Edifice (4)
Hawkins looks out the window. HAWKINS I said, how bad do you want him? Spivey looks over at Hawkins and laughs. SPIVEY Tryin’ to blackmail me Jack? You don't have a thing to bargain with. Suddenly Hawkins pulls the emergency brake, sending the car into a spin. It stops with a thud when it hits a tree just off the right side of the road. Spivey glares at him. SPIVEY ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FRIGIN’ MIND? YOU COULD HAVE KILLED US! Spivey backs the car up and jumps out to survey the damage. He looks down at the dent in the front fender and cusses. He peers down both sides of the deserted road, then up at the sun, which is blaring. In the car, Hawkins is busy unplugging the handset from the mobile phone and putting it in his pocket. Reaching into the back seat, he retrieves a portable cooler, steps out of the car and carries it over to the tree. SPIVEY Look what you did to my beautiful car! Now what the hell are you doing? Jack, I need you to help me pull out this fender. Setting the cooler down under the shade, Hawkins pulls out a beer, then sits on the cooler. HAWKINS Frank, if you don't tell me what's going on, right now, I'm just going to beat the hell out of you until you do. What's the NRO up to? Spivey looks over at Hawkins and smiles. He makes a mad dash to the car. Jumping in, he locks all the doors. SPIVEY YOU’RE FUCKED, JACK! He starts searching for the keys. Finding none, he searches for the mobile phone. Once he realizes they are gone, he rests his head on the steering column. Hawkins pulls the keys from his pocket and shakes them for Spivey to see. HAWKINS I’M FUCKED? NO NO, FRANK; YOU ARE FUCKED! After a quick swig from his beer, he smiles at Spivey. HAWKINS YOUR GONNA GET AWFULLY HOT IN THAT BIG BLACK BOMB FRANK. Spivey raises up from the steering column and opens the door a crack. SPIVEY There'll be a car along soon, and when that happens, you're career is over . . . Jack. Hawkins burps. HAWKINS You know I'm not an idiot Frank. I knew my career was over with the minute I let you talk me in- to perverting my investigation. INT. RESTAURANT AFTERNOON Jesse is drinking a large beer from a German stein as Abe finishes taking in the last of his deer steak. Once they’ve had enough, they sit back in their chairs and simultaneously open the top button on their pants. ABE So how does it feel to be dead? JESSE Very strange. I saw everything that you saw. I was looking down on my body when Isaac touched it. I no longer had a sense of feeling. I was in a sort of . . . ethereal state. ABE Excuse me, college boy? JESSE I didn't know if I was comin’ . . . or goin’. ABE (laughing) Isaac can affect a body that way. So, tell me, how did it feel to have an entire truck motor fall right through your chest? I mean, . . . did it hurt? JESSE Hell yes it hurt farm boy. It felt like a giant foot squashed the life out of me. ABE I told you that truck was beyond fixin’. Will you believe what I say from now on? They both smile. JESSE Tell me again about the message. They lean toward one another and begin speaking in low tones. EXT. ROADSIDE LATE AFTERNOON Beer cans litter the area where Hawkins is getting a buzz on. He looks over at the now shirtless Spivey who is covered in sweat. Spivey spots a semi in his rearview. He quickly puts his emergency-flashers on and begins to wave his shirt out the drivers-side door. The driver of the truck slows until he sees Hawkins, standing by the side of the road, swigging a beer, throw something at his truck wheels. The driver quickly speeds off, crushing the mobile phone beneath his tires. Hawkins smiles at Frank and waves him over. HAWKINS Come on out Frank. You don't have to tell me. Spivey opens the door fully and starts to get out. HAWKINS Now I'm gonna beat the shit out of you, for general purposes. Spivey slams the door and secures the locks again. HAWKINS You, that car and the system have a lot in common Frank. You bought the car for the same reason you bought into the system, for security. Now, even though your both fully equipped with all the safety features, your still just two over-priced agents of transit. Hey, remember high school, Frank? Hawkins shakes up a can of beer, pokes a hole in the bottom, then shotguns it. Spivey is busy searching for ignition wires. Finding none, he stares back at Hawkins, who is now intoxicated. HAWKINS Can't hot-wire it, can you? You see? That's what the system does to you Frank. Eventually you’re taken prisoner by the security mechanism. You know, if you had any spine at all, you'd try to make a run for it. (beat) Wait a minute, that’s right isn't it? You never did have any guts. That brings up another question. Hawkins stands, sways a bit, then shouts at Spivey. HAWKINS WHO WANTED ME SET UP, FRANK? Spivey remains stubbornly silent and stares at Hawkins. HAWKINS Last six pack, Frank. When it's gone, so are you. I'm gonna drag your ass so far out in the desert, it'll take an archeological dig to find your backbone. Spivey has had enough. He opens the car door, steps out and slams it. By now, Jack is urinating on the side of the tree. SPIVEY Alright, alright Jack. I'll tell you. I'm sick of this shit anyway. You want to know what they're up to? World War III Jack, . . . they're up to World War III. INT. RESTAURANT NIGHT JESSE You were right to keep him a secret Abe. The bastards I used to work for would just love to get their hands on someone like Isaac. Has he given you any in- dication to what his plans are? ABE He's six years old. What kind of plans can he be havin? JESSE It's obvious he's a higher life form than we are. ABE Are you sayin’ my son’s an alien? JESSE Do you know anyone else that can raise the dead? ABE Well, no. Sarah and I figured it was a gift from God. JESSE I'm sure it is. The word alien is just a figure of speech. Jesus was foreign to all those around him, yet people still flocked from miles around to watch an empath, heal the sick and raise the dead. ABE Empath? JESSE It's from the word empathy or empathize. In psychology it means to enter into another’s feelings or spirit, like a witch doctor. ABE My boy ain't no witch doctor. JESSE (chuckling) Don't I know it. In the history of mankind, there’s only one other documented instance of the kind of empathic power Isaac possesses; and that man was Jesus Christ. ABE Well there you go. Sarah and I believe he came from the Lord too. Why don’t you believe it? JESSE You know me Abe. I'm more apt to believe in Martians than in Messiahs. ABE Why? JESSE Because Messiahs are supposed to be our saviors, and I just don't see a whole lot of savin’ goin’ on. Abe raises an eyebrow to him. JESSE I know Isaac saved my life, but that's not what I mean. Aliens have technology much greater than ours. When Christ walked the earth, he had a hands-off attitude toward the Roman Empire; as if he followed a prime dir- ective, not to interfere with other life forms. Sure, if a life is in eminent danger, they might intervene; but extraterrestrials mainly observe. God on the other hand supposedly created us. He can intervene any time he wants. So why doesn't he? The world is in a hell of a lot of trouble right now and it is quite obvious we have gotten it wrong; yet he does nothing. I mean if you're here to observe, then observe. If your here to save, I think you should save. It's just easier for me to relate to Martians than Messiahs. ABE Where’d you get all that crap? My brother sure filled your head with a whole lotta hooey. JESSE My grandfather was a great man. ABE He was a certified nut. That's why your father left and why I had to take over the farm. No one believed him, not even his own son, but he couldn't let it go. Roswell drove him crazy. JESSE I'm just saying Isaac might be aware of his destiny, ok? Unless you and Sarah are planning to relive your childhood, I'd be having a heart to heart with that youngster, before the two of you get any younger. ABE I don't know much about these things Jesse. Your the college boy. Perhaps you'd like to talk to him? JESSE (smiling) I thought you'd never ask. INT. BLACK SEDAN Hawkins and Spivey are back on the road again. HAWKINS Frank, you don’t need me to find Jesse. You need me to cover your ass one more time in front of the committee. SPIVEY It’s not my call Jack. They want all the bases covered for now. When Judas II is operational, you can charge Schneider and get Jesse off the hook. I know you don't like him, so what is the problem? Hell, his own country gave him to us. HAWKINS I may not like him, but no one deserves you, Frank. I already did my part. I want the rest of my money now. SPIVEY Sorry Jack. Not before the job is over. HAWKINS Tracking down Jesse was not part of the deal. SPIVEY You know the agency Jack; always in a state of flux. We've lost our advantage. Everyone has a big gun now, and they're starting to wave them around. HAWKINS Come on Frank. It's another scam. In order to make the transition from Cold Wars to Star Wars, they have to provide nuclear weapons to the rest of the world. The Military Industrial Complex will do anything to maintain control. How many wars have Americans fought abroad in the name of freedom? Yet right here at home we remain eternal slaves, to a war mongering system. As long as the same people remain in power, World War III is inevitable. SPIVEY That was beautiful Jack. You really are ready for retirement. HAWKINS I've been ready for the last ten years. SPIVEY You've had a long run. You'll find retirement quite pleasant on the money we're paying you; besides, you knew about Jesse's real identity and you never told. HAWKINS You’re saying I don't have any choice? SPIVEY It's like you said Jack, your career was over when you went along with the audit. The only thing you’ve got left to lose now is the money. HAWKINS Frank, since we both know you are far too incompetent to over- see something like this, I have one more question for you. Does the president know you moonlight for the NRO? Spivey does not answer as they pass by a "Welcome to Carlsbad" sign. He pulls into a restaurant parking lot just as Jesse and Abe are pulling out. Abe's truck passes by in a cloud of dust. EXT. FARMHOUSE MORNING Jesse and Isaac are walking toward the field. Jesse is also beginning to look younger. JESSE Isaac, do you know what destiny means? ISAAC At first, my way with men was to hear their words, and give them credit for their conduct. Now my way is to hear their words, and look at their conduct. Jesse smiles as they near the rows of shabby wheat. JESSE Now Isaac, when have you been around men? Why do you always quote Confucius? ISAAC I follow the paths of Chung-ni Confucius, and the Lord, Jesus Christ. My destiny lies where the paths cross. JESSE So, what? Are you here to unify the Far East with the West? He does not answer, but instead, turns toward the river. Jesse follows. As they reach the bank, they both sit down. JESSE Isaac, can you see my future? ISAAC While a man's father is alive, look at the bent of his will; when his father is dead, look at his conduct. If for three years he does not alter from the way of his father, he may be called filial. JESSE Well, my father isn't speaking to me. ISAAC This shall pass. JESSE What do you mean? ISAAC The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is multiplied, and their sin has become exceedingly grievous. JESSE Is something going to happen? To L.A.? . . . To my father? ISAAC Things that are done, it is needless to speak about; things that have had their course, it is needless to remonstrate about; things that are past, it is needless to blame. JESSE What do I need to do? ISAAC Follow me, and let the dead bury the dead. JESSE That’s not the kind of answer I was looking for. I've noticed that your mother and father are getting younger, as you get older. ISAAC Yes. This too shall pass. JESSE What else will pass, Isaac? Isaac looks sadly out across the river. ISAAC While his parents are alive, the son may not go abroad to a distance. If he does go abroad, he must have a fixed place to which he goes. JESSE Abroad? Do you have a fixed place? ISAAC The foxes have lairs, the birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. Jesse smiles as he skips a rock across the water. As it lands on the opposite bank, Isaac smiles. JESSE Are you trying to tell me you’re, . . . the Messiah? Isaac does not answer. Jesse skips another rock to the opposite bank and Isaac smiles again. JESSE Would you like to learn how to do that? ISAAC Yes, I would please. Isaac stands up, runs across the river water, retrieves the rock and runs back. He hands it to Jesse, then sits down. JESSE I'll make you a deal. I'll show you how to skip rocks if you show me how to do that. Isaac cocks his head to one side. ISAAC Show you how to do what? EXT. STREETS OF CARLSBAD DAY Hawkins and Spivey are walking from shop to shop, showing a picture of Jesse to those they meet. They begin talking as they exit one of the shops. SPIVEY Do we even know if this is the right town Jack? HAWKINS This was your idea, not mine. I'd just as soon move on. SPIVEY We aught to stop back by that restaurant on the way out of town. Maybe someone there has seen him. HAWKINS You didn’t ask last night? SPIVEY I was tired. Why didn't you? HAWKINS Like I said, this was your . . . SPIVEY I know it was my idea, Jack, but that doesn't mean I do it alone. You better start giving me a little cooperation. They still hold your last paycheck, . . . remember? HAWKINS How can I forget, when you keep reminding me every ten minutes? I do hope we can get together just one more time, once this is over . . . Frank? SPIVEY I don't think so; you see, unlike you, I'll still have a job, and I do it well. That's why they keep me around. HAWKINS Ass-kissing is not much of a job, Frank, . . . so it must be your enthusiasm. SPIVEY Up yours Jack. HAWKINS Good comeback. You've got some brown stuff there on your nose, Frank. SPIVEY Life hasn't been kind to you has it? HAWKINS I'd say God and I aren't on very good speaking terms. SPIVEY I know you lost your wife, Jack, but don't take it out on me. I'm just doing my job. HAWKINS You are lower than whale shit you know that? SPIVEY No one forced you to take a bribe. . . HAWKINS . . . and I feel like shit for doing it. But you, . . . you're betraying your country. SPIVEY Blame it on the information high- way. It seems no one can keep a secret anymore. The world no longer believes our lies, so we're back to using blackmail. Survival of the fittest, Jack. Some principles just never die. Enough of this crap. I think it would be best if we split up, we'll make better time that way. You take the left side of town and I'll take the right. We'll meet back at the restaurant at six o'clock. INT. LIVING ROOM DAY The Lots are conversing in the living room. Isaac is in his room, playing with a toy airplane while glancing at THE TERMINATOR on his small TV. JESSE I'm not an interpreter of ana- Lects, Abe; I can only venture a few guesses. Isaac said his destiny lies where the paths of Christ and Confucius cross. He says that while our parents are alive, we may not go abroad, unless we go to a fixed place. Your son is just a tad morose. We mostly discussed the death of our parents and the end of Los Angeles. I think what he's saying is that we have some place to go, but not until our parents have passed on. ABE Passed on? We're feelin’ younger everyday. Why would we pass on? JESSE You know, I am too. But he says it won’t last. ABE Well what about this . . . this fixed place? JESSE I asked if he had a fixed place and he said the son of man has no place to rest his head. ABE Where the hell, I mean, where is he getting these messages from? And why doesn't he tell us this himself? We are his
Copyright © 2000 David Duane Fortner |