Bloodlines 02-26-04 - last 30 pages

BLOODLINES(last 30 pages)

by

Chuck Loch

14314 Summertime LaneCulver City, CA 90230(310) [email protected]

REGISTERED WGAw No. 849470

89.

INT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA - LIVING ROOM --DAY

Lynn and Jeda sit on opposite sides of the sofa sharing abucket of Pickens Chicken.

JEDA (V.O.)I don't remember the drive back, orthe next week. All I knew was therewas a hole inside me I couldn't fill.

Jeda eats everything on his pieces, meat, gristle, smallbones, everything except for the largest bones. These hetosses into an empty bucket across the room by the door,then licks his fingers.

JEDA (V.O.)I couldn't talk about it. I wasscared, but I knew I had to saysomething to Lynn.

JEDAWhy didn't you tell me?

LYNNI did the test the morning before wedrove up to your grandparents. Youhad a lot on your mind. I was waitingfor the right time.

He turns away.

LYNN (CONT'D)They didn't have to throw you outbecause I'm pregnant. What kind ofcrazy paranoids are they?

Jeda doesn't answer.

LYNN (CONT'D)Jeda. Talk to me.

JEDAThere is nothing we can do.

Slim Pickens face appears on TV. A REPORTER questions him.

ON TV:

TV REPORTER (O.S.)It looks like your star rookie, JedaArakun, has lost his touch. Any truthto the rumors you're going to drophis sponsorship?

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SLIM PICKENSI won't comment at this time. Ask meagain after the qualifiers for theIFR are announced.

TV REPORTER (O.S.)There you have it folks, straightfrom the chicken man's mouth. IfJeda doesn't qualify for the IndianFinals Rodeo, he will be dumped.

Jeda clicks the TV off and throws the remote at the screen,then the bucket of chicken. Pieces fly everywhere.

Lynn storms into the bedroom.

JEDAWhere are you going?

She slams the door.

INT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA - BEDROOM --MOMENTS LATER

It's as expensive and tasteful as the living room.

JEDA (V.O.)I never thought she was scared too.

Lynn sobs into the phone.

LYNN(into the phone)

Cammy, I know they're going to dumphim, and then he's going to dump me.

A SOFT KNOCK on her door interrupts the conversation.

LYNN (CONT'D)(to the knock)

Go away.(into the phone)

Cammy, what's wrong?

EXT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA - LIVING ROOM --LATER

Lynn picks car keys out of a bowl by the door. Jeda sitsacross the room.

JEDA (V.O.)I thought she just wanted to getaway from me.

JEDAWhen will you be back?

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LYNNA couple of days, I guess.

She picks up her travel bag.

JEDASure you don't want to leave a number?

EXT. INTERCUT MISSOULA RODEO ARENA/HOSPITAL OBSTETRICSOPERATING ROOM -- DAY

JEDA (V.O.)With Lynn gone, I was alone again.

ON THE FIELD: A bull charges Jeda.

JEDA (V.O.)I didn't know what she was goingthrough.

IN THE OPERATING ROOM: A very pregnant Cammy strains to haveher baby.

FIELD: Jeda performs a "pas de deux" with his umbrella.

OPERATING ROOM: A DOCTOR stationed between Cammy's legs shakeshis head sadly.

Cammy sobs, limp and exhausted.

CAMMYSave my baby. Please?

FIELD: The bull side-swipes Jeda and knocks him down.

OPERATING ROOM: Blood spurts onto the doctor's gloved handsand gown.

DOCTORHemostat! She's hemorrhaging again.

FIELD: The bull charges Jeda while he's on the ground.

OPERATING ROOM: Eyes glazed, Cammy barely moves her lips.

CAMMY(whispering)

Save my baby.

A bevy of DOCTORS and NURSES in surgical masks and gownswork on her. A shrill TONE erupts signaling a heart monitorflatline. A second TONE sounds.

INT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM -- DAY

The SOUND of a key in the lock.

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The door opens and Lynn enters carrying her travel bag. It'sobvious she's been crying. She drops her keys in the bowl.

Jeda rises from the sofa and approaches her.

JEDAAre you all right?

She disappears into their bedroom and closes the door.

LYNN (O.S.)No.

As Jeda reaches the door, he hears the CLICK of the doorbeing locked from the inside.

JEDA (V.O.)She never told me about Cammy.

EXT. MISSOULA RODEO ARENA -- DAY

ON THE FIELD: Jeda blows a somersault over a Bull and landsflat on his back. Again, another Clown chases the Bull away.

Jeda gets up, trips over his umbrella and falls down again.

IN THE STANDS: On camera, Lynn calls the rodeo.

LYNNThere goes Jeda, down again.

She walks off camera.

LYNN (CONT'D)Cut the feed, Charlie. I can't do it.

JEDA (V.O.)It felt like the end of the world toboth of us.

MONTAGE:

A bull charges Jeda and won't stop. Jeda runs from him.

Jeda open and closes his umbrella at another bull charging athrown rider. No effect. The bull tosses the rider.

A different bull tramples Jeda's umbrella.

Side-by-side headlines on the front page of the sports sectionof the Missoula Messenger: "Top Clown Pulled From RodeoCircuit" and "Local Sports Show Off The Air". Photos of Jedaand Lynn accompany the articles.

END MONTAGE

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INT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM -- DAY

JEDA (V.O.)She tried to understand.

Lynn talks on the phone. Jeda's nowhere to be seen.


Matt, I'm trying to get my headtogether. I can't live like this.

MATT (O.S.)(phone filter)

I'm sorry about your sister, and theproblems you're having with Jeda.


I don't know what to do to help him.His people are like some barbarictribe. They only care about somethingif it's good for the clan.


The Ku Klux Klan?


Just the opposite. They came fromEurope and see themselves as beingpersecuted by round heads - that'swhat they call us - for centuries.


They could be Gypsies.


They treat their women like slaves.The men don't let them have any say-so in their lives.


This is Montana. Half the men treattheir women like that.


They have these strange rituals andhabits, like he won't use a knife orfork anymore. He eats like an animal.

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Have you talked to him?


He won't listen! He's all twistedup inside. What am I going to do? Iwant to help him.

INT. ANTHROPOLOGY DEPARTMENT - THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA --DAY

The sign on the open door reads; "University of MontanaDepartment of Anthropology, Matthew Gardner, Ph.D., UrbanAnthropology."

Matt sits at a messy desk in a room full of books and papers.

MATT(into the phone)

I have some books on primitivecultures.

He pulls a couple of books off a shelf.

MATT (CONT'D)(into the phone)

Come by, pick them up and take alook. Maybe there's something herethat'll help you understand what'sgoing on.


JEDA (V.O.)One day it all came to an end.

Matt's books are spread over the coffee table. Lynn leafsthrough one. With each page she turns, she takes a swig ofCherry Vodka.

She hears A KEY FUMBLING in the door lock.

She hides the bottle under a sofa cushion.

The door opens. Jeda walks in, tipsy.

JEDAHi.

LYNNHi, yourself.

JEDAWhat're you reading?

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LYNNTrying to find out some more aboutyour weird clan.

JEDAWhy don't you ask me?

LYNNYou always change the subject or putme off. How about all the weirdceremonies? Or the rules that controlevery part of your life. And whatabout all the stuff you can do inthe arena that nobody else can do?

JEDAWe've done what we do for a longtime. It serves us well.

Jeda slams his keys down into the bowl, breaking it.

LYNNBig, strong, man. All you can do isbreak things.

She goes back to her books. Jeda picks up the remote andturns on the TV.

ON TV: The Discovery Channel. A camera rotates around aNeanderthal skull, showing it from all angles.

TV NARRATOR (V.O.)Modern forensics technology allowsscientists to reconstruct appearancesof primal man. Let's take a look atthis early human's facial features.

TV PROGRAM MONTAGE:

Different lengths of colored-clay cylinders appear at variouspoints on the skull.

More clay fills in areas between the cylinders until theskull looks as if it's wearing a layer of muscle.

Additional layers of muscle form facial features and ears.

A final layer provides the skin.

Hair appears to sprout forming bushy eyebrows, a dense shaggybeard and mane.

Brown-black pupils on white sclera complete thereconstruction.

END TV PROGRAM MONTAGE

The head rotates.

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TV NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)You wouldn't want to meet up withthis chap in a dark alley. But supposehe were groomed like a modern human.

The rotating head loses the beard. It's eyebrows and head lose hair as they morph into a modern man's haircut.

TV NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)This Neanderthal man could be yourneighbor, father or husband.

IN THE LIVING ROOM: Lynn looks at the TV and sees a likenessto Jeda. She SCREAMS:

LYNNMy God, that's you. You're a---

JEDAI'm a human being.

Lost in her own imagination, she paces.

LYNNIt explains so much. How could Ihave been so stupid?

Jeda reaches out to her.

JEDAWhatever people call me, I stillthink and feel and hurt... as muchas any other human.

She recoils from him.

LYNNYou're not human. Your people aren'thuman. No matter what you say, you'renot human enough for me or our child.

She rushes past him to the door. He can't see the tears inher eyes.

INT. LYNN'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA - LIVING ROOM -- DAY

SUPER: SEVEN MONTHS LATER

JEDA (V.O.)I never believed she stopped loving me.

A sorry excuse for an apartment, only suitable for someonedown on her luck. Lynn sips a glass of Cherry Vodka. Thebottle sits next to the phone.

She shows the signs her pregnancy is full term. Matt's booksare open to pages depicting Neanderthals. She dials a number.

97.


Alex? Lynn here. Yes, the station'smaternity leave policy is fine.

INT. TV STUDIO OFFICE -- DAY

Alex is watching feeds from a variety of sports on severalmonitors that have been added to his office.

ALEX(into the phone)

Lynn, it's good to talk to you, but we're on a tight schedule. How can Ihelp you?

INTERCUT INT. LIVING ROOM/OFFICE -- DAY

LIVING ROOM: Lynn slurs her words.


I've been sitting on something forthe last couple of months. It couldbe the scoop of the century.

OFFICE:


Are you okay?

LIVING ROOM:


How does "Caveman Cowboy" sound toyou?

OFFICE:


You've been drinking? You're pregnant.You could lose the baby.

LIVING ROOM:


Do you want to hear the story ornot?

OFFICE:

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Call me when you're sober.

He hangs up.


Lynn takes another sip. Then lays back on the sofa. HerIncredible Hulk action figure watches from the coffee table.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. HIGH PLAINS CABIN -- DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)

Sunbeams stream in through the windows. Lynn, still pregnant,and Jeda snuggle on the sofa. They laugh and kiss tenderly.They rub Lynn's bulging tummy.

The sunbeams grow weaker as clouds roll in, and the skyoutside darkens.

Jeda's face morphs into the face of a bear. She struggles tostand, but can't.

Transfixed, she watches Jeda's horrible transformation as itcontinues, and he becomes a hairy APE-LIKE BEING which placesits hand on her stomach.

Through her clothes and skin she watches the BABY inside herturn into the same kind of CREATURE.

END DREAM SEQUENCE

CUT TO:


Lynn sits up with a start. She cries, staggers over to anend table, opens a drawer and pulls out a nailfile. Shepresses it into her arm, then stops.

She slides an old photo album out of the drawer and opensit. She turns to a page of photos of herself, Cammy, Jedaand Thomas on that happy day in Great Bear when they wentshopping together.

She leafs backward through the album until she comes to aphoto of herself and Cammy as babies. Andrew bounces them onhis knees.

In the photo, two blurred figures are barely visible in aportrait that hangs on the wall behind them. One of thefigures is her Grandmother sitting in a chair.

99.

The other faded figure standing behind the chair is herGRANDFATHER. She can barely make out his muscular build andprominent features.

INT. THE RED NECK SALOON -- DAY

JEDA (V.O.)I was drinking too. In my sadness Ididn't notice the changes in Thomas.

AT THE BAR: Jeda and Thomas down shots of Wild Turkey and chase them with beers. The BARTENDER fills their shot glasses.

JEDAHere's to the American dream.

THOMASHere's to things and people thatwill never be.

JEDAHey come on, big boy. I didn't meanto get you depressed too.

THOMASYou didn't.

JEDAWant to talk about it? Remember,we're supposed to take care of eachother. How's cammy?

Thomas pushes his empty shot glass away.

THOMASI've had enough for today.

JEDA (V.O.)My brother walked away from me and Ididn't know why.

INT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA - BEDROOM --NIGHT

Jeda lolls on his bed stripped to his underwear, a five-o'clock shadow and big, red eyes. His Rogue action figurewatches from the nightstand beside the bed.

JEDAWhy have you forsaken me?

INT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA - BEDROOM --LATER

Jeda tosses and turns, then gets up and walks into thebathroom.

100.

IN THE BATHROOM: He opens the medicine cabinet and takes outa prescription pill bottle.

INT. THE RED NECK SALOON -- DAY

The Bartender counts his opening cash and clicks a remote atan overhead TV.

ON TV: A PR PHOTO of Jeda fades onto the screen.

MORNING NEWCASTER (V.O.)This morning, fading rodeo star,Jeda Arakun, was taken to MemorialHospital. His condition is grave.

EXT. VALLEY ROAD -- DAY

Laso walks toward Glorious Morning-Star, who leans againsther Ford Ranchero parked by the side of the road.

LASOGood morning, Miss Morning-Star.Nice morning for a walk.

GLORIUS MORNING-STARI've been waiting for you.

LASOIs there news from your village?

GLORIUS MORNING-STARThere is news from the Big City aboutyour Grandson.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAY

Laso sits beside Jeda's bed where he lies intubated. He openshis eyes. She looks up.

JEDAGrandma? Are you dead too?

Laso hugs her grandson.

LASONot yet, and only if Ko'or catchesme.

He cries in her arms.

JEDAThere's no dream left.

JEDA (V.O.)At that moment, I wished I was dead.

101.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- LATER

Jeda sits propped up by pillows. His tubes are gone. Hiseyes are closed. Laso sits on the bed with him, stroking hishair. He opens his eyes.

JEDAI feel like I've been sleepingforever. Tell me it was all a dream.

LASOIt was. And you are almost ready todream a new dream. But first yourspirit needs healing, and from whatyou tell me so does Lynn's. Do notgive up on her. She is stronger thanyou think.

JEDAOkay, Grandma.

Laso picks up a piece of paper beside her.

LASOWhile you were asleep, I asked thenurse to write this down for you.

She gives the paper to Jeda.

LASO (CONT'D)It is a healing ceremony our peopleuse. It is part of our "Old Ways." When you are feeling better, takethis to Lynn. Ask her to do it withyou. Tell her I still see somethingspecial in her.

Jeda studies the paper.

Laso takes her bear-clan talisman from around her neck and puts it around his.

LASO (CONT'D)You'll need this for the ceremony.

INT. LYNN'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA -- DAY

JEDA (V.O.)A few days later, I tried again.

A KNOCK at the door. Lynn opens it. Jeda holds a bouquet ofwild flowers.

JEDAI'd like to say I picked them myself---

102.

She grabs him and the flowers and pulls him inside where they both speak at once.

LYNN (CONT'D)(over Jeda)

I was worried. I heard about you onthe news.

JEDA(over Lynn)

I should've called before I cameover...did you just say you wereworried?

LYNNI was going to come and see you, butmy pride got in the way.

JEDAI wouldn't have wanted you to see methat way.

LYNNI wouldn't have cared how you looked.God. I missed you.

JEDAI missed you.

They talk at the same time again.

LYNN(over Jeda)

More than you'll ever know.

JEDA(over Lynn)

More than you'll ever know.

Jeda takes her in his arms and they hug and kiss like theold days.

JEDA (CONT'D)Then, maybe we ought to get to knoweach other better.

LYNNHow do we do that?

JEDAIt's a ceremony our Clan uses toheal the broken spirits of those wholove each other. It is part of our"Old Ways."

Lynn breaks the embrace and steps back from Jeda.

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LYNNI don't think I want to have anythingmore to do with your "Old Ways."They've done enough to hurt us.

JEDAGrandmother thought you might feelthat way, so she asked me to tellyou to remember that she still sees something special in you.

Lynn hears Laso's words.

LASO (O.S.)He sees something in you that isworth it to him to risk Clan-death. So do I. Please sit down. Welcome tomy home.

LYNNI'll try it this once.

JEDAWe will need somebody to help uswith the ceremony. I called Thomasbecause it's a lot like the ceremoniesof his tribe.


Lynn and Jeda sit on their living room carpet, face to face,with their knees touching.

Thomas sits, holding the piece of paper.

THOMASI told you before, I don't know howfar into this I can go.

JEDAYou'll do fine.

Thomas begins to read.

THOMASLook into each other's eyes untilall you can see is the one you love.

They stare.

THOMAS'S VOICESay each other's name.

JEDA(over Lynn)

Lynn.

104.

LYNN(over Jeda)

Jeda.

THOMAS'S VOICELet your spirits become one...lookout through the eyes of the one youlove...and see yourself looking back.

POV JEDA: Lynn's face. SUPER: Jeda's face over.

POV LYNN: Jeda's face. SUPER: Lynn's face over.

THOMAS'S VOICE (O.S.) (CONT'D)Breathe together...in...and out.

They synchronize their breathing.

THOMAS'S VOICE (O.S.) (CONT'D)Breathe the breath of the one youlove.

As one breathes in, the other breathes out.

THOMAS'S VOICE (O.S.) (CONT'D)Through the eyes of the one you love,see yourself breathing in theirbreath.

POV JEDA: Lynn breathing out. SUPER: Jeda breathing in.

POV LYNN: Jeda breathing out. SUPER: Lynn breathing in.

Both forms burst into sources of white light and the lightfrom each fills the other. The lights expand to fill theroom and the room dissolves into light.

Thomas's voice floats through the light.

THOMAS'S VOICE (O.S.) (CONT'D)See that which will heal your spirits.

A figure forms in the light. It's Lynn's Grandfather. Hisbuild and features clearly belong to a member of Jeda's clan.

INT. LYNN AND JEDA'S APARTMENT IN MISSOULA - LIVING ROOM --CONTINUOUS

Lynn and Jeda awaken with a start. Thomas stops reading. Hehas tears in his eyes.

JEDAWho was that?

LYNNMy grandfather.

105.

They talk over each other again.

JEDA(over Lynn)

You have clan blood.

LYNN(over Jeda)

I have clan blood.

JEDA (V.O.)We had hope again.

INT. INDIAN RESERVATION COMMUNITY CENTER -- DAY

Jeda, Lynn, Thomas and Glorius Morning-Star stand together.

GLORIUS MORNING-STARI will see your grandmother tomorrowand tell her what you ask.

Glorius turns and walks away.

THOMASIf anybody can do it, those two oldwomen can arrange an appeal beforeyour Council.

EXT. LOCAL RODEO ARENA -- DAY

MONTAGE:

Jeda flawlessly performs his old tricks on new bulls.

INTER CUT WITH:

Thomas jumping off the backs of new bulls as BUZZERS sound.

FRONT PAGES OF MISSOULA MESSENGER SPORTS SECTION:

Headlines read: "Clown on Comeback Trail to IFR." "Jeda andThomas to vie for Best All Around Cowboy."

END MONTAGE

INT. TV STUDIO OFFICE -- DAY

Lynn sits on Alex's desk.

ALEXAre you sure you want to do this? Inyour condition, I mean.

106.

LYNNIf I can only cover one rodeo, Iwant the IFR.

DISSOLVE BACK TO:

INT. IMMENSE CAVE -- DAY (PRESENT)

Jeda's expression changes from delight to sadness.

JEDAWe were following dreams again, butthe round head would not let us be.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TANNER'S SALOON - GREAT BEAR -- DAY (FLASHBACK CONT'D)

Andrew and Jingo nurse a couple of beers as the MissoulaMessenger Headlines are repeated in a crawl at the bottom ofthe screen on the overhead TV.

Andrew raises his glass.

ANDREWWe got the jobs. We'll be preppingthe stock at IFR. Did you take careof your part?

JINGOI got hold of my friend at theelectronics store in Helena. It'llbe here in a couple of days.

They clink glasses and chug their beers.

EXT. IFR RODEO ARENA -- DAY

ON THE FIELD: Thomas rides his first bull to the BUZZER.

He jumps off, lands on his feet, and throws up his arms in atriumphant salute. The CROWD explodes.

Jeda pops out of his barrel at mid-field and chases the bullaway from Thomas by flicking his umbrella open and closed.The Crowd stays on its feet to cheer their favorite clown.

Thomas wobbles on the back of his second bull. The bull almostbucks him off, but he lands on its back at the final BUZZER.

Jeda runs alongside the bull and helps Thomas dismount. Then,Thomas races across the field to work the stands. Thomaslooks back to see Jeda doing a handstand on the Bull's back.

IN THE CHUTE: Thomas lowers himself onto T-REX, a huge Brahmabull. His last ride. The animal snorts and prances. It won't

107.

stand still. Thomas strokes his neck and whispers to him.Nothing helps.

Thomas sits still on T-Rex's back. The animal hops up anddown. Thomas leans over and throws up, as the door of thechute slides back.

The animal erupts out of the chute in a state of tremendousagitation. Thomas loses his balance, but hangs on.

IN THE STANDS: Andrew nods to Jingo who slides a small remotecontrol out of his pocket. He punches a button on it.

ON THE FIELD: T-Rex explodes into the air. All four feet areoff the ground at once, as the animal twists sideways andlands on Thomas.

T-Rex is first on his feet. In lightning quick spurts, hetramples and gores Thomas.

Jeda shoots out of his barrel and races toward his friend.Along the way, he staggers. He falls down and grabs hiscrotch. He's up again.

JEDA (V.O.)I felt the searing pain.

T-Rex charges him. The bull is about to run him over whenJeda grabs him by the horns and wrestles him to the ground. The animal rolls over on his back. Jeda sees a wire stickingout of T-Rex's bucking strap.

He grabs it, tears it off, and jerks his hand away. The strapis laced with wires and crackles with an electrical charge.T-Rex stands, snorts and shakes his head repeatedly.

TWO BACK-UP CLOWNS drive him away from Jeda and Thomas. Jedacradles Thomas in his arms.

Blood pours out of a massive wound in Thomas's chest. Moreblood spills out of his mouth and nose. Thomas coughs andsputters trying to catch his breath.

Now he has it. He reaches up and touches his thumb to Jeda's.

THOMASBrother, I'm scared. Help me.

He breathes out, but not back in. Jeda closes Thomas's eyes, then ROARS at the sky like a wounded animal.

Lynn pushes through the crowd onto the arena floor.

LYNNJeda!

T-Rex turns toward Lynn's voice, sees her in motion andcharges. She stumbles and falls.

108.

Jeda runs between Lynn and the Beast, locks his gaze on thebull, and throws up a hand, palm facing out.

T-Rex skids to a stop and freezes in mid-charge, paralyzed.

Behind Jeda, the wet stain of Lynn's water breaking bloomsbetween her legs. She writhes in labor.

Andrew and Jingo rush from the stands toward Lynn. Jeda seesthe remote control device in Jingo's hand. He snaps hisfingers at T-Rex. The bull charges the two of them.

Andrew scrambles back into the stands, but the bull runsJingo down, rams a horn through his body from the back, flipshim high into the air, and slices the body to ribbons withhis hooves seconds after it hits the ground.

A waiting EMT crew load Lynn into their ambulance and driveoff with sirens screaming and emergency lights flashing.

A huge crowd surges onto the field. Jeda scans the standsand sees Andrew disappear into an exit.

JEDA (V.O.)All I felt was hatred.

EXT. CLAN COMMUNITY CENTER -- DAY

JEDABefore I would hunt this man down, Ihad to take care of my brother.

A black limo pulls up, followed by a hearse, Lynn's SUV, andGlorius Morning-star's Ford Ranchero.

Jeda, wearing jeans, a cowboy shirt and boots, swings hislegs out of the limo and, in defiance of his clan-dead status,steps boldly up to Laso and Gabra who wait for him at theCenter's front door.

GABRAHave you made the arrangements withhis tribe?

Jeda nods and points to Glorius walking toward them.

JEDAThey sent Glorius as theirrepresentative.

GABRAGood. We have only a little timebefore the monthly gathering.

LASOThose who would help are inside.

109.

EXT. CLAN CEMETERY NEXT TO GABRA'S PASTURE -- MORNING

As the sun rises, a half dozen CLAN MEMBERS scrape the lastdirt from a shallow pit three-feet deep.

Thomas's body wrapped in reed-cloth lies on a small woodenplatform beside the pit.

Lynn hands her Baby to Tenaro and helps Laso line the pitwith bird down

Gabra and Jeda gently lower Thomas's body into the pit.

Everyone present places pieces of Thomas's riding tack besidehis body.

Glorius Morning-star arranges Chief Vincent's hat with thesingle feather beside Thomas's head.

Jeda slips in a photograph of Jeda, Lynn, Cammy and Thomasclowning on the streets of Great Bear.

Lynn and Laso encircle the body with Thomas's trophies andribbons.

Jeda removes the IFR "All Around Cowboy" buckle from hisbelt and places it across Thomas's chest.

ADDITIONAL CLAN MEMBERS carry baskets of wild flowers up tothe grave site.

MUSICIANS appear and, on primitive instruments, play amournful, yet harmonic DIRGE. A Flute Soloist floats a MELODYabove it.

The Clan Members voice syllables that amplify the harmony ofthe instruments and help carry the mourning song to the skies.

All join hands and sway to the music while tossing handfulsof blossoms into the pit.

Gabra and Laso hold Jeda, Lynn and the Baby in a tightembrace.

Lynn weeps. At first softly, then uncontrollably.

Jeda whispers in her ear.

JEDAThis is what the clan can be. Do yousee now why I didn't want to leaveit?

Lynn chokes back her tears.

110.

LYNNI've never felt so much love and sopart of a real family. Will theytake us?

LASOWhat have you named the little one?

JEDAWhen the clan accepts him, we willannounce it at his "Birth Ceremony."

Ko'or leads a GROUP OF CLAN MEMBERS through the Mourners.With a gesture, he silences the Musicians. Once again, hisanger boils over.

KO'ORStop this sacrilege. I will not havethe dead burying the dead. Nor standto see the body of a round headconsecrated on our land by our rites.

JEDAStop, father. I will not have yourhate and anger here.

Ko'or steps in front of Jeda, eyeball-to-eyeball, then turnshis back on him.

KO'ORThis ghost cannot challenge me.

Gabra's voice breaks the tension.

GABRAWe claim the "Right of Majority" forthis ceremony.

KO'ORYou cannot do that. It is only forbeginning and ending meetings.

GABRA(to the participants inthe ceremony)

Those who would have the ceremonycontinue, please join me.

He voices a clear harmonious tone from the burial song. Othersjoin in. The Musicians fall in to complete the sound.

Laso gathers up another handful of blossoms and sprinklesthem into the grave. The ceremony continues.

Ko'or stalks off. After a few yards he stops and turns.

KO'ORWho will go with me to the gathering?

111.

Most of his Group follow him, but several join the ceremonyfor Thomas.

The pit fills with flowers. The music stops. The Mournersdrift away.

Jeda looks down at Thomas's grave.

JEDAWith all my strength, I will avengeyou, brother.

Tenaro pulls Jeda aside.

TENAROI have heard from my mate that theman you seek is in a cabin at thefoot of the forest.

He kisses her on the forehead.

JEDAI know it well. Thank you. You knowI wish you great happiness.

She beams.

Jeda runs to Gabra's pasture, vaults onto a horse, jumps thefence and gallops off into the forest.

Lynn drags Gabra and Laso toward her SUV.

LYNNI know where he's going. Please comewith me. I'm afraid of what he'll do.

DISSOLVE BACK TO:


Jeda balls his fists and pounds the arms of his chair.

JEDAI could not stop myself.

(MORE)

JEDA (CONT'D)The round head had to pay for hisdeeds. I wanted to kill him.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. HIGH PLAINS CABIN -- DAY (FLASHBACK CONT'D)

Jeda reigns to a halt at the rear of the cabin.

Lynn's SUV rolls to a stop at the front.

112.

INT. HIGH PLAINS CABIN -- CONTINUOUS

Jeda bursts through the back door.

A disheveled Andrew sits drinking and mumbling to himself.Empty beer cans litter the table and floor.

ANDREWOh, shit.

He throws the table over onto Jeda and runs out the backdoor. Jeda staggers after him.

EXT. MOUNTAIN FOREST -- MOMENTS LATER

Andrew runs through the woods, jumping over fallen trees androcks and sprinting up a hillside. Jeda follows close behind.

Andrew runs into a small clearing. He's up against a cliffwall with small shallow caves. Cornered. Nowhere to go.

Jeda runs into the clearing and stops. Cautiously, he stepscloser to Andrew.

Andrew pulls out a pistol and levels it at Jeda. Jeda stops.He reaches a hand toward Andrew.

JEDAWhy Andrew? Why?

ANDREWYou're more stupid than I thought.

JEDAThe bull could have killed your owndaughter and your grandson.

Andrew's gun hand shakes.

ANDREWI wanted to kill them all, especiallythe Injun. I got his parents good.They deserved to die.

He calms down.

ANDREW (CONT'D)They took my water. I couldn't keepmy cattle, my land, my...

He shouts.

ANDREW (CONT'D)WIFE!

Lynn, Laso and Gabra approach.

113.

ANDREW (CONT'D)Then the Injun killed my Cammy. Shedied having his baby. You're next.You mother-fucking ugly son-of-a-bitch. I've hated you since I firstsaw you.

Back to calm.

ANDREW (CONT'D)You look like my father. People calledhim a beast, a monster. I didn't haveany friends. Then my girls were bornand he left us and I didn't have afather. I'm going to kill your baby andLynn too. None of you deserve to live.

He waves his pistol in a wide arc from Jeda to Lynn and backagain.

LYNNDaddy, no.

Andrew swings his arm toward her and fires a shot at Lynn.The bullet crashes into the brush next to her. Gabra pullsLynn and Laso into one of the small caves in the cliff wall.

DISSOLVE BACK TO:


Jeda, enraged to the point of shaking, stops speaking. Alleyes open. Silent and resolute, he stands before the Council.

As Members speak, they do so in their guttural tongue whichmelds into English. As before, Jeda speaks only in English.

GABRAWhat he says feels true.

TROCKAWhat happened next, Jeda?

JEDAThat's all I have to say. You knowit's true. Judge for yourself.

KO'ORYour story fills us with sympathy,but it shows you broke many of ourlaws and were going to kill the roundhead. What did you do to him?

Jeda looks at Lynn and their child and says nothing.

114.

KO'OR (CONT'D)You've submitted to the council. Youknow we can take your memories.

Jeda looks at Gabra and Laso. Still he makes no reply.

KO'OR (CONT'D)Very well. We will take the memories. Arethere any who would speak against it?

LASOLong ago, before my husband, wepledged our love for each other. Doyou remember, Ko'or?

Gabra stares at her. Ko'or does not meet Laso's gaze.

KO'ORIt could not be. The council choseGabra for you.

LASOIf you have any feeling for me, youwill not do this to your son.

Ko'or looks a thousand miles away.

KO'ORI must do this.

TROCKAAnd we must know the whole truth tojudge Jeda fairly.

RADIN COMENICH, a squat bespectacled man in his 50s, ventureshis opinion.

RADINI agree.

The other Members of the Council share their agreement.

KO'ORAnd you Gabra?

Head bowed, Gabra gets up and leaves the circle.

GABRAI did not know this.

INT. IMMENSE CAVE -- LATER

Jeda is bound to his chair, allowing no voluntary movementof his head, arms or legs.

The Tall Guard swings a fuming censer in front of Jeda.

115.

Ko'or struts in front of the Chair, swinging the talismanLaso gave Jeda, mimicking the censer movements.

The Short Guard pinches Jeda's nose. When he opens his mouth,the Third Guard crams a foul-looking paste into it.

Jeda tries to spit it out, but swallows some to breathe.

LYNNAnimals. You are animals.

Laso has left the circle and now stands beside Lynn holdingthe Baby.

LASOSometimes we are worse than animals.

Jeda collapses into a stupor. His eyes roll back in his head.The eyes of the others present close.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MOUNTAIN FOREST -- DAY (FLASHBACK)

MONTAGE:

Andrew shoots at Jeda who ducks out of the way. The shotsrouse an enormous blonde-white "ghost" grizzly, which rearsup out of the brush.

Andrew turns and runs into a thicket of evergreens, wherethe bear appears in front of him. Andrew empties his guninto the animal. The bullets have no effect.

Andrew pulls out a hunting knife and slashes at the bear.The arm holding the knife bends inward of its own accordtoward Andrew's body.

His face contorts into the grimace of a madman. Deep-throatedSCREAMS echo down the lush slopes that frame the glacialvalley.

A dark blur slashes back and forth obscuring the view.

Each slash slices a chunk of flesh from Andrew's face, nowdisfigured beyond recognition.

Blurred attacks on Andrew's body tear open his chest andbelly. Pillows of blood and guts tumble out.

The bear feeds on the entrails of Andrew's badly mutilatedcorpse.

The bear notices Jeda, turns toward him and rears up ontoits hind legs. Jeda fingers the talisman Laso gave him andtalks to the bear.

116.

JEDAI am sorry I have not kept your laws.I would have killed this man, butyou have done it for me. If you wishto take my life, I am ready.

GABRA (O.S.)No. Talk with your mind.

Still on its hind legs the bear walks toward Jeda. Jeda closeshis eyes and stretches out his arms toward him. The bear'sshadow falls over Jeda; then it moves off.

Jeda opens his eyes. There's no bear. He goes to the corpse.

A patrol of five Clan Guards, including Krana, burst intothe thicket.

TALL GUARDWe heard shots---

SHORT GUARD---And screams.

Lynn, Gabra and Laso emerge from hiding.

KRANAIs everyone all right?

Jeda stands over what's left of the body. He's soaked withAndrew's blood and holds his hunting knife.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. IMMENSE CAVE -- DAY (PRESENT) -- AFTERNOON

All eyes blink open.

TROCKAUntie him.

RADINGet the antidote.

Krana unties Jeda. The Third Guard squirts a liquid from ananimal skin pouch into Jeda's mouth. Jeda sputters, coughsit out and comes around.

TROCKAWhy didn't you show us these memories?

Jeda shakes the cobwebs out as he answers.

JEDAOur people believe the Great Bear isdead, just as the round heads believewe're dead.

117.

He points at Corna and Rapa.

JEDA (CONT'D)If our hunters knew he lived, theywould track him and kill him to gainhis strength. The Great Bear savedme. I couldn't do less for him.

KO'ORThis is sacrilege. It could not havebeen the Great Bear. The Great Beardoes not kill.

JEDAWhat does a bear do? A bear kills,that's what it does. In the old days,bears killed bears. It was the wayof the world. It's how one bearbecame the Great Bear.

TROCKAThe Great Bear appeared to Jeda anddid not harm him. He might punish usif we punish him.

KO'ORNonsense. His memories are lies.There was no bear. I tell you wewill suffer if we don't punish him.

RADINIf a Round Head deserves to diebecause he is evil and we kill him,we are not evil.

KO'ORYou speak against the law, Radin.Jeda must be punished.

(MORE)

KO'OR (CONT'D)If we do not keep our law, the roundheads will destroy us. Let us askthe Great Bear. You know he speaksthe truth.

Ko'or puts on his bear mask and claws.

As before, he collapses to the floor then rises CHANTING andspinning. He rakes the air inches from Jeda's face.

KO'OR (CONT'D)(as the Great Bear)

I did not show myself to Jeda. Therecan be only one fate for such a lie.

(to Jeda)Go. Take your family and never return.

(MORE)

118.

KO'OR (CONT'D)(to Laso)

Let no one in the clan speak to,look upon, or think of this ghost,or they too shall suffer.

(to Lynn)If this round head tells others aboutus, track down the man and his spawnand kill them again with your knives,spears and clubs.

(to all those present)Who would defy me?

No Clan Member answers.

JEDAYou're no Great Bear; and you're noone to tell me who my family and myclan can be.

Lynn holds the baby up to Ko'or and SCREAMS.

LYNNThis is your grandson, Arkas. Wenamed him after the son you lost. Look at him. He's alive and you'dkill him instead of loving him. You'reas evil as my father.

(to the rest)If you follow this madman, you'resick like him.

LASOLook at your grandson, Ko'or, andremember his namesake and how hedied. You blame Jeda, but you werethe head of your family, not an eleven-year-old boy who had just seen hismother murdered. In your grief, youwere not vigilant. You did not protectyour newborn son.

Ko'or WAILS like a man torn open, then sinks into his stonechair.

Jeda collapses onto the floor. The Guards move quickly topull him up. He waves them off and struggles to his feet.

On the cave walls, Jeda's shadow morphs into the shadow ofthe Great Bear, and he speaks in a BEAR VOICE different fromhis own.

JEDA (CONT'D)(as the Great Bear, to theCouncil)

Jeda spoke the truth.

The shadow of the Great Bear tears off Ko'or's mask.

119.

JEDA (CONT'D)(as the Great Bear, toKo'or)

You do not speak for me. Your liesand your threats to kill the womanand child are against all law. Yourfear and anger will destroy the clan.

(to all present)It is time for new law. Jeda hasbeen the first in centuries to succeedin the world outside the clan. Ifyou want to live, follow him.

The shadow morphs back into Jeda's shadow.

Jeda walks out of the circle. He holds his arms out to Lynnwho, with Arkas, joins him.

Ko'or throws down the claws and picks up Andrew's bloodyknife.

Gabra returns just in time to see him rushing toward Jeda.

GABRAKo'or!

Jeda wheels around and for an instant his face morphs intothe face of the Great Bear.

Ko'or stops inches from Jeda. The knife starts to turn inwardon Ko'or. He struggles, but can't stop it.

When the knife reaches Ko'or's chest, Jeda, wearing his ownface once again, looks at his father with sadness.

The knife drops from Ko'or's hand. He's utterly defeated.

Jeda turns and continues to walk toward the cave entrance.

GABRA (CONT'D)(to Laso)

I cannot be without you.

Gabra puts his arm around Laso and they fall in step behindJeda.

KO'OR(to Gabra and Laso)

Wait. The round heads!

JEDAYou are the greater threat.

One-by-one, the other Clan and Council Members file out afterJeda, leaving Ko'or standing by himself, all alone.

FADE OUT

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