A Brighter Future/Transcript

*“I made a promise that I'd make something out of myself in this new world, that I'd carve out and take what's rightfully mine, and I'll cut through anything and anyone in my way to get it!”* *—Edward*

**Starring:**

Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES

Tom Holland as LLOYD WALLER

Jon Hamm as JON MATTHEWS

Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE

Anson Mount as MARCUS DOWNES

Nick Frost as RANDALL FORSTER

Michael Shannon as GERALD ROLAND

Daniel Sharman as DANIEL ROCKWELL

Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON

Robin Lord Taylor as EDWARD REMAR

Paul Rudd as SOLOMON REED

**Also Starring**

Jason Lee as LOLIDA WINDFIELD

Emma Stone as GENNA BROHEM

Michael Kelly as ALLAN WHITE

Toni Collette as NAOMI STAFFORD

Kristian Bruun as JUSTIN BENNETT

Christopher Mintz-Plasse as ELLIOTT ROWE

Kat Dennings as NANCY WARNER

Ming-Na Wen as LEONA HOLLOWAY

**Guest Starring**

Rick Overton as PAUL BAIRD

Alison Wright as HEATHER SOLIS

Wes Bentley as JORDAN GATLON

Rafi Gavron as FLETCHER ROLAND

Roger Ashton-Griffiths as CHESTER STAFFORD

James Karen as RICHARD NEUBLE

Angela Sarafyan as BONNIE HARRELL

Martin Cummins as CARSON BURKE

Sean Gunn as STANLEY PECK

Ha-Seung-lee as KYORI HYOTEKI

Katee Sackhoff as JADIS MILLER

Freddie Stroma as JIMMY STONE

Shawn Ashmore as ETHAN NEWPORT

**Co-Starring**

T.J. Storm as SEBASTIAN DOMINGUEZ

Michael K. Williams as TYSON LYSAGHT

Joe Anderson as KEVIN NORTON

Jake Gyllenhall as CODY WAKEFIELD

Richard Riehle as BARRY CHALLIS

Emma Roberts as KATELYN SMART

Dean-Charles Chapman as TRENT COLLINS

Keiko Agena as JOSLYN LARKIN

DeObia Oparei as WAITA MATHANI

Charlie Tahan as SETH HAYNES

Rebel Wilson as EVELYN NELSON

Jamie Bell as PATRICK

Dave Fennoy as DAMERAE BADRICK

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**Scene #1**

**WICHITA - BANK - NOON**

EDWARD REMAR crawls across the second floor inside of a bank, his hand bleeding profusely. He frantically wraps a bandage around his hand, as shaky breathing is heard. He puts his back against a wall, being able to rest for a moment. But not for long. He perks his head up, hearing the sounds of vehicles rolling to a stop outside.

Several armoured vehicles pull up in front of the bank. Out of the van at the front steps JADIS MILLER. She glares up at the bank, before going around to the back of the van, swinging open the doors and grabbing a megaphone. Meanwhile, many other people are seen exiting the vehicles, around twenty in total. Among them are JIMMY STONE and ETHAN NEWPORT.

Jadis strolls back around to the front of the van, megaphone in hand. She puts the device to her mouth, before speaking.

***Jadis:*** *You’ve been given long enough. I tried to offer you people an easy way out -- but you’ve ran out of time to take that option.*

Edward sighs to himself, hearing Jadis. He then reaches into his pocket.

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**Scene #2**

**WORTHWOOD - WILLIAM’S LODGE**

His eyes flutter open, sunlight shining through a window. WILLIAM REYNES stares up at a roof unfamiliar to him, even after having been at Worthwood for three days now. He sits up, throwing the covers off him. Quickly, he gets changed and steps out into the hall, and then into the kitchen. There, he sees LLOYD WALLER standing in front of the kitchen counter, looking at a toaster in awe, as it heats up two slices of bread.

***William:*** *You look bewildered.*

Lloyd looks back, snapping out of it.

***Lloyd:*** *Oh. Morning. And, uh… yeah, you could say that. I mean… just look at this place. It’s normal… or… as close to normal as you can possibly get these days. I mean, even taking a shower, it’s… It’s something else.*

***William: (He nods slowly)*** *Yeah… Yeah, it’s refreshing, alright. You guys could really do with the break… Just wish I took their offer sooner. Speaking of almost normal… You’ll be heading back to school soon, won’t you?*

***Lloyd:*** *…Yeah. I mean, yeah. I, uh… I start tomorrow. I guess there’s a lot of other kids here.*

William looks at him, noticing the sadness in his tone.

***William:*** *You holding up okay? I know that the… sudden change - isn’t exactly an easy thing to get used to and all. Having to get back into a routine, shit, I don’t wanna imagine what that’s gonna be like… I’m just thankful I’ve not been given a job yet.*

***Lloyd:*** *Me? I’m good. It’s… jarring, but it’s a good thing, I think. I mean, it’s a lot better than it was out there on the road. I’m just… I want her to wake up.*

***William: (He frowns)*** *Yeah… I get you. I do too. But hey - no matter if she’s up and about or not, she’d want you to be the happiest you can be… So chin up, alright?*

***Lloyd:*** *That goes for you as well, you know.*

***William:*** *Don’t you worry about me… I’m a big boy, I’ll be alright.*

William smirks, as he walks towards the front door, stepping outside.

JON MATTHEWS stands on his porch at the lodge next door to William’s, looking around the place. A cobblestone path connected their two lodges, as well as many other lodges in the area. Outside of one of those lodges is BARRY CHALLIS, trimming his bushes happily. He quickly looks over at William and Jon, waving.

***Barry:*** *Hi, neighbours! I’m just tending to my garden, you know it’s that time to give it a trim. I hope you guys like it here!*

William glares across at Barry, before he gives him a nod, trying to make an effort to better himself. William then walks down the path over to Jon’s lodge.

***Jon:*** *Seems too good to be true.*

***William:*** *Yeah… yeah, it does. Feels like one of those fever dreams you get sometimes… where everyone’s out… tending their fucking lawns, and the sky’s all blue, and the grass is green… y’know. Feels - fake, almost.*

***Jon:*** *But still… you’re hopeful.*

***William:*** *I gotta be. For the kid, at the very least.*

***Jon:*** *Their walls are seriously undermanned, there aren’t enough patrols around the perimeter. I’ve been out here watching them like a hawk since we arrived.*

***William:*** *You think all this comfort’s made ‘em cushy?*

***Jon:*** *I think it’s made them plump and ripe to be reaved by bandits and pillagers. These people care more about their little class structure than they do about what’s going on beyond those walls. Still, this place is a goldmine. With the right… changes… it could work.*

***William:*** *Yeah… sure, the quality of life here is awesome and all, but like you said - it’d take a few people with guns and half these people would be forking it all over to spare their lives. But I think that Kate will be able to whip this place into shape. Change the things that need changing. If she was able to keep the peace even remotely under a mean prick like I was, then this place… I’ve got faith she’ll be able to pull it off.*

***Jon:*** *Kate, huh? You’re really backing her all the way here. Yeah. She could make this work.*

***William:*** *Of course, it’ll take a lot of work - from all of us - to try and turn this place around. As it stands right now, I feel like we’re surrounded by defenseless dead weight. But through a group effort, we can maximize the potential here.*

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**Scene #3**

**WORTHWOOD - KATE’S LODGE**

Elsewhere, housed inside a lodge in a different area, is KATE BLOODSTONE, looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, a look of bewilderment on her face. She’s dressed in formal attire, clearly preparing for something. She exhales loudly, before turning her attention to a box sitting on the bathroom counter, unopened. She grabs it, and walks out of the bathroom, where she encounters MARCUS DOWNES standing in the hall.

***Marcus:*** *Wow. You look… official.*

***Kate:*** *Don’t start* ***(She shakes her head)***.

She walks past him, heading towards the living room, carrying the box.

***Kate:*** *I can’t be late for this meeting, or they’ll reschedule it again. I mean, you’d think that meeting with the representative of that giant group of strangers they brought in would be a higher priority, but no, they have other fucking things to discuss like… I don’t know… birthday parties?*

She sighs, sitting down on the couch.

***Marcus:*** *Never thought I’d see the day where you were flushed over a meeting. I mean, better that than being out there. This place seems… special. I mean, it’s what you and I used to talk about every night.*

***Kate:*** *I know, I know. It is… I just… Maybe I’m just hoping they are actually going to take me seriously.*

***Marcus:*** *Of course they will. I mean, who wouldn’t? You look like you mean business, I mean… you look ridiculous.*

She glares over at him.

***Marcus:*** *Okay, okay-- I meant, uh-- fancy and… formal.*

***Kate:*** *They insisted I wear all of this… They say it’s protocol to be dressed well if you’re going to the castle, because it’s for the upper class, or something.* ***(She sighs)*** *So they had this dropped off this morning… and I might as well appease them because… I’m trying to make an effort.*

***Marcus:*** *Yeah, ‘course. So what’s in the box?*

Kate sighs again, reaching over to the box and slowly opening it. She frowns, looking inside at a pair of high heels.

***Marcus: (He grins)*** *You’ve gotta be shitting me.*

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**Scene #4**

**FOREST - CABIN - AFTERNOON**

ELLIOTT ROWE trudges on through the woods, following what remains of a dirt path. SOLOMON REED follows on behind him, as the two of them come up on a small cabin, deep in the woods. It’s been two weeks since Kurt’s death.

***Elliott:*** *So, uh, should we check this place out?*

***Solomon:*** *Yeah, it doesn’t seem so bad, just watch for any strays.*

***Elliott:*** *Right… Well, I don’t see any inside. Just, uh-- keep an eye out, I guess.*

Elliott approaches the front door, turning the door handle and pushing it open, luckily finding it unlocked. Elliott enters first, holding a small knife in his hand. Solomon enters after him, the front door creaking open.

***Solomon:*** *I’ll check left, you check the right.*

***Elliott:*** *Sure.*

Solomon walks silently towards the left side of the cabin, passing through the empty living room/kitchen area. He comes across two doors. Solomon slowly opens the first door, peeking inside, where he sees a corpse rotting on the ground, long dead. He fully steps inside, having to cover his nose from the stench coming off the corpse. Quickly, he checks through all the drawers, finding nothing. Sighing, he then approaches the corpse, checking through its pockets, finding a key. He then exits the room in a hurry. Finally able to breathe properly again, he walks down the hall to the next room, finding that it’s locked. However, he is able to use the key he’d just looted off the corpse to unlock it. Inside - another bedroom. This one is clear of any zombies. He slowly walks around, looking around, noticing a poster up on one of the walls for the movie, *The Waverlies*. One of the cast members is the familiar Clyde Rollins. As Solomon looks around the room some more, he eventually finds a supply stache full of tools, medicine, and more.

Meanwhile, Elliott is checking the other side of the house. The first door Elliott approaches is shut, and as he opens it, he is greeted by a bathroom with a horrendous smell and dried blood all over the floor. He almost gags, as he quickly looks through the cabinets under the sink, before leaving. He makes his way over to the second and final door on his side of the room, this one left ajar. He pushes it open, stepping inside slowly, seeing that it’s a bedroom. On the other side of the room is a closet -- where Elliott hears a quiet banging. Terrified, Elliott stares at the closet, but ultimately decides to approach, following a trail of blood that leads right up to the closet. When he’s close enough, Elliott reaches a hand out and pulls open the closet door and fast as he can, before quickly stepping back. A live zombie slumps out of the closet, having been trapped in there for lord knows how long. It snarls, slowly getting up, before rapidly approaching Elliott.

***Elliott:*** *Solomon!*

Elliott continues backstepping, until he accidentally trips over a book. Panicking, Elliott crawls backwards until he hits the wall. He gets back to his feet in a hurry, raising his knife. As the zombie lunges at him, Elliott jams his knife into its skull. It drops dead in front of him.

Solomon comes running in, seeing the dead zombie at Elliott’s feet.

***Solomon:*** *Sorry I was slow, I dropped a box on my foot, but are you alright?*

Elliott looks over at him, his hand with the knife shaking.

***Elliott:*** *There you are! That thing -- it almost got me.*

***Solomon:*** *It’s alright. That’s the only one I think. I found nothing besides some tools we could use and some medicine in this room down here. I know you’re nervous, but you’re safe, you’re alright, you got the brain eater. You’re not bitten or scratched, right?*

***Elliott:*** *Thank you-- I do think that’s enough zombie killing for me today. And-- no, I’m not scratched - or bitten. You can finish searching the room - I think I need some fresh air.*

***Solomon:*** *Alright.*

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**Scene #5**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - MID AFTERNOON**

PATRICK spits blood onto the grass below him, his lip having been split open, bruises covering his head. He looks up at EDWARD REMAR, who’s standing in front of him, a devilish smile on his face. He raises his cane again and hits him over the head.

***Patrick:*** *Listen, man… I’ve got people to get back to -- just let me go, okay? I’ll… I’ll put your stuff back. I promise.*

***Edward:*** *Hmmmmm. Let me think about that. No.*

He smacks Patrick with his cane again, sending Patrick recoiling into the ground, groaning in pain. Nearby, NANCY WARNER flinches, as she watches the scene, arms crossed. WAITA MATHANI is standing across the camp with SETH HAYNES, watching Edward with disgust.

***Patrick:*** *Come on, come on! It wasn’t even that much to begin with… I just need it to get by, okay? I got lost in the fuckin’ woods at night, and I had nothing else I coulda’ done. I was dead meat either way. You understand, right?*

Edward looks over at STANLEY PECK, waving a hand. With that, Stanley comes walking over, hoisting Patrick back up onto his knees.

***Stanley:*** *Come on now. Don’t be lazy.*

Edward limps closer to Patrick, placing a hand under his chin, forcing him to look up at him.

***Edward:*** *Let’s just… go over everything from the beginning. Just so we’re all clear.*

As Edward is beginning his monologue, SOLOMON REED and ELLIOTT ROWE are seen returning to camp. They drop their supplies off, before approaching Edward and the others.

***Edward:*** *You decide to sneak into my campsite, and like a little weasel, you sniffed out the supply wagon. And your intention was just… do as you pleased. You planned to take what doesn’t belong to you. My property. My supplies. My belongings.*

***Patrick:*** *What else could I have done? I’m sorry - I’ll put the stuff back - just let me go on my way. I won’t be of any more harm. I swear.*

***Edward:*** *Oh, you will put the stuff back, believe me. But I can’t just let a thief off that easily. You all know how it is out there. In order to survive out here, we have to work smart. We’re working to stay afloat out here every single day until we find a place to settle down for good. We won’t make it anywhere if we bend over for thieves and let them do as they please. I see how you’re all looking at me. But if it’s true… if this piece of trash really does have people to return to… that spells danger for all of us.*

***Solomon:*** *Edward, we’ve gotten what we wanted. He isn’t a threat, just let him be on his way after patching him up. And if he was one, he’d be dead.*

***Edward:*** *No.* ***(He raises a hand)*** *No.* ***(He looks at Patrick)*** *If you can steal once, you’ll steal again. I bet our campsite looks like a juicy buffet that you and your people can’t wait to dig their claws into.*

***Patrick:*** *Just let me on my way, man… I won’t do anything. I just wanna go home. My people aren’t like that. I did what I had to do to get by… but this is just cruel. I’m begging you here, man, let me leave.*

***Edward:*** *SHUT UP! Just SHUT UP! Let me think.*

***Solomon:*** *You know if you wanted that idea of an army of yours to grow, the smart thing would be to have good relations with this man’s group. We’ve not had anyone new besides at the amusement park, and now you’re gonna kill him or break him, which from how I see it isn’t a good thing.*

***Edward:*** *Don’t challenge me, Solomon. We’re in a tight position right now. I have every right to be cautious of a THIEF.*

***Solomon:*** *Also, weren’t we in the same predicament as him when Kurt and his cronies were breathing?*

***Edward:*** *No. We weren’t. We didn’t steal anything from them.*

Solomon looks around at everyone for support.

***Solomon:*** *So just me? A thief isn’t as bad as a sadist or as Badrick, and I remember you said fear is one thing Badrick did that was right when you hated the man with every breath you took, and now you’re slowly starting to turn into this person I can’t recognize as the same one from Willamette. Just let this guy be on his way and let him know never to return if you really hate him for such a small crime.*

***Edward:*** *Get out of my sight, Solomon. We’ll talk about this later… Stanley… take him to the third wagon and tie him to the wheel. I want him left there overnight.*

***Stanley:*** *Yeah. You got it. Come on, buddy.*

Stanley picks Patrick up, dragging him along, as others frown. Solomon shakes his head, as he returns to his tent.

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**Scene #6**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - MID AFTERNOON**

EDWARD REMAR returns to his tent, a look of anger on his face. He unbuttons his jacket, laying it aside, just as NANCY WARNER appears in the doorway of the tent.

***Nancy:*** *Is now a bad time for me to approach you, almighty dictator?*

***Edward:*** *Funny.*

***Nancy:*** *Do you wanna tell me what… all of that was? You really put on a show out there.*

***Edward:*** *It wasn’t a show.*

***Nancy:*** *It was quite theatrical… What was it, then?*

***Edward:*** *It was a demonstration. He dared to take from us, and if we really do want to release him back out into the wild, we need to strike the fear of god into him beforehand so he doesn’t get any ideas to come back. Do you think that brutality was meaningless? I did what I had to do, so that if I do choose to do the good thing and set him free, he won’t bother coming back to us.*

***Nancy:*** *I don’t think that’s a very good justification, Edward. It’s something I’d have expected Kurt to do, maybe.*

***Edward:*** *Don’t compare me to him. I’m making sure that we get by out here. Soon enough, we’ll find somewhere good, somewhere we can settle down.*

***Nancy:*** *Yeah, well, the horses are tired, we’re running low on fuel, and it’s becoming impossible to keep moving out here. If--*

***Edward:*** *Why do you think I gave him such a hard time for trying to steal from us? The bottom line is that he is a thief, one that claims to have a larger group of people to get back to.*

***Nancy:*** *I just… I don’t think it’s right. What do you plan to do with him, then?*

***Edward:*** *Maybe if he behaves for a couple of days, I’ll consider letting him join us. We do need more people, after all.*

***Nancy:*** *With how low we’re running on food and water? Maybe we just let him find his own people, or even help him…*

***Edward: (He shakes his head)*** *We have our own problems to attend to. For now, he stays tied up. Anything else?*

***Nancy:*** *Nope. Take it easy, shorty.*

She turns, exiting the tent.

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**Scene #7**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - GERALD’S CHAMBERS**

In the morning, GERALD ROLAND is walking through his own personal wing of the castle, large enough to where it even has a grand dining table, where his breakfast has been placed on the table for him. He looks at the breakfast in front of him, dissatisfied by something. He reaches down and straightens a spoon that was slightly rotated. He then smiles, sitting down and beginning to dig into his food. But as soon as he gets started, he is interrupted when a door from down the hall opens. KATELYN SMART steps out of the room, giggling, as another young man, FLETCHER ROLAND, steps out behind her wearing only his boxers and an unbuttoned shirt.

***Fletcher:*** *Alright, go, go.*

***Katelyn:*** *This was fun.*

***Gerald:*** *Ahem.*

Fletcher looks over.

***Fletcher:*** *Oh. Uhm. Morning, father.*

***Katelyn:*** *Hi, Mr. Roland.*

***Gerald:*** *Katelyn* ***(He nods)***.
***Katelyn:*** *Yeah, anyways, I should really get going.*

***Fletcher:*** *Yeah, yeah, I’ll, uh -- see you soon.*

***Katelyn:*** *Yeah…*

She sees herself out of the room, leaving just Fletcher and Gerald.

***Gerald:*** *What have I told you about bringing guests back here for your… indecent fantasies.*

***Fletcher:*** *Oh, come now, father. There’s nothing wrong with a rumble in the jungle, is there? It’s only natural.*

***Gerald:*** *Right, and if you didn’t think you were doing anything wrong, you wouldn’t have been sneaking her out in the first place.*

***Fletcher:*** *…Didn’t expect you to still be here. Late morning, I suppose.*

***Gerald:*** *I have a busy day… Just let me enjoy my eggs in peace, and I’ll let this… nonsense of yours slide. One last time.*

***Fletcher: (He looks at the eggs)*** *They don’t look well-cooked today. Maybe Ruth was multi-tasking, left them in the pan a bit too long--*

***Gerald:*** *Are you listening to me?*

***Fletcher:*** *Right, right, because all of a sudden I’m not allowed to bring a girl back home. Relax, you don’t need to be so uptight, it’s not like we have anything to hide.*

***Gerald:*** *It’s a matter of upholding the very values this community is built on, son. Not that I expect you to understand that, but maybe you would if you just put in a little more effort into… appearances. This castle is meant to be a prestigious beacon of… of hope to everyone beneath it. They’re meant to strive towards wanting to be here, it needs to be professional.*

***Fletcher: (He sighs)*** *Lots of big words. Listen, I get it. I just… personally don’t care to sell myself to people as someone I’m not. I’m a realist.*

***Gerald:*** *That’s-- that’s not exactly how you use that term--*

***Fletcher:*** *Look, my point is, get off my back, okay? I don’t need you breathing down my neck. You should be happy that I’m doing my thing.*

***Gerald:*** *Doing your thing? You’re bedding an occasional fling, a girl you hookup with when you get drunk! I notice when whiskey or vodka is swiped from my cabinet, Fletcher.*

***Fletcher: (He yawns)*** *Okay, sure, but the last thing I need after drowning in a bottle of booze is a headache… which seems to be your one goal at the moment… to give me a headache. So please, just enjoy your… poorly-cooked eggs in silence.*

Gerald is about to retort, but ultimately decides to give up, and eat his eggs in silence. But it doesn’t last long, as a door swings open behind him, loud footsteps marching over to the table.

***Allan:*** *What the hell is this I was hearing? How many people did you reel in? How many people did you let inside while me and the others were out on that trip?*

HEATHER SOLIS speeds into the room after ALLAN WHITE.

***Heather:*** *Mr. Roland! Allan is… uh… here to… see you.*

***Gerald:*** *Yes… Thank you, Heather…* ***(He sighs)*** *You can leave.*

***Heather:*** *Right. Right.*

Heather nods, walking out of the room.

***Allan:*** *I’m here to ask why we are letting in a group that could KILL US in our sleep? Terrance told me already there were a lot you just let inside our home.*

***Fletcher:*** *Uh-oh, the big man is upset* ***(He chuckles quietly)***.
***Gerald:*** *Allan… take a seat. You must be tired, you just got back from a long trip.*

***Allan:*** *I appreciate the offer but I’ll stand, and yeah that trip - it was almost four days.*

***Gerald:*** *I understand that you’re concerned, but I assure you, we’re still working things out with the new people. We have the space, and we should always be striving for our community to grow. The council has been interviewing them and assigning them jobs around the community.*

***Allan:*** *Any concerns from any interview?*

***Gerald:*** *Only a few of them are proving to be tricky… but I’m confident we’ll figure them out eventually, and find the right role for them in this community. These people… They looked desperate when we first met them. I can tell this is the place they’ve been looking for.*

***Fletcher:*** *You know, I think it’d be great to have new folks around town. It can get so… boring around here… the same old humdrum.*

Allan looks down at Gerald, still suspicious and concerned, but he goes along.

***Allan:*** *Alright.*

***Gerald:*** *That reminds me, I have an appointment with one of their representatives very soon. The council is assembling to meet with her. Oh, and Allan. We think a few of the new people are good candidates to be supply runners. I'll set up an appointment so that you can show them the ropes.*

***Allan:*** *Looking forward to meeting these candidates…*

***Gerald:*** *Great. Don’t let me take up any more of your time. It’s great to see you’re back well, I hope the trip was a good one, but just… relax, go home and kick your feet up, spend some time with Betty. You’ve earned it.*

Allan gives a slow nod, turning around, with doubts still in his mind about the new people.

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**Scene #8**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - RECEPTION ROOM**

KATE BLOODSTONE sits inside of the reception room, shaking her head and sighing about the outfit she’s wearing. She then looks up towards the reception desk where HEATHER SOLIS is sitting, doing paperwork. Heather glances up, noticing Kate staring.

***Kate:*** *I’m sorry. I don’t mean to stare.*

***Heather:*** *No, it’s okay. You’re just taking it all in. I understand.*

***Kate:*** *What is it that uhm… that you do anyways?*

***Heather:*** *Oh, well, I work closely with all of the departments here at the community, acting as a personal assistant to Mr. Roland. I keep the documents on all of our residents and their backgrounds, it’s all recorded and stored in my filing cabinets. I make sure all of the departments… like the supply runners, and the construction crew, and the pantry is… well, functioning as it should and clocking in progress and… many other things.*

***Kate:*** *Wow… You’re… a busy bee.*

***Heather:*** *I prefer it that way. Takes my mind off other things. I’m sure they’ll be ready for you soon.*

Kate nods slowly, looking away.

After just a couple more minutes, Heather stands, approaching Kate.

***Heather:*** *Okay, we’re now five minutes to nine, so I can take you on through for your audience with the council now. Come with me.*

***Kate:*** *Right.*

Kate stands up, following Heather awkwardly, trying not to trip over with the high heels.

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**Scene #9**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - COUNCIL ROOM**

HEATHER SOLIS takes KATE BLOODSTONE down a few hallways, until stopping at a grandiose door.

***Heather:*** *Just in there. The council should be waiting for you.*

Kate looks at her, then at the door, before slowly pushing it open. Inside is a large, open room with a red carpet leading up to a long table, where GERALD ROLAND and the other four council members are seated.

NAOMI STAFFORD is seated to Gerald’s left, immediately judging Kate with her eyes. Her husband CHESTER STAFFORD is sitting beside her, while RICHARD NEUBLE is on Gerald’s right, swatting a piece of dust off the cuff of his wrist. And lastly, JUSTIN BENNETT is beside Richard, leaning back in his chair, adjusting a bowtie on his tuxedo.

***Gerald:*** *Welcome, Katey.*

***Kate:*** *It’s just Kate. But… Thank you.*

***Justin:*** *I mean… same difference, right?*

She glares at Justin, before facing Gerald again.

***Gerald:*** *I see you’ve dressed well for the occasion. I take it everything fits okay?*

***Kate:*** *Uh… yes… yeah, it does.*

***Gerald:*** *I think introductions are in order. Kate, tell us a bit about yourself.*

***Kate:*** *Well… like I said in my… initial interview process here… My name is Kate Bloodstone. I come from Willamette, Colorado, and… I used to work as a manager’s assistant at the mall there--*

***Justin:*** *Wow. That is… fascinating. So like, you were a shop assistant? Like you’d hang up clothes n’ shit? You know… like on the little racks. To sell them?*

***Kate:*** *No, I actually worked in accoun--*

***Justin:*** *Oh, okay. Sorry, forgive me, that was so rude.*

***Kate:*** *No, it’s okay--*

***Justin:*** *Justin Bennett. I used to run a very successful winery. Very lucrative, very successful.*

***Chester:*** *Miss Bloodstone, it is a great pleasure for me to personally welcome you to Worthwood, I--*

Naomi slaps Chester’s hand, silencing him. She glares over at Kate.

***Naomi:*** *And… remind me why you've requested this personal audience with us?*

***Kate:*** *Well… I figured that… because my group is so large, we would have… uhm… differences to work through. I think what you have here is really special, and--*

***Naomi:*** *Differences? Like… you guys are immigrants and we’re kind of taking you in. Or like… differences as in… you were all dirty and hungry and homeless… but now you’re here?*

Richard clears his throat loudly, looking towards Kate.

***Richard:*** *Miss Stafford, if I may add on. Apologies for my lack of cushioning for what I am to say, young lady, but I cannot see the purpose of your presence in our meeting council. We’ve lasted in this community since the very beginning with us at the helm, and more eyes and voices, as in our experience is only to add clutter. And clutter, again, as our experience, makes us quite weak.*

***Justin: (He nods)*** *Yeah, fuckin’ right? Honestly, I’m with Richard on this one.*

***Richard:*** *Surely there’s--ermm--suitable and relatively more helpful jobs for you to partake in. In your case, supply running. You, as stated, and fact, have been out there for a fair share of time. Of course you’d know how to properly be more helpful to us in that expertise.*

***Kate:*** *With all due respect… While me and my people are very grateful to have been offered a place here at your community, it is not without its flaws. There is always work to be done. Now, I’m not sure about you guys, but my people are experienced out there. We’ve been through hell and back and that’s why this place is so special to us. With that said, I come before you as a representative that hopes to… ease tensions and build trust… so that we can work together to help--*

***Naomi:*** *Let me stop you right there. I mean, that’s just it, right? You’re grateful to us… as you should be. And yet, here you are talking about easing tensions? Well, you’ve found paradise, so I don’t know who you think you are to come before us and tell us how to do our job. It’s frankly disrespectful.*

***Kate:*** *That’s… not what I’m trying to do, you seem to be misunderstanding--*

***Naomi:*** *Are you insulting my intelligence? Okay, let me stop you one last time. You ought to show a little more respect to us.*

***Richard:*** *I believe Miss Stafford hears you quite well, young lady. All of us do. Your disrespect has been quite displeasing, and cannot be allowed on this council. Quite the first impression.*

***Gerald:*** *Kate… So, let me try to… understand you here. You booked this appointment to… work through some ‘issues’ with the council, yes? Implying you and your people have taken… issue… with the community? You think there is a glaring problem that needs to be solved? Because, we’re of course open to hearing what you think that might be. Please, take the stage, by all means.*

***Kate:*** *Okay, well… Yes, you have walls. They’re high, and seemingly impenetrable… but my people have noticed that there is a lack of real security around the community. I mean, you are aware that even if you have the undead in check, there are hostile groups of survivors out there that… that frankly pose a greater threat than anything else to the society you’ve built here… and they’ll find a way to get past your walls if they really want to.*

***Gerald:*** *We have guards, we have an entire police force. Is that not enough?*

***Kate:*** *It’s more… I don’t think they’re* ***doing*** *enough. I don’t think you’re taking the threat of the outside world seriously enough… and it could jeopardize everything you’ve built here.*

***Gerald:*** *…Interesting. Well, Kate, we’ll be happy to address your complaints… Actually… why don’t you write them down for us… and give them to my assistant, and then we’ll have a read of them and… get back to you… within a few weeks.*

***Kate:*** *A few weeks?*

***Richard:*** *If you’re not willing to wait, then why don’t you do your part AS our guards and police force. It’d be a lot more productive.*

***Kate:*** *Actually, we’d be happy to. But half of us haven’t even been assigned jobs yet, and you’ve placed only one of my people on the police force so far.*

***Gerald:*** *Well, you see, it’s a matter of building trust, Kate.*

***Naomi:*** *Exactly! We clearly are very in tune with the threats of the outside world, that’s why we’re making sure you and your people are trustworthy. But here you are, storming in here to bite our heads off. Was it not enough for us to feed you and clothe you? We’ve provided you with the best possible shelter and an opportunity at a new life, and here you are…* ***airing your complaints***.
***Kate:*** *I am simply trying to work with you people here. You’re not hearing me.*

***Naomi:*** *Oh, we are most certainly hearing you. But you’re just speaking total nonsense. I’m bored of it. Are we done here?*

***Justin:*** *I am killing for a chocolate brownie right now. You know, I think that big guy who works in the gardens has almost finished growing a new batch of strawberries… and when you combine that with a melted chocolate brownie… Heaven, I’m telling you.*

***Kate:*** *I--- What?*

***Justin:*** *No, I’m sorry, don’t mind me. What were you saying? Fuckin’, uh… you know, security and shit, yeah, that’s good stuff, Katey.*

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

***Justin:*** *Same difference, we discussed this at length already.*

***Gerald:*** *Kate, listen. We have a community to run, and we’re still very busy getting to know you people, setting you up with places to live, and jobs to work, okay? Now, I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that it’s a very good thing we did taking you and your people in. A very generous thing, no?*

***Kate:*** *It was, and we appreciate--*

***Gerald:*** *So please, just as we’ve put some trust in you and your people by bringing you in, I ask that you place that same level of trust in me and the council. As I said, we’ll get back to your ideas and complaints, whatever they are, in a couple of weeks.*

***Kate:*** *I just… A couple of fucking weeks?!*

She silences the room, as Chester’s jaw drops in shock.

***Chester:*** *Oh, good heavens.*

***Kate:*** *I had to wait three fucking days just to get this stupid appointment with you all! And now you’re telling me, after sitting there in your leather thrones and belittling me, that I have to wait two more fucking weeks just to hear back from you?*

***Justin:*** *Oh, this is just like one of those public freakouts, you know--*

***Kate:*** *You’re delusional. I mean what the fuck-- Maybe if you’d just take TWO seconds to come down off your high horses and listen to me, you’d understand what I’m trying to say!*

***Richard:*** *Please, conduct yourself miss. You are in OUR meeting quarters.*

***Justin:*** *Wow, sorry that I’m not on the same… intellectual wavelength as you, Katey. That’s really quite hurtful.*

***Kate:*** *Oh to hell with it. Mr. Roland… thank you for your hospitality… but how about you come to me when YOU’RE ready to talk, okay? Because I am not… I am not going through all of this bullshit again… being faced with excuses and delays, just to come here and get tag-teamed by some snobby assholes!*

Kate turns around to walk away, as Chester is left in a state of shock, staring at Kate like she’s a murderer. On her way out, Kate gets caught up on the carpet, nearly falling over. Richard stifles a laugh from behind her.

***Justin:*** *Oh, you almost fell there. Had a little too much to drink?*

***Kate:*** *Fucking… FUCK!*

She kicks off the high heels and storms out of the room barefoot. After a few moments, Justin looks over at Gerald.

***Justin:*** *So, uh -- are you actually gonna go and talk to her?*

***Gerald:*** *No, probably not.*

***Richard:*** *Perhaps she would be good in the entertainment business then. She was quite the performer.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #10**

**WORTHWOOD - KATE’S LODGE**

KATE BLOODSTONE returns to her lodge, slamming the front door behind her. She immediately goes to sit down, as MARCUS DOWNES comes walking out.

***Marcus:*** *Oh, that was quick. How did the meeti-- You look… pissed.*

***Kate:*** *I should’ve known what I was getting myself into. But upon meeting that group of SNOBBY, RICH BASTARDS, I can tell you that the council here are… pricks.*

***Marcus:*** *Wow, okay… so it didn’t go well. You’re understandably pissed, I’m sure. Want me to make you a coffee?*

***Kate:*** *Yeah. Ugh… I shouldn’t have snapped at them the way I did… but god, it felt so good, you have no idea. I mean really… they were just… the worst. Working with them is going to be a long, rocky road.*

***Marcus:*** *So you haven’t given up? That’s good.*

***Kate:*** *Of course not… Sooner or later, they’ll have to listen to us. I mean… What else can they do? Send us away?*

***Marcus:*** *What do you mean?*

***Kate:*** *I mean… you think they can use force? No, they're lucky they're only having to deal with me… I'm patient and polite, I'm the person that when they walk in the room, they should be sighing in relief that it's me that they're dealing with. Because if it comes to it… if it comes to William and Jon? How do you think they'd deal with the council? No… Those rich assholes have no idea what they're in for if they refuse to work with me.*

***Marcus:*** *I mean, yeah, when you put it like that, I--*

***Kate:*** *We hold all of the cards here, Marcus. This place is special, and the people, beyond those at the very top, seem nice. We won’t just let it slip between our fingers because some corporate dickheads are standing in our way. I like two sugars in my coffee, by the way.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #11**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EVENING**

In the evening, EDWARD REMAR is sitting by the campfire, staring idly at the fire. Around the camp, most people are eating dinner and making conversation. EVELYN NELSON eventually comes walking up to Edward.

***Evelyn:*** *Uhm. I have tended to the man’s wounds. He will be fine. Just, uh, try not to hit him again. You know, with the cane. Because… it would undo my work and stuff. Anyways, uh. Yeah.*

She turns around and walks off, while Edward simply watches her go in silence.

Across the camp, CARSON BURKE approaches SOLOMON REED with a plate of food, offering it out to him.

***Carson:*** *Here you go, bud. Freshly cooked.*

***Solomon:*** *Thanks, Carson.*

He sits down beside Solomon, as the two dig into their meals. After a while, Solomon finishes up.

***Solomon:*** *It tastes great, is there any more?*

***Carson:*** *Yeah, ‘course. You want seconds?*

***Solomon:*** *Yeah.*

***Carson:*** *Sure, let me go grab another plate for ya’.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #12**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EVENING**

SOLOMON REED walks through the camp with his second plate of food, approaching the outskirts, where a wagon is seen hidden between some trees in the darkness. And in front of it is PATRICK, his hands bound to a piece of the wheel. He’s unable to move, as he looks down at his feet hopelessly. But when he hears the sound of footsteps, he looks up to see Solomon.

***Solomon:*** *When did you last eat a meal?*

***Patrick:*** *I… Well, a fulfilling one? Not for… a while. Bits and pieces here and there, but nothing that made me think, ‘Wow, this is gonna fill me up’, you feel?*

***Solomon:*** *Well, I got you some food to eat. Just don’t tell anyone else. But I’m sorry you got beaten. The person my friend used to be was so much different, he’s just this shadow of himself now, but I can feed you this meal so you don’t die of starvation.*

***Patrick:*** *Wait-- really? Wow… thanks - man. I, uh… I really appreciate it. You’re a good person.*

***Solomon:*** *Thanks, and I always strive to do the right thing, friend.*

Using a fork, Solomon helps Patrick eat his food.

***Solomon:*** *My name is Solomon, by the way.*

***Patrick:*** *Patrick… Name’s Patrick. Nice to meet ya’, Solomon… Just wish it was under… better circumstances, y’know.*

***Solomon:*** *I do too. It all started with this man - my friend, or, well, if he’s still in there. He had wanted to kill this guy who was a monster, and after he did, he changed or is starting to become what he killed. I’m sorry you got beaten by him.*

***Patrick:*** *Yeah, well… I just wish he’d be able to see that I didn’t mean no harm… I was just tryna get by, that’s all.*

***Solomon:*** *I fear he will never see that ever again, and it hurts me that it’s probably true. I just hope he will let you go.*

***Patrick:*** *Me and you both, pal… Me and you both.*

When the meal is gone, Solomon stands back up.

***Solomon:*** *I gotta go before they catch me doing this, but you’re welcome, Patrick, and I’ll try what I can to fix this problem. I swear.*

***Patrick:*** *Thanks, man… You’ve really given me hope. Stay… stay safe.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #13**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - LATE EVENING**

Later that night, SOLOMON REED is tossing and turning in his sleeping bag, unable to get any shut-eye. He is unable to shake the thought of what Edward might do to Patrick. He recalls things that Edward had told him about Badrick. After being unable to fall asleep, Solomon finally gets up, unzipping his tent and stepping outside into the cold night.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #14**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - INTERVIEW ROOM**

**2 Days Earlier. 11:13am. 76% Battery.**

RANDALL FORSTER yawns, as he leans back into a chair, looking around.

***Randall:*** *Yeah, place is nice, ‘innit? Pretty cozy, been sleeping like a baby ever since I got here.*

***Gerald:*** *That’s great to hear, Randall. I’m so pleased you’re having a good first impression of Worthwood. You mention that--*

***Randall:*** *Oooh…*

Randall leans forward to a small table in front of him, where an array of pastries and cakes have been laid out.

***Randall:*** *You mind if I pinch one of these? I fuckin’ love cupcakes, man.*

***Gerald:*** *No, no, of course - by all means, that’s what they’re for.*

***Randall:*** *Aw, sick.*

Randall swipes up a cupcake, taking a bite out of it, as crumbs fall all over the expensive sofa he’s sitting on, making GERALD ROLAND cringe. He leans forward, offering him a napkin.

***Randall:*** *Nah, I’m good, thanks. Don’t worry.*

Gerald insists with his hand.

***Randall:*** *Oh, right, yeah, manners and all that. Yeah, nah, sorry. Got used to kinda… eating like a pig on the road, you know?*

Randall takes the napkin, wiping his hands.

***Gerald:*** *You have a little… uh… right there.*

***Randall:*** *Hm?*

***Gerald:*** *Some icing. There’s some icing on your chin.*

***Randall:*** *Aw, right.*

Randall dabs the napkin along his chin, cleaning it up.

***Randall:*** *So, uh, what were you saying, G-Man?*

***Gerald:*** *Please. Call me Gerald.*

***Randall:*** *Aw, right, yeah, my bad, my bad. Not one for nicknames, eh?*

***Gerald:*** *You mentioned that you were a police officer just before the camera started rolling… Would you… care to elaborate further on that?*

Randall sets his cupcake down, as he looks over at Gerald with a serious look.

***Randall:*** *Yeah, well, I was. Since I was little, I’d wanted to protect and serve.*

***Gerald:*** *Is that so?*

***Randall:*** *Naw, man, I’m just messing with you. I’d actually considered being a rapper, you know, because I actually grew up in central London when I was a wee man, before moving out here. So like, used to think I was a right hard man, yeah? Really, I was just a fat little whiteboy who was in over his head… Rap was never gonna work out. But that’s when it all clicked with me, you know? Police academy.*

***Gerald:*** *I-- Randall… I, uhm… Can you tell me a bit about your time as a police officer?*

***Randall:*** *Listen, I kinda prefer not to, uh… talk about that stuff. I don’t think I’m ready to. I loved being a cop, if that’s what you want to get out of me. But, uh… out there on the road, life was rough. I mean this place, it’s… It’s so comfortable… Doesn’t seem that you know what it’s like.*

***Gerald:*** *The purpose of these tapes is to… get to know you better, to allow you to inform us of your experiences out there in the world, and--*

***Randall:*** *I was always a bit of a joker, really… bit of a class clown, and while I’ll always retain that, it’s hard to ignore my responsibilities now. All I want to do is protect my friends, that’s why this place is so special to us, because I truly believe it could keep us safe and give us a chance to… be who we were before again. I’m not saying it’ll be easy to get to that point, but I want to do my part to contribute until then. I want to help secure this place, and keep it safe… Make new friends here so that I can protect them too.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #15**

**WORTHWOOD - POLICE DEPARTMENT**

In the present day, RANDALL FORSTER finds himself standing outside of a larger wood lodge that had been transformed into the community’s police department. He waits patiently until the front door to the building opens, Chief PAUL BAIRD stepping out. He offers Randall a handshake.

***Paul:*** *Randall Forster, did I get that right?*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, that’s me.*

***Paul:*** *Excellent. The name is Paul Baird, I’m the chief of police here at Worthwood.*

Randall shakes his hand, as he nods slowly.

***Paul:*** *I understand that you’ve shown a keen interest in joining our ranks, so upon the council’s recommendation, I’m going to give you a tour of our department and what we do for this community. You were a cop before all of this, right?*

***Randall:*** *Yeah… Were you?*

***Paul:*** *As a matter of fact I was, that’s correct. I was the county sheriff nearby, so, aside from the zombies and all, not much has changed for me in that regard. Why don’t you come on inside? Meet the gang.*

Paul turns around, leading Randall into the building. As they step inside, Randall immediately two men beginning a game of pool off to the side of the room. KEVIN NORTON hits the white ball first, scoring four in one go.

***Kevin:*** *And that… my friend, is what you call a good start.*

He grins, tossing the pool cue over to CODY WAKEFIELD.

***Cody:*** *Don’t go celebrating yet, Norton.*

Cody goes next, only potting one ball. Kevin snorts with laughter, as he turns to look at Paul and Randall.

***Paul:*** *Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to the new recruit. This is Randall Forster, one of the new guys that’s hoping to join the force.* ***(To Randall)*** *I hope you’re good at pool.*

Kevin and Cody approach Randall.

***Kevin:*** *Wow, fresh meat, huh… Nice to meet ya’, rookie.*

He extends a hand to Randall, and he shakes his hand slowly. Cody steps up to Randall next, practically forcing him to shake his hand, while looking at him suspiciously.

***Cody:*** *Cody Wakefield. I hope you know what you’re doing.*

***Randall:*** *You can count on me. I’ve gotten pretty used to killing the rotters.*

***Paul:*** *Hah, well don’t get too hasty. I mean, you won’t be seeing many of those in these parts. The threat of the zombies is a thing of the past, Randall. Our walls have never been breached by the dead. Not once.*

***Randall:*** *Well, suppose it’ll… still be helpful for perimeter checks and stuff.*

***Paul:*** *You don’t need to worry about any of that, my friend,*

Kevin smirks, nudging Cody with his arm.

***Kevin:*** *Listen to this guy, perimeter checks* ***(He chuckles quietly)***.

Cody grins, as he holds back a laugh.

***Cody:*** *We don’t need to do perimeter checks, pal. Ain’t a part of the job. I mean, most of what we do is fuck around in the station. ‘Course there’s the occasional fight, though.*

***Paul:*** *Our force primarily deals with internal affairs… you know, uhm, like the issues of the people. The undead aren’t really a factor. You just need to have good people skills… You know, sometimes there’s a little gardening feud or occasionally there might be some gossip that’s… getting out of hand within the community. We’re peacekeepers, in that way.*

***Randall:*** *Oh. Like… So, uh…*

***Paul:*** *Hey now, don’t malfunction on me. We can talk this over in my office. Hold on a second. Collins!*

Randall looks over, seeing a young man hurrying out of a makeshift office.

***Trent:*** *Reporting for duty, sir.*

***Paul: (To Randall)*** *This is Collins. He’s just an intern, don’t worry about him, he’s here to protect and serve, and by that, I mean he’s here to serve. Good kid, ain’t that right?*

***Trent:*** *That’s, uh… that’s right, sir.* ***(He looks at Randall)*** *Who’s this?*

***Randall:*** *Randall Forster.*

***Trent:*** *Nice to meet you, Randall.*

Randall shakes hands with TRENT COLLINS, believing him to be one of the only genuine people he’s met so far.

***Paul:*** *Collins, I need you to go to the breakroom and fetch that nice batch of cookies that Mrs. White delivered earlier this morning.* ***(To Randall)*** *She bakes the best cookies. Chocolate chip, and they are always crunchy delights, seriously.* ***(He looks back at Trent)*** *Yeah, just bring them up to my office on a nice plate or something.*

***Trent:*** *Right away, sir!*

Trent turns on his heel, hurrying off to get the cookies.

***Paul:*** *Good kid, what’d I tell ya’? Anyways, come right this way, I’ll take you into my mancave… That’s a joke, it’s my office, it’s a serious workplace. We actually just got the pool table recently. Great find, the guys are loving it, as you can see. Really provides a lot of focus. Oh, that reminds me -- Wakefield. I need an officer on dispatch, pronto. I think Mrs. Stafford was complaining that a real troublemaker had dug their high heels into that expensive red carpet in the council chambers. Seems it’s worth investigating if you can get on over there.*

Cody sighs, nodding. On his way out the door, he looks over at Randall.

***Cody:*** *These are the types of problems we normally deal with. Pretty sure this is like the sixth time Mrs. Stafford has complained about something this month.*

Cody saunters out of the building.

***Paul:*** *He’s right. Come on, Randall.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #16**

**WORTHWOOD - POLICE DEPARTMENT**

Upstairs, PAUL BAIRD opens the door to his office, inviting RANDALL FORSTER inside. When Randall steps inside, he is bewildered by the sight of it. 80s movie posters plaster the walls, and old movie memorabilia can be seen placed along several shelves.

***Paul:*** *Felt the need to decorate, I mean, nobody wants the workplace to feel too formal, right? Gremlins, Rocky, Top Gun, E.T., the Friday the 13th movies, now that’s the stuff I grew up on. Really adds a ton of life to the room, if you ask me.*

Paul walks across his desk, planting himself on an office chair. He points to a chair on the other side of the desk.

***Paul:*** *Please, take a seat. Not a fan of movies?*

***Randall:*** *I’m, uh… a big fan, actually. My best friend loved movies… Used to drag me to the theatre twice a week, sometimes on duty.*

***Paul:*** *Heh, we’re all guilty of that, my friend.*

Randall approaches the chair, taking his seat.

***Paul:*** *Randall, I have to be honest with you. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Is this perhaps a lot to take in? Please, I’d like you to be honest with me.*

***Randall:*** *It’s, uh… I guess it’s--*

TRENT COLLINS bursts into the office, a plate of cookies in hand.

***Trent:*** *Plate of cookies, as requested, sir.*

***Paul:*** *Ooh, perfect. Just place them on the desk right there.*

Trent does as requested, before stepping back. Paul immediately grabs one, taking a big bite.

***Paul:*** *Mm. Delicious. Thank you, Collins. You’ve done a great deed here today.*

***Trent:*** *Is that… is that all, sir?*

***Paul:*** *That’s all* ***(He nods)***.
***Trent:*** *Thank you, sir.*

Trent nods quickly, before stepping out of the office. Paul reaches for a second cookie, munching on it.

***Paul:*** *Mm. Mmmmmmmm-mmm. Sorry, go right ahead, Randall.*

***Randall:*** *Listen, you seem like a really nice guy, one I’d love to hangout with quite frankly. But… all this… it’s a bit too much… As in… enjoying yourself and relaxing is fine… but it really doesn’t seem like there’s a whole lot of policing going on.*

***Paul:*** *Oh. Oh?*

***Randall:*** *It’s just… It all seems a little meaningless.*

***Paul:*** *But… But Randall. I mean… What exactly is there to police?*

***Randall:*** *The world out there… is a wasteland… There are threats lurking around every corner. At any moment, a group of psychos could turn up outside our doors. It’s happened to me and my people so many times now that I’ve lost count. This police force… and therefore this community… doesn’t seem very prepared for that possibility.*

***Paul:*** *I understand your concerns. I really do. Coming in from out there, it must be rough.*

***Randall:*** *It’s pretty jarring, yeah.*

***Paul:*** *But that’s how you know you’ve hit the jackpot. I get it, you think we’re just dealing with mundane and meaningless problems… but… isn’t that what we should be striving for? Safety and security here is a given. Nobody has ever gotten beyond our walls without our authorization.*

***Randall:*** *But… has anyone* ***tried*** *to breach your walls yet?*

Paul coughs loudly, hitting his chest. He begins to chew on his cookie slowly.

***Paul:*** *Well, technically not.*

***Randall:*** *So, you’ve gotten lucky, yeah. And that’s great… but it needs to change, because one of these days, you won’t be so lucky. Maybe it’s time to… double down and… y’know, actively ensure the safety of this place. Because you’re right, we have hit the jackpot… But how many people would steal your lottery winnings if they had the chance?*

Paul leans forward.

*Paul: Randall. The world out there is a wasteland. You are right. But the world in here is not. You and your people are finally safe to relax… I have immense respect for all of you based on the things I’m hearing so far. I’m sure there’s a lot you can teach us, but as of now, there’s no need to worry about any of that. But… I admire your enthusiasm and maturity. Welcome to the Worthwood police force, son.*

Paul stands, patting him on the back as he walks by.

***Paul:*** *Come on down and play a few games of pool.*

Randall sits there for a moment, contemplating everything that he’s just heard.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #17**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EARLY MORNING**

Bright and early in the morning, STANLEY PECK comes walking over to where Patrick is tied up, whistling to himself.

***Stanley:*** *Rise and shine, sleepy-stealer.*

But when Stanley looks over, he doesn’t see Patrick anywhere.

***Stanley:*** *Oh, shit.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #18**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EARLY MORNING**

***Edward:*** *You had one job, Stanley. How did this happen?*

EDWARD REMAR marches across camp in a hurry, while STANLEY PECK jogs to keep up with him.

***Stanley:*** *Hey, I dunno, man! He was there last night, gone this morning. Like, uh… like magic. You think he stole anything?*

***Edward:*** *Go and check with Nancy. Now!*

***Stanley:*** *Got it!*

Stanley turns in the other direction, rushing off.

***Edward:*** *Everyone! Wake up!*

Edward arrives at the center of camp, where he claps his hands loudly. CARSON BURKE looks over at him from the campfire.

***Carson:*** *You’re up early.*

***Edward:*** *How long have you been there?*

***Carson:*** *Me? A couple of minutes, just got up to prepare the food--*

***Edward:*** *Agh. EVERYONE! WAKE UP!*

Slowly, tents are unzipped, as people emerge out of them, tired.

***Seth:*** *What now?*

***Nancy:*** *Uh, what’s going on?*

Stanley comes jogging up beside NANCY WARNER.

***Stanley:*** *Hey! I tried to tell you but--*

***Nancy:*** *Stanley. That was right in my fucking ear. Edward, what is he bumbling on about? Nothing’s been stolen.*

***Edward:*** *The prisoner is GONE! Someone is responsible for setting him free.*

Edward’s eyes immediately dart over to SOLOMON REED.

***Edward:*** *Tell me it wasn’t you, old friend.*

***Solomon:*** *I’d be lying if I did. We were never torturers or people who inflict pain like a monster does.*

***Edward:*** *So you just set him FREE?*

***Solomon:*** *He wasn’t a monster, he was just looking to survive.*

***Edward: (He shakes his head)*** *You’ve undermined me for the last time, Solomon. You’re meant to be on OUR side! Working towards the same goal as the rest of us!*

***Waita:*** *The goal of beating defenseless prisoners? What kind of sick game do you think you’re running here?*

***Stanley:*** *Hey, now. We was taking precautions against a man who tried to steal from us!*

***Solomon:*** *Beating a man to a pulp isn’t a precaution, it’s brutality.*

***Edward:*** *A stranger who was willing to steal from us, someone we knew NOTHING about! You don’t have what it takes to do what needs to be done! You’re WEAK-WILLED, SOLOMON! Traits like that will get us KILLED out here. For all we know that man could come RIGHT back here with an ARMY. What would you do then? Do you want to take that chance? Because then we’d be the ones pleading, and maybe they wouldn’t be as MERCIFUL as you were to him. I cannot stress this enough, I am trying to get us THROUGH this rough patch so we can build something SPECIAL! Anyone who doesn’t believe in that can see themselves out, see if you can do ANY BETTER THAN ME! You’ll quickly find that I’m the one keeping us alive out here! By making the hard decisions look easy! By doing what needs to be DONE!*

Edward glares around at everyone.

***Edward:*** *We need to move camp. Everyone, pack up and get ready to move. Solomon, I don’t want to hear another word out of your traitorous mouth until later. Elliott.*

***Elliott:*** *Hmm? Yes?*

***Edward:*** *Your map. I want to see it.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #19**

**FOREST - CAMPSITE - EARLY MORNING**

***Edward:*** *Here.*

EDWARD REMAR points down at a spot on ELLIOTT ROWE’s map.

***Edward:*** *We’ll move to that field for the time being. We’re going to need to scout it out first to make sure it’s safe. I want you with me. The others can pack up while we’re doing that.*

***Elliott:*** *Me? I, uh-- Are you sure about that? If we run into zombies-- I won’t be much help. You know that.*

***Edward:*** *It’ll be good practice for you, it won’t just be me and you. We’ll be safe. We have things to discuss.*

NANCY WARNER steps into their tent from behind, glancing over.

***Nancy:*** *Alright. Spill it.*

Edward turns to her, looking bewildered.

***Nancy:*** *Don’t give me that look. This place has been a fucking circus lately! What’s gotten you so jumpy all of a sudden?*

***Edward:*** *I don’t know why you’re all making such a big deal out of this. Why does everyone care about this random thief who tried to steal from us? Why does anyone care what happens to him?*

***Nancy:*** *Edward… He was a man pleading and begging for his life. A survivor, like you and me.*

***Edward:*** *We can’t afford to… to just smell the roses out here! It’s not that simple! We’re going to encounter people who can’t be trusted, people who need to be dealt with! Clearly, the rest of you can’t handle those hard decisions, so I’m the one who’s doing it. I’m the one who’s going to lead us to where we need to go. People cannot be trusted! Not until they earn it! But no-- Solomon just HAD to go and set him free, and now he’s out there somewhere like a loose cannon! Taking risks like this is not worth it, not after he crossed us.*

***Nancy:*** *Edward, what are you even…*

***Badrick:*** *Look at yourself, Edward. You’re caving in under the pressure. Is the big bad world too much for a weak little man like you?*

Edward blinks, shaking his head. He looks around, confused and concerned.

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

***Nancy:*** *…What?*

***Edward:*** *No, what are you… No.*

***Elliott:*** *Uh-- you okay, Edward?*

DAMERAE BADRICK’s laugh echoes throughout the back of Edward’s head, taunting him.

***Badrick:*** *And I thought you were made for this.*

***Edward:*** *No, no, shut up, shut up.* ***(To Elliott)*** *I’M FINE! We have to go. Get ready to leave.*

Elliott turns back to the map, startled, as he begins to pack it away.

***Nancy:*** *You don’t have to do everything on your own, Edward. We’re here to help you. I understand that you’re just trying to keep us safe, but look at what it’s doing to you. You’re crazy paranoid, and it’s not doing you any favours.*

***Edward:*** *That’s how I keep us safe out here. That’s how I keep us alive, Nancy.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #20**

**WORTHWOOD - WILLIAM’S LODGE - AFTERNOON**

WILLIAM REYNES approaches the front door, hearing a knock. When he opens it, he sees GENNA BROHEM standing on the other side.

***Genna:*** *William* ***(She smiles)***. How are you doing? I just thought I’d stop by and-- well, I know this place must be a whole lot different from before. Just wanted to see if you’re settling in okay.
***William:*** *It… will take some getting used to. Feels sorta vulnerable being here, living this… lavishly, I guess. But I guess I, uh… gotta apologize -- and thank you. For giving us the opportunity. Seeing Lloyd smile at a toaster is… It’s a sight I’m glad I get to see.*

***Genna:*** *There’s no need to apologize - it’s completely understandable. A place like this-- in this world, I mean, I probably wouldn’t believe it either. It was smart to be skeptical. I’m glad you guys seem to be settling in well.*

***William:*** *Still, I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot with you and your sister. It was… irresponsible of me to aim a gun at you people. Everything I did, I thought was for the best. But clearly… I was being a little irrational.*

***Genna:*** *Well, we forgive you for it. Don’t even mention it again* ***(She nods)***. If all is good, then I’ll be heading along now. Unless you have any questions.

KATE BLOODSTONE comes walking up the path behind Genna.

***Kate:*** *Oh, Genna. Hi.*

***Genna:*** *Oh. Hi there. You settling in okay? I was just asking William the same thing.*

***Kate:*** *I never got the chance to… to thank you and your sister upon arriving here. It’s just been so overwhelming with everything happening all at once, and… yeah, yeah, I, uh, just stopped by to talk to William, but yeah, things are… Things are great* ***(She smiles)***.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #21**

**WORTHWOOD - WILLIAM’S LODGE**

***Kate:*** *Things are not great.*

KATE BLOODSTONE walks through WILLIAM REYNES’s lodge, with the man following behind. As she enters the kitchen, she spies JON MATTHEWS leaning on the kitchen bar, taking a bite out of an apple.

***Kate:*** *I mean… I met with the council… earlier today. A fucking disaster, I tell you. They’re all… so full of themselves. Rich snobs. Honestly, I humiliated myself, but I’m going to make things right, okay?*

***William:*** *Knew that’d be the case. This place really gives off the rich asshole vibe. Gerald’s very proud of what he’s got running here. A little too proud. I’m not all that surprised that people living in a castle are snobbish dickheads.*

***Kate:*** *This place… It really is special. I mean, it’s not hard to come to that conclusion. But these people… They’re so stubborn… yet so careless. I mean, I don’t know how they’ve even lasted this long. It’s… It’s literally ruled by the upper class. Still, we’re here now, and it’s what we’ve always dreamed of, a place like this to settle down in.*

***Jon:*** *Oh, we won’t lose it. The question is, do you really wanna waste your energy putting up with their bullshit?*

***Kate:*** *I believe in handling things fairly. I want to try and be reasonable… I don’t want to… you know, take over with force or anything.*

***Jon:*** *Hey now, your words, not mine* ***(He grins)***.
***Kate:*** *You know what I meant. Look, just give me some time. I think I can get through to these people.*

***Jon:*** *The way I see it… there’s only one way to make these people realize just how serious things are. And frankly, it’s out of our control. They need to experience the horrors of the world for themselves, and sooner or later, they will. The question is… Do we just want to stand by and wait for that to happen now that we’re living here?*

***Kate:*** *No, of course not, but… I still think I can convince them… even if they are insufferable.*

***William:*** *I’m sure that… with time - you’ll be able to get through to them, diplomatically. Though that won’t be easy. These people are clearly set in their ways, and you know how hard it is to teach an old dog new tricks. I do think that they’ll need a push in the right direction, though… I mean, their police force, from what I can tell - is a complete joke. They don’t take it seriously at all.*

***Jon:*** *Then we make sure we have a safeguard. We give it a week… which is incredibly fucking generous, if you ask me. If after a week, they continue to ignore us with their… unsafe and frankly stupid fucking practices… then we just take over. I’m not suggesting we have to harm anyone, not at all. Seems they are perfectly good people, and we owe them a lot for taking us in. They’re treating Rebecca, after all. Still, our group’s safety will always be paramount… We didn’t come all this way just to end up in this position, did we?*

***William:*** *Of course not. Doesn’t matter how good they’ve been, last thing I’m doing is laying down arms to put the safety of the people I care for in the hands of people who don’t know which end of a gun the bullet comes out of.*

***Jon:*** *…Yeah, people who question whether or not they’re meant to hold the blade or the handle. I don’t trust these people to tie their shoelaces, nevermind keep us all safe. Hopefully big man Randall can help to tame the police force.* ***(To Kate)*** *And hopefully you can bring the council to heel. As for myself and William… We are currently… unplaced entities. I have sat through two whole interviews already and it seems they just can’t figure me out.*

***Kate:*** *Have you told them… what you did before?*

***Jon:*** *Of course I have. I hope Gerald pissed his pants in fear. I hope the council thinks I’m some big bad wolf that’s here to… rob the trust fund money they’ve grown up on. I’m sure it’s still very dear to them. I’m going to be fully transparent with these people… because what we did before… it doesn’t matter. Not anymore.*

***Kate:*** *…I just hope the others are off to a better start than we are.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #22**

**FOREST - WOODS - MORNING**

EDWARD REMAR walks through the woods alongside ELLIOTT ROWE and KYORI HYOTEKI, the three of them having left camp a while ago, without much having been said so far. Edward finally glances over at Kyori.

***Edward:*** *How is your English coming along?*

***Kyori:*** *Getting better… I think.*

***Edward:*** *It’s… an improvement. What matters is that you can understand the basics.*

Edward looks ahead, seeing a zombie stumbling out from behind a few trees far ahead of them. He squints his eyes, before he turns to Kyori, signaling for her to take it down. Kyori quickly zips up an arrow into her bow and takes down the zombie.

***Edward:*** *Mm. You see, Elliott? She’s good. We’re safe out here.*

***Elliott:*** *Safe-- hah… Yeah, I’m glad you’re here to protect us, Kyori!*

Elliott looks at her, but knows she probably doesn’t even understand him.

***Kyori:*** *Why are we… out here again?*

***Edward:*** *We’re here to… scout… Uhm… new home. New place to move.*

Kyori nods slowly, as she approaches the dead zombie, retrieving the arrow.

***Edward:*** *There is something we need to talk about, Elliott.*

***Elliott:*** *Huh? What is it?*

***Edward:*** *With all that’s been happening lately, I think it’s important that we’re on the same page. I hope you know that I value your assistance greatly. I trust you, I mean, after all, we did crush a woman to death together* ***(He smirks)***.

While Edward smirks, Elliott frowns, thinking back to Molly with guilt.

***Elliott:*** *Yeah… I, uh-- I’m with you, Edward. I just think that-- Actually, nevermind.*

***Edward:*** *Things are… stressful out here, I understand that. I don’t want all of you to think I’m some kind of crazy* ***(He chuckles)***. Because I’m not. I’m doing what’s best for us. People act so shocked that I was so cruel to that thief, but we have to display strength out here, otherwise we’re just easy pickings, ripe and fresh… Any robber or bandit would love to have all of the supplies we’re carrying around. I just hope you understand that… sometimes I have to make tough decisions, and make examples out of anyone who poses a threat to us.
***Elliott:*** *I understand… You did what you thought you had to do-- I just… I just hope it doesn’t happen again. And if it does-- maybe there’s a better way to handle it? I, uh… I’m not really sure. I think we’re almost at that field.*

***Edward:*** *Mm.*

Edward continues on ahead.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #23**

**FOREST - WOODS - MORNING**

EDWARD REMAR and the others stand by the treelines, looking out into a large, open field ahead of them, simply examining it.

Suddenly, a silenced gunshot hits a tree next to ELLIOTT ROWE, a piece of bark flying off. Elliott yells, immediately dropping to the ground, while KYORI HYOTEKI ducks for cover as well.

***Elliott:*** *AH-- GET DOWN!*

Edward looked over, alarmed at first, though he stands his ground. A second shot is fired, this time hitting the tree beside Edward himself. And then suddenly, without hesitation, Edward begins to walk out into the open.

***Edward:*** *Cover me.*

***Elliott:*** *ED-- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!*

Elliott watches in fear, as he lays in cover behind a log. Edward continues walking out, raising his hands, his cane being pointed up into the air.

***Edward:*** *I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you’re not actually that bad of a shot!*

It goes silent for a short few moments, as Edward stands there in anticipation, until he finally sees movement ahead, as someone begins walking out onto the field, approaching Edward, a sniper rifle in hand.

***Leona:*** *Awfully brave of you to step out into the open like that so smugly.*

***Edward:*** *I think I made the right call. You weren’t trying to hit us.*

***Leona:*** *That’s right. I wasn’t. Your friends?*

Edward turns back, waving to Elliott and Kyori to reveal themselves. Elliott looks over at Kyori to see what she does, and when she decides to trust Edward and step out into the open, so does Elliott, although hesitantly.

***Leona:*** *You’ve got balls. I could’ve killed you.*

***Edward:*** *But you didn’t. What do you want?*

***Leona:*** *I’m looking for someone. I don’t encounter very many people, and the man I’m tracking is jumpy and nervous. The warning shot I fired would’ve sent him running a mile. I’ve tracked him this far, and I intend to finish the job.*

***Edward:*** *And who is this person?*

***Leona:*** *What’s it to you? Seen anyone going around?*

***Edward:*** *Only thieves, unfortunately.*

LEONA HOLLOWAY takes a step forward.

***Leona:*** *Is that so? One near here?*

***Edward: (He nods)*** *That’s right. A thief that tried to steal from me, one I captured… He was able to break free and escape. He can’t have gotten far. He was beaten and bruised, dirty and tired.*

***Leona:*** *That does sound like him. And you and your friends are out here tracking him too?*

Edward glances back at Elliott and Kyori for a moment.

***Edward:*** *…Yes. We are. It would appear fate has brought the two of us together.*

***Leona:*** *And how have you been tracking him?*

***Edward:*** *Well, ‘tracking’ might not be the right word. Searching… Preoccupied searching. A walk in the woods… I’ll be honest, I was hoping to find him passed out or stumbling around as a rotter.*

***Leona:*** *Seems like you’re relying on convenience too much.*

***Edward:*** *Well. It worked out either way, didn’t it? If you can track him… I want you to take me to him.*

***Leona:*** *I work alone. I’ve done a good thing in sparing you three. We’ll be going our separate ways now.*

***Edward:*** *Well, where’s the fun in that?*

Edward steps forward.

***Leona:*** *Easy there. Not another step.*

***Edward:*** *Oh, so it’s okay for you to approach me? Listen. I have a group. We’re always looking to continue growing. You, you’ve got a cheery disposition, you seem smart. Trust me, I happen to be a good judge of character.*

***Leona:*** *I’m not interested. Other people screw things up, that’s how you get killed. I simply want to chase down the thief that stole what’s mine.*

***Edward:*** *What did he steal from you, then?*

***Leona:*** *A backpack.*

***Edward:*** *A backpack… Well, I can tell you one thing, he didn’t have a backpack when we found him.*

***Leona:*** *Then he discarded it, and I’ll make him tell me where.*

***Edward:*** *If he discarded it… then it presumably no longer had anything of value in it. So what was it, food? Are you chasing this man down to retrieve an empty can of beans? Or do you just really like that backpack?*

***Leona:*** *That’s none of your business. I’m chasing down a thief to get back what’s mine.*

***Edward:*** *Well, I’m chasing him down because--*

***Leona:*** *I don’t care. Maybe your friends are wiser than you are. You should go now.*

***Edward:*** *Ahem. You’ve stepped out into a field where we outnumber you three to one. I was confident enough to come out here and call your bluff--*

***Leona:*** *And I was confident to come out here and meet you, knowing I was outnumbered, after sparing your lives when I could’ve easily picked you off one by one without ever being seen.*

***Edward:*** *Hmph* ***(He scoffs)***. Let us come with you. That thief mentioned that he’s part of a bigger group. I just want to know that he’s been dealt with so that I don’t have to look over my shoulder for them.
***Leona: (She sighs)*** *Fine. You can come if you want. Just don’t get in my way. Keep up.*

Leona turns around, beginning to walk off. Edward contemplates for a quick moment, before he continues on after her.

***Elliott:*** *Wha-- wha-- What am I doing--*

Elliott sighs, as he and Kyori follow after Edward and Leona.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #24**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - INTERVIEW ROOM**

**2 Days Earlier. 12:03pm. 55% Battery.**

DANIEL ROCKWELL plots himself down onto a chair opposite GERALD ROLAND, an uninterested look on his face.

***Gerald:*** *So… Daniel. It’s so nice to officially meet you.*

***Daniel:*** *Is it?*

***Gerald:*** *Well, yes. Of course. I--*

***Daniel:*** *What even… is all of this? Why do you have a dollar bill on the wall up there?*

***Gerald:*** *Because I believe it’s a special symbol. I believe in restoring things to the way they were. I strive to make the world, this community, a better place* ***(He nods, smiling)***.
***Daniel:*** *Oh my god. Just… listen to yourself. You’re a cookie cutter politician.*

***Gerald:*** *Alright, Daniel. I see how it is. Yes, my boy was once a teenager, and he still acts like one too.*

***Daniel:*** *Are you comparing me to a fucking teenager?*

Daniel leans forward, while Gerald leans back, cowering away.

***Gerald:*** *…Just an observation, that’s all. I’m afraid we’ve gotten off to a bad start, how about we try again?*

***Daniel:*** *Do you use money here?*

***Gerald:*** *No. We don’t. We actually have an inventory management system for every household that allows citizens to check out various items from our pantry for personal use in the home. It works out very well, allows everyone to live comfortably and equally.*

***Daniel:*** *Equally?* ***(He scoffs)*** *How humble of you.*

***Gerald:*** *Okay, so you have a problem with our social structure, with our hierarchy, is that it? Do you think it’s unfair that people with more important skill sets who are of great value to this community get to live in slightly bigger homes and enjoy a few more luxuries than the average resident here? Because Daniel, take a look outside, everyone here is happy.*

***Daniel:*** *I think all of this is for show. I think you’re playing pretend. The life you’re trying to live cannot truly be achieved again.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #25**

**WORTHWOOD - STORAGE LODGE - AFTERNOON**

In the present, DANIEL ROCKWELL stands outside of a bigger lodge being used as the community’s storage building. Beside him is LOLIDA WINDFIELD, and in front of them both is ALLAN WHITE.

***Allan:*** *Alright, so I’ll explain to both of you how we operate our scavenging around here. Before that, I have to mention, why do you have a costume on?*

Allan points at Lolida’s clothes, where beneath all of the dirt and muck that’s been built up is what remains of an old uniform from the American Civil War. A sly smirk creeps onto Lolida’s lips, as he looks up at Allan.

***Lolida:*** *You see, uh… I was always a big fan of history. Back in the day, I used to dress up in this costume and go off to fight a reenactment of the civil war. It was sorta my job.*

Allan nods slowly, before continuing on.

***Allan:*** *We make sure we always have a weapon, armed or melee. You can never be safe outside these walls unless you’re packing heat, or carrying something that doesn’t fire bullets. I also make sure that when we do have to split up in a large area like, for example a warehouse, or a supermarket, I put the best in charge of who goes where and who leads who. I expect every crevice, every locker, every door, every room and everything else to be searched. If what you find is good, you bring it back with you. If it’s bad, you leave it to rust or rot or get dust on it over time. Most importantly, if you’re scratched or bit, you inform me or whoever is with you as soon as possible, as there is an option to sever where the infection is, but if it’s on your shoulder or somewhere that’s not an arm or a leg, you are screwed. Dead.*

***Daniel:*** *Sounds reasonable.*

***Lolida:*** *Very reasonable.*

***Allan:*** *I expect you BOTH to be the golden standard like my best scavenger Jordan. He defines what it is that I expect and what I want out of my people with me. I believe you both probably aren’t faint-hearted, so when you kill one of those rotters, don’t get sick on me or the rest of us.*

A laugh is heard nearby, as SEBASTIAN DOMINGUEZ comes strolling out of the lodge behind them, alongside TYSON LYSAGHT.

***Sebastian:*** *Ah ah ah. Fresh blood joining the cause, I see, ah? Me and Tyson are just about to head off now, Al.*

***Allan:*** *Yep, they’re from that group that I was told about that arrived here a few days ago, but you guys stay safe out there and I’ll see you both when you’re back.*

***Sebastian:*** *Ay, don’t miss us too much while we’re gone. Come on, Ty, an adventure awaits.*

***Tyson:*** *Go easy on ‘em… Chances are they’ve seen worse than most of us put together, yeah?*

***Sebastian:*** *Oh, and, word of advice to you boys.*

He approaches Daniel and Lolida.

***Sebastian:*** *Be careful around this one!* ***(He points at Allan)*** *He can be real cranky in the mornings, ya? Ha ha ha. Make sure he’s had a coffee before you talk to him!*

Cackling, Sebastian and Tyson start to walk off.

***Allan: (He chuckles quietly)*** *Yeah. You know how it is. You both be safe.*

***Lolida:*** *Coffee…? You have coffee here?*

Allan looks back at Lolida and Daniel.

***Allan:*** *Yeah, a big place like this has coffee, but don’t slack on your job as a scavenger. Slackers don’t earn anything, they get run over.*

***Lolida:*** *You hear that, Danny? They got coffee here!*

***Daniel: (He smiles lightly)*** *Didn’t think I’d ever see the day again.*

***Allan:*** *I must say one more thing, you are both expected to be very disciplined while scavenging, so no back-talk or smartassery. I had to put up with that when I used to be coaching. Is all of what I said understood for both of you?*

***Daniel:*** *Yeah.*

***Lolida:*** *We understand fully.*

***Allan:*** *That’s good to hear, I hope you both do well out there. I’ll update you both when I need you for a run.*

Allan turns to leave.

***Daniel: (To Lolida, quietly)*** *You know what… He seems alright.*

Suddenly, a figure appears in front of Allan, stopping him.

***Jordan:*** *Hellllooo, ladies.* ***(To Allan)*** *Sheesh, lay off the cupcakes, ol’ fart.*

***Allan:*** ***(To Jordan)*** *Don’t worry, they’re in the know on what to do now. You can introduce yourself to them, I already let them know you’re the best scavenger. I gotta go though, Betty’s cooking some food, so I’ll be in my lodge if you need me.*

***Jordan:*** *Don’t eat all her food this time, you lard* ***(He chuckles)***.

Allan looks at him, before resuming his walk back to his lodge. After Allan is gone, JORDAN GATLON looks up at Daniel and Lolida, a smug look on his face.

***Jordan:*** *A hobo redneck and a crippled… This gotta be some sort of joke, right?*

***Daniel:*** *Excuse me?*

***Jordan:*** *Oh my, he happens to be deaf too! What a goddamn joke!*

***Daniel:*** *The fuck is your problem?*

Daniel immediately steps forward, annoyed. Jordan, meanwhile, steps backwards to distance himself from Daniel. He looks at Daniel with disgust.

***Jordan:*** *Did… Did you just step forward? Especially to a VIP? Do you know no manners, you ogre?*

***Daniel:*** *A what? You think you’re some kinda hotshot?*

***Jordan:*** *Uh, think? No, buddy, I fucking know. I’m a VIP, an accomplishment you’ll never achieve in your low life, you piece of scum. It is truly a wonder why the ol’ geezer allowed you in.*

***Daniel:*** *What the hell makes you a VIP, huh? Seems to me you’re just a snot-nosed brat that’s picking a fight with the wrong guy.*

***Jordan:*** *You’re the wrong guy? Buddy, one hand you lay on me will result in your life getting ultimately fucked over. You understand me, big guy?*

Daniel smirks, staring at him.

***Daniel:*** *And you… You’re a supply runner, are you?*

***Jordan:*** *The best in the game!*

Lolida, noticing Daniel tensing up, puts a hand on his shoulder, whispering to him.

***Lolida:*** *Don’t do it…*

***Daniel:*** *Yeah? Not a hope in fucking hell. There’s no way I’m putting my trust in you out there. You’re too immature to last a minute out there.*

Daniel steps forward hastily, as Jordan fumbles back.

***Jordan:*** *St-stay back, big guy, before I lay down the tussle--*

***Daniel:*** *Well go on then, tell me why you’re a VIP. Come on.*

Daniel shoves Jordan, sending him hurling back, almost sending him to the ground. Panicking, Jordan reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out something which he thinks is pepper spray.

***Jordan:*** *YOU’RE IN FOR IT NOW, BIG G--*

Jordan pauses, as he realizes he had pulled out his flask.

***Jordan:*** *Oh… Oh, shi--*

***Daniel:*** *The fucking nerve.*

Daniel swings at Jordan’s face with all of his force, this time sending him to the ground.

***Jordan:*** *MUH-- MUH NOSE! YOU FUCKING DEMENTED PRICK!*

Lolida grabs Daniel’s arm, stopping him from going for another punch.

***Lolida:*** *Stop.*

***Daniel:*** *I’m just asking him a question! Worthless sack of shit!*

Daniel lunges at him again, but Lolida wraps his arms around Daniel, stopping him. Jordan crawls backwards, squealing, shielding his face.

***Jordan:*** *ASSSSSSSSSSAULT! ASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSAULT ON A VIP!*

***Daniel:*** *Best scavenger my fucking ass.*

***Jordan:*** *MY FATHER WAS ON THE COUNCIL, PRICK! I’LL HAVE YOU PUNISHED FOR THIS!*

Jordan shoots to his feet, running off.

***Daniel:*** *Unbelievable.*

***Lolida:*** *Goddamn…*

Lolida lets go of Daniel, stepping back. He grabs at his throbbing head in pain.

***Lolida:*** *At least… At least there’s coffee here, right…?*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #26**

**FOREST - WOODS - MID MORNING**

After departing from the field, EDWARD REMAR, ELLIOTT ROWE, KYORI HYOTEKI and LEONA HOLLOWAY are trailing through the woods. Leona leads them, seemingly following some kind of trail.

***Edward:*** *So, what exactly are you… doing to track him?*

***Leona:*** *Observing.*

***Edward:*** *Observing… Observing… what?*

***Leona:*** *The environment. The tracks. The areas where there’s been movement.*

***Edward:*** *And… how do you know it’s him? It could be any rotting corpse stumbling around in the woods surely…*

***Leona:*** *That’s right. Sometimes you hit a dead end and realize you’ve been following a roamer when you catch up to one of them. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of it. Most of the time, a human being’s tracks are far more consistent than a zombie’s, because we’re more precise.*

***Edward: (He sighs)*** *And… do you think we’re close?*

***Leona:*** *Very.*

***Edward:*** *It just seems like you’re going to a lot of effort to track down a discarded backpack.*

***Leona:*** *And you aren’t? Did he even manage to steal anything from you? Or did he just hurt your fragile ego… You got OCD? Unable to ignore a loose end or something?*

***Edward:*** *No. Listen. I’m trying to weed out a potential threat to my people, because I have responsibilities as a leader, unlike you. To tell you the truth, I didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to see him again. I wasn’t very hopeful that I’d just… happen to get lucky and find him stumbling around out here in the woods… but I’ll be damned if I wasn’t at least going to try and find him. He tried to steal from us, and that is unacceptable. People need to know they can’t cross me and just walk off without facing any punishment.*

***Leona:*** *Uh-huh. And your merry little crew here is all you brought out with you? You’re scrawny looking.* ***(To Elliott)*** *You look like you worked in IT, and I already saw you freak out earlier.* ***(To Kyori)*** *And you… Maybe you stand a chance.*

***Edward:*** *We’re perfectly capable of handling ourselves.*

***Elliott:*** *You shot at me-- Of course I’m going to freak out! That bullet was like - a few inches from my head. I know you weren’t trying to hit me-- but, I mean, what if the wind picked up right as you fired? I could have died!*

***Leona:*** *Jesus. I don’t know how you guys have made it this far.*

***Edward:*** *Believe me, lady. I've been through hell and back to get to where I am today. You can stand there with that cold look on your face and call me scrawny but I promise you, you'd be underestimating me to do so! I've killed every single one of my enemies because even when the odds are stacked against me, I pull through. I made a promise that I'd make something out of myself in this new world, that I'd carve out and take what's rightfully mine, and I'll cut through anything and anyone in my way to get it! I want to be the one making the rules, I want to be the one leading a group of people that can truly come together to build something special! I have a goal, and so far, nobody has been able to stand in the way of me and achieving it.*

Leona glances back at him, half amused and half impressed.

***Leona:*** *You’re ambitious.*

***Edward:*** *Extremely. I know what I want and what I have to do to get it. I’m going to build a paradise for my people and rule an empire. Do you know why? Because I can! The world is a blank canvas and I intend to paint all over it and make a name for myself.*

***Leona:*** *Hm…*

Leona nods slowly, leading the group onwards.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #27**

**FOREST - STONE RUINS - LATE MORNING**

LEONA HOLLOWAY and the others come to an opening in the trees, revealing an old stone structure of some sort ahead. She narrows her eyes, looking at the ground.

***Leona: (Quietly)*** *The tracks are fresh. Someone’s been through here. Stay alert.*

***Elliott:*** *You, uh-- you think they could still be in there?*

***Leona:*** *Most likely? I’m going to check around the back… I’ll leave the front to you. We’ll trap whoever is in there. Keep your voices low and move slowly.*

Leona nods to them, before sneaking through the trees to get around the structure. EDWARD REMAR looks back at KYORI HYOTEKI, signaling for her to stay put and keep them covered. He then motions for ELLIOTT ROWE to follow him, as he creeps up towards the front entrance to the ruins. When they get to what used to be a doorway, Edward pauses, looking back at Elliott.

***Edward: (Whispering)*** *Take out your gun, and point it in front of you. On the count of three, we head inside. I’ll watch your back and follow you in.*

***Elliott:*** *Uh-- I’ve never even used a gun before--*

Elliott slowly takes the small snubnosed revolver out of his pocket, looking at it.

***Elliott:*** *It can’t be that hard, right?* ***(He chuckles quietly and nervously)***

***Edward:*** *Just point it up, and keep your finger on the trigger. Make sure the safety is off. Come on, we haven’t all day.*

***Elliott:*** *Right-- of course.*

Elliott makes sure to check the safety, before he gulps, pointing the gun ahead of him.

***Elliott:*** *Okay… One, two… three--*

Elliott carefully steps into the ruins, and is immediately jumped by PATRICK, who knocks the gun to the floor. He grabs Elliott, holding the man in a chokehold, while holding a knife close to his neck.

***Patrick:*** *Stay back!*

Edward calmly steps in, glaring at Patrick.

***Edward:*** *Well, well. Look who it is.*

***Elliott:*** *Please-- Don’t kill me…*

***Edward:*** *Let him go.*

***Patrick:*** *I-- I don’t wanna do this! Don’t make me. Don’t come any closer. Just go away and leave me alone, for the love of God!*

***Edward:*** *Apparently I’m not the only one you tried to steal from. You’ve been quite busy, it seems. If you want any chance of walking out of here alive, you’ll let him go.*

Patrick shakes his head feverishly.

***Patrick:*** *No. NO! You don’t know what it’s like. Everything I did-- It was just out of desperation. What the HELL would you know about it? Look at you. You probably - haven’t went hungry since this thing started.*

Patrick presses the knife against the side of Elliott’s neck, making him whimper in fear and pain.

***Elliott:*** *W--we-- we’ll go! Please, let me go…*

***Edward:*** *Put the knife down, thief! If you hurt him, I’ll make you SUFFER!*

***Patrick:*** *YOU FORCED MY HAND! I-- I’m not a bad guy. I’m not. But all these-- all THIS -- over a BITE TO EAT! No. No - I’m not gonna sit here like this any longer… even if it means dying. I’ll-- I’ll get myself out of here. I’m sorry.*

Patrick presses the blade against his throat harder, while Edward notices Leona quickly sneaking up behind Patrick. Edward stays silent, as he realizes the inevitable.

Leona steps forward, grabbing hold of Patrick’s knife arm, holding it still, while she jams her own knife into the back of his throat. Patrick sputters blood from the hole in his neck, as he stumbles forward, and collapses, gargling, blood spitting over Elliott. Leona stares down at Patrick as he slowly chokes to death on his blood. Elliott stumbles to the side, terrified, as he grabs at his own neck, feeling a little bit of blood.

***Elliott:*** *He-- he almost-- he was going to kill me, man! He--*

***Leona:*** *You’re alright.*

***Elliott:*** *Why did I even agree to come out here -- this was stupid- this was way too close! I--*

***Edward:*** *Elliott! It’s fine. You’re here. Breathe.*

Edward looks over at Leona, as Kyori enters the structure, looking on at the scene.

***Edward:*** *Thank you. I thought you wanted to ask him about your backpack.*

***Leona:*** *I did. Guess I decided to do you a favour instead.*

Edward nods slowly, before he extends a hand to Leona, waiting. Leona, after wiping the blood of Patrick off her knife, looks at his hand. She studies it for a moment, before deciding to shake it.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #28**

**WORTHWOOD - KATE’S LODGE**

Later in the day, KATE BLOODSTONE hears a knock at the door. She approaches, opening it. HEATHER SOLIS stands on the front porch, holding something in her hand.

***Heather:*** *Afternoon, Miss Bloodstone. So sorry to bother you.*

***Kate:*** *Please, just call me Kate. How… How can I help you?*

***Heather:*** *I have a letter for you. Stamped and sealed by the council.*

Heather bows, offering the letter. Kate takes it.

***Heather:*** *Have a nice day.*

Heather swiftly turns away and walks off. Kate closes the door, as she tears open the letter to read it.

*A formal letter of apology from the Worthwood Council. We got off on the wrong foot. Let's try again.*

Kate smirks as she reads the letter, before scrunching it up and throwing it into the trash can.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #29**

**WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - GERALD’S OFFICE**

WILLIAM REYNES steps inside, clicking the door shut behind him. He looks over at GERALD ROLAND.

***Gerald:*** *William. I’m so glad you could make it on such short notice.*

Gerald grabs his cane, walking over and shaking his hand.

***William:*** *It’s the least I could do. You said you wanted to see me?*

***Gerald:*** *That’s right. So tell me, how are you settling in? Is Worthwood living up to your expectations?*

***William:*** *It almost doesn’t feel real. A bit like a fever dream. It’s why I was so hesitant taking the sister’s offer to begin with. I’m sure that… my people will be able to offer their services in return, and help to improve Worthwood, as thanks for your hospitality.*

***Gerald:*** *I’m so very happy to hear that* ***(He smiles)***. I think it’s time for us to discuss your role here in the community, William. Now, I know you’re going to hesitate when I say this… but I think it’s the right decision. William, I want you to be a teacher here at Worthwood, just like you were a teacher before. I know that everyone is still capable of being the person they used to be.

William pauses, looking at him, with an almost concerning look on his face.

***William:*** *Are you… one hundred percent sure that it’d be a - good idea? I mean-- it’s not that I’d be incapable of it, it’s just… I don’t want to rub off on the kids wrong, it’s been -- a long ride. I’ve done some… bad things to keep myself and other people alive. But I will trust your judgement, if you’re perfectly sure about it.*

***Gerald:*** *Oh, I am. I think it’s going to bring out the best in you. Maybe you haven’t been in touch with that side for some time, that’s understandable, but it’s still there, I assure you. The difference is, your role as a teacher is much more important now than it was before… Think about it, you’re teaching the next generation that will quite literally inherit the world… It’s a big responsibility, and yet, look at you. You’ve clearly fought so hard to be here today, you said it yourself in your interview.*

***William:*** *You do have a point. Alright - alright, yeah, I’ll give it a shot. Thank you.*

***Gerald:*** *Excellent. I have a good feeling about this, William. This is it, the beginning of your new life. It all starts today.*

William looks out the window in deep thought.

***William:*** *Here’s hoping.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #30**

**WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY**

WILLIAM REYNES navigates through the different hallways and rooms inside of the infirmary, making his way over to the patient’s wing. Inside, he finds Doctor JOSLYN LARKIN standing by one of the beds in the far corner of the room.

***Joslyn:*** *Mister Reynes… here to check on the patient, I presume?*

William nods slowly, as he approaches one of the beds with the doctor.

***William:*** *How is she?*

***Joslyn:*** *See for yourself. There hasn’t been much change since you last visited. She’s stable, but there is no telling when she’ll wake up.*

Joslyn pulls back some hospital blinds surrounding Rebecca’s bed, so that William can look in. Rebecca lies on the bed, her head wrapped in layers of bandages. William sighs in frustration.

***William:*** *…And you’re sure that she’s not braindead? That it’s -- possible to wake up from that?*

***Joslyn:*** *Without higher-grade facilities and equipment, it’s not really possible to answer that question with certainty… but I am doing my best, all the same.*

William takes Rebecca’s hand, nodding slowly.

***William:*** *Yeah… I know. Thank you, doc. Just… keep doing whatever you’re doing.*

Joslyn nods silently, before closing the hospital blinds and walking off. William looks up at the ceiling, letting out a long sigh.