coming home the third story in the ardimagus trilogy revisions by · 2017. 8. 29. · coming home...

Coming Home

byRoger Schumacher

The Third Story in the Ardimagus Trilogy

Revisions byRevision 1 - August 2009Roger Schumacher 8/8/09

Roger Schumacher1903 Park Avenue Apt # BSouth Plainfield, New Jersey [email protected]

FADE IN:

EXT. BEACH HOUSE - EARLY EVENING

A small beach house sits on a sandy bank overlooking the shoreline. The sun is SETTING behind the house.

INT. BEACH HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

The living room is tastefully furnished and neatly kept. The SOUND of the ocean outside can be heard through an open window.

Warlord is standing in the middle of the room. He is dressed in his Hunter attire. He LOOKS at his surroundings.

WARLORDWhat am I doing here?

SUNSHINE (V.O.)You are not really here. In fact you are far from home.

Warlord TURNS and sees the face of Sunshine looking back at him. She stands at one end of the room. She is dressed as she was on the day of their last picnic.

WARLORDThis isn’t real. This is a dream.

Sunshine never meets his eyes, She walks around the room stopping at the open window. She parts the curtains and looks out at the open sea.

SUNSHINEA dream, our life together was a dream. Our days melded one into the next creating the love that made this dream reality.

Warlord WATCHES her from his spot in the living room.

SUNSHINE (CONT’D)Until the day when you forgot reality.

Warlord WALKS over to where she is and stands a short distance behind her.

WARLORDForgot? I could never forget you, this place or what we shared.

(MORE)

They are the only things that have kept me alive all these years.

Warlord looks at Sunshine her hair NEARLY brushing his face.

Sunshine FEELS him close. Her smile fades as she TURNS from the window.

Sunshine walks back to the opposite side of the room.

SUNSHINEYou have forgotten. Our dream, our life has nothing to do with revenge. You have lost your way.

Warlord WATCHES her cross the room. His face filled with emotion.

WARLORDWhat do you mean?

Sunshine TURNS her EYES FIXED on him for the first time.

SUNSHINEYou’ve become something else. You’re standing in front of me now someone different. Someone manufactured by others for a purpose.

Warlord does not MEET her gaze. Her TRUTH stinging him.

SUNSHINE (CONT’D)You have lost yourself in another world. You even deny your name replacing it with another. You must find your way back.

Warlord LOOKS up at her.

WARLORDHow, I don’t know how?

Sunshine’s smile returns. She walks toward him.

SUNSHINEYou must start by letting go of the past. I asked you once to let me go. You never did.

Warlord STEPS to meet her. They stand inches apart.

WARLORDI love you. I can’t let go.

2.

WARLORD (CONT'D)

Sunshine REACHES up with a gentle hand touching his face.

SUNSHINEThe first step in coming home is to let go of the pain of the past. Leave it behind. You know this.

Warlord REACHES up taking her hand in his.

WARLORDAre you saying in order to come home I must leave you behind? There would be no home without you.

Sunshine TAKES his hand gently kissing it before letting it go.

SUNSHINEYou are carrying the memory of that day. That day has become us to you. That is not what we have shared.

Sunshine turns leaving him walking a short distance away.

SUNSHINE (CONT’D)By letting go of the pain. You will remember us and your true name. You’ll be able to come back home.

Sunshine turns facing Warlord.

Warlord stood watching her.

SUNSHINE (CONT’D)It will be a difficult road. You can’t succeed alone. You lost the trust of those that believed in you. Regaining that will take time. Then there is still the task. The one you were chosen for. This too must be completed if we are to be together again.

Warlord SMILES for the first time at her.

WARLORDWe can be together again. We can have the dream?

Sunshine’s gentle laugh MET his ears.

3.

SUNSHINEYou, always with the sweet talk. Yes we will be together again. I wait for you here in the dream.

Warlord continues to smile at Sunshine.

WARLORDThe dream, the dream...

CUT TO:

INT. CELL 265 AT BELLEVUE HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

Warlord OPENS his eyes. He looks around at the cell. He struggles to sit upright in the straight jacket he’s bound in. He props himself up into a corner of the cell.

Slowly he CLOSES his eyes and breathes deeply relaxing his mind and body.

WARLORDLet it go. Let it all go she said.

Warlord REPEATS the phrase over and over again. His breathing becomes steady a slight smile crossing his face. For the first time he does not hear the voices of guilt in his head.

INT. OFFICE OF ORIN PETER’S - DAY

Orin walks into the office carrying a newspaper. He TOSSES it onto his desk. A short story with the headline, “MAN SUSPECTED IN DISAPPEARANCE OF PROMINENT PSYCHOLOGIST CAPTURED”. Orin sits down and begins going through the case files sitting on his desk.

John Harris the other cold case detective is standing in Orin’s doorway.

JOHNHey Orin nice job on catching that guy responsible for Doctor Phillips disappearance.

Orin keeps his back to John and his nose in the files.

ORINThanks John.

4.

JOHNI even have some good news for you. The Lieutenant has decided to assign you some help on the rest of the missing person cases.

Orin prepares for something he knows he won’t like.

ORINI can’t imagine who that would be.

JOHNYours truly I know hold your applause.

Orin closes his eyes and wishes he was somewhere else.

ORINThat’s great, just great.

John walks into the office and comes over to Orin’s desk. He is looking over Orin’s shoulder at what he is reading.

JOHNThere’s still a lot more cases here. The Lieutenant says even more are coming in. Do you think there could be a copy cat guy out there responsible?

Orin OPENS his eyes.

ORINThis is not going to be a good day.

EXT. SAGE COLLEGE AT ALBANY - DAY

An outdoor graduation ceremony is in progress.

It has been staged on a large outdoor field with a stage at on end. There are rows of chairs lined up in front of the stage where the graduates are sitting dressed in dark colored cap and gowns.

Behind these rows of graduates parents and family members populate a large area of seats. Everyone is watching the parade of graduates CROSSING the stage and receiving their higher degrees.

Buddy is sitting among them as Maggie’s name is called.

5.

EXT. SAGE COLLEGE GRADUATION STAGE - CONTINUOUS

The DEAN (older man also dressed is cap and gown) is reading the names of the graduates as they come to the stage.

DEANMargaret Henderson Criminal Justice Major with a Psychology Minor.

Maggie standing in line with her classmates begins to cross the stage as her name is called.

Maggie REACHES the Dean. He hands her a degree and they shake hands.

Buddy watches from his seat.

BUDDY Way to go Maggie!

Maggie finishes crossing the stage and returns to a seat in the row of graduates.

EXT. SAGE COLLEGE GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS

A fence circles the outer field. Well apart from the graduates and the spectators. A Follower APPROACHES the fence unseen by any.

INT. ARDIMAGUS COMMAND CENTER ESTABLISHING - CONTINUOUS

Ardimagus sits on his throne watching the POV monitor of the Follower at the ceremony. He SEES Maggie and smiles.

ARDIMAGUSShe is the one from Port Authority. If she is there then so is Buddy.

INT. CELL 265 AT BELLEVUE HOSPITAL - DAY

A table and two chairs now occupy Warlord’s cell. Warlord is sitting in one still in a straight jacket. His face is expressionless.

In the other chair sits DOCTOR MCBRIDE. (Mid fifties thin build wearing classes.) He has a clip board with a file on it in his hands. Flipping another page he continues.

DOCTOR MCBRIDEYou have been here for over a week and you still refuse to talk.

6.

Warlord says nothing looking at the doctor.

DOCTOR MCBRIDE (CONT’D)You could help yourself a great deal if you would speak.

Warlord remains silent watching the doctor.

Doctor Mcbride turns another page on the chart.

DOCTOR MCBRIDE (CONT’D)You were captured trying to leave the office of Doctor Henry Phillips. Why were you there?

Warlord LOOKS over the doctor’s shoulder. Sunshine is standing there next to the door of the cell dressed in her bathrobe. She smiles at him.

WARLORD (V.O.)The dream...the dream...

Warlord SMILES at the vision of Sunshine.

Doctor Mcbride tries another tactic.

DOCTOR MCBRIDEI’m sure you have a name. John Doe 265 doesn’t have the greatest appeal.

Warlord looks back at Doctor Mcbride.

WARLORDMy name is Warlord.

The vision of Sunshine is gone.

Warlord SEES this and looks to the Doctor.

DOCTOR MCBRIDEWell progress at last. Hello Warlord my name is Doctor Mcbride. Do you know why you’re here.

WARLORDYes.

DOCTOR MCBRIDEWhy is that?

WARLORDBecause you caught me.

7.

Doctor Mcbride settles in for another long day.

EXT. STREET IN ALBANY NEW YORK - EARLY EVENING

Maggie and Buddy are walking toward her home. She has her graduation robe over one arm. Buddy walks at her side.

BUDDYI’m proud of you. This is quite an accomplishment.

MAGGIEIt was a lot of work but worth it. It will help bring better opportunities to me and us.

EXT. MAGGIE’S APARTMENT HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

They reach the front door of Maggie’s apartment house.

BUDDYThis has been a perfect day. No more missions or secrets. No more partners that’s all in the past.

Maggie begins to rummage for her keys.

MAGGIEYeah, can’t say I’ll miss you being in the city all the time.

Buddy’s devilish grin crosses his face.

BUDDYWell it will be even better when we’re out of here and back in the boroughs. I’m not much for life here in the sticks.

Maggie takes out her keys.

MAGGIEAlbany is hardly the sticks borough boy.

Across the street several Followers have gathered.

Darts SLIP into blowguns. EYES REFLECT Buddy and Maggie standing at the front door.

Followers WAIT for the final instruction.

8.


Monitors show Maggie and Buddy at the front door of the apartment house.

ARDIMAGUS (V.O.)Move in and finish them.

EXT. STREET ACROSS FROM APARTMENT HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

The Followers REACT to the voice in their head. They move across the street blow guns ready.

Buddy and Maggie are at the front door to the apartment house.

Follower FOOTSTEPS cross the street.

Maggie INSERTS the door key into the lock.

Follower EYES WATCH them.

Maggie SLIDES the key into the door lock and turns it. The door BEGINS to open.

Follower FEET move FASTER.

Blowguns are readied and AIMED.

Maggie steps in the doorway the outer door SWINGING OPEN.

Buddy looks away from Maggie and sees Followers REFLECTED on the glass pane of the outer door.

He turns FAST and draws his .22 Caliber gun.

Buddy PUSHES Maggie inside the door.

Follower DARTS fly on their journey.

Buddy PUSHES his way inside the door past Maggie.

The darts HIT the door in RAPID SUCCESSION.

INT. APARTMENT HOUSE FOYER - CONTINUOUS

Buddy turns and OPENS the door firing.

Two Followers fall others advance.

Buddy GRABS Maggie’s hand.

9.

BUDDYCome on!

Maggie tries to say something but Buddy has pulled her back outside. He and Maggie begin to run down the street.

EXT. APARTMENT HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Maggie turns and SEES the Followers coming behind them.

Buddy turns and corner and Maggie stumbles. He drops his .22 Caliber pistol. He picks up Maggie.

Maggie REACHES for the gun and TAKES it.

Buddy is dragging her along as they are chased.

EXT. ALBANY STREET CORNER - CONTINUOUS

A Follower EMERGES from the corner they are approaching.

Buddy SEES him and positions himself IN FRONT of Maggie.

Maggie goes down on one knee FORCING Buddy to come down to her.

The Follower FIRES his blowgun. The dart MISSING Buddy.

The Follower comes closer preparing his blowgun for another shot.

A gunshot SOUNDS and the Follower falls turning to dust.

Buddy looks behind him.

Maggie is on one knee holding the .22 Caliber pistol in a shooting stance.

MAGGIEI only hit him in the shoulder.

The Followers in pursuit see what has happened.

ARDIMAGUS (V.O.)Halt pursuit. Return to search and conversion positions.

The Followers lower their blowguns and begin to disperse.

Maggie and Buddy rise to their feet.

10.

A police car is coming down the street. Maggie hides the gun on her.

MAGGIEWhat the hell was that all about!

EXT. LONE TRAIN TRACKS ON THE EASTERN SEABOARD - EVENING

A deserted railroad track sits out among the empty woods.

A pickup truck sits at a railroad crossing. The barricade is down and lights are flashing.

A train APPROACHES the crossing light FILLING the screen.

INT. CAB OF PICK UP TRUCK - CONTINUING

A man sits in the driver’s seat truck DRINKING from a bottle wrapped in a paper bag.

EXT. LONE TRAIN TRACKS ON THE EASTERN SEABOARD - CONTINUING

The train REACHES the railroad crossing.

The truck headlights ILLUMINATE the train as it goes by.

The Man continues to drink from his bottle.

The truck headlights REVEAL the train.

The Man SEES the train for the first time.

The train is made up of old commuter passenger train cars.

The WINDOWS REVEAL Followers CRAMMED inside every inch of the passenger cars.

Follower FACES are looking out the window as the train passes.

INT. CAB OF PICK UP TRUCK - CONTINUING

The Man’s EYES grow wide. He takes the bottle from his lips.

The train FINISHES passing the crossing. The barricade begins to rise as the flashing lights go off.

The Man still sits in the truck. He looks at the bottle he’s been drinking from.

11.

INT. HOTEL ROOM ALBANY NEW YORK - EVENING

Maggie sits in a chair holding a half empty glass of wine.

Buddy is sitting across from her.

BUDDYThat’s who Ardimagus is. That’s why We were brought in to stop him. I have been in the city ever since trying to end it.

Maggie sat frozen in her seat.

MAGGIEIts too fantastic. It doesn’t seem real at all.

Buddy rises and looks out the window of the hotel room.

BUDDYRight now there are two things that are real. The first is we can’t go back to your apartment.

MAGGIEWhy not?

BUDDYIt’s not safe. Ardimagus knows where you live. He’ll try and get us again I’m sure of it. Looks like Warlord was right after all. There will be no peace for any of us until this is done.

Maggie RISES and joins him at the window.

MAGGIEWhat do you plan to do?

BUDDYThat’s the second thing. This can’t end without Warlord. I have to get my old partner back.

MAGGIEAre you sure you want to do that? From what you told me he sounds like a complete lunatic.

12.

BUDDYWant to no, I have to. We still have work to do.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CELL 265 AT BELLEVUE HOSPITAL - EVENING

Warlord sits in his cell. Still wrapped in a straight jacket he replays the events that led to his incarceration.

Warlord and Ardimagus are in the Hunter Sanctuary.

Warlord is sits in the inner office of Henry Phillips.

Warlord shoots the Follower he and Buddy captured.

Warlord and Buddy are arguing over what has happened.

Warlord seeing the S.W.A.T. Team standing outside the elevator.

WARLORD (V.O.)Sam and Buddy tried to tell me but I wouldn’t listen. The doctors will keep questioning me about the disappearances. Sooner or later they will find out the truth. I must escape from here.

Warlord looks around his cell.

WARLORD (V.O.) (CONT’D)Ardimagus’s plan has worked too well. I let him manipulate me into making this happen. Damn fool.

Warlord hears footsteps coming down the hall. He looks up.

WARLORD (CONT’D)Too early for the orderly to be making the rounds.

Warlord LOOKS to the window of his cell. A SHADOW is standing there.

There is sound outside the cell door. Metal on metal.

The cell door slowly OPENS. The figure of Buddy is silhouetted in the light of the hallway.

Warlord sees the figure.

13.

Buddy enters the cell and begins to cut warlord out of the straight jacket.

Warlord does not look at Buddy.

WARLORD (CONT’D)I didn’t think I would see you again.

Buddy free hand holds his .22 caliber in it. He JAMES the gun into Warlord’s head.

BUDDYIf it was up to me I’d let you rot for the rest of your days. Circumstances have said otherwise. He came after Maggie and me.

WARLORDI’m sorry that happened.

Buddy REPEATS his gesture with his gun. He continues to work on the straight jacket.

BUDDYSave the sob story. This changes nothing. I don’t trust you but I need you in order to finish this.

WARLORDI understand.

BUDDYI’m doing this because I have to and for Maggie. This has nothing to do with you. You are just a tool to me in getting this done. Nothing more.

WARLORDI agree and expect nothing less.

BUDDYShut up.

WARLORDThere is only one way to destroy Ardimagus. I have an idea on how to do that but it won’t be easy.

Buddy picks Warlord up from the floor. Tossing the straight jacket aside.

14.

BUDDYNothing with you ever is.

INT. ARDIMAGUS LAIR - EVENING

A long corridor is FILLED by Followers as they make their way toward the surface. They move TOGETHER in large groups.

Torchlight on either side of the corridor ILLUMINATES their faces as they pass by. Legs move in unison as the Followers move with PURPOSE.

EXT. DESERTED ALLEY - CONTINUOUS

A DARKENED alley sits in the Bowery section of downtown. There is no one there. A streetlight shines down on the entrance of the alley.

A group of Followers EMERGE from the darkness of the alley. The group is FOLLOWED by another and then another.

Each group of Followers MOVES OFF from the rest and moves in a different direction down the street.

INT. STATEN ISLAND TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - LATE NIGHT

Buddy and Warlord sits at their stations monitoring Ardimagus’ movements though out the city.

WARLORDIs Maggie alright?

BUDDYShe is safe and I’m keeping her away from you. Be damn sure of that.

The monitor has a layout of the five boroughs on it. The yellow dots representing Followers are multiplying.

WARLORDArdimagus has implemented his plan.

BUDDYThe big master plan you told me about?

15.

WARLORDYes I’m sure those trains are running down the Eastern Seaboard as we speak. We don’t have much time.

BUDDYSo what are we going to do about it?

WARLORDOnly by killing Ardimagus can we win this. With his death the Followers will die no matter where they are.

BUDDYThey are linked I know the family tree.

Warlord REACHES under his station panel and opens as small hidden draw there. He removes the device Sam created.

WARLORDThis is the only weapon that can kill Ardimagus.

Buddy looks at the metal device with a simple design. He notes the digital readout.

BUDDYThat is going to kill Ardimagus?

WARLORDThis was given to me by Sam.

BUDDYI didn’t know about that little hiding place. You just keep giving me reasons not to trust you.

WARLORDIt is what Sam wanted. This was for the chosen to bare no one else. All I can say is that you and Sam were right. I didn’t listen to either of you.

BUDDYI always doubted the faith Sam put in you.

Warlord smiles.

16.

WARLORDI can finally see what Sam meant all those years ago. Even about having you along. It will take both of us to break the cycle.

BUDDYHow would you know about that?

WARLORDAn epiphany does wonders for one’s perspective.

INT. OFFICE OF ORIN PETER’S - MORNING

Orin sits at his desk reaching into his “IN BOX” he takes out the files lying there.

The files are new missing persons reports.

ORINThis is still happening.

John appears in Orin’s doorway. He has been running.

JOHNYou’re not going to believe this. The guy you captured broke out of Bellevue last night.

Orin SPINS in his chair toward the doorway.

ORINWhat?

JOHNJust heard about it myself. I was coming to tell you. We’ve issued a city wide manhunt for this guy. His face is going to be all over the news before the mornings’ out.

Orin gets up from his chair and is grabbing his coat.

ORINThis guy likes to hang around the main transportation hubs. We are going to stay out there until this guy is back in a cell where he belongs.

Orin pushes past John and into the hallway.

17.

EXT. STORE FRONT WINDOW ON SEVENTH AVENUE - AFTERNOON

Televisions and other electronics FILL a store front window as people walk by.

All the televisions have the New York News broadcast on.

INT. BROADCAST SET OF NEW YORK NEWS - CONTINUOUS

The ANCHOR (Typical television type well dressed) is talking about Warlord’s escape. Warlord’s picture taken at arrest is on a monitor in the background behind the anchor.

The picture of Warlord is seen filling the screen.

ANCHORThe police are searching for a man who escaped from the isolation facility at Bellevue last night. He is believed to be highly dangerous. If you have seen this man or have any information about him please contact the police immediately.

EXT. STORE FRONT WINDOW ON SEVENTH AVENUE - CONTINUOUS

A Follower stands outside the store. He is looking at the television broadcast.


Ardimagus WATCHES the POV of the Follower on the monitor.

ARDIMAGUSMan is incapable of preforming the simplest tasks? I give Warlord over to them and they allow him to escape.

Ardimagus POUNDS on the arm of his throne. Followers look to monitoring equipment in order to avoid his gaze.

Ardimagus calms himself and continues to watch the news broadcast.

ARDIMAGUS (CONT’D)As with all of his futile affairs it is of no concern. The time of Man and Hunter is past.

18.

INT. BUDDY’S APARTMENT - DAY

Buddy and Maggie are in his living room. Buddy walks over and turns on the television.

BUDDYArdimagus doesn’t know this about place. You’ll be safe here. He let us off the hook back in Albany.

The television has a repeat of the broadcast from earlier.

MAGGIEYou call what we went through being let off the hook?

They both look toward the television. Warlord’s arrest picture is on the screen.

ANCHORAs we have reported earlier. This man has escaped from Bellevue Hospital and is considered very dangerous. If you have seen him or have any information on him you are urged to contact the police immediately.

Maggie looks at the picture of Warlord.

MAGGIEThat is your partner?

BUDDYThat isn’t important just now. I just want you safe.

MAGGIEDid you help him escape?

Buddy reaches over and turns off the television.

BUDDYI had to. I need him.

MAGGIEI don’t know which one of you is worse.

Buddy walks over to Maggie and sits beside her.

19.

BUDDYThis isn’t easy for me for both of us I know. There is a lot going on. A lot I still haven’t told you.

MAGGIEI don’t know if I can handle any more surprises just now. How much more have you hidden from me.

BUDDYMaggie I love you I have never lied about that. With all that is going on out there I need you to be patient and try to understand.

MAGGIEI’m trying believe me. But you have me here cooped all day while you’re out freeing lunatics from Bellevue. I can’t do much hidden away. Let me help you. You know I can.

BUDDYNo way its too dangerous. You could get killed.

MAGGIEWhich is what would have happened to you in Albany if I hadn’t acted. I can handle it. I know what I’m doing out there.

BUDDYYou sound just like Warlord.

MAGGIEWarlord what kind of a name is that?

Buddy looks to Maggie exasperated.

MAGGIE (CONT’D)Where is your partner anyway?

BUDDYWe have a hidden tactical center out on Staten Island. With his face all over the news he can’t be seen on the streets.

Maggie sits back on the couch.

20.

MAGGIEI didn’t know you had a clubhouse.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - DAY

Orin and John watch from a newsstand as commuters enter and leave the 7th Avenue entrance.

Orin is UNWRAPPING a chili dog and takes a bite.

John HOLDS the photograph of Warlord being broadcast on the news. They both WATCH as people enter and leave the Garden.

John LOOKS over and sees Orin eating.

Orin continues to CHEW watching the crowds of people.

There are a great deal of Followers MIXED in with the crowd as well.

JOHNI see old habits ring true.

ORINGot to keep up my strength on a stake out.

JOHNIts going to be tough to spot this guy. He could be anywhere.

ORINBased on the reports the Garden was his favorite spot. There are more missing persons cases here then anywhere else.

A MAN is WALKING among the crowd. He features are similar to Warlord. He is dressed in a dark coat wearing sunglasses carrying a brief case.

John SEES the MAN and looks to the photograph.

JOHNHey I think I see something.

John INDICATES to Orin who he is looking at.

Orin SEES the Man as he comes clear in the crowd for a moment.

ORINAre you sure its him?

21.

The MAN again FALLS back within the mix of the crowd.

JOHNToo close to take a chance.

ORINThen let’s move on him.

Orin REACHES for the radio link near him. He speaks into the headset.

ORIN (CONT’D)This is detective Peters. We could have a possible ID on our perp. He is heading for the Long Island Rail Road terminal. We need units to converge on his location.

John and Orin begin to run toward the Long Island Rail Road entrance platform.

The MAN is RIDING the escalator down to the level where the trains are boarding.

John PULLS ahead of Orin as they run. John is KNOCKING DOWN commuters as he reaches the escalator where the man had been.

Orin is FALLING behind unable to keep up with John.

His other hand is CRUSHING the bag containing his chili dogs. He speaks into his radio link out of breath.

A Follower stands near a garbage can watching people pass. He notes the detectives RUN by him.

The MAN is entering the boarding area. He steps up to the platform. A sign over his head reads, “TRACK 18.”

JOHNDon’t even think about it.

Orin SEES John close on the MAN. He speaks into the radio link.

ORINOur perp is on the boarding platform of Track 18. Make sure that train doesn’t pull out of the station until we have him in custody.

The Man JOINS other commuters on the platform. He is looking around unaware he is being pursued.

22.

John ARRIVES on the platform in a full sprint.

The MAN is opening his briefcase reaching in for something.

John PULLS his weapon still running at the MAN.

JOHNHalt right there! Police!Stay where you are!

People TURN at the sound of John’s voice. They see John has his weapon drawn.

Commuters begin to DISPERSE as John comes closer to the MAN.

Orin ARRIVES on the platform and sees John.

JOHN (CONT’D)Drop the briefcase!

Orin also SEES the other police coming into view CIRCLING the MAN. Orin speaks into the radio link.

ORINAll units in place. Take him down now!

The MAN looks up at John. John has his weapon POINTED at him.

The MAN DROPS his briefcase containing his lunch and other papers.

John REACHES the MAN first and grabs him hard.

JOHNNo hide and seek on the train today dirt bag.

The other police MOVE IN and CIRCLE the MAN along with John.

The Commuters gasp and give the cops a wide berth.

John is placing hand cuffs on the MAN as Orin gets close.

JOHN (CONT’D)You have the right to remain silent.

MANWhat is this all about?

JOHNYou’re under arrest for...

23.

Orin comes up to John quite out of breath sees the MAN close up for the first time.

He is an older man with greying hair. His sunglasses are hanging off of his nose. His suit in disarray from John’s tactics. His briefcase’s contents lying on the ground at his feet.

ORINThat’s not him.

JOHNWhat?!

ORINThat’s not our perp.

The other officers standing around the MAN lower their weapons.

John for the first time REALLY looks at the MAN.

JOHNShit.

Orin LOOKS to his hand at the crushed bag of chili dogs he is holding.

CUT TO:

EXT. JUNK YARD IN STATEN ISLAND - EVENING

The Tactical Center sits among the stacks of junked cars. Traffic sounds coming from the street can be heard.

BUDDY (V.O.)You want me to trust then you can start by doing this.

INT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - CONTINUOUS

WARLORDIts dangerous you always said that single patrols risked the mission. What happened to “If he gets us he wins.”

Buddy and Warlord are standing at the table where Warlord’s Follower disguise is being worked on. The disguise is incomplete.

24.

BUDDYYeah that right it is but like you always say. The risk is worth the reward.

WARLORDI never said that.

BUDDYWe need to show Ardimagus that we’re still out there. Let him know we exist. If you’re plan is going to work then we need him to think that we’re still trying to stop him.

Warlord looks at the tactical readouts of the city. The yellow dots are still increasing at an alarming rate.

WARLORDSystem shows he’ll overrun the city in two weeks. I don’t see what you can accomplish by putting yourself out there. I can’t back you up. If I’m seen..

BUDDYYou’re back in your rubber room with the other Napoleons and Ardimagus wins. We need time to get our pieces in place. Besides we still don’t have an entrance to the lair. If we are going to find one. One of us has to be out there.

Warlord looks to the screen of the five boroughs. The yellow dots are blinking on and off.

WARLORDYou’re right. But don’t take any necessary chances. Remember what Sam said, it will take both of us to win this.

Buddy checks his weapons load and gives Warlord his trademark grin.

BUDDYI unlike don’t mess around when it comes to watching my ass.

25.

INT. BUDDY’S APARTMENT - MORNING

Maggie is asleep in bed. Buddy gets out of bed and takes his clothes into the living room. He dresses quietly and heads for the front door.

Buddy TURNS the dead bolt lock and slowly opens the door.

MAGGIE (V.O.)You are going to have to be better than that if you intend on sneaking out without me knowing.

Buddy CLOSES the unlocked door. Maggie is standing behind him in the bedroom doorway.

BUDDYHow the hell did you hear me?

MAGGIEI sleep light. Duty was a good teacher. Where are you heading? Busting lunatics’s out of prison or tipping a few with Ardimagus?

BUDDYMaggie you are making this harder then it has to be.

MAGGIEHarder? This last week has been harder then most of my life. I’m basically a prisoner here while you go sneaking out to save the world from untold horrors. Do you have any idea what this has been like for me.

Buddy turns to Maggie.

BUDDYYes I do. I just wish you could believe me when I tell you that. I’m not happy about what I’m doing especially when it comes to you. I never wanted this.

MAGGIEThen let me help you. If you love me then let share the burden. I wouldn’t ask anything less of you.

26.

BUDDYSometimes I really regret being in this at all. Sometimes I wish I’d never gotten involved.

Maggie walks over to Buddy they embrace.

BUDDY (CONT’D)Least of all I never wanted you to be.

MAGGIEI know I’m sorry but I’m no good at playing the stay at home wife.

BUDDYI’m no nine to five myself. We have to win this. Its the only way we’ll be safe from him. Just hold on a little longer.

Buddy kisses Maggie and ends the embrace. Buddy opens the door.

BUDDY (CONT’D)It won’t be much longer I promise.

Buddy leaves and closes the door.

Maggie begins to look around the apartment and walks over to the hall closet.

EXT. DOWNTOWN CITY STREET - DAY

Buddy is walking along the street on patrol. He looks and sees the increasing presence of Followers on every street corner and block. He activates his headset.

BUDDYOur boy has been a busy camper. The streets are crawling with Followers.


Warlord is on his headset. His eyes FIXED on the MAGNIFIED grid screen of the area where Buddy is patrolling. There is one red dot moving up the grid. There are also several groupings of yellow dots at various streets on the grid.

Warlord WATCHES his anxiety increasing with each passing moment.

27.

WARLORDThere is a group concentrated on the next block. I’m sure if you give him a chance he’ll try and finish you.

EXT. DOWNTOWN CITY STREET - CONTINUOUS

Followers standing across the street SEE Buddy and FOCUS on him as he moves down the street.

BUDDYAlways with the positive vibe. Maybe you are coming back down to earth.

WARLORD (FILTERED)You’re taking one hell of a risk. There are other ways to get a message across to Ardimagus. You’re little expedition has given me an idea on just how to do that.

BUDDYYou see, you keep listening to me and your whole world will turn around. You might even develope a sense of humor.


Warlord turns away from the monitor screen. He looks to the table where he kept the Follower.

A mannequin head with a small thin metal band is sitting there. The band has relays hooked into the other monitoring station. Readouts are SCROLLING down the screen.

Warlord smiles and turns back to the monitor.

Warlord SEES Buddy coming into range of the Followers he mentioned.

WARLORDNow I know what’s it like.

BUDDY (FILTERED)What did you say?

28.


Buddy hands reach inside his coat.

WARLORD (FILTERED)I said be careful.

Buddy’s devilish grin is beaming as he walks down the street.

EXT. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN STREET - DAY

A Follower walks up to a garbage can. He stands there watching as people pass by. They take no note of him.

A second Follower joins him there. They look to one another and nod. They listen to the voice in their head directing them.

Two policemen walk by the Followers. One is holding the picture of Warlord shown on television. One of the policemen looks with disgust at the Followers as they pass by.

EXT. TRAIN YARD IN LOWER MANHATTAN - CONTINUOUS

The last Follower BOARDS a train car and the doors shut. The old commuter passenger cars begin to move.

EXT. CITY STREET - CONTINUOUS

A Follower is HIT by a bullet and FALLS.

Buddy is standing behind him. Silencer on his .22 Caliber gun.


Warlord is standing in front of a small mirror on the wall. He is trying different make up appliances. He FITS a blonde wig over his hair checking to see his appearance.


Ardimagus watches the POV monitors in front of him. Many have IMAGES of people being HIT by darts and being converted. Some show the city streets and others the inside halls of buildings.

29.

One monitor also shows another train leaving the train yard in Lower Manhattan. Another has a train in route traveling down the east coast.

STATION 1There is no trace of Warlord since his escape. The police are searching the city.

STATION 2Conversion rates are nearing one hundred percent.

STATION 3All transfer points are functioning. Trains are in route and will arrive on time.

ARDIMAGUSMan has taken no notice at all. By this time next week it will be too late.

INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL TRAIN IN PROGRESS - MORNING

The train speeds along on its way.

INT. SUBWAY CAR - CONTINUOUS

It is filled with commuters on during the morning rush hour. A Follower sitting at the end of the car crammed in among the commuter riding along.

Warlord dressed in a long coat wearing a blonde wig and thin beard and sunglasses stands in the center of the car.

The Follower and Warlord LOOK at one another among the crowd. Warlord smiles at the Follower.


A POV monitor relays Warlord staring at the Follower.

ARDIMAGUSSo you finally decided to come out of hiding.

30.


The Conductor announces the next stop and the train begins to slow as it enters the station.

CONDUCTOR (FILTERED)Fourteenth Street all doors out. Please watch your step while leaving the train. Fourteenth street for trains to downtown and the Path. All doors out Fourteenth street.

INT. FOURTEENTH STREET SUBWAY PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

The train PULLS into the station. New commuters enter the train while others exit onto the platform.


Warlord MOVES from the center of the car and stands along side the Follower. The doors close and the train begins to move again.

Warlord is looking down at the Follower. The Follower looks up at Warlord from his seat. His REFLECTION is seen in Warlord’s sunglasses.

Warlord LEANS over the Follower OPENING his coat long enough so the Follower could see his weapons. Warlord KEEPS SMILING.


Ardimagus SEES the exchange and watches the POV monitor closely.

INT. SUBWAY TUNNEL TRAIN IN PROGRESS - CONTINUOUS

The train speeds along on its way through the tunnel.


Warlord smiles at the Follower. The Follower is filled with fear. Commuters read newspapers and listen to music.

CONDUCTOR (FILTERED)Now arriving at Twenty third street. All doors out. Please watch your step while leaving the train.

31.

(MORE)

Change here for local uptown trains and Path. Twenty third street all doors out.

The train begins to SLOW as it comes into the station.

Warlord LEANS IN CLOSE getting next to the Follower’s ear.

WARLORDI know you’re watching. Very soon now I will be coming for you.

Warlord is inches from the Follower’s face and smiling.


Ardimagus watches the monitor his anger festering.


The train slowly stops at the station. The doors open and commuters begin to file out.

Warlord smiles TURNS and walks away from the Follower leaving him unharmed.

INT. TWENTY THIRD STREET SUBWAY PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

Warlord walks out onto the platform with the other commuters making his way to the street.


The Follower inside the subway car relaxes.


Ardimagus reaches at the pouch hanging at the arm of his throne.

He removes a DART and HURLS it at the POV monitor destroying it.

ARDIMAGUSWarlord you are the enemy.

32.

CONDUCTOR (FILTERED) (CONT'D)


The Follower is instantly VAPORIZED.

INT. SUBWAY PLATFORM AT TWENTY THIRD STREET - CONTINUOUS

The subway car doors close and the train begins to pull out of the station.

EXT. TWENTY THIRD STREET SUBWAY ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS

Warlord arrives on the street among the rest of the commuters.

BUDDY (FILTERED)You talk to me about unnecessary risks.

WARLORDThere was no conflict so the risk is minimal. I was just sending a message. Getting under his skin.

BUDDY (FILTERED)No doubt you’re good at that. What was the message?

WARLORDWe’re still here.

Warlord looks to his palm pilot and sees a Follower within close range.

WARLORD (CONT’D)Time for step two.

Warlord clicks off the headset and pursuits the Follower down the street.

EXT. TWENTY THIRD STREET - CONTINUOUS

The palm pilot screen shows a Follower within one block.

The Follower sees Warlord and moves across the street into a small park. Warlord Follows.

The Follower turns into an empty walkway.

Warlord DRAWS out a small stun gun from his coat.

33.

Warlord FIRES the gun launching a small tracer at the Follower.

The tracer ATTACHES to the shoulder of the Follower attempting to flee.

Warlord then draws his magnum with silencer and FIRES several shots to hasten the departure of the Follower.

As the Follower leaves Warlord checks the palm pilot and notes that the tracer is working. The blip moves off heading away from him.

WARLORDLet’s hope you are on your way home.

INT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - EARLY EVENING

Warlord is working on his Follower disguise as Buddy monitors the Follower with the tracer attached.

BUDDYYour pigeon is still walking around midtown.

WARLORDGive him time. Sooner or later he’s bound to head for Ardimagus’ lair.

Buddy turns from the monitor screen watching Warlord.

BUDDYYou took a big risk today. Care to explain why?

Warlord continues to work not looking up at Buddy.

WARLORDThe time was right. The tracer needed to be planted. Ardimagus needed to be shown we’re still in the game.

BUDDYI could have done both of those things without the risk of being caught by the cops.

WARLORDIn theory yes, but as you have seen those that get close to Ardimagus tend to pay a price.

34.

(MORE)

I’m the chosen besides he can’t do much more to me than he already has.

Buddy Watches the screen and sees the Follower is moving west on Broadway.

BUDDYI still don’t trust you but sometimes you do make sense. I want to know what you’re planning.

WARLORDBuilding trust is a work in progress. I will show you.

Warlord moves to his station and flips a couple of switches. The monitor comes up with a schematic of the Follower they had in captivity.

WARLORD (CONT’D)With the data we got from the Follower I am putting together a Follower disguise. One that can fool Ardimagus’s communication network and get me inside the lair. Once there I can follow your pigeon to the Command Center and using the weapon Sam created kill Ardimagus.

Buddy watches the readouts on Warlord’s screen. The schematic becomes three dimensional showing the metal band around the Followers’ head in greater detail.

Warlord turns back to the table with the mannequin head.

WARLORD (CONT’D)I have made a replica of the communications band and I am in the process of building that network you see on the schematic. The rest of the disguise in progress.

Buddy sees the clothing, make up appliances, and contact lenses.

BUDDYThese even look like their eyes.

Buddy picks up a contact lens from a holder on the table and holds one of the lenses up into the light.

35.

WARLORD (CONT'D)

WARLORDThat’s the idea. With this data I’ll even be able to see as a Follower and be able to hear Ardimagus’s commands.

Buddy puts the lens back on the table.

BUDDYSo where do I come in.

WARLORDYour job will be to enter the lair after I do. You’ll plant explosives through out the lair. Once they detonate it will seal in Ardimagus along with his minions. I’m sure he thinks we’ll try and stop him. We’ll give him what he expects although not the way he’s expecting it. Once your assault is underway I will be in the command center destroying it. That will cripple his forces allowing you to escape before the explosives go off. During which I can kill Ardimagus using the weapon.

Buddy reaches over and grabs Warlord by the shoulder.

They face each other.

BUDDYYou’ve covered every angle but one.

WARLORDWhich is?

BUDDYIt sounds like you’re punching a one way ticket. How are you supposed to get out during all of this?

WARLORDI’m not.

BUDDYListen Jersey.

WARLORDWe both knew it take both of us to finish this. We each will do our part.

36.

(MORE)

There have always been sacrifices before in the name of the Hunter. This is no different.

BUDDYYes it is. You’re talking about throwing you’re life away.

WARLORDIf one is sacrificed to save the whole of Man then it is justified. That’s the basis of how this whole thing got started in the first place. There is no other way. I know what is expected and I have embraced it.

BUDDYYou’ve embraced death?

WARLORDNo I’ve embraced what is necessary for me to go home. I have come full circle.

BUDDYI don’t understand Jersey.

WARLORDTrust that I do. In part thanks to you. If I were you I’d spend time with Maggie. It will be a few days before we’re ready to go.

Warlord turns back to work on his disguise as Buddy watches him.


Buddy and Maggie are sitting in the living room. The television is on with another report about Warlord.

The Anchor is sitting at a desk. The picture of Warlord is seen FILLING the background behind him.

ANCHOR (FILTERED)The city wide manhunt for the suspect is in its third day. The Authorities have formed a special task force to assist in the capture.

37.

WARLORD (CONT'D)

BUDDYHe feels the plan can work.

MAGGIEYour partner’s popularity is reaching cult status. What makes you think his plan will work?

BUDDYThe plan is solid besides with me getting things done it can’t fail.

MAGGIEThat’s what worries me. This guy is nuts. Its a suicide mission. He could take you with him.

BUDDYThat won’t happen I’ve taken every precaution.

Buddy looks to Maggie.

BUDDY (CONT’D)I have too much to live for.

Maggie looks to Buddy and again at the television.

MAGGIEYes but I’d feel better if the odds of success were a little more in your favor.

INT. PORT AUTHORITY TERMINAL - DAY

Orin stands in the main lobby watching people move through the terminal.

Orin SEES a Follower moving near a closed store front.

A PERSON stands there waiting. The Follower comes up along side the person standing there.

More People PASS BY obstructing Orin’s view of the Follower.

The crowd parts and there are TWO followers standing near the closed store front.

Orin NOTICES the two Followers and BEGINS to cross the lobby toward them.

The two Followers are MOVING AWAY from the store front and enter a lone hallway nearby.

38.

Orin is MOVING PAST people in route to the store front.

The Followers walk down the hall and meet the dead end wall. One of them REACHES OUT his PALM to the wall. A small panel begins to OPEN.

Orin REACHES the store front and rounds the bend into the hallway.

Orin ENTERS the hallway and sees it is empty.

INT. ARDIMAGUS LAIR - CONTINUOUS

The door to the entrance has closed as the two Followers move down the corridor which is lit by torches on either side.


A POV monitor shows the two Followers proceeding down the corridor. Ardimagus watches this with interest.

ARDIMAGUSEver so close detective but you’re efforts will be rendered useless.


John is sitting at Orin’s desk looking through the missing person reports.

John is holding another report SHOWS figures from the Housing Authority that the homeless growth is climbing.

JOHNThese reports just keep coming in. According to this the homeless population is reaching epidemic proportions.

John continues digging through files. He sees the notes Orin gave Doctor Phillips and the Doctor’s profile on Warlord.

JOHN (CONT’D)What are these?

There are also the pulp fiction magazines seen earlier.

JOHN (CONT’D)Orin just what have you found here. What’s the connection.

39.

John continues to look through files and FINDS another missing person report. The name in the upper corner reads, “SARA PALMER.”

JOHN (CONT’D)Well now this is interesting it seems Orin’s favorite reporter disappeared about the same time as the Doctor here.

John continues to read through the files.

EXT. DOWNTOWN CITY STREET - DAY

Buddy is walking the street on patrol. He sees the build up of Followers in the area. He is talking to Warlord on his headset.

BUDDYYeah just like we figured. Ardimagus is in full swing. Uptown, the west Side, even the Village is crawling with them.


Warlord sits at his station monitoring Buddy. There is a ENHANCED grid showing Buddy’s movements on a street map.

WARLORDThis is too risky. I never should have let you talk me into this.


A Follower is lying in a doorway as Buddy WALKS BY. The Follower LOOKS UP and SEES Buddy. He then LOOKS across the street.

BUDDYCan’t handle the heat? Don’t sweat it. Things are under control.

A group of Followers are GATHERED across the street from Buddy. They are WATCHING him intently.

Buddy TURNS onto another block. The Followers BEGIN to move in and follow him.

40.


Warlord notes the enhanced screen.

WARLORDYou have several Followers coming in behind you.

BUDDY (FILTERED)I felt them.

WARLORDArdimagus is going to move on you. You’d better start feeling a way out of there.


Buddy LOOKS across the street and sees the group of Followers.

BUDDYI think you could be right.

The Followers are walking with PURPOSE.

BUDDY (CONT’D)I think I could use a hand.

WARLORD (FILTERED)Try and get to an area where you won’t be seen. I’m leaving now.

Buddy TURNS into a another street and the Followers continue after him.

BUDDYThis wouldn’t be a good time for glitch in mass transit.

INT. BUDDY’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

The hallway closet door is opened. Coats are thrown aside and hands feel the back wall of the closet.

A hidden panel is FOUND and OPENED. Many weapons are seen sitting in a rack. A high powered rifle with a scope is TAKEN.

41.


Orin walks into his office and finds John at his desk.

ORINYou were supposed to be helping me on stake out. Port Authority is too big for one guy to cover.

John looks up from the desk and sees Orin’s demeanor.

JOHNThe department is out there full force looking for this guy. Our time is better served here. Do you really think all this is possible? The Hunter, history, the connection?

Orin moves to his desk and looks over what John is studying.

ORINI don’t know about that but Doctor Phillips thought this guy had interpreted what he read in those magazines as reality and was acting out some elaborate fantasy.

JOHNI also found out something interesting. Guess who joined the ranks of the missing?

Orin reaches out for the file John hands him.

JOHN (CONT’D)Your favorite reporter Sara Palmer.

Orin sees the name on the file.

ORINCan’t say I’ll be attending the wake. She was a thorn in a lot of sides.

JOHNTake a look at her last known location?

Orin pages through the report. There is a HIGHLIGHTED document with cell phone information on it.

42.

ORINAccording to this she made several cell phone calls. The last of which was located.

JOHNOutside the office of Doctor Henry Phillips. That’s too much of a coincidence. I think she might have been working with him. Or at least was hoping to.

ORINNobody has any ethics anymore.

JOHNThis might be a good time to visit the office of the late Doctor. See if we can find out for sure.

ORINWhat makes you think they will cooperate?

JOHNI have my ways. Ones that don’t involve chili dogs.


Buddy turns onto St. Marks Place he is MOVING TOWARD Second Avenue.

The Followers are pursuing behind him.

Buddy looks across the street. He can see Followers there WATCHING HIM. Their EYES following his movements.

The group of Followers behind him begin to gain ground.

BUDDYWhere the hell are you?

WARLORD (FILTERED)Just hit 4th Street I should be there in minutes.

Buddy turns down Second Avenue. He sees a small park across the street. It is deserted.

Buddy CROSSES Second Avenue and heads toward the park.

43.

BUDDYI’m bringing them into a small park. Looks like nobody is home.

WARLORD (FILTERED)Scanner shows you’re right. I’m making for it. Its going to be close.

EXT. PARK ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS

Buddy enters the park and sees the Followers are CROSSING Second Avenue and gaining on him.

Buddy MOVES toward the backside of the park. There is a large wall and a concrete court mapped out in broken paint lines. Several dumpsters are lined up in the back of the court.

EXT. BACKSIDE OF THE PARK - CONTINUOUS

Buddy PASSES the wall and kneels behind one of the dumpsters. Drawing out his .22 Caliber gun, he waits.

BUDDYCome on Warlord.

EXT. PARK ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS

The Followers enter the park and begin to SLOW DOWN. They FORM a semi circle and begin to look for Buddy.


Buddy CHECKS his weapon and LOOKS around the dumpster. He SEES the Followers enter the park. They are coming his way.

The Followers PASS the wall and head for the dumpsters. They READY their blowguns.

EXT. ROOFTOP ABOVE THE PARK - CONTINUOUS

A GUN SIGHT SLIDES into POV frame. It MOVES from Buddy Cross hairs FOCUSING on the lead Follower.


Buddy WAITS behind the dumpster at the ready.

44.

Followers CONVERGE on Buddy’s location.

Blowguns READY.

Buddy SPRINGS up never getting off a shot.

A SILENCED GUNSHOT erupts from nowhere.

The Lead Follower is HIT in the head and turns to dusk.

The Followers stop and begin to look for the source.

SEVERAL MORE SILENCED GUNSHOTS find their mark as Followers are HIT.

Two Followers attempt to flee but get only a step before being cut down by TWO more shots.

The group of Followers disintegrates into dust as Buddy stands flabbergasted.

Warlord ROUNDS a corner running and sees Buddy. He is in his former disguise.

They watch the last of the Followers turn to dust.

BUDDYThanks Jersey I was really sweating that one. I think you’re right no more solo patrols. It’s getting too hot for it.

Warlord looks at Buddy with bewilderment on his face.

WARLORDGlad you see it that way. But this isn’t my work. I just got here.

BUDDYCome on quit slapping my monkey. You telling you didn’t do this?

WARLORDYes.

BUDDYWhat you got friends in high places?

WARLORDNo but apparently you do.

They look around in the deserted park and then back to each other.

45.

EXT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - EARLY EVENING

Their small shack sits among the piles of Cars and other debris. Seagulls circle overhead looking for their next meal.


There is much progress on Warlord’s Follower disguise. He is working on the headband as Buddy is watching the readouts on Follower activity.

BUDDYHow’s the get up coming?

WARLORDSo far so good. My tests to this point have worked out. I should be ready in a couple of days.

BUDDYListen since I can’t talk you out of this plan I think you should read this.

Buddy reaches into his coat pocket and brings out a letter.

He holds it out to Warlord. The Letter has “WARLORD” written across its face.

WARLORDWhat is this?

BUDDYIts for you. Its from Sam. He wanted me to give it to you.

Warlord looks at the letter but doesn’t take it.

WARLORDLooks like we both have done some holding out. It doesn’t matter. I’ve put that in the past. I don’t want it.

BUDDYIt has the truth about what happened in it.

WARLORDYou read it?

46.

BUDDYNo I don’t have to. I already know what’s in there. He told me years ago. He wanted you to know too.

WARLORDI already know about Sam. The part he played the day we I mean I came to him.

Buddy STILL holds out the letter. Seeing Warlord won’t take it he leaves it on the table. Buddy walks to the door.

WARLORD (CONT’D)Where are you going?

BUDDYI’m going to take a walk. I’ll be around if you want later if you want to talk.

Buddy leaves and Warlord looks to the letter lying there.

He picks up and opens the letter.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. LIBRARY OF THE STONE BUILDING TEN YEARS PAST - EARLY EVENING

Sam sits writing at the table. The sun is setting in the window and Warlord’s picture from the file is seen next to him. The symbol of the Hunter can be seen on the photograph.

SAM (V.O.)I write this now for I know there will never be a chance to tell you of this in person. I can only hope that you have survived to this point and have an opportunity to use the weapon.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. STONE BUILDING TEN YEARS PAST - DAY

Ardimagus and Sam are at the front door of the building.

ARDIMAGUSI know he will refuse the calling. I will not allow this.

47.

Ardimagus HANDS Sam the pistol used in the death of Sunshine.

Sam accepts the weapon his eyes NEVER meeting Ardimagus.

ARDIMAGUS (CONT’D)You will execute the plan I have devised without variation.

SAMYes Ardimagus.

ARDIMAGUSWhat I have created will continue. He will be the next Warlord.

INT. LIBRARY OF THE STONE BUILDING TEN YEARS PAST - CONTINUOUS

Sam is writing the letter the windows in the library already turning from light to dark.

SAM (V.O.)Yes I went along with his plan. I made the decision and the punishment is mine. I am responsible for what happened that day. The guilt and shame are mine alone. I can only hope you can see my reasons for this. I have sacrificed the Hunter in order to end the hunt. Buddy has changed the balance and begun the cycle of events you now live in. I risked myself, my family, and humanity to put you in a position to end this strife. I only hope that you do succeed. “One is sacrificed so that all of humanity can be saved.” I would never ask you to forgive me I will never forgive myself. However I do hope that you yourself have found your own peace. Sam.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TACTICAL CENTER PRESENT ESTABLISHING - CONTINUOUS

Warlord puts the opened letter on the table. He looks at the Follower disguise.

He moves to his station and opens the hidden draw containing Sam’s weapon. He holds the weapon in his hand.

48.

Warlord looks to the door of the tactical center.

Sunshine is standing there dressed in her shower robe. She smiles gently at him.

WARLORDLet it all go she said.

EXT. SEVENTH AVENUE MANHATTAN - MORNING

John drives the unmarked car He and Orin ride in. They are stopped at read light. People are crossing the street in front of them.

INT. UNMARKED CAR - CONTINUOUS

Orin sits on the passenger side looking out the window. There are Followers mixed in with the people crossing the street.

JOHNIf Palmer and Phillips were mixed up in this it could explain why she disappeared. It would be nice to know what they knew. Our perp would have a motive for their disappearances.

ORINThat’s IF. Besides Phillips gave me everything before he disappeared. We don’t have any other evidence.

Johns smiles at Orin and continues to look ahead. There are more Followers then before crossing the street in front of them.

JOHNI think Phillips was holding out and not just on you. I think a records search of his patient files could turn up what we need. His secretary Foster was her name. She’s still there in the office building. We’ll start with her.

ORINNews flash here for you. There’s a thing called due process here. We’ll need a search warrant if we’re going to start plowing through those records.

49.

(MORE)

There is a little thing called patient confidentiality. Start messing with that and the law gets kind of funny about it.

The traffic light changes and the cars in front of them begin to move.

JOHNUnlike you I have connections. I saw the District Attorney last night and filed for the warrant. It will be there waiting for us.

ORINHe bought in that you established probable cause?

JOHNWatch and learn how Police work gets done.

The car moves through the intersection heading toward midtown.


Buddy enters through the front door. He hangs his coat up in the hall closet. The fake panel back in position.

Maggie comes over and kisses him.

MAGGIEYou look tired.

BUDDYIt was a long night at the clubhouse.

They move into the living room. All is quiet there.

MAGGIESecret decoder rings and no girls allowed pledges I imagine.

BUDDYMaggie don’t start.

MAGGIEWhat have you been doing?

50.

ORIN (CONT'D)

BUDDYI told you working on his plan. Its progressing. This will work I’m sure of it. There’s time yet before the action starts. We have time to be together.

MAGGIEYou’re following the whims of some psycho and taking unnecessary chances. I’m not going to stand by and watch you throw your life away.

BUDDYWhat are you talking about?

MAGGIEI’m not risking our relationship on some plan. You have to stop this now.

BUDDYI can’t and you know it. Ardimagus has to be stopped. I told you what’s at stake. Its not only us but all of humanity. If Warlord’s plan works than Mankind will be saved.

MAGGIEYou’re the only Man I’m worried about. I want to meet this Warlord and let him know that.

Buddy begins to walk away Maggie follows him.

BUDDYNo way! I don’t want you anywhere near him. I don’t want you to become mixed up in all this.

Maggie GRABS his arm with one hand. She SHOWS him the engagement ring he gave her.

MAGGIEIn case you forgot I already am. We’re together in this. My ex tried that and it didn’t work. Its not working here either. I have just as much stake in this as you.

BUDDYYou’re right. We are together I wouldn’t want it any other way.

51.

(MORE)

But right now I just want to take advantage of the time we have and enjoy it. Just give me this now. I need it more than you can imagine.

Maggie softens toward him.

MAGGIEOK Mr. Smooth. I’ll be patient for now. So what do you have in mind.

Buddy’s trademark grin speaks for him.

INT. OUTER OFFICE OF DOCTOR HENRY PHILLIPS - DAY

John and Orin are STEPPING THROUGH the battered doorway of the outer office. There are workmen working on the door frame repairing it. Miss Foster is cleaning out her desk. There are boxes on her desk containing her personal items.

JOHNMiss Foster I’m Detective John Harris with the police department. I believe you already know my partner Orin Peters.

Miss Foster looks up from her desk as John and Orin show their badges.

MISS FOSTERYes I remember Detective Peters.

John produces the search warrant from his coat pocket and hands it to Miss Foster.

JOHNMiss we have reason to believe that your former employer might have had more evidence then what he turned over to us. I have a warrant to search his records and the premises.

MISS FOSTERI don’t know what you will find. They already have gone through what files remained. Most of the records Doctor Phillips had on his most recent case have gone missing.

JOHNIf you don’t mind we still would like to have a look around.

52.

BUDDY (CONT'D)

John hands her the warrant. He moves to the inner office doorway.

John breaks the crime scene tape over the inner office doorway. Orin follows him inside.

INT. INNER OFFICE OF DOCTOR PHILLIPS - CONTINUOUS

The office has been trashed. There are draws of file cabinets open their contents spread on the floor. Broken frames containing Some of Doctor Phillips degrees are LYING on the floor.

Orin walks around to the trash can sitting near the desk. He picks it up. REACHING in he pulls out a handful of ashes.

ORINThese might be those missing files.

John is moving around the office stopping at the bookcase. He BEGINS to pull books off the shelves and THROWING them on the floor.

ORIN (CONT’D)What are you doing?

JOHNBeing through in my search for the truth.

John grabs the last book on the shelf. It OPENS as he TOSSES it to the floor.

A SMALL KEY falls out of the book binding.

John bends down and picks up the key.

JOHN (CONT’D)Looks like the Doctor had something to hide after all.

John moves around behind Doctor Phillips’ desk. There is one draw that has not been pulled out. There is a lock above it.

John INSERTS the key and pulls open the drawer.

There are several cartridges of DIGITAL TAPE in a small box inside the drawer.

John picks up the box and begins to look through the tapes. EACH tape has a HAND WRITTEN LABEL on it. The labels TITLE and DATE written on them.

53.

The last TAPE TITLE he looks at reads, “PHONE CALL FROM JOHN DOE.”

ORINFind something?

JOHNThis is just what we need.

John takes the box of tapes with him. They begin to move out of the office.

Miss Foster is standing by her desk. Her boxes are almost packed. She is HOLDING a folder in her hand.

MISS FOSTERDetective Peters.

Orin and John turn toward her.

MISS FOSTER (CONT’D)This folder was in my desk. I didn’t get a chance to move it to the Doctor’s permanent file before he disappeared.

Orin reaches out for the folder and opens it.

The black and white picture of Warlord is there.

Orin notes the phone number written across the bottom.

John looking over Orin’s shoulder also sees the picture.

JOHNThat looks like the one we have with one big difference.

ORINA phone number. Looks like someone else is or at least was involved in this.

Orin looks to Miss Foster as John is already moving out the outer office door.

ORIN (CONT’D)Thank you for your help. I hope things work out for you.

MISS FOSTERThank you.

54.

Miss Foster smiles weakly and Orin heads out the outer office.

INT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - EVENING

Warlord is alone working on the Follower disguise. Buddy enters through the door. Warlord’s back is to the door.

WARLORDRight on time.

BUDDYHow’s the disguise coming?

WARLORDI’ll be ready by our deadline. Has the pigeon made it home yet?

BUDDYI’m tracking him constantly. So far no dice.

The door to the tactical center OPENS and Maggie walks in.

MAGGIESo this is your clubhouse.

Warlord and Buddy turn and see her. Buddy is furious.

BUDDYHow the hell did you find me?

Maggie takes in the view and approaches the table where they are standing. Warlord’s disguise is laid out nearly complete.

MAGGIEI followed you here. This hasn’t been the first time either.

BUDDYI can’t believe this.

Warlord is smiling.

WARLORDYou are the one that saved him in the park.

MAGGIEYes. I took the rifle from your stash in the closet. You boys are well equipped.

55.

(MORE)

I would like to know who is supplying this dog and pony show.

BUDDYYou could have killed someone. Namely me!

Maggie meets Buddy and is inches from his face. Her hand waving in the air.

The engagement ring HIGHLIGHTED on her finger.

Warlord SEES the ring.

MAGGIENot likely, I was top marksmen in my squad. You were safe. In fact you should be thankful that I was there. Your cohort there was late.

Warlord returns to his work.

WARLORDThat’s true.

Buddy looks to Warlord.

BUDDYShut up.

WARLORDI begin to see why all the trips to Albany were so important.

Warlord INDICATES the ring on Maggie’s finger.

WARLORD (CONT’D)Very forthright not to mention a good shot. I like your taste in women, pretty and practical.

BUDDYShut up.

Maggie continues walking around the tactical center taking in the various wares. She STOPS at a small table that has disassembled M-16 rifle parts lying it.

Warlord watches her carefully.

WARLORDTell me Maggie even though we have yet to be formerly introduced.

56.

MAGGIE (CONT'D)

(MORE)

What was the extent of your military training?

Maggie smiles at Warlord and closes her eyes.

Maggie’s HANDS move fast. She grabs PIECE BY PIECE of the rifle and begins to assemble it QUICKLY.

PARTS of the rifle are CLICKED and TWISTED into place.

Maggie’s EYES remained closed as her HANDS work QUICKLY.

The gun stock is SLID into place with a CLICK and the rifle is assembled in seconds.

Maggie OPENS her eyes. She smiles at BOTH of them.

WARLORD (CONT’D)Sam brought in the wrong one.

BUDDYShut up.

Maggie puts the rifle back on the table and confronts them both.

Maggie looks to Warlord.

MAGGIEI’ll come to the point. I want in. I have an investment here and I intend on protecting it.

Maggie looks to Buddy.

MAGGIE (CONT’D)Its obvious you could use the help. Your escapade yesterday is evidence of that. I don’t care much for his plan either.

WARLORDShe knows the plan?

MAGGIEI know the whole deal Warlord or whatever your name is. Seeing first hand what you’re up against you need me if you’re ever going to make this work.

WARLORDLogical not to mention correct.

57.

WARLORD (CONT'D)

BUDDYSHUT; UP.

Buddy gets between Maggie and Warlord.

BUDDY (CONT’D)This isn’t going to happen. You’re not getting involved with this. I could use lose you.

WARLORDA valid point. There are already too many innocents on my ledger. I don’t want another.

Maggie steps around Buddy and faces Warlord.

MAGGIEListen pal I’m not going to wait around while he joins you in what is basically a fool’s run. With me you’ll have an edge your enemy won’t expect. If this plan you concocted is going to work you’ll need someone who’s been under fire and can handle themselves. That’s me.

Maggie turns to Buddy. She shows him the engagement ring.

MAGGIE (CONT’D)I took the ring and all that came with it. For better or worse I’m in this full tilt. I’m here to stay so let’s just cut the crap and get to work.

Buddy and Warlord look to each other.

WARLORDVery determined. I like her.

BUDDYWhat did I do to deserve this?

INT. WARLORD’S APARTMENT - DAY

Orin and John walk in the front door to Warlord’s apartment. There is a crime scene lab crew all ready there.

Boxes of evidence are being CARTED out the door as photographs and finger print samples are being taken.

58.

JOHNTracing that number didn’t take long.

ORINLooks like our perp was well stocked.

They both look around at the weapons and equipment yet to be processed by the team.

JOHNThis guy is definitely getting support from somewhere. Question is who is providing it.

John looks over at the coffee table in the living room. Warlord’s lap top computer is sitting there. There is also a folder containing printouts.

Orin moves over and picks up the folder with the printouts. He begins to LOOK through it.

There is biographical information downloaded from the web. The name seen on the top page is, “DOCTOR HENRY PHILLIPS.”

ORINThis seals it. Our boy and the doctor were involved.

John sees the lap top computer and picks it up.

JOHNI’m taking this one straight to the computer lab. I want to know what is on this hard drive.

John and Orin begin to leave as the crime lab team continues to work.

EXT. WARLORDS APARTMENT BUILDING - CONTINUOUS

John and Orin are coming down the stairs and getting into their unmarked car. There are police cars blocking off the street. The crime lab van parked there as well.

Buddy is STANDING across the street from the apartment building. He ACTIVATES his headset.

WARLORDJersey we have a problem.

59.

INT. ARDIMAGUS COMMAND CENTER ESTABLISHING - DAY

There is a large screen in front of Ardimagus. It shows a map of the East Coast of North America. The TRAIN ROUTES of his Followers are HIGHLIGHTED on the map. Their DESTINATIONS are the largest cities in each state. Blinking lights show the progress of the trains. Most are arrived or near their destinations.

Ardimagus pushes a BUTTON on the arm of his throne and the screen begins to ASCEND out of view.

The HEART of the command center can now be seen.

Ardimagus LOOKS to the map of the five boroughs of New York City. More yellow dots appear in intervals through out the map.

Ardimagus looks to the POV monitor banks of his Followers. There are view of interiors of hallways and buildings. Others have outside streets and buildings. Some monitors have conversions of humans into Followers in progress.

ARDIMAGUSThere is no sign of Warlord. I’m sure he is planning something. It will be to no avail as my plan will be realized soon enough. Warlord’s efforts are irrelevant.


Buddy is walking NOTING the readout on his handheld scanner. There is a sparse amount of people walking on the street.

BUDDYLooks like our pigeon is moving uptown. I’m on his tail.

A group of Followers is WATCHING him from across the street as he moves opposite them. People pass them by with no regard.


Warlord sits at his station monitoring Buddy on a grid. He sees the Follower’s gathering near him.

WARLORDLooks like you have Followers forming up behind you.

60.

EXT. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN STREET - CONTINUOUS

A group of Followers FORM UP and FOLLOW him.

BUDDYIts to be expected. This time we’re ready.

WARLORD (FILTERED)Still pretty risky.

BUDDYYou said it yourself we need a way in to his lair. I’ve got to be out here in order to find it.

The Followers MOVE to the same side of the street that Buddy is on.

BUDDY (CONT’D)Besides with the cops finding your place it will only be a matter of time before they find out everything. We don’t have a choice.


The Followers are moving closer to Buddy on the grid monitor.

WARLORDThen time is of the essence. We need that entrance. But you need to make a right turn on the next block.


Buddy APPROACHES the corner of the street.

BUDDYI’m was just doing that.

The Group of Followers are CLOSE BEHIND him.

The Followers are GUNNED DOWN by several high powered SILENCED rifle shots. They fall to dust as Buddy ROUNDS the corner. People are walking down the street and take no notice of what has just happened.

BUDDY (CONT’D)Nice to have back up.

61.

WARLORD (FILTERED)Provided by an ace marksman.

EXT. ROOFTOP ABOVE THE STREET - CONTINUOUS

Maggie is looking through the scope of the rifle. There is a silencer on the end of the rifle barrel. She is picking up her ejected bullet casings. She is hearing the conversation on her headset.

MAGGIEYou guys sound like an old ladies sewing circle. Cut the chatter.

INT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - LATER

Warlord is HOLDING up to the light the contact lenses he created. He FITS them into his own eyes. He is wearing the metal band containing Ardimagus’ communications net. His ears have small headphones in them coming from the metal band.

Warlord reaches over to his control panel and FLICKS a series of switches.

Warlord’s POV goes from NORMAL to a FISH EYE look. The color is gone REPLACED by black and white.

Warlord LOOKS at his hands and around the room. His vision is ALTERED. He sees things with the perception of a Follower.

Warlord FLIPS another series of switches. SOUND enters his ears. He HEARS the voice of Ardimagus his voice is MANY LAYERED and CONTINUOUS. An endless stream of commands, status updates, searching for and converting humans. Warlord has tapped into Ardimagus communication net.

EXT. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN STREET - AFTERNOON

Buddy is looking at his hand held scanner. The Follower with the tracer is moving up one block ahead of him.

The Follower is passing 57th street and TURNING into an alley.

Buddy LOOKS UP from the scanner and sees the Follower ahead of him.

BUDDYThis looks like it could be it.

62.


Maggie is watching Buddy THROUGH her gun sight as Buddy moves down the street.

A POV of her GUN SIGHT has Buddy in its cross hairs.

MAGGIEI got you keep your eyes open.


Buddy passes 57th street and turns into the alley. He draws his gun.

The scanner SHOWS the Follower is moving in a different direction away from him.

Buddy looks up and sees garbage cans and a fire escape but NO Follower.

Buddy moves carefully down the alley and see a small puddle of water. There are FOOT PRINTS running though it leading away.

Buddy Follows the tracks that END at brick wall. He puts away his gun.


The POV of the scope rifle has Buddy standing at the brick wall.

MAGGIEDead end?

BUDDY (FILTERED)I don’t think so.

EXT. DESERTED ALLEY - CONTINUOUS

Buddy is SPRAYING the wall with a spray can. A light mist which COVERS the wall in a fine film.

Within SECONDS it ILLUMINATES two laser beams which cross in front of an entrance panel.

Buddy looks to the right and sees a small square. He BRAKES away the fake brick and EXPOSES the barcode scanner hidden there.

63.

Buddy reaches into his pack and he REMOVES a barcode pattern in the shape of a human palm. He PLACES it in his right hand and RUNS it over the barcode scanner.

The laser beams CUT OUT and the panel SLIDES BACK and OPENS.

BUDDYOne, two, three, four.

The panel CLOSES again the laser beams turn back ON.

BUDDY (CONT’D)Jackpot. Looks like we got an in.

Buddy checks the scanner and confirms the Follower is still moving away from him.


Maggie puts down the rifle.

MAGGIEWe got what we came for. Time to move out.

BUDDY (FILTERED)Yes Ma’am Captain.

Maggie is packing up the rifle.

MAGGIEI know one wise ass Queens boy who’s in line for a beating in the near future.

INT. COMPUTER CRIME LAB - AFTERNOON

John and Orin sit in the computer lab at Police headquarters. Warlord’s lab top is hooked up to larger computer which is running a program. The large computer screen is showing an endless stream of letters, numbers, and symbols. A TECHNICIAN(mid thirties in a suit) is running the program.

JOHNHow long is this going to take. We have a suspect out there that could be ready to kill at any time.

TECHNICIANThis lab top has been encrypted and password protected.

64.

(MORE)

The program running here is designed to break those defenses and gain access. It takes time to run all the variables.

ORINI wonder how much time we have.

CUT TO:

INT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - EVENING

Warlord is completing his Follower disguise. The disguise and other equipment are laid out on the table. Warlord is placing the metal head band back on the mannequin head. He has his back to the door.

The door OPENS and Maggie comes in carrying the case containing her rifle. She STOPS short of Warlord.

WARLORDShouldn’t you be out protecting your interests.

MAGGIEHow did you know it was me?

WARLORDYou don’t sound like Buddy.

Warlord turns and FACES her. Maggie is still standing near the doorway.

WARLORD (CONT’D)The training I’ve received. My senses had to be attuned to function at their fullest. Not unlike what you had once. Your demonstration with the rifle was most impressive.

MAGGIEI’m not ready for the rocking chair just yet. My training was pretty good too.

Maggie puts the rifle case down on the end of the table where Warlord is working. Warlord continues to work not meeting her gaze.

WARLORDWhere is your other half?

65.

TECHNICIAN (CONT'D)

MAGGIEHe’s coming in. We found what you need. We can go at anytime.

WARLORDWell done. I have completed my task. Tomorrow will be it then.

Maggie COMES CLOSE to Warlord.

Warlord STOPS working.

MAGGIEThis plan of yours is a suicide mission. Three of us go in. Only two come out. You said our weapons have no effect on him. Nothing can be gained from you doing this.

Warlord MOVES AWAY from the table and looks to the monitor screens above the stations.

WARLORDI was given a weapon that will work. It has to be bonded to Ardimagus. I have to get inside that lair and confront him to do that.

MAGGIEYou’ll be killed.

WARLORDIn the end that’s what usually happens to lunatics.

Maggie attempts to STEP CLOSER to him. Warlord STEPS AWAY from the monitor screens. Maggie TRIES to say something. Warlord turns and FACES HER.

WARLORD (CONT’D)You have been a soldier. You know the purpose of a soldier is to achieve the objective. You and countless others have also known that the objective comes at a price and sometimes sacrifices are necessary. In this objective Mankind is the goal. I am the chosen one. “One is sacrificed to save all of humanity.” Is the cost. In the end it is a small price to pay.

66.

Maggie PLACES a gentle hand on his shoulder. Warlord SHIFTS under it but stays his ground.

MAGGIEI know about your wife. What happened to her.

Warlord can not meet her gaze. He EYES fall to the ground.

Warlord REACHES with his hand and gently REMOVES Maggie’s hand from his shoulder.

WARLORDYes.

Warlord LOOKS UP and is able to meet Maggie’s eyes.

WARLORD (CONT’D)You remind me of her in many ways. I can only hope that my plan does succeed so that Mankind can continue. With one small sacrifice we all can go home.

MAGGIEI don’t understand.

WARLORDNor should you.

The door of the tactical center opens and Buddy walks in.

Buddy sees Maggie and Warlord standing close.

BUDDYI hope I’m not intruding on you two.

Warlord smiles and returns to his work at the table. Maggie gathers herself and turns to Buddy.

BUDDY (CONT’D)What the hell is going on here?

WARLORDJust bringing your future wife into the sewing circle. I’m just about finished here. Why don’t you two go out and enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow we move and end this.

Maggie walks over to Buddy barely acknowledging him. She moves to the door of the tactical center.

67.

Warlord puts his back to the door bent over the table working.

Buddy is dismayed and moves to follow Maggie out the door.

EXT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - EVENING

Maggie is walking down the dirt road away from the tactical center. Buddy is close behind her.

BUDDYHey wait a minute.

Maggie stops and Buddy catches up with her. He can see she is visibly upset.

BUDDY (CONT’D)What’s wrong? What did he say to you. I’m going back to straighten his ass out right now.

Buddy STEPS to leave Maggie GRABS his arm stopping him.

MAGGIENo he didn’t do anything. Its...

Maggie hugs Buddy and KISSES him deeply.

The KISS ends SLOWLY and Buddy and Maggie hold onto each other.

BUDDYWhat was that all about?

Maggie fights back welling tears.

MAGGIEFor the sacrifices.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - MORNING

The sun rises over the junk yard. Rats scurry along the ground escaping back into the shadows. The tactical center sits among the refuse coming slowly into the light.


Warlord is sitting on the floor with his legs crossed. He is next to the table with his Follower disguise lies completed.

68.

He opens his eyes. He has meditated successfully. He moves slow he is worn out and tired.

An unopened beer can sits next to him at the table. Warlord sees it and reaches for it.

Warlord is HOLDING the beer can. He attempts to open it.

Warlord STOPS and puts the beer can down. He moves to the monitoring stations.

ONE SCREEN has the five boroughs on it. The yellow dots representing Ardimagus’ Followers have almost overrun the city.

WARLORDBuddy and Maggie will be here soon. Its almost time.

Warlord STEPS over to a small mirror hanging on the wall nearby.

Warlord STARES at his tired reflection.

SLOWLY we TRACK IN on Warlord’s reflection.

SLOWLY the REFLECTION begins to CHANGE. Warlord’s face is MELDING into the face of Sunshine.

Warlord stands at the mirror SEEING Sunshine’s face REFLECTED in it.

SUNSHINEWhen will you come home my love?

Warlord REACHES a hand toward the mirror.

Sunshine’s FACE giving way to her hand REACHING for him.

Their hands MEET in the REFLECTED mirror.

INT. BEACH HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Warlord is standing in their beach house with Sunshine.

She is wearing the clothes from their last picnic.

They stand HOLDING each other’s hands in the living room of the house. Ocean sounds come in through an open window.

Sunshine takes her hand to Warlord’s face.

69.

SUNSHINELook what they have done to you.

Warlord is overcome with emotion.

SUNSHINE (CONT’D)My lost one. Come home to me.

TEARS run down Warlord’s face. His face MELTING into Sunshine’s hand.

Sunshine looks at the tired man standing before her.

WARLORDI miss you.

Sunshine smiles through welling tears.

SUNSHINEI love you.

WARLORDAfter today we will be together. There is nothing that can stop that now. I am coming home to you.

Sunshine smiles at him.

WARLORD (CONT’D)I love Sunshine. I am coming home to you. I love you Sunshine.


Warlord is looking into his reflection in the mirror. His hand pressed up against the glass.

Tears are running down his face. He smiles at his tired reflection.

WARLORDI love you Sunshine. I am coming home to you. I love you Sunshine.

He stands alone amidst the sounds monitoring equipment.

INT. BUDDY’S APARTMENT - MORNING

Buddy is sitting in the living room dressed in full tactical gear. He is watching the television. A NEW YORK NEWS story about Warlord is on.

70.

ANCHORRecent developments in the case indicate the police have found the former residence of the escaped man held at Bellevue.

The picture used in earlier stories of Warlord sits in the right hand side of the frame.

ANCHOR (CONT’D)Evidence obtained there could lead to his whereabouts and capture.

Buddy MUTES the television with a remote control.

Maggie walks in to the room dressed in tactical gear and carrying many weapons. Buddy looks to her.

BUDDYYou even make that look good.

Maggie smiles and looks to the television.

MAGGIEThey will find him. We don’t have a lot of time.

BUDDYAfter today it won’t matter. Either we win or he does. If he does.

MAGGIEHe won’t.

Maggie leans in and kisses Buddy on the cheek.

Buddy stands and faces Maggie.

BUDDYThere’s only a small chance Warlord can do this. This could all be for nothing.

MAGGIEWhat’s with the negative vibes. We all will do our part and get this done.

Buddy’s trademark grin spreads over his face.

BUDDYThat’s your point of view.

Maggie smiling back at him.

71.

MAGGIEWhich happens to be the one of your future wife.

Buddy’s smile fades away.

INT. COMPUTER CRIME LAB - DAY

Orin is speaking on his cell phone. The Technician is working on Warlord’s lap top computer.

ORINAny luck trying to get a name for our boy.

JOHN (FILTERED)C.O.D.I.S. Came up blank. Even the fingerprints we got don’t have a match. There is no record of him anywhere. Its like the guy came out of thin air.

The Large computer attached to Warlord’s lab top has the progress of the encrypted program on a large screen. The screen relays and endless stream of NUMBERS, LETTERS, and SYMBOLS lined in several columns.

The Screen FLASHES and several BEEPS sound.

The program has found Warlord’s password. The Technician watches the screen.

TECHNICIANLooks like we have it.

ORINJohn get your ass down here now.

Orin hangs up the phone.

The large computer screen shows the lap top files coming up on it. There are many file folders filling the screen.

TECHNICIANThis is it. Looks like a lot of video and audio files kept in separate folders.

Orin looks at the screen and POINTS to the folder called, “HISTORY OF THE HUNTER.”

ORINTry that one.

72.

A mouse arrow MOVES on the large screen and CLICKS on the folder.

The folder OPENS. There is a video montage of the Hunter from his earliest days. Decades pass and the evolution of the Hunter and his tactics play through the years. The images MELD one into the next as a narration read by voice begins.

VOICE (V.O.)In the beginning a few saw the threat Ardimagus posed and formed a resistance. One would be chosen from each generation to combat Ardimagus with hope of ending his threat.

Orin and the Technician watch in disbelief.

ORINOh my God, this whole thing is real.

INT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - DAY

Warlord is fitting in the eye contacts of his Follower’s disguise. He is in the full Follower disguise.

Buddy is manning the station monitoring the readouts from Warlord’s disguise. They both know this will be their last conversation.

BUDDYLooks good. Not bad Jersey I think this will even fool the big guy.

Buddy watches the schematics of Warlord’s headband. The links are working perfectly.

WARLORDThen cut in the relays and we can get started.

Buddy FLICKS a few switches.

Warlord’s POV goes from normal to the ALTERED prospective of a Follower. He hears Ardimagus’s voice coming over on his ear phones.

BUDDYRelays in. Once you leave here you’ll turn up on his monitor screens.

73.

WARLORDOnce I’m in give me thirty minutes to get to the command center before you start your assault.

Warlord walks to the door of the tactical center and OPENS it. He looks outside at the seagulls flying endlessly over the stacks of cars and garbage.

BUDDYYou don’t have to do this.

Buddy stands behind Warlord. Warlord keeping his back to him.

WARLORDMy fate is the fate of the chosen. I have the weapon, there is no other path for me. For you however there may come a moment. A moment where you might hesitate and not follow the plan. If that happens I want you to remember one thing.

BUDDYYes?

Warlord turns back to face Buddy.

WARLORDIts not about the mission, or mankind or even us. It’s about you saving Maggie from this. Do what I was unable to do.

BUDDYI will and I’ll remember.

Warlord smiles through the Follower disguise.

WARLORDShe’s a good woman I hope you will have a long and happy life together.

EXT. TACTICAL CENTER DOORWAY - CONTINUOUS

Warlord turns back toward the junk yard. Buddy joining him there. They both look out at the endless stacks of cars.

WARLORDSam was right. You could have a life outside the hunt and still accomplish the goal.

74.

BUDDYIts been almost ten years we’ve come a long way in that time.

WARLORDWe both have gotten past the pain of the past and are about to do what no other Hunter has ever done. Sam said it would take both of us. Sam sacrificed everything for us to get here. Even his family.

Buddy and Warlord turn and meet eyes.

WARLORD (CONT’D)Even his son.

Buddy turns away and looks to the junk yard. Warlord follows him.

BUDDYYou knew?

WARLORDSam’s letter all but confirmed it. I’ve spent these last years living with a narrow vision. Only recently did I gain perspective.

BUDDYNice to see you finally joined the party Jersey.

WARLORDWhen we first met you asked me my name. I was less then gracious. My name is Tiree. My true name the one she knew. After today it will be mine again.

Warlord takes two steps away from the door. Buddy watches him.

BUDDYHey Tiree.

Warlord turns and faces Buddy.

Buddy EXTENDS his hand out TOWARD Warlord.

Warlord STEPS to Buddy and TAKES his hand in his.

They SHAKE HANDS.

75.

Warlord turns and walks away not turning back.

Buddy WATCHES him as he DISAPPEARS behind the towers of cars.

BUDDY (CONT’D)I hope you make it home Tiree.

INT. COMPUTER CRIME LAB - DAY

John walks into the lab and sees Orin and the Technician working over Warlord’s lab top.

John is HOLDING the last reel of audio tape he took from Doctor Phillips office.

JOHNThis one has the phone call Phillips made to our perp. Definitely over the edge.

ORINTake a look at what’s on his lap top.

John looks over Orin’s shoulder at the large computer screen. A series of folders with titles underneath them.

ORIN (CONT’D)You won’t believe this.

INT. LAB TOP SCREEN - CONTINUOUS

The mouse arrow moves across the screen. The arrow CLICKS on the file folder with the name, “ARDIMAGUS.”

The file OPENS and the painting of Ardimagus is seen hanging in the study of the stone building. The images MELD one into the next as Ardimagus walks the earth and begins to build his Follower army. A voice NARRATES along with the images.

VOICE (V.O.)His name is Ardimagus. He origin is unknown. Over the centuries he began to build an army of Followers who’s one purpose was the destruction of Mankind.

John and Orin look to each other.

76.

JOHNIncredible. See if there is some clue to his location. He must have a hiding place somewhere.

The mouse arrow CLICKS on the Ardimagus scene and it stops.

The screen with the folders REAPPEARS.

ORINTry that one.

The Technician moves the mouse over to the folder titled, “TACTICAL CENTER.”

The mouse arrow CLICKS on that folder. The folder OPENS.

There are schematics of the tactical center on Staten Island. DETAILED blueprints of control stations and other equipment there. There are also photographs of the junk yard in Staten Island.

JOHNWait a minute. That looks like a junk yard. See if there is any other information to go with those photos.

The Technician moves the mouse and HOLDS it over the photo of the junk yard. A HIGHLIGHTED box appears above the photo.

There is a street address in the box.

INT. COMPUTER CRIME LAB - CONTINUOUS

ORINThat’s in Staten Island.

JOHNOur perp has been hiding up there. We got him.

ORINGet that address and send it in an e-mail to Tactical Squad.

John GRABS the desk phone on the Technician’s desk. John is heading out the door as the Technician is creating the e-mail.

77.

ORIN (CONT’D)This is detective Orin Peters. The suspect that escaped from Bellevue has been located in Staten Island. I’m sending over the address now. I need a full Tactical Team there as soon as possible.

EXT. ALLEYWAY NEAR 57TH STREET - DAY

Warlord is HOLDING up his hand to bar code scanner in the brick wall. The laser beams CUT OFF. The entrance panel SLIDES BACK. Warlord steps into the lair of Ardimagus. The panel closing behind him.

Warlord sees through the ALTERED perspective of Follower eyes the long dark stone hallway ahead. Torches line the wall on either side. He HEARS the multi layered voices of Ardimagus giving directions, purpose, status updates.

Warlord checks the time on his scanner. The scanner shows THIRTY MINUTES and counting down.

The Follower with the tracer is SHOWN to be far ahead.

Warlord MOVES down the stone hallway in the direction of the of the Follower.


Orin and John sit in traffic trying to get over to Staten Island. The traffic light turns GREEN and people are still crossing in front of them.

INT. UNMARKED CAR - CONTINUOUS

John is pounding on the horn. Orin removes a small police light from the glove compartment and turns it on. The police light SPINS. They still can’t move.

JOHNWhat is wrong with people can’t they see we’re the police.

ORINIn this town no one cares. At this rate the Tactical Team will get there before us.

JOHNNot if I can help it.

78.

John GUNS the engine and the car JUMPS into the intersection. People CROSSING the street run getting out of the way. John gets into the intersection as the traffic light turns RED.

John RACES through the intersection and into the next block NARROWLY missing an oncoming bus.

ORINYou drive like a true New Yorker.

INT. ARDIMAGUS LAIR - DAY

The entrance panel CLOSES behind them. Buddy and Maggie are inside the lair. They are in full Tactical Gear with heavy weapons and MASKED.

MAGGIELove the décor.

Buddy is opening his pack and hands her the first of many small explosive devices. The devices are small black and circular with an activation button and a small red light on top.

BUDDYTime for a little remodeling. In less than thirty minutes this place is checking out.

They each PLACE one of the devices at the base of a support beam in the hallway.

Maggie PRESSES the button SETTING the device and the red light begins to BLINK.

The each take a side of the hallway and plant devices as they move along.

INT. ARDIMAGUS LAIR - CONTINUING

Warlord is walking through a small tunnel cut in the bedrock. The tunnel opens wide to a source of weak light ahead.

Warlord exits the tunnel and enters a large cavern.

WARLORDInto the heart of the beast.

Warlord continues to follow the progress on his palm pilot.

79.


Warlord walks in a dark corridor alone.

Warlord is following the Follower with the tracer.

The screen on his palm pilot shows the Follower has reached the command center.

He arrives at large stone door at the end of a corridor.

WARLORDThis must be it.

Warlord puts away his scanner and walks up to the stone door.

A small EYE SLOT sits in the center of the door. Warlord SEES another barcode scanner like the one from the alley positioned below it. A small camera is atop the door.

Warlord APPROACHES the stone door.

The EYE SLOT OPENS. Eyes like his greet him.

FOLLOWERWhat is your identification number.

Warlord holds his palm up to the barcode scanner.

His palm is READ by a short red beam.

FOLLOWER (CONT’D)Proceed.

The stone door SLIDES OPEN and Warlord steps into Ardimagus’s Command Center.


Buddy and Maggie are in the same tunnel that Warlord traveled earlier. They enter into the large cavern illuminated by a weak light source.

BUDDYPalm pilot shows we’re down eight hundred feet under street level.

MILLYThere is something ahead.

80.

INT. ARDIMAGUS HIBERNATION CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS

The two walk out of the tunnel and see the vast chamber in front of them. The walls extend up some thirty feet around them. The walls are lined on all sides with slots cut into the rock.

Contained in every slot is a Follower in hibernation. There are thousands of Followers lined on all sides of the chamber.

BUDDYThis must be where Ardimagus keeps his boys when they’re not needed.

MILLYThere has to be hundreds of them here. Maybe thousands.

Buddy reaches into his pack and brings out another explosive device. He attaches it to the wall next to him.

BUDDYTime to usher these guys off to La La land; permanently.

Milly draws out one explosive device from her pack and sets it on the oppisite wall from Buddy.

The two continue the process as they move through the hibernation chamber.


There are massive pipes carrying steam cramped in small through ways. Maggie is walking AHEAD of Buddy single file in order to move past the pipes.

Some sections of the pipes have small cracks where steam POURS out at random. Overhead pipes containing wire and other electrical work line the ceiling over head. There are open panels at random with debunked wiring exposed.

Maggie ARRIVES at an intersection. She places an explosive device at the base of the wall and SETS it.

She notes that on both sides of floor there are Followers lying there SCATTERED about motionless almost sleeping.

Buddy is a short distance away moving over a a steam duct PLANTING an explosive device.

A group of Four Followers APPROACH Maggie from the opposite direction.

81.

The Followers SEE her and ADVANCE. Maggie LOOKS seeing the Followers.

MAGGIELooks like we got caught on the wrong side of town.

Buddy FINISHES with the device he has and SEES the Followers advancing on Maggie.

BUDDYHold on.

He CLIMBS OVER the steam duct and back into the passageway.

The Lead Follower ADVANCES on Maggie.

Maggie SEES him and draws her weapon.

Buddy draws an automatic weapon and FIRES. He HITS two Followers behind the lead Follower.

Maggie aims her pistol as the Lead Follower. The Lead Follower GRABS her arm with the gun.

Maggie drops her pack. The gun goes off hitting the large steam pipe causing another steam leak.

A large steam cloud FILLS the passageway.

BUDDY (CONT’D)Maggie!

Buddy stops shooting no longer being unable to see through the steam cloud.

Inside the steam cloud Maggie swings the arm of the Lead Follower around his back.

Maggie TURNS the pistol into the BACK of the Lead Follower. She fires SEVERAL SHOTS into the Lead Follower. He begins to turn to dust.

Buddy COMES THROUGH the steam cloud into the passageway.

Maggie fires her gun killing the last Follower advancing at her.

BUDDY (CONT’D)Are you all right?

Maggie BRUSHES off the Follower dust reloading her weapon.

82.

MAGGIEI’m good.

BUDDYThat was close.

Maggie picks up her pack again.

MAGGIENo sweat it was well in hand. Besides you were there.

BUDDYI could have missed.

A camera STATIONED at the top of the corridor is FIXED on them.


Four POV monitors are full of static.

POV monitors WATCH as Buddy and Maggie move down the corridor.

Ardimagus’ throne is ROTATING toward the POV monitor bank.

STATION 1Section A-12 has visual conformation of two intruders.

Ardimagus WATCHES the POV monitors and sees Buddy and Maggie making their way toward him.

ARDIMAGUSSo this is your plan Warlord? Just as inept as all your others. Have all available Followers converge on them. I want them destroyed.

Followers begin to move out from the Command Center. Warlord SLOWLY approaches the Tactical Stations.

Warlord moves BEHIND the banks of POV monitors and begins to SET explosive devices along the Tactical Stations. The LIGHTS on the DEVICES are BLINKING.

ARDIMAGUS (CONT’D)I want section A-12 completely sealed off. There will be no escape for them.

83.


Buddy and Maggie SET another device at a support base of a corridor.

Buddy LOOKS and sees MANY Followers lying on the floor of the passageway. They begin to rise and advance on them.

BUDDYTime to move.

Maggie draws a machine gun from her pack and FIRES at the oncoming rush of Followers.

Buddy and Maggie RUN down the Corridor SHOOTING as they go.


Warlord has CIRCLED the entire Command Center planting the devices. He moves toward Ardimagus’s throne. He leaves one device at the back of the base of the throne.

Warlord MOVES toward the stone door of the Command Center. He watches the POV monitors and SEES Buddy and Maggie coming toward the Command Center.

One of the Followers standing guard at the stone door NOTICES him.

FOLLOWERWhat are you doing?


Buddy and Maggie come around a corner and see the stone door of the Command Center. They are SHOOTING Followers as they approach.

BUDDYThat must be it. Cover me.

Buddy gets TWO of the devices out of his pack and SETS them at the base of the stone door.

Maggie is FIRING at the oncoming horde of Followers.

MAGGIEWe are running out of time here.

84.


The Follower from the stone door stands in front of Warlord.

FOLLOWERWhat is your identification number.

The device SET behind one of the monitoring stations is blinking faster.

Warlord SLOWLY LOOKS into the EYES of the Follower.


Buddy CHECKS his scanner and sees only SECONDS remain before the first device will explode.

Maggie is being OVER RUN by Followers.

Buddy draws out a automatic rifle and FIRES at the Followers OVERWHELMING Maggie.


Warlord is LOOKING into the eyes of the Follower.

SUDDENLY his raises his magnum and HOLDS the barrel INCHES from the Follower’s face.

Warlord PULLS the trigger SHOOTING the face off the follower’s head.

The DEVICE hidden behind the monitoring station STOPS blinking and explodes taking out the monitoring station.


Buddy HEARS the explosion. He continues to SHOOT at the Followers who have ENCIRCLED Maggie. He RUSHES toward them.

Maggie’s pistol CLICKS empty and she draws another.

One Follower GRABS her around the shoulders.

Maggie FLIPS him over her side.

The Follower REACHES up and GRABS at her mask.

Her MASK is TORN from her head EXPOSING her face.

85.

Buddy get close and SHOOTS the Follower she tossed to the ground. He SPRAYS rifle fire into the crowd of Followers.

Most in the front FALL from the gunshots. Followers give ground under the heavy gunfire.

Buddy removes his mask.

BUDDYAre you crazy fighting with these things!

MAGGIECrazy is your partner’s job. I’m just protecting my interests.


One by one the devices DETONATE taking out monitoring stations with them.

Ardimagus watches his Command Center being destroyed around him. He looks to the POV monitor bank and sees the battle taking place outside.

ARDIMAGUSI will kill you myself Warlord.

Ardimagus SEES BUDDY on a POV monitor. Buddy is covering Maggie as she reloads her weapon. The monitor’s POV ZOOMS IN on Maggie’s face.

ARDIMAGUS (CONT’D)Another from the outside! Then where is Warlord?

Warlord SHOOTS the other Follower at the door. He begins to remove his Follower disguise. He REMOVES a machine gun from his pack and FIRES at the Followers in the Command Center.


Buddy is SETTING the last device at the door of the Command Center. Maggie is SHOOTING the Followers as they continue to give ground under fire.

BUDDYThat’s it let’s move.

MAGGIEWe can’t just leave him.

86.

The two are being encircled by Followers as they advance.

Milly is shooting at them as Buddy looks to the stone door. He reloads his weapon as he hears the explosions coming from within.

WARLORD (V.O.)Its not about the mission, or mankind or even us. It’s about you saving Maggie from this. Do what I was unable to do.

Buddy opens fire on a wall of Followers getting close to Maggie. He pushes himself away from the stone door.

BUDDYWe have to go now.

Buddy RISES and joins Maggie as the SHOOT at the Followers. They begin to make their way back down the corridor.

The devices at the door BLINK RAPIDLY.


The Command Center is on fire. Followers are moving away from the destroyed monitoring stations and toward Warlord.

Warlord is SHOOTING Followers before they can get close to him.

Ardimagus’s throne is ROTATING toward Warlord. Ardimagus STANDS on the throne base as he SEES Warlord.

Warlord RELOADS his machine gun. The Followers in the Command Center have been killed. He SEES Ardimagus.

WARLORDI’ve come to finish you. Today this ends!

ARDIMAGUSWell phrased my friend.

Ardimagus LEAPS from the throne base toward Warlord.


Buddy and Maggie RUN down a corridor. Followers are in PURSUIT of them. Buddy TURNS and continues to SHOOT at them.

87.

Maggie looks ahead and SEES a group of Followers BLOCKING the intersection ahead.

MAGGIEWe’ve been cut off.

The group ADVANCES on them and then suddenly STOPS. They look up as if receiving instructions. They begin to move down another corridor away from Buddy and Maggie.

Buddy SHOOTS three more of the Followers pursuing them. The Followers chasing them suddenly STOP and TURN heading back the way they came.

Buddy checks his scanner. It the screen reads, “4:39” and counting down.

BUDDYLooks like Warlord has the A man on the ropes. Ardimagus is sending for reenforcements.

MAGGIEAnd Warlord?

BUDDYIts up to him now. Come on we have less than five minutes before this place goes.

Buddy attempts to pass Maggie. She GRABS his arm.

BUDDY (CONT’D)Its what he wanted.

Buddy TAKES Maggie’s hand as they RUN down the corridor.


Devices have finished detonating as the Command Center has been destroyed. Banks of POV monitors are smashed. The map of the five boroughs of New York City is in pieces on the ground. Small fires are burning on what was once monitoring stations and other equipment. Dead Followers litter the scene turning to dust.

Ardimagus RUSHES toward Warlord as he FIRES his machine gun.

Bullets penetrate Ardimagus as he STOPS his advance.

Ardimagus’s torso is an eruption of bullets passing through it.

88.

Ardimagus LOOKS to Warlord.

Warlord’s machine gun CLICKS empty. He smiles tossing it to the ground.

ARDIMAGUSHave you learned nothing?

WARLORDI have learned just how much I can annoy you.

Ardimagus ANGERED RUSHES as Warlord braces for his attack.

CUT TO:


The trains carrying Followers begin to SLOW then STOP.

The Followers LOOK as if they have lost direction.

Some Followers are UNABLE to move as their communications link has been SEVERED.


Ardimagus and Warlord fight among the debris of the Command Center. The equipment there continues to burn and explode.

Ardimagus BACKHANDS Warlord sending him to the ground.

Ardimagus RAISES his FOOT attempting to step on Warlord’s head. Warlord ROLLS AWAY as Ardimagus’ foot comes down INCHES from where his head was.

Warlord gets to his feet. Ardimagus REACHES with a hand and GRABS Warlord by the arm. Ardimagus FLINGS Warlord to the ground hard.

Warlord is able to get to his feet but he is hurt.

Ardimagus GRABS him again and FLINGS him into a nearby wall. Warlord is DAZED as he SLIDES to the ground.

ARDIMAGUSYou are no match for me.

Warlord smiles through spitting blood.

89.

WARLORDBlah, blah, blah, Don’t you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk.

Warlord stands and DRAWS two large knives from his array of armament. He RUSHES at Ardimagus.

Ardimagus waits for him. He GRABS Warlord with BOTH hands and lifts him into the air.

Warlord STABS both knives deep into Ardimagus’ chest.

Ardimagus LOOKS at the knives and smiles at Warlord.

Ardimagus THROWS Warlord back against the wall with more force. Warlord HITS the wall breaking several ribs from the impact.

Ardimagus STEPS toward Warlord the Command Center filling with smoke behind him. The knives still in his chest.

ARDIMAGUSThis is of no concern. You merely delayed Man’s end. You have failed once again.

Warlord lies at the base of the wall broken and bleeding.

Ardimagus’ SHADOW falls over him as Warlord struggles to stand.

Ardimagus STANDS over him.

Warlord SWINGS a futile punch.

Ardimagus CATCHES his arm and BREAKS it. The Bones SNAPPING as he does.

Warlord’s eyes LOOK into the eyes of Ardimagus.

Ardimagus with one arm LIFTS Warlord off the ground and over his head.

ARDIMAGUS (CONT’D)I will end your pathetic existence and that of Man.

Ardimagus LOOKS to the knives stuck in his chest. With his free hand he GRABS one SLOWLY DRAWING it out of him.

Smiling Ardimagus tosses the knife away.

90.

Ardimagus REACHES for the other knife and DRAWS it out of his chest. He flips the knife in his hand and POINTS it at Warlord.

ARDIMAGUS (CONT’D)No weapon made of your creation can defeat me. Unfortunately you can not say the same.

Ardimagus RAISES the knife toward Warlord.

Warlord looks to the blade and then over the shoulder of Ardimagus. He SMILES.

Ardimagus SEES Warlord smile and FOLLOWS his sight line.

The device at the base of the throne is BLINKING RAPIDLY.

WARLORDI saved that last one for you.

The device DETONATES HURLING both of them to the ground.

Smoke begins to CLEAR Warlord is lying on the ground trying to RAISE his head. He is burned and beaten. He SEES Ardimagus.

Smoke clears around what is left of the throne of Ardimagus.

Ardimagus is PINNED under the remains of the throne and base.

Ardimagus is MOVING trying to free himself from the debris.

Warlord CRAWLS over to where Ardimagus is PINNED.

Ardimagus SHOVES a large rock off of himself. It rolls away.

ARDIMAGUSI will be free in moments. You are finished.

Warlord REACHES into a large pocket on his leg. He DRAWS OUT the weapon that Sam created. He crawls to the rubble and is lying next to Ardimagus.

With the last of his strength Warlord ACTIVATES the weapon and THRUST it onto Ardimagus’ shoulder.

EXT. STONE BUILDING TEN YEARS PAST - CONTINUOUS

Images MELDING one into the next. A gunshot ringing out against the mountains.

91.

Sunshine lying dead at Warlord’s feet.

Sam standing in the distance.

Ardimagus fading back into the shadow of the mountains laughing.

INT. ARDIMAGUS COMMAND CENTER PRESENT ESTABLISHING - CONTINUOUS

Ardimagus REACHES for the device with his free hand. He GRABS it but CAN NOT remove it.

ARDIMAGUSWhat treachery is this!

Warlord STRUGGLES to his feet standing over Ardimagus Watching him.

WARLORDThe last moment you’ll ever have.

Ardimagus continues to struggle with the device.

The countdown on the device reads, “THREE.”

Warlord reaches into his tactical vest putting on his mirror sunglasses.

WARLORD (CONT’D)This is for her. Look in my eyes and see your death.

The countdown on the device reads, “ZERO.”

White light specks begin to form on Ardimagus. He LOOKS up to Warlord.

Ardimagus SEES himself REFLECTED in the sunglass lenses. The light specks begin to grow in intensity.

ARDIMAGUSNO!

The light specks GROW and BECOME white light rays. They begin to envelope Ardimagus. His form begins to BREAK APART.

The white light completely envelops Ardimagus. The beams are SWIRLING and SPREADING out in all directions. The entire Command Center is being FILLED by the white light.

Warlord LOOKS into the white light coming TOWARD him.

92.

WARLORDToday I go home.

CUT TO:


The trains FILLED with Followers are ENGULFED by the white light. Followers are INSTANTLY DISINTEGRATED. The trains slow and stop moving.


Buddy and Maggie have reached the entrance panel. They continue to fire at the Followers behind them.

Buddy LOOKS at his scanner. The countdown reads, “FIVE SECONDS.”

BUDDYWe’re out of time.

INT. ARDIMAGUS LAIR CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

A device light STOPS BLINKING and EXPLODES. One by one the devices DETONATE bringing down support beams in all the corridors.

White light moves through the corridors and begins to consume all in its path. It touches the Followers in pursuit of Buddy and Maggie INSTANTLY DISINTEGRATING them.


Buddy PUSHES through the entrance panel as it GIVES WAY.

Buddy and Maggie SEE the white light coming toward them.

BUDDYTime to scoot.

MAGGIEHe did it!

They both make it through the panel as the light FILLS the passageway.

93.

Every corridor in Ardimagus’s lair is FILLED by the white light. Followers flee only to be disintegrated once touched.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. WHITE LIGHT - CONTINUOUS

White light fills the screen. There is NO SOUND. SLOWLY white puffy clouds begin to fill the screen as the light begins to fade.

Clouds move against a blue sky as sounds of ocean surf begin to grow.

An endless beach front fills the frame as the clouds drift into the background of the blue sky.

Seagulls fly in endless loops over the ocean and sand. Waves CRASH on the beach in an endless rhythm.

Sunshine steps up to the shore water lapping at her feet.

Sunshine WALKS up the beach front moving inland and smiling.

Tiree SITS at their place watching her. Their beach house a short distance in the background.

Sunshine reaches him and sits beside Tiree.

SUNSHINEHi lover. Did you miss me?

Tiree SMILES at her.

TIREEAlways when you are not here. Always.

CUT TO:

EXT. TACTICAL CENTER ESTABLISHING - AFTERNOON

The Tactical Center is consumed in a raging fire. Nothing can be seen of the building.

The Tactical Squad is packing up their equipment as John and Orin PULL UP in their car.

The Fire Department is there water hoses SPRAYING on the fire.

Orin and John get out of the car and take in the scene.

94.

One of the TACTICAL OFFICERS is walking by. John stops him.

JOHNWhat happened?

OFFICERJust as we pulled up the whole place went up in an explosion.

ORINDid you see anyone?

OFFICERNo one got out of there.

Orin and John watch the firemen Battle the fire.

John SLAMS his fist on the car hood.

Orin watches him.

ORINWell, I guess that ends that.

Water sprays on the Tactical Center as the Firemen work on extinguishing the fire.

FADE TO BLACK:

FADE IN:

EXT. TWENTY THIRD STREET MANHATTAN - DAY

Buddy and Maggie are walking heading toward Third Avenue.

A Newspaper stand has the latest New York News edition.

The Headline reads, “ESCAPED MAN FROM BELLEVUE MEETS END IN STATEN ISLAND.”

Buddy and Maggie pass the news stand.

MAGGIEDo you really think he got out?

They both know the answer.

BUDDYI guess in his own way he did. He was taken from a life he loved and made into something he wasn’t. I hope Tiree made it home.

95.

MAGGIEHis name was Tiree. Well that’s better than Warlord any day.

Buddy and Maggie reach the intersection of Twenty Third Street and Third Avenue.

EXT. CORNER OF TWENTY THIRD STREET AND THIRD AVENUE - CONTINUOUS

A HOMELESS MAN (dressed in dirty clothes and covered in filth) standing next to a garbage can is holding a sign that reads, “THE WORLD IS ENDING TOMORROW.” He is yelling to all who pass by him. People ignore him and continue to cross the street.

The “DON’T WALK” sign is BLINKING as Buddy and Maggie reach the corner with the Homeless Man.

The Homeless Man looks to Buddy.

HOMELESS MANThe world is ending! I have seen the end and its here!

Buddy’s devilish grin COVERS his face as he LOOKS at the man.

The Homeless Man LOOKS back at Buddy.

HOMELESS MAN (CONT’D)You know, you’ve seen, its all going to end tomorrow.

The “DON’T WALK” sign CHANGES to “WALK.”

Buddy places his arm around Maggie and they begin to move into the cross walk.

With his free hand Buddy TOSSES something we can’t see into the garbage can.

BUDDYTomorrow is a long way from today pal.

He GRINS and turns away from the Homeless Man crossing the street.

EXT. OPPOSITE SIDE OF THIRD AVENUE - CONTINUOUS

Buddy and Maggie cross to the other side of Third Avenue.

96.

Maggie looking to him calling him by his real name for the first time.

MAGGIEJeff do you really think we’re going to make it?

JEFFCan’t say but you and I have today and that’s a beginning we can work with.

Maggie and Jeff walk arm and arm down Twenty Third Street.

PAN TO:

Jeff’s .22 Caliber pistol sitting at the bottom of the garbage can.

FADE OUT.

97.

coming home the third story in the ardimagus trilogy revisions by · 2017. 8. 29. · coming home...

Documents