The Beginning/Transcript

*“You gave my daughter a glimmer of hope during a time when she was at her most vulnerable, and for that I am forever in your debt.”* *—Benjamin*

**Starring:**

Jon Hamm as JON MATTHEWS

Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES

Robin Lord Taylor as EDWARD REMAR

Kenneth Branagh as CLYDE ROLLINS

Nick Frost as RANDALL FORSTER

Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE

Anson Mount as MARCUS DOWNES

Ben Mendelsohn as BENJAMIN TAYLOR

Steve J. Palmer as AUSTIN KINGSTON

David Emge as ALDUS PAXTON

Tom Payne as ALBERT HANSON

**Also Starring**

Daniel Sharman as DANIEL ROCKWELL

Jared Leto as JARED KELLINGS

Paul Rudd as SOLOMON REED

Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON

Tom Holland as LLOYD WALLER

Keira Knightley as CLAIRE NOBLE

**Guest Starring**

Joe Morton as ISAAC MOSES

David Boat as LAYTON ZIMMERS

Jason Lee as LOLIDA WINDFIELD

Dan Aykroyd as ED ANDERSON

Taron Egerton as MIKE SIMPSON

Isabelle Allen as SARAH TAYLOR

David Lyons as SHANE HAYWOOD

Charles Dance as CORNELIUS DANCE

Tom Clarke-Hill as ANTON LESSER

**Co-Starring**

Sam Worthington as STEFFAN WEBBER

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**Scene #1**

**DENVER HOSPITAL**

***Sarah:*** *Dad… Dad.*

BENJAMIN TAYLOR opens his eyes, sitting up in his chair. An open children’s book is in one of his hands. He looks around the room, the sun coming through the window blinding his eyes. He looks over towards SARAH TAYLOR, who’s lying in a hospital bed, frail and tired, her hair missing from the chemotherapy.

***Sarah:*** *Daddy.*

***Benjamin:*** *I’m here, my sweet. Did you get some sleep?*

***Sarah:*** *Yes. I fell asleep during the story.*

***Benjamin: (He smiles)*** *So did I, sweetheart.*

Benjamin looks up at a wall clock, and immediately frowns.

***Benjamin:*** *Listen, daddy has to go soon, he shouldn’t have fallen asleep and he’s going to be late for his meeting.*

***Sarah:*** *Oh dad, that’s silly!*

***Benjamin:*** *Yes. It is, isn’t it* ***(He smiles again)***. *Your dad can be real bad with his time management sometimes.*

***Sarah:*** *Am I going to be okay?*

***Benjamin:*** *Sarah…* ***(He gently grabs one of her hands)*** *You’ve been so brave. It’s such a scary time for you right now, and you’ve been so, so brave. And I’m so proud of you… I’m going to make sure that you’ll be okay.*

***Sarah:*** *It’s the same thing mommy went through, isn’t it…?*

***Benjamin: (He frowns)*** *Yes, my dear… but we weren’t ready for that. I’m not going to let what led to mommy having to go, happen to you. You remember what she told you about staying strong and hanging in there, even during the lowest points, honey. She’s in a better place now… and she’s looking down, smiling at you.*

***Sarah:*** *If I have the same thing mommy had, will I maybe end up in the better place too?*

Benjamin looks down, shutting his eyes.

***Benjamin:*** *It’s not going to come to that, sweetie.*

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**Scene #2**

**DENVER HOSPITAL**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR marches out of the hospital doors, a phone to his ear. He paces towards a limousine parked in front of the hospital.

***Benjamin:*** *Things aren’t progressing fast enough, Frank.*

He continues towards the car, listening to a response through the phone.

***Benjamin:*** *Then do something, anything to speed it up. I want you to double the company's resources going into the cancer research division… Yes, I’m serious. I want the department working day and night, I want new specialists hired. Do it.*

He takes the phone away from his ear, hanging up, before sliding it into his pocket. Benjamin walks down a short flight of stairs, where he arrives next to the limousine. MIKE SIMPSON stands by the back passenger door, opening it for him.

***Mike:*** *You look stressed. How is she?*

***Benjamin:*** *The same.*

Benjamin gets into the back, and lets Mike close the door. Mike walks around to the front, and gets inside.

***Mike:*** *We’ll be there in twenty-five.*

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**Scene #3**

**TAYLOR & CO HEADQUARTERS - FRONT ENTRANCE**

The limo pulls up in front of a tall building smack dead in the middle of Denver. MIKE SIMPSON steps out, opening the back door for BENJAMIN TAYLOR. He gets out, nodding at Mike, before speed-walking towards the front doors. Benjamin walks through the automatic doors, entering a reception area, where SHANE HAYWOOD is waiting for him.

***Shane: (Smiling)*** *Benjamin.*

***Benjamin:*** *Almost ran late, was with Sarah at the hospital. Still in time to make this meeting though.*

Shane walks alongside Benjamin towards the elevators.

***Shane:*** *I see. So you’ve decided to fund them after all.*

***Benjamin:*** *I’m here considering it. I’m running out of options, doing everything I can at this point. I’ll see what more they have to offer.*

***Shane:*** *Well, I do feel the need to tell you this. I just got off the phone with the shareholders. They aren’t happy. They are - questioning why you are putting twice the resources into cancer research. I thought you should know.*

***Benjamin:*** *To have a better chance at saving my daughter’s life, of course. They can complain all they want, they can try to rip my position as CEO away from me. I can deal with them later, but when faced with my company’s profits or my daughter’s life, it’s obvious which one I’m going to try and save.*

Benjamin steps into the elevator, the button to one of the highest floors.

***Benjamin:*** *Thank you, Shane.*

***Shane: (He grins)*** *No problem.*

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**Scene #4**

**TAYLOR & CO HEADQUARTERS - MEETING ROOM**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR exits the elevator, on one of the highest floors of his building. He turns, walking down a hall, while taking out a small paper card from his pocket. On it, it tells him that the meeting is in a conference room labeled ‘5B’. When Benjamin arrives at the end of the hall, he looks on at a door labeled ‘5B’. Pocketing the card, Benjamin grips the door handle and steps inside.

Inside the conference room is a large table, enough to fit more than a dozen people. A large window is on one side of the room, overlooking Denver and the mountains beyond it. And at one end of the table are two men. CORNELIUS DANCE is seated at the head of the table. ANTON LESSER stands beside him, holding a plethora of papers.

***Cornelius:*** *Mr. Taylor - please, have a seat* ***(He indicates to the chair at the other end of the table)***.

Benjamin eyes the two men, before he goes to sit down.

***Cornelius:*** *I must admit, Mr. Taylor, I was pleasantly surprised when I heard you had decided to reconsider our offer.*

***Benjamin:*** *As things… progressed, it became more and more interesting to me. Her condition continues to worsen. If what you have promised me about your research can help, then… I am perhaps willing to go out on a limb.*

***Cornelius:*** *My - utmost condolences.*

***Benjamin:*** *If only your condolences would save her life. We’re here to talk business. You’re both businessmen, are you not? You don’t care for my daughter’s life, you care for my money.*

Anton smirks, turning his head to look out the window.

***Cornelius:*** *Business does not always have to be cold, Mr. Taylor. You would do well remembering that* ***(He stares at him)***. *I would like to take the opportunity to smooth out any… concerns you might have. Anton - if you will.*

Anton steps forward, laying out his papers, which are revealed to be many different charts.

***Anton:*** *Myself and my hardworking team on behalf of Mr. Dance have continued working since we last met. We are… very close to discovering what we might think is… a proper cure to the disease. Revolutionary, I know. But… we need a lot of funding for this, for resources, for testing it alone. It will cost fortunes upon fortunes to even see if we have a possibility of making it work… but it’s the closest anyone has come in the world to treating it. We have tested what small amounts we have on certain patients, and it has improved their condition significantly, and kept them going. I have transferred those case studies with all the data attached to your* ***personal*** *email. I took the liberty of seeking it out, I felt the data was… rather precious, and should only be seen through your own eyes. You’re one of the richest men in the world, Mr. Taylor. With your funding we could do wonders, and you of course… have the motivation to help us.*

Anton steps away, smiling.

***Cornelius:*** *Not to mention - the return price for your investment would be double what you initially invest. You would be walking away a rich man by the end of this transaction. And any man worth his weight in silver - understands the value of money, Mr. Taylor.*

***Benjamin:*** *It’s not the money that matters to me. It doesn’t mean a thing. What matters to me is the wellbeing of my little girl… No child…* ***No child*** *should have to go through what she is. Give me some time to think this over, do you mind if I take a moment.*

***Cornelius:*** *Feel free, Mr. Taylor.*

Benjamin stands up, heading towards the door.

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**Scene #5**

**TAYLOR & CO HEADQUARTERS - FRONT ENTRANCE**

MIKE SIMPSON approaches BENJAMIN TAYLOR, who’s sitting alone on a bench. He carries two cups of coffee in his hands, and hands one off to Benjamin.

***Benjamin:*** *Thank you.*

Mike sits down beside him, as Benjamin takes a sip of the drink, before setting it down by his feet.

***Mike:*** *It’s my job, sir.*

Mike’s phone suddenly buzzes from in his pocket. He sets down his coffee, pulling it out. He glances quickly at the number, then looks at Benjamin.

***Mike:*** *It’s the hospital.*

Benjamin frowns, taking the phone from him, answering the call.

***Benjamin:*** *Hello? Yes - this is Benjamin speaking… What do you mean don’t be alarmed? Is she okay? Is she okay-- I’m coming now, yes. Right away.*

He hangs up quickly, dropping the phone on the bench.

***Benjamin:*** *Mike - get the car ready, she’s had a minor stroke apparently, she wants to see me.*

Mike stands up quickly, rushing towards the front doors. Benjamin stands in a hurry, knocking over his cup of coffee. As he approaches the front doors, he is approached by SHANE HAYWOOD, who jogs up to catch him.

***Shane:*** *Benjamin - in a rush?*

***Benjamin:*** *I have to go and see her. I want you to go to Mr. Dance - and accept his offer. We’re funding his project. On my behalf you can make this deal.*

***Shane:*** *Oh-- are you sure? The shareholders are very unhappy - they’re on edge here.*

***Benjamin:*** *Fuck the shareholders.*

Benjamin hurries out the front doors.

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**Scene #6**

**DENVER HOSPITAL**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR rushes into SARAH TAYLOR’s room, seeing a nurse by her bed.

***Benjamin:*** *Sarah - Sarah.*

***Nurse:*** *It’s alright, Mr. Taylor. She’s stable now. Just tell me if you need anything.*

The nurse goes to the door, letting Benjamin approach the side of the bed. He hugs Sarah gently.

***Benjamin:*** *I got so worried about you.*

***Sarah:*** *I just got scared, daddy, I didn’t know what was happening. I’m sorry if I wasted your time bringing you here, I know you had a meeting.*

***Benjamin:*** *Oh-- no, no, no… don’t be silly. That doesn’t matter… nothing else matters… you’re the most important thing to me, do you understand, Sarah?*

She nods slowly.

***Benjamin:*** *Sarah, I promise you… it’s all going to get better. You and all the others who are going through this terrible phase will get better.*

***Sarah:*** *And then when I get home I can ride on my bike again* ***(She smiles faintly)***.

***Benjamin:*** *Yes. You can ride on your bike again. You can have all your friends over to celebrate.*

***Sarah:*** *Thank you, daddy.*

Sarah yawns, leaning into her pillow.

***Benjamin:*** *You should get some rest, my sweet.*

***Sarah:*** *It’s hard to sleep.*

***Benjamin:*** *Do you want me to finish reading the story to you?*

***Sarah: (She shakes her head)*** *I like the story, I want to be able to listen to it when I’m awake. Mommy used to sing sometimes, it would help me go to sleep.*

***Benjamin: (He smiles slightly)*** *I know she did, honey.* ***(He sighs quietly)*** *…Do you want daddy to sing what mommy used to sing to you?*

***Sarah: (She smiles)*** *Yes. You’d sing?*

***Benjamin:*** *For you, my dear. If it’ll help you sleep.*

Sarah shuts her eyes, as Benjamin gently grabs one of her hands.

***Benjamin:*** ***(Quietly, singing)*** *Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing… gonna be alright… Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright… Rise up this mornin’, smiled with the risin’ sun… Three little birds…*

Benjamin quietly sings until Sarah falls asleep. The singing trails off, leaving Benjamin in silence.

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**Scene #7**

**COLORADO RURAL ROADS - RV - AFTERNOON**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR wakes up in the RV. He rubs his eyes, looking around the RV, where he sees EDWARD REMAR seated across from him.

***Benjamin:*** *How long was I asleep?*

***Edward:*** *Just a couple of hours. We’re almost done cleaning up, we’re due to hit the road again soon.*

***Benjamin:*** *…That’s good.*

***Edward:*** *What is it you think you’re going to find in Denver?*

***Benjamin:*** *Well… as I’ve been saying, I always intended to go back with my own people before everything got in the way. Return home, to our headquarters. Maybe it’s still safe there, locked up, maybe it wasn’t looted or ransacked. We had good security systems in place… And if it isn’t safe, there’s supplies. Firearms, all sorts. Locked away behind codes, safes, vaults. And there’ll be information… on all of this, which I imagine some people here would be keen to read. Documents, proof of it all. My involvement. Maybe if I’m lucky I’ll find old possessions, pictures. And it’s not like anyone objected, nobody knew where to go.*

***Edward:*** *Anything was better than Willamette. I’m glad to have finally left that town behind.*

Edward rolls up his sleeve, showing Benjamin Sarah’s bracelet.

***Edward:*** *Are you sure you don’t want this?*

***Benjamin:*** *You were my daughter’s only friend while she was trapped with Badrick. She gave that to you, which is special. You gave my daughter a glimmer of hope during a time when she was at her most vulnerable, and for that I am forever in your debt.*

***Edward:*** *I suppose you squared that debt when you saved my life a few days ago.*

***Benjamin:*** *The day you killed Badrick. The day you finally got what you wanted. You told me you were happy. Yet you still don’t seem very happy, Edward. You told me that you liked the new world, and you didn’t care to have the old one back, that it offered you nothing. So what’s stopping you from enjoying yourself now, Edward? I’ve made it clear to you what I want in Denver… closure. There’s nothing left for me in this world anymore… But you… there’s clearly still something left for you. And I have a lot of respect for you.* ***(He stands up)*** *I hope you get whatever it is that you’re desiring, Edward. Whatever it is that you seem to be so unhappy without.*

He pats Edward on the shoulder, walking towards the door of the RV, stepping out. Edward sits still for a moment, processing what Benjamin had told him. He then turns his head towards the window, looking outside. He notices CLYDE ROLLINS and CLAIRE NOBLE standing near the front of the RV, clearing out some of the last few rocks. He sees Claire tell him something, which makes Clyde chuckle. Edward turns away.

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**Scene #8**

**COLORADO RURAL ROADS - AFTERNOON**

ED ANDERSON closes up the hatch to the engine block of the RV, having finally fixed the fault that was stopping the vehicle from working. He drops a tool to the ground, a grin appearing on his face.

***Ed:*** *Oh yeah!*

MARCUS DOWNES, KATE BLOODSTONE and ALDUS PAXTON, who are shoving some of the last rocks out of the way, looking over at him.

***Marcus:*** *What’s up, Ed?*

***Ed:*** *The RV… is good to go.*

***Kate:*** *That’s great. The road is almost clear too.*

***Aldus:*** *Yeah, but Denver is big.*

***Kate:*** *It is a city, yes.*

***Aldus:*** *I can practice sniping again.*

***Marcus:*** *Been a while since I saw you holding a sniper.*

***Aldus:*** *Yeah, I did shoot it back at the stadium. It was a one shot, one kill on a zombie. Then I was told not to as it contradicted using melee weapons.*

JON MATTHEWS and AUSTIN KINGSTON emerge out of the woods nearby, walking over to clear away some more rocks.

***Kate:*** *They’re back. He managed to get him.*

***Aldus:*** *Austin managed to convince. That’s a first.*

***Marcus:*** *It probably really is a first, but it’s a good thing.*

***Aldus:*** *That it is, Marcus.*

***Ed:*** *Alrighty, I’m gonna go check on the others, we’ll be ready to head out soon.*

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**Scene #9**

**COLORADO RURAL ROADS - AFTERNOON**

ED ANDERSON comes walking over towards LAYTON ZIMMERS, who’s sitting by the cement mixer.

***Ed:*** *Uh… Layton?*

***Layton:*** *I’m in the mourning zone right now, Ed.*

***Ed:*** *The-- the mourning zone?*

***Layton:*** *…She was beautiful, wasn’t she? So elegant… so real… And now… to think I’ll never see her again… It’s starting to dwell on me…*

***Ed:*** *Oh…*

***Layton:*** *I-- I’m getting caught up in all of this, I know… I just… I’m really starting to think about it all. The hell this new world puts you through.*

***Ed:*** *Damn, Layton… you’re gonna make me sad too in a second. It’s so odd to see you reminisce about your wife in this way…*

***Layton:*** *About my wife? Pfft. No, I’m talking about the cement mixer! It’s down for the count, Ed! It’s-- she won’t start!*

***Ed:*** *Uh-- what?*

***Layton:*** *The cement mixer - she’s-- The landslide hurt her… I started her up earlier… and she gave me that final crackle… her last cry… After she failed to start, I put her down… I took the key out, and shut her off for good.*

***Ed:*** *Well… that’s two less seats we’ve got. We’ll have to cram into the RV.*

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**Scene #10**

**COLORADO RURAL ROADS - AFTERNOON**

RANDALL FORSTER tosses the last of the rocks off the road, watching as it rolls into the ditch. He wipes his hands, and then sticks up his middle finger at all the rocks in the ditch.

***Randall:*** *Done and fucking dusted!*

WILLIAM REYNES, JARED KELLINGS and LLOYD WALLER are seen walking out of the woods, approaching the RV. ED ANDERSON approaches them, grinning.

***Ed:*** *Good news, sirs. We’re all done, boss. Ready to hit the road.*

***Randall:*** *Fuck yeah we are.*

***William:*** *Good work, Ed - I’m proud.*

William looks around, seeing REBECCA DAWSON sitting outside the RV. He turns around to Jared and Lloyd.

***William:*** *You guys go get ready to head off.*

***Lloyd:*** *Uh… yeah, sure.*

***Jared:*** *You got it, boss-man.*

Jared and Lloyd walk off into the RV. When they do, William strolls on over to Rebecca.

***Rebecca:*** *How’d it go out there?*

***William:*** *Well - wasn’t the cleanest run I’ve had - but nothing too bad. Although - uh, Jared. He saved my life.*

***Rebecca:*** *Jared? Jared saved your life?*

***William:*** *Yeah - it’s crazy, I know. I got snuck up on and he saved me.*

***Rebecca:*** *Well for that, I’m very thankful to him. What did I tell you about not going alone? Looks like that paid off. Remarkably well.*

***William:*** *Yes, mom.*

***Rebecca:*** *I can’t tell if he’s putting on a front, or showing his true colours as a better person.*

***William:*** *Honestly - I hate to say it - but he’s kind of growing on me.*

***Rebecca:*** *Well, if he saved your life he’s growing on me too. I have nothing but appreciation for someone who’s willing to change.*

***William:*** *Just hope it stays that way.*

Ed stands out in front of the vehicles, looking at the clear path ahead of them. He grins.

***Ed:*** *Beautiful.*

William whistles, calling over Ed and Randall.

***William:*** *Hey - guys - we should head out while the going’s still good.*

***Randall:*** *Sure thing. I’ll get everyone gathered up and packed into the RV. About time.*

Over the next few minutes, everyone returns to the two remaining vehicles that they have, most people having to squeeze into the RV. When the vehicles are loaded up, they continue forward down the road, on their way to Denver.

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**Scene #11**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - GAS STATION - LATE AFTERNOON**

After another couple hours of driving, the two vehicles arrive at the outskirts of Denver. Not wanting to go right into the city, they pull into a gas station, stopping. ED ANDERSON looks at RANDALL FORSTER, who’s driving, confused.

***Ed:*** *We here to get fuel?*

***Randall:*** *Good place to make a pit-stop just outside the city. I think big man William wants to have a chat with everyone before we go in there, come up with some kind of plan.*

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**Scene #12**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - GAS STATION - LATE AFTERNOON**

DANIEL ROCKWELL and ISAAC MOSES step out of the RV, helping LOLIDA WINDFIELD along towards the main building. As they approach, they see CLYDE ROLLINS and CLAIRE NOBLE standing out front of it.

***Daniel:*** *Is the gas station clear? Safe to set Lolida down in there?*

***Claire:*** *Yeah. Myself and Clyde have checked it. There’s no dead ones left.*

***Clyde:*** *Yes, we… dispatched those foul beasts. Fear not.*

***Lolida:*** *I--I’m fine, Daniel. I’m fine--*

***Daniel:*** *No, you aren’t.*

***Isaac:*** *You’ve been in so many crashes as of late, man.*

***Daniel:*** *It’s a good thing we stopped at this station, that way not everyone has to venture into the city. You’re in no condition to.*

Lolida sighs, as he’s helped inside the building. Isaac stumbles a bit as they go, his hurt knee nearly giving in.

***Isaac:*** *Dammit, sorry.*

The two of them set Lolida down against a shelf.

***Daniel:*** *Here…*

As Lolida is set down, he looks up at Daniel concerningly.

***Daniel:*** *What’s wrong?*

***Lolida:*** *I don’t- need you going out there, if you plan on it.*

***Daniel:*** *Of course I do, but we don’t know what the plan is yet.*

***Lolida:*** *Neither do you.*

***Daniel:*** *We’ll see what everyone is saying. Now that we’re here, it’s a lot more jarring. It was different talking about the city when we were a couple hours away from it. Now we’re basically here. At its doorstep.*

***Lolida: (He nods, sighing)*** *I wish-- I wish Grant was here, with us. Lance… Vivian. Nick.*

Isaac grunts, kneeling down.

***Isaac:*** *I know that things are rough, but there’s nothing we can do about it. Nothing we can do but go forward. They were our friends - but being stuck in the past, it’s just no healthy way of living. I used to have a lot of cool students, I’d say. But one of ‘em, one of- my favourite. He was one bright kid. Was-- the greatest kid I think I met. Smartest one, really. Near the start of all of this, I was - well… You know, I’m a professor. College professor. Our place wasn’t safe anymore. Block was overrun, craziness. That kid had-- We lost someone important to him. His girlfriend has, uh, got tackled by a few of them. Rest of us were running. Later on, we were settling down somewhere and he’d-- let himself get eaten the first chance he got. You think about the deaths of others, it’s painful. But if you let that consume you… I don’t want that to happen to you.*

***Lolida:*** *I hate to say it - but look at me. I’m a weak link.*

***Daniel:*** *No, Lolida. You aren’t. You’ve survived a car crash twice, and although it’s done its damage to you, you’re still here. Rest up, alright?*

***Lolida:*** *Alright…*

Daniel and Isaac stand, heading to the front doors of the building.

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**Scene #13**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - GAS STATION - LATE AFTERNOON**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR approaches WILLIAM REYNES, who’s standing outside of the gas station building. He stands beside him, quietly looking towards Denver’s skyline.

***Benjamin:*** *…We’ve made it.*

***William:*** *We’ve made it. Feel nice to be close to home again?*

***Benjamin:*** *Bittersweet, if anything. I hope it ends up being worth it.*

DANIEL ROCKWELL walks up to the two of them, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms.

***Daniel:*** *So. I’m thinking we approach this in a delicate manner. Things can go to shit in the city real fast. And to be honest, this little station here seems a nice place in case shit hits the fan.*

***William:*** *You’ve been to a city in all this?*

***Daniel:*** *No, but I’m taking an educated guess as to how it’s going to be. Can never be too cautious, right? So I’d say it’s best we just send a lil’ group on in there, avoid taking too much attention. And of course, as our host--* ***(He looks at Benjamin)*** *--You’ll be leading that little group, right?*

***Benjamin:*** *Of course.*

***William:*** *Fair game. How big are we thinking?*

***Daniel:*** *We take those who want to come, leave some capable people behind to keep things in order here. Less than ten.*

***Benjamin:*** *I take it you’d both be coming. So that’s three including myself.*

***William:*** *So will I go ask who’s up for it?*

***Benjamin:*** *Go ahead, gather some folks up.*

He nods, turning to walk over towards the RV and the car, where most of the group are.

***William:*** *Okay, guys - so--*

He claps his hands, getting the attention of everyone.

***William:*** *Seeing as we’re about to merrily stroll into hell itself - we’ll be splitting the group up. Most of you - will be staying here, helping watch over the station just in case all hell breaks loose. But I need a few volunteers… a few brave souls willing to risk their life walking into the city with me.*

KATE BLOODSTONE looks at MARCUS DOWNES, who swiftly nods.

***Kate:*** *William. We’ll come.*

***William:*** *Alright - great, that’s five total.*

***Aldus:*** *Me.*

***Jared:*** *Sure, I’ll come.*

***William:*** *Seven* ***(He smiles)***.

***Albert:*** *Sure. I’ll go too.*

***William:*** *So - that’s eight of us. Okay-- that’ll do just fine. I expect the rest of you to look after this place while we’re gone.*

ISAAC MOSES steps forward, raising a hand.

***Isaac:*** *I could come. I- don’t got much to do anyway.*

***Daniel:*** *Isaac… your knee. Are you sure that…*

***Isaac:*** *It’s fine. I’m not dead.*

***Daniel:*** *We’re going into the city.*

***Isaac:*** *I walked holding Lolida with you, didn’t I?*

***Daniel:*** *And you stumbled.*

***Isaac:*** *Did I fall?* ***(He grins)***

***Daniel:*** *Hh… Alright, alright. It’s gonna be fuckin’ dangerous though, for all of us going in. Everyone needs to come to terms with that before leaving.*

***Isaac:*** *The point is there’s a lot of us. We should be fine.*

Nods are exchanged around, until William takes a step forward.

***William:*** *Okay - those of you coming -- get ready and gear up now.*

***Solomon:*** *I’d go but I already went through a lot so I’m gonna stay. Good luck though.*

***Isaac:*** *Left my rifle in the crashed car. Might need something new. I carried that thing everywhere, man.*

***Daniel:*** *We’ve got plenty. Come on.*

Daniel leads Isaac into the RV to get geared up.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #14**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - GAS STATION - LATE AFTERNOON**

After everyone gathers what they need from the RV, WILLIAM REYNES steps inside, where he sees REBECCA DAWSON sitting on one of the chairs, reading a book. He walks up to her, taking a seat.

***Rebecca:*** *Glad you came to see me before you leave. How’re you feeling about it?*

***William:*** *I’m feeling -- uncertain* ***(He smiles briefly)***.

***Rebecca:*** *Uncertain… yet you’re smiling.*

William takes her arm and quickly leans in, kissing her, before he leans back, standing up.

***William:*** *Because being uncertain means I get to feel brave enough to do that.*

***Rebecca:*** *You continue to surprise me, William Reynes. And I like it.* ***(She grabs his hand)*** *Be careful out there. Especially after that.*

***William:*** *You can count on it.*

William looks out the window, seeing everyone gathering together. It’s time to go.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #15**

**DENVER STREETS - EARLY EVENING**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR stops at an intersection still on the outskirts of Denver. He looks down both ways, suspicious at the empty streets and lack of any noise.

***Benjamin:*** *Alright.*

He looks back at the rest of the eight people following him.

***Benjamin:*** *We’ve got a long walk ahead of us traversing through the city, so the first chance we get we’re going to move into the alleyways and stick to them as much as possible. Avoid using guns, seems obvious but I’m going to remind everyone of that anyway.*

***Albert:*** *Got it.*

***Jared:*** *You know it, baby.*

***Benjamin:*** *Onward.*

ISAAC MOSES cringes at JARED KELLINGS as the group continues walking down the street, the skyscrapers of downtown Denver getting closer and closer.

***Kate:*** *Benjamin. At your headquarters… There’s going to be - information on the outbreak?*

***Benjamin:*** *There’s going to be proof, if that’s what you’re after. But nothing that’s going to change the world.*

***Daniel:*** *You really are the guy who let this all happen?*

***Benjamin:*** *I’m not ashamed to admit I was a desperate man going to desperate measures for my little girl.*

***Daniel:*** *…A cunning businessman who managed to become one of the richest men in the world… then got manipulated. Cool. Only the entire planet had to pay for it.*

***Benjamin:*** ***(He glares at him)*** *I didn’t know what they were doing.*

***Daniel:*** *Oh, you didn’t think to take a closer look?*

***Benjamin:*** *They forged an entire story, they were indeed looking for a cure still, that’s the* ***extent*** *they went to, to cover up what they were really doing. It was real work and resources they were using, just to make it convincing. I won’t stand here and listen to you bitch and moan about it now, I know what I did. Do you think I’m happy?*

***Daniel:*** *I’m certainly not.*

***Benjamin:*** *So good of you to wait until we were in the city to voice your concerns.*

***Daniel:*** *We’re getting closer to some real answers, just getting anxious.*

***Marcus:*** *There’s not gonna be a single lead on where the men who started this are now and what they are doing?*

***Benjamin:*** *I doubt it. I lost contact with them as soon as they screwed me over, because it was too late. The damage done to the world was already done.*

***Kate:*** *So there’s no real hope of things going back?*

***Benjamin:*** *They wanted to destroy the world for whatever reason. I don’t think they developed a cure… because you can’t cure dead people. It’s too late to change things, no matter how much anyone wants to.*

***William:*** *What were their names again?*

***Benjamin:*** *Cornelius Dance and Anton Lesser.*

***Marcus:*** *I guess the world really is fucked. Not that I’d had my sight set on - fixing it. I mean-- we can build something better but it’ll never go back to normal. As you said, these people are dead, they aren’t breathing. The zombies we kill everyday can’t be cured, but…*

***Kate:*** *What about something that can slow the infection for someone who’s been bitten? Surely something could stop that.*

***Benjamin:*** *Oh I don’t doubt it. But I do doubt that they ever worked on something like that, unless it was for themselves.*

***Kate:*** *Fair enough.*

***Isaac:*** *Huh… So we could’ve been out of all of this. Well, dammit* ***(He frowns)***.

Benjamin suddenly stops, looking into a nearby alleyway. He points at it.

***Benjamin:*** *We turn in here. We stick to the shadows as much as possible, we don’t want to attract attention.*

As they walk into the alley, MARCUS DOWNES looks up, seeing the buildings around them getting taller.

***Marcus:*** *We really are in the lion’s den now… Shit. It’s crazy to be back in a big city… in all this.*

***William:*** *Feels kind of homely.*

***Kate:*** *Tell me about it. I used to dream of my career exploding and being able to work in the big city. I loved the idea of rush-hour, the chaos on the streets. But I was always a sociable person.*

***Isaac:*** *I’ve never been able to really witness a big city before. Pop did a bit, he was one of those - street performers. That was his first job. Guess experiencing it now is -- dull compared to what he’d seen, huh?*

***William:*** *Your dad lived the life, then.*

***Isaac:*** *Eh, he said it was some fun. Not a lotta money.*

The group continues down the alleyway, venturing further into Denver.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #16**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - GAS STATION**

RANDALL FORSTER sits up on a shelf inside the gas station. He looks over at JON MATTHEWS, who’s leaning against a pillar near him.

***Randall:*** *You know, I gotta say. Pretty fuckin’ shocked that you didn’t volunteer to go into the city. Seems like your type of thing* ***(He shrugs)***.

***Jon:*** *I could say the same thing about you. But me? I got some shit to deal with right now. Some shit to get over. I’m not stupid, I know when I’d be a liability. Get myself lost, worked up, forget I’m meant to be keeping myself alive. Could get carried away slicing at those freaks.*

***Randall:*** *Fair enough. My excuse ain’t as good. I’m just fuckin’ exhausted, mate. The hunting manor, moving all those rocks. Like fuck me. I need a break. And a candy bar…*

Randall looks over at SOLOMON REED, who’s kicking a vending machine, until the glass shatters. He reaches in, grabbing a few bags of chips.

***Randall:*** *Oy! You find any chocolate in there?*

Jon turns away, grabbing his shotgun from the ground. He starts walking towards the door.

***Randall:*** *Where’re you goin’?*

***Jon:*** *Like I said. I got some shit to deal with.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #17**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - GAS STATION - EARLY EVENING**

Outside, CLYDE ROLLINS and CLAIRE NOBLE are standing by the road, keeping an eye out.

***Clyde:*** *It’s nice to be back in the big city… I mean… Even if we’re just on the outskirts right now.*

***Claire:*** *Bet you found yourself there quite a lot considering your career.*

***Clyde:*** *Oh yes, all the time. Movie premieres, autograph-signings, meet and greets, talk-shows. It really was the life.*

***Claire:*** *I bet.*

***Clyde:*** *When I say that… Well, I came to terms quite early on into this that, while I did love being the star, and the fortunes I was making, I wasn’t quite living the social life I’d always desired. I mean, you have friends in Hollywood, but not-- not real friends. At least I certainly didn’t have many. Taking a step back now, seeing that I’m… surrounded by people I can consider friends, it’s… It means a lot.*

***Claire:*** *Well, I’m glad to hear that.*

***Clyde:*** *I’ve been worried about one friend in particular recently.*

***Claire:*** *Edward. Has he always been someone who - was that distant?*

***Clyde:*** *No, not entirely… He’d talk to me a lot more than he has recently. I don’t know what’s wrong, if it’s post what he did to Badrick or… anything.*

***Claire:*** *Hey. You should talk to him, find out what’s going on. I’ve seen him sitting on his own a lot lately, not really talking to anyone in the group.*

***Clyde:*** *Yes… it upsets me* ***(He frowns)***. *I do want to help him. I’ve, uh… Claire…* ***(He smiles)***

***Claire:*** *Mm?*

***Clyde:*** *I’m, uh… particularly enjoying my time with you. I’ve made that clear… We both have, right?*

***Claire:*** *You could say that.*

***Clyde:*** *I, uh… figured I’d maybe… Maybe… I don’t know if I’m brave enough to do what comes next… Ah - forget it.*

Claire leans towards him and kisses him. She steps back with a smile.

***Clyde:*** *Yes… yes… that. I, uh… You - feel the same?*

***Claire:*** *I do.*

***Clyde:*** *I’m, uh… particularly happy to hear that.*

***Claire:*** *Now go check on Edward, see that he’s okay.*

***Clyde:*** *Will do.*

Clyde grins, turning to walk off.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #18**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - WOODS - EARLY EVENING**

JON MATTHEWS walks out into a small patch of woods beside the gas station, carrying Angela’s shotgun in his hands. He eventually comes into a small clearing, where he stops.

***Jon:*** ***(Muttering)*** *I don’t hear you… anymore. That’s… good, I think.*

He crouches down, placing the shotgun down. As he gets back up on both feet, he goes quiet, listening for her voice again -- but he doesn’t. A small smile appears on his face, as Jon turns around, walking back towards the gas station empty-handed.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #19**

**DENVER STREETS - EVENING**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR stands near the exit of the alleyway. Across the street from them is a massive skyscraper -- the Taylor & Co headquarters.

***Benjamin:*** *Here we are…*

***William:*** *You’re home.*

***Daniel:*** *Looks rather unscathed. Untouched even. Remarkably clean. Did you have good window-cleaners?*

The group slowly steps out of the alley, onto the street, which is surprisingly quiet. Down the street they see a few roaming zombies, but that’s all.

***Albert:*** *Well, from the outside it looks good.*

***Marcus:*** *Only one way to find out if it’s the same on the inside, right?*

**Scene #19 Cont.**

**TAYLOR & CO HEADQUARTERS - FRONT ENTRANCE**

They head across the street, arriving at the front doors of the building. Benjamin draws his pistol.

***Daniel:*** *Surely you don’t plan to fire that, as you remarked to us earlier. It’d probably wake the locals.*

***Benjamin:*** *Just a tendency.*

He puts the gun away, taking out a knife instead. He then pushes through a revolving door, entering into the main reception area. The others follow behind him, ISAAC MOSES being the last one to go through the door.

***Isaac:*** *I hate these…*

Benjamin stands still, looking around the lobby. As expected, it’s a bit of a wreck, with flipped over tables and chairs, and papers scattered across the floor. Benjamin narrows his eyes, looking at the corner of the room, and then up to the ceiling where he sees an intercom speaker. The speaker starts to crackle slightly.

***Daniel:*** *There’s power here?*

***Benjamin:*** *…There’s a backup generator… but if the intercom is crackling, it means someone is interfering with it.*

A loud voice suddenly comes through the intercom.

***Steffan:*** *Not another step. Any of you.*

***Albert:*** *Huh--*

ALBERT HANSON and everyone else freezes, looking around.

***William:*** *Ghost of Christmas past, is that you?*

***Steffan:*** *Now here’s how this is gonna work, y’all. You can’t see me, but I can fucking SEE YOU!*

***Jared:*** *Oh yeah?* ***(He raises his middle finger)*** *See this, asshole?*

***William: (He nudges Jared)*** *That’s the spirit.*

***Isaac:*** *I, uh… Are you sure that was a -- good idea?*

Shuffling is heard through the intercom, then something being knocked over, shattering.

***Jared:*** *Uh…*

***Steffan:*** *FUCK YOU, ASSHOLE! YOU’RE REALLY PUSHING IT ALREADY! This is MY FUCKING HOUSE! So LISTEN UP! You’re all gonna LOWE YOUR FUCKING GUNS -- RIGHT TO WHERE I CAN SEE THEM -- AND DROP THEM TO THE DAMN FLOOR!*

***Jared:*** *Calm down, pal. I don’t know who shit in your MRE this morning, but shut the fuck up.*

***Steffan:*** *NOW - OR YOU’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T!*

Benjamin looks up at a camera in the corner of the room. He slowly takes out his pistol and sets it down.

***Benjamin:*** *Do as he says.*

***Jared:*** *Really man?*

JARED KELLINGS sighs, putting his knife onto the ground. The others all put their weapons onto the floor in front of them. Jared then sticks both of his middle fingers up at the camera.

***Jared:*** *Sir-- I am SO sorry, this never happens. My bad…*

***Steffan:*** *You wanna keep doing that? STEP FORWARD! GO ON.*

***Isaac: (To Jared)*** *Buddy, we have no clue what we’re dealing with.*

***Jared:*** ***(Quietly)*** *I know exactly what we’re dealing with. A deranged asshole on an intercom.*

***Steffan:*** *Step fucking forward. I dare any of you. Just over towards the camera… come on.*

WILLIAM REYNES looks around, seeing the suspicious and worried faces on everyone, before he takes a small, slow step forward. As he does, his foot hits a wire. MARCUS DOWNES looks up, seeing a giant log swinging down from the ceiling. He rushes forward, diving into William, bringing him to the ground. The log swings past, barely missing them.

***Isaac:*** *HOLY SHIT--*

***Jared:*** *GODDAMN! INDIANA JONES UP IN HERE!*

***Albert:*** *What the fuck--*

***Steffan:*** *WELCOME TO THE FUNHOUSE, BABY!*

STEFFAN WEBBER laughs loudly through the intercom. William and Marcus crawl out of the way of the log, clambering back up.

***William:*** *Jesus - Christ. Thank you.*

***Marcus:*** *No problem.*

***Isaac:*** *Oh no, oh screw this. WHAT! TRAPS?! THIS AIN’T SAW, WHA-- WHAT TYPE OF BULLSHIT IS THIS?*

***Albert:*** *Let’s just go - screw this.*

***Isaac:*** *Yeah, I’m out.*

***Steffan:*** *So… You’re all a bunch of RAIDERS, huh? I’ll DAMN BET YOU’RE THE ONES WHO TOOK THEM FROM ME… YEAH… You think you’re all REAL TOUGH, huh? KILLING TWO LITTLE GIRLS? Yeah… and you thought you’d take me… but I’ve been preparing for this… FOR A LONG FUCKIN’ TIME! This place is mine. And now… you ain’t fucking leavin’.*

***Albert:*** *What’s he on about?*

***Isaac:*** *I have no clue.*

***Daniel:*** *I think we’re dealing with a man who’s off his rocker. That’s what. Welcome to the fucking city, apparently.*

***Albert:*** *We didn’t do nothin’!*

***Isaac:*** *It doesn’t look like anyone else is going, there’s no damn way I’d be able to go off alone out there.*

Loud music begins to blare outside from the speakers. Almost immediately, zombies begin stumbling out of alleys, out of buildings, turning around street corners, making their way to the front door.

***Isaac:*** *Definite no…*

***Daniel:*** *Well. There’s no easy way out of this now.*

***William:*** *Aw - fuck.*

***Albert:*** *Oh, fuck - now we’re trapped.*

***Steffan:*** *YOU SONS OF BITCHES… ARE GONNA PAY! You might’ve taken my family… my little girls… but you won’t take me down without a fight.*

***Isaac:*** *He’s not gonna listen to us, is he? No way we can-- can just appeal to his emotions?*

***Aldus:*** *Why is he not rational?*

Benjamin frowns, looking at the group.

***Benjamin:*** *I know where he’s located. We can get to him.*

***William:*** *Where?*

Before Benjamin answers, an automatic door opens up nearby. Zombies swarm out of it, filling the reception area up. Steffan chuckles like a maniac through the intercom.

***Isaac:*** *Woah, woah, woah--*

***Kate:*** *Shit.*

The group bends down to pick up their weapons, backing away from the horde - only to look back and see the zombies from the front entrance slowly beginning to enter through the revolving door. Benjamin looks past the horde of zombies entering the room, and sees the stairwell past them. He begins to run forward, jumping over a tripwire.

***William:*** *We, uh--*

***Marcus:*** *They are gonna have us up against the wall.*

***William:*** *Marcus - take charge down here.*

William rushes after Benjamin, hopping over the same tripwire. DANIEL ROCKWELL is the only other one to see Benjamin and William, and follows after them. The zombie horde takes full control of the room, splitting the rest of the group up. The zombies trip over wires, setting off more traps. Things fall from the ceiling, shotgun traps go off, but it does almost nothing to stop the zombies. Isaac and Jared are pushed away from the others, struggling to fight off the horde.

***Isaac:*** *There’s too many-- We need to create an opening!*

Marcus, KATE BLOODSTONE, Albert and ALDUS PAXTON are backed up towards the side of the room. They fire off their guns towards the horde, keeping the zombies at bay - but only for a short period of time. Ammo quickly runs out, and the four of them rush into a small office to the side, slamming the door behind them.

Isaac and Jared are left alone in the room, most of the zombies now focusing on them.

***Isaac:*** *Everyone else has went on, man, it’s time to go! Dammit!*

Isaac rushes towards a door, but a zombie catches onto his leg. He desperately kicks it off, then tries to open the door - which luckily for them is unlocked. He and Jared run through, closing the door. Isaac falls to the ground, panting, as zombies start banging on the door.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #20**

**DENVER OUTSKIRTS - GAS STATION - EARLY EVENING**

CLYDE ROLLINS walks around to the back of the gas station, where he spots EDWARD REMAR sitting on top of a flatbed truck by himself. He approaches him, smiling.

***Clyde:*** *Edward.*

***Edward:*** *Oh. Hello, Clyde.*

***Clyde:*** *Hello - how are you? Figured I’d… check in on you now that we’re out of Willamette. Crazy, isn’t it?*

***Edward:*** *Mm. Quite jarring.*

***Clyde:*** *I, uh…*

Clyde pauses, hopping up onto the truck, taking a seat beside Edward.

***Clyde:*** *Is everything okay, Edward?*

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

***Clyde:*** *No, I mean… really. Is everyone - okay? It’s seemed like you’ve gone to quite the effort to isolate yourself recently… You know you can talk to me, right?*

***Edward:*** *You’re the only person I would feel comfortable opening up to* ***(He nods)***.

***Clyde:*** *Great… then tell me what’s wrong.*

Edward bites his lip, looking away at the ground.

***Clyde:*** *Please, I want to help.*

***Edward:*** *I’m afraid you can’t help me in this case, Clyde.*

***Clyde:*** *At least let me try, I can’t stand seeing you like this anymore. Badrick is gone now, it’s time to look ahead with a little more optimism, eh?*

Edward looks back towards him.

***Edward:*** *You’re the first person since my own mother who I’ve felt genuine… care for. The first person I feel cares about me too.*

***Clyde:*** *Of course I care about you, Edward. And that’s why I want to help you, to face whatever this is with you. Seriously, tell me anything, I’m here.*

***Edward:*** *You’re the first person in my entire life that… I see a potential for… companionship in.*

***Clyde:*** *We are indeed an iconic duo. We’ve been jolly companions since the start, you and I* ***(He grins)***.

***Edward: (He sighs)*** *I need to let it out… so however you want to respond to this, it’s up to you. I have developed feelings for you.*

Clyde’s grin disappears, and is instead replaced with a slight frown.

***Clyde:*** *Oh…*

***Edward:*** *…I see, however, that… you are getting along well with Claire. But I’m not saying this just for your sake, but for mine.*

***Clyde:*** *It’s… why you’ve been so down since… Willamette?*

***Edward:*** *It is. This is new territory for me.*

***Clyde:*** *Edward. I want to assure you that no matter what, past this point, nothing is going to change. Not my opinion of you, not our status… Although I cannot give you what you want… I can tell you that… I am… flattered?*

Edward stares ahead at the woods, frowning.

***Edward:*** *I can imagine.*

***Clyde:*** *I think it’s… rather inappropriate, but also important to tell you that… before you see it yourself. Claire and I…*

Edward nods, slowly getting off the truck, grabbing his cane.

***Edward:*** *I just needed to get that out of my system.*

***Clyde:*** *Edward, wait--*

Edward limps off, not looking back.

***Clyde:*** *Edward!*

Clyde sighs, watching Edward go back around the side of the gas station.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #21**

**TAYLOR & CO HEADQUARTERS - FRONT ENTRANCE**

MARCUS DOWNES, KATE BLOODSTONE, ALBERT HANSON and ALDUS PAXTON are trapped inside a small office. Marcus lays out his pistol, counting bullets.

***Marcus:*** *This went to shit fast. We need to find a way out, and quick.*

***Kate:*** *We’re completely split off from the others.*

***Aldus:*** *Vents - maybe we could use if there’s any.*

***Marcus:*** *There’s no vents in here.*

***Aldus:*** *Secret elevator?*

***Kate:*** *…Secret elevator?*

***Aldus:*** *I mean, he was a billionaire, so it’s possible. A private elevator.*

***Albert:*** *There’s no secret elevator, Aldus.*

Marcus looks towards a set of the windows in the office, looking out onto the street, which is already beginning to swarm with the undead.

***Marcus:*** *That looks like our only way out.*

***Kate:*** *Through the window and out into the street? What about the others? We just - leave them? Where do we regroup? The gas station?*

***Marcus:*** *Anyone else who makes it out would surely go back there.*

***Aldus:*** *I can’t leave them. We gotta cause a distraction. Car alarms.*

***Marcus:*** *Car alarms will just draw more zombies from the city.*

***Kate:*** *I don’t… I don’t think I can bring myself to leave them.*

***Albert:*** *They would know to go back to the gas station.*

***Marcus:*** *Kate, listen. It’s not easy for any of us, but if we stay, we’re all still at risk.*

***Aldus:*** *What if we play a CD in one and drive it away?*

***Marcus:*** *We don’t have any CD’s on us, Aldus. We don’t even have any working vehicles. We came here on foot.*

***Albert:*** *If we try and save them - we could very well die. They’ll all be fine.*

***Aldus:*** *I’m not wanting to make a long speech here, but we can’t leave them. We could change what happens in the world if there’s a chance. And save them in the process.*

***Marcus:*** *We don’t have much of a choice right now. We need to get ourselves out first.*

Kate nods, frowning.

***Kate:*** *We have to go.*

***Albert:*** *If for some reason the rest of us don’t make it out - I’m sure we can come back to get them.*

Marcus looks out the window, seeing something. He looks back at Kate, Albert and Aldus.

***Marcus:*** *Alright… everyone gather ‘round. I’ve got a fuckin’ idea to get us out of this, and get the others.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #22**

**TAYLOR & CO HEADQUARTERS - FRONT ENTRANCE**

ISAAC MOSES grunts, slowly getting up. He and JARED KELLINGS have just made it out of the main reception area and into a hallway, but the door they’ve slammed shut is starting to creak and bend.

***Isaac:*** *There - there was a lot of zombies out there, man. Thing ain’t gonna last.*

***Jared:*** *Yeah - we need a way out.*

The hinges on the door squeal. Isaac looks on in terror, stepping back with Jared.

***Isaac:*** *Let’s move… Let’s move.*

The door collapses down, zombies pouring through.

***Isaac:*** *GO, GO, GO!*

They turn around, running.

***Jared:*** *WHAT DO YOU THINK I’M DOING?*

Jared sprints ahead of Isaac, making it to the end of the hallway, where it intersects with another. He looks left and right, then chooses to go right, disappearing around the corner. Isaac chases after him, constantly looking over his shoulder at the zombies following them. As soon as Isaac turns the corner, he feels a rope wrap around his foot. Isaac raises up off the ground, dropping his gun in a panic. He dangles upside down, seeing Jared standing in another doorway, frozen.

***Jared:*** *I’m sorry. I am.*

Jared steps through the doorway, closing and locking the door.

***Isaac:*** *WAI-- WAIT! J--JARED! JARED!*

As Isaac swings back and forth, dangling upside down, he sees the horde of zombies closing in on him, snarling and groaning.

***Isaac:*** *WH-- WHAT THE FUCK, JARED! JARED! JARED, PLEASE, COME ON, JARED! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE!*

Footsteps are heard receding behind the door.

***Isaac:*** *DON’T -- DON’T LEAVE ME HERE! DON’T LEAVE--*

A zombie grabs Isaac, sinking its teeth into Isaac’s neck. Blood gushes out, streaming down onto his face. More zombies turn the corner, each of them grabbing onto Isaac, digging their teeth into his flesh. His stomach is torn open, guts spilling out. Within seconds, he’s dead.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #23**

**TAYLOR & CO HEADQUARTERS - TOP FLOOR**

BENJAMIN TAYLOR finally arrives at the top floor of the stairwell, out of breath. DANIEL ROCKWELL and WILLIAM REYNES are behind him. Benjamin opens the door, stepping out into a small waiting room of sorts. Across the room is another door.

***Daniel:*** *Up here?*

***Benjamin:*** *Through that door is where the reception to my office is. The intercom is located there, which means he’s in there.*

Before any of them even have a chance to move forward and open the door, STEFFAN WEBBER opens it, stepping out with an M60 in his hands.

***Steffan:*** *STAY THE FUCK BACK!*

The three of them rush for cover, as Steffan opens fire with the M60. Bullets tear through walls, narrowly missing Benjamin.

***Steffan:*** *Y’all should’ve never come here to try and take me in… To try and kill me like you did the rest! I’m gonna make you fucking pay for it!*

***Benjamin:*** *Listen, listen! You have us confused… This is my building… I’m Benjamin Taylor! We only came here to visit! To see if it was in good shape, clearly it isn’t! Keep the building if you want, but let us take what we need before we go, and we can be out of your way! There are important things to met in that office, don’t you know--*

***Steffan:*** *Oh I read them all… I READ THEM ALL… I’VE HAD NOTHING BUT TIME TO DO THAT! IT’S YOUR FAULT THIS HAPPENED - IT’S YOUR FAULT MY LITTLE GIRLS ARE DEAD!*

***Benjamin:*** *I had a little girl as well. I’d do anything for her… You lost yours, two… I can’t imagine the pain.*

Steffan slowly steps back, still aiming around the M60. He then backs into the reception room, closing the door.

***Daniel:*** *That gun of his could tear us limb from limb instantly. He could be camped on the other end of that door. Was any of this really fucking worth it? This place clearly isn’t safe anymore, and all of the supplies are goddamn scattered. Let’s face it. There’s no point in staying.*

***William:*** *Let’s not focus on that right now - just focus on getting through this.*

Benjamin, ignoring Daniel’s advice, gets out of cover, walking towards the reception room door, where Steffan had just gone. He draws his pistol, opening it. Nothing happens. Benjamin slowly steps in, aiming the pistol around. It’s empty. The only other door in the room leads into Benjamin’s personal office.

***Benjamin:*** *It’s clear.*

***Daniel:*** *Brave of you.*

Daniel and William follow him into the reception room, still wary.

***Benjamin:*** *He’s in my office* ***(He points at the door)***.

Benjamin approaches a table, where the intercom and a set of monitors looking out the cameras are.

***Benjamin:*** *If you want to try and reach out to anyone still in the building, now is your chance.*

Daniel approaches the monitors, narrowing his eyes. Through one of the cameras, he sees a corpse hanging from the ceiling, being devoured by a horde of zombies.

***Daniel:*** *The fuck…*

He leans in closer, and then realizes.

***Daniel:*** *Isaac… They fucking got him. The bastard in there got him! He did this! One of his fucking traps.*

Daniel speed walks towards the office door, aiming up his gun.

***Benjamin:*** *Slow down. He’s in there.*

Daniel ignores him, and kicks open the office door.

***Steffan:*** *Surprise.*

Steffan unloads the M60 out the door. Daniel jumps to get out of the way, as Benjamin shoots past him into the office. As Benjamin is shooting, he absorbs multiple M60 rounds to the chest, while also managing to hit Steffan in his shoulder. Steffan yells, dropping the M60, stopping the fire.

***Steffan:*** *My family-- my…*

Daniel steps into the office, his gun already aimed at Steffan’s head.

***Daniel:*** *Fuck your family.*

He fires a single round into his head, killing the man. As his corpse slumps over, Daniel turns around, seeing Benjamin lying on the ground, multiple holes in his chest.

***Daniel:*** *Fuck…*

William gets out of cover, and rushes towards Benjamin, tearing off a part of his shirt. He starts wrapping it around his chest.

***William:*** *Hey - hey. No. No dying. Not yet.*

***Benjamin:*** *Stop… stop… Don’t waste time.*

Benjamin groans, forcing himself to sit up, his back leaning against the wall. He looks down, seeing the enormous amounts of blood leaking out of his torso.

***Benjamin:*** *There’s no coming back from this, but… Go into the safe over there… The code is 39492. Quickly now…*

William stops, and stands up, quickly running to said safe.

***Benjamin:*** *Quickly now, I’m bleeding out here…*

William puts in the code, opening the safe. Inside is a box.

***Benjamin:*** *This world… has nothing left for me. I knew that coming here. I never planned to leave.* ***(Looking at the box)*** *Bring it to me…*

Benjamin’s face starts to go pale. His breathing slows, his eyes closing and opening slowly. William runs over with the box, setting it down beside him. Benjamin weakly lifts the lid off the box, looking in.

***Benjamin:*** *I’m sorry, by the way, that I couldn’t get you the answers you all wanted. Or even… anything I promised in the city.*

Benjamin lifts a photo album out of the box. He smiles, looking through the pictures.

***Benjamin:*** *I just wanted to see them again. I just want to be with them again. In the better place. There’s nothing for me… here. My sweet… Sarah…*

***William: (He grabs his hand)*** *You’ll - see them again.*

***Benjamin:*** *Mm… you best both… begin heading out. I’m going to… stop myself from turning…* ***(He slowly takes out his pistol)*** *…In fashion.*

Benjamin tries getting up, but immediately falls over.

***Daniel:*** *Fuck, you can’t stand.*

***Benjamin:*** *Then… help me to my chair.*

***Daniel:*** *If I move you, you’ll bleed out faster.*

***Benjamin:*** *Just do it.*

Daniel and William help Benjamin up, taking him into the office, and setting him onto his chair behind the desk. Benjamin looks down at his photo album again.

***Benjamin:*** *My little girl… she’s beautiful, isn’t she? I’m going to see her again. I’ve just been waiting for a time to check out.*

***William:*** *Yeah - you’ll see them again.*

***Benjamin:*** *You best both get on out of here. Run along now.*

William looks down, then over at the door. Daniel heads to the door, exchanging a last look with Benjamin.

***Daniel:*** *Thanks.*

William goes to the door, but stops, looking back.

***William:*** *We’ll - see you on the other side, Benjamin. Thank you.*

***Benjamin:*** *You’ll do good out there.*

When William steps out of the office, Daniel closes the door. Inside the office, Benjamin looks down at a picture of Sarah, smiling. He then looks towards his pistol in his other hand.

Daniel and William walk out of the reception room, and start heading to the stairwell.

***Bang.***

They continue walking, making it to the stairwell.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #24**

**DENVER STREETS - EVENING**

A car slowly drives down the street in front of the building. Inside it is MARCUS DOWNES, KATE BLOODSTONE, ALBERT HANSON and ALDUS PAXTON, who’d stolen the car and lured away most of the zombies. They see JARED KELLINGS already out on the street, having escaped the building. They pick him up, then go back to the front of the Taylor & Co building, where they see DANIEL ROCKWELL and WILLIAM REYNES walking out. Once they’re in, the car drives off, leaving the city.