cinderellabop
11-26-07, 05:20 PM
“The Upper Hand”
OPEN: A wide-open blue eye; the pupil seems to dilate oddly. VIEW rotates upwards, revealing it is actually a circular pool of water. The clouds appearing as the eye white, the sky as the blue iris, VIEW continues upward until it reveals what reflected as the pupil; the Smoke Monster hovering above the pool.
POINT OF VIEW changes to Smoke Monster’s, which moves about the area. VIEW of ancient ruins, but not focusing on anything in particular. The pool is in an open and overgrown courtyard, surrounded by pillars. The head of a statue (approx. 12’ tall) leans between two of the pillars. The Smoke Monster leaves the area and proceeds downward over rocky terrain, stopping before a stand of trees. It slowly rises to the treetops and far off in the distance can be seen a group of people walking through a valley. VIEW change to closing in on the Smoke Monster, its ‘noises’ grow louder, then-
CUT TO: Richard and the others walking through the valley. Fair weather. Day.
RICHARD
(speaking indistinctly to some men who then go on ahead,
Richard turns back to Cindy following behind, smiling)
You okay? Sorry, the Inter-island rail is closed for remodeling.
CINDY
(smirking)
Oh, the rickshaw is getting a new wheel is it?
Well, if the weather and my legs can hold up, we’ll be just fine.
RICHARD
Weather? Well, you know how that is here; regardless we’ll keep on going.
We want to be there before evening.
How are the kids?
CINDY
They’re fine, not too tired yet.
Besides, they seem happily occupied with Isabel doting over them
We’ve still got a ways to go, yeah?
RICHARD
We’re about halfway, judging by the landmark there
(points ahead and to the left)
See that line in the grass?
VIEW: a 4-foot wide dirt rut made in the grass, about 20 yards away, that proceeds for a long ways forward.
CINDY
Oh, I see, like a footpath.
Will we be following it?
RICHARD
(slight smile)
No, that’s no footpath, but from here I know how close we are.
CINDY
I’d have to say, I’ve actually been looking forward to this.
I suppose Ben will be waiting for us?
RICHARD
(hesitant)
He may be delayed, somewhat…
CINDY
(pauses)
So, will we be going into the Temple when we get there?
RICHARD
Oh…No, we’ll remain in the courtyard.
Into the Temple? Well, hopefully it won’t come to that…
[FLASHBACK]
SCENE: Richard and the Others are walking through the same valley - Day. There is a slight drizzle of rain. Some are coughing and show signs of ill health. Richard turns to the woman walking behind him--
RICHARD
Loraine, we can stop here.
I’m sure everyone could use some rest…
LORAINE
I’ll be fine…besides, look at Him.
(gestures ahead)
It’s not slowing Him down any.
RICHARD
Well, the place of a leader is not to be lagging behind.
(puts his hand to Loraine’s forehead)
Honey, you’re burning up…
LORAINE
I’m sure I am, but it’ll do no good to stop.
The faster we get there, the better.
RICHARD
(removes her backpack)
Here, at least let me take this…
LORAINE
I’m fine…
RICHARD
I’ve always known that…
(she returns a smile)
Like you, I’m sure He doesn’t plan on letting up.
…and we still have a ways to go.
(he points at the rut in the grass)
LORAINE
Yes, yes I noticed. We’ll be there soon enough.
VIEW: Richard and Loraine continue on; as others pass by the VIEW rises slowly to a point where an AERIAL VIEW of the valley reveals that the ‘line in the grass’ is part of an image over a half of a mile long and almost as wide:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/cinderellabop/Untitled-1.jpg
[END FLASHBACK]
(BLACK)
(LOST LOGO)
(BREAK)
SCENE: Survivors walking through an area of moderate brush. Danielle talking closely with Alex. They are all obviously very tired. CLOSE on Jack who turns back to Sun.
JACK
How much longer now, Sun?
SUN
It should be just beyond that clump of trees.
It was still dark when Juliet took me there, but the sun was coming up when we left.
This area is looking familiar.
(Sun looks back at an unconscious Naomi being carried on a litter)
Do you think she will be all right?
JACK
I’m gonna do my best. All this traveling and the trauma from her second injury won’t help, but if this place is equipped like you say it is…
ROSE
(behind Jack, opposite Sun)
Jack, I’m concerned for the girl too, but is this side trip really necessary?
I’m sure the folks on that ship are equipped as well.
JACK
(looks back to Rose)
They said there was a storm they were tracking, headed their way.
They’re gonna be delayed and there’s no saying for how long.
(pause)
There’s time Rose, and that time could be very important for her.
ROSE
(slightly shaking her head)
I know, I don’t mean to sound selfish, but that time can’t go by fast enough.
This island has already separated him from me…
KATE
(yelling from distance)
Jack--over here!
VIEW: Kate is far ahead of the party, pointing towards the medical station door. Survivors pass along as VIEW approaches door. When Ben approaches, he stops and looks up at the door.
[FLASHBACK]
SCENE: From inside the medical station the door opens and a younger Ben enters and proceeds down hallway. Stopping at a door, he looks around then enters. VIEW from inside a dimly lit storage area. CLOSE on Ben’s face, he is looking for something, when he hears--
VOICE (OFF SCREEN)
Have you contacted Dr. O’Gotic yet?
Ben turns his head to VIEW a lab tech on the far side of the room (approximately 40 feet away) which makes up a research area. There is a partition of standing shelves in between the storage area where Ben is and the research area. The lab tech stands among an assortment of biomedical research equipment speaking into an intercom. He seems agitated.
VOICE ON INTERCOM
Yes sir, she is on her way
LAB TECH
All right, thank you.
VIEW: CLOSE on Ben’s face; he resumes searching. He opens a small door and takes something out, then seems to be reading, perhaps a label. He takes off his backpack and begins loading it. As he gets up to leave, his attention and the VIEW change at the sound of a door opening in the research area. A woman enters, late twenties, wearing a lab coat with nametag: ’Ann O’Gotic’.
LAB TECH
Doctor…!
(he waves her towards him, pauses)
Ann, the situation has… developed...
(he points to the side; Ann looks wide-eyed)
VIEW: Along a table are two transparent specimen cubicles, each containing four or five rabbits. They appear to be quite dead, some bloodied.
VIEW: Back to Ann and Lab Tech.
ANN
(astonished)
What happened?!
LAB TECH
I’m not sure; it seems they…attacked each other.
ANN
Have you done a postmortem?
What about those vaccinated?
LAB TECH
They’re fine… I had to separate them. But these…
(gestures towards the dead rabbits)
It’s…it’s like everything else we’ve studied since we‘ve been here.
As soon as a sample is introduced to a subject, it becomes exponentially vigorous.
Your specimen is no different.
ANN
(pauses)
In such a short time…I had better bring this to Carson’s attention.
(turns to leave, opens door)
VIEW: Hallway. As Ann comes out, she sees Ben hurriedly approaching from down the hall. She turns and stops Him.
ANN
(smiling)
Oh- hey Ben!
They must be keeping you busy, haven’t seen you in awhile.
BEN
(pause, blank expression)
Yeah…they got me runnin’
ANN
We gotta catch up sometime. But--
(laughs)
For now I’ve got my own chasing around to do… really busy.
BEN
(same blank expression)
Yes, I’m sure you are.
ANN
(rather hurried, beginning to walk away)
Hey, I’ll drop you a line later…for dinner, let’s say the day after tomorrow.
I’ll make some chicken the way you like.
We’ll catch up then, eh?
(Ben gives a slight nod)
All right then, take care…
(Ann walks off)
(Ben takes some moments to watch her walk away then turns to go)
[END FLASHBACK]
SCENE: The Survivors beach - Day. Sawyer, Sayid, Jin, and Bernhard are digging graves. Hurley is nearby and seems to be trying to untangle something,
SAWYER
I don’t see why we can’t just dig one big hole and chuck ‘em all in.
Or just burn ‘em. Most of ‘em are half toast anyways.
JIN
(shakes his head and gestures negatively)
No, no…
(begins saying something in Korean, stops and just shakes his head, resumes digging)
SAWYER
(rolling his eyes)
Oh, what, their ancestors will come at night and …poke us in the eye?!
SAYID
(takes a breath)
They may have been our enemies, but we can still respect them in their deaths.
SAWYER
(grimaces-- then reacts to walkie-talkie chirping,
he brings it out to respond, hesitant)
That you Jack?
SCENE: Inside medical station. Background: Survivors going back and forth, looking through stuff. Jack in FOREGROUND, CENTER leaning on a large box, tired.
VIEW: CHANGES back and forth, to whoever is talking--
JACK
(speaking above noise of people in background)
Yeah, we’re at one of the DHARMA stations-- a medical station.
We’ll be bringing some supplies back with us.
I want you to ask Juliet…ask her if there’s anything here,
some records or whatever that she might want to keep.
SAWYER
All right, hold on.
(he looks around)
Hey… Hugo! Have you seen Juliet?
HURLEY
(short distance away, still fiddling with object)
Oh, she’s a…I think she went to the powder palm, y’know?
SAWYER
(nods, talks into walkie)
I’m sorry; the doctor is indisposed at the moment.
Would you like to make an appointment?
JACK
(chuckles)
Alright. We’ll be leaving here in about ten minutes.
If she gets back in time let her know, okay?
SAWYER
Right
(Sawyer puts away walkie and resumes digging)
VIEW: PAN the survivors digging, then over to Hurley - CLOSE on Hurley)
HURLEY
(casually over his shoulder to Sawyer)
You know what’s weird about this place?
SAWYER
(pauses digging just long enough to say--)
Off hand? No, can’t think of a single thing.
HURLEY
(continues fussing with object)
There’s no monkeys.
Y’know, with the jungle, all the tropical stuff, you’d think there’d be monkeys.
SAWYER
(stops, takes breath)
Hurley…That would be on a jungle continent, like… Africa. We’re in the middle of the ocean.
(continues digging)
HURLEY
Yeah, I suppose you’re right. It’s probably just as well.
If there were monkeys they’d probably be throwin’ things at us from the trees.
Y’know like, doin’ that ‘claiming their territory’ thing.
(turns to Sawyer)
Oh, hey, y’know what they throw sometimes?--
SAWYER
(stops again)
--HUGO! Does it seem to you that I’m not a little busy here?!
Why don’t you…go find Juliet, and discuss this fascinating subject with her?
That way, if you come across some monkeys, she can provide some ammo!
HURLEY
(faces Sawyer and points to him, chortling- then abruptly stops)
Oh, dude… That’s gross.
(Hurley walks off).
CUT TO: The Others climbing foothills - Day. The foliage is becoming sparse and some of the travelers appear to need a rest.
CINDY
(breathy)
Richard, those first three hills were bad enough, but this one…
(smiles)
I think the uh…kids may need a break.
RICHARD
Here, let me help you with this
(he takes a bundle that Cindy has been carrying)
CINDY
…Thanks.
RICHARD
It’s not too far now…
(gestures ahead)
…just past those trees.
VIEW: A small stand of trees, four on each side of them as they approach. They do not appear to be a tropical variety; but squat and gnarled with age. The only other kind of foliage is low brush, and sparse as the ground grows rockier. Passing through the trees they come to a ‘wall’ of thirty flat stones lying against the side of a towering sheer rock face that appears to block their way.
CLOSE on Cindy who looks ahead and up.
CINDY
Wha…?
RICHARD
(leans towards Cindy)
Why don’t you and the kids take a break?
This’ll take a minute or so.
(faces towards some Others and gestures for them to come forward)
Jason, Rob, Sean-- give me a hand here, eh?
VIEW: The four of them approach the two middle flat stones and struggle to part them. The stones move outward as a gate. Dense, hanging foliage can be seen behind the stones.
RICHARD
(addressing Cindy and others resting)
Okay…through here.
(all rise and enter the opening,
Cindy tentatively separates the foliage before going through)
VIEW: From within the foliage, somewhat dark. This turns out to be a pass thru the rock face. As they carefully continue the vines become less dense, more light. Reaching a clearing, they come upon a large, ancient pillar. Beyond this is an overgrown stone-paved courtyard, in the center of which is a man-made circular pool. On the opposite end of the courtyard is a great stone head, leaning against another pillar. Eleven pillars on each side of the head extend in a semi-circle around the courtyard, and in two straight lines beyond it; these support a structure behind. As they draw closer to the stone head its unusual sculpting appears, though carved with realistic features, as if several human figures had been ‘balled up’ and shaped into a head.
CLOSE on stone head.
[FLASHBACK]
VIEW: Same view of head - Day but overcast. Richard passes by- VIEW follows him, entering the structure behind. The structure is for the most part open-walled, with a high ceiling, but nearby rock outcroppings cast some shadow and provide a windbreak. Others are milling about within; some are tending to those who have grown more ill. Richard is approached by Ben who hands him a case. They are joined by Isabel, who does not look much younger than present.
RICHARD
Ben…it‘s good to see you.
BEN
There should be enough for three doses each. After that…
(shrugs, then looks around)
Richard, how is your wife?
RICHARD
She’s feverish…delirious…we’ve had to restrain her, she…
(shakes his head)
BEN
(hesitantly)
Richard…the vaccine should be fine for those not infected…but…
(sighs, lowers head)
RICHARD
(pained, almost sobbing)
Why…how could this happen?
Are… they doing this…on purpose?
BEN
I don’t know…but does it matter?
Just their presence here--
ISABEL
--Benjamin, you‘ve been such a great help.
A good friend who has stood with us through this struggle.
He would liked to have thanked you Himself but…
But we will run out, eventually, and--
BEN
--I know.
(looks away)
I’ve been giving that some thought.
ISABEL
And…?
BEN
(turns back to her)
…And I think I should go up.
ISABEL
(slight smirk)
Ben. I know you mean well, but you don’t understand…
BEN
I understand this situation….I understand I have to do more than just ‘mean well’!
I understand everything you have taught me, and I am certain I am to do this!
ISABEL
(sighs, shakes head slowly)
Well, what you can be certain of is that you understand less than you think.
But…maybe this can be a learning experience.
We’ll have to stop here for awhile anyways, so, little matter.
(she turns aside, gestures him forward)
All right, go on.
(she looks around to those nearby)
We’ll go with you as far as the stairs.
RICHARD
Go ahead…I’ll catch up.
(hurries over to someone who is watching over a semi-conscious Loraine)
Stay with her please, I’ll be right back.
(the Other nods, Richard leaves)
CUT TO: Atop a large rock shelf apparently above the temple courtyard area. Isabel, Ben and a few Others are standing there as Richard clambers up. The ocean in distant background; they are at quite a high elevation.
ISABEL
(gestures towards a steep mountainside)
Well, there you go, Ben--the way to the heart of the temple.
VIEW: A series of steps cut into the surface of the mountainside, zigzagging high up to a dark crevasse, from which a slight wisp of smoke issues. Ben walks up a couple of stairs and turns to face the first flight of steps sidling upwards. He looks back to the others, perhaps doubtful.
ISABEL
(lightly condescending)
Go on.
That first flight is only ten steps, and there are only three more just like it.
Oh…You may not want to look down.
We’ll be waiting for you…down below.
VIEW: Back on Ben. He turns with resolve, and begins to ascend the stairs.
[END FLASHBACK]
SCENE: Survivors beach - late afternoon. Those who were digging are finishing the burials. Sayid looks up to see a figure approaching along the shoreline. He taps Sawyer and points. Sawyer looks to see--
SAWYER
Desmond?
(they both drop their shovels and hurry to Desmond)
SAWYER
You…you alright?
DESMOND
Aye…or not.
SAYID
You’re alone.
HURLEY (OFF SCREEN)
(loudly from a short distance)
Where’s Charlie?
VIEW: On Hurley, standing about 15 yards away, confused expression. VIEW back to Desmond who takes a deep breath and then just looks down.
(BREAK)
SCENE: Survivors beach - Evening. Jack and party are returning, Juliet is with them. As they come on to the beach Juliet is met by Sayid.
SAYID
Where have you been?
JULIET
I saw them coming, so I thought I’d meet up with them.
JACK
(walks up from behind Juliet)
Sayid?
SAYID
(his gaze lingers on Juliet a moment, then addresses Jack)
Jack, Desmond is back…we need to talk.
VIEW: Pan of the beach. Various happy greetings, mixed with the bad news about Charlie. Rose and Bernhard embrace, Jin with his arm around Sun as they talk, Juliet begins coordinating care of Naomi. Desmond is speaking to Jack and Sayid and Sawyer joins them. Kneeling nearby is Ben overseen by Danielle, Alex and Karl.
CLOSE on this group.
JACK
Has someone told Claire?
SAWYER
(nods)
…Yeah.
JACK
All right, let’s not spread the rest of this around just yet.
(to Desmond)
Are you sure about this?
DESMOND
I don’t know the conversation he had with Penny.
All I know is what he wrote.
BEN
It’s a shame Jack that you weren’t forewarned about this-- Oh wait…
DANIELLE
You want me to hit him again?
ALEX
(grimaces, looks at her mother sidelong, mutters)
…uhh, ‘mom‘?
JACK
(shakes his head smirking, waves away the ‘offer‘)
…No
DESMOND
(has drawn closer to Danielle, Alex)
So, you’ve got your Alex back…that’s lovely…
(faces down towards Ben, who looks up)
So then, where’s my Elizabeth?
CUT TO: Hurley stands alone nearer the shoreline, away from the crowd, looking mournfully out over the ocean. Kate walks up to him hesitantly, carrying a small package.
KATE
Hey, I brought ya back somethin’…some batteries.
Now you got your jams back.
HURLEY
Mm…thanks.
(pause, still looking out to sea)
I thought I had ‘my jams’ back.
KATE
(awkward pause)
Um, Hurley--
HURLEY
--Claire knows, right?
KATE
Yeah.
HURLEY
How is she?
KATE
Well, maybe you should go see her. The both of you were closest to Charlie.
HURLEY
(considers, then speaks mostly to himself)
Yeah, go see how she is.
(walks off)
CUT TO: Back to Jack and company still discussing Desmond’s report.
SAWYER
So where does this leave us?
Whoever sent that boat, it’s comin’.
SAYID
Maybe if I can talk to Naomi again…
JACK
(shakes his head)
That’s not gonna happen for a while.
SAWYER
Can’t you contact them again?
(sarcastically)
As crazy as this may sound, talkin’ with them might clear things up.
JACK
Since that storm caught up with them I haven’t been able to get through.
(shakes head)
I’m not one to believe a palm reading can tell your future.
VIEW: to Ben who is looking away, but listening.
[FLASHBACK]
SCENE: Ben has climbed the stairs, and is now making his way through the dark, narrow crevasse. The fissure is leading downwards and the air is getting warmer as he descends. Soon, a dull orange light is visible ahead. Ben finally comes to the end of the fissure, which opens up to a large cavern. Directly at his feet is a lava flow, its source on his left, from another fissure in the cavern wall, leading down to his right and off into darkness. Directly across from him, on the opposing cavern wall, is a set of double doors. The doors gleam golden in the dim light and are embossed with the image of a tree, with a doorknob centered on each door, the handles of which are shaped as a cross with two opposing crescents (facing outwards) bisecting the horizontal line . The lava flow between him and the doors is about 30 feet wide.
BEN
(distraught)
How am I…?
FEMALE VOICE (OFFSCREEN)
Yes, Ben, how--and when.
BEN
(turns around quickly)
Isabel?
VIEW: Ben stops short by what he sees. Standing behind, back up the fissure he descended he sees his mother, about 15 feet away.
BEN’S MOM
Is this now your time Ben?
BEN
Mom, you…you’re still here…
BEN’S MOM
Yes Ben, here in the heart. Always in the heart.
BEN
It’s been so long since…I thought you were…gone.
BEN’S MOM
Aren’t you the reason I’m here in the first place?
BEN
(taken aback with grief and dread)
Y-you… blame me too?
BEN’S MOM
No. There is no guilt on destiny’s path.
Ben, look to the future, not the past.
As you have been taught:
“Through the world’s travail
And life’s long trial
In the end will prevail
The Child of the Isle”
BEN
Then mom…
(looks back towards doors)
…help me now…
How am I to get over there?
How do I cross…?
(he looks up to some familiar but unwelcome sounds coming from high above.)
VIEW: The vaulted ceiling resonates with a whirring, clicking and growling sound. From an opening somewhere in the ceiling comes the Smoke Monster. Ben turns in terror and calls out--
BEN
Mom--
She is gone. The smoke monster comes down to a point in between Ben and the doors, hovering above the lava. There it stops, and does nothing. Ben is frozen in apprehension until he notices the smoke monster is not moving. He stops to consider, then tries to move sideways along the lava flow, barely finding a foothold where he can see around the smoke monster at the doors. After pondering the doors a moment, he brings out a canteen, pours some water in a cup, drinks some, and then flings the rest towards the door. What little makes it to the door sizzles on contact and steams away. Ben rolls his eyes, overwhelmed. Then he stops to think, slowly an idea begins forming. After a few moments he leans forward as far as he dare and scrutinizes the door. He then kneels beside the lava, brings out a knife, and heats it over the lava. Through all of this the smoke monster does nothing. He takes the heated knife back and then, bracing himself, he presses the dull edge into his hand, grimacing in pain.
CUT TO: The Others are grouped in the pillared structure; some talking softly, some weeping. Richard covers the head of his deceased wife and weeps. A boy in his mid-teens leaves the side of another body being covered up by several Others, and approaches Isabel who stands alone in thought.
ISABEL
Sean, how is He?
SEAN
(hesitates, slight sobbing)
Henry is gone as well, ma’am.
ISABEL
(nods and momentarily closes her eyes)
I see…
SEAN
(pause)
If we’re going to wait around much longer, maybe we should take this time to bury--
ISABEL
--Not here. Besides, I’m sure Ben should be done sulking by now,
I expect him any minute.
SEAN
So you don’t think he was able…
ISABEL
(grimaces)
I think he may have learned something.
BEN (OFF SCREEN)
As a matter of fact, I have.
VIEW: On Ben as he enters the structure. He looks haggard but walks with a purpose. Others gather near as he approaches. He stops atop a small block of stone that lies among the ruin, which raises him a head high above the rest.
BEN
I have entered in--
ISABEL
(scoffs, incredulous)
VIEW: On Isabel frowning as she pushes through others to get to Ben. She stops before him, looks up into his face, squarely into his eyes. They both share a moment of determined expression, then, she grabs his hands and holds them palms up. On each is a burn mark, shaped as a cross with two opposing crescents bisecting the horizontal line. Isabel backs away, stunned and uncertain. CLOSE on Ben, who looks up from her and addresses the group--
BEN
--and the voices spoke in unison.
(CLOSE IN on Ben’s Face)
I now know what we must do!
[END FLASHBACK]
(BREAK)
SCENE: Hurley approaches Claire who is a short distance away from the main beach area, leaning with her back against a rock and clutching Aaron close, rocking him sullenly.
HURLEY
(pause, softly)
Claire, I…I’m sorry…I’m sorry I wasn’t there with him.
Maybe I could’ve…
CLAIRE
No, Hurley, you couldn’t have. No one could.
HURLEY
Well…
CLAIRE
I’m sure you would’ve tried, but it wouldn’t have mattered
(slight sobbing)
No, I’m the one who should be sorry.
After all, it’s my fault.
HURLEY
(taken aback)
No-- No way it’s your fault. How can…
CLAIRE
But it is…
(looks away)
I was warned, wasn’t I…?
HURLEY
Warned? You mean Des--?
CLAIRE
(still looking away, talking half to herself)
…There were always those mixed feelings when I would see Charlie hold Aaron,
beaming like a ‘daddy‘.
It made me smile, and then the doubt would return…I was told…
HURLEY
Told what Claire?
CLAIRE
(pause, she faces back to Hurley)
Only I can raise Aaron.
HURLEY
What, Desmond told you that?
CLAIRE
No, no. Someone back home. Someone who…felt strange about the baby.
I didn’t believe him then, I normally don’t go in for that psychic stuff.
HURLEY
(confused)
A psychic…?
CLAIRE
He made it out like there was some kind of doom or curse if I didn’t.
HURLEY
What? How can you believe in some cur…?
(stops abruptly as he realizes what he is about to say. He pauses to ‘mentally regroup‘, then--)
Claire, did you know…that I killed someone today?
CLAIRE
(astonished)
…Hurley?!
HURLEY
Yep. I did. And you know how?
I used that van. Y’know, that thing that got me all stoked and, like, all positive?
That’s what I did with it.
CLAIRE
(looks down then back to him, speechless)
HURLEY
I had someone say something like that to me too.
Not a psychic…well…maybe psycho…
But-- was he right? Seemed like it.
It was like nothin’ could go right, just wrong. Really wrong.
Now all this…and I did what I did. So is he right?
Or…or maybe should I just think that whatever I tried to do was right,
and maybe that’s all that matters?
I did what I did for my friends. Nobody made me do it, and nobody
made Charlie do what he did for his friends. I can accept what I did.
If we can accept some fate from some guy who doesn’t even care about us,
then we can at least accept Charlie’s fate as something from someone who cared.
(Claire takes this in, and as she begins to sob, Hurley embraces her)
CUT TO: To Jack and company again still gathered and talking.
JACK
Well, we’re not going to get anything settled ‘til we all get some rest.
I’m ready to sleep for the rest of the week.
BEN
I suppose I’ll be retiring to the executive suite much like you had for me before.
How nice, I was beginning to forget what sleep was…
SAWYER
Ohhh no, Not you Bunny-boy. You’re scheduled for latrine duty in an hour.
Thought you might dig that.
BEN
(If looks could kill)
KATE
So what are we gonna do with him?
DANIELLE
I can think of a few things…
SAWYER
(mainly just to Ben)
What we need is a nice big wire cage, so that ol’ Benji Cottontail here can feel secure.
JACK
(responding to Kate, not Sawyer)
Well…I suppose…
SAYID
Jack…we’ll take care of it. Get some sleep.
CUT TO : The temple courtyard. Others are milling around, eating, talking, etc.
CLOSE on Richard, Cindy, Isabel and some Others in a discussion. Sean, now a grown man, approaches Isabel
SEAN
If we’re going to wait around much longer, maybe we should set up camp.
ISABEL
No, not here. Hopefully Ben should be along soon.
RICHARD
So, do you think he was able…?
ISABEL
I think if we wait, we’ll find out when he gets here.
LOCKE (OFF SCREEN)
I think you’ll be wasting your time…
(John Locke walks in among them)
…Ben won’t be coming.
(BREAK)
CUT TO: Survivor’s beach - Night. Most are still asleep but some have awoken after a long nap. Close in on Jack’s hut. Jack, Sayid, and Jin are standing outside of hut. Hurley is approaching.
JACK
We got somebody watching Ben?
SAYID
Bernard…and Vincent.
(smiles)
Curious, I’ve never heard the dog growl like that before.
JACK
Y’know, you may not want to put Sawyer on sentry duty, at least not alone.
SAYID
Don’t worry, I would always make sure that Danielle or someone was with him.
(Jack looks back to Sayid, who is wearing an exaggerated grin. Hurley walks up, yawning.)
HURLEY
Hey, what’s up?
SAYID
Hey Hurley, get some sleep?
HURLEY
(starts putting batteries into his player)
As best I could, I suppose…
JACK
Hurley are you doin’ all right?
(Hurley shrugs, still fussing with player. Jack, Sayid, Jin glance at each other).
JIN
Hurley, come with me?
I left nets drying by the lagoon, help bring them back?
HURLEY
(shrugs)
Sure.
(Jin pats him on the back and they both leave. Jack and Sayid enter hut)
VIEW: Inside of hut. Desmond, Sawyer and Juliet are already inside, seated. Jack and Sayid sit.
JACK
Everybody get some sleep?
(all give some half-hearted indication ‘yes’)
SAYID
Juliet, how is Naomi?
JULIET
With everything she’s been through, I’m surprised she’s made it this far.
SAWYER
If she kicks it, what are we gonna tell her people?
JACK
(shrugs)
I’m not sure when we’ll be in contact again.
DESMOND
And should we be? We don’t know who these people are.
SAWYER
They’re people with a boat, and Ben don’t like ‘em.
Way I see it, the enemy of my enemy…
DESMOND
They could be our enemy too.
Charlie died giving me that message, I can‘t just ignore his last words.
JACK
Look, they are still some ways out, we have some time.
If Naomi pulls through, she may clear things up.
DESMOND
Then if we have time, there’s something else we can do.
(he pulls out scuba mask)
Back at the underwater station, there’s sufficient equipment to do a little recon of that freighter.
JACK
We don’t even know its position.
DESMOND
As I said, there’s equipment.
I can do this-- and after all, Naomi says I’m the one they are looking for.
If I am caught, I should be able to talk to them.
SAYID
The fact that they are looking for you is precisely why you shouldn’t go.
You may be in the most danger if caught.
I am less likely to be caught, therefore I should go.
JACK
Hold on. What do you expect to accomplish with all this?
SAYID
If I could get on board, information in the captain’s room should tell us what to expect.
If I am caught, I will merely say I’ve come to make contact as the storm has disrupted our communication. How they talk to you afterwards should be very telling.
If they allow me to speak to you, what I will say will be prearranged before I go,
depending on what I’ve found. Either way, we can find out for sure.
SAWYER
In that case, why sneak on board?
Just paddle up to ‘em, say hey, and do your code talkin’ after you’re on board.
‘least that way you’re less likely of gettin’ yourself shot.
SAYID
I would prefer to get as much information as I can before hearing their version of it.
JULIET
(wry)
You guys secretly like this stuff, don’t you?
JACK
I don’t like it at all.
Look, let’s just wait and see if Naomi recovers.
If in a day or so she’s still out, we’ll make a decision then.
(Desmond and Sayid reluctantly ascent. Jack nods.)
Okay, let’s try to get some more rest.
CUT TO: Jin and Hurley are walking back to the beach camp along the shoreline, each carrying nets. Hurley stops and examines what he’s carrying.
HURLEY
Aw crap. I forgot my disc player back at the lagoon.
(laying nets on the ground)
Jin, just go ahead, I’ll catch up with ya.
Jin nods and continues onward. Hurley turns and hurries back along the rocky shoreline. Soon he arrives back at the lagoon. As he searches for the player, he hears something:
FAINT MALE VOICE
Hurley…
Hurley looks up and around, then dismisses the sound, resumes searching. Then again, a whisper that seems to come from all around him.
VOICE
Hurley…
HURLEY
(stops again, looks back and around)
Jin? Is that you?
There is no answer, and he nervously resumes his search. He finally finds the player near the water’s edge. As he stoops to pick it up, again the voice calls, somewhat closer.
VOICE
Hurley…
As Hurley is picking up the player, he sees a dim glow out of the corner of his eye, below the water. Slowly turning his head in mounting fear , his eyes widen as he sees, surrounded in pale greenish light, the figure of Charlie Pace standing under the water looking up at him, lips unmoving:
VOICE OF CHARLIE PACE
…Hurley…there’s something I want you to do…
(BLACK)
L O S T
POSTSCRIPT
‘Easter Eggs’
(1)
Ann O’Gotic is an anagram for ‘Contagion’
(2)
The Way to the ‘Heart’:
“Richard, those first three hills were bad enough, but this one…”
4 Hills
A small stand of trees, four on each side of them as they approach 8 Trees
thirty flat stones lying against the side of a towering sheer rock face stones number
[They] approach the two middle flat stones and struggle to part them 15 & 16
Reaching a clearing, they come upon a large, ancient pillar…
…Eleven pillars on each side of the head… 23 Pillars
Ben walks up a couple of stairs and turns
to face the first flight of steps sidling upwards…
“That first flight is only ten steps,
and there are only three more just like it”
42 Steps
(3)
The marks Ben burned into his palms (as if he had burned them on the knobs of the double doors) corresponding to the palm of the hand in the ‘valley image’--
This ‘mark’ is alike to the symbol on the tree where Juliet had ‘medicines stashed’ in a previous episode (The infamous ‘Claire Implant’ debacle).
© 2007 johnyc
OPEN: A wide-open blue eye; the pupil seems to dilate oddly. VIEW rotates upwards, revealing it is actually a circular pool of water. The clouds appearing as the eye white, the sky as the blue iris, VIEW continues upward until it reveals what reflected as the pupil; the Smoke Monster hovering above the pool.
POINT OF VIEW changes to Smoke Monster’s, which moves about the area. VIEW of ancient ruins, but not focusing on anything in particular. The pool is in an open and overgrown courtyard, surrounded by pillars. The head of a statue (approx. 12’ tall) leans between two of the pillars. The Smoke Monster leaves the area and proceeds downward over rocky terrain, stopping before a stand of trees. It slowly rises to the treetops and far off in the distance can be seen a group of people walking through a valley. VIEW change to closing in on the Smoke Monster, its ‘noises’ grow louder, then-
CUT TO: Richard and the others walking through the valley. Fair weather. Day.
RICHARD
(speaking indistinctly to some men who then go on ahead,
Richard turns back to Cindy following behind, smiling)
You okay? Sorry, the Inter-island rail is closed for remodeling.
CINDY
(smirking)
Oh, the rickshaw is getting a new wheel is it?
Well, if the weather and my legs can hold up, we’ll be just fine.
RICHARD
Weather? Well, you know how that is here; regardless we’ll keep on going.
We want to be there before evening.
How are the kids?
CINDY
They’re fine, not too tired yet.
Besides, they seem happily occupied with Isabel doting over them
We’ve still got a ways to go, yeah?
RICHARD
We’re about halfway, judging by the landmark there
(points ahead and to the left)
See that line in the grass?
VIEW: a 4-foot wide dirt rut made in the grass, about 20 yards away, that proceeds for a long ways forward.
CINDY
Oh, I see, like a footpath.
Will we be following it?
RICHARD
(slight smile)
No, that’s no footpath, but from here I know how close we are.
CINDY
I’d have to say, I’ve actually been looking forward to this.
I suppose Ben will be waiting for us?
RICHARD
(hesitant)
He may be delayed, somewhat…
CINDY
(pauses)
So, will we be going into the Temple when we get there?
RICHARD
Oh…No, we’ll remain in the courtyard.
Into the Temple? Well, hopefully it won’t come to that…
[FLASHBACK]
SCENE: Richard and the Others are walking through the same valley - Day. There is a slight drizzle of rain. Some are coughing and show signs of ill health. Richard turns to the woman walking behind him--
RICHARD
Loraine, we can stop here.
I’m sure everyone could use some rest…
LORAINE
I’ll be fine…besides, look at Him.
(gestures ahead)
It’s not slowing Him down any.
RICHARD
Well, the place of a leader is not to be lagging behind.
(puts his hand to Loraine’s forehead)
Honey, you’re burning up…
LORAINE
I’m sure I am, but it’ll do no good to stop.
The faster we get there, the better.
RICHARD
(removes her backpack)
Here, at least let me take this…
LORAINE
I’m fine…
RICHARD
I’ve always known that…
(she returns a smile)
Like you, I’m sure He doesn’t plan on letting up.
…and we still have a ways to go.
(he points at the rut in the grass)
LORAINE
Yes, yes I noticed. We’ll be there soon enough.
VIEW: Richard and Loraine continue on; as others pass by the VIEW rises slowly to a point where an AERIAL VIEW of the valley reveals that the ‘line in the grass’ is part of an image over a half of a mile long and almost as wide:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/cinderellabop/Untitled-1.jpg
[END FLASHBACK]
(BLACK)
(LOST LOGO)
(BREAK)
SCENE: Survivors walking through an area of moderate brush. Danielle talking closely with Alex. They are all obviously very tired. CLOSE on Jack who turns back to Sun.
JACK
How much longer now, Sun?
SUN
It should be just beyond that clump of trees.
It was still dark when Juliet took me there, but the sun was coming up when we left.
This area is looking familiar.
(Sun looks back at an unconscious Naomi being carried on a litter)
Do you think she will be all right?
JACK
I’m gonna do my best. All this traveling and the trauma from her second injury won’t help, but if this place is equipped like you say it is…
ROSE
(behind Jack, opposite Sun)
Jack, I’m concerned for the girl too, but is this side trip really necessary?
I’m sure the folks on that ship are equipped as well.
JACK
(looks back to Rose)
They said there was a storm they were tracking, headed their way.
They’re gonna be delayed and there’s no saying for how long.
(pause)
There’s time Rose, and that time could be very important for her.
ROSE
(slightly shaking her head)
I know, I don’t mean to sound selfish, but that time can’t go by fast enough.
This island has already separated him from me…
KATE
(yelling from distance)
Jack--over here!
VIEW: Kate is far ahead of the party, pointing towards the medical station door. Survivors pass along as VIEW approaches door. When Ben approaches, he stops and looks up at the door.
[FLASHBACK]
SCENE: From inside the medical station the door opens and a younger Ben enters and proceeds down hallway. Stopping at a door, he looks around then enters. VIEW from inside a dimly lit storage area. CLOSE on Ben’s face, he is looking for something, when he hears--
VOICE (OFF SCREEN)
Have you contacted Dr. O’Gotic yet?
Ben turns his head to VIEW a lab tech on the far side of the room (approximately 40 feet away) which makes up a research area. There is a partition of standing shelves in between the storage area where Ben is and the research area. The lab tech stands among an assortment of biomedical research equipment speaking into an intercom. He seems agitated.
VOICE ON INTERCOM
Yes sir, she is on her way
LAB TECH
All right, thank you.
VIEW: CLOSE on Ben’s face; he resumes searching. He opens a small door and takes something out, then seems to be reading, perhaps a label. He takes off his backpack and begins loading it. As he gets up to leave, his attention and the VIEW change at the sound of a door opening in the research area. A woman enters, late twenties, wearing a lab coat with nametag: ’Ann O’Gotic’.
LAB TECH
Doctor…!
(he waves her towards him, pauses)
Ann, the situation has… developed...
(he points to the side; Ann looks wide-eyed)
VIEW: Along a table are two transparent specimen cubicles, each containing four or five rabbits. They appear to be quite dead, some bloodied.
VIEW: Back to Ann and Lab Tech.
ANN
(astonished)
What happened?!
LAB TECH
I’m not sure; it seems they…attacked each other.
ANN
Have you done a postmortem?
What about those vaccinated?
LAB TECH
They’re fine… I had to separate them. But these…
(gestures towards the dead rabbits)
It’s…it’s like everything else we’ve studied since we‘ve been here.
As soon as a sample is introduced to a subject, it becomes exponentially vigorous.
Your specimen is no different.
ANN
(pauses)
In such a short time…I had better bring this to Carson’s attention.
(turns to leave, opens door)
VIEW: Hallway. As Ann comes out, she sees Ben hurriedly approaching from down the hall. She turns and stops Him.
ANN
(smiling)
Oh- hey Ben!
They must be keeping you busy, haven’t seen you in awhile.
BEN
(pause, blank expression)
Yeah…they got me runnin’
ANN
We gotta catch up sometime. But--
(laughs)
For now I’ve got my own chasing around to do… really busy.
BEN
(same blank expression)
Yes, I’m sure you are.
ANN
(rather hurried, beginning to walk away)
Hey, I’ll drop you a line later…for dinner, let’s say the day after tomorrow.
I’ll make some chicken the way you like.
We’ll catch up then, eh?
(Ben gives a slight nod)
All right then, take care…
(Ann walks off)
(Ben takes some moments to watch her walk away then turns to go)
[END FLASHBACK]
SCENE: The Survivors beach - Day. Sawyer, Sayid, Jin, and Bernhard are digging graves. Hurley is nearby and seems to be trying to untangle something,
SAWYER
I don’t see why we can’t just dig one big hole and chuck ‘em all in.
Or just burn ‘em. Most of ‘em are half toast anyways.
JIN
(shakes his head and gestures negatively)
No, no…
(begins saying something in Korean, stops and just shakes his head, resumes digging)
SAWYER
(rolling his eyes)
Oh, what, their ancestors will come at night and …poke us in the eye?!
SAYID
(takes a breath)
They may have been our enemies, but we can still respect them in their deaths.
SAWYER
(grimaces-- then reacts to walkie-talkie chirping,
he brings it out to respond, hesitant)
That you Jack?
SCENE: Inside medical station. Background: Survivors going back and forth, looking through stuff. Jack in FOREGROUND, CENTER leaning on a large box, tired.
VIEW: CHANGES back and forth, to whoever is talking--
JACK
(speaking above noise of people in background)
Yeah, we’re at one of the DHARMA stations-- a medical station.
We’ll be bringing some supplies back with us.
I want you to ask Juliet…ask her if there’s anything here,
some records or whatever that she might want to keep.
SAWYER
All right, hold on.
(he looks around)
Hey… Hugo! Have you seen Juliet?
HURLEY
(short distance away, still fiddling with object)
Oh, she’s a…I think she went to the powder palm, y’know?
SAWYER
(nods, talks into walkie)
I’m sorry; the doctor is indisposed at the moment.
Would you like to make an appointment?
JACK
(chuckles)
Alright. We’ll be leaving here in about ten minutes.
If she gets back in time let her know, okay?
SAWYER
Right
(Sawyer puts away walkie and resumes digging)
VIEW: PAN the survivors digging, then over to Hurley - CLOSE on Hurley)
HURLEY
(casually over his shoulder to Sawyer)
You know what’s weird about this place?
SAWYER
(pauses digging just long enough to say--)
Off hand? No, can’t think of a single thing.
HURLEY
(continues fussing with object)
There’s no monkeys.
Y’know, with the jungle, all the tropical stuff, you’d think there’d be monkeys.
SAWYER
(stops, takes breath)
Hurley…That would be on a jungle continent, like… Africa. We’re in the middle of the ocean.
(continues digging)
HURLEY
Yeah, I suppose you’re right. It’s probably just as well.
If there were monkeys they’d probably be throwin’ things at us from the trees.
Y’know like, doin’ that ‘claiming their territory’ thing.
(turns to Sawyer)
Oh, hey, y’know what they throw sometimes?--
SAWYER
(stops again)
--HUGO! Does it seem to you that I’m not a little busy here?!
Why don’t you…go find Juliet, and discuss this fascinating subject with her?
That way, if you come across some monkeys, she can provide some ammo!
HURLEY
(faces Sawyer and points to him, chortling- then abruptly stops)
Oh, dude… That’s gross.
(Hurley walks off).
CUT TO: The Others climbing foothills - Day. The foliage is becoming sparse and some of the travelers appear to need a rest.
CINDY
(breathy)
Richard, those first three hills were bad enough, but this one…
(smiles)
I think the uh…kids may need a break.
RICHARD
Here, let me help you with this
(he takes a bundle that Cindy has been carrying)
CINDY
…Thanks.
RICHARD
It’s not too far now…
(gestures ahead)
…just past those trees.
VIEW: A small stand of trees, four on each side of them as they approach. They do not appear to be a tropical variety; but squat and gnarled with age. The only other kind of foliage is low brush, and sparse as the ground grows rockier. Passing through the trees they come to a ‘wall’ of thirty flat stones lying against the side of a towering sheer rock face that appears to block their way.
CLOSE on Cindy who looks ahead and up.
CINDY
Wha…?
RICHARD
(leans towards Cindy)
Why don’t you and the kids take a break?
This’ll take a minute or so.
(faces towards some Others and gestures for them to come forward)
Jason, Rob, Sean-- give me a hand here, eh?
VIEW: The four of them approach the two middle flat stones and struggle to part them. The stones move outward as a gate. Dense, hanging foliage can be seen behind the stones.
RICHARD
(addressing Cindy and others resting)
Okay…through here.
(all rise and enter the opening,
Cindy tentatively separates the foliage before going through)
VIEW: From within the foliage, somewhat dark. This turns out to be a pass thru the rock face. As they carefully continue the vines become less dense, more light. Reaching a clearing, they come upon a large, ancient pillar. Beyond this is an overgrown stone-paved courtyard, in the center of which is a man-made circular pool. On the opposite end of the courtyard is a great stone head, leaning against another pillar. Eleven pillars on each side of the head extend in a semi-circle around the courtyard, and in two straight lines beyond it; these support a structure behind. As they draw closer to the stone head its unusual sculpting appears, though carved with realistic features, as if several human figures had been ‘balled up’ and shaped into a head.
CLOSE on stone head.
[FLASHBACK]
VIEW: Same view of head - Day but overcast. Richard passes by- VIEW follows him, entering the structure behind. The structure is for the most part open-walled, with a high ceiling, but nearby rock outcroppings cast some shadow and provide a windbreak. Others are milling about within; some are tending to those who have grown more ill. Richard is approached by Ben who hands him a case. They are joined by Isabel, who does not look much younger than present.
RICHARD
Ben…it‘s good to see you.
BEN
There should be enough for three doses each. After that…
(shrugs, then looks around)
Richard, how is your wife?
RICHARD
She’s feverish…delirious…we’ve had to restrain her, she…
(shakes his head)
BEN
(hesitantly)
Richard…the vaccine should be fine for those not infected…but…
(sighs, lowers head)
RICHARD
(pained, almost sobbing)
Why…how could this happen?
Are… they doing this…on purpose?
BEN
I don’t know…but does it matter?
Just their presence here--
ISABEL
--Benjamin, you‘ve been such a great help.
A good friend who has stood with us through this struggle.
He would liked to have thanked you Himself but…
But we will run out, eventually, and--
BEN
--I know.
(looks away)
I’ve been giving that some thought.
ISABEL
And…?
BEN
(turns back to her)
…And I think I should go up.
ISABEL
(slight smirk)
Ben. I know you mean well, but you don’t understand…
BEN
I understand this situation….I understand I have to do more than just ‘mean well’!
I understand everything you have taught me, and I am certain I am to do this!
ISABEL
(sighs, shakes head slowly)
Well, what you can be certain of is that you understand less than you think.
But…maybe this can be a learning experience.
We’ll have to stop here for awhile anyways, so, little matter.
(she turns aside, gestures him forward)
All right, go on.
(she looks around to those nearby)
We’ll go with you as far as the stairs.
RICHARD
Go ahead…I’ll catch up.
(hurries over to someone who is watching over a semi-conscious Loraine)
Stay with her please, I’ll be right back.
(the Other nods, Richard leaves)
CUT TO: Atop a large rock shelf apparently above the temple courtyard area. Isabel, Ben and a few Others are standing there as Richard clambers up. The ocean in distant background; they are at quite a high elevation.
ISABEL
(gestures towards a steep mountainside)
Well, there you go, Ben--the way to the heart of the temple.
VIEW: A series of steps cut into the surface of the mountainside, zigzagging high up to a dark crevasse, from which a slight wisp of smoke issues. Ben walks up a couple of stairs and turns to face the first flight of steps sidling upwards. He looks back to the others, perhaps doubtful.
ISABEL
(lightly condescending)
Go on.
That first flight is only ten steps, and there are only three more just like it.
Oh…You may not want to look down.
We’ll be waiting for you…down below.
VIEW: Back on Ben. He turns with resolve, and begins to ascend the stairs.
[END FLASHBACK]
SCENE: Survivors beach - late afternoon. Those who were digging are finishing the burials. Sayid looks up to see a figure approaching along the shoreline. He taps Sawyer and points. Sawyer looks to see--
SAWYER
Desmond?
(they both drop their shovels and hurry to Desmond)
SAWYER
You…you alright?
DESMOND
Aye…or not.
SAYID
You’re alone.
HURLEY (OFF SCREEN)
(loudly from a short distance)
Where’s Charlie?
VIEW: On Hurley, standing about 15 yards away, confused expression. VIEW back to Desmond who takes a deep breath and then just looks down.
(BREAK)
SCENE: Survivors beach - Evening. Jack and party are returning, Juliet is with them. As they come on to the beach Juliet is met by Sayid.
SAYID
Where have you been?
JULIET
I saw them coming, so I thought I’d meet up with them.
JACK
(walks up from behind Juliet)
Sayid?
SAYID
(his gaze lingers on Juliet a moment, then addresses Jack)
Jack, Desmond is back…we need to talk.
VIEW: Pan of the beach. Various happy greetings, mixed with the bad news about Charlie. Rose and Bernhard embrace, Jin with his arm around Sun as they talk, Juliet begins coordinating care of Naomi. Desmond is speaking to Jack and Sayid and Sawyer joins them. Kneeling nearby is Ben overseen by Danielle, Alex and Karl.
CLOSE on this group.
JACK
Has someone told Claire?
SAWYER
(nods)
…Yeah.
JACK
All right, let’s not spread the rest of this around just yet.
(to Desmond)
Are you sure about this?
DESMOND
I don’t know the conversation he had with Penny.
All I know is what he wrote.
BEN
It’s a shame Jack that you weren’t forewarned about this-- Oh wait…
DANIELLE
You want me to hit him again?
ALEX
(grimaces, looks at her mother sidelong, mutters)
…uhh, ‘mom‘?
JACK
(shakes his head smirking, waves away the ‘offer‘)
…No
DESMOND
(has drawn closer to Danielle, Alex)
So, you’ve got your Alex back…that’s lovely…
(faces down towards Ben, who looks up)
So then, where’s my Elizabeth?
CUT TO: Hurley stands alone nearer the shoreline, away from the crowd, looking mournfully out over the ocean. Kate walks up to him hesitantly, carrying a small package.
KATE
Hey, I brought ya back somethin’…some batteries.
Now you got your jams back.
HURLEY
Mm…thanks.
(pause, still looking out to sea)
I thought I had ‘my jams’ back.
KATE
(awkward pause)
Um, Hurley--
HURLEY
--Claire knows, right?
KATE
Yeah.
HURLEY
How is she?
KATE
Well, maybe you should go see her. The both of you were closest to Charlie.
HURLEY
(considers, then speaks mostly to himself)
Yeah, go see how she is.
(walks off)
CUT TO: Back to Jack and company still discussing Desmond’s report.
SAWYER
So where does this leave us?
Whoever sent that boat, it’s comin’.
SAYID
Maybe if I can talk to Naomi again…
JACK
(shakes his head)
That’s not gonna happen for a while.
SAWYER
Can’t you contact them again?
(sarcastically)
As crazy as this may sound, talkin’ with them might clear things up.
JACK
Since that storm caught up with them I haven’t been able to get through.
(shakes head)
I’m not one to believe a palm reading can tell your future.
VIEW: to Ben who is looking away, but listening.
[FLASHBACK]
SCENE: Ben has climbed the stairs, and is now making his way through the dark, narrow crevasse. The fissure is leading downwards and the air is getting warmer as he descends. Soon, a dull orange light is visible ahead. Ben finally comes to the end of the fissure, which opens up to a large cavern. Directly at his feet is a lava flow, its source on his left, from another fissure in the cavern wall, leading down to his right and off into darkness. Directly across from him, on the opposing cavern wall, is a set of double doors. The doors gleam golden in the dim light and are embossed with the image of a tree, with a doorknob centered on each door, the handles of which are shaped as a cross with two opposing crescents (facing outwards) bisecting the horizontal line . The lava flow between him and the doors is about 30 feet wide.
BEN
(distraught)
How am I…?
FEMALE VOICE (OFFSCREEN)
Yes, Ben, how--and when.
BEN
(turns around quickly)
Isabel?
VIEW: Ben stops short by what he sees. Standing behind, back up the fissure he descended he sees his mother, about 15 feet away.
BEN’S MOM
Is this now your time Ben?
BEN
Mom, you…you’re still here…
BEN’S MOM
Yes Ben, here in the heart. Always in the heart.
BEN
It’s been so long since…I thought you were…gone.
BEN’S MOM
Aren’t you the reason I’m here in the first place?
BEN
(taken aback with grief and dread)
Y-you… blame me too?
BEN’S MOM
No. There is no guilt on destiny’s path.
Ben, look to the future, not the past.
As you have been taught:
“Through the world’s travail
And life’s long trial
In the end will prevail
The Child of the Isle”
BEN
Then mom…
(looks back towards doors)
…help me now…
How am I to get over there?
How do I cross…?
(he looks up to some familiar but unwelcome sounds coming from high above.)
VIEW: The vaulted ceiling resonates with a whirring, clicking and growling sound. From an opening somewhere in the ceiling comes the Smoke Monster. Ben turns in terror and calls out--
BEN
Mom--
She is gone. The smoke monster comes down to a point in between Ben and the doors, hovering above the lava. There it stops, and does nothing. Ben is frozen in apprehension until he notices the smoke monster is not moving. He stops to consider, then tries to move sideways along the lava flow, barely finding a foothold where he can see around the smoke monster at the doors. After pondering the doors a moment, he brings out a canteen, pours some water in a cup, drinks some, and then flings the rest towards the door. What little makes it to the door sizzles on contact and steams away. Ben rolls his eyes, overwhelmed. Then he stops to think, slowly an idea begins forming. After a few moments he leans forward as far as he dare and scrutinizes the door. He then kneels beside the lava, brings out a knife, and heats it over the lava. Through all of this the smoke monster does nothing. He takes the heated knife back and then, bracing himself, he presses the dull edge into his hand, grimacing in pain.
CUT TO: The Others are grouped in the pillared structure; some talking softly, some weeping. Richard covers the head of his deceased wife and weeps. A boy in his mid-teens leaves the side of another body being covered up by several Others, and approaches Isabel who stands alone in thought.
ISABEL
Sean, how is He?
SEAN
(hesitates, slight sobbing)
Henry is gone as well, ma’am.
ISABEL
(nods and momentarily closes her eyes)
I see…
SEAN
(pause)
If we’re going to wait around much longer, maybe we should take this time to bury--
ISABEL
--Not here. Besides, I’m sure Ben should be done sulking by now,
I expect him any minute.
SEAN
So you don’t think he was able…
ISABEL
(grimaces)
I think he may have learned something.
BEN (OFF SCREEN)
As a matter of fact, I have.
VIEW: On Ben as he enters the structure. He looks haggard but walks with a purpose. Others gather near as he approaches. He stops atop a small block of stone that lies among the ruin, which raises him a head high above the rest.
BEN
I have entered in--
ISABEL
(scoffs, incredulous)
VIEW: On Isabel frowning as she pushes through others to get to Ben. She stops before him, looks up into his face, squarely into his eyes. They both share a moment of determined expression, then, she grabs his hands and holds them palms up. On each is a burn mark, shaped as a cross with two opposing crescents bisecting the horizontal line. Isabel backs away, stunned and uncertain. CLOSE on Ben, who looks up from her and addresses the group--
BEN
--and the voices spoke in unison.
(CLOSE IN on Ben’s Face)
I now know what we must do!
[END FLASHBACK]
(BREAK)
SCENE: Hurley approaches Claire who is a short distance away from the main beach area, leaning with her back against a rock and clutching Aaron close, rocking him sullenly.
HURLEY
(pause, softly)
Claire, I…I’m sorry…I’m sorry I wasn’t there with him.
Maybe I could’ve…
CLAIRE
No, Hurley, you couldn’t have. No one could.
HURLEY
Well…
CLAIRE
I’m sure you would’ve tried, but it wouldn’t have mattered
(slight sobbing)
No, I’m the one who should be sorry.
After all, it’s my fault.
HURLEY
(taken aback)
No-- No way it’s your fault. How can…
CLAIRE
But it is…
(looks away)
I was warned, wasn’t I…?
HURLEY
Warned? You mean Des--?
CLAIRE
(still looking away, talking half to herself)
…There were always those mixed feelings when I would see Charlie hold Aaron,
beaming like a ‘daddy‘.
It made me smile, and then the doubt would return…I was told…
HURLEY
Told what Claire?
CLAIRE
(pause, she faces back to Hurley)
Only I can raise Aaron.
HURLEY
What, Desmond told you that?
CLAIRE
No, no. Someone back home. Someone who…felt strange about the baby.
I didn’t believe him then, I normally don’t go in for that psychic stuff.
HURLEY
(confused)
A psychic…?
CLAIRE
He made it out like there was some kind of doom or curse if I didn’t.
HURLEY
What? How can you believe in some cur…?
(stops abruptly as he realizes what he is about to say. He pauses to ‘mentally regroup‘, then--)
Claire, did you know…that I killed someone today?
CLAIRE
(astonished)
…Hurley?!
HURLEY
Yep. I did. And you know how?
I used that van. Y’know, that thing that got me all stoked and, like, all positive?
That’s what I did with it.
CLAIRE
(looks down then back to him, speechless)
HURLEY
I had someone say something like that to me too.
Not a psychic…well…maybe psycho…
But-- was he right? Seemed like it.
It was like nothin’ could go right, just wrong. Really wrong.
Now all this…and I did what I did. So is he right?
Or…or maybe should I just think that whatever I tried to do was right,
and maybe that’s all that matters?
I did what I did for my friends. Nobody made me do it, and nobody
made Charlie do what he did for his friends. I can accept what I did.
If we can accept some fate from some guy who doesn’t even care about us,
then we can at least accept Charlie’s fate as something from someone who cared.
(Claire takes this in, and as she begins to sob, Hurley embraces her)
CUT TO: To Jack and company again still gathered and talking.
JACK
Well, we’re not going to get anything settled ‘til we all get some rest.
I’m ready to sleep for the rest of the week.
BEN
I suppose I’ll be retiring to the executive suite much like you had for me before.
How nice, I was beginning to forget what sleep was…
SAWYER
Ohhh no, Not you Bunny-boy. You’re scheduled for latrine duty in an hour.
Thought you might dig that.
BEN
(If looks could kill)
KATE
So what are we gonna do with him?
DANIELLE
I can think of a few things…
SAWYER
(mainly just to Ben)
What we need is a nice big wire cage, so that ol’ Benji Cottontail here can feel secure.
JACK
(responding to Kate, not Sawyer)
Well…I suppose…
SAYID
Jack…we’ll take care of it. Get some sleep.
CUT TO : The temple courtyard. Others are milling around, eating, talking, etc.
CLOSE on Richard, Cindy, Isabel and some Others in a discussion. Sean, now a grown man, approaches Isabel
SEAN
If we’re going to wait around much longer, maybe we should set up camp.
ISABEL
No, not here. Hopefully Ben should be along soon.
RICHARD
So, do you think he was able…?
ISABEL
I think if we wait, we’ll find out when he gets here.
LOCKE (OFF SCREEN)
I think you’ll be wasting your time…
(John Locke walks in among them)
…Ben won’t be coming.
(BREAK)
CUT TO: Survivor’s beach - Night. Most are still asleep but some have awoken after a long nap. Close in on Jack’s hut. Jack, Sayid, and Jin are standing outside of hut. Hurley is approaching.
JACK
We got somebody watching Ben?
SAYID
Bernard…and Vincent.
(smiles)
Curious, I’ve never heard the dog growl like that before.
JACK
Y’know, you may not want to put Sawyer on sentry duty, at least not alone.
SAYID
Don’t worry, I would always make sure that Danielle or someone was with him.
(Jack looks back to Sayid, who is wearing an exaggerated grin. Hurley walks up, yawning.)
HURLEY
Hey, what’s up?
SAYID
Hey Hurley, get some sleep?
HURLEY
(starts putting batteries into his player)
As best I could, I suppose…
JACK
Hurley are you doin’ all right?
(Hurley shrugs, still fussing with player. Jack, Sayid, Jin glance at each other).
JIN
Hurley, come with me?
I left nets drying by the lagoon, help bring them back?
HURLEY
(shrugs)
Sure.
(Jin pats him on the back and they both leave. Jack and Sayid enter hut)
VIEW: Inside of hut. Desmond, Sawyer and Juliet are already inside, seated. Jack and Sayid sit.
JACK
Everybody get some sleep?
(all give some half-hearted indication ‘yes’)
SAYID
Juliet, how is Naomi?
JULIET
With everything she’s been through, I’m surprised she’s made it this far.
SAWYER
If she kicks it, what are we gonna tell her people?
JACK
(shrugs)
I’m not sure when we’ll be in contact again.
DESMOND
And should we be? We don’t know who these people are.
SAWYER
They’re people with a boat, and Ben don’t like ‘em.
Way I see it, the enemy of my enemy…
DESMOND
They could be our enemy too.
Charlie died giving me that message, I can‘t just ignore his last words.
JACK
Look, they are still some ways out, we have some time.
If Naomi pulls through, she may clear things up.
DESMOND
Then if we have time, there’s something else we can do.
(he pulls out scuba mask)
Back at the underwater station, there’s sufficient equipment to do a little recon of that freighter.
JACK
We don’t even know its position.
DESMOND
As I said, there’s equipment.
I can do this-- and after all, Naomi says I’m the one they are looking for.
If I am caught, I should be able to talk to them.
SAYID
The fact that they are looking for you is precisely why you shouldn’t go.
You may be in the most danger if caught.
I am less likely to be caught, therefore I should go.
JACK
Hold on. What do you expect to accomplish with all this?
SAYID
If I could get on board, information in the captain’s room should tell us what to expect.
If I am caught, I will merely say I’ve come to make contact as the storm has disrupted our communication. How they talk to you afterwards should be very telling.
If they allow me to speak to you, what I will say will be prearranged before I go,
depending on what I’ve found. Either way, we can find out for sure.
SAWYER
In that case, why sneak on board?
Just paddle up to ‘em, say hey, and do your code talkin’ after you’re on board.
‘least that way you’re less likely of gettin’ yourself shot.
SAYID
I would prefer to get as much information as I can before hearing their version of it.
JULIET
(wry)
You guys secretly like this stuff, don’t you?
JACK
I don’t like it at all.
Look, let’s just wait and see if Naomi recovers.
If in a day or so she’s still out, we’ll make a decision then.
(Desmond and Sayid reluctantly ascent. Jack nods.)
Okay, let’s try to get some more rest.
CUT TO: Jin and Hurley are walking back to the beach camp along the shoreline, each carrying nets. Hurley stops and examines what he’s carrying.
HURLEY
Aw crap. I forgot my disc player back at the lagoon.
(laying nets on the ground)
Jin, just go ahead, I’ll catch up with ya.
Jin nods and continues onward. Hurley turns and hurries back along the rocky shoreline. Soon he arrives back at the lagoon. As he searches for the player, he hears something:
FAINT MALE VOICE
Hurley…
Hurley looks up and around, then dismisses the sound, resumes searching. Then again, a whisper that seems to come from all around him.
VOICE
Hurley…
HURLEY
(stops again, looks back and around)
Jin? Is that you?
There is no answer, and he nervously resumes his search. He finally finds the player near the water’s edge. As he stoops to pick it up, again the voice calls, somewhat closer.
VOICE
Hurley…
As Hurley is picking up the player, he sees a dim glow out of the corner of his eye, below the water. Slowly turning his head in mounting fear , his eyes widen as he sees, surrounded in pale greenish light, the figure of Charlie Pace standing under the water looking up at him, lips unmoving:
VOICE OF CHARLIE PACE
…Hurley…there’s something I want you to do…
(BLACK)
L O S T
POSTSCRIPT
‘Easter Eggs’
(1)
Ann O’Gotic is an anagram for ‘Contagion’
(2)
The Way to the ‘Heart’:
“Richard, those first three hills were bad enough, but this one…”
4 Hills
A small stand of trees, four on each side of them as they approach 8 Trees
thirty flat stones lying against the side of a towering sheer rock face stones number
[They] approach the two middle flat stones and struggle to part them 15 & 16
Reaching a clearing, they come upon a large, ancient pillar…
…Eleven pillars on each side of the head… 23 Pillars
Ben walks up a couple of stairs and turns
to face the first flight of steps sidling upwards…
“That first flight is only ten steps,
and there are only three more just like it”
42 Steps
(3)
The marks Ben burned into his palms (as if he had burned them on the knobs of the double doors) corresponding to the palm of the hand in the ‘valley image’--
This ‘mark’ is alike to the symbol on the tree where Juliet had ‘medicines stashed’ in a previous episode (The infamous ‘Claire Implant’ debacle).
© 2007 johnyc