Over and Over/Transcript

*“Things happen in this world… and the world has to keep moving forward regardless.”* *—William*

**Starring:**

Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES

Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE

Nick Frost as RANDALL FORSTER

Jon Hamm as JON MATTHEWS

Anson Mount as MARCUS DOWNES

Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON

Kenneth Branagh as CLYDE ROLLINS

Stephen Gevedon as DEAN HOWARDS

Steve J. Palmer as AUSTIN KINGSTON

Tom Holland as LLOYD WALLER

David Emge as ALDUS PAXTON

Jared Leto as JARED KELLINGS

**Also Starring**

Dan Aykroyd as ED ANDERSON

Keira Knightley as CLAIRE NOBLE

Daniel Sharman as DANIEL ROCKWELL

Jason Lee as LOLIDA WINDFIELD

**Guest Starring**

Colin Ford as BRENDEN TREVORS

David Boat as LAYTON ZIMMERS

Daniel Bruhl as ALEX WEISS

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**Scene #1**

**CEREAL FACTORY - LOADING BAY - EVENING**

He bursts through the door, jogging to a stop, and turning around to slam the door shut again, before any zombies can follow him out. JARED KELLINGS pants, and presses his back against the door - but only for a moment until he spots a couple more zombies stumbling towards him from within the parking lot. He takes off running, sticking to the wall of the factory, going back all the way around to where they had first climbed over the fence to get in. On the way, he runs past the huge hole in the ground they’d seen on the way in. Eventually, Jared has to stop next to a silo, completely out of breath. As he’s catching his breath, he sees a figure approaching him from the side - but it’s no zombie.

***Lolida:*** *You goddamn slippery bastard.*

LOLIDA WINDFIELD stares at him with hatred, his gun pointed straight at his chest.

***Jared:*** *Lolida - what’re you--*

***Lolida:*** *Go ahead, tell me where Albert is. I wanna hear the pile of SHIT THAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!*

***Jared:*** *What do you mean… I-- saw him run out a different door.*

***Lolida:*** *Oh yeah? Well, let’s try this again. What happened to ALBERT!*

***Jared:*** *I TOLD YOU! I saw him run through a different exit! You didn’t see him?!*

***Lolida:*** *No, no, I don’t think you understand. This is the time for truths.*

***Jared:*** *How did you even escape?!*

***Lolida:*** *You got one more fucking time, you rat bastard. One more time to confess. Now, where. Is. Albert?*

Jared gulps, staring down the barrel of Lolida’s gun.

***Jared:*** *I… He fell…*

***Lolida:*** *Oh? Guess we both saw it differently.*

***Jared:*** *Yeah… Wait… you saw--*

***Lolida:*** *Let me refresh your memory. You pushed him. Like the spineless coward you are.*

Jared tries to take a step back, but his back hits the silo wall.

***Lolida:*** *I saw.*

***Jared:*** *Shit…*

***Lolida:*** *I couldn’t prove that you had any involvement in Isaac’s death. And god, had that haunted me-- BUT THIS! THIS IS ALL THE PROOF THAT I NEED!*

***Jared:*** *Okay… OKAY!*

Jared looks at him, seemingly almost relaxed. There’s suddenly a snarl from behind Lolida.

***Lolida:*** *The fuc--*

Lolida turns around, seeing a zombie approaching him. Once his head is turned, Jared immediately lunges forward, grabbing Lolida’s hand and the gun in it. He throws his foot into Lolida’s knee, causing him to fall over.

***Lolida:*** *BAST--*

Lolida wrestles to keep the gun away from him, using all his strength to push the barrel of the gun back towards Jared’s face. Ultimately, Jared loses the battle, his hands slipping from the gun. He falls forward, and desperately bites Lolida’s forearm. He yells in pain, elbowing Jared in the face to get him off. As Lolida clambers to his feet, he is greeted by the zombie he’d seen, now only a few feet away from both of them.

***Lolida:*** *Oh, shit--*

Jared, knife in hand, runs around the back of the silo, disappearing. Lolida narrows his eyes, dropping his gun. He draws his own knife, following Jared around the silo, ignoring the zombie still coming after him.

As Lolida makes his way around the silo, Jared suddenly jumps him, ramming his knife into Lolida’s knee. The man screams in pain, as Jared tackles him into the ground, leading to both of them tumbling down a small slope, landing directly next to the giant pit in the ground.

***Lolida:*** *MOTHER FUCK-- I’LL FUCKING--*

Jared keeps hold of Lolida, rolling him closer to the edge of the pit, but Lolida won’t let go of him.

***Jared:*** *FUCK - LET GO!*

In a panic, Jared starts kicking around, one of his kicks landing directly on Lolida’s knee that’d just been stabbed. The pain is enough to cause him to let go of Jared, and fall down into the pit. Jared nearly falls in with him, but hangs on, pulling himself up.

At the bottom of the pit, Lolida is heard screaming in pain. Jared peeks his head over the edge, looking down fifteen feet to the bottom of the hole, where Lolida is laying on the ground, surrounded by corpses - and even a couple of live zombies.

***Lolida:*** *JARE-- JA-- FUCKER!*

His screams turn to cries of pain, as he sees Jared standing above, looking down into the pit. Jared smirks, dirt and muck lining his face.

***Jared:*** *How’s the weather down there?*

***Lolida:*** *JARED-- JARED, YOU SON OF A BITCH--*

***Jared:*** *Stop your whining - I’ll put you out of your misery.*

Jared pulls out his own pistol, aiming it down into the pit towards Lolida, who realizes what’s happening.

***Lolida:*** *Wait… Wait… Jared--*

He fires, the bullet hitting a corpse just a foot away from Lolida’s head. Jared groans in anger at missing the shot, as Lolida starts to laugh mockingly.

***Lolida:*** *You pussy… can’t even hit a target… Pathetic…*

Jared grumbles, throwing the empty pistol into the hole.

***Lolida:*** *WHAT’S WRONG UP THERE, JARED?! YOU BLIND OR SOMETHING?*

Jared looks towards a zombie without its legs crawling towards Lolida, who’s still stationary on the ground.

***Jared:*** *You can just… fuckin’ die down there then, asshole.*

Jared walks away, escaping Lolida’s view. Seeing and hearing the zombie, Lolida reaches for his holster -- but remembers that he’d dropped his gun above. As the zombie gets nearer to Lolida, he manages to muster up all his strength, sitting up, and grabbing the gun that Jared had thrown down. With it in hand, he whacks the crawler over the head again and again until the zombie lies motionless. Lolida loses grip of the gun, completely exhausted, and his whole body in pain. He stares up at the evening sky, and lets out a desperate scream for help.

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**Scene #2**

**CEREAL FACTORY - JANITOR’S CLOSET**

***Daniel:*** *I’ve got this in the bag, Lolida! Don’t you worry!*

DANIEL ROCKWELL watches as his friend disappears into the vent and out of sight. When he’s gone, Daniel immediately goes back to trying to kick the zombies off him. Eventually, with enough kicking and pulling himself upwards, he is able to climb up on top of the metal shelf, where he lies there for a second, exhausted.

***Daniel:*** *Stupid… fucking things… stupid fucking things.*

After just a few seconds of catching his breath, Daniel sits up to try and reach towards the vent - but before he can grab it, the shelf beneath him is toppled over, crushing a few zombies beneath it. More zombies immediately start to rush Daniel.

***Daniel:*** *FUCKKKKK!*

Daniel draws his pistol, blasting one of the freaks in the head. His ears ring, as Daniel crawls backwards desperately, dazed and confused. He manages to get back on his feet, and purposefully breaks a second shelf behind him, which falls forward into the horde, providing another few seconds to breathe. After his few seconds are up, one zombie manages to squeeze past all of the broken shelf pieces, but quickly has its head blown off by Daniel. He throws the corpse back into the rest of the horde, and starts bashing his pistol against their heads as a weapon.

Daniel shuffles his way towards another smaller metal rack, which he lifts up, using as a shield against the horde. While holding more zombies back, he looks around the room, and sees a glass cabinet on the wall, with a fireaxe inside. He immediately rams his shoulder against the metal rack, pushing his way towards the fireaxe. When he gets there, he elbows the glass over and over until it shatters, cutting his arm. Ignoring the pain, Daniel lets go of the rack, grabbing the axe with both hands.

***Daniel:*** *FUCKKKK!*

He swings the axe into the horde of the zombies again and again, hacking them to pieces, killing one after another, blood coating himself. His arms start to tire out, but he continues forward, beginning to actually make progress towards the door where he can escape, with the only thing keeping him going being the thoughts of getting justice for Isaac, saving Lolida and bringing down Jared.

A zombie blindsides Daniel from the side, pushing him against the wall. It snaps its jaw at him, getting closer to his face, forcing Daniel to drop his axe and shove the zombie back, accidentally gouging its eyes out. Blood and slime pops out of its eyes, splattering onto his jacket, but he ignores it, sliding his axe up off the floor, and continuing forward, overpowering the horde.

His mind continues thinking of Isaac, Lolida and Jared, as Daniel finally gets near the door, forcing his way out of the closet, and back onto the large factory floor. He continues fighting through the horde, until nearing an exit sign.

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**Scene #3**

**CEREAL FACTORY - LOADING BAY - EVENING**

The door to the side of the factory swings open, and is swung back closed, as DANIEL ROCKWELL stumbles out, falling to the ground. He lays there for a few seconds, completely exhausted, his arms barely able to move -- yet he somehow gets back up, covered in blood, dirt and slime. He begins to stumble around, looking almost like a zombie himself.

***Daniel:*** *LOLIDAAAAA!*

He walks through the loading bay area, passing by the pit -- until he hears something, making him stop.

***Lolida:*** *Gahhh!*

He turns his head, stumbling towards the edge of the pit. Daniel leans his head over it, and looks down, seeing LOLIDA WINDFIELD at the bottom. He stares in disbelief, kneeling down.

***Daniel:*** *Lolida… Lolida!*

***Lolida:*** *Still-- here…*

***Daniel:*** *I’m… I’m gonna get you out of there…*

***Lolida:*** *No-- Jared… go find… Go find Jar…*

Slowly, footsteps begin approaching Daniel from behind. When Daniel hears it, he starts to stand, turning around. The slow footsteps suddenly turn into rapid ones.

***Jared:*** *See you later, PUSSY BOYY!*

Daniel looks on at JARED KELLINGS, who rams his shoulder into Daniel’s chest, sending him flying backwards into the pit, landing with a loud *crack*. A mocking cackle comes from Jared, who stands at the top of the pit, victorious, laughing down at them.

***Jared:*** *HAHAHAHAHAHA! JKHD, SIGNIN’ OFF! HAHAHAHAH!*

Jared backs away from the pit, his laughing fading away.

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**Scene #4**

**MOTEL - CLYDE & CLAIRE’S ROOM**

CLAIRE NOBLE lowers the note from Edward, having just finished reading it. She looks back up at CLYDE ROLLINS, unsure of what to say.

***Claire:*** *Clyde…*

***Clyde:*** *He can’t be. I mean, really. This, this doesn’t make any sense.*

***Claire:*** *Listen… Maybe… he’ll come back.*

***Clyde:*** *I can’t be sure of that. I can’t just… let him go. What - what is he thinking? Running off like this? I don’t understand.*

***Claire:*** *Clyde, I don’t know what to tell you…*

***Clyde:*** *You don’t need to tell me anything, darling. Nothing at all. But… I have to go after him. I have to bring him home.*

***Claire:*** *What?*

***Clyde:*** *This is a mistake. He’s not thinking right. If I could just get some time to persuade him, I know I can bring him home.*

Claire stands up, approaching him.

***Claire:*** *Clyde, you can’t be serious. Where will you go?*

***Clyde:*** *I’ll find him.*

***Claire:*** *How? Think, Clyde, THINK! This is insane.*

***Clyde:*** *I… I have to try.* ***(He looks at the letter)*** *This… This can’t be it.*

***Claire:*** *Clyde… if Edward thought that leaving was for the best, and that it was truly a better path for him, then you shouldn’t stop him. He already told you in his letter that he won’t let you convince him otherwise.*

***Clyde:*** *No, no - he said-- he said that I would be able to. That I can. I can bring him home. I will. Just trust me, Claire.*

***Claire:*** *I do trust you. But this…* ***(She shakes her head)*** *Stop this.*

***Clyde:*** *I’ll make him feel more welcome, I will. I can’t just let him go.*

***Claire:*** *And I can’t just let you go, Clyde. Think about the people you have here, think about us. Don’t do anything stupid, please.*

***Clyde: (He frowns, looking down)*** *I’m so sorry, Claire. I just… I just… You’re right.*

***Claire:*** *Well, at least you can see that, despite--*

***Clyde:*** *But I still have to go after him.*

***Claire:*** *Oh for fuck sake. Well… I won’t let you go. Because it’s stupid, and you’ll get yourself killed or lost, or worse.*

***Clyde:*** *Well… what’s worse than that, I mean--*

***Claire:*** *Shut up! You know what I meant.*

***Clyde:*** *You know… Claire.*

Clyde sits down onto the head, patting next to him, telling Claire to come sit beside him. She shakes her head.

***Clyde:*** *Please, just sit, I promise you, it’ll make sense.*

Reluctantly, Claire walks over, sitting on the bed next to him.

***Clyde:*** *Ahem* ***(He grins)***. *Claire, my sweet Claire. There was a time… not so long ago… when… I knew a girl. I loved her very much, and she loved me as well. We were deeply connected. Back then, I was faced with a similar dilemma to the one we’re facing now.*

***Claire:*** *Oh? What happened, then?*

***Clyde:*** *Well… it was a tough decision. I could stay with the girl of my dreams and hang my hat up in retirement…*

***Claire:*** *Or? Where are you going with this? What else could you have done?*

***Clyde:*** *Or I could’ve made the tough decision to go out and save the world, because it was calling for a hero, for me.*

***Claire:*** *…What?*

***Clyde:*** *Yes, Secret Agents 2 was the biggest hit of the summer, and clocked in over a billion at the box office. It was marvelous, and now, it’s time I do the right thing, and go after Edward.*

Clyde stands up, grinning again.

***Claire:*** *WHAT!*

***Clyde:*** *Dear Claire, as I said to the love of my life in Secret Agents 2 scene 27… our love is forever, and I will come back to you when the world is saved by my heroism. Are you with me?* ***(He offers her a hand)***

***Claire:*** *Clyde… You’re a fucking moron, and if you do this, so help me god, I will track you down and drag you back home.*

She stands up, swatting his hand away, and walking out of the motel room, slamming the door.

***Clyde:*** *Huh… that wasn’t in the script.*

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**Scene #5**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - LATE EVENING**

Near the front of the motel, RANDALL FORSTER and AUSTIN KINGSTON are standing out on guard duty. Randall straightens his back, before he leans over, performing an awkward stretch. He continues doing his stretches until Austin glances at him, noticing.

***Austin:*** *What are you doing…?*

***Randall:*** *Oh, heh. You noticed* ***(He grins)***. *I’m stretching. You know, keeping myself in shape, all that.*

***Austin:*** *Right… never seen those stretches before. But, hey, good on ya’.*

***Randall:*** *Nah, nah, it’s important, ‘innit? Really, after today, my back is killing me, dragging all those bodies outta here, not fun. Honestly, I’m not gonna lie, between you and I… I was craving a 16” pepperoni pizza with stuffed crusts the whole fuckin’ time, seriously, I’d kill for that shit.*

***Austin:*** *It weren’t too much work - but honestly, I’d do with any good food around now, I’m tired of eating rabbits and canned food. When’s Daniel and them getting back? They were headed to a cereal place, right?*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, sure were. Hope you like corn flakes. I personally liked adding sugar to mine, but I guess I’m outta luck there, eh?*

Randall looks down, seeing a stone by his foot.

***Randall:*** *Oh!*

He picks it up.

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

***Randall:*** *Come on, Austin, I know that cheeky look of yours. You want to play the game, don’t you? Well, I’d be happy to have a few rounds myself.*

***Austin:*** *Uh-- right, sure, sure. Let’s play.*

***Randall:*** *Alright, I’ll go first.*

Randall readies his stone, before throwing it across the road into the trees. When he’s done, Austin picks up his own small rock and launches it into the trees, bouncing around and not going too far.

***Randall:*** *Wow, that was awful. Pretty sure that means you’re disqualified.*

***Austin:*** *Nah, nah, come on now.*

***Randall:*** *Heh, I’m just messin’ with you, man. It was an alright throw.*

Austin throws another stone across the road into the trees, as Randall picks up one more stone.

***Randall:*** *Aight, aight. This next one is gonna end the game. Here it goes, you ready?*

***Austin:*** *I’m watching.*

Randall throws the stone as hard as he can into the trees. A couple of seconds pass by until they hear the stone bounce off something.

***Aldus:*** *OW!*

***Randall:*** *Oh, shit.*

***Austin:*** *Aldus?*

ALDUS PAXTON stumbles out of the woods, holding his head. He’s carrying rabbit and deer meat.

***Aldus:*** *That hurt.*

***Randall:*** *Well look who’s back - and dang, you didn’t do such a bad job out there either.*

***Austin:*** *At least we won’t starve tonight. Good job.*

***Randall:*** *Mm, yeah.*

Austin looks towards Randall, who pulls a Kit Kat out of his pocket.

***Austin:*** *Where’d you get a chocolate bar--*

***Randall:*** *You know Rebecca and Lloyd found a whole bunch of snacks at the drive in.*

Aldus walks up to the two of them, entering the motel.

***Aldus:*** *I did see a few zombies, so I had to take some extra time on the patience part of the hunt.*

***Austin:*** *Your patience paid off, you’re a good hunter, Aldus.*

***Aldus:*** *Thanks. I did see some abandoned hut in the woods, so I’ll be sure to check it next time for anything, but beyond that the woods were peaceful.*

***Randall:*** *You should probably bring your winnings inside. Good work out there, buddy.*

***Aldus:*** *Yeah, and thanks.* ***(He starts walking to his room)*** *There was one thing I wish I didn’t see today. I saw this buck, good size for meat. It was just being eaten by the dead.*

Aldus steps into his room, as Randall bends down to pick up another stone.

***Randall:*** *Alright. I get to go again, that last one wasn’t fair.*

***Austin:*** *Looked fair to me-- but alright, go on.*

***Randall:*** *Seriously, this one is gonna be awesome.*

Randall raises his arm, about to throw, when he notices a shadow running towards the motel out of the corner of his eyes. His concentration breaks, as he turns to look at it.

***Randall:*** *Fuck.*

The shadowy figure gets closer to the motel, until Austin recognizes who it is.

***Austin:*** *Is that-- what’s the kid’s name - he was at the motel when we got here. Where’s the others--*

***Randall:*** *Wait a sec… Brenden?*

BRENDEN TREVORS skids to a halt in front of the motel, wheezing for air.

***Randall:*** *Fuckin’ hell, kid. What’s the matter?*

***Austin:*** *Brenden, what happened - where’s the other guys?*

***Brenden:*** *We-- ran into some trouble at the factory. I need to speak with whoever’s in charge.*

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**Scene #6**

**CEREAL FACTORY - THE PIT - LATE EVENING**

DANIEL ROCKWELL’s eyes open, and the first thing he sees is the stars above him, the sky pitch black. He groans, rolling over, barely able to move.

***Daniel:*** *Lolida…*

He spots LOLIDA WINDFIELD laying with his back against the ground, his eyes barely open, his breathing slow. Blood is soaked into his pants where his stabbed knee is.

***Daniel:*** *I think my collarbone is broken. And my arm. Maybe a leg. You?*

***Lolida:*** *St…ill… here… I don’t… feel much… I think I’m-- dying…*

***Daniel:*** *Hey… no. You’re not gonna die. I won’t let you. We’re… gonna get out of here.*

***Lolida:*** *Stop…*

***Daniel:*** *No, we are.*

***Lolida:*** *Don’t waste your time on me…*

***Daniel:*** *Shut up. Shut up* ***(He shakes his head)***. *Stop. Listen, listen, Lolida listen to me. We… are going to get out of here. Whatever it takes. We aren’t… gonna let that bastard win.*

***Lolida:*** *Listen to me--*

Lolida slowly looks at Daniel, his eyes watering.

***Lolida:*** *All this… all this hate is going to burn you out, just like it did to Grant. I don’t want to see that.*

***Daniel:*** *I… don’t know what you’re… talking about. You’re just… tired, okay?*

***Lolida:*** *I’m not… We failed to save Isaac, as much as I hate to admit it… You gotta let it go. After Jared’s dead, after I’m dead - just let it go.*

***Daniel:*** *No. No. You’re not going to die. We’re gonna see Jared die… together. You and me. We… were right about him.*

***Lolida:*** *He… he killed Albert. Shoved the poor man right into the dead. The screams… God, the screams.*

***Daniel:*** *…Then we’ll avenge him too. We’ll… do it all* ***(He nods)***. *We just… we just…*

***Lolida:*** *Stop… look at me, I’m gone. But… I’mma see my Lance again, my little boy. That’s good enough for me.*

***Daniel:*** *You’re not gone, we’re gonna patch you up, we’re going to patch you up and you’re going to be okay. I won’t… let you die… I won’t… let myself die.*

Lolida chuckles quietly, looking at Daniel.

***Lolida:*** *You’re stubborn… We should’ve stayed at the stadium. With the ghosts of our friends.*

***Daniel:*** *Yeah… maybe… maybe we should’ve done that.*

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**Scene #7**

**MOTEL - LOBBY**

BRENDEN TREVORS sits inside one of the rooms, covered with a blanket, shivering more from panic and fear rather than the cold. WILLIAM REYNES, KATE BLOODSTONE and REBECCA DAWSON are sitting across from him.

***Brenden:*** *That’s the last I saw of them - stuck inside the trucks, surrounded by the undead… I barely had enough time to make it out myself.*

***William:*** *In that case, we don’t have much of a choice. We’ve got to send a party out for them - try to evacuate them, or at the very least - see if they’re still kicking.*

***Rebecca:*** *Yeah. That seems like the only option we have.*

***Kate:*** *But the question is… How many people is it really safe to send? Now, in the dead of night, with four of our own still out there. Let me see who we have that’s willing, I can get a group together.*

***William:*** *If what the kid says is true - and we’re dealing with a good few hundred of ‘em, then we’re gonna need a lot of people out there.*

***Rebecca:*** *Okay, yeah. That’s really all that can be done. Shit. Alright, Kate, go and see who’s available.*

***Kate:*** *On it.*

She stands up, walking out of the room.

***Rebecca:*** *Brenden. I’m sorry for your losses. You can relax now, you’re safe.*

Brenden nods slowly, trying to smile.

***Brenden:*** *Yeah… yeah, thank you.*

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**Scene #8**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - LATE EVENING**

***Kate:*** *I’m sorry to have gathered you all here in the middle of the night with such short notice, but there's been a disaster at the cereal factory, and we have no choice but to send a rescue team in. Claire tells me that Edward is missing and Clyde is hellbent on getting him back, and it's assumed that Solomon has left too. Dean is in no state to go anywhere right now either, so that leaves me with all of you, considering that we need some people to stay behind and watch the motel. I'm sorry to send you all out like this, but it has to be done.*

JON MATTHEWS steps forward instantly.

***Jon:*** *Well shit. Count me in, how could I say no to that?*

***Aldus:*** *Count me in too.*

***Austin:*** *I-- I guess- I guess I could go and help.*

***Marcus:*** *We have no choice but to do our part here, guys. We’re a capable bunch, our friends are counting on us.*

***Randall:*** *Hell yeah they are, we’ve got this in the bag. Anything else to tell us, boss lady?*

***Kate:*** *Only for all of you to be careful… we don’t really know entirely what you’re walking into… Brenden didn’t see much before he escaped, he just knows the rest of them didn’t get out.*

***Jon:*** *Well, this is going to be a barrel of laughs, isn’t it? Fuck me. Alright, team. Let’s get a move on.*

Jon turns, starting to walk off.

***Randall:*** *Yeah, what he said, I guess.*

***Austin:*** *Alright, then.*

RANDALL FORSTER, AUSTIN KINGSTON and ALDUS PAXTON follow Jon as approaches a pickup truck they’d managed to get running.

***Kate:*** ***(To Marcus)*** *Make sure everyone gets back safe.*

***Marcus:*** *Of course. Don’t you worry about us* ***(He kisses her)***. *We’ll figure something out, with or without ammo.*

KATE BLOODSTONE frowns as he watches MARCUS DOWNES follow after the others.

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**Scene #9**

**MOTEL - BALCONY - LATE EVENING**

CLYDE ROLLINS stands on the second floor balcony of the motel by himself, looking ahead. A small bag is slung over his shoulder.

***Clyde:*** ***(Rehearsing)*** *I’m sorry, Claire. But this is the right thing to do… No, that won’t cut it.*

***Layton:*** *Would you like me to play as Claire?*

***Clyde:*** *AH!*

Clyde turns around, seeing LAYTON ZIMMERS standing behind him.

***Layton:*** *Oh, sorry about that. I thought you saw me standing here behind you. Carry on.*

***Clyde:*** *Uh - Layton - where-- where did you come from?*

***Layton:*** *Me? I was just out for a stroll, enjoying the cold air, it makes my skin feel nice, besides, I can’t find my glasses.*

***Clyde:*** *But… you’re wearing them.*

***Layton:*** *I couldn’t find my glasses. Guess I found them, huh? Stroke of luck, you’re doing good, Layton.*

***Clyde:*** *Ah, well, I’m currently just--*

***Layton:*** *Hey, don’t worry about it, Clyde. I get it. You had a fight with Claire, maybe you broke up. Luckily for you, this happens to be my area of expertise.*

***Clyde:*** *Uh--*

***Layton:*** *Yes, indeed, I spent a lot of nights sleeping on the couch - sometimes on the bench in the backyard too. My wife would always lock the doors when she was having an affair. One time I came home late from a fishing trip, and I could hear her having the time of her life upstairs. I didn't want to be rude and interrupt, so I slept on the bench.*

***Clyde:*** *Layton… I didn’t break up with Claire.*

***Layton:*** *Oh, well lucky you, pal. What’s up?*

***Clyde:*** *Well, Edward left, I’m - planning to go and bring him back.*

***Layton:*** *Oh, I know Edward left. I read the letter he wrote to you.*

***Clyde:*** *How-- nevermind. Well, you understand my mission then.*

***Layton:*** *Let me tell you this, Clyde* ***(He puts a hand on his shoulder)***.

***Clyde:*** *Please don’t do that.*

***Layton:*** *Are you sure that Edward actually* ***wants*** *to be found?*

***Clyde:*** *Well… no, I don’t think he does… but that’s--*

***Layton:*** *No, I’m thinking deeper here, my friend. Deeper… spiritually… like… like a prophecy… You can’t change fate, Clyde. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, don’t you think? Perhaps… Edward has been set on this path by… a greater power.*

***Clyde:*** *I’m sorry?*

***Layton:*** ***(He cackles)*** *From your movie, remember! The one where you played an envoy of God! Yes! You can’t change destiny, Clyde… you just gotta… go with the flow.*

***Clyde:*** *I--*

***Layton:*** *I think it’s clear Edward respected you. When my wife wrote letters to me, she never said anything as nice as what Edward said to you. Clearly, he wants to part on good terms. Why leave your lady love behind to go on a journey that will ultimately lead you… nowhere.*

Clyde stands there, shocked, actually starting to reconsider his journey over Layton’s bizarre words.

***Layton:*** *This old man… has shared his wisdom to you… and now… I must return to the task at hand.*

Layton climbs over the railing, looking down.

***Clyde:*** *Uh - Layton - what are you doing--*

***Layton:*** *Consider my words, Clyde, and you will be better off for it. Return to Claire, you know it’s right.*

Layton then hops off the railing, landing in the parking lot below, falling onto one knee. He stands up, brushing off his knee.

***Layton:*** *I’m okay - I’m gone now. I’m okay.*

Clyde is left standing up on the balcony, thinking to himself.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #10**

**MOTEL - LOBBY**

Still in the lobby, BRENDEN TREVORS is sitting on a chair, covering himself with a blanket, as he stares ahead blankly. LLOYD WALLER looks down at him from atop a vending machine inside the lobby.

***Lloyd:*** *Hey. Lloyd Waller, nice to meet you.*

He tries offering Brenden a handshake, but quickly realizes he’s too far.

***Lloyd:*** *Eh. That seems impractical* ***(He drops down)***.

***Brenden:*** *Hey. Brenden* ***(He shakes his hand)***. *Brenden Trevors.*

Lloyd reaches into his pocket, taking out a chocolate bar.

***Lloyd:*** *Candy bar?*

***Brenden:*** *Yeah. I’m starving.*

Brenden takes it off him, taking a bite out of it.

***Lloyd:*** *I, uh, heard a little bit about what happened out there. I’m sorry.*

***Brenden:*** *Should’ve seen it coming from a mile away… All I can do now is hope Daniel and the rest get back safely. Do you think they’ll be alright?*

***Lloyd:*** *I sure hope so. But… we don’t have control over these things. I, uh, I was in the position you're in right now not too long ago. I lost my friends too... and it... was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Until very recently, I mean, very recently, I wasn't good at coping with it, but some special people in my life taught me a few things, about dealing with loss, and I feel a little better now, at least, I'm trying to be. I wanted to tell you that, while it seems hopeless now, things... things will get better. The people here at the motel, they're great, you'll get to know them and they'll help you to get through this.*

***Brenden:*** *You guys have been great to me already… so I can already tell you guys are a good bunch to stick around with. I’m just thankful I have you guys, at least.*

***Lloyd:*** *Hey, well, anything you need, man, you know where to find me* ***(He smiles)***. *It was nice meeting you. Room 207, by the way.*

***Brenden:*** *Room 207. Got it.*

Brenden smiles, as he takes a bite out of his chocolate.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #11**

**CEREAL FACTORY - THE PIT - LATE EVENING**

DANIEL ROCKWELL huffs, dragging one of the dozens of corpses towards the edge, where he’s already begun to stack up a few of the bodies, creating a small mound of them. He drops the corpse next to them, then slides down the wall in exhaustion.

***Daniel:*** *Fuck…*

LOLIDA WINDFIELD slowly turns his head to Daniel, his skin already going pale. His eyes are barely open.

***Lolida:*** *What…*

***Daniel:*** *I’ve tried to stop the bleeding in your knee by using some of the cloth from my shirt. And now, I’m trying… to get us out of here.*

***Lolida:*** *Ah… good…*

***Daniel:*** ***(He grunts in pain)*** *That bastard is up there somewhere, not gonna let him win.*

Daniel gets up off the wall, and tries to drag another body over to the pile, but falls over, completely worn out, his body shutting down on him.

***Lolida:*** *Take… it easy… Danny. Your body is-- is…*

***Daniel:*** *Hey… stay with me. I’m gonna… make a little mountain of them for us… we’ll use them to climb out.*

He gets back up, dragging the body over to the pile, before needing to sit down again.

***Lolida:*** *I’m… still here, brother… still here.*

Lolida opens his eyes wider, as he sees people standing at the top of the pit.

***Lolida:*** *Hey… Danny…*

***Daniel:*** *What? What is it?*

***Lolida:*** *Our friends… they’re-- they’re watching us. Watching to see what we made out of their sacrifices…*

Daniel looks up, but he sees nobody. He understands that Lolida is starting to lose it.

***Daniel:*** *Are they now? That’s good. We’ll let them see our escape… we’ll let them see it all. Broken bones or not… nothing is going to stop me from climbing out of this fucking pit.*

***Lolida:*** *Good… good. I’m with you…*

***Daniel:*** *I know. I won’t leave you behind. Just you rest up… I’m gonna stack these fuckers high, all the way to the top, and then, we’re gonna get that bastard.*

He stands back up, making his way towards another corpse, which he starts slowly dragging towards the pile.

***Lolida:*** *Also-- Grant called you an asshole.*

***Daniel: (He smiles faintly)*** *Yeah, that sounds like something he’d say.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #12**

**MOTEL - CLYDE & CLAIRE’S ROOM**

CLYDE ROLLINS steps inside the room, gently closing the door behind him. He goes to take a seat, setting his bag aside. CLAIRE NOBLE glances up at him from the corner of the room, lowering her book.

***Clyde:*** *Hello, my dear.*

***Claire:*** *Clyde. Are you still… going off to save the world?*

***Clyde:*** *No I… I don’t think I am… you, uh, you aren’t in any danger, after all* ***(He grins)***.

***Claire: (She smiles)*** *That was the worst.*

***Clyde:*** *I’m so sorry, Claire. You were right. I was perhaps… being a little irrational. It was Layton of all people who made me realize that.*

***Claire:*** *Sometimes it takes someone rambling utter nonsense to make you realize what is and isn’t utter nonsense. I can tell you’re feeling defeated. Edward is lucky to have had a true friend like yourself, Clyde. I have no doubt that he’ll always treasure that, and that it wasn’t so easy for him to let go of you. But you had no direction to start searching - you would’ve never found him. I’m sorry, Clyde, but he’s gone. The group needs you. I need you. Maybe… maybe Edward doesn’t anymore.*

***Clyde:*** *Maybe after all, it was time for Edward to spread his wings and leave the nest. I should’ve… should’ve seen it coming, I suppose. Looking back on my last conversations with him, I can tell he must’ve been thinking about it for quite a while, quite deeply… I may never see Edward again. But he was the best friend I’ve ever had. He believed in me when nobody else did, and I will forever treasure the fact that it was Edward who helped me to step up and be brave, to become a true survivor* ***(He smiles)***. *I promise to forever remain a courageous warrior. I will never stop being the man I've grown into on behalf of Edward. He brought out a side of me that... that I never knew existed.* ***(Muttering)*** *Thank you.*

***Claire:*** *I’m proud of you, Clyde.*

She stands up, giving him a hug.

***Claire:*** *I really, really am. You did the right thing.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #13**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - EARLY MORNING**

A bush rustles quietly from somewhere deep in the woods across the street whilst KATE BLOODSTONE is standing guard. She immediately reaches for an empty pistol, pointing it into the darkness across the road. A few seconds pass, as footsteps are heard getting closer, twigs and leaves being crunched.

JARED KELLINGS rushes out of the forest, out of breath. He trips over a rock, falling to his knees in front of the motel.

***Kate:*** *Oh shit. Jared.*

She puts down the gun as Jared looks up, smiling slightly.

***Jared:*** *Hey. Have… Have any of the others made it back, besides me? Where’s William?*

***Kate:*** *I’ll… take you inside to William. Only Brenden has come back so far. We sent out an emergency team to look for the rest of you, they left not too long ago. Come on in.*

She opens up a small gate at the entrance for him to walk through.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #14**

**MOTEL - LOBBY**

KATE BLOODSTONE opens the door, where WILLIAM REYNES is seen sitting on one of the chairs, unable to sleep. JARED KELLINGS slowly follows her in.

***Kate:*** *William. We’ve got another one.*

***Jared:*** *Got anything to drink?*

***Kate:*** *I’ll get you a bottle of water* ***(She leaves the room)***.

William looks up, glancing at Jared.

***William:*** *Shit, well look who the cat dragged in.*

***Jared:*** *Yeah… I hear Brenden is back as well? It’s good that he’s alright.*

***William:*** *Yeah… said he got out just in time, before things got too heated in there. So, JKHD, what happened in there?*

Jared looks down for a second, before approaching him and looking up.

***Jared:*** *The last I saw of Brenden was before things truly went to shit. I’m assuming he told you, but the rest of us were trapped inside the trucks we loaded with cereal.*

He looks away from William again, gazing at the wall.

***William:*** *He mentioned something like that, but he was too scared out of his mind to give us much information. What about Daniel, Albert and Lolida, are they okay?*

***Jared:*** *To put it bluntly, I don’t know. We managed to escape the trucks by crawling on top of them. Daniel… decided our best bet would be to make an offense together, and try to escape THROUGH the horde. It-- it didn’t work out so well…*

He looks back at William, his face twisted with sorrow.

***Jared:*** *I got pulled down by a zombie. I was about to die-- Daniel and Lolida kept running, but… it was Albert who came back for me.*

Kate reenters the room, placing a bottle of water on the table next to Jared, before staying quiet to listen.

***William:*** *And what happened to him…?*

***Jared:*** *Me and Albert were surrounded, but we managed to make it to the top of some crates. The crates were… not stable, to say the least. I lost sight of Daniel and Lolida when Albert saved me, so I don’t know where they are but… Albert’s-- He’s… he’s dead.*

Kate stares at him, shaking her head in disbelief, as her eyes start to water.

***Kate:*** *He’s…*

***Jared:*** *He was a good man. He saved me. He didn’t deserve to get -- RIPPED APART. The crates, they-- they toppled. Me? I got lucky again. I fell into the least populated section of the horde. I managed to fight my way out. But all I heard was him getting… torn apart.*

William sighs, burying his face into his hands for a moment. He sits in contemplation for some time.

***William:*** *You’ll get your chance to avenge him, bud. Don’t dwell on it too much, it’ll only eat you up inside.*

Kate has to take a seat as she wipes tears away, quietly sobbing.

***Kate:*** *He can’t be… Not him. Are you sure - are you--*

***Jared:*** *I heard it. I heard his screams. I heard him… die.*

William stands slowly, approaching the doorway, before stopping.

***William:*** *Listen, uh… I wish I knew what to say to you, but there’s not many words that can be said. I’m just glad you made it back in one piece.*

He turns around, putting a hand on his shoulder.

***William:*** *You need some R&R, the others will find Daniel and Lolida in no time… and we can all mourn together.*

Jared goes quiet, freezing up at the mention of them, before he quickly snaps back, nodding his head.

***Jared:*** *Thank you, William.*

***William:*** *Until then… keep your chin up. Got it?*

***Jared:*** *Got it.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #15**

**CEREAL FACTORY - THE PIT - EARLY MORNING**

More than an hour passes as DANIEL ROCKWELL moves bodies back and forth, a small mountain of corpses now forming. Daniel goes back to retrieve another body, slowly but surely dragging it up the now huge pile of bodies, making it difficult to climb up. He tries dragging this body up it, but this time he loses grip, and both he and the corpse tumble down the hill. Daniel groans in pain on the ground, before he slowly sits up.

***Daniel:*** ***(Muttering to himself)*** *We’re almost there. We’re almost there.*

Daniel grabs the arm of the corpse again, and starts climbing the hill once again, dragging the corpse up with him. One of his arms throbs in pain, probably broken, but it doesn’t stop him.

***Daniel:*** *Come on. Come on. Fucking… COME ONNNNN!*

He yells, getting closer and closer to the top of the hill, until he suddenly comes to a stop, his body completely out of energy, unable to go any further. He leans against the corpses pressing against his back, trying not to fall all the way back down.

***Daniel:*** *I just need to rest. I just need to take a moment. A moment… yeah.*

His eyes start to close, as he loses consciousness. Immediately, he and the corpse he was dragging slides back down the hill, hitting the ground with a thud.

He wakes up sometime later. The sky above him is still pitch black, and it’s impossible to tell how much time has passed. He slowly sits up, looking at the mountain of corpses. And then he chuckles quietly to himself, smiling.

***Daniel:*** *So fucked. So fucked. So… Yet… so fucking close.*

He lays back down, before letting out a scream, unloading his frustration, his anger, concern, and everything else in one go. When he’s done, he starts to laugh again.

***Lolida:*** *Daniel… It’s… cold… that’s a bad sign, ain’t it?*

***Daniel:*** *I… don’t know anymore, buddy. Are we… going to die down here?*

***Lolida:*** *I… won’t allow-- you to die… here.*

***Daniel:*** *I won’t. I won’t. You won't. We won’t.*

LOLIDA WINDFIELD sits up, and then tries to stand up - which he manages to do, but only briefly, before he falls back down, his body weak.

***Lolida:*** *God… damn… it.*

***Daniel:*** *Don’t. Not with your knee. Stay still. I’ll get you out… then we’ll get back… then we’ll get back.*

Daniel crawls forward, looking up the hill of corpses.

***Daniel:*** *We can make it. We just have to scale the mountain. That’s all.*

He stands up slowly, slowly hobbling over to Lolida, and trying to pull him up. But it fails, and Daniel, with hardly any strength left, falls over next to his friend.

***Daniel:*** *Fuck…*

He stands back up, this time offering Lolida a hand.

***Daniel:*** *Lolida… give me your hand. This is the only way.*

Lolida raises his arm to Daniel, and he takes it, pulling him up slightly, enough for him to lean over and put his other arm around Lolida’s shoulder. The two of them limp over to the bottom of the mountain.

***Daniel:*** *We have to do our best.*

He lays Lolida down onto the mountain, and the two of them very slowly begin to climb it.

***Lolida:*** *I see that bastard up there… sitting in a queer pink chair… drinking a glass of wine and eating a bowl of apple jacks.*

***Daniel:*** *We’ll stop him. We’ll stop him.*

Daniel continues climbing, using whatever strength he has left to pull Lolida, who’s struggling to climb on his own.

***Daniel:*** *So… close…*

A sudden pain hits Lolida’s knee, causing him to stop in his tracks.

***Lolida:*** *GAH-- FUCKK!*

***Daniel:*** *Not now. Not now. NOT NOW!*

Daniel grabs Lolida, placing him over his shoulder, before he stands up on both legs, climbing up the hill for a solid couple of seconds, before his legs give out on him. They fall forward against the bodies again - but now they’re nearing the top of the hill - where all they’ll need to do is grab onto the ledge at the top of the pit and pull themselves out.

Finally, after a couple more minutes of gradually climbing up, they make it to the top of the mountain of corpses, where Daniel lays Lolida down. Daniel looks up at the ledge of the pit.

***Daniel:*** *I’ll be back. Just sit tight.*

Daniel jumps up, grabbing onto the ledge. His legs dangle below him as he desperately tries to pull himself out, but he can’t. He lets go, landing on one knee, nearly falling all the way back down the hill.

***Daniel:*** *Come on. Come on.*

He grits his teeth, jumping again, and grabbing the ledge. He musters all the energy he has, and somehow, someway, pulls himself up and over the ledge. He lays against the concrete, breathing a sigh of relief.

***Lolida:*** *Daniel… Did you make it?*

***Daniel:*** *I… I made it. I made it! I’m up!*

Both of them laugh hysterically, until Daniel looks back over the edge, seeing Lolida.

***Daniel:*** *And now… and now you… I’ll pull you out. Just hold on, no matter how bad the pain gets. We’re so close. So close.*

He extends his arm over the edge. Seeing it, Lolida pushes himself up, and reaches an arm up, grabbing Daniel’s hand. Daniel starts to pull.

***Daniel:*** *Come on, come on!*

Lolida yells in pain as he’s pulled up.

***Lolida:*** *GAHHH! FUCKKK, FUCKKKKKK!*

***Daniel:*** *ALMOST THERE!*

***Lolida:*** *FUCKING-- GODDAMN--*

Eventually, Lolida is lifted up and onto the ground next to Daniel. When Lolida is safe, Daniel lets go, catching his breath.

***Lolida:*** *We made it… We… did it…*

***Daniel:*** *We did. We did. We’re out.*

***Lolida:*** *We’re… WE’RE OUT!*

Lolida laughs out, taking in the victory. Daniel slowly gets to his feet.

***Daniel:*** *Let’s go and get that bastard once and for all.*

***Lolida:*** *Let’s go put that bastard in the dirt.*

Daniel puts an arm around Lolida, pulling him up.

***Daniel:*** *We can make it. We can make it. Come this far. Can make it…*

***Lolida:*** *Let’s avenge Isaac… and… Albert…*

The two of them start limping towards an exit, determined, using each other as support.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #16**

**FOREST - HILL - EARLY MORNING**

The truck stops just before the crest of the hill. MARCUS DOWNES, RANDALL FORSTER, JON MATTHEWS, AUSTIN KINGSTON and ALDUS PAXTON hop out, walking up to the top of the hill to look down on the cereal factory.

***Randall:*** *You see anything?*

***Marcus:*** *No. Nothing telling, at least. We’ll have to move in closer for a better look.*

***Randall:*** *Looks pretty quiet down there.*

***Jon:*** *That’s because they’ll all be packed inside, the lot of them.*

***Marcus:*** *Remember guys, take it easy, we don’t have the luxury of ammunition for this. We’re just here to find the guys and get out.*

***Austin:*** *Guessing the others are still trapped inside. How exactly are we getting them out?*

***Marcus:*** *Good question.*

***Aldus:*** *Well, if there was a stray we could get to, I do have an idea.*

***Jon:*** *Don’t fucking say it. Please don’t fucking say it.*

***Austin:*** *What do you mean?*

***Aldus:*** *We could just cut one open and put its blood on us, tricking them.*

***Jon:*** *And you said it…*

***Marcus:*** *Aldus is right. It might be our best course of action here.*

***Austin:*** *Excuse me-- how would we even know this works. Have you all tried that before?*

***Jon:*** *I’ve been drenched in the blood of the dead before. It works, alright.*

***Austin: (He sighs)*** *Goddamn it. Of course this is what we have to do.*

***Aldus:*** *We have no choice. Just find one or a few, and when we’re ready we can find a way in.*

***Jon:*** *You just have to remain calm, that’s all. Problem is, it’s fucking disgusting.*

***Aldus:*** *Yeah, they smell bad enough as is.*

Randall looks down the hill, spotting a zombie by itself.

***Randall:*** *Shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll go get it.*

***Aldus:*** *Okay. And before we do it, I want us all to make sure we don’t have any open wounds to worry about. Don’t want the blood in your body.*

***Austin:*** *I’m not wiping that shit on my skin, the clothes are bad enough.*

***Aldus:*** *Austin, we don’t have a choice, man. It’s the end of the world, and with that means there’s risks we have to take even if we don’t like them. This is one of them sadly.*

***Jon:*** *That doesn’t mean we need to smother it all over our skin, man. We should be fine without having to go that far. The clothes should be enough, so long as the stench is rotten enough.*

***Aldus:*** ***(Quietly)*** *I meant just put it on our clothes.*

***Austin:*** *Great…*

In the distance, Randall knocks down the zombie.

***Randall:*** *Yeah, fuck you!*

***Aldus:*** *Reason I mentioned the open wounds is if someone has a tear in their shirt and blood gets in it.*

***Jon:*** *Yeah. We know. Let’s just get this over with.*

***Aldus:*** *Before we do this, I just wanna say I’m sorry we have to. And I’m sorry you’re having to do this a second time. I hope we won’t ever have to again but only time will tell.*

***Jon:*** *I don’t know why you’re sorry, Aldus. It’s not your guts we’re about to be digging through.*

***Austin:*** *Well, come on, let’s get this done quickly.* ***(To Randall)*** *Are you finished with that zombie yet?*

***Jon:*** ***(Muttering)*** *Can’t believe I’m about to do this shit.*

When Randall finishes killing the zombie, he starts dragging it back up to them.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #17**

**FOREST - HILL - EARLY MORNING**

**Jon:** And I’m doing this shit…

JON MATTHEWS sighs, as he reaches into the open stomach of the zombie corpse, smearing its blood and guts over his jacket.

***Randall:*** *Tell me about it… fucking gross, right?*

***Marcus:*** *Make sure you guys get enough on there, don’t be shy.*

***Jon:*** *Yeah, yeah. Goddamn.*

***Austin:*** *Fuckin’ nasty.*

***Marcus:*** *We’ll try to make this quick. We’ll sweep through the building once, and hopefully find them. If we don’t, we’ll know they got out.*

***Jon:*** *Or… they didn’t.*

***Marcus:*** *Yeah… or that* ***(He frowns)***.

MARCUS DOWNES starts to lead everyone down the hill, towards the fence.

***Austin:*** *All we can do is hope they got out.*

***Aldus:*** *Pretty much. Let’s just hope it doesn’t suddenly rain.*

***Jon:*** *It won’t matter. We’re indoors. No sweat.*

They come across the same hole cut into the fence that Albert and Brenden had climbed through hours earlier. They climb through it themselves now, heading towards the massive building.

***Aldus:*** *I meant once we’re outside if some of the zombies followed us. But yeah, no sweat.*

***Jon:*** *Listen, I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan to keep stumbling around like a corpse when we’re back outside, no matter how many dead ones are on my ass.*

***Marcus:*** *Alright, that’s enough. Let’s just get down there. It’s better to be safe than sorry, Jon. It’s dark out.*

***Austin:*** *If it does start to rain, just haul ass back to the car. We can outrun ‘em.*

***Aldus:*** *Yeah.*

***Marcus:*** *There’s an entrance up ahead. Stick close to me.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #18**

**FOREST - HILL - EARLY MORNING**

The maw of the undead echoes throughout the building, as MARCUS DOWNES and the others slowly shuffle their way through, trying to keep calm as they bump into zombies. But through all the blood covering their clothing, they go unnoticed within the crowds of zombies, and manage to make it out the other side of the factory, having found no sign of anybody. Once they’re finally outside and a bit away from the door, Marcus stops, looking back with a frown.

***Randall:*** *What is it? Did you see anything in there?*

***Marcus:*** *No… I didn’t. Did you?*

He shakes his head.

***Austin:*** *Didn’t see anything. Maybe they got out?*

***Marcus:*** *Maybe.*

***Aldus:*** *If they did, should we search around the building?*

***Jon:*** *Search the building?*

***Aldus:*** *No, the area around it. If they made it out then they’d be around here.*

***Jon:*** *If they made it out, then they’re in the exact same position as us.*

***Aldus:*** *Good point. So I guess we make another round?*

***Austin:*** *Another round?*

***Jon:*** *You gotta be shitting me. Look, it’s not that I’m trying to give up on them, but we just went through the entire building and saw nobody. If they were in there, they would either be up high, fighting for their lives, or* ***dead***.

***Austin:*** *Yeah-- I agree with Jon here. We can’t go back in there and expect to find them. We have to hope they got out - maybe they’re back at the motel already.*

***Aldus:*** *So… what do we do now?*

***Marcus:*** *We can take a drive around the surrounding area. Maybe if they got away, they are still nearby, maybe injured. That’s the best we can do, but even then, I’m not expecting much, it’s too dark out.*

***Aldus:*** *That works with me. I just hope they’re all okay.*

***Randall:*** *Me too, buddy. Me too.*

***Marcus:*** *Let’s just head back to the car.*

Marcus turns, starting to walk back towards the fence where they climbed through. The others walk after him.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #19**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - EARLY MORNING**

JARED KELLINGS sits on a bench by himself, staring off into the distance. However, he starts to hear something rattling next to him. When he looks over, he sees LAYTON ZIMMERS shaking a vending machine.

***Layton:*** *Reveal your contents to me, fiend! This is the last time I’ll ask!*

With one more good shake, a couple of soda bottles fall to the bottom.

***Layton:*** *Aha!*

Layton picks up the sodas, throwing them into a bag. He prepares to leave.

***Jared:*** *Uhh… What are you doing?*

***Layton:*** *Oh, hiya, buddy! It’s been a while since we’ve spoke!* ***(He takes out one of his sodas)*** *Cola?*

Jared smiles, taking it from him.

***Jared:*** *Thanks, Layton.*

***Layton:*** *No problemo, friend.*

***Jared: (He opens the bottle, taking a sip)*** *So that’s what you were doing. Vandalizing a vending machine, criminal.*

***Layton:*** *Hey, I’ll have you know, I’m not a criminal. In fact, my criminal record is nearly squeaky clean. I accidentally shot a kid off his bike once in my old neighbourhood but he was fine and apologized for giving me a scare. Ohhh, but enough about me. How’re you doing?*

***Jared:*** *Yeah… Yeah. I’m fine.*

***Layton:*** *You know, I heard you faced the storm head on out there. Must’ve been real scary.*

Jared frowns, looking away.

***Layton:*** *Government drones, Jared. Don’t know where they are. Don’t know what they’re doing. But they’re here.*

***Jared:*** *Heh? Drones?*

***Layton:*** *Yeahhhh, I did my research. I know what’s going on. All of this. Yeah. An experiment, I reckon. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.*

***Jared:*** *What do you mean… all of this?*

***Layton:*** *Oh, you know what I mean* ***(He winks at him)***. *Anyways, I’m going to go back to reading that old newspaper I found. Scandal again, believe it or not, the leftists are trying to ruin my day.* ***(He stumbles off)*** *Have a nice night.*

***Jared:*** *Yeah… See you later.*

Jared looks down, left confused by all of his ramblings. Just a few moments later, he looks up upon seeing a truck entering the motel parking lot, MARCUS DOWNES behind the wheel. He freezes in place, worried at who might step out of the truck with him.

Marcus steps out of the truck, followed by AUSTIN KINGSTON, JON MATTHEWS, RANDALL FORSTER and ALDUS PAXTON. Nobody else is with them.

***Marcus:*** ***(Relieved)*** *Jared. You’re back. Albert, Daniel, and Lolida, too?*

***Jared:*** *No. It’s just me. But-- Nevermind, just go talk to William about it* ***(He frowns)***.

KATE BLOODSTONE comes walking out of her room, having heard the truck pulling in.

***Kate:*** *Marcus!*

She runs over to Marcus, but stops in front of him, catching the sight of his bloody clothes.

***Kate:*** *Uh--*

***Marcus:*** *We went through the factory… nothing.*

WILLIAM REYNES is seen leaving the motel lobby, kicking the door closed behind him. He approaches the returning group, hands deep in his pockets.

***Austin:*** *Someone doesn’t seem happy…*

***William:*** *Albert’s dead.*

***Aldus:*** *…What?*

***Randall:*** *Albert?*

Austin stares at him, going silent for a second, stunned by the information.

***Austin:*** *Huh… He’s-- fuckin’ hell, man. What the fuck happened?*

He looks at William, then over at Jared.

***William: (To Jared)*** *It’s better you tell them.*

Jared hesitates for a moment, gazing around at everybody.

***Jared:*** *He was… ripped apart.*

***Jon:*** *And what about Daniel and Lolida? They dead too?*

***Jared:*** *I don’t know. I lost sight of them before Albert died. I think they ran further into the building, but I’m not sure. There was a whole fuck ton of zombies following them.*

***Jon:*** *You gotta be shitting me. We, uh… we just checked through the building, splattered blood and guts all over ourselves just to take a look and… nothing. It’s possible that… they were fodder in there, after all* ***(He frowns)***.

***Randall:*** *You don’t think they got… uh… eaten… Do you?*

***Jon:*** *I dunno. That, or they escaped.*

***Randall:*** ***(To Jared)*** *But Albert… you know for sure that… he’s… gone?*

***Jared: (He frowns)*** *I heard it.*

Kate shakes her head, frowning deeply.

***Kate:*** *Please, not again.*

Jared quiets down, looking at the ground. Austin shakes his head, looking off into the distance.

***Austin:*** *Jesus Christ.*

***William:*** *I need to stretch my legs* ***(He walks off)***.

***Kate:*** *I’ll prepare a funeral for Albert in the morning. For now, everyone needs to get some rest. We’ve all been up all night.*

***Jon:*** *Yeah… been one hell of a long day.*

***Aldus:*** *I’m gonna-- gonna rest. It’s been a hard day for all of us.*

The group disperse off to their rooms to get much needed rest.

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**Scene #20**

**FOREST - WOODS - EARLY MORNING**

DANIEL ROCKWELL limps through the woods with LOLIDA WINDFIELD. It’s the middle of the night, and both of them are growing more tired by the minute, their pace slowing down. Eventually, they take a moment to rest, leaning onto a tree.

***Daniel:*** *We’re… not gonna make it. At this rate, we’re gonna pass out, Lolida. There’s… a cabin ahead… I can see it… We need to stop there… It’s safer.*

***Lolida:*** *Sounds… good.*

***Daniel:*** *Come on, we can make it.*

Daniel pushes himself off the tree, and starts limping towards the cabin with Lolida. When they make it to the building, Daniel pushes open the door weakly, and escorts Lolida inside. It’s quiet, and they can hardly see a thing - but it’s clear of any zombies. Daniel helps Lolida onto a chair, before he himself collapses to the ground.

***Daniel:*** *We’ll… get… that bastard.*

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**Scene #21**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - MORNING**

Hours later, late into the morning, the entire group, with the exception of Dean, has gathered outside in the parking lot to pay their respects to Albert.

***Kate:*** *I don’t really know where to begin… when it comes to talking about Albert Hanson. He was brave. He was kind, but most importantly, he never lost his humanity. Albert Hanson was a man who always put the lives of others ahead of his own. I’m sorry that Dean can’t be here with us today, he’s been having some issues lately. I feel it would be appropriate… to first call up the man that Albert was with last… Jared Kellings… to say some words… if you will.*

KATE BLOODSTONE gazes towards JARED KELLINGS, and when he notices, he is slow to get to his feet. He slowly approaches the group.

***Jared:*** *I suppose the least I could say was that he was a good man. Back in the hell that was that factory, I had been surrounded from the rest of the group. Yet… it was Albert who saved me. He was the one to come running to my rescue like the beast he was… I’m sorry I couldn’t save him. He didn’t deserve to die like that. No one does.*

***Kate:*** *Thank you, Jared.*

Jared’s eyes glance around at everyone, before he takes a couple of steps back.

***Austin: (He clears his throat)*** *Well, if you don’t mind - I have a few words to say. Albert-- Albert was a good guy - I like him. Someone that you could trust. Even in the worst of circumstances, he kept hope up. After Willamette Mall went to shit and I got lost, Albert was the first man to find me. When the school was getting raided and I was as sick as a dog, Albert was the one who helped me up on my feet and out of there. We weren't always so kind to each other though - after Jon, Randall, Ed and I came back from that manor with the RV, I drank myself to bed. Albert found me the next morning, hungover. He had heard about what happened at the manor - and after seeing me like this, scolded me. His words-- they really made me rethink what I was doing. I was drinking myself to death, and I didn't care. I promised to Albert that from there on out I would stop drinking. I intend to keep that promise.*

***Kate: (She smiles)*** *We should all strive to honour Albert by keeping his philosophy alive. If it weren’t for Albert, we’d never have come to this motel and saved Brenden’s life. Albert believed in doing the right thing. When people need saving, let’s all vow that we will always come to their aid. For Albert.*

***Randall: (Quietly)*** *For Albert.*

***Jared:*** *For Albert.*

***Aldus:*** *For Albert.*

***Marcus:*** *For Albert.*

***Austin:*** *For Albert.*

Kate nods to everyone, stepping back.

***Kate:*** *Thank you all for coming.*

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**Scene #22**

**MOTEL - WILLIAM & REBECCA’S ROOM**

Sometime after the funeral, REBECCA DAWSON returns to her room, where she finds WILLIAM REYNES standing at the back of the room, staring out the back window.

***Rebecca:*** *Hey.*

William turns, snapping out of it.

***William:*** *Oh, sorry. Didn’t hear you come in.*

***Rebecca:*** *I can tell that being cooped up in here is doing you no good. You wish you were at the cereal factory when it happened, don’t you?*

***William:*** *…Yeah. Yeah, I do. I don’t feel myself, being stuck in here, doing nothing - while everyone else puts their lives on the line. That’s not how things should be* ***(He sighs)***.

***Rebecca:*** *I get it. I do. I feel the same way. You can always go out, blow off some steam. Even a simple perimeter check would do you good, it’d be healthy.*

***William:*** *Maybe you’re right. I don’t know. All I know is I need to take my mind off of it. I’m not letting anybody else die. Maybe I’ll go out on a supply run - that might help.*

***Rebecca:*** *And hey, you can take Jared along… you could both use some cheering up right now. Lloyd’s been getting along with Brenden, making him feel at home here, but I dread to think what Jared’s dealing with right now.*

***William:*** *Jared… must’ve gotten hell from Daniel and Lolida while he was out there with them. He could do with some mano-e-mano, you’re right.* ***(He nods)*** *Thank you. Really.*

***Rebecca:*** *Don’t sweat it. Just… do your thing, you’re pretty good at it.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #23**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - LATE MORNING**

WILLIAM REYNES steps out of his room, looking around. He almost instantly spots JARED KELLINGS from afar, and starts approaching him.

***William:*** *Hey, bitch boy. You’re coming with.*

***Jared:*** *Hey, boss. Coming where?*

***William:*** *I don’t know. Out. Somewhere. A walk. You could do with it.*

Jared narrows his eyes, somewhat suspicious, though he nods his head.

***Jared:*** *Yeah, I could.*

He stands up, starting to walk with William towards the motel gate.

***Jared:*** *Any particular ideas for where to go?*

***William:*** *We’ll follow the road - see where it takes us. Let’s call it ‘perimeter duty’* ***(He smiles)***.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #24**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - LATE MORNING**

WILLIAM REYNES and JARED KELLINGS slowly walk down the road, now some distance from the motel. William pulls out a water bottle, while using a hiking stick to help walk with.

***William:*** *Being cooped up in the motel won’t do you any good after… what happened. Sure as shit isn’t doing me any good. Catch.*

He tosses Jared a water bottle. He catches it, and unscrews the cap to take a sip.

***Jared:*** *Thanks.*

***William:*** *Listen… About Albert. It’s not your fault. Things happen in this world… and the world has to keep moving forward regardless. There was nothing you could’ve done to prevent it. I can tell by the look in your eyes you’re beat up about it.*

Jared glances at him, as he goes to stuff the water bottle into his bag.

***Jared:*** *I’m alright, but… What about you? I mean… put it in layman’s terms, one of your men died. You have to be beat up about it too, right? I’ll listen. If you want.*

***William:*** *After Jacob’s death… I don’t think people dying hits me in the same way anymore. I just need to find the… the resolve - you could say - to stop it happening ever again. There doesn’t need to be another one of those funerals, as long as I can keep everyone safe. And Jared - thank you. For trying to better yourself. You’ve done God’s work -- and one day, Daniel and the others will see that too.*

Jared smiles bitterly, shaking his head softly.

***Jared:*** *You know… Daniel and Lolida gave me shit the whole way there, and while we were in that factory. And they left me to die. It was Albert who saved me. Despite all that, despite all the unfair shit they’ve been throwing at me… I still hope they’re alive* ***(He smiles at him earnestly)***.

***William:*** *Left you to die? I expected them not to trust you - that much was clear - but they left you to die?*

***Jared:*** *Yeah. I couldn’t exactly hear too well over the sound of almost getting eaten alive, but I’m sure Daniel said ‘leave him’. Lolida and Daniel ran off, and that was the last I saw of them.*

***William:*** *That… settles it then. When they’re home, safe and sound -- I’ll have words with them. Give them an ultimatum. They need to drop that shit about Isaac. It’s stupid to pin it on you over happenstance.*

Jared smiles once again, satisfied.

***Jared:*** *Yeah. Let’s just hope they make it home and safe.*

***William:*** *Hearing how the kid described it… I’m doubtful, at this stage.*

***Jared:*** *The kid didn’t experience the worst of it. They ran further into the factory, so I’m sure--*

He pauses, as he catches the sight of a zombie staggering out of the woods up ahead of them, almost falling over onto the road. The zombie looks around, seeing Jared and William - and immediately starts limping towards them, hastily.

***Jared:*** *That one’s fresh.*

Another figure hobbles out of the woods behind it, limping heavier than the first. Jared narrows his eyes, confused at the sight. As the ‘zombies’ get closer to them, it becomes apparent that they’re actually alive.

***Daniel:*** *This one… is sick of your bullshit.*

***Lolida:*** *Motherfucker…*

***Jared:*** *What--*

***William:*** *Wait… wait, wait--*

***Lolida:*** *Motherfucker!*

***Daniel:*** *You--* ***(He points at William)*** *--Why are you standing next to him, huh? Standing next to the MONSTER who killed your friend.*

***Lolida:*** *Pushed-- Albert…*

***William:*** *What?*

Jared's eyes open wider, as his hand grips a knife. His mind starts to race.

***Jared:*** *What- what are you talking about? Have you gone insane?*

LOLIDA WINDFIELD suddenly collapses to the ground, going unconscious.

***Daniel:*** *Lolida!*

DANIEL ROCKWELL kneels down next to him, checking to make sure he’s still alive. He then glares back up at Jared, gritting his teeth. Jared gulps, starting to sweat profusely.

***Daniel:*** *You did this… YOU DID THIS! THIS WAS YOU!*

***Jared:*** *What? No-- That’s impossible. I saw you two fleeing in a different direction!*

***William:*** *Hold on - hold on a second. We’ll get Lolida home safe, but first we’ve gotta compose ourselves a little and talk.*

***Jared:*** *You two ran in a completely different direction than me and Albert! How could I have--*

***Daniel:*** *Threw us down into a pit of corpses and left us to DIE! Stabbed Lolida in the fucking KNEE! No, I’m done talking! I am DONE talking. We spent the night in a pit. Our bones are broken. Lolida is NEARLY DEAD!I WON’T SIT HERE AND LISTEN TO YOU DEFEND HIM!*

***Jared:*** *I DIDN’T!*

***Daniel:*** *ADMIT IT!*

Daniel gets to his feet, stumbling towards Jared.

***Jared:*** *Because of you, because you DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE-- ALBERT IS DEAD!*

***William:*** *Hold on… hold on--*

***Jared:*** *YOU JUST HAD TO- HAD TO KEEP GOING, AND ALBERT DIED IN THAT FACTORY!*

***Daniel:*** *ADMIT WHAT YOU DID, COME ON! YOU LAUGHED AT US AS YOU LEFT US TO FUCKING DIE!*

***Jared:*** *WHAT?! LOOK AT YOURSELF! YOU’RE MORE ZOMBIE THAN HUMAN AT THIS POINT!*

***Daniel:*** *I’m going to kill you, Jared. Here and now. You’re not worming your way out of this one you fucking piece of shit.*

Jared grips his knife tighter, stepping back.

***Jared:*** *Will-- William, he’s gone fucking insane!*

***Daniel:*** *Have I? My friend is lying on the ground, nearly dead. Because of you.*

***William: (To Daniel)*** *Think of Lolida. He’s bleeding out, and entering shock. Bring him home.*

***Daniel:*** *Oh, I plan to. But he’s already been bleeding out all fucking night. This BASTARD attacked him.*

***William:*** *Just… bring him home. Please.*

***Daniel:*** *I’m not going anywhere, not until this bastard is dead.*

***Jared:*** *I swear. I swear to God the last I saw of these two was when they LEFT me for dead!*

***Daniel:*** *Left you for dead because you’re a scumbag. Albert would still be alive if he hadn’t gone back for you.*

William goes silent, staring at Lolida on the ground, taking notice of all his injuries - primarily his stab wound. He does the same thing with Daniel.

***Jared:*** *Yes… you’re probably right. If he hadn’t have come back for me, he wouldn’t have been--*

William suddenly turns to Jared, raising his hiking stick. He bashes it across the side of his head, sending the man to the ground. Jared stutters, facing the ground, dazed. William smacks him over the head again, his head being pushed against the pavement.

***Daniel:*** *Fucking little rat. Admit what you did. How about you die with some fucking dignity.*

***Jared:*** *William-- what the fuck--*

***William:*** *I trusted you. The state of them alone… is proof enough. You’re a Judas. A black cat. Now admit to it.*

***Daniel:*** *Nothing more than a coward… a motherfucking… stupid fucking coward.*

Jared rolls over, staring up at William, the side of his head bleeding.

***Jared:*** *What are you… are you seriously… taking their side? Look at them-- They’re clearly… insane!*

***Daniel:*** *Tell me this, William. If Jared didn’t stab Lolida in the fucking knee. Who did? Me? Lolida himself? A fucking zombie?*

***William:*** *Yeah… I can’t believe I was dumb enough to break bread with a fucking… I don’t know what to call you anymore.*

In a last ditch effort, Jared starts reaching for his knife that he’d dropped. He fumbles to take hold of it, allowing William to deliver a powerful kick to the side of his head. Jared screams in pain, grabbing his head. William strolls up to him, and plants his boot on top of his head, holding him there.

***Daniel: (To Jared)*** *Remind me again… What was it you said to me again, before leaving us to die? JKHD signing off, I believe?*

***Jared:*** *I swear, William-- I didn’t… No.*

***William:*** *That’d make sense… yeah. Sounds like something he’d say.* ***(To Jared)*** *I had hope in you. When nobody else did. Why shatter my trust?*

William presses his boot against Jared’s head harder, making him yell in pain. His arms flail, trying to get him off. Blood starts to trickle down onto his face, covering his eyes, which start to go blurry from not only that, but from his head trauma.

***William:*** *In fact… here.*

William pulls out his pistol, discreetly ejecting the magazine and emptying the rack in the chamber. He offers it down to Jared.

***William:*** *You have all the power now. Save yourself.*

Seeing the opportunity, Jared snatches the gun, waving it up in the direction of William and Daniel, slamming down the trigger. All he hears are clicks. He clambers to get to his feet, trying to wipe the blood away from his eyes.

***Daniel:*** *Aha. Ahahahahahaah!*

***William:*** *Exactly.*

William tackles Jared to the floor once again, and starts delivering punch after punch square in his face. He tries desperately to block the punches, as he screams out.

***Jared:*** *PLEASE-- PLEASEEE!*

William delivers a final punch, which knocks Jared out cold. He stands up, his fists covered in blood, some of his knuckles probably broken. Jared’s face is covered in blood itself, with cuts all over it. His nose is bent, as blood leaks out of it.

***William: (To Daniel)*** *Get Lolida. We’re going home. He doesn’t die yet.*

***Daniel:*** *What?*

***William:*** *Just do it.*

Daniel huffs, as he turns around to go pick Lolida up. William meanwhile bends down to pick up Jared.

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #25**

**MOTEL - BALCONY - EVENING**

KATE BLOODSTONE walks up the steps to the second floor balcony of the motel, where she spots REBECCA DAWSON standing outside of her and William’s room.

***Kate:*** *Well? Anything?*

***Rebecca:*** *He’s been sitting in there all day. He came back. He dumped Jared in an empty room, made sure Daniel and Lolida were rested, and then disappeared. He isn’t talking. He isn’t eating. He’s just… blank.*

***Kate:*** *Jon’s sitting outside of Jared’s room to make sure he doesn’t try anything… but… in his state… I don’t think he’d be able to.*

***Rebecca: (She sighs)*** *I need to speak with William.*

***Kate:*** *I understand.*

**Scene #25 Cont.**

**MOTEL - WILLIAM & REBECCA’S ROOM**

Rebecca knocks lightly on the door, before stepping inside and closing the door. She looks over at WILLIAM REYNES, who’s sitting on the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet.

***Rebecca:*** *Hey, Will? Will. Come on, say something.*

***William:*** *There’s nothing for me to say. What do you* ***want*** *me to say?*

***Rebecca:*** *You’ve been in here all day. You’re beginning to worry people. I get it, you trusted him, and he deceived you. What now? You need to confront him and settle this. Talk to him.*

***William:*** *I don’t want to see his face right now. I was dumb enough - naive enough - to eat up the good samaritan act he put on for me. I don’t like mincing words, when actions can be taken to fix things instead.*

William stands up, approaching the door, slowly.

***William:*** *Go get him for me. Bring him out to the parking lot.*

He doesn’t let her reply, as he opens the door, stepping out.

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**Scene #26**

**MOTEL - SPARE ROOM**

REBECCA DAWSON steps inside the room, closing the door behind her with a sigh.

***Rebecca:*** *Jared.*

She looks over towards the bed, where a bloodied and broken silhouette lays, covered by shadows.

***Rebecca:*** *Come on, Jared. I want you to talk to me for a few minutes. Can you do that? You’ve been resting all day, after all, but, that was one hell of a beating you took, wasn’t it?*

The figure on the bed moves, the sounds of a rope tugging being heard. Then, a faint, quivering voice replies.

***Jared:*** *Let me… Let me speak to William.*

***Rebecca:*** *William doesn’t want to speak to you, Jared. Hell, he doesn’t even want to speak to me.*

She sighs, pulling out a chair and sitting beside the bed.

***Rebecca:*** *I’m the best you’ve got. Honestly, I’d consider yourself lucky that it’s me you’re talking to right now.*

***Jared:*** *I’m sorry…*

***Rebecca:*** *Sorry for what?*

***Jared:*** *One more… chance.*

JARED KELLINGS coughs and wheezes, as blood oozes out of his mouth.

***Jared:*** *Sorry for… everything.*

***Rebecca:*** *Back in Denver… Did you leave Isaac to die?*

Jared turns to look at her for the first time, his face covered in dried blood, and swollen to hell. His eyes are hardly open, his vision still blurry. All he can make out is the silhouette of Rebecca in front of him.

***Jared:*** *Yes… it was-- my only chance at survival.*

***Rebecca:*** *And at the cereal factory… with Albert… that was you as well? Honesty is your best chance at survival now, Jared.*

A disgusting cough comes from Jared, followed by gurgling, as Jared spits blood and mucus.

***Jared:*** *Albert was a good man. He saved me. Yes… I… I pushed him into that horde-- I had to!*

***Rebecca:*** *…Why? Why did you do all of this? Out of fear? Out of - survival instinct? Self preservation, is that it?*

***Jared:*** *Tell me… Rebecca. What would you… have done? You’re surrounded by the dead. On top of a bunch of-- loosening crates, about to plummet--* ***(He coughs)*** *--into them… Isaac was the same!* ***(Quietly)*** *I had to…*

***Rebecca:*** *I would* ***never*** *betray one of my friends, Jared. I would* ***never*** *abandon them to die, or cause their death. It doesn’t matter what you say… that’s a foreign concept to me. These people, out here on the road, they mean the world to me. They’re my family now. I love them all. You were given a chance to join that family. William trusted you. I trusted you. Albert clearly trusted you. But you’re… you’re sick. Your way of thinking is… wrong. We were never a family to you… we were a means to an end, a method of survival, people keeping you safe. All the stress William went to… in order to keep you safe from Daniel and Lolida? It was all for nothing. They were right. They were crazy, but they were right. And I feel sorry for you, Jared. Not because you deserve it, but because you’re such a tiny, spineless man. You brought everything on yourself… and now look at you. It’s a sorry sight. It’s a fall from grace. I’m sad you’re not the man I thought you were… Maybe that’s who I feel sorry for at the end of the day.*

The rope tying Jared’s hands together behind his back begin to tighten, as he tries pulling his wrists free of them. He growls at her.

***Jared:*** *I’m not a monster… I did what I had to… to SURVIVE!*

***Rebecca:*** *And here you are… surviving. Good job, Jared* ***(She stands up)***.

***Jared:*** *If there was… any--* ***(He coughs)*** *--Any other way, do you think I would have done what I did?! That was all I had left!*

***Rebecca:*** *That doesn’t make it right, Jared. Stop trying to justify your actions… It's disgusting.*

Jared glares at her, as his hands relax.

***Jared:*** *One day… those lovely, safe ideals of yours-- they’re gonna come… crashing DOWN ON YOU!*

***Rebecca:*** *Maybe. But I’ll put up one hell of a fight to stop that from happening.*

Jared starts to struggle again, as Rebecca approaches him.

***Rebecca:*** *As it happens, Jared… William did ask me to bring you outside.*

He stops, slumping back into the bed.

***Jared:*** *What…?*

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**Scene #27**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - MID EVENING**

Out towards the front of the parking lot, WILLIAM REYNES is standing quietly in front of a tree, staring up at Jared’s room. The entire group is outside, including DANIEL ROCKWELL and LOLIDA WINDFIELD, who are seated a bit further from the rest of the group, waiting.

The door to Jared’s temporary room opens, as REBECCA DAWSON comes walking out, escorting JARED KELLINGS down the steps. Jared looks around, but hardly manages to make out much of anything. When they make it to the bottom of the stairs, Rebecca starts to grow suspicious, looking towards William.

***Rebecca:*** *William. What is this?*

She lets go of Jared, who falls to his knees.

***Jared:*** *Willi-- William… Where is he? William!*

William turns to the tree, grabbing two things beside it: a stool and some rope.

***Kate:*** *William…*

***William: (Ignoring her)*** *Get him into position, Jon.*

As JON MATTHEWS approaches him, Jared is able to make out somebody placing a stool beneath a large tree branch. He knows something isn’t right.

***Jared:*** *Wait…*

Jon grabs him, dragging him over to the tree, and placing him on top of the stool.

***Jon:*** *Just you stay right there.*

Jon ties the rope into a noose, and wraps it around Jared’s neck, before swinging it up onto the branch and tying it. Jared panics as he feels the rope around his neck.

***Jared:*** *William-- WILLIAM! I’M… I’M SORRY, OKAY--- GARRGHHH!*

KATE BLOODSTONE looks towards William nervously.

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

Blood flies from Jared’s mouth, as he hyperventilates, growing worried.

***Jared:*** *Wait… stop--*

***Dean:*** *What - what’s going on here? No, no-- I’m not watching this.*

DEAN HOWARDS starts to walk away, but Jon stops him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

***Jon:*** *Dean.*

***Dean:*** *This - I can’t watch this. No.*

***Jared:*** *Help… Some…one… please. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I won’t…*

William steps in front of Jared, looking around at everyone.

***William:*** *You’re all gathered here today -- because I have a demonstration to make.*

***Jared:*** *I won’t do it again-- I’ll change. I promise, I swear.*

***William:*** *This has to happen - and you all have to see this - because of what he did. He stabbed me in the back. Not just me-- but the rest of you too.*

Jared wheezes out in pain, looking down at William.

***Jared:*** *You’re… seriously gonna kill me in the dead of night? Wait. Will--*

A broken rib suddenly moves inside Jared’s chest, causing him to whimper out in pain.

***William:*** *He’s the reason Isaac’s dead. He’s the reason Albert’s dead. And all of you, standing here today, thinking this is some monstrous, horrible act? Jared here - would’ve done the SAME THING TO YOU. If it came down to it - any fucking one of you could be Albert right now. And I can’t let that happen.*

Dean looks over, frowning.

***Dean:*** *…Albert?*

Lolida grins from his seat beside Daniel.

***Lolida: (Muttering)*** *We finally got him, Isaac…*

***Jared:*** *Wait… please… I won’t… do it again. I did it to survive… I promise.*

***Jon:*** *Shut the fuck up and listen.*

***William:*** *This is for the benefit of the entire group. What I do her today - tonight - at this very moment - is an act of justice. The reaping of seeds that Jared has sown. He lies, and lies. And if I keep this RAT BASTARD ALIVE… He’s just going to do it over… and over. Again and again. It’s who he is.*

William stares Jared down, and Jared realizes this. He starts to come to the realization that there’s no way out of this.

***Jared:*** *William… don’t… do this…*

***William:*** *When I send him to hell - I don’t do it for me. I do it for you.*

William points around at different people in the group.

***William:*** *I do it for you. I do it for you. I do it for you. And I do it… for the REST OF YOU. Let him be an example of what happens to scumbags like him. Zero tolerance for Judas’s.*

Kate steps forward slowly, looking at William.

***Kate:*** *William… Stop this. There-- there has to be a better way to do it - but this, it’s--*

William looks at her for only a moment, before turning back to Jared. He kicks the stool out from under him without hesitation. Jared’s legs fall, dangling, flailing wildly in the air. His entire body wriggles around, as he gasps and gags, trying to get air. His eyes begin to bulge out, his beaten and broken face turning purple and blue. And then the squirming stops, as Jared’s body goes limp. The group around the parking lot slowly begin to disperse back to their rooms, as Jared’s body hangs there, swaying gently in the wind.