truck through the streets of Willamette. There's no other cars driving, and not a single alive person that Austin sees as he goes along. Occasionally he passes by a lone zombie staggering in the road, or a small group of them huddled in an alleyway chewing on a corpse. It's been only two days since everything went to hell, yet looks like it has been months. As the minutes pass, Austin turns into a familiar looking neighbourhood. Everything is well until Austin comes across a two-car wreck in the middle of the street. A zombie is seen in the driver's seat of one of the cars, stuck in place because of its seatbelt. All three passenger doors to the same car are left wide open, with splatters of blood nearby. To get around the wreck, Austin drives up onto the grass.

It isn’t long before Austin’s house comes into view. The street is dead silent, and no zombies appear to be in the area. Still, to be cautious, Austin grabs his shotgun from the passenger seat when he stops the truck. As soon as he steps out, he freezes, needing to wait a moment as his stomach suddenly pains, clearly from the drinking last night. He groans, wiping sweat from his forehead, before he looks up at his house -- and then to the left at the Hurst’s home. He sees Jeremiah’s sedan still parked in the driveway, as was Jeremiah’s wife’s SUV. Thinking that his family must still be here, he moves towards Jeremiah’s home. As he arrives on the porch, Austin’s heart sinks, seeing a shattered window, obviously broken from the outside by the fact almost every glass shard is inside the house. Frowning, Austin carefully grabs the doorknob and twists it, finding that it’s unlocked. Whether that made him feel better or worse, he couldn’t say.

**Scene #33 Cont.**

**WILLAMETTE - HURST HOME - EARLY MORNING**

Nervously, he pushes open the door, but feels something blocking it on the other side. He puts his shoulder to the door and uses his strength to push it open anyway. As soon as it opens and Austin steps inside, he discovers what was blocking it -- a corpse. Austin recognizes the deceased; it was Clint, a retired man who lived across the street with his wife, Jane. Clint’s throat has a large bite mark in it, and a puddle of blood sat underneath his head. The corpse looks fresh too - as if it had just happened less than an hour ago. The entire house smells of death, and Austin’s heart begins to race, as he looks around.

***Austin:*** *Irene! Ryan!*

No answer. Austin jogs through the house, sweat trickling down the side of his face. The house is a mess; things are knocked over, pictures shattered, and there’s blood - lots of blood. The next six bodies Austin finds are in the living room. Four of them look like zombies - pale faces, and milky white eyes. Three of the zombies look like they’ve been stabbed in the head, while the other has the side of its head bashed in. The final two corpses make Austin stumble back in shock, trembling in fear. One of them is Kelly, Jeremiah’s wife, who was on the couch - looking almost relaxed, yet her throat was ripped wide open, a pool of blood soaked into the couch, still dripping onto the floor.

The second, and last corpse in the room was Kelly and Jeremiah’s son, Jamie. Austin grabs onto the TV stand beside him to keep himself from falling over, as thoughts of his own son race through his head.

***Austin:*** *Ryan! You here?!*

Austin leaves the living room in a hurry, walking into the kitchen, where there are even more bodies. A few more zombie corpses lay scattered across the floor, blood splattered everywhere. Then Austin sees another body he recognizes -- a middle-aged man named Dennis that lived two houses down.

As Austin goes to leave the kitchen, now in a full on panic, he sees the back door wide open, gently banging against the side of the house in the wind. That gives him some hope -- hope that his family made it out. But he needed to clear the rest of the house first.

He goes back through the living room in order to get to the bedrooms, as he tries to avoid looking at all the bodies.

***Austin:*** *Irene! Ryan!*

He was moving faster now, throwing open the first door he sees-- Empty. He opens the next door, but finds nothing. And then he got to the final door at the end of the hall that was left wide open. Austin, without a moment of hesitation, charges into the room. He immediately stops in his tracks.

RYAN KINGSTON lies face down in the corner, his back torn open, flesh and bone exposed. His corpse is near a window that was partially open, and the glass is covered in fresh blood; signs of an escape attempt. There’s a zombie hunched over him, chewing on a piece of flesh. The zombie has gray hair and a pair of cracked glasses on her face. Austin recognizes her as Clint's wife, Jane.

Closer to the door, IRENE KINGSTON was sitting with her back against the bed frame, her lifeless eyes staring at the wall. Her shoulder, ankle, and neck all have bite marks. There’s a bloody knife left in one of her hands, and a dead zombie lies closeby, stabbed in the head. Another zombie with its back to Austin is digging through Irene's stomach, pulling out intestines and chewing on them.

Austin stares blankly, his mouth hanging over. Tears start to well in his eyes.

The zombie with its back turned to Austin twists its head around. It’s JEREMIAH HURST. A piece of his right cheek is missing, dried blood coating that side of his face. When he stands up, Austin can see that he’s missing three fingers on his left hand, bitten off most likely. Jeremiah lets out a deep, long snarl, his jaw snapping, as he begins to hobble over to Austin. Jane, the other zombie, gets up too.

Austin steps back, raising his shotgun. He yells, blowing off Jeremiah’s head with a single shot. He pumps the shotgun and turns to Jane, doing the same thing. His ears begin to ring, as Austin drops his shotgun altogether, sliding down against the wall. He blinks rapidly, feeling dizzy, the ringing persisting. He covers his face with his hands, starting to sob.

He stays in the same position for a minute, as many different feelings come and go in his head -- but one feeling in particular sticks around: failure. Austin eventually stands back up, looking anywhere but down at the corpses. He clenches his hands, slamming them into the wall in anger. He starts kicking at the wall, tears running down his cheeks. He grabs at his face.

***Austin:*** *You fucking idiot-- you stupid FUCKING-- FUCK YOU!*

The next moment, Austin is back on the floor, crying. His ears continue to ring, albeit quietly, and suddenly he feels a sharp pain in one of his toes, as he immediately regrets kicking the wall. He briefly looks back towards Irene -- seeing her lifeless eyes. His own eyes fill with tears again, as he shakes his head, unable to keep looking. No longer able to stay in that room any longer, he crawls to his shotgun, picks it up, and gets to his feet, staggering out of the room. His head hangs low, tears dripping from his eyes to the floor below. He tries to take deep breaths, but they turn into sobs, not able to control himself. Quickly, he stumbles towards the front door, stepping over Clint’s corpse, and heading outside. He doesn't take a moment to rest, continuing over to his truck and climbing inside -- where he bawls his eyes out.

It’s not until later in the hour that Austin has seemingly cried all that he can. He leans into the seat of his truck, defeated and empty, feeling that there's nothing left for him here. He looks at his shotgun for a while, before turning away. There’s a few zombies around his truck, banging and scratching on the windows, trying to get in. He considers his options for a long few minutes, while staring into the void. In the end, there's only one thing he can think to do: to try and forget.

One of his arms reaches over to the glovebox, opening it. Inside is a half-full bottle of whiskey. He grips the top of the bottle, pulling it out.

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**Scene #34**

**FOREST - WOODS - NOON**

His eyes reopen again, and AUSTIN KINGSTON doesn’t believe that he’s still alive. He looks around, and across the stream, he sees something… a person, making their way towards him, feet splashing in the stream. He weakly raises a hand.

***Austin:*** *He-- Here-- Over her--*

The figure continues moving towards him at a quick pace, and soon it becomes apparent to Austin that it’s no human being. It’s a zombie.

He frowns, lying back in the water, no energy left to even try and fight back. He stares up at the sky, accepting his fate. He pictures Irene in his head, and for a moment, he smiles, happy.

Suddenly, the sound of something heavy flopping into the water. The zombie is dead, decapitated. Austin looks over weakly, and standing there now is a mysterious young woman holding a katana.

***Kayumi:*** *Hey, mister. Can you hear me?*

Austin blinks rapidly, staring up at KAYUMI SHIZUKO, unsure if what he’s seeing is real.

***Austin:*** *Huh-- What… You… Help…*

He lies back in the water, losing consciousness again.

***Kayumi:*** *Don’t worry. I’ve got you.*

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**Scene #35**

**WORTHWOOD - STREET - LATE EVENING**

After returning to Worthwood and getting over the walls, LLOYD WALLER and VIOLET GLOVER walk down the street together, an awkward silence between the two.

***Lloyd:*** *Violet…*

***Violet:*** *Lloyd… please… just, leave it. He just needs time… time to get over it.*

***Lloyd:*** *This isn’t… this isn’t okay* ***(He frowns)***.

***Violet:*** *Nothing’s okay anymore. Just… stay out of it.*

Lloyd stops, watching as Violet walks off to her lodge. He clenches a fist in anger, biting down on his lip.

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**Scene #36**

**WORTHWOOD - WILLIAM’S LODGE - LATE EVENING**

LLOYD WALLER arrives home a few minutes later, a defeated look on his face, his mind pondering everything.

As he approaches the lodge, he sees WILLIAM REYNES sitting outside on the porch on the swing chair.

Without much hesitation at all, Lloyd walks up the steps to the porch, and looks over at William, opening his mouth to speak.

***Lloyd: (Quietly, sadly)*** *Mr. Glover’s hitting Violet.*

William sits forward in the chair, clenching his fists. He looks up at Lloyd, and wordlessly nods.