Stuff I Wrote

01/25/2016: Star Wars: Rebellion Rising

2016-01-25T20:26:00.000-06:00

So after playing Star War: Old Republic and reading various Star Wars wiki pages, I wanted to write a television series that focused on the Gray Jedi. Jedi who were neither light nor dark but a combination of the two. They were no longer part of the Jedi Order, either because they were expelled from it or they never officially joined and they live on the fringes of the empire not really getting involved with the Republic or the Empire.

The setting would be after Revenge of the Sith but before New Hope. When the characters we know wouldn't be in their prime yet. So Luke and Leia and Han and Chewy wouldn't make appearance and the only characters would be probably the Emperor and Darth Vader who would appear a few times per season.

The Gray Jedi would eventually get involved with the beginnings of the rebellion and this is where it would begin. A Gray Jedi named Kelru feeling a sense of duty to help any remaining Jedi within the Empire being captured and his fellow misfits come to rescue him and some of the Senators who have been detained.

It is in screenplay format cause I wanted it to be a television series.

FADE IN.

EXT. SPACE

Empty blackness of space and stars.

SUBTITLES ROLLING:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away . . .

The Jedi have been exterminated. The Galaxy has fallen into the hands of Sith Lord Sidious under the guise of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Plans for restructuring the Galactic Republic have begun. Regional Governors are suppressing the rights of citizens and the Clone Army of the Galactic Empire is squashing any visible resistance to the Chancellor’s rule.

As the Empire takes its first breaths of life the Rebellion is being nursed in secret by the few remaining opposition Senators. But the going is hard as Lord Vader, the Chancellors’ new weapon, is secretly hunting down anyone who pose a threat to the new Galactic Empire.

EXT. CORUSCANT SYSTEM

A small fighter exits hyperspace. The ship ditches its Hyperspace ring as its engines ignite and the City Planet of Coruscant gleams in the distance.

INT. FIGHTER

KELRU TUNI, 37, flicks switches as he scans the displays of his ships status. Kelru’s Mech Droid beeps a message onto the small computer screen.

KELRU

Okay, R6-E3, relay the message.

The mech droid beeps an affirmative. ONLEE INT, a dark skinned shallow faced man, flashes onto the screen.

ONLEE

Don’t do this, Kelru. The transmission ended along time ago. The temple’s probably been destroyed.

KELRU

We should have come when the message was altered.

ONLEE

And did what? Been destroyed with the rest of the Jedi?

KELRU

We could have helped our brethren.

ONLEE

They were not our brothers.

KELRU

They were Jedi, Onlee!!

ONLEE

And we haven’t been Jedi for a very long time!!

EXT. KELRU’S SHIP

Two vessels flank Kelru’s Ship. They are new Imperial Fighters manned by Clone Pilots.

INT. KELRU’S SHIP

Onlee’s image is abruptly interrupted by the Imperial Pilot’s image.

EMPIRICAL PILOT

Unidentified Vessel, you are to be escorted to a holding facility to be questioned.

KELRU

Hold on to that thought for one second.

Kelru flicks a series of switches and Onlee returns.

KELRU

If it is a trap and I’m captured will you come rescue me?

ONLEE

It is a trap and you’re on your own when you’re captured.

Kelru’s ship shakes violently as two laser blasts skim his hull.

ONLEE

What was that?

KELRU

Don’t worry; I’ll be waiting for you to come get me.

INT. ONLEE’S COMMUNICATION ROOM

Kelru’s image on a screen flashes to static.

ONLEE

Kelru, you fool.

A young Twi’lek girl, PWAN’TAE, leans against the doorframe to the small communication room.

PWAN’TA

You want me to prep the ship?

Onlee turns the screen off.

ONLEE

(faking indifference)

No need to, We are not going after him. He knew it was a trap and . . .

PWAN’TA

(scoffs)

Alright, I’ll prep the ship.

Onlee looks down at the communication panels and sighs deeply.

ONLEE

So this is how it all begins.

A figure moves into the doorway ERIANA, 25, a beautiful human girl replaces Pwan’tae.

ERIANA

He’s going to be killed isn’t he?

Onlee quickly composes himself and turns to Eriana.

Tears are at the edges of Eriana’s blue eyes.

ONLEE

(chuckles)

No water works please. He knew what he was getting into going to help the Jedi.

Eriana smiles and she wipes away the tears.

ERIANA

(no longer upset.)

Good. Now let’s go.

ONLEE

(turning back to

communication screen)

Hold on, I have to contact someone first.

ERIANA

Okay, but hurry.

Onlee turns back to the screen. He types and WREN RETO, Senator Mon Mothma’s Assistant, appears.

12/15/2015: Mad World Book One

2015-12-15T20:10:00.003-06:00

Ultimately, I would like Mad World to be a series of books about surviving in a world that has gone insane.

While the initial books will be set in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. I would like to collaborate with writers in other cities and make it a series that has different settings. There wouldn't be a single group of survivors in a single city.

Instead a reader could pick up a part of the Mad World series set in or near their hometown and relate to some locations they read about.

Reynolds didn’t sleep at all after seeing the lasers. The one pointing west bothered him. Who would they have been signaling?

He listened to the woman’s quiet breathing as he thought about any recent scout reports.

In recent weeks the scouts hadn’t seen anything of note.

The most substantial thing they saw was a small herd of zombies walking along the H.E. Bailey Turnpike headed away from town.

There were empty skinner campsites but no actual skinners.

And no contact with the Darren Group had been made in at least two months. Reynolds scouts would report seeing them in the distance but no confrontations were made.

The crunching of acorn caps broke Reynolds train of thought and the woman held her breath.

“Wha…” she said.

Reynolds shushed her.

He heard the crunching again.

A small quiet birdcall came from the darkness.

Reynolds reached over and patted the woman on the shoulder.

“Go back to sleep.”

“What was that,” she said.

“I think it got spooked away,” he said. “Go back to sleep.”

“Slim chance of that.”

Before Reynolds could start thinking about the signals, the woman was asleep.

The walk along the highway was nice for Reynolds and the woman.

The turnpike was clear and as they rounded the highway to the south they began to see evidence of reestablishing civilization.

People worked in the fields lining the highway harvesting corn.

Reynolds waved at them as he and the woman walked past.

“You know them,” the woman asked.

“No, I know where they are from. They might know who I am though,” he said. “A lot of people

do around these parts.”

“Where are they from?”

“You’ll see.”

They walked further and came to a small neighborhood. It was at the intersection of Northwest Expressway and the Turnpike. Countryside and fields surrounded it.

Around the neighborhood barricades and fortifications kept out most of the danger. The majority of houses were intact. Two houses were in the process of being constructed.

In cul-de-sac’s small markets had been set up with goods for the people to buy.

“It’s a village,” she said.

“Yeah. This is Prescott North,” Reynolds said. “Prescott South is just down the road and it’s bigger.”

“Prescott,” she asked. “I thought this area was Yukon.”

“Prescott was the name of the man who brought these people together,” Reynolds said. “Technically it might have been part of Yukon.”

“Was his name?”

“Shortly after we arranged an alliance he was killed,” Reynolds said.

They continued down the road and Prescott North was behind them.

People in the fields and along the side of the road stopped and waved. Reynolds waved back.

“These people all seem to know you,” she said.

“Yeah. When Prescott was killed I extended our patrols and protection to this area.”

The woman shielded her eyes and looked out to the east of the highway.

A large expanse of countryside had been converted into a marshland. Tall reeds and cat tails swayed in the breeze as ducks lazily paddled around the waterway and egrets stalked prey.

“Is that a swamp?”

“Yeah. This entire area floods on the east side so we don’t farm there.”

Fishermen in flat bottom boats sit with lines in the water in middle of the swamp. Ducks swam by them leaving long v’s in their wake.

As they continued down the road they came to a barricade at the edge of a long bridge.

Vehicles blocked the road. Median barriers had been stacked and arranged to create a maze that a car could maneuver if going slow.

A group of men and women carrying rifles and wearing guns stood near the barriers, talking and laughing in the late morning sun. The younger members held the reigns of a few horses on the side of the road.

When they saw Reynolds come up they all straightened up a little.

“Reynolds! Good to see you back,” a man yelled.

He had a rifle slung over one shoulder and wore khaki colored clothes similar to the men and women he joked with minutes before.

“Markus. Was that you last night,” Reynolds asked.

“You still use that stupid trick,” Markus said, referring to the crunching of acorns Reynolds uses for an early warning system at night.

“It got you didn’t it?”

“Not me, Twinkle Toes over there,” he said. He flicked a toothpick at a scruffy haired teenage boy who held the reigns of the horses.

Reynolds recognized the teen as a Prescott villager.

“Don’t worry about it, kid. Markus has stepped on a few acorns trying to sneak up on me too,” he said. “Where are the rest of your Highwaymen,” Reynolds asked.

“They headed up I-35, should be back tonight sometime,” Markus said. “Who’s your friend?”

He looked the woman up and down and tilted his head slightly.

“Do I know you,” he asked her.

“Don’t think so,” she said. “Not unless you’re from Agra.”

“Nah,” he said. He squinted at her and scratched his rough chin.

“Found her up near Guthrie,” Reynolds said. “How far north your guys headed.”

Markus shook his head in frustration and looked at Reynolds.

“Not far. The old DQ truck stop.”

“Ugh, what I’d do for a vanilla cone,” one of the kids holding the reigns said.

“Or chicken sandwich,” one of the Highwaymen said.

“Or a frosty,” another said.

Other’s started calling out what they wanted and would never have again.

“Knock it off,” Markus yelled. “Ya’ll talking about food and we still have a ways to go. Ya’ll be belly aching about being hungry before we get past Yukon.”

The Highwaymen all stopped and looked a little ashamed.

“Where you headed,” Reynolds asked.

Markus glared at them all.

“These knuckleheads and I are making a run out to Strong City.”

“Black Kettle country,” Reynolds asked.

“Yeah, His tribe sent word that they came across some survivors who need a new place to call home,” Markus said. He was eyeing his men as he talked.

“Well, if you see Black Kettle or his sons tell them I said Hello and if they need a place to stay

this winter they are welcome here.”

“I don’t know how they are going to survive this coming winter. The drought out there has them boiling leather and bones,” Markus said. “That’s why he can’t keep the people they found and sending them here.”

“That and they are white,” a Highwayman said.

“Some people are just stuck in their ways,” Reynolds said.

“Those ways may get him and his people killed if they don’t take your invitation,” Markus said.

“That’s why I hope you see one of his sons instead of him,” Reynolds said.

“Alright, you bunch of shit heads! Mount up and get moving,” Markus yelled. “Reynolds, can I talk to you a second?”

He motioned with his head for Reynolds to follow.

Reynolds nodded to the woman. She smiled and began walking through the maze. Armed guards nodded and smiled at her as she walked through. Being with Reynolds and not carrying a weapon they figured she was little threat.

When Markus and Reynolds were alone, Markus stopped and leaned toward Reynolds.

“Listen, I know her from somewhere, not sure where though,” Markus turned and was watching the sun glint off the water in the distance. “When my guys come back from up north, introduce her to Jessie.”

“You think he knows her?”

“Maybe, he’s better with faces than I am.”

“He is younger than you.”

“That don’t make him smarter. And I can still kick his ass if it comes to it.”

12/07/2015: Mad World Book One

2015-12-07T22:12:00.002-06:00

I don't like writing before bed but sometimes I'm in the shower and stuff just comes to me.

I was listening to music all night because I was tired of hearing about San Bernadino and all the crazy things people are doing and saying. I played 'Highwaymen' performed by Johnny Cash and his friends and as I was showering an idea came to me that got my creative juices flowing.

The insanity of Mad World is not uncontrolled or unopposed. There are people like Reynolds out there who want to restore or maintain some sort of order and while it may seem that there is so much working against them, they manage to achieve some of what they desire to come about.

The look in her eyes told Reynolds she had seen it. Smelled it. Burnt flesh and hair. Body parts cut at the joints. Bones stripped of muscle. Human bones with human bite marks.

“Skinners,” she said.

“Insanity,” Reynolds replied.

“Desperation.”

Reynolds had seen people resort to cannibalism and they always went mad. Either from eating diseased meat or guilt, or both, they always lost it and with it their safety, security and sanity.

“Maybe,” Reynolds said.

The woman cleaned the rest of the blood and gore off her face and hands.

Reynolds hefted his backpack on and handed her the shoulder bag.

“You trust me with your bag,” she asked.

“Yeah,” Reynolds said. “There’s nothing worth anything in it.”

She put it over her shoulder and opened the flap to peer inside. She shrugged and closed the flap.

Reynolds felt relieved to see the smoking spiked behemoth on the horizon that was what remained of Oklahoma City.

The ruddy evening sky matched the distinctly Oklahoma dirt. The dry summers had created ideal conditions for dust storms and smoke to combine and paint the sky in reds and rusts.

Tonight it was particularly sweet.

“You headed into the city,” the woman asked.

“No, to the west of it. Just off the highway.”

Reynolds always felt relieved to see the city.

“I don’t want to go into the city.”

“We won’t.”

“Nothing but skinners and crazy cults.”

“Skinners, yes. Cults, not that I know of.”

There were dangers in the metro area. Zombies still crept through empty buildings. When someone died out on their own they changed if their brain was still intact. Some were stuck but some found their way out of their tombs and sought out the living. Then there were the skinners. More and more people succumbed to the temptation of human flesh when the winter was cold and long. They were dangerous and a few large gangs of them roamed the city.

And then there were the ‘cults’.

“I heard there was a group that branded their people with the letter D on their faces.”

Reynolds knew who she was referring to and they were not a cult.

“The Darren Group,” he replied more as a whisper of dread than an acknowledgement of affirmation. “They only brand their slaves on the face.”

“They take slaves,” she asked.

“Yeah,” he said.

“I would rather be eaten by skinners than taken a slave.”

“Well neither will happen if we get to the highway before that sun sets.”

Reynolds led the woman through a small quiet neighborhood and to the edge of a highway.

From the overpass they could still see the city beyond and a clear view of the sunset.

“We staying here,” she asked. She watched the sunset and gnawed on a piece of jerky.

“Yep,” he replied. “We’ll be safe and in the morning we’ll head home.”

“I don’t want to stay in the city.”

“We’re far enough away from the bad parts of it.”

“Okay.”

Reynolds never slept through the night anymore.

He remembered reading somewhere that a long time ago people would wake up in the middle of the night for an hour or so. He found himself doing this and used that time to think.

Tonight though something drew his attention.

The dark shape that was Oklahoma City that lay on the horizon was pierced in the center by a tall spire of an office building.

Once home to an energy company, it was empty for a while and then after the world went mad a group of survivors moved into it that formed a new government for the city.

Led by an insane dictator the group managed to take over much of the city and now wanted to take all that Reynolds had worked for.

They became known as the Darren Group, named for the tower that they claimed as their base.

The tower was visible from pretty much anywhere in the city. Reynolds watched its dark shape in the distance.

He heard the woman get up and walk toward him.

“You okay,” she asked.

“Yeah. Come here and watch this.”

She shuffled in the starlight toward him and sat next to him on the highway divider that was blocking the overpass.

Reynolds could feel she was about to ask what she was watching for when it happened.

A series of bright green and orange flashes emitted from the tower. In the dust and smoke they looked like spikes of green and orange shooting from the tower. The green one north, the orange one to the east.

“Whoa,” she said. “Were those lasers?”

“Yes.”

“Who were they shooting them at?”

“Those weren’t powerful enough hurt anything, they were signaling someone.”

They watched as the lasers flashed in sequences and then went out.

The Darren Group had agents everywhere and Reynolds saw now how some of them were getting their orders.

They watched for about an hour as seven different colors shot from the tower. A yellow laser fired west and Reynolds tried to record the coded message as best he could with marker and cloth.

“Why’d you write that one down?”

“I think it is morse code and my people are that direction.”

“Are they in danger?”

“Always.”

12/06/2015: Mad World Book One.

2015-12-06T20:21:00.000-06:00

So before the Walking Dead was on television I submitted a zombie television pilot episode to a screenwriting contest. (It is posted in part here: Mad World Pilot )

I was disappointed and excited when the Walking Dead started. It meant zombies would become more main stream and that someone beat me to what I ultimately wanted: a zombie television series.

Now there are a couple and another would just be overkill but Mad World isn't really about zombies but more about the insane and 'mad' world that followed the zombie apocalypse.

So now I plan on turning it into a small serial book series. Fingers crossed.

     Reynolds ran up to the edge of the clearing and fired two quick shots.

     One shot ripped open the neck of the man holding the woman down on her left.

     The other bullet pulverized the back of the man’s skull on the woman’s right.

     The man with his pants down standing over the woman could not turn around fast enough.

     Three bullets, center mass sprayed blood and gore over the screaming woman. Reynolds ran up to the lifeless body and yanked it back before it could fall on the woman.

     “Are there others,” Reynolds asked. He shot one round into the man with the spurting neck wound.

     She did not reply. Drenched in blood she was looking back and forth at her dead attackers.

     “Are there any others,” Reynolds asked again. He scanned the trees around the clearing.

     He hadn’t heard any yells or stomping through the area.

     “Come on,” He said as he tried to help her up.

     “What?!” She snapped out of her shock.

     “If there were others they would’ve heard the gunshots and would be on their way
back,” he explained. “Now come on.”

     She shook her head.

     “Fine,” he said. He turned away from her and left her in the clearing.

     “No wait,” she said.

     “No time,” he said. “You refuse to tell me if there were others so you either come with me or I leave you here.”

The woman looked at the bodies around her. She got to her feet.

Reynolds ducked under a bush and retrieved his a large backpack and shoulder bag.

He rummaged through the top compartment on the backpack.

Retrieving a small pack of wet wipes he handed them to the woman.

“Clean your face and hands,” he said. “I have a clean shirt and jacket you can wear.”

The woman opened the pack of wipes and removed a few.

She began scrubbing her face and hands.

“Did I get it all,” she asked.

Reynolds smiled and shook his head.

She had a circle of blood outlining her sunburned face.

“Here,” Reynolds said.

He handed her a makeup compact.

She opened it. The mirror was intact but the makeup was long gone. She looked at herself in the mirror.

“Not really my color but I guess it will work,” she said.

“Better than blood and guts red.”

The woman began wiping the blood from around her face.

“Were you alone out there,” Reynolds asked.

He had been on the road for about eight days and she was the first person he had to save. Nowadays it was weird seeing anyone on the road out alone.

Everyone had settled.

If the zombies didn’t bite and turn them in the beginning.

If the skinners didn’t catch and eat them after the zombi es.

And if the insane and degenerates didn’t outright kill what was left.

The remaining people have settled and were trying to make a go in this mad world.

“No,” she said. “They killed my brothers.”

“Brothers?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“Guthrie,” she said. “We had ran out of food in Agra.”

“Agra?” Reynolds asked. “It survived the fires?”

Zombies decimated the cities while fires decimated the smaller towns.

During the first and second dry summers the night horizons all around were lit orange and red with the massive wildfires that burned much of Oklahoma.

“Barely,” she said. “We were hold up in the Agra High School. It’s was an all metal building and the flames got close but didn’t do any damage.”

“You were there this whole time?”

“Until we ran out of food, supplies, people,”

“People?”

“We sent out a people to search for supplies and they never came back,”

“Zombies get em?”

“No,” she said.

John Croft Casefile: Ghosts in Mexico

2015-01-05T19:33:00.001-06:00

He drove in silence. He had tried to turn the radio on and this deep into the New York countryside all he got was sporadic chatter between static. After awhile the chatter began to speak to him and he didn’t like what it was saying.

It wasn’t what the voices were saying that bothered him. It was the arguments they had trying to persuade him to turn around. Go back to New York City and turn himself into the police. Face justice for the crimes he had committed and die in prison.

But John knew.

As the voices faded and the static returned he knew he was right in leaving.

He knew he had committed no crime.

“But what about your daughter’s death,” a shrill voice broke the static to say.

“Yes I drove the car drunk,” he replied as the static returned. “I was given a punishment and I a still tormented by it. The worst punishment though was not having my Marie. But now she is back.”

“What about the girl in your apartment,” a different voice screeched from the static.

“That wasn’t real. I didn’t do that.” He replied. “You tried to get me in arrested. To get me out of the way but Marie saved me.”

“What about your friend,” a final voice reverberated out of the car speakers.

John turned the radio off.

“What about you, Peter,” John said to the body slumped in the passenger seat next to him.

The car sat on the side of the road a good ways from where John stood over Peter’s body.

He left the running lights on but not the headlights hoping to avoid attracting any unwanted attention from someone who would be on the dirt road at this time of night.

Although he was pretty sure if someone was on this road they were probably not up to any good also.

“Well, you deserved better than this at one point in your life, Peter, but you tried to kill me and I think you deserve to be buried like a piece of shit.”

John kicked some more leaves over the body.

John Croft Casefile: Ghosts in Mexico.

2015-01-01T22:12:00.002-06:00

John drove through the darkness that surrounded the lonely New York highway on his way to a town upstate he had never knew existed.

He watched the yellow lines vanish out of his headlights into the inky black of night.

He couldn’t remember when he had last passed another traveler through the dark. He began to believe he was the only one left on this path through the night shrouded country highway. After the last few days he could believe anything.

His best friend had tried to kill him. His life turned upside down. He didn’t know whom he could trust as his only logical explanation was that he was going insane.

How else could he or anyone have explained how the ghost of his daughter was directing him to go to Mexico, New York?

Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 2

2014-04-18T21:47:00.002-05:00

So here is Episode 2 of Season 5.

About the first thirty minutes would be flashbacks to the setting up of the plan. Then 10 minutes of Gareth trying to justify what they've done. And then the final 10 minutes would be a gun battle and a surprise ending.

Enjoy.

Episode 502:

Voiceover of Douglas and Rick talking about the plan.

douglas (V.O.)

Don’t go in there heavily armed, they will shoot to kill right away.

rick (V.O.)

Kinda leaves us in a dangerous spot, doesn’t it?

Douglas (V.O.)

They are thinking with their stomachs, if you go in heavily armed you might endanger not only their stomachs but their source of food also.

FLASHBACK to when Rick was hiding the duffle bag of weapons.

Rick (V.O.)

We’ll sneak in the back way, see if we can find your son and the others first. See how far we can get in before they stop us.

Douglas (V.O.)

If they see you are not a threat they will let you crawl into bed with them before stopping you. They want to give you a sense of security.

FLASHBACK to Rick and his group making their way to Gareth and his people in the warehouse with the signs and radio. The whole time Terminus people are watching them from windows and rooftops.

Douglas (V.O.)

When Regina was living there she said they kept most of their captives in a metal shipping container. They may have moved them since then.

Rick (V.O.)

Will they try to kill us when we draw our guns?

DouGlas (V.O.)

As long as you don’t shoot to kill you will be fine. The second you kill one of them they will kill you.

FLASHBACK to Rick staring at Carl who is ready to draw his gun and kill them all.

Rick (V.O.)

I will try to not to kill these sick bastards.

Douglas (V.O.)

That maybe hard because you will be the first Gareth tries to kill.

FLASHBACK to Rick almost getting shot but uses his hostage and then the group is being herded through the compound.

CUT TO: The inside of the metal shipping container as the captives hear the gunshots and start yelling for help.

DouGlas (V.O.)

Your people are being held in the train car marked ‘A’. That is where they will put you also.

RICK (V.O.)

They’ll put us together?

Douglas (V.O.)

Yes.

Rick (V.O.)

Why?

Douglas (V.O.)

Because they don’t want to seem like the monsters they are.

FLASHBACK to Rick, Michonne, Daryl, Carl, Carol and Tyreese, and Beth sitting in a room with Douglas.

DouGlas

Why are you willing to do this for us?

Rick looks around what remains of his group.

Rick

Before we do this, Douglas, I need to ask you three questions.

INT. train car ‘a’ – night

Rick and his group sit waiting in the dark. Flashlights flash through the cracks of the train car.

The large door slides open.

Guard #1

Everyone out, restroom and exercise time.

Everyone files out of the train car.

Under armed guard they are led to a bathroom in a nearby warehouse.

They all do their business and then are filed out into the courtyard around the train car.

SFX. BIRD WHISTLES in distance.

As the group walks around the train car in a circle the all look around at the guards. None of the guards seem alarmed.

SFX. BIRD WHISTLES.

The group stops walking as one of the guards shines a flashlight toward the fence.

The light shines on the trees through the fence. Slowly it scans the trees and stops on CAROL HOLDING A RIFLE READY TO SHOOT.

A single shot takes down the guard with the flashlight.

Four other shots ring out and the remaining guards are taken out.

Loud clanking comes from the fence line and the fence can be seen falling toward the trees.

RICK

GO! RUN TO THE FENCE!

Everyone runs to the fence and into the trees.

Rick, Daryl and Michonne meet up with Carol and Tyreese who hand them each guns and rifles.

RICK

You guys ready?

CAROL

Douglas’ men should be about to strike.

A group of guards come into the area.

A large explosion shakes the ground. A fireball lights the night sky on the other side of the complex.

Tyreese

We might have overdone it with that bomb.

daryl

No such thing, especially with these sickos.

The guards who just arrived turn and head toward the explosion.

Daryl

Now’s our chance.

DOUGLAS(O.S.)

Let’s get a move on.

Douglas comes out of the trees.

Douglas

Roger, get these people back to the camp. We’ll be along shortly.

rick

You sure you want to come?

DOUglas

I need to.

int. candle room – night

Candles still burn. Douglas points to a name on the ground.

douglas

That was my sister in law.

michonne

These were the sacrifices?

douglas

Yes, the inner circles were the first ones. The outer circles were the latest victims.

They all look around. There are dozens and dozens of names.

rick

We need to move.

ext. courtyard – night

The captives in the shipping containers are yelling.

Shots are fired.

Rick and the others take cover.

They pick off the guards on the roofs and make it to the containers.

They cut the locks and pull the doors open.

Another explosion lights up the other side of the compound.

Rick

That’s it. We need to get out of here.

Douglas finds his son and hugs him.

RICK

Get your people out of here, we are going after Gareth.

DouGlas

Rick, what do you mean? We have what we came for.

RICK

No, I don’t have what I want yet.

(break)

You guys ready?

Rick looks to Michonne, Daryl, Tyreese and Carol.

They all nod.

With tactical precision the five of them make their way through the facility. Killing anyone who they see who is armed. Daryl takes a wound to his shoulder but is able to continue. Michonne finds a weapon stash with their weapons in them and they take them back.

Some of the Terminus guards pin them down briefly but they manage to fight them off and they end up on the roof of one of the buildings.

As they look down in between the buildings they see walkers are swarming into the compound, drawn to the noise of the fire fight.

MICHONNE

Do we keep going?

RICK

Yes, we end this insanity.

They continue to kill Terminus guards and Zombies.

Finally they catch Gareth trying to escape with a few people.

Gareth

Rick, it’s Rick, right?

(break)

Can’t we talk about this?

RICK

You have lured people here for how long? With the promise of safety and security. But you slaughtered them when they got here.

Gareth

It wasn’t always that way. We did what we did to survive.

One of Gareth’s guards raises their gun to shoot but Daryl puts a bullet in her head.

Gareth

NO MORE SHOOTING!

RICK

Perhaps we can talk about this. But first, I need to ask you three questions.

GARETH

(a little relieved)

Anything.

RICK

How many walkers have you killed?

Gareth

Too many. Too many to count. We all have.

Rick

How many people have you killed?

Gareth

I, I don’t know how to answer that question.

RICK

How many people have you killed!?

Gareth

We did it to survive. We did it to feed ourselves.

RICK

You lured them here. You promised those who arrive survive. But it was all a lie.

gareth

Don’t judge us for what I’ve done for my people. You would do the same!

rick

Not if it meant killing innocent people. No, my people, those people you put into that train car, lost everything even after we offered innocent people a place to live, a secure place. And we lost it all. How many people have you killed?

GUARD

Hundreds! We did it to eat and we could have stopped but we survived and we would do it again.

Gareth

Let us go, we will leave here and never look back.

RICK

No, It’s too late for you.

Gareth

Let us go and I will take the rest of my people away from here.

Rick

To where? To continue to kill innocent people?

Gareth

No, we promise to never.

A woman charges Rick from the darkness. He raises his arm to defend himself and a blade hits his forearm.

Carol shoots the woman who attacked Rick.

Shots fill the air as Gareth’s people are cut down by Michonne, Daryl, Tyrese and Carol.

Rick waves for them to stop.

Examining the bodies he finds Gareth trying to crawl away.

Holding his injured arm he kneels down next to Gareth.

RICK

Why?

Gareth

We couldn’t feed them all. They came and we couldn’t feed them all.

Rick

So you ate them?

gareth

I would do it again to protect my people. You know what you have to do to survive.

rick

Yes, Yes I do.

Rick kills Gareth.

As he stands he takes a step and passes out.

ext. alexandria house – day

Tyrese and Sasha knock at the door to the house. They are carrying a basket of fruit and bread.

SAsha

Would you stop looking at me like that.

tyreese

Nope. After the prison I didn’t know when I would see you again and here we are.

sasha

Seems too good to be true.

tyreese

Still not unpacked yet?

sasha

Give me a few months and maybe I will. As much as I wanted it on the road, now I just can’t get used to it.

Tyreese knocks.

sasha

Maybe he’s still sleeping. Doc said he needs his rest.

Tyreese

Yeah, we’ll try later.

The door opens as they start to walk away.

Rick stands in the door way. Shirtless, half his face is covered in shaving cream. The other side still has streaks of shaving cream and a few spots of blood.

Sasha

Whoa! Maybe you let someone else do that.

Rick

I gotta get used to it.

Rick holds up his hands except his right hand is only a bandaged stump.

END OF EPISODE 502.

Walking Dead Season 5 episode 1 prediction.

2014-04-16T19:31:00.000-05:00

Okay so after the season 4 finale of Walking Dead I lost a nights worth of sleep thinking about what was going to happen next. I literally got no sleep that night. All I could think about was what Rick meant.

So over the weeks I came up with I think should happen.

Here is what I came up with. The screenplay format is not correct on here but you should get the idea.

Walking Dead

Episode501:

In 'A' Train Car: Everyone in the train car is like What? What? What do you mean, Rick? and him and Daryl start talking about whether ‘they’ will be able to pull it off. Rick then turns to everyone and tells them what the plan is. “When we say run for the fence you run for the fences,”

Flashback to Rick, Daryl, Carl and Michonne on the tracks headed to Terminus.

Daryl and Rick are talking and bullshitting, Michonne and Carl are joking around. They are real close to Terminus, maybe a little over a day.

Then Daryl stops. He sees the car that sped away when Beth was kidnapped. They don’t bother to search the vehicle but instead hear yelling and head into the forest.

They creep through the woods and hear some people arguing.

They sneak up on a group of people standing over a person lying on the ground. The group has weapons drawn on the person laying on the ground and are threatening to kill him.

Daryl points his crossbow at the ‘group leader’ but a hand comes into view slowly pushing the crossbow down. It is Beth.

Michonne, Rick and Carl stand behind Daryl with big smiles on their faces.

The group hears Daryl and Beth’s exchanges and turn to see what’s going on. The guy on the ground makes an attempt to get away but is shot by the ‘group leader’.

They all walk back to the car and Beth explains that she wasn’t ‘kidnapped’ but instead rescued because some of the Terminus people were in the area and the ‘rescuers’ didn’t want her to get caught by Terminus.

When asked why they didn’t stop when they saw Daryl chasing the car, one of them remarks, “Would you have stopped if you saw you on the side of the road,”

They recommend everyone get in the car and come with them.

Daryl and Rick are hesitant.

Beth tells Rick “You’ll definitely want to come,”

Back at Terminus the door to the train car opens and Gareth tells the ‘Ring Leader’/Rick to come out of the train car.

Rick and Daryl exchange glances and Rick does as he’s told.

Gareth leads Rick under armed guard through Terminus explaining what they have. A colony of survivors doing what anyone else would do to survive. Yes, it may involve something considered unsavory but they survived this long and few good people have been killed.

Rick tells Gareth that if you kill a few good people you are no longer a good person. (Goes back to the three questions of how many people you killed?)

Gareth is a little taken aback. For someone who really has no chance of escaping Rick seems too brave.

Gareth introduces Rick to all the people in Terminus, their functions, their stories. Some are sob stories but Rick is unfazed. Then he comes to Mary.

Flashback to Alexandria.

Rick and the others watch as the gates of Alexandria are opened. It is very similar to Woodbury.

They all are introduced to Douglas, the leader of Alexandria, and then in the distance a baby starts to cry. It is Judith.

Rick and Carl run to Judith who is being held by Tyreese. Rick takes Judith. Carl hugs his dad and starts crying.

Carol can be seen standing behind Tyreese. She comes up and puts a hand on Tyreese’s shoulder. He embraces her with one arm. Rick sees this and realizes all is okay between Tyreese and Carol.

In Douglas’ home, he explains what is going on. Terminus has been kidnapping their people for the last few months. Something they do when they run out of food. They used to leave Alexandria alone but the signs on the railroad tracks don’t seem to be drawing as many refugees as it used to.

RICK

Why don’t you take down the signs? Save the last few remaining survivors out there.

Douglas

They just replace them, make them bigger. And lately they’ve been watching.

Rick

Watching? The Tracks?

DouGlas

Yes. They know when we send guys out and they don’t even bother kidnapping them, they just wound them and leave them for the zombies.

Rick

That’s why the walkers have been staying close to the tracks.

Douglas

Yes, makes their advertisements of ‘Those who arrive survive’ more appealing.

In the last rounds of kidnappings they took Douglas’ son, Spencer. He tells Rick they will keep them alive for about a week, feeding them and ‘caring’ for them but then they will slaughter them. They have tried to reason/negotiate/demand with Terminus but nothing can be done. They are out gunned.

Carol and Tyreese confirm that Terminus has Glen and Maggie and the others. Beth was out in the forest this last time to see if she could see Maggie.

Rick tells Douglas he will help them get his son back as well as his own people.

Rick

We just lost our home to an insane person.

Douglas promises they will have a home in Alexandria if Rick could save those people that were taken in this last raid.

At a dinner later that night, Rick and his group are all cleaned up and trying to enjoy the food.

Douglas and Rick are talking about the plan.

Douglas

You think you can get my son back?

RICK

I don’t know. But if it gives me a chance to get my people out of there then I will try my hardest.

Douglas introduces Rick and his people to Regina, his wife. Regina had two sisters before this all started. She took refuge at Terminus with the original survivors when she was unable to make it back to Alexandria. They had plenty of food and supplies but then people became greedy and selfish. Soon they had nothing. So instead of going out and looking they turned on each other. Amanda, her sister, was one of the first to be sacrificed. They drew straws and she along with one other drew the short straw. Regina and a few others protested but Gareth and her other sister, Mary, said it was for the better of the ‘We’.

Rick

The We?

Regina

Yes, there is no I, you or me.

RICK

We.

Regina

Yes, as my sister, Mary put it, We will survive when you and I make sacrifices.

Back at Terminus.

Rick is led back into the train car. Gareth walks away agitated by his talk with Rick.

Gareth

He is up to something.

Guard

What? They have no weapons and are locked in ‘A’ car.

gareth

I don’t know. Show me the last group of people we took from Alexandria.

guard

Why?

Gareth stands with some guards in front of a line of scared people next to a metal shipping container.

Mary

What’s going on Gareth?

Gareth

Do you recognize any of these people?

Mary looks the line over. She stops her gaze on a young man. It is Spencer.

Mary

Nope. Why? This have anything to do with that new guy who caused all the commotion?

Garteh

Why would someone not be afraid?

Mary

Huh?

Garteh

Why would someone in their situation not be afraid, not fear what was going to happen to them?

Mary

Some people don’t fear death after what we have all seen. Others have given up and don’t fear anything because they want to die.

Gareth

No, this guy doesn’t want to die. He wants to live.

Back in ‘A’ Car.

Rick huddles everyone together.

RICK

How long have you been here?

GLEN

Three days.

RICK

What do they do with you at night and in the morning?

MAGGIE

At night they take us out and give us restroom breaks and food.

DARYL

Same in the morning.

BOB

Yeah, they don’t want us getting sick.

EUGENE

Cause they plan on eating us.

DARYL

Just like Douglas said.

RICK

Tomorrow night we get out of here then.

End of Episode 501:

The Science Fiction of Religions Part 1

2014-03-28T14:53:00.003-05:00

So I didn't write this but I read it and all I can think is "I have come up with similar stories about religions/histories/lore for my settings." It's always interesting to see what others have come up with for origin/why stuff happens folklore. Or even just religious stories in general.

I am working on a science fiction series about how the human race ended up on Earth. It was a long, arduous journey that involved rebellions, wars and genocides. The idea for the series came from a lot of mythological and religious texts and stories that seem so fanciful that for it to be true could only be explained by science fiction.

Enjoy this article from io9.com.

http://io9.com/the-egyptian-gods-8-biggest-dick-moves-1553684017

Mad World Pilot episode: Act Four

2014-03-15T13:48:00.001-05:00

Mad World Pilot episode: Act Four.

This is the last act of the pilot episode. David and two of his friends are at his library awaiting the zombie apocalypse to begin. After failing to rescue Nora, his friend, he must plan his next move as his preparations are slowly falling apart.

Here are the Teaser , Act One , Act Two , Act Three .

ACT FOUR

EXT. NORA’s HOUSE

Bloody footprints trail up the wide cement path to Nora’s house. Bloody hand streaks mar the white porch near the open front door. A PAIR OF BARE FEET can be seen just inside the gaping entrance.

DAVID

You ready?

Solomon looks at the house.

SOLOMON

That’s a lot of blood.

DAVID

Yea, it is. You don’t have to do this. You can stay in here with Slick, I’ll go in.

SOLOMON

I’m sorry Dave, I can’t go.

David gets out of the car. Solomon watches a determined David walk in front of the car.

SOLOMON

Dammit.

Solomon gets out of the car.

David nods at him. They make their way up to the house.

DAVID

Ok. Stay behind me.

David and Solomon quickly walk up the staircase.

Slick sits in the back seat of the car watching.

INT. NORA’S HOUSE

Nora’s mom lies dead on the floor. Her face, neck, and chest a bloody mess of torn flesh.

SFX. Consistent rhythmic pounding.

DAVID

(whispering)

Solomon, stay behind me.

Solomon nods. He keeps glancing down at Nora’s mom.

UPSTAIRS

David and Solomon slowly creep up the stairs. David has his pistol pointed in the direction of the noises.

A young man throws himself against the door at the end of the hall. The door is a mess of blood and shattered wood.

Solomon freezes in fear just at the top of the stairs.

David looks back briefly, he nods at Solomon. He makes a signal to wait.

David turns back to the Zombie at the end of the hall.

DAVID

NORA!!

The zombie stops suddenly mid step. It quickly turns to David and charges down the hall.

David flinches slightly as he fires the gun inside the small confines of the hallway.

The body falls lifeless on the carpet.

A second zombie emerges from an open door at the end of the hall. This zombie is a large man with a gore filled beard.

David pulls the trigger again. GRAY SMOKE WAFES IN FRONT OF HIS FACE. The zombie’s dead weight shakes the HAPPY FAMILY PICTURES on the walls as it slams onto the floor.

David rubs his ear.

DAVID

(deaf yelling)

Damn, that was loud.

David steps over the two dead zombies. He looks into the second room that the big zombie came from.

A man in torn and bloody pajamas lies near the bed.

David looks down the hall way to Solomon.

DAVID

NORA? TYLER? YOU GUYS HERE? IT’S DAVID.

No answer.

David tries the door knob. It turns.

DAVID

(Puzzled)

It was unlocked.

David pushes a few times and the door barely opens.

BEDROOM

A large dresser is pushed behind the door. David pokes his head into the room.

Tyler’s empty bedroom is messy. His unmade bed is next to an open window and his clothes are scattered in random piles. It’s a typical 13 year olds room.

David squeezes through the doorway.

DAVID

Solomon!? They aren’t here.

A blanket is tied to the bed post and hangs out the window.

DAVID

You’re kidding me.

He looks out the window and

Solomon comes running into the room. He SLAMS THE DOOR SHUT and braces himself against it.

David turns around and

Something slams into the door.

SOLOMON

Two more. They came running into the house.

David runs over to the door to help.

DAVID

This door isn’t going to hold much longer. Push that dresser back over here.

Solomon reaches over and pulls the dresser back against the door. David slides around the dresser and braces it against the door.

DAVID

Ok, see that window.

SOLOMON

No way?!

David nods.

DAVID

You go first, I’ll hold this. Then I’ll follow.

SOLOMON

Ok.

Solomon nods.

DAVID

GO!

As Solomon steps away from the dresser the door opens. A bloody arm shoots in. David throws all his weight back against the dresser and bones snap in the forearm of the arm.

SOLOMON

Shit!!!

DAVID

Hurry, SOL!!

Solomon begins to climb out of the window. He quickly disappears below the windowsill. As he climbs further down the bedpost begins to snap.

DAVID

SOL!!! IT’S BREAKING, DROP FROM THERE!!!

EXT. NORA’S HOUSE

Solomon looks down. He lets go and falls to the ground. He quickly gets to his feet and pulls his gun out of his belt.

SOLOMON

OKAY, DAVID!!! COME ON!!

Solomon looks over to the street, EMPTY. He looks toward the backyard, EMPTY.

He turns around to the downstairs window and

Nora’s mother stands in the window. Blindly she stumbles against the window. Lace curtains stick to her skinless face. Her throat gurgles in muffled moans.

Solomon staggers back. He points his gun at her.

INT. BEDROOM

The door is splintering on the inside as the pounding continues.

DAVID

SOL, Here I come.

David takes a deep breath. In a mad dash he leaves the door. The dresser falls.

The door flies open.

David is at the window. He throws his legs out the window, sits on the sill briefly to see

The zombies trip over the fallen dresser and a basket of dirty laundry next to the door. One zombie’s frantic grasps pull the other zombie down.

David slides off the window sill, grabs the blanket and

CUT TO: BEDPOST SNAPPING

DAVID

SHIT SOL!!!

David slams into the ground.

David looks up to see two zombies grabbing and struggling in the bedroom window. He looks up at Solomon who is watching the first floor window.

Nora’s mother claws at the window.

DAVID

Little help, Sol?

SOLOMON

Sorry.

David limps a little as they make their way to the car.

SOLOMON

She’s blind. She can’t see us.

DAVID

We need to hurry.

INT. CAR

Solomon sits behind the wheel. He suddenly bursts into laughter.

David smiles.

SOLOMON

What the hell? Those were zombies. We just climbed out a two story window to get away from them and Nora’s mother is probably still clawing at the downstairs window.

DAVID

No, she’s right there.

David points to the house.

Solomon looks over.

Nora’s mom is blindly stumbling her way through the front door. As she gets one foot out the door the two zombies from upstairs come crashing out. They all spill onto the porch.

SOLOMON

Can we leave now?

DAVID

Yea, let’s get out of here.

EXT. LIBRARY

Solomon’s car comes to a stop in front of the library. Dillon’s lifeless body still lies in the street.

INT. CAR

Solomon stares at the body.

SOLOMON

How bad do you think it is?

DAVID

I don’t know, Sol.

EXT. LIBRARY

Solomon and David run up the sidewalk to the library and quickly up the steep stairs. David and Sol stop at the top of the stairs.

SFX. SCREAMS and GUNSHOTS

INT. LIBRARY

A chain rattles through the thick cast iron door handles. David snaps a padlock on it.

DAVID

I’m going to leave the key in the lock, just in case we have to get out in a hurry.

David and Solomon leave the front doors to the library. They walk across the lobby and

Margaret sits at the info desk.

MARGARET

You boys ok?

David and Solomon are startled.

MARGARET

Sorry. Didn't mean to startle you.

They walk over to the info desk.

DAVID

How long have you been here?

MARGARET

Shortly after you called.

DAVID

Are you ok?

Margaret stands up.

MARGARET

I’m fine, I wasn’t bitten.

SOLOMON

You know?!

DAVID

How did you figure it out?

MARGARET

I’ve worked for you a long time David; and I’ve come to learn a lot about you, your notebooks, and the cage downstairs. I’ve also been making preparations.

She points to a small red wagon loaded with boxes.

DAVID

Margaret, you’re one clever old lady.

MARGARET

Thank you, David.

INT. LIBRARY

David snaps his cell phone close. Solomon and Margaret look over at him from the large windows at the front of the library.

DAVID

No answers. I’ve called everyone else and all I get are voicemails.

MARGARET

I’m sure Nora is fine.

SOLOMON

Who else did you call?

David pulls out his notebook. He flips a few pages and comes to a list of names.

DAVID

You and Margaret, Officer Sarah Allen and her partner Matt, Doctor Puntz, Andy, Nora, Ben Williams but I’m not really worried about him, he lives outside of town, and then the Mercers, Alfred and Renee, I think they’re probably up at the school...

SFX. SCHOOL BELL IN THE DISTANCE

MARGARET

Oh, David, the kids.

EXT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

The first bell of the morning from Roosevelt school, two blocks from the library, stops ringing. No kids have arrived at the school. Teachers are in the parking lot, waiting to enter the building.

The rear entrance to the school is unlocked by a man dressed as a janitor and the teachers all enter the school.

A woman runs up before the door can close. She throws the door open, and run inside. Blood smears the edge of the white door. Three others run into the building.

SFX. SCREAMS OF FEAR AND RAGE

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

END OF PILOT EPISODE

Mad World Pilot Episode: Act Three.

2014-03-15T13:35:00.000-05:00

Mad World Pilot episode: Act Three.

It has come. The first day of madness in a world that has gone mad.

Here are the Teaser and Act One and Act Two

ACT THREE

EXT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY EARLY MORNING

David hurries up the stairs to the library. He fumbles with the keys as he looks over his shoulder.

INT. LIBRARY

David tosses his bag on the counter of the info desk. He grabs a notebook from behind the desk, flips it to a page with a list of names and phone numbers. He scans down the list with his finger and stops on:

STEVE ORLANDS NEW YORK555-0980

He quickly dials the number.

SFX. RINGING

STEVE

Hello.

DAVID

Steve? Steve Orlands?

STEVE

(puzzled)

Um. . . Yea.

DAVID

This is David Mindel. I’m in Sierra Verde, Arizona.

STEVE

Ok?

DAVID

You run the Zombie Preparedness Website right?

STEVE

Umm. . .Yea.

DAVID

Well I have something I need to tell you.

INT. DAVID MINDEL’S HOME – EARLY MORNING

David walks into his kitchen. A small pot of coffee is already brewed. He pours some into a thermos and snaps the lid on. He puts the empty pot into the sink and fills it with water.

He grabs his car keys off the kitchen table and his bag from the back of the chair.

He opens the front door and steps out into the early morning sunlight.

FRANK

Dave, Morning you dirty Jew bastard!

David turns to see FRANK GRAY, 57, run by on his morning jog. David waves, smiles, gritting his teeth.

DAVID

(under his breath)

Prick, hope you get hit by a car.

As Frank turns the corner he looks back at David and flips him off.

STEVE (V.O.)

He really called you a ‘dirty jew’?

DAVID (V.O.)

Yea, but like I said he’s a prick.

David gets into his suburban. He pulls out of his drive way into the empty street. He stops at the corner.

INT. DAVID’S SUBURBAN

NPR news is on the radio. David drives down the quiet street, too early for people to be out yet.

From around the corner comes Frank, but this time running like a madman not a skilled marathon runner. He sees David and runs out into the street. He is BLEEDING PROFUSELY FROM HIS FOREARM. He slams himself onto David’s passenger side fender.

FRANK

David!! Help me!!!

David slows to a stop. Bewilderment etches across David’s face.

Two other men, both covered in blood, run from around the corner. One of them slams into Frank, tackling him to the ground.

David quickly gets out of his truck. He runs around the front and

One man attacks Frank’s neck, BLOOD SPURTS across the pavement. The other man attacks Frank’s leg. Frank’s screams fill the morning air.

The horror of the scene paralyzes David.

DAVID

(under his breath)

Oh God!!

As suddenly as it took David, the panic is gone. He runs back to the driver side of his truck, opens the door and reaches under the seat. David emerges from the truck with a large crowbar, he slams the door and

The zombie feeding on Frank’s leg looks up; blood and gore cover its face. It jumps up and scrambles around the front of the truck and lets out a deafening scream of animalistic rage.

The scream is silenced as David slams the crowbar across the zombie’s forehead. The zombie falls limp.

David walks back around to the passenger side. Frank’s screams have stopped as the other zombie feeds on Frank’s neck.

DAVID

HEY!!

The zombie looks up just as a David swings the crowbar across the temple of the screaming Zombie. It falls across Frank’s lifeless corpse. David wrenches the crowbar free and stands over the two bodies.

DAVID

Ah, Frank, you prick. You deserve better.

David raises the crowbar over his head and

A HAND GRABS THE CROWBAR. The crowbar slips from David’s grip.

DAVID

What the . . .?

A group of bathrobe and slipper clad neighbors stand a few feet away. MR. UDALE, 78, stands holding the bloody crowbar.

MR. UDALE

David, what have you done?

DAVID

(bewildered, looking around)

Mr. Udale, go back inside. Everyone, go back inside!

MR. UDALE

David, what are talking about, you killed these men.

David grabs the crowbar from Mr. Udale.

DAVID

You have to listen to me.

MR. UDALE

No, David, you listen to me. Annie called the cops, they’re on their way, you’ll have to explain all this to them when they . .

SFX. EAR-PIERCING SCREAM

Frank sits up. Blood pours down his chest, his eyes shoot open and

SFX. ANIMALISTIC PRIMAL SCREAM

The bathrobe clad people all jump back, some tripping over each other in fright.

DAVID

WATCH OUT, UDALE!!!

David pushes Udale clear of Frank’s grasping hands. He kicks Frank onto his back. He steps on Frank’s chest as the Zombie tries to get back up.

DAVID

GO INSIDE, EVERYONE!!!

The people scatter as the zombie manages to force David off him.

DAVID

God-damn prick!!

Frank scrambles to his feet. David hits Frank with the crowbar and Frank’s dead weight slams onto the pavement. The crowbar slips free of David’s bloody hands. David stares at Frank’s lifeless body.

MR. UDALE

David, you can’t leave?! What’s going on?! What about the cops!?

David pulls the crowbar free of Frank’s skull. He walks around the front of his truck.

DAVID

Mr. Udale, go inside. Lock your doors. When the cops get here don’t open your door for them or anyone else.

David pulls open his truck door.

MR. UDALE

What? What are you talking about, I can’t let you leave son. You killed these men.

DAVID

Tell Annie I said hi. You two be safe.

David gets into his truck. As he drives away he watches as Mr. Udale and the other neighbors gather around the bodies. As he comes to stop at the intersection three zombies run across a yard on the corner. They stop as they see him, then they see the gathering of people up the street.

David turns to look out his back windows.

DAVID

RUN!! Dammit, Udale, RUN!!!

The zombies begin to run up the block.

David begins to honk his truck horn, the zombies pause briefly. Long enough for the people gathered around Frank’s lifeless body to look up and see the three new attackers.

David watches as a few people run back to their homes.

DAVID

UGHGH!! You idiots!

He briefly contemplates turning around but he’s too late. The zombies are upon someone. David slams his fists into the steering wheel then quickly drives off.

STEVE (V.O.)

Don’t worry about it. There was nothing you could do.

DAVID (V.O.)

Yea. I know. But maybe.

EXT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David parks his truck in front of the library. Blood smears the passenger fender.

INT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David is flipping through his notebook again.

STEVE

So that’s it? I was your first call?

DAVID

Yea. I figured if anyone needed to know it would be you. You believe me, right?

STEVE

I started that website five years ago. Now you call me out of the blue with this story. What are you going to do?

DAVID

I have to make some calls.

STEVE

K, well, I’ll post it on the website, see if anyone is still reading it. Be safe.

Steve hangs up. Dave holds the phone in his hand, staring blankly into the morning dark of the library.

He hangs up and quickly dials another number.

SFX. PHONE CALL SIGNAL

EXT. SIERRA VERDE – EARLY MORNING

The quiet of the morning is broken by the wailing of three cop cars. Their flashing lights catch the attention of Solomon Chase and other townsfolk who stand outside the coffee shop.

The early morning hangout is still closed. An old, fat dog lies in front of the door next to a bench. Solomon sits petting the dog. His cell phone begins to ring.

SOLOMON

Dave, where you at?

INT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David paces around the desk.

DAVID

Hey, I’m at the library. Can you come meet me here, I need to do some stuff real quick and kinda need a hand, if you don’t mind.

EXT. DONUT SHOP

More cars pull up and people mill around the doorway. Solomon moves away from the growing crowd, the old dog follows him.

SOLOMON

Yea sure, no problem; the donut shop is closed anyway; I think the Newton’s decided after 40 years they’d sleep in one morning. No one showed . .

DAVID

WHAT?!

SOLOMON

I said they aren’t here, their dog, Slick, is though.

INT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David has stopped pacing around the desk. Gloom and dread on his face.

DAVID

Where do they live?

SOLOMON

Huh? Umm, I think over by the hospital, yea, they do actually. In that big yellow house. Why, you want me to go check on them?

BEGIN FLASHBACK:

EXT. NEWTON FAMILY HOME - NIGHT

The porch light turns on. ART NEWTON, 71, steps outside in his bathrobe and slippers. He holds the door open for Slick.

ART

Hurry up, Slick. I don’t have all night.

Slick slowly ambles down the steps, followed by Art.

Art pulls a plastic bag from his housecoat pocket. Slick begins to sniff around for a spot to do his business.

ART

Hurry up, it’s all dirt, don’t worry about where you go, just. . .

Slick starts to growl and bark at the dark.

ART

Knock it off. We don’t have time for you to be a tough guy, just take a shi. . .

Art is tackled to the ground, almost crushing Slick but the dog quickly darts out of the way.

A zombie takes huge bites out of Art’s arms and shoulders. Art is unconscious. A bite to Art’s neck sends blood spraying onto the dirt.

Slick is growling and barking.

ELVA, 70, slowly opens the door.

ELVA

Art, stop messing around with that damn dog and get in . . .

She stands in the doorway. Her mouth slack-jawed, her eyes wide open behind thick glasses.

The zombie looks up at her, blood dripping from its snarling mouth.

It scrambles to its feet, up the stairs and tackles Elva. The screen door slams shut as they disappear into the darkness of the house.

Slick quickly ambles up the stairs and paws at the screen door as the faint sounds of Elva screaming can be heard.

END FLASHBACK

EXT. DONUT SHOP

Solomon stands holding the door of his car open.

SOLOMON

You want me to go check on them?

DAVID(V.O.)

NO!!

(beat)

I mean. Nah. Just head over here. Sol, do me a favor?

SOLOMON

Ok.

DAVID

Don’t stop for anyone. I mean it. Don’t stop your car for anyone.

SOLOMON

David, what’s going on?

DAVID

Nothing. Just this. . . Oh, screw it, you can see when you get here.

SOLOMON

Ok, see you in a few.

Solomon closes his cell-phone. He looks down at Slick.

Slick looks at the rear driver side door, then back up at Solomon.

SOLOMON

What? You wanna go for a ride?

(BEAT)

Ok, get in.

Solomon opens the door.

INT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David scans down the list to another name.

INSERT:

NORA LARSON: CELL: 444-3902

BACK TO SCENE

David quickly dials the number.

INT. NORA LARSONS HOUSE

NORA’s mother answers the phone. She’s in her bathrobe and sipping a cup of coffee.

NORA’S MOTHER

Hello?

DAVID (V.O.)

Mrs. Larson? I thought this was Nora’s cell phone?

NORA’S MOTHER

Oh, David, yea it is. She left it down in the kitchen. Hold on I’ll go wake her.

Nora’s mom heads up the stairs. She walks to the end of the hallway and taps lightly on the door. She opens the door.

INT. NORA’S ROOM

NORA lies facing away from the door.

NORA’S MOTHER

Nora? It’s David Mindel from the Library.

Nora rolls over and opens her eyes.

Nora takes the phone from her mother.

SFX. POUNDING ON FRONT DOOR

NORA’S MOTHER

Is that someone at the door?

NORA

Hello?

INT. LIBRARY

David paces between the wide library windows. He peers between the blinds, watching.

DAVID

Nora? Why are you in Sierra Verde?

INT. NORA’S BEDROOM

NORA, 19, is a beautiful young lady with brown hair and bright green eyes.

NORA

Hmmmm? Yea David, I came home early, my Spanish professor had to go to Mexico City for some family emergency. So he just canceled class.

DAVID (V.O.)

When did you get here?

NORA

Late last night, why?

DAVID (V.O.)

Can you come to the library in about 20 minutes?

NORA

(puzzled)

20 Minutes? What? What time is it?

DAVID (V.O.)

It’s just a little before six. We need help preparing for the Book fair.

SFX. Blood curdling Scream

Nora jumps out of bed. Her night shirt clinging to her thin frame, her panties barely showing

NORA

What the hell?

DAVID (V.O.)

NORA! NORA!? What was that?

NORA

I think it was my mom. Hold on.

Nora rushes out of her bedroom.

DAVID (V.O.)

NORA!! Stay in your room!!! Shut the door and stay in your room!!!

NORA

David, what!? What are you talking about?!

Nora stands at the top of the stairs. Blood is smeared on the open front door. Two men are fiercely tearing at her mother’s body.

Tears fill Nora’s eyes, her hand covers her mouth, the phone still held against her ear.

NORA

(quietly)

Oh my god?!! What is going on?

INT. LIBRARY

David’s face is frantic. He has stopped pacing; his hand is clenched around the phone.

DAVID

Nora, listen to me, get your little brother and lock yourself in your room.

There is no answer. He rushes to the front door.

DAVID

Nora!! Wait there, I’m coming to get you!

NORA (V.O.)

DAVID!!! They’re coming up stairs. . .

SFX. Disconnect.

DAVID

NORA! NORA!

He quickly turns around and runs to the back of the library. He scurries down the stairs to the basement and through the shelves of books to the cage.

He fumbles with the keys. The lock clatters quietly on the carpet.

He pulls a heavy blanket off of a footlocker and he unlocks the army style box. He throws it open.

CUT TO: POV someone walking through the basement towards the open cage.

RETURN TO SCENE

A collection of handguns are set in packing foam. David slides one of the guns out.

He opens another footlocker and pulls out a box of rounds. He grabs a handful of preloaded magazines. He pulls a duffle bag off a shelf and begins dropping the magazines into it.

CUT TO: POV someone stands just outside the cage, watching.

RETURN TO SCENE

David doesn’t bother closing either box. He turns to leave and

Solomon stands in the doorway. David almost runs into him.

SOLOMON

What the hell is going on Dave?

DAVID

Jeez, Sol, you scared the shit out of me.

SOLOMON

Where are you going? Why do you have a gun?

(peers over David’s shoulder)

Why do you have a lot of guns?

David looks back to the contents of the cage. Then back at Solomon. His eyes widen.

He goes over to the foot locker, grabs another gun.

DAVID

You remember that weekend we spent in Eyehole Canyon shooting targets? Well, here you go.

SOLOMON

What?

Solomon reluctantly takes the pistol. David hands him some magazines also.

DAVID

You’ll need those. And you’re driving. Let’s go.

EXT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David exits the library first.

SOLOMON

Dave? What’s going on? Where we going?

DAVID

Over to Nora Larsons.

SOLOMON

What?

David stops short of Solomon’s car.

DAVID

What’s that in your back seat?

SOLOMON

Oh, that’s Slick. The Newton’s dog. Why do I have a gun?

DAVID

Just in case.

SFX. Screams in the distance.

Solomon stumbles over the curb as he turns to the direction of the screams.

SOLOMON

What the hell?

DAVID

Come on, Sol. We need to hurry.

As Solomon goes to open his car door a man emerges from between the buildings across the street. It’s Dillon Spruce.

Slick begins barking. Solomon turns just as Dillon sees the two men and lets out a scream of animalistic rage. In a mad dash of flailing arms and gnashing teeth he sprints across the parking lot and sidewalk, and into the street.

In one fluid motion David inserts the magazine, moves to the back of the car, draws back the receiver of the 9mm, points the pistol at Dillon and pulls the trigger.

SFX. SAFETY CLICK.

SOLOMON

What the hell!?

Solomon rushes away, around the front of the car. Slick’s muffled barks barely heard under Dillon’s screams of rage.

DAVID

Shit.

David un-clicks the safety with his thumb as Dillon throws himself where Solomon was standing.

DAVID

Solomon, Get down.

Solomon ducks down in front of the vehicle.

SFX. GUNSHOT. BODY FALLING.

Solomon stands up slowly. BLOOD AND GORE are splattered on his hood. He stares at the mess on his hood.

David walks to the front of the car.

DAVID

Solomon. Look at me.

Solomon slowly takes his eyes off the hood.

DAVID

We need to go. Nora is in danger and we need to go get her.

SOLOMON

But, that was Dillon.

DAVID

You want me to drive?

Solomon nods. He fumbles the keys out of his hand into David’s.

INT. SOLOMON’S CAR

David slams the door shut. Solomon startles a little.

SOLOMON

He was at the bar last night.

DAVID

He was a zombie.

SOLOMON

He was playing darts with . . . who was that?

David starts the car.

The car pulls away from the library and Dillon’s lifeless corpse in the street. It stops at the corner stop sign.

INT. SOLOMON’S CAR

DAVID

He would have killed you. I need to you stop freaking out and listen to me.

SOLOMON

(suddenly quite lucid)

Ok.

(beat)

Are you serious? Zombies?

How does something like that happen?

David smiles.

DAVID

Yea, No idea. But when I called Nora she said someone had attacked her mom. They may have already gotten her but I have to check.

(beat)

Crap.

David pulls out his cell phone. He dials a number and turns speaker phone on.

SFX. LOUD RINGING, SOMEONE PICKS UP

MARGARET (V.O.)

Hello?

DAVID

Margaret, it’s me. Hey can you come up to the library in about ten minutes. I’m not going to be there but I need help unloading those books for the book fair and . . .

MARGARET (V.O.)

Umm, sure David. I’ll be there, let me just get some things together.

DAVID

Thanks, see you in a bit. Solomon and I have to go take care of something.

MARGARET (V.O.)

So Solomon is with you?

SOLOMON

Yea. Good morning, Mrs Yandel.

MARGARET (V.O.)

Hello, Sol, we’ll see about that good morning won’t we.

David looks puzzled.

MARGARET (V.O.)

Be there in a bit.

She hangs up.

DAVID

That was a little strange.

SOLOMON

You don’t think she knows do you?

David shakes his head.

SOLOMON

So I take it the book fair is off then?

DAVID

There is no book fair Sol, and if there was, yes, it would be.

The car turns the corner. Dillon’s lifeless body lies in the middle of the street. Faint screams continue in the distance.

END OF ACT THREE

Mad World Pilot episode Act Two

2014-03-14T19:48:00.000-05:00

Mad World Pilot episode: Act Two. The Zombie virus has made its way into Sierra Verde but is still in hiding. This is the last day that the citizens of the quiet town will have to themselves in a normal world.

Here are the Teaser and Act One.

ACT TWO

INT. JOHN RILEY’S HOME – LATE AFTERNOON

POV SOMEONE WALKING INTO ROOM – JOHN SLEEPING

John is in a fitful sleep. His eyes are ringed in gray. His face is shiny with sweat. He tosses as if in a nightmare.

A small hand reaches for John’s shoulder.

John is startled awake before the hand touches him.

RETURN TO SCENE

DARLA RILEY, 5, stands next to the bed. She has a crayon picture in her other hand and her stuffed bunny tucked under her arm.

DARLA

Daddy, You ok?

JOHN

Yea, Darly, I’m just a little tired.

John looks at the alarm clock.

INSERT – DIGITAL CLOCK - 4:27.

JOHN

Oh, But daddy’s ready to get up now.

John gets up and sits on the edge of the bed.

DARLA

Here you go daddy, I made this for you.

John takes the picture. It’s a series of crudely drawn people with red covering their mouths. They each hold a body part and some are eating them.

He goes to question it but then.

DARLA

It’s you, me and mommy playing in the backyard.

John looks again and it is just as she said. John, Rebecca, and Darla in the backyard, the family dogs are with them.

JOHN

Darly, that’s nice. Where’s mommy?

DARLA

She’s in the kitchen. Making dinner. Daddy your hand is bleeding.

John’s bandages are soaked through with blood.

JOHN

Oh, watch out honey!

John rushes into the master bathroom. He grabs a towel.

BLOOD SPLATTERS on the clean white surface of the sink as John un-wraps his bandages. The skin around the bite is dark red. Striations cover the rest of his hand like a spider web.

DARLA

Daddy you’re bleeding on the sink.

The skin around his stitches is swollen.

JOHN

Go get mommy, honey.

Darla runs through the house her STUFFED BUNNY SWINGS by its ears. She slides to a stop in the brightly lit kitchen. Rebecca stands at the sink washing vegetables.

DARLA

Mommy, daddy’s sick.

REBECCA

I know honey, let him sleep.

DARLA

No, he’s bleeding on the bathroom sink. He said you need to come.

Darla grabs her mom’s pant leg and pulls her.

REBECCA

Okay. Hold on.

She grabs a towel and dries her hands as Darla drags her through the house.

INT. MASTER BATH

John is unconscious on the floor. Blood is smeared on the sink counter top, down the cabinet doors and pooled on the crisp white tile around his infected hand.

REBECCA

John!!

Rebecca rushes to her husband’s body. She wraps his hand in the dishtowel.

REBECCA

Darla, bring me the phone!

Darla runs over, grabs the phone next to the bed.

DARLA

What’s wrong, Mommy!

REBECCA

(Dialing 911)

Don’t worry, Darly, He’s going to be fine.

INT. CACTUS SPADE BAR – EARLY EVENING

The bar is dark. Two men play pool at one of the three pool tables. JARED SPRUCE, 45, wipes down the bar. He walks over to two men sitting at the end of the bar.

JARED

Refill?

He takes their empty glasses. SOLOMON CHASE, a muscular middle aged, black man, shrugs.

SOLOMON

Sure, Andy’s at the shop. One more couldn’t hurt.

Dillon Spruce barges through door. Before the door can close TONYA CRUZ, a scruffy, mid twenties woman, hurries in behind Dillon.

DILLON

Damn it, Tonya! Go home! You’ve been babying me all freaking day long. Let me alone.

TONYA

No, Dillon, Doc Puntz said you need to be resting in case your bite gets infected.

Tonya grabs Dillon’s hand to stop him but he jerks it away.

DILLON

I just want to drink some beers then I’ll go home.

The other people in the bar watch.

Tonya grabs Dillon’s left hand which is red and a little swollen. Dillon winces and quickly pulls away. In anger he slaps Tonya.

The on lookers at the bar turn away.

Tonya shrinks away, one hand on her cheek. She begins to cry as she leaves the bar.

Dillon nurses his left hand as he walks over to the bar. Jared walks over.

JARED

I told you not to bring that girl in here? She’s crazy.

DILLON

I don’t care. After the day I had I don’t want to hear your crap. Just give me a beer.

Jared pours Dillon a beer and sets it in front of Dillon’s left hand.

JARED

Jesus, what happen to your arm?

Dillon takes the beer in his right hand and chugs it down.

DILLON

Give me another.

Jared refills the empty glass.

DILLON

You guys know John Riley? Well he picked up a couple of Mexicans this morning. One of them, get this, one of them tried to play dead and when we dropped him in the body bag I guess it pissed him off and the damn spic got up and bit me.

Solomon and Brian are listening in.

JARED

What?! Why was he playing dead?

DILLON

Who knows? Maybe he thought we’d just let him go, stupid Wet backs.

Dillon finishes off the second beer.

BRIAN

What happen to him?

DILLON

What do you think? He went to attack John and I pulled out my gun

(miming the action)

And I took a bead on the nappy head of that Mexican and I

(points finger at brian’s head)

Kapow!!

SOLOMON

You killed him?

DILLON

Yep, blew the top of his head off.

Dillon taps his empty glass on the bar. Jared refills it.

SOLOMON

Shouldn’t you be at home, or getting counseling?

DILLON

Counseling for what? He was a criminal. He attacked two federal agents. I was just defending me and my partner.

He stands up from his barstool.

DILLON

Pool anyone?

JARED

How you gonna play pool with that hand?

DILLON

Darts anyone, my right hand still works fine when it’s not holding a beer.

Brian looks back at SOLOMON. SOLOMON shrugs.

BRIAN

I’ll play ya.

Brian and Dillon walk away from the bar with beers in hand.

BRIAN

(To Dillon)

So have you killed anyone else?

Jared walks over to Solomon.

JARED

Want another?

SOLOMON

Nah, I need to go check on the shop

(quietly)

Hey, Jared, I know he’s your cousin and all but watch him tonight. He might be on some pain meds or antibiotics that don’t mix well with alcohol.

JARED

Ah, he’s fine.

Solomon gets up and leaves the bar. Brian and Dillon play darts.

EXT. CACTUS SPADE- EARLY EVENING

Solomon walks down the sidewalk from the bar, waving as people honk or shout his name. People are driving home from work and kids are riding their bikes around town. Two blocks from the Cactus Spade is Solomon’s Tire Repair shop. The garage door is open.

SOLOMON

Andy? You here?

ANDY

Yea, Boss.

ANDY CLARK, 23, is dressed in greasy overalls.

ANDY

Where else would I be?

SOLOMON

Did I miss anything?

ANDY

One of the Keohler Boys called, wanting to know if their parts came in for the dune buggies. I guess they have a race next month.

SOLOMON

Yea. I’ll call’em tomorrow.

ANDY

And old man Jefferies called. Something about his riding lawn mower and his grass is knee high now.

SOLOMON

(chuckles)

That man has a five foot square patch of grass in his back yard and he needs a riding lawn mower.

Andy and Solomon stand in the garage entrance, watching the evening traffic.

SOLOMON

He wants me to deliver the mower to him. I’ll throw it in the back of the truck and drop it off tomorrow. Can you be here early so I can make the rounds?

ANDY

Sure, boss. Seven early enough?

SOLOMON

Yea.

ANDY

Later boss.

ANDY

Hey, wanna join me for a beer?

SOLOMON

Nah, thanks though.

SOLOMON goes through the garage locking everything up.

PHONE RINGS

SOLOMON raises the garage door back up. He answers the phone inside the garage.

SOLOMON

Solomon’s Repair.

INT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David is closing up the library. He’s on his cell phone on his way out the door.

DAVID

SOLOMON, this is David, you wanna grab a beer?

SOLOMON

Actually, Dave, I just came from there. How about coffee tomorrow at the Donut shop? I have some errands to run early so we can get there right when they open.

DAVID

Sounds good. I’ll call you.

SOLOMON

Great, see you in the morning.

Solomon hangs up.

EXT. SIERRA VERDE LIBRARY

David stands at the top of the steep library stairs and looks around. Someone honks and waves. He smiles and waves back.

END OF ACT TWO

Mad World Pilot Episode Act One.

2014-03-12T22:00:00.001-05:00

Mad World Pilot episode: Act One.

The zombies have arrived but the sleepy desert town of Sierra Verde is in for a rude wakening on this quiet morning.

If you haven't read the opening teaser scene click here: Mad World Pilot Episode Teaser

ACT ONE

EXT. BORDER PATROL SUBSTATION – LATE MORNING

Two border patrol agents stand outside the substation. John’s SUV swerves into the parking lot. They hurry over to John’s vehicle.

JOHN

Where’s the ambulance?

AGENT 1

It’s on its way. They were running a patient to San Marco’s Hospital.

JOHN

Shit! This guy is messed up! His brother said he was attacked by someone.

The others agents look over John’s shoulder as he opens the door.

AGENT 2

I don’t think it would have mattered, John. He’s dead.

Anthony lays slumped off the backseat.

JOHN

Damn.

Carlos is crying into his hands in the passenger seat.

INT. BORDER PATROL STATION.

Carlos sits on a small bench outside of a holding cell.

John can be heard down the hall in his supervisor’s office.

SUPERVISOR

The brother will take the body back with him. From what he said they lived in Mexico City and left shortly after the earthquake hit.

John peers down the hall at Carlos who is staring at his lap.

JOHN

Where’s the body now?

SUPERVISOR

Dillon and Steven are getting ready to move it.

JOHN

Dillon?! That asshole? I’ll go help.

SUPERVISOR

You should probably go home, John, take the day off.

JOHN

I will after I make sure Dillon doesn’t do anything stupid.

John walks out of the station.

EXT. BORDER PATROL STATION

DILLON SPRUCE, 32, a large, muscular border patrol agent. His BRIGHT RED MOUSTACHE makes him look like a red neck. He stands next to John’s vehicle smoking a cigarette.

GARY EVANS, 26, a clean cut border patrol agent, walks with John across the parking lot.

GARY

How are you doing John?

JOHN

Fine. Let’s get this guy wrapped up.

DILLON

Come on, ladies, this dirty spic won’t move himself.

GARY

Spruce, why are you such a douche bag?

Dillon SNAPS ON a pair of gloves and chuckles, ash dropping off his cigarette.

DILLON

I take it you didn’t catch the van though, did you Riley? Loser.

(beat)

Let’s do this already.

Dillon throws open the door.

DILLON

Jesus Christ!! Someone really tore this guy up.

John opens the other door.

DILLON

His brother said a person did this?

JOHN

Yea, said he bit him.

Gary lays a body bag on the ground behind Dillon.

John reaches in to push Anthony’s limp body toward Dillon. The body moves on its own

As Dillon uses all his strength to drag Anthony’s body off the bench. He begins to lower it but then lets it fall into the bag.

JOHN

JESUS CHRIST, SPRUCE!! YOU STUPID JACKASS!!!

Gary rolls Anthony into the body bag. He situates the body.

Dillon pushes Gary out of the way.

DILLON

You don’t have to tuck him into bed, just get him in the damn bag and zip it up.

Dillon pulls the sides of the bag around Anthony and begins to zip it up when

John slams into Dillon.

Both roll on the asphalt, Dillon blocks John’s angry blows from hitting his face.

DILLON

WHAT THE HELL!!! GET OFF ME!!!

Gary follows them as they roll across the parking lot.

DILLON

I’M WARNING YOU RILEY, GET OFF ME . . . Oh Screw it.

Dillon’s huge muscular body suddenly pins John on the ground. Methodically he begins to beat John.

Gary attempts to break them up. He successfully pulls Dillon off of John. Dillon staggers away from John and into the waiting arms of Anthony.

INT. BORDER PATROL STATION

Carlos still sits in the hallway. He continues to stare into his lap.

The border patrol supervisor sits at his desk. He scans paperwork that litters his desktop.

SFX. GUNSHOTS

The sound of the Supervisor’s chair falling over echoes in the station.

EXT. BORDER PATROL STATION

Dillon holsters his gun. He pulls a cigarette pack from his shirt pocket, slowly walking back to the station entrance. Blood drips from his elbow as he lights a cigarette.

SUPERVISOR

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT HERE???

DILLON

God damn Mexican wasn’t dead. He just attacked us.

The supervisor looks over at John and Gary. Gary is helping John out from underneath Anthony’s headless body. Blood covers both of them.

SUPERVISOR

John, you alright?

JOHN

Yea, he just bit my hand.

Gary helps John up. John’s left hand bleeds from a vicious bite.

CUT TO

INT. SIERRA VERDE HOSPITAL – EARLY AFTERNOON

DR. CARL PUNTZ, 60, puts the finishing wraps on John’s hand. John sits examining the wrappings. John’s wife, REBECCA RILEY, 22, holds John’s other hand.

CARL

If there is any sign of infection come back. In the meantime I will give you some antibiotics and that should take care of it.

Carl fills out a prescription for antibiotics and hands it to Rebecca. She smiles. Her eyes are red from crying.

REBECCA

Thanks, Doctor Puntz.

CARL

No problem. You’re lucky John, Dillon’s forearm took a lot more stitches. That guy really took a chunk out of him.

JOHN

Come on hon. We have to let Carl get back to saving more important lives. Thanks doc.

John extends his left hand to Carl. They shake.

JOHN

I don’t get it though, doc. The guy was dead. He didn’t have a pulse when we pulled into the parking lot.

Carl really isn’t listening as he’s filling out the rest of John’s Chart.

CARL

He may have just been unconscious or in shock from the blood loss.

JOHN

But I checked his pulse, doc.

CARL

It could have been extremely faint, don’t worry about it, John. It’s Thursday, you have my permission to start your weekend early.

EXT. SIERRA VERDE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

John and Rebecca walk out of the Sierra Verde regional hospital emergency room.

Stretched north of the hospital is downtown. Cars line the streets in front of small mom and pop restaurants and fast food places are busy. It’s a typical small town lunch hour.

A large red and white suburban stops at a red light. Inside is DAVID MINDEL, 33. He waves at people as they honk and wave at him.

NPR afternoon news babbles on his radio. The light turns green. In the middle of downtown is one of the town’s oldest buildings: Sierra Verde Public Library.

David drives his suburban around the corner. He stops at a small drive way at the rear of the library. The drive slopes down to a garage door. He backs his truck down to the door.

David gets out and unlocks the door. He lifts it open to the library basement.

David turns back to his suburban and pulls the back doors of the truck open. Eight very large boxes overflowing with books sit on the floor of the truck.

A figure can be seen moving slowly out of the darkness of the basement. David is preoccupied with the boxes the figure approaches. David hefts one of the boxes into his arms and turns to be startled by

MARGARET YANDEL, 73, tries to take the box from David.

MARGARET

Let me help you with that David.

DAVID

Dang, Margaret you scared me.

MARGARET

(taking top box)

My mother use to say you only get startled if you have something to hide. What are you guilty of?

DAVID

Well, I did drive through a yellow light on my way here.

MARGARET

Well that’s it right there.

Margaret looks over some of the boxes.

MARGARET

Nora Larson called. She’ll be home from college this weekend if we need her help.

DAVID

Perfect. It’ll be good to see her.

Margaret eyes David. He turns just in time to see it.

DAVID

(continues)

She can help you go through these books.

MARGARET

MmmmHmmm. You are such a dirty old man, David.

The basement is the nonfiction section of the library. Book shelves fill the large space. In one corner is a locked cage. Inside are boxes marked ‘MRE’ and a couple of shelves of miscellaneous gear and a rack of 10 five gallon water jugs.

Margaret leans against a bookshelf, sweat on her forehead, as David finishes unloading the truck.

DAVID

You can go back up, Margaret. I can get the rest of these.

MARGARET

Alright. Call me down if you need help.

Margaret walks through the enormous basement. Her footsteps are quiet on the carpet. She makes her way through the shelves to the large staircase.

MARGARET

I have sandwiches and fresh coffee up here when you finish.

DAVID

Okay.

Margaret emerges from the large staircase rather quickly. Her footsteps echo amongst the shelves. She makes her way around to the large circular customer service desk in the middle of the library.

Suddenly the front doors burst open and STEFAN BAUER, 13, stumbles through the large thick doors.

Startled Margaret runs to see who it is.

MARGARET

Stevie?! What are you doing?!

Stefan runs to Margaret.

STEFAN

Help me Margaret! They’re going to kill me!!!

Three other boys run into the library. They see Stefan and continue toward him. Margaret steps between Stefan and the boys.

MARGARET

You boys better get out of here before I call the cops.

The ringleader, CHARLES DETEARUVE, 15, points at Stefan and then drags the finger across his neck.

CHARLES

Whatever, this library won’t keep you safe forever Stevie.

You have to come out and I’ll be waiting.

Charlie follows his buddies out of the library.

Margaret looks down at Stefan. She walks back to desk.

MARGARET

Go close those doors.

(beat)

What are you doing out of school, Stefan?

Stefan smiles and happily does as he’s told.

STEFAN

I was going home for lunch when those guys tried to jump me. Where’s David?

LIBRARY BASEMENT

David locks the basement garage door and slides a large metal bar across the doors. He goes to the cage and unlocks it.

He opens the creaky chain link fence door.

David carries the last remaining box into the cage and places it on a small table. He looks around the basement before opening the box.

The box is filled with cases of rifle and pistol ammo. David takes cases out and walks to the back of the cage to a locked footlocker. He stops and looks down at the pad lock.

DAVID

Crap.

STEFAN

What?

Startled, David jumps a little bit.

DAVID

Stevie? Shouldn’t you be at school?

STEFAN

Cool!!

Stefan gets to the box on the table before David. The boy begins pulling ammo out.

STEFAN

Let me see some of it.

DAVID

No.

(pulling ammo out of Stefans hands)

Stop. Why aren’t you in school?

STEFAN

Charlie and his thugs were chasing me; I bet they’d leave me alone if I had a gun.

DAVID

I bet you’d shoot yourself in the foot then you’d be unable to run away.

STEFAN

Whatever, I can shoot, my dad use to take me shooting at Eye hole all the time. . .

But anyway, I can shoot.

David takes the last box of ammo from Stefan’s hands and slams the flaps of the box shut.

STEFAN

(attention on a bike hanging from ceiling)

Or if I had that bike I could ride away from them instead of running. Why do you have a bike in here?

David sets the ammo down on the locked footlocker.

DAVID

Just in case my truck doesn’t start. It’s a long walk.

Stefan begins milling around the cage.

STEFAN

Why do you have all this stuff? Water, M-R-E’s, what are MRE’S?

DAVID

Meals Ready to Eat, army food. Now stop touching everything.

STEFAN

My dad hated these.

DAVID

So do you want me to drive you back to school?

STEFAN

Nah, they’re probably gone by now. Besides I can hang out here.

(He spots the new shipment of books)

I can help you unload these books.

Stefan hurries over to the books. David quickly follows him out, locking the cage behind him.

DAVID

Nope, let’s go.

STEFAN

Ahhh, Davie!! Come on!!!

DAVID

(sarcastically)

Ahhh, Stevie, Let’s go!!

STEFAN

Don’t call me that.

DAVID

Well don’t call me Davie.

EXT. LIBRARY

David and Stefan walk out the large front doors of the library. Margaret waters some flowers on the front steps.

DAVID

Hey Margaret, I’m taking Stefan back to school.

MARGARET

Okay, see ya. Bye Stevie.

STEFAN

Bye. I’ll be back tonight and help you unload those books.

MARGARET

(Chuckles)

I look forward to it.

As David and Stefan drive down the street Charlie and his buddies are standing on the corner. David honks at them and Stefan flips them off. Charlie and his buddies chase after David’s suburban.

END OF ACT ONE

Mad World Pilot Episode

2014-03-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

This is the opening teaser of a Zombie television series I entered into a writing contest back in '09. I didn't win but this is the beginning of Mad World. This shows where the Zombie apocalypse entered the United States.

MAD WORLD:

PILOT EPISODE

TEASER

FADE IN.

EXT. NORTHERN MEXICO DESERT – LATE MORNING

CARLOS ORTEGA, 20, and ANTHONY ORTEGA, 32, trail behind a group of immigrants walking across the desert. Carlos turns around. He watches the desert for something.

ANTHONY

Come on, Carlos. He’s dead. If we don’t hurry we will be too.

CARLOS

They’re just going to leave him?

ANTHONY

And us if you don’t hurry.

The group of immigrants stops at a dirt road.

A gray van speeds toward the group.

ANTHONY

CARLOS!! Hurry up!! The van is coming.

Carlos and Anthony begin to run to catch the van.

SFX. ANIMALISTIC SCREAM

Carlos slows to a walk. He turns around.

A STRANGER comes running from the desert.

CARLOS

Anthony?! Anthony!? Look!

Anthony stops. He begins jogging back to his brother.

ANTHONY

Damn it Carlos!!

(sees the stranger)

What the hell?

CARLOS

Look! It’s him.

Anthony shades his eyes from the hot desert sun.

ANTHONY

(frightened)

Run!!

Puzzled, Carlos turns and runs.

SFX. ANIMALISTIC SCREAM

EXT. DESERT ROAD

The van has stopped on the road in front of the immigrants. A few of them turn away from the van. They see Carlos and Anthony running toward them.

Anthony trails behind Carlos.

ANTHONY

Run Carlos!!! RUN!!!

Carlos looks over his shoulder.

The stranger is catching up to Anthony.

Carlos begins to run faster.

ANTHONY

RUN!! CARLOS!! RU. . . !!

The stranger slams into Anthony.

Carlos looks over his shoulder again.

The stranger is brutally attacking Anthony. Anthony screams as he tries to defend himself.

Carlos stops and turns back.

CARLOS

ANTHONY!!!

The stranger stops attacking Anthony. He springs up to his feet. In a dead sprint he runs toward Carlos.

POV. STRANGER – CHASING CARLOS

The stranger sees Carlos run away. Carlos darts into the thick shrubs next to the trail. The group of immigrants loading into the van’s side door can be seen.

The group tries to load into the van as quickly as possible.

As the last of the immigrants load into the van the stranger is upon them. He squeezes in through the closing door.

BACK TO SCENE.

The door slides shut as the van takes off down the road.

Screams can be heard coming from the van.

The van swerves on the road. It skids to a stop. GUNSHOTS can be heard. The screaming stops.

Carlos walks back to Anthony.

Anthony lies on the trail. His arms are bloody. His shoulder bleeds profusely from a bite.

CARLOS

ANTHONY!! ANTHONY!! Oh god, you’re bleeding.

ANTHONY

(painfully)

Where is he?

CARLOS

He jumped into the van. Can you walk?

ANTHONY

Yea. You sure he’s in the van?

Carlos helps Anthony to his feet.

CARLOS

Yea. It’s just up the road . . .?

(beat)

They’re gone.

ANTHONY

Good. He’s gone.

INT. BORDER PATROL VEHICLE

JOHN RILEY, 26, speeds down a dirt road. He holds the mic of his radio in his hand.

JOHN

(INTO MIC)

Cindy, What was the last location of that van? Over.

CINDY (V.O.)

John, it was three . . (static) and Indigo (static)

John, frustrated, slams his fist on the radio.

JOHN

Piece of shit.

(INTO MIC)

Cindy, Say Again, Over.

Cindy’s message is garbled.

John looks down at his radio dial and turns it.

Carlos can be seen running into the road.

John looks up again and

EXT. DESERT

John’s truck skids around Carlos. A cloud of dust envelopes Carlos.

The trucks brakelights can be seen through the dust.

Carlos runs out of the dust and approaches the truck.

John climbs out. He draws his gun.

JOHN

Get down on the ground!!!

CARLOS

(Spanish)

You have to help my brother.

Carlos sees the gun and raises his hands into the air.

JOHN

Yea that’s right, get on the ground.

(Spanish)

Get down on the ground.

Carlos begins to get on the ground. John goes round Carlos, holsters his gun, and handcuffs Carlos.

JOHN

What’d you think you were doing? I could have killed you.

John pulls Carlos up to his feet.

CARLOS

(Spanish)

Please, sir, you must help my brother.

JOHN

What? Slow down.

John begins walking Carlos to the back of the truck.

Carlos looks back to the desert. Anthony can be seen lying on the edge of the road.

CARLOS

Anthony!!!

Carlos pulls free from John’s grip. He runs down the road to Anthony. John follows him.

John skids to a stop right behind him.

JOHN

What the hell?

(SPANISH)

What happen to him?

CARLOS

(SPANISH)

He needs a doctor.

Anthony opens his eyes.

ANTHONY

Please help me, sir.

END OF TEASER

Slaves and Skinners

2014-02-22T20:31:00.000-06:00

After the Zombie apocalypse began everyone did things they regretted to survive. Killing and stealing were just a few discretions. Those things they did shaped them into who they became. Some people struggled to find food and water and struggled to survive in a civilized way. Others found ways of feeding themselves. Whether it was through Slavery or savagery. The Darron Group chose one path, Slavery. While the Skinners chose another, Savagery. Reynolds and his community had to ultimately deal with both to stay civilized.

“You’ve got something nice here, Reynolds,” Charles said.

He walked along the perimeter of the main facility atop the turned over, fortified semi trailers.

“We’ve worked hard to keep it safe for the people both in and out of these walls,” Reynolds said.

They turned to look at the interior of the protective barriers.

The parking lot to the west of the building was an open air market where survivors living nearby and those living in the complex could trade goods and services. People came and went under the watchful eyes of security atop the wall.

“It’s been ten months since the last horde came through here. Why not open up these fences, get more traffic flowing through here,” Charles said.

“Hordes aren’t what we are defending against anymore,” Reynolds said. “Zombies are the least of our problems.”

Reynolds and Charles continued along the wall.

Guards on patrol nodded at Reynolds and his guest from the city as they toured the defensive structure. The chain link fence that once protected the facility were falling in some of the areas along the overturned trailers but Reynolds didn’t worry, it added more defense against anyone or thing that threw themselves at the barriers.

“Ever since the Darren Group reclaimed the towers the skinners have been on the run,” Reynolds said. “We had three of them trying to break into a settlement just south of here. They sent up a flare signal and a squad rode out and assisted them.”

“But you’ve blocked the roads and destroyed the bridges, how do you guys get anywhere around here quickly?”

“We know the routes and how to get around the area. The overpasses were brought down to keep people out, not stop us. As for the roads, the cars and trucks ran out of gas a long time ago so no need for large paved roads.”

“Well, The Darren Group plans on reestablishing civilization again,” Charles said. “They’ve cleared out all the inner city Skinners. They’ve even started to build a wall of their own that will surround the downtown.”

“That’s what I’ve heard,” Reynolds said. “But who does he have building the wall?”

Charles turned and looked Reynolds in the eye.

“Who do you mean?”

“You know who, Gerald, the Darren Group’s leader.”

“The Darren Group is run by a council, much like it is here.”

“If you say so.”

“And those who are building the walls are criminals.”

“Slaves,” Reynolds accused.

“No, they are criminals, either before this all started or after,” Charles said. “Just because the government dissolved doesn’t mean law and order did. We are protecting the lawful citizens who seek refuge with us and punishing those who lie, cheat, steal and kill.”

“Criminals,” Reynolds said. “Okay.”

“Who are you to judge how he does things,” Charles shot back. “If I’m not mistaken, you killed plenty of people defending your precious facility.”

“Defending,” Reynolds said. “Not taking over and running others out.”

“All in the name of protecting what is yours.”

“In the name of protecting what is ours,” Reynolds corrected him.

“Rey,” Charles said with and apologetic smile. “Let’s not fight. We made it through this together and we need to start reuniting the city. The Reno Bridge and the I-40 Bridge are necessary to do that. Will you reconsider opening the roads? The Darren Group can help you.”

“We’ve been doing just fine but I will present it to the Council.”

***

“He wants the bridges,” Reynolds said.

“Of course he does,” Maddy said. “The few remaining bridges over the Oklahoma River are falling apart and the I-35 bridge was destroyed in the last Vanishing.” She pointed to the map on the table before them. A large blue circled area indicated their area of control. It ranged from the north side of Lake Overholser, down the turnpike and south to Mustang. Most of it was empty area but daily patrols and small communities keep it under control.

“What could he possibly want to the west of here,” Jonathan asked. “Past Yukon and El Reno there’s nothing but Skinners, Marauders and the Tribes.”

Jonathan was the newest member to the Council. He and a handful of people in Mustang survived on their own and when Reynolds came along he gave them supplies and helped clear Mustang of a lot of the zombies. Unfortunately, as they were reestablishing a community with the remaining survivors a fire broke out and consumed much of the town. Jonathan brought the majority of his people to stay at Reynolds compound within the walls and protection.

“He wants the bridges to reunite the city.”

“What about that wall he’s building on the north side of the city,” Dalton, the oldest member of the Council, asked.

“He said it is part of reuniting the city.”

“And the slaves?” Dalton asked.

“Bring Gail in here,” Reynolds ordered a guard at the door. “He said they are criminals.”

***

Gail stood with the council as they studied the map.

“You came from Harrah, along highway 62,” Reynolds asked.

The girl followed the highway with her finger from Harrah and into the city.

“Yes, my whole family. As well as about ten other people,” Gail said.

“Why did you leave Harrah,” Jonathan asked.

“Fires, the south winds blew the fires up through town. Took out everything.” Gail paused. “Took everything. But a convoy came through and told us to head west along the highway. Said there was a refuge for us in the city.”

“And what happened when you got the city,” Maddy asked.

Gail began to tear up.

“We came upon a blockade. A blockade with a big D in a diamond. My dad and grandpa approached the blockade. They welcomed us in and then they took us prisoner.”

“Did you or your people do anything wrong,” Reynolds asked.

“No, No, No, we walked in between their gates and we lined up where they told us. Then they took all our stuff and tied our hands behind our backs.” She put her hands behind her back, clasped together and held them there. “They said they were taking us to the city and my dad kept asking questions. ‘What are you doing’ ‘Who are you’. They kept telling us they were taking us to the city.”

“What happened when you got to the city,” Jonathan asked.

“We were separated,” Gail said. Tears pooled in her eyes and sat ready to fall. “My father, grandfather and brothers as well as myself, were taken to the north side of the city.”

“To work on the wall,” Maddy said.

“Yes, and also into the neighborhoods around there to tear down houses for supplies.”

“Scrap metal and wood,” Jonathan asked.

“Anything. We were made to take everything,” Gail said. She wiped her eyes before the tears had a chance to wet her cheeks. “I didn’t do that very long though.”

“Why,” Maddy asked.

“Skinners,” she whispered. “Skinners were in one neighborhood and we were attacked. The guards watched as they took the weak and didn’t help fight them off. My dad, grandfather, brother, they were all taken by the Skinners as the guards stood on their trucks, laughing and taking pot shots at the savages.”

“You ran in the confusion,” Jonathan asked.

“Yes, I ran and didn’t turn around to see what happened. But I heard the screams. Everyone knows what happens when the Skinners get you.”

The Council and Gail stood in silence.

Skinners were no better than Zombies. Skinners were cannibals but do a degree of sadism and

insanity.

“You folks didn’t do anything,” Reynolds asked.

The Council eyed Reynolds.

“No,” Gail said.

“You didn’t steal from them, kill any of their people?”

“NO, I swear. Their convoy told us to come here after the fires and they put us to work as slaves.”

***

Gail left the Council to consider what they had learned.

“I believe her,” Jonathan said.

“We all do but why do you say that,” Reynolds asked.

“Before you guys came along. Before we lost Mustang and came here. We were visited by a man calling himself ‘Gerry’.”

“Gerald,” Dalton said.

“Yes,” Jonathan said. “He had a big military truck with him and in the back were people. Four other vehicles followed with armed men.”

“Soldiers,” Maddy asked.

“No, not all of them. The people in the back of that truck were civilians, scared civilians.”

“Why did they not take you guys,” Reynolds asked.

“They may not have had room, but he said we were more than welcome to come with him to the city.”

“But you didn’t, why,” Dalton asked.

“I have seen fear in people’s eyes since this has all started and it was fear in the eyes of those people in that truck. They were not there willingly.”

Three days of darkness

2014-02-22T15:14:00.001-06:00

So the zombie apocalypse and the chaos that followed was not the scariest thing to happen in Mad World. The scariest thing was the first time the sun did not rise. For three long days, 72 dark hours, the sun and moon did not rise.

While some kept their wits and helped others to keep their wits, others used the event to their own advantage and even more death and chaos ensued.

“What time is it,” Maddy asked.

Reynolds and Diddo stood watching the ruined Oklahoma City horizon. The abandoned buildings in the distance danced in the flickering light of the fires that burned uncontrolled.

A few armed guards wandered around the roof of the facility. The inky darkness swallowed them when they wandered away from the torches and lanterns that lit the perimeter of the building.

“1130,” Reynolds said.

“At night,” Maddy asked.

“No, in the morning,” Diddo replied, no sarcasm in his voice.

“But it’s still dark. So dark.”

“Yes”

“Is it cloudy? Ash?”

After the zombie outbreak was controlled people were burning bodies. Everyone remembered days when the sky was nothing but a gray gauze and the sun was a pale glowing orb struggling to shine through.

“No. Diddo says the stars faded out.”

“And the moon. We watched as they slowly dimmed and then were gone.”

“That’s not possible. Where’s the sun at?”

Reynolds sensed the edge panic in Maddy’s voice.

Diddo eyed her as if her panic was contagious. Perhaps they all should be panicked but he and his men had other things to worry about.

“What the hell is going on, Reynolds,” Maddy asked.

She was their lead medic. Usually cool and calm. Some would say heartless. But this was not her. This was not the normal Maddy everyone depended on to treat wounds and keep firing at the same time.

“Maddy, calm down, you’re freaking out the others.”

“Yeah, chica, Your guess is as good as anyones,” Diddo said.

He walked away from Reynolds and the confused Maddy.

“Is everyone still asleep,” Reynolds asked.

“Yeah, but they are going to start waking up when they realize they’ve overslept.”

“They are going to panic,”

“Um, you bet your life they will. The fucking sun is gone,” Maddy said. “Oh shit, Christine is going to have a field day.”

She was suddenly a different person. Tactical instead of worried.

“Yeah, End of days, the Reckoning. She’s going to rile everyone up.”

Diddo came back from dispersing a small group of guards.

“Gotta keep them from gossiping and focus on the job,” Diddo said.

“Maddy just realized what we were talking about earlier.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Diddo said. “I believe in God and all but what the loca loon preaches is not helping anyone here.”

“How many people does she have following her,” Maddy asked.

“Twenty right now,” Diddo chimed in. “At most twenty-five.”

“This whole thing with the sun disappearing may add more to her congregation,” Reynolds said.

“I was about to go down and join her,” Maddy said. “What are you going to do?”

“I say we kill her and cast out those of her followers that object,” Diddo said.

Reynolds knew he was completely serious. And while it should have bothered him it didn’t.

Twice Diddo has saved them all from dangers they couldn’t see right away and twice it was a shock to everyone around them when he did it. He saw things that others didn’t and he acted on them.

“Easy, Diddo,” Maddy said. “Any of your men with her?”

“Pssh, nah, my boys are smarter than that.”

“Smarts has nothing to do with it,” Reynolds said. “Your guys have their own survival and the survival of everyone else to worry about. To keep them going. Others don’t have the fight to keep them going and look for it elsewhere.”

“Like religion,” Maddy said.

“Well I’m counting on none of her followers having the fight in them when we must act,” Diddo said.

“Hopefully she won’t put it in them,” Maddy said.

The Cold North Wind

2014-02-20T23:36:00.000-06:00

This is what I wrote today. I did not edit it (much) so it's rough.

It is part of a Zombie series I am working on.

A small war had just concluded between a group of survivors in Oklahoma City. One group survives between OKC and Yukon and another group was living in the Towers of a ruined Downtown OKC.

Steven was the commander of the West side army and ordered seven men to die in an ambush. They did so without question but Steven is finding it hard to deal with those men dying at his command.

"How long they been at it," Reynolds asked.

The north yard had two platoons of new recruits conducting physical training and combative exercise. They were young men and women red-faced from the exertion and the powerful cold north wind.

"A little after sun-up, so about three hours," Steve said.

He stood in his combat uniform. His sleeves rolled up and his scarred thick arms crossed. His face was red from the wind and his eyes were red from crying.

"Brisk this morning," Reynolds said. He zipped his coat up. "Not too cold for them?"

"Nah, they are eager" Steve said. "Fools."

"Get any sleep last night," Reynolds asked.

Steve pursed his lips. His cold stare fought against the equally frigid winds.

“I ordered them to their deaths,” Steve said.

The stiff wind was a change from the warmer days earlier in the week. Steve did not show any sign it bothered him.

Reynolds pulled his coat collar tighter around his neck and stared out over the people in the north yard conducting training.

"I looked them in the eyes and ordered them," Steve's eyes watered, not from the wind, but from the guilt.

"Yes but they volunteered. They were asked by me. Ordered by you. But ultimately they volunteered and knew what they were doing," Reynolds said.

"They were boys," Steve said.

"No. None of that group, of Diddo's group, were all men."

"When I looked in their eyes I saw boys,"

"None of Diddo's men are boys. They have seen too much to be called boys,"

"Still,"

"We asked them to sacrifice their lives to protect everything west of the river, everything that you, me and everyone else has worked so hard to hold on to," Reynolds said. "Seven young men died bravely so that three thousand could survive,"

"I'm leaving," Steven declared.

"You won't change your mind?"

"I can't."

"Where will you go?"

"West?"

"There is nothing west of here."

"I hope so."

"You are a hero to everyone here. You have saved us all multiple times first from the zombies, then from the scavengers and marauders and then from the Darron Corporation. You and Diddo have saved us all too many times to count."

"Some of his men are coming with me,"

"How many,"

"A handful. You won't notice them gone. We are all in the same boat, our thousand yard stares disturb too many people here to make a life."

"When will you leave,"

"The next group of Darron refugees you send west, me and the others will be with them."

"What do you need?"

"Nothing, just time to mourn, time to heal, time to be forgiven."

"Okay," Reynolds turned from the edge of the building and away from the cold wind. Just when he thought winter was over. "Tell Diddo to get them inside, this wind is ridiculous."

Diddo sat across the desk from Reynolds.

"Who is leaving with Steven," Reynolds asked.

"I was wondering when he'd tell you," Diddo said. "Ten men."

Reynolds looked up from his roster of soldiers. Surprised.

"Ten?"

"Yessir, Matt, Scott, Andy and Joel."

"Matt and Joel are Lieutenants,"

"I have men to replace them," Diddo said. "Peter and Don, Ryan, Ty and Dale."

"All these guys have been here from the beginning. They are good troops."

"They are broken troops. I wouldn't say it but they are. Some have seen and done too much, others were never meant to be soldiers but they were good at it and paid a price. I want to say they can be fixed but I have talked to them and they just aren't there anymore."

"This fight with the Darren group was hard on everyone and especially those guys on the front lines. What will they do?"

"I don't know. Steven hasn't made them any promises or given them hope. Only that they can leave and that's what they want."

Reynolds went through his list Diddo gave him and marked the names in the roster.

"That's only nine. Who is number ten?"

Supporting another creative person.

2012-01-29T20:21:00.002-06:00

totally unrelated to writing but is something creative. My sister has a design business that is awesome and everyone should know about.

Iza Pearl Design. is her website.

Please Like her facebook page: Iza Pearl Design / Melissa Ybarra

and that's it.

The Tiger Eye of the Emperor

2012-01-14T04:59:00.002-06:00

So in a dream last night I and a few other individuals, one of who was River Song, were trying to resurrect a dear friend of ours, who looked very similar to Neal McDonough. But we were being prevented from going through with the spell by the Emperor of Man.

Yeah.

Throughout the dream we were warned that the Tiger Eye of the Emperor sees all and will stop us from doing magic that is deemed irresponsible and dangerous. It was actually a very interesting dream and I wish I could just jump back into it but I think the closest I can get is to start writing about it.

Back at it.

2011-12-08T02:42:00.001-06:00

So I should be graduating in a few weeks from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Professional Writing from the Gaylord College of Journalism. Professional writing is about writing well enough to make money and be successful. I really want to do that. I want to be able to pay my bills by writing. So I intend to do that. So I am back at it now and here we go.

The idea for my novel came from these blogs. I plan on finishing it then going back to the John Croft series. John and his dead daughter, Marie, were headed to Mexico, New York. There he will be confronted with the dangers of what will happen if the Elder Gods and their forces take over the planet.

So look forward to this next installment and then also keep an eye out for a copy of my final semester novel to be published also on the Kindle and Nook.

will be back soon.

2011-12-06T09:21:00.002-06:00

I have decided to keep up my flow of imagination I am going to start writing 100 word clips again. I look forward to getting back to it and hope you all will enjoy reading it all.

6/25/11: Mexico, New York

2011-06-26T00:05:00.003-05:00

In upstate New York there is a small town. John Croft will go there to save a boy from nightmares. While John believes he can save the town, Marie knows its is too late.

When John croft arrived in Mexico, New York he was already too late. They expected him and had set a trap to finally do away with him after what he did in New York City. But the acolytes of the dark forces had failed to take into account the return of his dead daughter. Mexico, New York had been dominated by the acolytes of the old gods in one long, hot summer. The citizens of the quiet Upstate New York town didn’t know what had hit them when the hotter than Normal summer came to an end and by Christmas beneath the quiet façade of the town was a sinister and sadistic secret that had affected and changed everyone. This town of less than two thousand people was never going to be the same.

6/24/11: Grays

2011-06-24T22:26:00.000-05:00

Every thing the Grays told us was forgotten. Lost in a filing cabinet somewhere in the Arizona desert. The information was copied and transferred to dark rooms in obscure hallways in nameless buildings. It remained forgotten until the Elance showed us images of them. The Elance ambassadors told us the aliens we called the Grays were once our most trusted servants. Their loyalty to us was endless, which was what brought them to Earth. They were fleeing from the Scholars before coming to Earth. Somewhere in their computer system they found a clue to our whereabouts and set course while trying to avoid further Scholar contact.

6/23/11: GOM

2011-06-24T21:35:00.000-05:00

The Galactic Occupancy of Man was the supreme rule throughout the galaxy for over fifteen millennia. The GOM was controlled and operated by the alien race known as Humans. Throughout its reign it was both benevolent and malevolent. It ruled through a representative republic and also a tyrannical dictatorship. It allowed free ice cream on Sundays and also bring your kids to work day (no matter how dangerous your job was). The GOM ran the gambit of good and evil but one fact remained true: It united the galaxy. Sometimes the galaxy and all its aliens loved the GOM, other times the galaxy all hated and reviled them.

The Galactic Occupancy of Man was able to maintain its hold (sometimes strangling) on the galaxy because of elite agents like Markus Strauss and Penelope Sinclair.

6/22/2011: Marie's Experience after death

2011-06-23T12:31:00.002-05:00

In the darkness we huddled. It squeezed around us like a smothering blanket. Through the inkiness we felt the things that wanted us to stay. They pressed the darkness against us and we cried in terror. None of us knew our names. We were featureless and lost. But then it called to me and I knew my name once again. Marie.

I felt the darkness give way and I was being pulled away from the others. They reached for me but they had nothing which to grab me. I screamed that I would be back for them. I told them I would rescue them.

Their cries faded away as the light of this world beckoned to me.

But I would not get away that easy. The monsters that dwelt in the darkness howled in protest of my escape. They lashed out at me and I felt their icy grip and searing gazes as I drifted away from their realm.

There was nothing after death. No names. No shapes. Only darkness. Those I was sent back to help you fight have already won the war. We must find a way to stop them from taking our world as they have so many other worlds.