Lesson 17

[Benita Cullingford]

Benita lesson 17 act three begins key scene

ACT 111 SCENE 9

EXT. MARTY’S LOCK UP – DAY

Constable Short, a canvass bag slung over his shoulder

glances up at –

The faded word, HOLMES stencilled at top of one of the double

doors.

Short places his hefty pair of BOLT CUTTERS on the ground and

takes a KEY and pair of GLOVES from his pocket. He puts

gloves on and inserts a key in the padlock.

He glances around, picks up bolt cutters and opens the

door wide enough to enter, and slips inside, pulling to

door to behind him.

INT. MARTY’S LOCK UP – DAY (CONTINUOUS)

Dim, but enough light from the frosted glass at top of the doors

to see. Facing Constable Short – back of a WHITE VAN. The

words HOLMES & SON LOCKSMITHS and a telephone number

printed on the van doors and sides.

Strong puts his bolt cutters in his canvas bag and walks

around the van trying the doors. All locked. He turns to

the CLASSIC CAR beside it. Then glances at the back wall –

Open metal shelving with a variety of things to do with

cars, and a huge range of tools. Short rummages along the

shelves. Nothing interesting. Then he spots –

A jumbo-sized metal trunk on the floor. Short opens the trunk

using his bolt cutters.

Disappointing. A glorified cupboard; electric kettle, old

mugs stained with caffeine, cleaning gel, a biscuit tin,

empty.

Short stands up. He puts his hand to his forehead and thumps

it several times, thinking. Ah!

SHORT

(muttering)

Underneath my favourite thing.

Short turns to the classic car. He takes out his TORCH

and shines it up and down. Then crouches alongside the

car –

Underneath, an old TARPAULIN spread out. On it battered

blue metal TOOLBOX.

Short opens the toolbox. Nothing but nuts and bolts and

tools. He shuts it and shines his torch further under the

car.

Torch light picks up a TROLLEY on wheels.

Short pulls out the trolley, lies on it and propels

himself underneath the car.

The torch-light flicks as he searches.

He emerges again and gets off trolley. As he stands

something triggers. He squats again and feels under the

tarpaulin. He drags the tarpaulin out from under the car.

It exposes –

A long row of floorboards. Short bangs on one of the

boards. A hollow SOUND. He prizes a floor up (with

difficulty, failing to see a finger-hole in the board for

removal). He removes several more.

A length of wood ladder leads down to an inspection pit.

Short shines his torch down into the pit.

A large amount of litter on the floor; crisp packets, old

wheels without rims. Various bits from cars etc.

Short places one foot on the ladder. PAUSES. LOOK UP.

BRIGHT DAY-LIGHT streams through the fully open doors. A

figure is silhouetted in the doorway. Someone shouts:

TRACY

What the bloody hell are you doing

here?

[Douglas Booth]

Doug Booth – Day 17 – really happy that I’ve gotten this far! I had to take a couple of days and dive deeper into “what’s really going on” to be able to figure out what happens next.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Day 17 – Dec 19th

INT. ELEGANT RESTAURANT – NIGHT Shania, Nick, Athena.

NICK
Thanks for including me for this

event, Ms. Blackwell. I’m sure you and your daughter have a lot to talk about, and…

ATHENA (cutting him off)

Including you.

Nick isn’t sure what to say, so he takes another sip of his wine, pretending to savor it.

NICK Excellent vintage…

And then he chokes and coughs and sprays wine everywhere! Shania pounds him on the back, laughing.

SHANIA
Great way to make a good first

impression, boyo! Luckily, Athena is laughing as well.

ATHENA
No problem – you missed me by a

mile!

But when she turns to look over her shoulder, she sees the diner at the next table, who did get sprayed! That guy turns around, annoyed… which causes Athena to immediately signal their waiter.

ATHENA (CONT’D) Ricardo – send this gentleman’s

table a bottle of Dom!
(she points to herself,

indicating that she will cover it)

The waiter nods and rushes off.

RICARDO
Very well, Ms. Blackwell.

DINER
There’s no need – I was merely

startled by the sudden…shower!

ATHENA
Well then – I hope you enjoy the

upcoming cascade of bubbly! She turns back to the table.

ATHENA (CONT’D) Now – where were we?

NICK
I was just embarrassing myself by

attempting to be a connoisseur – to cover my uneasiness at becoming the topic of conversation.

ATHENA Uneasy? Why?

Nick looks at Shania. She nods.

NICK
Well – I confessed to Shania that,

because of what I’ve learned since Jerome’s death, I’m a lot less down with the take-the-money-and-run aspects of this Casper Holstein Way buy-out deal – because it’s looking as if a lot of people will be losing ownership of their homes and/or their place of worship, when all this goes down — it seems as if there must be a better way.

ATHENA
Jerome grew up on this block – and

he was the one who alerted us to the possibilities.

SHANIA
As well as conducting the initial

negotiations that set the ball rolling for the whole endeavor.

Athena and Shania both look at Nick, both cocking their heads in total mother-daughter symmetry.

NICK
But he was having second thoughts.

2.

ATHENA
You communicate with spirits?

NICK Laptops.

SHANIA
Ah! So that’s where it went.

(off Nick’s look)
Scott told me he couldn’t find it. You went to 409?

Nick shrugs.

NICK Jerome asked me to.

ATHENA
Enterprising. I like that in my

agents.

NICK
Right up there with a good

horizontal leap?
He looks to Shania and she smiles.

ATHENA I won’t ask.

(beat)
Nick. Our business model is bringing in large…

SHANIA (echoing)

Very large…

ATHENA
…sums of cash. Usually

electronically transferred, but not always, from overseas investors who trust in both our discretion AND ability to find brilliant investment possibilities. Underpriced, but with vast…

SHANIA Upside potential

NICK And…

3.

SHANIA
Casper Holstein Way fits those

criteria to a tee.

NICK
(not quite sure why)

A landmark-protected mansion, a church watched over by the eagle- eye of the Attorney General, and an HDFC co-op that, even if it goes into 3rd party transfer, will still be nothing more than a rent- stabililized apartment house for its former owners…?

(beat)
Where’s the upside in that?

ATHENA
Indeed. Where would it be? And

THAT is why it it’s so perfect! Nick looks to Shania.

NICK
Okay. So I’m stupid. I don’t get

it.
(and then he does)

Oh, wait. You can’t mean…

(PS PLANT “GAS EXPLOSION DESTROYS UES APARTMENT HOUSE” NEWSPAPER HEADLINE WILL HAVE BEEN (UNOBTRUSIVELY) HIGHLIGHTED EARLIER)

Athena smiles and makes a silent “boom” sound with her pursed lips, while expanding her steepled fingers in a meme of an explosion!

Nick looks from one to the other.

NICK (CONT’D) No! Really?!! You can’t!

Athena smiles and shrugs sadly.

ATHENA
You’re right. We can’t.

(beat)
Before Jerome’s death, we thought

we could.
(MORE)

4.

ATHENA (CONT’D)
After all, the “number one homie on

the block” was telling us it would be for the good of everyone – what with insurance pay-outs, City resettling adjustments, and the like – and it would certainly upgrade this humble part of town,

SHANIA
29 stories – glass and steel –

better than anything built on the Upper East Side in the past 15 years!

(beat)
But – just today, we told Scott, “No”…

ATHENA
And I let Ernesto know there was a

change of plans…

SHANIA
That we were going to have to find

another way. Yeah, the church is a wreck and needs to start over, but Jenice and their families need their homes…

NICK You know her?

SHANIA
Of course, I know her. And, when I

stopped to think of it, I do not want to see the Holstein Mansion as part of a “Tragic Gas Explosion Decimates Historic Harlem Block” headline in the NY Post.

Nick is both shocked and relieved.

NICK
Whoa! You guys are…

impossibly… cool! So… the ‘hood is saved? But what’s the new plan?

ATHENA
Ernesto was not happy. He’s

already in contract on the church. Carl is getting ready to accept his offer on the mansion. The co-op is scheduled for foreclosure auction the day after tomorrow…

(MORE)

5.

ATHENA (CONT’D)
…and it’s aLready been arranged

that Ernesto’s will be the winning bidder. (fit this part in somewhere — And… Ernesto has $150 million dollars – purchase, construction, and all – burning a whole in his pocket that I have promised him he will quadruple within the next five years.)

NICK
So – the fix was in – but Jerome

had already arranged for cash buyers to get the co-op out of trouble – with the five vacant apartments – for over a million bucks – so- if you’ll give me the go-ahead, I can help this to go through? HPD will have to give us some more time – but I’m sure they will – IF the co-op prez will be okay once she learns her “retirement bonus” has been withdrawn.

(also)
And – if someone drops a dime on the Whale to the AG and she takes a closer look, that might monkey- wrench that plan, too (ps – Ernesto’s last name is Ballena – aka – whale in Spanish)
But, even if we don’t save the church, we’ll be saving the homes of 60 families – who trusted Jerome to do right by them… (lots to work on here!)

ATHENA
I hope you’re right.

She reaches across to put her hand on top of Nick’s.

(point of scene is that Nick has “turned” Athena and Shania from ripping off the neighborhood to make some big bucks, to “doing the right thing”)

Shania takes a large sip from her wine.

SHANIA
Whew! This feels much better!

Nick – you think you can try some more of this wine without causing an international restaurant incident?

6.

Nick smiles – drinks – and smiles again.

NICK Excellent!

Athena smiles across the table.

ATHENA
You’re a good man, Charlie Brown!

Thank you!

Athena looks to Shania and makes an “a-okay” sign with her fingers. Nick, seeing this, grins!

EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT All are out front.

NICK (to Athena)

Thank you so much! I can promise that I’ll do everything I can to make this work out as wonderfully as possible – and make Ernesto as much money as possible… without robbing a bank, as possible!

SHANIA
Robbing a bank isn’t bad…

ATHENA
I’ve been doing this for a while

now, and I expect this will work out just fine.

Nick gives her a hug – and then kisses Shania.

NICK Tomorrow?

SHANIA Of course!

And with that, Nick sets off down the street – to, a large degree, walking on air…

As Athena and Shania get into a cab and drive away.

DISSOLVE TO:

7.

INT. CAB – NIGHT
He’s lovely. I do hope it works.

SHANIA Ernesto?

ATHENA
I tried to defuse him. But… you

know those Belizians! (nick-name for folks from Belize?)

Shania gives here a look.

SHANIA This coming from a…

ATHENA
I know. But – if Prince Charming

has to face down a Dragon to prove his love – well, it’s all in a day’s work, right?

Shania hugs her mom.

SHANIA Momma, I’m scared.

ATHENA (under her breath)

Welcome to my world, my darling.

EXT. HARLEM STREET – NIGHT

ATHENA

Nick is walking home – when a black SUV swoops into the curb. TWO GUYS lunge out from the front and back passenger sides and grab him!

Nick, still on a high from his dinner with his new honey and potential mother-in-law, REACTS!

NICK Shit! Really?

He claps his hands over his head – breaking the headlock one of them has put on him from the back – and drops down to the sidewalk – sweeping out with his legs (bracing himself with both hands – nearly horizontal to the pavement) and CUTS THE LEGS OUT from both of his attackers! Taken by surprise, they both go down…

CUT TO:

8.

And Nick scrambles to his feet and takes off!

He stumbles on some trash left on the sidewalk, regains his momentum and continues on…

Passing, but not noticing, a random homeless person and their shopping cart on the side of the sidewalk…

And he does his best to accelerate away as… THE TWO GUYS

are now in full-velocity pursuit! They exchange looks, confident.

FIRST GUY
We’ll get him at the corner.

TWO GUY
No more tricks – we’ll pound him to

jelly!

But, as they get ready to make their final acceleration to catch up to Nick…

The Homeless Guy (yeah, the one from the airport) “accidentally” shoves his shopping cart into their path…

While holding out his arms to catch his giant-sized tom-cat, as it leaps from its shopping cart perch into his arms…

HOMELESS GUY (clicking his tongue)

C’mon here, Tom!

As the two pursuers CRASH into the cart, knocking it over and sending its contents flying everywhere – while they skid down on the pavement – major ouchies!!!

GUY ONE What the fuck?!!!

Guy #2 gets to his feet – his first reaction to go after the Homeless Guy who set them up.

GUY TWO You stupid fuck!

But Tom (the cat) swipes, claws fully extended, across Guy Two’s hand as it grasps the Homeless Guy’s coat – and Guy Two releases it fast – with a…

GUY TWO (CONT’D) (Blood-curdling shriek)

9.

TOM
HISSES…
And the Guys exchange looks…

GUY ONE
We’re here to get the human, not

the cat! ANGLE – TOM

Yeah, you don’t want to mess with him! And… THE TWO GUYS

run off in the direction Nick took – but he’s nowhere in sight.

ANGLE – HOMELESS GUY AND TOM

They exchange satisfied looks. Tom’s new rhinestone collar sparkles expensively! As does the Homeless Guy’s new sapphire blue cashmere scarf!

TOM Meow!

HOMELESS GUY My sentiments exactly!

(smile)
Debt – nicely repaid!

(looking down the road)
God speed, Pilgrim! Until we meet again!

EXT. NICK’S NEW RESIDENCE (APT. BLDG) – NIGHT

DISSOLVE TO:

The same SUV is now pulled up in front of the building, as bedraggled Guy #1 & #2 stagger up to the front door.

The Guys go over to the Driver, who rolls down his tinted window.

DRIVER Going in?

The two guys exchange looks.

10.

NEW ANGLE

GUY ONE
Ernesto will skin ua alive if we

don’t.
Okay – let’s do it.

GUY TWO

Nick is watching them from across the street. Nope, he can’t go home just now. However, watching the bedraggled guys trying to figure out how to break into the building, Nick can’t help himself…

NICK
(low derisive laugh)

Idiots!
…and, unfortunately, they hear!

Oh no!!!

NICK (CONT’D)

He turns and takes off, with the two guys once more in hot pursuit!

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. UPTOWN TRINITY CEMETERY – NIGHT

It’s not that far away from his apartment house. Nick pulls himself up over the ancient wrought-iron fence that separates it from the street.

And… as it now starts to rain, he forces the door of a large, stone family crypt (the size of a small Maine cabin) and stumbles inside…

ANOTHER ANGLE

As the two guys arrive on the street, just outside the cemetery. The storm breaks loose, drenching them!

GUY ONE
Damn! Why is this asshole making

it so hard?

INT. FAMILY CRYPT – NIGHT

(new scene to follow)

[Chris Spizuoco]

Act 3 Reaction to Midpoint. What I learned is the first half really
serves as a “set up” re external motivation where the 2nd half should solve for the inner motivation of our hero.

EXT. KEN’S HOUSE – DAY

Frank pulls into the driveway; head sloops low. His wife Babs stays in the car.

Ken sits on his porch scratching his scraggy grey beard; sitting on the previous bull hole now covered with unnailed board scraps. He precariously holds them down in his rocking chair.

FRANK

You are not going to believe this…

KEN

Industrial farming taking over?

FRANK

How did you…? Of course you knew…

Ken stares at the giant tree in front of him.

KEN

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.

Frank attempts to process this; stares blankly at the tree.

FRANK

It’s just that…follow your dreams? Be independent? Choose the occupation you love and you’ll never work in your life? A life filled with purpose? There’s more bullshit on the end of the back slab gutter cleaner than in this life.

Ken and his crooked stroke smile steadies a poker face.

KEN

Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.

FRANK

OK I understand the tree metaphors. I know Thoreau said “nothing stands up more free from blame than a pine tree”. I’m attempting not to blame.

KEN

Son. Our lives are as short as we make them. We have free will. Things happen to us as a reason. As a challenge. Dream of your future.

Frank stares at Ken waiting for more words of wisdom…a look that says “a little more help please?”

KEN

The possibility of the dream gives strength. Every person has two educations; one which he receives from others and one he gives to himself. It’s great to do what you love but greater with the great team.

EXT./INT. FRANK’S CAR – CONTINUOUS

Frank’s proud stride is back on. He marches to the car and SLAMS the door.

BABS

What did he say?

FRANK

I’m getting my Forestry Degree and will start coaching again next week.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  Chris Spizuoco.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  Chris Spizuoco.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  Chris Spizuoco.

[Shahrukh Shackle]

Shah Has Completed Act 2 Draft 1

I learned that I need to intercut occasionally between goings-on in Avanti, how Queen and Mohini manage things with Ministers, find a way of introducing Akaash and Mohini’s romance long-distance.

I/E. THE PATH TO THE GATE – CONTINUOUS

The massive metal gate rears up in front of him. GUARDS sit on either side.

EXT. PALACE GATES – NIGHT

Akaash is stopped at the palace gates by a GIANT sent by his ancestors the sky-go Indra. No one may go in or out of Avanti unless they pass the test. They battle, Akaash wins. The Giant hears his mission and tells him his father went to visit the Yogi Shant Sheel on his last mission to break the curse put on the rulers of Avanti by an old Yogi Maldev for doing him harm.

EXT. CREMATION FIELD – NIGHT – CONTINUOUS

Opening – As Akaash wades alone through the cremation ground he comes across hideous monsters. At the centre is YOGI SHANT SHEEL. Akaash is surprised to see him in this unholy setting but Shant Sheel says he is not in a position to judge anyone. How does he know that he is not secretly evil or treacherous?

TE 1. He realizes how alone he is and how little he knows of these matters. But his father’s life (or afterlife) is in his hands and sets off.

INCITING INCIDENT. Shant Sheel tells Akaash that he has to track down who threw his father into the infernal regions out of revenge because Vikram displaced him as king. Akaash must get there in time to disrupt the rituals and if he is to save his father.

EXT. WILDERNESS – DAWN

TE. He walks out, shocked by his father’s treachery. Why did Vikram supersede his older brother and does he plan to do the same to him?

EXT. WILDERNESS – DAY

OPENING: Akaash alone and distracted falls into his old ways, hunting and wasting time.

INCITING INCIDENT. His dead grandfather arrives and tells him the story behind the curse on his line.

EXT. WILDERNESS – CONTINUOUS

TE1. Akaash is disillusioned about his family and even more determined to confront his father and find out the truth.

EXT. A MOUNTAIN TOP – CONTINUOUS

Akaash approaches Hari and interrupts his rituals. Akaash is attacked by missiles and thunderbolts but holds his own. In the battle Hari falls into the abyss. Akaash doesn’t know if this means he can’t rescue his father.

EXT. THE ABYSS – CONTINUOUS

TE. Akaash’s first thought is to get answers from his father whatever the cost. He leaps into the abyss.

EXT. PALACE GATES – NIGHT

Akaash is stopped at the palace gates by a GIANT sent by his ancestors the sky-go Indra. No one may go in or out of Avanti unless they defeat him. They battle, Akaash wins. The Giant hears his mission and tells him his father went to visit the Yogi Shant Sheel on his last mission to break the curse put on the rulers of Avanti by an old Yogi Maldev for doing him harm.

EXT. CREMATION FIELD -NIGHT – CONTINUOUS

Opening – As Akaash wades alone through the cremation ground he comes across hideous monsters. At the centre is YOGI SHANT SHEEL. Akaash is surprised to see him in this unholy setting but Shant Sheel says he is not in a position to judge anyone. How does he know that he is not secretly evil or treacherous?

TE 1. He realizes how alone he is and how little he knows of these matters. But his father’s life (or afterlife) is in his hands and sets off.

INCITING INCIDENT. Shant Sheel tells Akaash that he has to track down who threw his father into the infernal regions out of revenge because Vikram displaced him as king. Akaash must get there in time to disrupt the rituals and if he is to save his father.

EXT. WILDERNESS – DAWN

Reaction: He walks out, shocked and carries on walking by his father’s treachery.

EXT. WILDERNESS – DAY

OPENING: Akaash alone and distracted falls into his old ways, hunting and wasting time.

INCITING INCIDENT. His dead grandfather arrives and tells him the story behind the curse on his line.

EXT. WILDERNESS – CONTINUOUS

TE1. Akaash is disillusioned about his family and even more determined to confront his father and find out the truth.

EXT. A MOUNTAIN TOP – CONTINUOUS

Akaash approaches Hari and interrupts his rituals. Akaash is attacked by missiles and thunderbolts but holds his own. In the battle Hari falls into the abyss. Akaash doesn’t know if this means he can’t rescue his father.

EXT. THE ABYSS – CONTINUOUS

TE. Akaash’s first thought is to get answers from his father whatever the cost. He leaps into the abyss.

ACT 2

EXT. PALACE GATES – NIGHT

Akaash goes through the door behind his bed, rearranges the curtains and locks the door. Walks through a dark tunnel

On to

EXT. PATHWAY TO THE GATE

It is a massive gate guarded by armored men on both sides. Silently and swiftly, Akaash scales the gate and drops down safely on the other sides, shield by the darkness. As he’s getting up, he collides with something large. A deep voice speaks.

GIANT

Where do you think you’re going?

Akaash steps back and the giant’s outline begins to take shape.

AKAASH

I’m Akaash, Yuvraj of Avanti.

The giant laughs loudly.

GIANT

So you’re the one who’s running away!

AKAASH

Who are you?

GIANT

I’ve been sent by Indra to guard the gates of the city. No one comes in, no one goes out.

AKAASH

Why not?

GIANT

So that only the noble of heart van leave or enter. There are those from within and without who wish Avanti ill.

AKAASH

I’m the Yuvraj…

GIANT

Then why don’t you stay and protect it from your enemies?

AKAASH

I have a mission which needs o be accomplished before the period of protection is over. Even better, If I find my father, he can take his rightful place on the throne. Now let me pass.

The giant doesn’t budge. Akaash draws his sword. With a mighty roar, the Giant lifts him in the air and drops him from a great height. Akaash performs a few cartwheels, latches on to the giant’s belt with his arms and kicks hm in the face. Th fight continues until finally, the Giant howls for mercy. Akaash pulls himself together, wishes the Giant well and sets off.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE GATES – CONTINUOUS

The Giant follows. Akaash turns around.

AKAASH

What do you want?

GIANT

When Raja Vikram left Avanti it was to ask the Yogi Shant Sheel how to save your dynasty from the curse of Yogi Maldev. ShantSheel was the only one who could help Vikram.

Akaash is shocked but determined. He bows to the Giant.

AKAASH

I humbly ask for your help. Tell me how to get there.

GIANT

His may be your chance to show your metal. May the gods guide your path.

He lifts Akaash and in a few strides puts him down in vast field. The stench of death is sickening. Akaash retches.

Akaash turns to speak to the giant but he’s gone.

Akaash steps into he field.

INT. AKAASH’S BED-CHAMBER

Guards, led by a Minister, enter to find Akaash gone. They search everywhere but miss the chain-mail curtain behind the bed.

MINISTER

Look again. Pull everything apart. Just find him.

After a lot of searching they find the door and hammer it open. A group of guards run into the tunnel.

EXT. CREMATION FIELD – NIGHT – CONTINUOUS

Akaash wades alone through the cremation ground he distinguishes figures hovering and drifting, hears moaning, wailing, hissing. Corpses and strange creatures litter the ground and he picks his way through them. Then something damp hurls itself on his back, throwing him off-balance. He feels claws digging into his neck and shoulders and tries to throw them of, twisting his neck around to identify the creature. Two, glittering eyes lock into his. It is a witch. He keeps moving forward trying to fight her off, spitting, snarling and nipping until he stumbles into

EXT. A CIRCLE SURROUNDING A FIRE – CONTINUOUS

In the light and shadows of the flames he sees strange creatures he’s never encountered before, horned giants, anthropomorphs, twisted and rotting corpse. Wispy forms drift around.

At the centre is YOGI SHANT SHEEL. He flings a handful of dust into the flames and the reach into the sky. Behind it, the a Gigantic image of Shiva side by side with his wife the goddess KALI. INCLUDE RITUALS.

SHANT SHEEL

I was expecting you. I see you look surprised.

AKAASH

I had not expected such an unholy setting.

SHANT SHEEL

You are in no position to judge what is unholy. How can you know the who is holy and who evil or treacherous? What do you know of the world other than your war skills and your luxuries?

AKAASH

I am Akaash son of Vikram-Aditya. I wish to know where he went from here, where I can find him?

SHANT SHEEL

You have come here because I have something you desire. Yet you question my ways.

AKAASH

Indeed Yogi Maharaj. My country is threatened by a dangerous enemy and I ask you to help me find him.

Shant Sheel looks him up and down.

SHANT SHEEL

I see none of the bows or prostrations which accompany a favour as grand as this. Yet I see no prostration, no salutation, not even a miserable bow. Tell me why I should help you.

AKAASH

I ask nothing for myself. The most Sacred of the 7 Sacred Kingdoms is at risk. If Avanti is taken over by an immoral invader, the other cities will crumble too. The world will be at risk. That is why I need to find my father.

SHANT SHEEL

(laughs)

The evil king Shalivahana! Of course you fear him. Why do you think I preside over these malign and unclean creatures if not to keep them under control so that they cannot help prevent depraved men to defeat the noble people of this world.

The monsters and spirits surround him. He flings up his arms and they step back hissing and yowling.

SHANT SHEEL

Your father came on my invitation for a different reason. But to keep Avanti from falling, I will help you. But don’t forget, the journey will be hard – even impossible. Your father did not return. Would it not be better for you to return and prepare to fight Shalivahana yourself. The warriors of Avanti have never been defeated.

EXT. BATTELFIELD – SIMULTANEOUS

The WAR MINISTER watches as SOLDIERS perform night-time maneouvres and practices.

WAR MINISTER

We cannot be sure when the enemy will attack. A night-ambush is entirely possible.

EXT. CREMATION FIELD – NIGHT

Akaash watches Shant Sheel surrounded by his unearthly cohorts and wraiths. He stands alone, separate from the others, desolate.

SHANT SHEEL (V.O.)

How can you know who is holy and who evil or treacherous? What do you know of the world other than your war skills and your luxuries?

Akaash stands very still. Very alone. He has no answers.

SHANT SHEEL

Listen carefully. On the edge of the northern mountains, a yogi sits meditating. He cast your father into the infernal regions to punish him. The Yogi is your uncle Hari . Vikram snatched his throne and he seeks revenge. At the rise of dawn seven moons from now, he will complete his rituals.

Akaash looks aghast.

SHANT SHEEL

You must disrupt his rituals or he will be trapped there forever.

EXT. WILDERNESS – NIGHT

Akaash races through vast uninhabited spaces and finally lies down, exhausted. He wakes up at

DAWN

Still half asleep he reaches for a blanket but there’s nothing there.

AKAASH

Anyone there?

No response. Slowly he becomes aware of strange noise, animals, birds, trampling of twigs. He jumps up

AKAASH

One day has gone. I must hurry.

He streaks across like an arrow.

EXT. FOREST – DAY

Akaash enters the forest, stops briefly for a drink in a stream, then searches for something to eat. He tries some berries and foliage. They are unfamiliar. He spits them out and continues to run.

Through the branches, he sees a flock of deer in a glade. Swiftly, he draws his bow and shoots. He looks at the deer, working out what to do with it. He examines it, picks at its skin, finds a sharp stone to start skinning it. Then gives up and sits down frustrated.

EXT. FOREST – HIGH NOON

A loud shattering of branches and a DONKEY crashes through. It lets out piteous groans as it tries to get to its feet. Akaash looks at it, not quite sure what to do.

DONKEY

Are you going to help me or not?

Akaash is bemused.

AKAASH

What are you? Where did you come from?

DONKEY

I am your grandfather.

Akaash is outraged.

AKAASH

You insult my ancestors.

The donkey brays loudly.

DONKEY

You are an ignorant pup. Help me up! Then I will tell you my story.

Akaash helps the donkey. It stretches itself, moves around and then comes very close to Akaash.

DONKEY

I am indeed your grandfather. Many years ago, I played a cruel trick on a Yogi called Maldev who had meditated for decades to beg a boon from the gods.

AKAASH

What did you do?

DONKEY

You don’t need to know. It’s enough to say that when he discovered the hoax, I was transformed. Worse still he put a curse on our family. It was to redeem this curse that Vikram undertook this mission. If he fails, our dynasty will wander for eternity.

AKAASH

Then I am even more determined to find my father and confront him.

DONKEY

I have watched how your arrogance. Your selfish ways will keep you from your goal.

AKAASH

My ways! You destroy a holy man’s meditations, my father usurps his older brother’s throne and you talk of my ways?

DONKEY

Don’t waste time judging others. Pull yourself together and look to your goal. I will help you find your uncle.

Akaash raises his hands to the sky in utter despair.

AKAASH

Lord Indra, guide me I beg you. I must release my family from this terrible curse.

There’s a flash of light in the sky.

DONKEY

True passion at last. Jump on my back.

The Donkey shoots into the sky with Akaash on his back. He turns his head with a twinkle in his eye.

DONKEY

I permit you to call me Grandfather now.

MONTAGE of desert, forests, flowing water as the donkey flies Akaash and lands on:

EXT. A MOUNTAIN TOP –

HARI sits cross legged in a saffron robe, head bowed in meditation. In front of him a terrifying black space that goes on forever.

Akaash dismounts and approaches Hari. The Donkey flies into space. Akaash calls out.

AKAASH

I am Akaash, son of Vikram-Aditya.

HARI turns around, furious.

HARI

You dare to…

AKAASH

…disrupt your ritual to stop you evil plans.

Hari stands up and faces him.

HARI

You fool! You don’t know what you’ve done!

He swirls around, arms moving frenetically. Fireballs and missiles shoot at Akaash. He dodges them with agility then manages to hurl back an object.

Hari reels as it hits him then launches himself at Akaash. They wrestle. Akaash flings Hari backward. He rises. His foot slips and he falls backward into the abyss.

Akaash gazes down into the abyss.

AKAASH

I have to get my answers from my father.

Without further thought, Akaash leaps into the abyss after Hari.

[michelle patnett]

INT SHOT – PUBLIC LIBRARY, MID-AFTERNOON

Monique pores intently over the printed pages, frowning. She stares off into space, tapping fingers.

INT. SHOT – UPSCALE HOME, MORNING

Monique is busy at the stove while an old man gazes blankly out the window.

Monique places food in front of MR. MARTIN as he pats her rear.

MONIQUE

No. Mr. Martin, we agreed that you would not do that anymore. That is grounds for a harassment lawsuit.

MR MARTIN

Oh honey, sue away. Your word against a senile old man. At my age I’ll be stiff in the ground before you see a penny.

MONIQUE

Mmmm. We’ll see.

As MR. MARTIN starts picking at his food, MONIQUE tiptoes into the other room and gently closes the door. She lifts the phone receive and dials directory assistance.

MONIQUE

Seattle, please. Kira McDaniel.

KIRA

Good morning, this is Kira!

MONIQUE

Kira. Hi. It’s Monique.

Beat. Monique twirls phone cord around her finger and waits for a response.

KIRA

You know, I’m a little surprised to hear from you.

MONIQUE

Yeah. I’m…I’m in trouble, Kira. Deep trouble, and I need your help. I need to prove that I am who I say I am.

Beat. Kira is silent as Monique sobs loudly.

KIRA

What? What is this, Monique? I don’t have time for your games right now. Get sober and get yourself together.

MONIQUE

I’ve been sober since I left Seattle. Mostly cause I can’t afford liquor. Kira, someone stole my house and I need to prove my identity in order to get it back. I need someone to help me prove that I am who I am.

KIRA

You’re not making any sense. You know, Monique, believe it or not I’ve always been on

your side. I know you had trouble fitting into our group because it’s such a different

world from the one you grew up in, but you have to get your act together. Now!

MONIQUE

Okay! Yes! I need to. I will. But I need your help.

KIRA

What do you need, Monique.

MONIQUE

Like I said. I need to prove I am who I am. The house that Steven left me, someone else is claiming it’s his house, and my car was towed with all my stuff in it and I’m pretty much homeless and the lawyer says I have to find people who can prove I’m me, and I need your help. And Jack. Jack’s a lawyer, they’ll believe him.

Beat. Monique clutches phone receiver and waits for a response.

KIRA (whispers)

That makes no fucking sense, Monique.

MONIQUE

(Sobs out loud, once.)

I KNOW! But it’s true, all of it. I can give you the number for the lawyer. Can you please pass it on to Jack and have him call?

KIRA

Oh, I don’t know about all that. Jack’s a busy guy, he doesn’t have time to play these games.

MONIQUE

That’s why I called you instead.

KIRA

Right. Cause you knew he’d hang up on you. Steven was his best friend and you treated him like a piece of shit. He really did love you. Don’t know why.

MONIQUE

Yes, okay! I know that now. If I could go back in time, there’s a lot of things

KIRA

Whatever. Just give me the number and I’ll pass it on. I can’t make any promises, though. Jack is his own person. Makes his own decisions.

MONIQUE

Just please ask him to hurry. I’m running out of time here.

INT. SHOT. MR MARTIN’S BEDROOM

Hiding in the pantry, Monique places a few drops of medicine in a glass of milk and stirs until the medicine is fully dissolved.

In the bedroom, she hands the glass to Mr. Martin and watches until he drinks the entire glass. She then settles in a chair and watches him intently until he falls asleep.

EXT. SHOT. MR MARTIN’S GARAGE, NIGHTTIME

Monique slips quietly out the back door and starts the car, an old Volvo.

LATE NIGHT – EXT. OF MONIQUE’S OLD HOUSE

Crouched in the bushes, Monique circles the house and slowly peeks through every window until she finds an occupied room.

INT SHOT – LIVING ROOM

Marc is angrily pacing back and forth across the room. The other person in the room is standing motionless, her back to the window. It appears to be a woman. Marc angrily jabs and punches the air. After a few heated minutes, the woman turns to answer Marc. It is the clerk from the Hall of Records.

Monique jerks back and leans against the house, furiously thinking. She continues to peek through the window, and after a half hour of heated discussion, the woman leaves.

Monique allows the woman a few minutes headstart, then also leaves.

She quietly returns Mr. Martin’s car to the garage and creeps into her bedroom. She lies in bed staring at the ceiling. She appears to be thinking furiously.

Monique pacing in office. MICHAEL, the legal aid representative, is distractedly searching through files on his desk.

<b align=”center”>MONIQUE

He’s using the names of the Astros starting lineup, so he’s probably from Houston or lived there for a while.

MICHAEL

He who? What are you talking about?

MONIQUE

He’s used ** and ** as far as I can tell.

MICHAEL

Again with this? I told you, bring me proof!

MONIQUE

You want proof? Here.

Tosses stack of paper on his desk.

MONIQUE (CONT’D)

I printed out every single real estate record where the owner of the property just happens to be the name of a baseball player in the Astros 1915 lineup.

MICHAEL

Uh, what?

<b align=”center”>MONIQUE

Don’t believe me? Convince yourself.

Lays another sheet of paper on desk.

MONIQUE (CONT’D)

This is the starting lineup for 1915. Check it against the records. I’ll wait.

MICHAEL starts to flick through the stack of papers and comparing it to the list of names. He stares at Monique, then starts a more deliberate comparison.

MICHAEL

Fuck me.

<b align=”center”>MONIQUE

But that’s ok, you don’t have to believe me. Every single one of these properties changed hands within the last year. Which isn’t suspicious in and of itself. But check the initials of the Hall of Records agent.

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; text-align: center;”>MICHAEL

It’s .. it’s the same. LDB. Every time.

<b align=”center”>MONIQUE

Quite clever, if you think about it. Who’s gonna connect the dots. Well, someone with time on their hands and a burning need to kick some ass!

MICHAEL

If this is true, then you’re talking wide-scale corruption.

MONIQUE

Oh, it’s true. But that’s okay. I know you’ll check it out for yourself. What do I know, I’m just a stupid homeless Mexican.

MICHAEL

Okay. I’ll admit, this is very.. intriguing. But it could be just a coincidence.

MONIQUE

Sure. Ok. Then research the clerk. LDB. She’s a younger black chick, wide gap between her front teeth. Loves hoop earrings. She works the counter at Hall of Records. Monday through Friday, 8-5. She also hangs out with the squatter.

MICHAEL

Jesus, you’re stalking her?

MONIQUE

It’s called research. And I got nothing but time on my hands.

MICHAEL

That’s illegal!

<b align=”center”>MONIQUE

That’s cute. So I’m supposed to just sit back and accept what happened?

MICHAEL

No, you’re supposed to let the law do its job, not take matters into your own hands!

MONIQUE

Why not? He did.

MICHAEL

Again, what you’ve brought me is – intriguing. But there has to be a lot more research done.

MONIQUE

Well, hop on that. Do whatever you have to do to get this guy arrested, and get my house back.

MICHAEL

Maybe you need someone else. Let me see if I can find you another attorney who specializes in this sort of thing. Someone with more time on their hands.

MONIQUE

Funny. Time is exactly what I don’t have.