Sweepers No. 1
Issue number one to my spy-fi comic book -- though it reads like a screenplay.
SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY - DAY
BRIAN PARTRIDGE, 28, sits in his homeostasis capsule (HC) with the door open. He wears a pair of boxers and has several electrodes and wires running around his body - to monitor his vital signs. Brian violently writes on a worn-out piece of paper, he occasionally looks around to see if he is being watched.
BRIAN (VO)
...had another dream. I was somewhere in the mid-West, but it wasn’t like the one I’ve been to before - there was nothing there.
THE MID-WEST
Brian stands, in full combat uniform with high-powered weapons strapped to his body, in the middle of what used to be a farm - but the area looks as though it had been scorched by a nuclear bomb. The sky is red with a dense fog lingering in the distance. Brian turns around to reveal he is wearing a gas-mask and that is combat uniform almost looks like it is blended with a bio-hazard suit.
BRIAN (VO)
I kept on remembering something about it being controlled. Almost like I was brainwashed...
BRIAN
It’s under control. Everything is fine.
BRIAN (VO)
...And then I woke up.
SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY
BRIAN’S HC
Brian JUMPS out of his dream and SLAMS an open palm against the window of his HC door. The feeding tube in his mouth and oxygen hose in his nostrils stay in place.
THE INFIRMARY
Brian sits in his boxers on a medical table as DR. WESS, 54, takes notes in Brian’s personal file. Dr. Wess stands off to the side almost ignoring his patient.
BRIAN (VO)
Of course they knew about the dreams. They know everything about us.
DR. WESS
This is very common to new recruits, such as yourself. You just need a little time to adjust and acclimate - nothing but a little work-related stress.
BRIAN
These dreams seem almost too real, like they happen.
DR. WESS
Isn’t that the point of dreams?
Brian hops off the table and shuffles over to his clothes, he slowly gets dressed.
BRIAN
Can’t you give me something to help me sleep?
Dr. Wess finishes his notes.
DR. WESS
That is out of the question, any drugs entering your body could prove to be disastrous in the field. You’ll get used to the way things are - I promise.
Brian finishes getting dressed and he stares at Dr. Wess.
BRIAN (VO)
All military doctors have orders; they never look after their patients’ best interest.
BRIAN
Thanks, doc.
SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY
Brian sits in his HC finishing his journal entry when FOOTSTEPS come his way. Brian panics and stashes his journal and pen behind a wall panel in his HC. JOHN MALTHUS, 26, SLAPS his hand on Brian’s back. John stands in wearing a white t-shirt and pajama pants.
JOHN
Partridge, quit fuckin’ stallin’ and get dressed! Breakfast’s ready!
THE MESS HALL
Brian and John file their way down the “chow line” while other Sweepers and personnel pile food on their plates.
JOHN
Looks like you’re gonna finally get some action today!
BRIAN
We’re not allowed outside.
John THROWS some runny scrambled-eggs on his plate; he quickly smothers them in ketchup.
JOHN
No you dumb shit; we get to suit up and have ourselves a little fight! There is no way in hell any of us are gettin’ pussy - especially you, no offense.
Brian and John push past all the personnel and find a spot at the table filled with the rest of the Sweepers: RON GUTIERREZ, KEN MONTOYA, DARREN PORTER, and NATHAN FINCH. All the Sweepers gorge on their food while Brian and John finally take their seats.
JOHN
Partridge here thought we were gonna get pussy!
John LAUGHS while all the others just look at him. Ken DROPS his fork and wipes off the egg from his face.
KEN
Malthus, do us all a big fucking favor and shut the fuck up!! I am sick and tired of having to listen to all that retarded bullshit, you call a conversation, fall out of your goddamn mouth!! And Partridge, do yourself a favor - have your HC moved away from this fag, ‘cuz last night when you were hoppin’ in I saw him eyein’ ya while he was waxing the carrot!!
All the Sweepers, save for Brian and John, erupt into LAUGHTER. John looks down at his food, humiliated.
JOHN
Fuckin’ Spic.
The LAUGHTER stops when Ken glares at John. Brian looks over at Malthus and his eyes widen.
KEN
Porter, what happened to Malthus the last time he offended me?
Darren puts down his fork and feigns a deep thought.
DARREN
Hmmm, I believe you almost broke his arm and shoved a cup up his ass. And poor li’l Malthus spent a whole week in the infirmary.
KEN
Oh, so that’s what I did the last time Malthus offended me. Finch, what did Malthus promise me he would never do again.
Nathan fakes sobbing.
NATHAN
He, he promised he’d ne-never say any-anything bad about yooouuu agaiiinn.
KEN
Ring any bells, Johnny-boy?
Brian looks around the table, while everyone goes back to eating.
BRIAN
So what are we gonna be doin’ today?
Ron CLEARS his throat and pushes some food to one side of his mouth, the bulge BOBS up and down while he talks.
RON
Some kind of immune thing, I dunno.
Nathan looks over at Ron and rolls his eyes.
NATHAN
That was oh-so informative. Somebody has a super immune system, their body stores all of this crap and it doesn’t hurt them, but kills everyone they come into contact with.
BRIAN
We find them and kill them?
NATHAN
It’s a bag job.
Brian looks around the table, waiting for an answer.
DARREN
We drug ‘em or stun ‘em and hand them over to the scientists.
BRIAN
So they can cure them.
Darren CHUCKLES.
DARREN
More like turn them into a super-duper bio-weapon.
Ken clears his plate and makes a head nod to the rest of the table.
KEN
‘Bout time we suit up and head in for briefing.
The rest of the Sweepers push away from the table and follow suit, Brian hesitantly follows them.
BRIEFING ROOM
The Sweepers sit in leather chairs wearing their combat uniforms with their attention fixed on a large flat screen monitor. The screen remains black until JEFF BUNCH, 48, steps in front of the monitor. Brian perks up at the sight of his former commanding-officer.
JEFF
As some of you have already heard, today we are dealing with a type-3 bio-hazard. Your ETA in San Francisco is 01000 hours; there you will be escorted to the primary target area. The use of lethal force is permissible in the case of a quarantine break, otherwise you are to stun or wound the subject. Montoya, you will be acting as Post-One on this mission. Malthus, you will be serving as operations maintenance. I leave the rest of the positions up to you, Montoya.
Bunch turns and strides out of the room. John is obviously pissed about his assignment, while Ken takes the exact spot of Bunch.
KEN
Finch and Gutierrez you’re gonna be in secondary. Porter and Partridge you’re in third. Malthus, I want an audio update on all aerial and ground surveillance every fifteen, you got that?
John looks up from his notepad.
JOHN
I’ll set it up in the carrier.
Ken nods his head in agreement.
KEN
Bag up what you’re gonna need and be on the pad at 0900.
Ken walks out of the room, leaving the rest of the Sweepers to do what they please. Brian moves over to Darren.
BRIAN
What’s third?
DARREN
When we go into the area, Montoya’s first in, then Finch and Gutierrez, then us. You’ll get the hang of it.
INT. THE CARRIER - DAY
All the Sweepers save for John sit in the back, strapped into their chairs. John sits up in the cockpit piloting the aircraft. Brian stares straight ahead - paying no attention to the conversation of his peers. Ken takes notice of Brian’s lack of interaction.
KEN
Partridge, you holdin’ up?
Brian gradually turns to look Ken in the eyes.
BRIAN
Yeah, yeah I’m fine.
RON
Montoya, who’s on the choppers?
KEN
You and me, the rest of ya are goin’ in for a HALO* drop.
*High Altitude, Low Orbit.
Ken unbuckles his straps and makes his way to the cockpit.
KEN
What’s the coverage like?
John flips several switches and a window shield slides open. Ken looks out the newly available window and stares out at the clouds.
KEN
Take us into stealth.
Ken makes his way back to his seat, while John prepares the ship for stealth mode. The WHIRRING of engines and LOCKING of wings in to place are muffled by the interior walls. The ROAR of the engines falls silent.
JOHN
We are officially invisible to radar and to the eye.
A row of green lights FLASH down the center of the ceiling in the carrier. Ken and the rest of the Sweepers unbuckle themselves and prepare for their jump. Brian tightens the straps of his parachute and tests the sensitivity of his graviton belt. John seals off the cockpit from the rest of the ship with a large metal door. The remaining Sweepers attach oxygen masks to their faces and strap their head-sets on top.
JOHN (INTERCOM)
Pressurized.
Nathan stumbles over to the rear-loading door, the door slowly opens. He takes one good-long look down and jumps. Darren makes his way to the edge and jumps. Ken looks over at Brian.
BRIAN
What the hell?
Brian runs and launches himself out of the carrier. Ken and Ron, both amazed, look at one another and LAUGH. Ron pulls down a chopper, a mix between a snowmobile and a small fighter plane. Ron takes the position of pilot; Ken sits with his back to Ron’s, taking the role of gunner. Ron switches on the cloaking device and the chopper fades away.
THE SKY
Nathan and Darren have already activated their graviton belts when Brian finally catches up to them. Nathan checks the gauge on his wrist and counts down from five on his fingers. Once he reaches one, he gives the thumbs-up and all three of them pull the rip cords - their parachutes open as they descend open their target area. Darren makes the gesture of breaking with his hands, and all three take out their personal cloaking devices - SNAPPING them and turning invisible.
THE CARRIER
John sits in the cockpit as he makes a descent nearly to street-level. He reviews all the vitals of his crew and then releases the magnetic lock on the chopper.
The invisible chopper speeds out of the carrier and hovers onto the San Francisco streets below.
A RUINED STREET
The parachuting invisible Sweepers land on the ground unharmed.
NATHAN
Switch off.
Three CLICKS and the men are visible again. Darren motions the other two to follow him down an alley.
THE ALLEY
Darren, Nathan, and Brian lean up against the wall - removing their oxygen masks. Nathan picks up his tracker and looks for the location of the chopper.
NATHAN
They should be right behind us.
Several transvestites and prostitutes walk past the alley, looking for their next john.
DARREN
Civilian status is expendable.
The chopper lands on the roof of the building the three men lean against. A SLIGHT HUM is heard as the craft disengages its cloaking device - Ron and Ken hop off the chopper and climb down the wall. Once on the ground, Ken points to an abandoned apartment building directly across the street.
KEN
Target area. Anything leaving that building without our escort is killed on sight...Malthus, start surveillance updates.
JOHN (OS)
Copy that. Your streets are clear, move in for the target area.
Ken and the rest of the Sweepers run across the deserted street into
THE ABANDONED APARTMENT
The walls, ceilings, and floors all suffer from severe mold and rot. The stairs are worn out and stained. The paint peels from the walls. Sunlight shines through the holes in the roof and walls.
JOHN (OS)
Subject’s name is Warren Cross, 42, seems like the type to go pretty quietly - no criminal record, lived with his cats and wife, and was an assistant manager at a hardware store prior to development. Thermal report just in, and we are looking at two humans and some animals. Use of containment suits is mandated.
The Sweepers pull out their containment suit helmets, which look like high-tech gasmasks.
KEN
Keep us updated.
The five men make their way up the stairs, slowly, avoiding the slightest creak. After several steps they come across piles of dead cats and dogs. The animals are in various stages of decay, the more recent ones seemed to have been eaten from the inside out.
DARREN
We’ve got confirmation, the animals are deceased.
JOHN (OS)
Partridge, you okay? You’re vitals are jumpin’.
Brian takes in several DEEP BREATHS.
BRIAN
I’m good.
The group makes their way up the stairs when Ken steps on a squeaky floorboard - letting out a LOUD CREAK.
WARREN (OS)
What was that?
KEN
Go.
The Sweepers storm up the rest of the stairs and KICK open the door to Warren’s apartment.
WARREN’S APARTMENT
WARREN CROSS, 42, a slightly overweight balding man sits on the bed with his hands shooting up in the air. His wife, MARIE, 40, lies on the bed next to him - seriously ill. Ken raises his shotgun in the direction of Warren’s head. Ron moves in close to inspect Marie’s status.
KEN
Warren Cross, you are under arrest by the Department of Homeland Security. You are classified as a level three bio-hazard and must be taken in immediately!
Warren gets off the bed and Ken immediately COCKS his gun.
WARREN
I, I didn’t do anything.
RON
How long has your wife been like this?
WARREN
About a week. Who are you people?
Ken, with Darren and Brian right behind him, moves towards Warren.
KEN
Place your hands on your head and we will take you out of here quietly.
Marie snaps out of her half-sleep and reaches for Ron’s face. Ron jumps back and YELLS. Brian and Darren both look over at Ron as he UNLOADS his gun into Marie. Warren breaks down and SOBS.
WARREN
You monster. She was sick, that’s all. I wanted to get her help, but she was too weak to go anywhere.
Ken UNCOCKS his gun and straps it on his back, he moves towards Warren with a dart gun in his right hand. Once Ken gets close enough Warren snaps and throws all of his weight into Ken, knocking the Sweeper onto the floor. Warren grabs one of Ken’s guns and FIRES at Darren and Brian.
KEN
Fuck it!! Take him down!!
Warren lunges over the bed and grabs Ron’s mask, slamming the face plate into the wall - exposing the Sweeper to Warren’s illness.
RON
Oh fuck! Fuck! Somebody do something!!
Darren rushes over to help Ron as Warren makes his way down the stairs, Brian and Ken give chase.
THE RUINED STREET
Warren runs out into the open area and spots the group of transvestites and prostitutes.
WARREN
Help!! They, they killed my wife and they’re-
Ken opens FIRE on Warren with his submachine - he grazes Warrens arm, but mainly hits the civilians across the street. Warren takes off down the street while holding his injured arm.
JOHN (OS)
We gotta problem. I’m picking up signs of high energy frequencies.
Ken and Brian run after Warren, the two of which UNLOAD their weapons on the infected man. A woman stands in the middle of the street - she was one of the prostitutes, CINDER, 27, stands wearing a black leather catsuit underneath a black trench coat. Cinder’s right hand has a glowing red sphere around it.
KEN
Hybrid!
Just then Cinder raises her hand in the direction of Brian and Ken, who fortunately jumped out of the way, the very ground the two Sweepers were standing on erupts into a ball of flames. Ken pulls out an EMP Rifle and takes aim at Cinder. Warren cowers behind the red-headed hybrid as she recharges her energy blast. Brian panics as he waits for Ken to act, so he opens fire on Cinder with his Beretta. The bullets fly through the air to Cinder with almost inhuman precision, but are met by an invisible wall of fire before they reach their target. Ken finally fires the EMP Rifle at Cinder - a large electrical sphere flies at the woman and stuns her. Cinder falls back onto the ground and Warren stands vulnerable.
KEN
What did I say about anything leaving that building without our escort?
Brian reloads his Beretta and SHOOTS Warren three times: twice in the head and once in the heart. Ken and Brian walk over to the defeated Cinder and deceased Warren. Darren runs up to them.
JOHN (OS)
Get back to the pick-up in less than three minutes. Central has ordered a contingency protocol.
KEN
What level?
JOHN (OS)
Sigma.
Ken and Darren immediately run back to the chopper, leaving behind a confused Brian.
THE CHOPPER
Ken and Darren sit on the chopper as they wait for Brian to strap himself in. Brian looks over his shoulder to Darren in the gunner seat.
BRIAN
What’s a contingency protocol sigma?
Darren points up from the sky.
DARREN
The wrath of God.
SPACE
Floating in orbit around the Earth is the Mourningstar Satellite, a Strategic Defense Initiative weapon designed to send a concentrated beam of solar energy into a specific area destroying most forms of life, while at the same time guaranteeing massive structural damage. The Mourningstar Satellite opens its cannon doors and CHARGES its blast. After several seconds the fiery blast flies from the satellite down into
THE RUINED STREET
The beam hits the street creating a MASSIVE EXPLOSION and engulfing the surrounding structures in FLAMES.
THE CARRIER
Ken, Darren and Brian sit in the carrier, completely silent. John pilots the aircraft back to their undisclosed location.
JOHN
Approaching docking bay. Stand-by for lock-down.
The carrier weaves and rocks from side-to-side as it lands on the docking bay and is locked into place by large magnetic buckles. The rear-loading door opens and out come the tired, defeated Sweepers.
INT. SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY - NIGHT
Brian sits in his HC writing in his journal again, the wires and electrodes covering his body, again.
BRIAN (VO)
...rest of the day was slow and awkward. Montoya blamed Malthus for inadequate intel.
BREIFING ROOM
Ken, Darren, John, and Brian sit waiting for Jeff Bunch to come and begin the de-briefing. Brian sits staring down at his cup of coffee.
KEN
When did you get the report on the subject?
John breaks away from his staring contest with the ground.
JOHN
About a minute before I told you.
KEN
Did you cross-reference it?
John stares blankly at Ken.
KEN
Did you?
JOHN
I-I knew you wanted the intel as soon as I got it. I mean, yeah I cross-referenced it, but not as a thorough job.
Ken walks over to John and stands directly in front of him, John sits back in fear. Darren and Brian come behind Ken, waiting to restrain him.
BRIAN
Montoya, the guy’s wife just got killed; Malthus didn’t know how he’d react.
KEN
Shut it. I don’t want to have to blind ya with that coffee.
Brian takes a few steps back from Ken; Darren stays right where he is.
DARREN
We can handle this later. Bunch’ll be here and if he sees you layin’ into Malthus you’re gonna be suspended from the field.
Darren puts a hand on Ken’s shoulder and eventually takes back over to his seat.
BRIAN (VO)
Porter reminded me of my sister when my Dad would slap us around. She’d tell him it was a bad idea to do it now, knowing he’d forget later. Malthus got lucky that Montoya didn’t ignore Porter and kill him right there.
BRIAN’S HC
Brian leans back in his HC regaining his composure, taking in several DEEP BREATHS. He continues to write.
BRIAN (VO)
I wasn’t really sure what the hell happened down at the target area. I had no idea what a “hybrid” was, so I looked it up. Amazing how many restricted databases we have access to here.
INTELLIGENCE DATABASE
Brian sits in front of a glass screen with several holographic images displayed on the screen, some are pieces of information and others are the controls Brian must use. The room is cold and sterile, but very state-of-the-art. The screen flashes on a document covered with classified notifications. Brian TYPES in his authorization code and is granted the full-view of the document. A computer synthesized voice projects from the database.
COMPUTER
The creation and development of the CRASH Project began in the late-1980s. The project’s goal was to develop a hybrid operative. Through the use of classified resources and technologies the project was a complete success. The fusing of nano-based weaponry with the structural and neural components of the human body lead to the first generation of hybrid operatives, and with this development came a new era in military weapons technologies.
Brian scrolls down to the next file.
COMPUTER
Such great success came with a great cost. The first test-subjects fled the installation at which they resided. Although they were still technically considered human on a genetic level, their appearance was less than. It was theorized by several experts that with the so-called “loss of humanity”, the hybrid operatives sought revenge against those they held responsible - mainly the rest of the human race. There is file footage available; would you like to view it?
Brian, stunned by the Computer’s interaction with him, he shakes his head.
BRIAN
Yes.
The screen fills with the file footage of the first hybrid group fighting the first team of Sweepers. The two groups battle in a dilapidated army base. The hybrids, which look nowhere near human, use their energy based powers against the Sweepers simple munitions. The fight is obviously in the favor of the hybrids.
COMPUTER
Fearing the possible widespread devastation the hybrids promised to deliver, the United States government created the first team of Sweepers. The team was sent to dispatch of the hybrids and destroy any evidence of their presence.
A Sweeper is cornered by a hybrid that resembles a man split in two and sewn back together using spare parts from a fighter plane. An explosion from the back of the hybrid’s head brings it to its knees - saving the cowered Sweeper’s life.
COMPUTER
With the narrow victory of the Sweepers it was decided all hybrids were declared unstable and were to be terminated immediately. A vast majority of the hybrids were destroyed, only a few hundred escaped and live amongst the population undetected - some strike against the US government in the form of hybrid terrorist cells.
Brian turns off the file footage and closes out of the document. He sits back and takes another DEEP BREATH, disturbed from the information he just received.
BRIAN’S HC
Brian finishes writing when the lights dim in and around his HC. Brian removes an interior panel of his HC and stashes his journal. He lays back, places the air hose and feeding tube in their respective places - the HC door glides down and seals shut. Brian immediately drifts off to sleep and the HC fills with a light-blue gel. The lights finally shut off. Air HISSES out of the sides of his HC, and the HISS of other HCs in the background can be heard. After several moments of silence, ARMED GUARDS patrol around the HCs - several DOCTORS pay visits to the various HCs, Brian’s being one of them.
A DECIMATED MID-WEST
Brian stands in the middle of the scorched farmland of his dreams. The sky shifts from a red to an orange as the fog pours onto the ground. All the people out in the fields without protective wear fall to the ground and grab their throats as they choke to death.
BRIAN
Contingency protocol epsilon in effect, stand-by for further orders.
POST-ONE (OS)
This is Post-One; report back to HQ for further instructions.
BRIAN
Understood.
Brian turns to the right and marches off like a robot. As he makes his way past dozens of dead cows, chickens, and the like he hears a FAINT WHIMPER coming from behind a large bush. Brian turns and places a thermal scanner in front of the brush. The results indicate two human-sized life-forms.
THE LARGE BUSH
Brian stands over a YOUNG GIRL no older than 7 clutching on her dead FATHER’s body. The Girl looks up at Brian with tears in her eyes, Brian acts as though he has never seen anything like this before.
GIRL
You gonna help me?
POST-ONE (OS)
Thermal scans indicate two life-forms, what is there status?
BRIAN
The older one is deceased, but there seems to be something wrong with the younger one.
POST-ONE (OS)
Explain.
BRIAN
Some clear substance is running out of her eyes and down her cheeks. Is this some symptom of a new bio-weapon?
POST-ONE (OS)
Negative, terminate the surviving subject and return to HQ.
Brian reaches behind his back to pull out a silenced Beretta. The Girl CRIES even harder this has no effect on Brian.
GIRL
What are you doing? My Daddy’s sick and needs help.
Brian places the gun directly in front of the Girl’s forehead, she only SOBS uncontrollably. Brian squeezes the trigger twice; there is no view of the Girl’s death only the sound of her now dead body falling back onto the ground. Brian wipes the blood off his gun and himself - he places the gun back in its holster and continues walking back to HQ.
BRIAN
Subject terminated.
Brian makes his way past several destroyed farm houses to a large Land-Cruiser - an enormous two-legged mechanized combat vehicle. Several other SWEEPERS dressed like Brian stand underneath the Land-Cruiser. Once he makes his way to the vehicle a computer generated map of the very area they stand in appears in the air. Several red dots pop-up on the map.
COMPUTER
SDI containment units will be deployed in these areas by 2100 hours; all personnel are to be vacated from targeted areas.
The computer generated map fades away as a large lift descends from the bottom of the Land-Cruiser’s hull - the Sweepers step on-board and are taken into the ship.
BRIAN’S HC
Dr. Wess and Jeff Bunch stand behind Brian’s HC making notes as they monitor his vitals. Dr. Wess seems rather impressed by Brian’s results, while Jeff looks at the Sweeper with great concern.
DR. WESS
All of his vitals have maintained a normal flux throughout the simulation. There are no longer any signs of resistance to the program; it appears as though he is taking it as reality.
JEFF
Is this simulation the best projection we can make?
DR. WESS
You know as well as I do that these simulations are kept up to date with the latest intelligence we acquire.
JEFF
I just hope this isn’t what the future holds for us.
DR. WESS
That’s why we have these programs, so we can assess the ways to prevent such an event.
Jeff and Dr. Wess walk away from the HC as they continue their conversation.
JEFF
I take you didn’t you get the latest reports from Central. This is the definitive simulation.
Jeff continues to walk away leaving behind the devastated and disturbed Dr. Wess left to think about this new revelation.
EXT. A COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY. SENATOR TURNER, a handsome man in his early 50s cut from the Kennedy cloth, stands behind a podium on a large stage, and behind Turner is a large American Flag (like the one in the beginning of Patton). On the front of the podium is a sign: TURNER ’08. There is a huge crowd of supporters for Turner’s campaign for President. There are two groups of stereotypical Secret Service agents (wearing black suits and ties with mirror lens aviators and white ear-pieces) on both sides of the stage. The stage is a quad of a college campus on a late summer day in Boston.
THE CROWD
Turner! Turner! Turner! Turner!
A ROOFTOP
The rooftop is directly across from where Senator Turner is giving a speech; AVI FERNANDEZ kneels as he assembles his sniper rifle. Avi is in his early 20s and dresses the part. He seems to be in a trance while he gets ready to kill Senator Turner.
THE PODIUM
Senator Turner puts his arms up to quiet down the crowd and to acknowledge their support for him.
TURNER
I am truly glad to see you all here today, seeing your faces inspires me and lets me know that I am not alone in my path to the White House!
THE ROOFTOP
Avi squint as he looks through the scope and takes aim at the soon to be dead Senator.
TURNER (OS)
You need to know that I will not forget you when I’m sitting in the oval office, my administration will truly be for the people!
Senator Turner stands behind the podium taking in the applause from the crowd as the first three SHOTS enter his chest; two more SHOTS fly through his forehead. Blood, skull, and brain matter spray back onto the American flag directly behind the Senator. The Secret Service agents SCRAMBLE across the stage with their weapons drawn. The crowd erupts into SCREAMS - people run in all different directions hoping to avoid the next set of shots. In the distance Avi stands on the ledge of the rooftop with the sniper rifle in one hand, triumph.
AVI
Subject terminated.
CALIPH (OS)
Return to rendezvous and stand-by for immediate extraction.
AVI
Understood.
INT. BREIFING ROOM - DAY
The Sweepers sit in chairs as they gorge on their breakfasts. Brian appears to be fully rested and at home. The door opens and in walks Jeff Bunch with SARAH YORK, 29, directly behind him. John is the first to take notice of the woman and perks up hoping to make a lasting first impression. The rest of the Sweepers eventually take a lack of interest in their food and ogle the brunette who wears black cargo pants, a form-fitting black long-sleeved shirt, and black rimmed glasses to match. Sarah stands in front of the flat screen monitor - it displays an image of the dead Senator Turner, several GROANS come from the feasting Sweepers.
SARAH
This morning at 1100 hours Presidential candidate Senator Turner was assassinated. As of now the public is unaware of the evidence regarding this act.
BRIAN
What evidence is that?
SARAH
For lack of a better term, it was an inside job.
The Sweepers are chagrinned by this statement.
SARAH
All information points to someone with several years of military training, the perpetrator is believed to be highly experienced in covert tactics.
KEN
What does this have to do with us?
JEFF
This Sweeper unit as been assigned to this young-lady, Sarah York. She’s in charge of the heading the investigation of the Senator’s death.
KEN
With all due respect, sir, but why isn’t the Secret Service handling this?
JEFF
There are-
SARAH
You are a clandestine branch of the Department of Homeland Security and it is your duty to protect this country regardless the nature of the actions, be it biological weapons or rogue operatives. This assignment is completely off the record, no other agencies will be aware of your investigation - we are currently diverting suggested intelligence to them in order to buy you the time to discover the truth.
Everyone but Brian seems to accept this order without question. Brian raises his hand.
SARAH
Is there a question?
BRIAN
You’re saying that you’re sending other federal agencies, which are a part of the US government, false information in order to keep them from noticing us.
SARAH
That is correct.
Brian turns and SMILES at the other bewildered Sweepers.
BRIAN
You gotta love the US government.
SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY - DAY
BRIAN PARTRIDGE, 28, sits in his homeostasis capsule (HC) with the door open. He wears a pair of boxers and has several electrodes and wires running around his body - to monitor his vital signs. Brian violently writes on a worn-out piece of paper, he occasionally looks around to see if he is being watched.
BRIAN (VO)
...had another dream. I was somewhere in the mid-West, but it wasn’t like the one I’ve been to before - there was nothing there.
THE MID-WEST
Brian stands, in full combat uniform with high-powered weapons strapped to his body, in the middle of what used to be a farm - but the area looks as though it had been scorched by a nuclear bomb. The sky is red with a dense fog lingering in the distance. Brian turns around to reveal he is wearing a gas-mask and that is combat uniform almost looks like it is blended with a bio-hazard suit.
BRIAN (VO)
I kept on remembering something about it being controlled. Almost like I was brainwashed...
BRIAN
It’s under control. Everything is fine.
BRIAN (VO)
...And then I woke up.
SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY
BRIAN’S HC
Brian JUMPS out of his dream and SLAMS an open palm against the window of his HC door. The feeding tube in his mouth and oxygen hose in his nostrils stay in place.
THE INFIRMARY
Brian sits in his boxers on a medical table as DR. WESS, 54, takes notes in Brian’s personal file. Dr. Wess stands off to the side almost ignoring his patient.
BRIAN (VO)
Of course they knew about the dreams. They know everything about us.
DR. WESS
This is very common to new recruits, such as yourself. You just need a little time to adjust and acclimate - nothing but a little work-related stress.
BRIAN
These dreams seem almost too real, like they happen.
DR. WESS
Isn’t that the point of dreams?
Brian hops off the table and shuffles over to his clothes, he slowly gets dressed.
BRIAN
Can’t you give me something to help me sleep?
Dr. Wess finishes his notes.
DR. WESS
That is out of the question, any drugs entering your body could prove to be disastrous in the field. You’ll get used to the way things are - I promise.
Brian finishes getting dressed and he stares at Dr. Wess.
BRIAN (VO)
All military doctors have orders; they never look after their patients’ best interest.
BRIAN
Thanks, doc.
SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY
Brian sits in his HC finishing his journal entry when FOOTSTEPS come his way. Brian panics and stashes his journal and pen behind a wall panel in his HC. JOHN MALTHUS, 26, SLAPS his hand on Brian’s back. John stands in wearing a white t-shirt and pajama pants.
JOHN
Partridge, quit fuckin’ stallin’ and get dressed! Breakfast’s ready!
THE MESS HALL
Brian and John file their way down the “chow line” while other Sweepers and personnel pile food on their plates.
JOHN
Looks like you’re gonna finally get some action today!
BRIAN
We’re not allowed outside.
John THROWS some runny scrambled-eggs on his plate; he quickly smothers them in ketchup.
JOHN
No you dumb shit; we get to suit up and have ourselves a little fight! There is no way in hell any of us are gettin’ pussy - especially you, no offense.
Brian and John push past all the personnel and find a spot at the table filled with the rest of the Sweepers: RON GUTIERREZ, KEN MONTOYA, DARREN PORTER, and NATHAN FINCH. All the Sweepers gorge on their food while Brian and John finally take their seats.
JOHN
Partridge here thought we were gonna get pussy!
John LAUGHS while all the others just look at him. Ken DROPS his fork and wipes off the egg from his face.
KEN
Malthus, do us all a big fucking favor and shut the fuck up!! I am sick and tired of having to listen to all that retarded bullshit, you call a conversation, fall out of your goddamn mouth!! And Partridge, do yourself a favor - have your HC moved away from this fag, ‘cuz last night when you were hoppin’ in I saw him eyein’ ya while he was waxing the carrot!!
All the Sweepers, save for Brian and John, erupt into LAUGHTER. John looks down at his food, humiliated.
JOHN
Fuckin’ Spic.
The LAUGHTER stops when Ken glares at John. Brian looks over at Malthus and his eyes widen.
KEN
Porter, what happened to Malthus the last time he offended me?
Darren puts down his fork and feigns a deep thought.
DARREN
Hmmm, I believe you almost broke his arm and shoved a cup up his ass. And poor li’l Malthus spent a whole week in the infirmary.
KEN
Oh, so that’s what I did the last time Malthus offended me. Finch, what did Malthus promise me he would never do again.
Nathan fakes sobbing.
NATHAN
He, he promised he’d ne-never say any-anything bad about yooouuu agaiiinn.
KEN
Ring any bells, Johnny-boy?
Brian looks around the table, while everyone goes back to eating.
BRIAN
So what are we gonna be doin’ today?
Ron CLEARS his throat and pushes some food to one side of his mouth, the bulge BOBS up and down while he talks.
RON
Some kind of immune thing, I dunno.
Nathan looks over at Ron and rolls his eyes.
NATHAN
That was oh-so informative. Somebody has a super immune system, their body stores all of this crap and it doesn’t hurt them, but kills everyone they come into contact with.
BRIAN
We find them and kill them?
NATHAN
It’s a bag job.
Brian looks around the table, waiting for an answer.
DARREN
We drug ‘em or stun ‘em and hand them over to the scientists.
BRIAN
So they can cure them.
Darren CHUCKLES.
DARREN
More like turn them into a super-duper bio-weapon.
Ken clears his plate and makes a head nod to the rest of the table.
KEN
‘Bout time we suit up and head in for briefing.
The rest of the Sweepers push away from the table and follow suit, Brian hesitantly follows them.
BRIEFING ROOM
The Sweepers sit in leather chairs wearing their combat uniforms with their attention fixed on a large flat screen monitor. The screen remains black until JEFF BUNCH, 48, steps in front of the monitor. Brian perks up at the sight of his former commanding-officer.
JEFF
As some of you have already heard, today we are dealing with a type-3 bio-hazard. Your ETA in San Francisco is 01000 hours; there you will be escorted to the primary target area. The use of lethal force is permissible in the case of a quarantine break, otherwise you are to stun or wound the subject. Montoya, you will be acting as Post-One on this mission. Malthus, you will be serving as operations maintenance. I leave the rest of the positions up to you, Montoya.
Bunch turns and strides out of the room. John is obviously pissed about his assignment, while Ken takes the exact spot of Bunch.
KEN
Finch and Gutierrez you’re gonna be in secondary. Porter and Partridge you’re in third. Malthus, I want an audio update on all aerial and ground surveillance every fifteen, you got that?
John looks up from his notepad.
JOHN
I’ll set it up in the carrier.
Ken nods his head in agreement.
KEN
Bag up what you’re gonna need and be on the pad at 0900.
Ken walks out of the room, leaving the rest of the Sweepers to do what they please. Brian moves over to Darren.
BRIAN
What’s third?
DARREN
When we go into the area, Montoya’s first in, then Finch and Gutierrez, then us. You’ll get the hang of it.
INT. THE CARRIER - DAY
All the Sweepers save for John sit in the back, strapped into their chairs. John sits up in the cockpit piloting the aircraft. Brian stares straight ahead - paying no attention to the conversation of his peers. Ken takes notice of Brian’s lack of interaction.
KEN
Partridge, you holdin’ up?
Brian gradually turns to look Ken in the eyes.
BRIAN
Yeah, yeah I’m fine.
RON
Montoya, who’s on the choppers?
KEN
You and me, the rest of ya are goin’ in for a HALO* drop.
*High Altitude, Low Orbit.
Ken unbuckles his straps and makes his way to the cockpit.
KEN
What’s the coverage like?
John flips several switches and a window shield slides open. Ken looks out the newly available window and stares out at the clouds.
KEN
Take us into stealth.
Ken makes his way back to his seat, while John prepares the ship for stealth mode. The WHIRRING of engines and LOCKING of wings in to place are muffled by the interior walls. The ROAR of the engines falls silent.
JOHN
We are officially invisible to radar and to the eye.
A row of green lights FLASH down the center of the ceiling in the carrier. Ken and the rest of the Sweepers unbuckle themselves and prepare for their jump. Brian tightens the straps of his parachute and tests the sensitivity of his graviton belt. John seals off the cockpit from the rest of the ship with a large metal door. The remaining Sweepers attach oxygen masks to their faces and strap their head-sets on top.
JOHN (INTERCOM)
Pressurized.
Nathan stumbles over to the rear-loading door, the door slowly opens. He takes one good-long look down and jumps. Darren makes his way to the edge and jumps. Ken looks over at Brian.
BRIAN
What the hell?
Brian runs and launches himself out of the carrier. Ken and Ron, both amazed, look at one another and LAUGH. Ron pulls down a chopper, a mix between a snowmobile and a small fighter plane. Ron takes the position of pilot; Ken sits with his back to Ron’s, taking the role of gunner. Ron switches on the cloaking device and the chopper fades away.
THE SKY
Nathan and Darren have already activated their graviton belts when Brian finally catches up to them. Nathan checks the gauge on his wrist and counts down from five on his fingers. Once he reaches one, he gives the thumbs-up and all three of them pull the rip cords - their parachutes open as they descend open their target area. Darren makes the gesture of breaking with his hands, and all three take out their personal cloaking devices - SNAPPING them and turning invisible.
THE CARRIER
John sits in the cockpit as he makes a descent nearly to street-level. He reviews all the vitals of his crew and then releases the magnetic lock on the chopper.
The invisible chopper speeds out of the carrier and hovers onto the San Francisco streets below.
A RUINED STREET
The parachuting invisible Sweepers land on the ground unharmed.
NATHAN
Switch off.
Three CLICKS and the men are visible again. Darren motions the other two to follow him down an alley.
THE ALLEY
Darren, Nathan, and Brian lean up against the wall - removing their oxygen masks. Nathan picks up his tracker and looks for the location of the chopper.
NATHAN
They should be right behind us.
Several transvestites and prostitutes walk past the alley, looking for their next john.
DARREN
Civilian status is expendable.
The chopper lands on the roof of the building the three men lean against. A SLIGHT HUM is heard as the craft disengages its cloaking device - Ron and Ken hop off the chopper and climb down the wall. Once on the ground, Ken points to an abandoned apartment building directly across the street.
KEN
Target area. Anything leaving that building without our escort is killed on sight...Malthus, start surveillance updates.
JOHN (OS)
Copy that. Your streets are clear, move in for the target area.
Ken and the rest of the Sweepers run across the deserted street into
THE ABANDONED APARTMENT
The walls, ceilings, and floors all suffer from severe mold and rot. The stairs are worn out and stained. The paint peels from the walls. Sunlight shines through the holes in the roof and walls.
JOHN (OS)
Subject’s name is Warren Cross, 42, seems like the type to go pretty quietly - no criminal record, lived with his cats and wife, and was an assistant manager at a hardware store prior to development. Thermal report just in, and we are looking at two humans and some animals. Use of containment suits is mandated.
The Sweepers pull out their containment suit helmets, which look like high-tech gasmasks.
KEN
Keep us updated.
The five men make their way up the stairs, slowly, avoiding the slightest creak. After several steps they come across piles of dead cats and dogs. The animals are in various stages of decay, the more recent ones seemed to have been eaten from the inside out.
DARREN
We’ve got confirmation, the animals are deceased.
JOHN (OS)
Partridge, you okay? You’re vitals are jumpin’.
Brian takes in several DEEP BREATHS.
BRIAN
I’m good.
The group makes their way up the stairs when Ken steps on a squeaky floorboard - letting out a LOUD CREAK.
WARREN (OS)
What was that?
KEN
Go.
The Sweepers storm up the rest of the stairs and KICK open the door to Warren’s apartment.
WARREN’S APARTMENT
WARREN CROSS, 42, a slightly overweight balding man sits on the bed with his hands shooting up in the air. His wife, MARIE, 40, lies on the bed next to him - seriously ill. Ken raises his shotgun in the direction of Warren’s head. Ron moves in close to inspect Marie’s status.
KEN
Warren Cross, you are under arrest by the Department of Homeland Security. You are classified as a level three bio-hazard and must be taken in immediately!
Warren gets off the bed and Ken immediately COCKS his gun.
WARREN
I, I didn’t do anything.
RON
How long has your wife been like this?
WARREN
About a week. Who are you people?
Ken, with Darren and Brian right behind him, moves towards Warren.
KEN
Place your hands on your head and we will take you out of here quietly.
Marie snaps out of her half-sleep and reaches for Ron’s face. Ron jumps back and YELLS. Brian and Darren both look over at Ron as he UNLOADS his gun into Marie. Warren breaks down and SOBS.
WARREN
You monster. She was sick, that’s all. I wanted to get her help, but she was too weak to go anywhere.
Ken UNCOCKS his gun and straps it on his back, he moves towards Warren with a dart gun in his right hand. Once Ken gets close enough Warren snaps and throws all of his weight into Ken, knocking the Sweeper onto the floor. Warren grabs one of Ken’s guns and FIRES at Darren and Brian.
KEN
Fuck it!! Take him down!!
Warren lunges over the bed and grabs Ron’s mask, slamming the face plate into the wall - exposing the Sweeper to Warren’s illness.
RON
Oh fuck! Fuck! Somebody do something!!
Darren rushes over to help Ron as Warren makes his way down the stairs, Brian and Ken give chase.
THE RUINED STREET
Warren runs out into the open area and spots the group of transvestites and prostitutes.
WARREN
Help!! They, they killed my wife and they’re-
Ken opens FIRE on Warren with his submachine - he grazes Warrens arm, but mainly hits the civilians across the street. Warren takes off down the street while holding his injured arm.
JOHN (OS)
We gotta problem. I’m picking up signs of high energy frequencies.
Ken and Brian run after Warren, the two of which UNLOAD their weapons on the infected man. A woman stands in the middle of the street - she was one of the prostitutes, CINDER, 27, stands wearing a black leather catsuit underneath a black trench coat. Cinder’s right hand has a glowing red sphere around it.
KEN
Hybrid!
Just then Cinder raises her hand in the direction of Brian and Ken, who fortunately jumped out of the way, the very ground the two Sweepers were standing on erupts into a ball of flames. Ken pulls out an EMP Rifle and takes aim at Cinder. Warren cowers behind the red-headed hybrid as she recharges her energy blast. Brian panics as he waits for Ken to act, so he opens fire on Cinder with his Beretta. The bullets fly through the air to Cinder with almost inhuman precision, but are met by an invisible wall of fire before they reach their target. Ken finally fires the EMP Rifle at Cinder - a large electrical sphere flies at the woman and stuns her. Cinder falls back onto the ground and Warren stands vulnerable.
KEN
What did I say about anything leaving that building without our escort?
Brian reloads his Beretta and SHOOTS Warren three times: twice in the head and once in the heart. Ken and Brian walk over to the defeated Cinder and deceased Warren. Darren runs up to them.
JOHN (OS)
Get back to the pick-up in less than three minutes. Central has ordered a contingency protocol.
KEN
What level?
JOHN (OS)
Sigma.
Ken and Darren immediately run back to the chopper, leaving behind a confused Brian.
THE CHOPPER
Ken and Darren sit on the chopper as they wait for Brian to strap himself in. Brian looks over his shoulder to Darren in the gunner seat.
BRIAN
What’s a contingency protocol sigma?
Darren points up from the sky.
DARREN
The wrath of God.
SPACE
Floating in orbit around the Earth is the Mourningstar Satellite, a Strategic Defense Initiative weapon designed to send a concentrated beam of solar energy into a specific area destroying most forms of life, while at the same time guaranteeing massive structural damage. The Mourningstar Satellite opens its cannon doors and CHARGES its blast. After several seconds the fiery blast flies from the satellite down into
THE RUINED STREET
The beam hits the street creating a MASSIVE EXPLOSION and engulfing the surrounding structures in FLAMES.
THE CARRIER
Ken, Darren and Brian sit in the carrier, completely silent. John pilots the aircraft back to their undisclosed location.
JOHN
Approaching docking bay. Stand-by for lock-down.
The carrier weaves and rocks from side-to-side as it lands on the docking bay and is locked into place by large magnetic buckles. The rear-loading door opens and out come the tired, defeated Sweepers.
INT. SWEEPERS HOLDING FACILITY - NIGHT
Brian sits in his HC writing in his journal again, the wires and electrodes covering his body, again.
BRIAN (VO)
...rest of the day was slow and awkward. Montoya blamed Malthus for inadequate intel.
BREIFING ROOM
Ken, Darren, John, and Brian sit waiting for Jeff Bunch to come and begin the de-briefing. Brian sits staring down at his cup of coffee.
KEN
When did you get the report on the subject?
John breaks away from his staring contest with the ground.
JOHN
About a minute before I told you.
KEN
Did you cross-reference it?
John stares blankly at Ken.
KEN
Did you?
JOHN
I-I knew you wanted the intel as soon as I got it. I mean, yeah I cross-referenced it, but not as a thorough job.
Ken walks over to John and stands directly in front of him, John sits back in fear. Darren and Brian come behind Ken, waiting to restrain him.
BRIAN
Montoya, the guy’s wife just got killed; Malthus didn’t know how he’d react.
KEN
Shut it. I don’t want to have to blind ya with that coffee.
Brian takes a few steps back from Ken; Darren stays right where he is.
DARREN
We can handle this later. Bunch’ll be here and if he sees you layin’ into Malthus you’re gonna be suspended from the field.
Darren puts a hand on Ken’s shoulder and eventually takes back over to his seat.
BRIAN (VO)
Porter reminded me of my sister when my Dad would slap us around. She’d tell him it was a bad idea to do it now, knowing he’d forget later. Malthus got lucky that Montoya didn’t ignore Porter and kill him right there.
BRIAN’S HC
Brian leans back in his HC regaining his composure, taking in several DEEP BREATHS. He continues to write.
BRIAN (VO)
I wasn’t really sure what the hell happened down at the target area. I had no idea what a “hybrid” was, so I looked it up. Amazing how many restricted databases we have access to here.
INTELLIGENCE DATABASE
Brian sits in front of a glass screen with several holographic images displayed on the screen, some are pieces of information and others are the controls Brian must use. The room is cold and sterile, but very state-of-the-art. The screen flashes on a document covered with classified notifications. Brian TYPES in his authorization code and is granted the full-view of the document. A computer synthesized voice projects from the database.
COMPUTER
The creation and development of the CRASH Project began in the late-1980s. The project’s goal was to develop a hybrid operative. Through the use of classified resources and technologies the project was a complete success. The fusing of nano-based weaponry with the structural and neural components of the human body lead to the first generation of hybrid operatives, and with this development came a new era in military weapons technologies.
Brian scrolls down to the next file.
COMPUTER
Such great success came with a great cost. The first test-subjects fled the installation at which they resided. Although they were still technically considered human on a genetic level, their appearance was less than. It was theorized by several experts that with the so-called “loss of humanity”, the hybrid operatives sought revenge against those they held responsible - mainly the rest of the human race. There is file footage available; would you like to view it?
Brian, stunned by the Computer’s interaction with him, he shakes his head.
BRIAN
Yes.
The screen fills with the file footage of the first hybrid group fighting the first team of Sweepers. The two groups battle in a dilapidated army base. The hybrids, which look nowhere near human, use their energy based powers against the Sweepers simple munitions. The fight is obviously in the favor of the hybrids.
COMPUTER
Fearing the possible widespread devastation the hybrids promised to deliver, the United States government created the first team of Sweepers. The team was sent to dispatch of the hybrids and destroy any evidence of their presence.
A Sweeper is cornered by a hybrid that resembles a man split in two and sewn back together using spare parts from a fighter plane. An explosion from the back of the hybrid’s head brings it to its knees - saving the cowered Sweeper’s life.
COMPUTER
With the narrow victory of the Sweepers it was decided all hybrids were declared unstable and were to be terminated immediately. A vast majority of the hybrids were destroyed, only a few hundred escaped and live amongst the population undetected - some strike against the US government in the form of hybrid terrorist cells.
Brian turns off the file footage and closes out of the document. He sits back and takes another DEEP BREATH, disturbed from the information he just received.
BRIAN’S HC
Brian finishes writing when the lights dim in and around his HC. Brian removes an interior panel of his HC and stashes his journal. He lays back, places the air hose and feeding tube in their respective places - the HC door glides down and seals shut. Brian immediately drifts off to sleep and the HC fills with a light-blue gel. The lights finally shut off. Air HISSES out of the sides of his HC, and the HISS of other HCs in the background can be heard. After several moments of silence, ARMED GUARDS patrol around the HCs - several DOCTORS pay visits to the various HCs, Brian’s being one of them.
A DECIMATED MID-WEST
Brian stands in the middle of the scorched farmland of his dreams. The sky shifts from a red to an orange as the fog pours onto the ground. All the people out in the fields without protective wear fall to the ground and grab their throats as they choke to death.
BRIAN
Contingency protocol epsilon in effect, stand-by for further orders.
POST-ONE (OS)
This is Post-One; report back to HQ for further instructions.
BRIAN
Understood.
Brian turns to the right and marches off like a robot. As he makes his way past dozens of dead cows, chickens, and the like he hears a FAINT WHIMPER coming from behind a large bush. Brian turns and places a thermal scanner in front of the brush. The results indicate two human-sized life-forms.
THE LARGE BUSH
Brian stands over a YOUNG GIRL no older than 7 clutching on her dead FATHER’s body. The Girl looks up at Brian with tears in her eyes, Brian acts as though he has never seen anything like this before.
GIRL
You gonna help me?
POST-ONE (OS)
Thermal scans indicate two life-forms, what is there status?
BRIAN
The older one is deceased, but there seems to be something wrong with the younger one.
POST-ONE (OS)
Explain.
BRIAN
Some clear substance is running out of her eyes and down her cheeks. Is this some symptom of a new bio-weapon?
POST-ONE (OS)
Negative, terminate the surviving subject and return to HQ.
Brian reaches behind his back to pull out a silenced Beretta. The Girl CRIES even harder this has no effect on Brian.
GIRL
What are you doing? My Daddy’s sick and needs help.
Brian places the gun directly in front of the Girl’s forehead, she only SOBS uncontrollably. Brian squeezes the trigger twice; there is no view of the Girl’s death only the sound of her now dead body falling back onto the ground. Brian wipes the blood off his gun and himself - he places the gun back in its holster and continues walking back to HQ.
BRIAN
Subject terminated.
Brian makes his way past several destroyed farm houses to a large Land-Cruiser - an enormous two-legged mechanized combat vehicle. Several other SWEEPERS dressed like Brian stand underneath the Land-Cruiser. Once he makes his way to the vehicle a computer generated map of the very area they stand in appears in the air. Several red dots pop-up on the map.
COMPUTER
SDI containment units will be deployed in these areas by 2100 hours; all personnel are to be vacated from targeted areas.
The computer generated map fades away as a large lift descends from the bottom of the Land-Cruiser’s hull - the Sweepers step on-board and are taken into the ship.
BRIAN’S HC
Dr. Wess and Jeff Bunch stand behind Brian’s HC making notes as they monitor his vitals. Dr. Wess seems rather impressed by Brian’s results, while Jeff looks at the Sweeper with great concern.
DR. WESS
All of his vitals have maintained a normal flux throughout the simulation. There are no longer any signs of resistance to the program; it appears as though he is taking it as reality.
JEFF
Is this simulation the best projection we can make?
DR. WESS
You know as well as I do that these simulations are kept up to date with the latest intelligence we acquire.
JEFF
I just hope this isn’t what the future holds for us.
DR. WESS
That’s why we have these programs, so we can assess the ways to prevent such an event.
Jeff and Dr. Wess walk away from the HC as they continue their conversation.
JEFF
I take you didn’t you get the latest reports from Central. This is the definitive simulation.
Jeff continues to walk away leaving behind the devastated and disturbed Dr. Wess left to think about this new revelation.
EXT. A COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY. SENATOR TURNER, a handsome man in his early 50s cut from the Kennedy cloth, stands behind a podium on a large stage, and behind Turner is a large American Flag (like the one in the beginning of Patton). On the front of the podium is a sign: TURNER ’08. There is a huge crowd of supporters for Turner’s campaign for President. There are two groups of stereotypical Secret Service agents (wearing black suits and ties with mirror lens aviators and white ear-pieces) on both sides of the stage. The stage is a quad of a college campus on a late summer day in Boston.
THE CROWD
Turner! Turner! Turner! Turner!
A ROOFTOP
The rooftop is directly across from where Senator Turner is giving a speech; AVI FERNANDEZ kneels as he assembles his sniper rifle. Avi is in his early 20s and dresses the part. He seems to be in a trance while he gets ready to kill Senator Turner.
THE PODIUM
Senator Turner puts his arms up to quiet down the crowd and to acknowledge their support for him.
TURNER
I am truly glad to see you all here today, seeing your faces inspires me and lets me know that I am not alone in my path to the White House!
THE ROOFTOP
Avi squint as he looks through the scope and takes aim at the soon to be dead Senator.
TURNER (OS)
You need to know that I will not forget you when I’m sitting in the oval office, my administration will truly be for the people!
Senator Turner stands behind the podium taking in the applause from the crowd as the first three SHOTS enter his chest; two more SHOTS fly through his forehead. Blood, skull, and brain matter spray back onto the American flag directly behind the Senator. The Secret Service agents SCRAMBLE across the stage with their weapons drawn. The crowd erupts into SCREAMS - people run in all different directions hoping to avoid the next set of shots. In the distance Avi stands on the ledge of the rooftop with the sniper rifle in one hand, triumph.
AVI
Subject terminated.
CALIPH (OS)
Return to rendezvous and stand-by for immediate extraction.
AVI
Understood.
INT. BREIFING ROOM - DAY
The Sweepers sit in chairs as they gorge on their breakfasts. Brian appears to be fully rested and at home. The door opens and in walks Jeff Bunch with SARAH YORK, 29, directly behind him. John is the first to take notice of the woman and perks up hoping to make a lasting first impression. The rest of the Sweepers eventually take a lack of interest in their food and ogle the brunette who wears black cargo pants, a form-fitting black long-sleeved shirt, and black rimmed glasses to match. Sarah stands in front of the flat screen monitor - it displays an image of the dead Senator Turner, several GROANS come from the feasting Sweepers.
SARAH
This morning at 1100 hours Presidential candidate Senator Turner was assassinated. As of now the public is unaware of the evidence regarding this act.
BRIAN
What evidence is that?
SARAH
For lack of a better term, it was an inside job.
The Sweepers are chagrinned by this statement.
SARAH
All information points to someone with several years of military training, the perpetrator is believed to be highly experienced in covert tactics.
KEN
What does this have to do with us?
JEFF
This Sweeper unit as been assigned to this young-lady, Sarah York. She’s in charge of the heading the investigation of the Senator’s death.
KEN
With all due respect, sir, but why isn’t the Secret Service handling this?
JEFF
There are-
SARAH
You are a clandestine branch of the Department of Homeland Security and it is your duty to protect this country regardless the nature of the actions, be it biological weapons or rogue operatives. This assignment is completely off the record, no other agencies will be aware of your investigation - we are currently diverting suggested intelligence to them in order to buy you the time to discover the truth.
Everyone but Brian seems to accept this order without question. Brian raises his hand.
SARAH
Is there a question?
BRIAN
You’re saying that you’re sending other federal agencies, which are a part of the US government, false information in order to keep them from noticing us.
SARAH
That is correct.
Brian turns and SMILES at the other bewildered Sweepers.
BRIAN
You gotta love the US government.