BLACK CRYSTAL

BLACK CRYSTAL

WRITTEN BY

KENDALL OLIPHANT

FADE IN:

EXT. WASHINGTON DC - NIGHT

CAPTION ON THE SCREEN "AMERICA'S 2100AD"

Washington DC is in ruins, the capital buildings dome has a huge whole in it

DISSOLVE

EXT. NEW YORK CITY-NIGHT

Shot of the Statue of Liberty leaning to one side 30 degrees with the torch broken off

DISSOLVE

EXT. HIGH IN THE MOUNTAINS-DAY

Shot of an empty MISSILE silo

DISSOLVE

EXT. MOSCOW-DAY

A shot of the Kremlin in flames

DISSOLVE

EXT. KARACHI-DAY

A shot of Pakistani medical workers treating the dead and sick

DISSOLVE

EXT. CHINA-DAY

A thousand foot crater replaces a large portion of the

GREAT WALL

DISSOLVE

EXT. JERUSALEM-DAY

Thousands of mourners pray outside the Wailing Wall

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. DESERT - DAY

A sign sticking out of the sand reads "Home of the Braves" The winds howl, stirring the sand up into a blinding storm.DALLAS narration begins as the camera pans the nothingness of the area

DALLAS
The last years of the twenty-first century would be forum for more change than that of any previous theatre.The world chess board saw many moves and counter moves.In the end every player claimed victory.In reality neither Capitalism nor Totalitarianism proved to be the saviours of the masses they claimed to be.The result,was complete world implosion

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HORSEMAN GOVERNMENT AGENCY - DAY

Caption reads "Food Bank"

Hundreds of peasants including RISA line up in front of group of large HORSEMAN SOLDIERs in a warehouse

HORSEMAN SOLDIER
Keep moving, here! Next! Do you have your rations card!

RISA
Yes of course here

HORSEMAN SOLDIER
Here leave!

Risa collects the meagre rations and leaves the food bank with two children in tow

CUT TO:

EXT. HORSEMAN RUN FARM - DAY

DEE, MOM and CHEYANNE toil in the fields, being closely guarded by HORSEMAN GUARDS

DEE
(Sweating under the intense noon heat, walks over to a guard)
Excuse me we've been out hear for four hours, is it possible to get some water?

HORSEMAN GUARD 1
Yes, but it will cost you, what have you got?

The guard attempts to grope at Dees breast

MOM
(Becoming protective)
Hey jerk, get your hands off her, we need some water, get it or shove this rake up your Horseman ass!

HORSEMAN GUARD 1
Take it easy,
(Instructs another guard)
Get them some water

EXT. HORSEMAN RUN FARM - DAY

The guard warns the Black family to get back to work

HORSEMAN GUARD 1
I don't know why Lock keeps you Black clan around you're nothing but problems

MOM
He knows that without us this camp would be chaos

HORSEMAN GUARD 1
Don't be so sure of yourself, it's only time before you and your brats will be out there

Camera pans to a grave yard

MOM
Even if you kill me or my husband, you still have to deal with my children and their children, the Black name will forever haunt you

GUARD
Hmm!

Walks away in disgust .Mom is greeted with smiles from her daughters

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HORSEMAN FACTORY - NIGHT

Kye (POPS) Black winces in pain as he mops the floor of a busy prison work shop, Dallas comes over to help

DALLAS
Is it your back?

POPS
It's nothing

DALLAS
Sit and rest, I'll finish this

Looks up at the guards in disgust .Kye reluctantly takes his sons advice

INT. HORSEMAN FACTORY - NIGHT

A guard comes over to Kye and Dallas

HORSMAN GUARD 2
What's going on here? Why's he not working?

DALLAS
Look he needs a rest, don't worry I'll finish this up

HORSMAN GUARD 2
Yea, and who's doing you're work?

DALLAS
Look! I said it will get done!

HORSMAN GUARD 2
Maybe Pops usefulness has run out, maybe it's time for him to be phased out

DALLAS
You son of a bitch! Try it and I'll rip your heart out!

KYE (POPS)
Dallas let it go
(To the guard)
I'll finish in a minute, okay

HORSMAN GUARD 2
You better old man, Dallas your lucky I'm in a good mood or you would be spending the rest of the week down in the pits

Walks away with a smirk

Yaw enters and steps between the guard and Dallas

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Forget about him, Dallas, relax

DALLAS
I won't lets this place kill me, we were getting out of hear

Dallas seethes as he resumes working

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. PRISON WORK SHOP - DAY

Dallas enters a machine shop and has a hushed conversation with AXLE

DALLAS
We need to talk

AXLE
What about?

DALLAS
I have a plan to get out of here

AXLE
Good, have fun

DALLAS
Look, I've talked with Shortwave this plan will work

AXLE
So what

DALLAS
So, you get to see Risa and your kids, remember them, your wife, my sister

AXLE
What do you need?

DALLAS
Think you can make a detonator?

AXLE
It won't work, the front gate has 20,000 volts running through it

DALLAS
Yes but if we can fool them into thinking the compound is under attack, the guards will increase the power to the front gate, leaving a whole in the back which we can blow through

AXLE
If your wrong we get fried

DALLAS
Shortwave is already doing some tests, are you in?

AXLE
Let me know when your ready, I'll have the switches and the detonators, what do you have in mind for an explosive?

DALLAS
I'll talk to Rig

Dallas notices a guard later

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HORSEMAN PROCESSING PLANT - NIGHT

CANE and RIG discuss the escape plan near the entrance of the plant. Rig a approaches Cane wheeling a barrel towards a truck

RIG
Hey Cane I got the fertilizer Dallas wanted, what use is fertilizer down in production

CANE
Nothing, but mix it with a few gallons of this here and boom

Cane points to a placard on the truck denoting the contents as hazardous

RIG
About time this crap was put to good use, they have been dumping this crap into the rivers for years.How's it coming along?

CANE
A couple of more days

A guard breaks up the meeting

HORSEMAN GUARD 3
Cane you still here?

CANE
Just loading the last barrel, Rig gimme a hand

RIG
My pleasure

HORSEMAN GUARD 3
Hurry up!

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. INFIRMARY - NIGHT

Kye lies on a makeshift bed in the camp infirmary being tended to by NAN, over watched by guards.Dallas and YAW enter causing a commotion

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Hey, guard I need some help here!

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
What is the problem

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Holding Dallas up)

I don't know one minute he was fine and the next minute he collapsed

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Nurse gimme a hand

NAN
Lay him down, over here Nan helps Shortwave lay Dallas onto a bed next to Kye

INT. HOSPITAL INFIRMARY - NIGHT

The guard interrogates Yaw about the problem

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Wake him up and get him back to work!

NAN
Sorry, he's not going any where he's dehydrated and suffering from exhaustion, he needs to stay hear for a couple of days

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
No, he has until tomorrow or I'll personally let Lock deal with him

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Relax, okay give him until tomorrow

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Don't be trying anything Yaw or you'll join your buddy in the pit

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Not me I'm a family man, now gimme a minute to talk to my wife and then I'll get back to work

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
I'm watching you

Exit

INT. HOSPITAL INFIRMARY - NIGHT

Dallas and Yaw let Nan and Kye in on the plan

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(To Dallas)
Okay he is gone

DALLAS
(Opening his eyes)
Finally

NAN
(Noticing the sweat on Dallas)

Christ I thought you where dying, what the hell is this?

DALLAS
A little glycerine trick I saw in a movie, anyway is Pops okay to travel

NAN
He will be fine, what do you want me to do?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Have the girls near the canteen at midnight and grab as many supplies as you can get

NAN
How are you going to get us all out of hear?

DALLAS
Cane makes a nightly run down to the river, there's a bunch of empty barrels out back of the canteen, can you and the girls get to them

NAN
No problem, what about you guys, how are you getting out?

DALLAS
A bit of magic

YAW/SHORTWAVE
I'm not always sure, but this time you'll just have to trust him, look, once you get to the river head east and we will meet up in the morning

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Enough time Yaw, get back to work

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(To Nan)
It will be okay, kiss the girls for me

Yaw exits and Dallas goes back to pretending to be unconscious

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. OUTSIDE THE CANTEEN - NIGHT

Cane backs a truck up to a group of large barrels and steps out and talks to a guard

HORSEMAN GUARD 5
Let me see your papers?

CANE
Same as usual

HORSEMAN GUARD 5
The papers say their only supposed to be four barrels

CANE
What's the difference, look the sooner I get rid of this crap, the better

HORSEMAN GUARD 5
Get loading

Cane begins to load the barrels onto the cargo lift of the truck

CUT TO:

INT. THE PRISONERS BARRACKS - NIGHT

Rig and Axle watch Cane load the Barrels anxiously

AXLE
(Whispering)
Come on hurry up

RIG
Relax, he doesn't want to draw attention

AXLE
I know it's just the thought of getting out of here and seeing Risa and the kids again

RIG
I know how you feel, I hope this crazy plan works

Outside, Cane loads the last barrel and lights a cigarette as a sign he is ready

AXLE
He's ready, Rig you ready?

Reappears wearing an ambulance drivers uniform

RIG
How's it look?

AXLE
Nice work, ready?

Rig nods, Axle makes a bird call, Cane extinguishes his cigarette and drives off

AXLE
Quick the guard

The two run back to their bunks

CUT TO:

INT. INFIRMARY - NIGHT

Yaw stands looking towards the window and hears the bird call, turns towards Dallas sitting on the side of the bed.A guard stands nearby, Pops is being attended to by Nan in the next bed

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Well looks like it's my turn to take Pops into town for his check up

DALLAS
(Faking having trouble standing up)
No, I'll be okay, I'll take him in the morning, give me a hand

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Helps Dallas to his feet)
You sure?

DALLAS
Yea, sure

Dallas falls to the floor

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Guard! Gimme a hand!

INT. INFIRMARY - NIGHT

Yaw crouches over Dallas.Nan steps in and pretends to check for vital signs, the guard intervenes

HORSEMAN GUARD 3
What the hells wrong with him now?

NAN
He's unconscious, he's worse than I thought, he need to go to the hospital

HORSEMAN GUARD 3
Can't you just apply cold compresses?

NAN
No, if he dies it will be your head

HORSEMAN GUARD 3
Christ get him ready, I'll call for the ambulance

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Why not send the two of them together?

HORSEMAN GUARD 3
Fine, it's almost midnight get back to your barracks

YAW/SHORTWAVE
No problem

Yaw gives a smile to Nan and walks out of the infirmary

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. A ROAD ALONG SIDE A RIVER - NIGHT

Cane unloads the last of the barrels, being watched by a guard

CANE
Want to help me here?

HORSEMAN GUARD 5
Just roll them down

CANE
If these things break open, there will be nothing left of you to send home to your kids

HORSEMAN GUARD 5
All right, lets go

Cane and the guard carry a barrel down the bank

EXT. DOWN BY THE RIVER - NIGHT

Cane and the guard bring down the last barrel

HORSEMAN GUARD 5
Christ they are heavy, hurry up and dump them into the river

CANE
Hell with it, they are far enough from the road nobody will spot them, besides don't you want to get back?

HORSEMAN GUARD 5
All right lets go

The guard and Cane exit

EXT. RIVER BANK - NIGHT

Canes truck drives off.A couple seconds later one of the lids on the barrel slides off.Dee emerges from the barrel and pry's off the lid of the next

DEE
All right?

CHEYANNE
(Cough)
Yea, hurry

The two remove the remaining three lids, Christa and Aria climb out

DEE
Girls, give me a hand with Mom

Christa, Aria and Dee pull Mom from the barrel

CHEYANNE
You okay Mom?

MOM
A little woozy, but fine, lets go, everyone follow the river west

All exit

CUT TO:

INT. BUNK HOUSE - NIGHT

Cane arrives back and slides into his bunk

CANE
Yaw, how's everything going

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Great, Dallas went down like he was shot

CANE
He didn't over do it I hope?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
No it looked okay, Nans got them to take Pops tonight too

CANE
Bonus, Rig you ready big guy

RIG
Been ready for ever

CANE
Axle is the surprise ready?

AXLE
By the fence, ready to go

Cane hears the sound of a truck door slamming

CANE
Get ready to go

CUT TO:

EXT. IN FRONT OF AN AMBULANCE - NIGHT

Nan loads Pops in next to Dallas and shuts the doors

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Okay got everything you need?

NAN
Oh wait I forgot my medical bag

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Hurry up!

The guard stands looking around impatiently.Nan re-enters

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Where's the damn driver!

NAN
I don't know

Rig enters disguised as a medical driver

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Where the hell were you?

RIG
(With his collar up and hat pulled over his eyes)
Bathroom

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
Get in!

RIG
(Glances up towards Nan and smiles)
Everybody ready

CUT TO:

EXT. OUT IN THE COURTYARD - NIGHT

Axle, Yaw and Cane crouch down behind a truck and watch the ambulance drive towards the gate

CANE
Go! Go!

Yaw and Axle run towards the fence as Cane steps into the truck

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Got it

AXLE
Yeah

Axle takes out a small explosive device and proceeds to attach it to the barrel sitting along side the fence

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Okay?

AXLE
Got it, lets go

The two run back to the truck and get in

EXT. FRONT GATE OF PRISON - NIGHT

Rig pulls the ambulance up to the GATE GUARD

GATE GUARD
Pass code!

Guard pokes his head through the window

RIG
Fe6ag923, two prisoners out

GATE GUARD
(Checking his log)
Dallas Black, Kye Black, right, wait you're not the regular driver

RIG
(Mumbling)
Sick

GATE GUARD
Something is not right here

NAN
(Distracting the guard)
Look I've got really sick people back their, they need treatment

GATE GUARD
All right, hit the gate

The sound of the power shutting down can be heard, Rig drives out

CUT TO:

EXT. INSIDE THE FENCE - NIGHT

Axle, Cane and Yaw crouch down in the truck

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Okay they are gone, quick before the power comes back on

CANE
Here goes nothing

Cane presses the switch. Big explosion

EXT. THE ESCAPE - NIGHT

The explosion rips a whole in the fence and causes havoc in the prison, guards come running

AXLE
Gun it!

Cane steps on the gas peddle and drives off through the hole and down a slope heading towards a ravine

EXT. ALONG THE ROADWAY OUTSIDE THE CAMP - NIGHT

HORSEMAN GUARD 4
(Hearing the explosion)
Turn back

RIG
Sorry

Nan takes a needle out of her pocket and injects the guard, the guard slumps in the seat.The guard is thrown from the ambulance and then Rig drives off

EXT. FURTHER ALONG THE ROAD - NIGHT

Rig drives slowly looking for his buddies

RIG
Where the hell are they, come on

NAN
Over there!

Cane, Axle, Yaw step from the bushes

RIG
Hurry get in

Nan slides over to let Yaw in the two kiss

INT. BACK OF THE AMBULANCE - NIGHT

Cane and Axle climb into the back of the ambulance.Cane and Dallas clasp hands, Axle hugs Pops.Cane pounds on the truck and the ambulance drives off

FADE TO:

EXT. CLEARING OUTSIDE A FARM HOUSE - DAY

Mom, Dee, Cheyanne, CHRISTA, ARIA struggle towards a ramshackle house a few yards away.A women hangs clothes, looks up and notices her mother and siblings and runs towards them

RISA
(Excitedly)
Mom! ~God how did you get out

MOM
Some wacky plan Dallas and the boys cooked up

RISA
Where are they?

DEE
I hope they got out

CHEYANNE
They will find us

RISA
I know, come on

The ladies head towards the house laughing

INT. RISA'S CABIN - NIGHT

Mom lies in a bed being tended to by Nan and Aria.Dee.Risa, Cheyanne sit around a small table playing with two children age 5 and 2

CHEYANNE
How are you feeling Mom

MOM
I've felt better

RISA
Some decent food and she'll be hanging wallpaper in no time
(laughs)

MOM
(Hearing the sound of a truck approaching the house)
Quick turn the light out

DEE
(Jumps up and blows out the lamp)
Got it!

ARIA
(Peeking out the window)
Christ it's a Horseman vehicle, what the hell do they want

RISA
Relax, everybody be quiet, I'll answer the door

INT. RISA'S CABIN - NIGHT

There's a knock at the door Risa opens the door a crack

RISA
Hello?

She doesn't see anybody and starts to shut the door. A hand reaches through the door

RISA
Screams

AXLE
(Walks through the door)
Miss me

RISA
(Regaining her composure, laughing)
You ass hole!
(Turning into the room)
It's okay, turn on the lamp

INT. INTERIOR OF CABIN - NIGHT

CHRISTA
Did my dad come too?

Axle enters the room followed by Yaw

CHRISTA
Dad!

Christa, Aria and Nan meet Yaw and hug

Axle reaches down and picks both of his children up and is hugged by Risa

INT. INTERIOR OF CABIN - NIGHT

Cheyanne looks out the door and notices Cane

CHEYANNE
Bring him in, hurry

Cane and Rig carry Pops into the cabin, Dallas follows

CANE
Let's put him in the chair

(Pops is placed in a chair next to Moms bed and covered with a blanket.Mom clasps his hand

CHEYANNE
How is he?

CANE
Exhausted and dehydrated, but he's okay

CHEYANNE
How are you?

CANE
Okay, now is everybody happy!

INT. CABIN - NIGHT

The camera moves from Cane and Cheyanne to Rig and Dee, then pans over to the door where Dallas stands emotionless.Dee notices him

DEE
How are you doing kid, I heard you pulled the performance of your life Dallas

DALLAS
(monotone)
It was nothing

Dallas walks over to his parents

DALLAS
It will be all right now

Dallas walks out of the door

INT. INTERIOR OF CABIN - NIGHT

The group discuss Dallas' reactions

DEE
What's wrong with him?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Not getting China and the kids out is bothering him

RISA
It bothers us all

YAW/SHORTWAVE
You know how Dallas is, he takes everything too personal

The sound of something hitting metal is heard

YAW/SHORTWAVE
I'll go talk to him

FADE OUT

FADE IN:

INT. ROOM OF DALLAS - NIGHT

Screen Caption "One Year Later"

Dallas is having a nightmare and begins to thrashing. He flashes back to the prison.Dallas is strapped to a wall in a small dungeon surrounded by leaky pipes Lock enters holding a needle

LOCK
So Dallas are you ready to talk?

DALLAS
Never!

LOCK
Unless you wish to never see your sister and those miserable brats again, I would tell me the names of the people involved in the revolt

DALLAS
I don't know what your talking about

LOCK
Always trying to be a hero, have it your way
(talking to the guard)
Inject him with more mind storm Dallas struggles but succumbs to the hallucinations of his family being tortured.Lock laughs as Dallas screams in pain Cut to the present Dallas leaps from his bed covered in sweat

DALLAS
Christ Lock why do you still haunt me! You have my sister, but you will not have my mind, go to hell!

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. HORSEMAN RAID A VILLAGE - NIGHT

Horseman soldiers ransack a village in armoured vehicles and on foot.Soldiers force their way into a house, kill the male and drag the women and small child out before lighting up the home

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BLACK HOME - DAY

Dallas enters a empty kitchen, lifts a mat covering a door cut into the floor.

DALLAS
(knocking on the hatch)
It's Dallas I got your message, what's the problem?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Yelling out from below)
Come on down

The sound of a bolt lock sliding, Dallas climbs down

INT. BLACK FLAG COMPOUND - DAY

Dallas enters the basement compound, full of makeshift computers and surveillance equipment

DALLAS
So is anybody going to tell me what's going on

POPS
Sit down Dallas, I have grave news to announce to you all

CANE
Something wrong with you or mom?

POPS
No, worse, Horseman troops have captured three villages to the east and killed everybody suspected of being part of the resistance

YAW/SHORTWAVE
That doesn't make sense, Lock knows there's no resistance in those villages

POPS
He's trying to send us a message, we embarrassed him

CANE
Lock is sick, he must be stopped

RIG
For the sake of thousands
(Turning towards Dallas)
Hey Dallas you in there, I know the news is bad but...

DALLAS
Save it funny boy, I'm fine!

A large explosion shakes the home and startles the men

INT. BLACK FLAG CONTROL - DAY

Dust envelopes the dark room, a generator kicks in illuminating the room

CANE
What was that?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
I think they know we are here

DALLAS
(Screaming out) Lock you coward you can't even show you're face! Let's find out how tough you are!

POPS
(Grabs a hold of Dallas)
Look Dallas, not going to prove a thing, for now lets go see if Axle and the girls are okay

DALLAS
You're right, save the speech, lets go

The group begins to exit the shelter

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HORSEMAN CONDITIONING CAMP - DAY

ICE stoops as he drills holes into a wall of a cramped mine.Nearby a WEAKENED MAN drops a rock he is carrying and falls into the mud

ICE
(Whispering)
Get up

WEAK MAN
I can't

ICE
Get up or they will send you to the hole and you know what happens there

The guard enters

HORSEMAN GUARD 6
What's wrong with him?

ICE
Nothing, he slipped in the water, he will be fine

HORSEMAN GUARD 6
(Talking to the weak man)
Then get up!

The man tries to get to his feet but falls back down

HORSEMAN GUARD 6
Never mind, lets go

The man is hauled up and ushered off

WEAK MAN
(Calling back to Ice)
When you get out of here, tell my wife I love her

Ice nods and resumes his work

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HORSEMAN PRISON - NIGHT

A row of metal cells 20 feet square and 10 feet high stretch the length of a corridor.Six sickly men are crammed into each.LOCK enters to taunt KYE III. Lock walks slowly down the corridor past screaming, choking prisoners, then stops in front of a cell that holds the boy Kye. ~Holding a photo

LOCK
Remember her?

KYE III
Who's she?

LOCK
Stupid kid, don't you recognize her? You should it's you're mother

KYE III
Yea so,w hat do you care!

LOCK
My poor, poor boy, I just wanted to see if your mind hadn't been clouded by these idiots who think they can escape me, look at the picture!

KYE III
Look at what!

LOCK
See the two men, the older one's Kye, your grandfather, the other is Dallas Black his putrid son.Those two abandoned you and that mother of yours

KYE III
That's not true!

Lock laughs as he exits, leaving Kye III looking at the picture crying

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BLACK FLAG COMPOUND - DAY

Dallas, Rig, Yaw, Pops and Mom clean up debris

DALLAS
Damn I should have gone after those bastards

POPS
What would you have done then? You would have been out numbered

RIG
And what if they came back? Think about Mom and the girls

DALLAS
Save it Rig! What are we supposed to do? Sit here like ducks in a pond?

RIG
No

DALLAS
Then what do you suggest we do?

MOM
Enough! We aren't sitting here like ducks, we need time to come up with a plan, now help me with this table

DALLAS
Sorry

CUT TO:

EXT. BLACK HOME COURTYARD - DAY

Axle and Cane work on an automobile, while Risa and her kids play nearby

CANE
Something is not right about today

AXLE
What are you talking about, it's ninety degrees out here

CANE
I don't mean that, I mean it's so calm, we've heard nothing from Horseman in a while

AXLE
And that's a bad thing? Hand me a driver will you?

CANE
I guess you're right, anyway why are you wasting you're time on this old sand sled?

AXLE
This babies a classic

CANE
Baby? More like a pensioner

A rumble in the distance shatters the calm

EXT. BLACK COURTYARD - DAY

Horseman soldiers kidnap Cane and Axle

A Horseman vehicle crashes through the gates and stops.A large figure steps from the vehicle

CANE
Hit the ground!

AXLE
Risa take the kids inside!

LOCK
Get them both!

Two Horseman guards grab the men at gun point

CANE
(Struggling)
What the hell do you want!

LOCK
Save your strength, you'll need it, take them away

The guards put the men into the vehicle and drive off

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. HORSEMAN GATHERING ROOM - DAY

The two Horseman guards follow Lock through a set of heavy doors, touting Axle and Cane in front of a group of supporters

LOCK
What shall we do with these traitors?

MAN IN CROWD
Kill them! Kill them!

Another guard brings Jasmine and Kye III into the room

LOCK
The masses have spoken, kill them

The guards walk Cane and Axle past the children

AXLE
You bastard, Lock!

CUT TO:

INT. BLACK HOME - DAY

Dallas and Rig resume their argument

DALLAS
You know Rig, the problem with you is you're all talk, if it was up to me, Lock would be dead by now

RIG
And so would all of us

DALLAS
What the hell do you know!

POPS
Enough! This isn't solving a damn thing!

Risa runs in

RISA
Lock, has got Axle and Cane

POPS
Calm down, what happened?

RISA
Lock and a couple of goons, into the rear gate and grabbed Axle and Cane

POPS
Okay relax, Rig go find Yaw and have everyone gather in the main house, Risa go with him

DALLAS
I'll give you a hand

POPS
No, Dallas stay here, I need to talk to you, alone

Risa and Rig exit

INT. BLACK HOME - DAY

POPS TALKS TO DALLAS

DALLAS
Don't bother with the lecture

POPS
Listen to me Dallas, I want to tell you something before I tell everyone else

DALLAS
Tell me what?

POPS
The other day, I was in town and I heard a rumour from a friend that Lock has been seen with a women that looks like you're sister China

DALLAS
If that's true, why is he keeping her?

POPS
Control, plain and simple, look don't tell anyone yet, like I said it's only a rumour

The two exit

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. LOCKS QUARTERS - NIGHT

Lock rants about the Black family in his luxuriously furnished quarters

LOCK
I will destroy the Black family for good and I will use their own kin to do it, Dallas, you will taste your own blood!

A sound of someone moving along metal alerts Lock, he throws open the door

LOCK
What the hell is that brat up to now!

CUT TO:

INT. AXLE AND CANES PRISON CELL - NIGHT

Kye III sneaks down to confront the men

KYE III
Come out! Come out where ever you are!

CANE
(Jumping from his bunk)
Where's your keeper punk

KYE III
Lock isn't kidding he will kill you and then the rest of the Black family

CANE
Is this another sick joke, because I'm not laughing

AXLE
Why the hell are you on the side of Lock, don't you want to see you're family again?

KYE III
Family! What family?

The confrontation is halted with the sound of a heavy metal door opening

INT. AXLE AND CANES PRISON CELL - NIGHT

LOCK
What the hell is this! You goddam' kid! I found you, your sister and that mother in that stinking town alone, abandoned and brought you here and gave you everything and this is how you repay me!

CANE
Relax, the kid didn't say anything to us

Lock scowls and hurries a crying Kye III off

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. OUTSIDE LOCKS PRISON - NIGHT

Dallas and Rig check out the situation

DALLAS
Okay, if you can cover me I can knock out that search light, that only leaves the guard at the front and one over their

RIG
I hope Lock hasn't beefed up his security or we are dead, ready?

DALLAS
Here goes nothing

Dallas stands and begins firing his machine gun at the search light, return fire forces him back down

RIG
Christ stay down, so much for the theory of only two guards, where's Shortwave!

EXT. YAW/SHORTWAVE SAVES THE DAY - NIGHT

A truck starts up and races toward the gate, smashing through.A hail of bullets bounce off.Dallas and Rig follow behind with guns firing.A guard is hit and falls from his turret.Yaw fires the cannons mounted on the side of the truck, taking out two guards coming from the compound

LOCK
Cease fire!

EXT. HORSEMAN PRISON COURT YARD - NIGHT

Lock approaches the men using Kye III and JASMINE as human shields

DALLAS
(Raises his gun towards Lock)
Come on you ass hole!

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Hold it you'll hit the kids

DALLAS
Let them go Lock!

LOCK
Ah Dallas Black, I almost sensed for a moment that you actually care for these brats

RIG
Look give us the kids and you can keep Cane and Axle

DALLAS
What!

RIG
We will get them out some other time, relax, they can handle it

LOCK
Forget it! Lets go

Lock begins to re-enter his home

EXT. JASMINE FIGHTS BACK - NIGHT

Jasmine bites Lock on the hand and grabs a hold of his pistol from his belt, Lock lets go of Kye III and steps towards Jasmine

JASMINE
Kye! Get down!

Kye drops to the ground as Jasmine fires the gun at Lock, the kick back causes her to drop the gun and fall backwards, the shot misses

LOCK
Nice try, now lets go!

EXT. CANE AND AXLE MAKE THEIR ESCAPE - NIGHT

Cane and Axle step into the courtyard holding two guards

LOCK
What the hell!

AXLE
We were telling the truth, Kye didn't tell us anything, but he did give us something.Axle holds up a key

LOCK
Goddam' punk!

Lock steps towards his gun on the ground

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Grabs the gun)
I'll take that, nice work Jasmine, now Lock tell us where we can find my sister and we will call it a night

LOCK
Go to hell, she's mine

INT. LOCK PRISON YARD - NIGHT

DALLAS
Lock you're such a bastard! You're good at picking on women and children, why don't you try me

Dallas runs toward Lock and tackles him to the ground

DALLAS
Gimme the gun!

CANE
That won't help

DALLAS
The hell it won't

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Come on, we got Axle and Cane and even the kids, we will find China, trust me, let him go

DALLAS
Lock, you should have never messed with this family, remember this, a cornered tiger is the most dangerous animal you can face, I will have my revenge

Lock throws Dallas off and proceeds towards his home

LOCK
(smirking)
I'll be hear

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Dallas everyone is waiting lets go

Dallas gives one last look and steps up into the truck

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BLACK FAMILY MEETING HALL - NIGHT

The Black family is gathered, anxiously waiting for the men to return

RIG
(Enters)
So who died?

DEE
Well what happened?

Axle and Cane enter

AXLE
Nothing, just another night in Casa Lock

CANE
What do you mean nothing? A night without Moms home cooking, you call that nothing?

CHEYANNE
(Hugging Cane)
Glad you are back

RISA
Where's Dallas?

CANE
I don't know, I seen him and Yaw stopped in the courtyard

Dallas and Yaw enter smiling

DALLAS
Did I hear my name?

POPS
What are you up to?

DALLAS
Nothing

MOM
Come in I just made a batch of cookies

YAW/SHORTWAVE
I hope you made extra

Jasmine and Kye III break through Dallas and Yaw and run towards Mom and Pops

JASMINE AND KYEIII
Grandma! Grandpa!

Nan, Christa, Aria enter

CHRISTA
It is them, Jasmine! Kye!

Everyone hugs and laughs

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. SUMMER DAY ON THE BLACK FARM - DAY

Caption Reads: 3 Years Later

Axle tosses a football around with his sons Ti 5 Sha 3.Risa feeds a small infant on the front stoop

INT. BLACK KITCHEN - DAY

Mom, Dee and Cheyanne laugh and talk while doing some canning

CUT TO:

EXT. POND NEAR BLACK FARM - DAY

Yaw and Nan sit on the shore watching Christa, Jasmine, Aria and Kye III swim

CUT TO:

INT. BLACK FARM BARN - DAY

Rig and Cane work on a car a two year old child plays nearby

CANE
(Laughing)
Having fun with that hay Maje

CUT TO:

INT. EXERCISE ROOM - DAY

Dallas furiously throws punches at a heavy bag

POPS
(Enters in a wheelchair)
Hey Dallas who you trying to knock out

DALLAS
(Distracted)
Oh hey Pops, sorry, you say something?

POPS
I just wanted to run something past you, got a minute?

DALLAS
Sure, what is wrong?

POPS
I don't know what to make of it, but, I have been hearing reports of Lock being seen up north in Ni3x sector

DALLAS
Really, that doesn't make sense, there's nothing up there but a nickel plating plant and a Horseman camp for women

POPS
I know, that's why this report bothers me, so I want everyone is opinion, come by the house after

DALLAS
Sure Pops, later and rest that back!

Dallas resumes his work out

FADE TO:

FADE IN:

INT. BLACK MEETING ROOM - NIGHT

Pops, Dallas, Yaw, Rig, Cane, and Axle.Sit around a round table

POPS
Like I told Dallas, I don't know what to make of this report, so I want to know what you all think

DALLAS
I can't see Lock wanting anything to do with any up there, it wouldn't be worth him soiling his hands

AXLE
So what's he up to

CANE
I have been up there before, that plant makes plated armour and decking, maybe Lock is looking to beef up his prison?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Wait! Nan once told me about a trip she took up there, to the women's camp to treat a break out of influenza, she said it was a weird trip

RIG
Weird? How?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
She was blind folded and guards everywhere

RIG
A bit of over kill for a women's camp don't you think?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
It gets even weirder, Nan said that she thought she saw Lock talking to a man called Yarl

DALLAS
About what?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Helping him out with a problem?

DALLAS
Maybe he meant China?

CANE
I don't want to get any bodies hopes up, but what a better place to hide someone

DALLAS
What do you say Pops, just a look? Couldn't hurt?

POPS
(Hesitant)
A look that's all, I mean it Dallas

DALLAS
I promise, come on lets go!

The men exit leaving Pops with a worried look

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. BASE CAMP - DAY

A few hundred yards outside the nickel plant, Dallas, Rig and Yaw huddle around a fire

AXLE
God it stinks up here

DALLAS
I love the smell of sulphur in the morning

RIG
Anybody see anything?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Looking through a pair of binoculars)
No, any coffee left?

DALLAS
Here, sorry, we are five hours from civilization, it's not my usual quality

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Sipping)
Yuck!

Axle enters running back behind the cover

AXLE
So what have you found out?

CANE
She's there no doubt about it, I saw her out in the court yard, alone, this Yarl is either cocky or brain dead

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Hear you two keep looking

Yaw exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. BASE CAMP-LATE MORNING - DAY

DALLAS
(Pacing, agitated)
I can't stand this anymore, if we know she's there why are we just sitting on our asses?

AXLE
Pipe down! I can't hear over here!

RIG
Dallas! Look of all of us you are the one who should know, if we blast our way in now and try to force your sister to come with us, we will look like the bad guys, think!

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Dallas, quit blaming yourself, China has been used and abused for years by these Horseman puppet masters, you nor us has any control over what someone thinks

RIG
Right now your sister thinks this Yarl is right for her

AXLE
(Putting down the head set)
Look, we need to stop arguing, we need to be on the same page for this plan to even have the slightest chance

DALLAS
I agree, the sooner we start the better, remember leave the big dog for me

Dallas lets out a scream of frustration

CUT TO:

INT. YARL'S PRISON YARD - DAY

CHINA laughs and converses with another female prisoner.YARL approaches angrily

YARL
(To the other prisoner)
Leave!
(Prisoner exits)
China! What where you two talking about!

CHINA
Nothing, just girl stuff

YARL
What did she say to you?

CHINA
She was talking about her grandson she showed me a picture

YARL
If you want to see your children again stop disobeying me

CHINA
Sorry

YARL
Get inside!

Yarl exits with China

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. BASE CAMP - NIGHT

Dallas discusses with Axle the plan

DALLAS
Hey Axle that relic of yours ready to go?

AXLE
Dallas, you don't recognize a fine piece of machinery when you see one, this babies like a fine wine, you can't gulp it down, you have to sip and savour it

Axle pats the car

DALLAS
Why don't I feel reassured by your confidence, remember the video processor you fixed, the one that started smoking?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Entering)
Okay you two, that's enough comedy for one day, is everything ready?

EXT. BASE CAMP - DAY

Yaw talks to Axle and Cane

YAW/SHORTWAVE
(Whispering)
Okay guys, make it quick, get in, get her and get out, if you meet any resistance or she doesn't wish to leave, don't fight we aren't equipped

DALLAS
(Entering the conversation forcibly)
What do you mean, if she doesn't wish to leave, what are we here for?

CANE
We will try, this isn't the same as the battle with Lock

DALLAS
It is to me, you stay here and I'll go!

YAW/SHORTWAVE
No Dallas, you're to emotional stay here, guys go

Axle and Cane get in their car and drive off, leaving Dallas to seethe

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. OUTSIDE YARL'S CAMP - DAY

Axle and Cane prepare to enter the camp disguised as workers

AXLE
So, do you see her?

CANE
No, wait, over their, with two other women, look

AXLE
(Taking the binoculars)
Come on girls, break it up, great their leaving

A delivery truck stops at the gate

CANE
Hurry

Cane and Axle run up to the back of the truck and hop into the back

EXT. IN SIDE THE CAMP COURTYARD - DAY

Axle and Cane walk towards China

CANE
China it's me Cane, walk with us, we will get you out of here

CHINA
Why? I'm not leaving

AXLE
Shh! Your mom and dad asked us to come get you

CANE
What about Jasmine and Kye, don't you want to see them?

CHINA
Jasmine? Kye? How are they?

CANE
They are great, they can't wait to see you, so lets go

CHINA
No I can't

YARL
(Yelling out)
Hey! You two what are you doing!

CANE
Lets get out of here

The two begin to walk towards the gate

YARL
You two stop!

EXT. YARL CONFRONTS CANE AND AXLE - DAY

YARL
Stop them!

YARLS GUARD
Stop!

YARL
Who the hell are you? China do you know these people?

CHINA
(Quietly)
That's Cane, that's Axle, my sister's husbands

YARL
So did you think you could just waltz in and take her? Was this some Black family plan to rescue their lost sheep
(laughing)
Please, look, Lock had enough of your crap and I'm already sick of you all, you have the kids, she wants to stay with me, lets call it even

The sound of gun fire breaks up the confrontation

EXT. YARL'S COURTYARD - DAY

The prisoners flee the courtyard, leaving Dallas a clear path to confront Yarl.

DALLAS
I went through this once, not again, Yarl let her go

YARL
Hey she's not a prisoner, she can go any time she wants, she does what she pleases, isn't that right?

CHINA
Dallas go, I'm all right, trust me, I love you, I'm staying okay, say hi to mom and dad for me

DALLAS
You've got to be kidding! How much abuse do you need to take! Yarl you will not get away with this!

Cane enters to calm Dallas down

CANE
Dallas lets go, it's not you're fault

DALLAS
No! We are not leaving without her

The sound of a truck rumbling into the courtyard halts Dallas' rant

EXT. YARL'S COURTYARD - DAY

All parties watch as the white truck stops and Yaw steps out

CANE
What happened?

YAW/SHORTWAVE
I couldn't stop him, I don't blame him either, Dallas lets go, it's over

DALLAS
It will never be over

YAW/SHORTWAVE
I wish I could get inside you're mind and fix the pain, but I can't, you need to let go

The men step into the shadow cast by the truck, Yarl and China stand in the sunlight

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BLACK FARM-SMALL HOUSE - NIGHT

Mom enters carnying two crystal glasses of juice

MOM
Have you had a chance to talk to Dallas?

POPS
I think I'll wait until he calms down

MOM
Why does he take everything so personal?

POPS
I don't know, we all feel bad that China chose to stay with Yarl but Dallas seems to think he's at war

MOM
He's at war with himself, Dallas is such a dichotomy ,his mind is like this glass, a beautiful piece of work, ready to be displayed, but he chooses to fill it with bitter wine and hide it away

POPS
How can we help Dallas?

MOM
Only Dallas can quell the tempest that brews within him

CUT TO:

INT. DALLAS SITS IN HIS ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas sits holding a tear drop shaped black crystal opal pendant.He is deep in thought.In a rage Dallas throws the pendant at the wall, shattering it to pieces

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. RADIO ROOM- BLACK FARM - DAY

Dallas sits listening to a news report

NEWS REPORTER
Today thousands of citizens calling themselves the coalition for the return of democracy amassed on the capital of the Horseman controlled southern district.The CRDs leader, Duncan Armstrong said today and I quote, people were sick of the way the tyrant Mas was using the people of this great district to serve his own greed.He went on to say that it was time for the wings of justice to spread out and carry the message of peace too the people.When asked whether that meant he would resort to violence, Armstrong would not comment.This has been a peoples news special report, good day

DALLAS
Ice, what the hell have you got yourself into?

Mom enters

MOM
Dallas, could you give me a hand here?

DALLAS
Sure

Dallas switches off the radio and exits

CUT TO:

INT. MAS CAMP - DAY

MAS IS WELCOMED BY LOCK

LOCK
I see you didn't waste any time making your mark in this territory

MAS
So what do you think of the place?

LOCK
European revival isn't my thing, but I like it, anyway I'm here firstly, to welcome you on behalf of Horseman and secondly, I need to discuss this little resistance problem you are having

MAS
I..It is nothing just some self proclaimed saviour who has come down here thinking that these pin heads' liberties are being abused
(laughing)
Please, if it wasn't for me most of these lost causes would be dead

LOCK
I like the way you think, that's why I brought you over, but one word of advice, don't under estimate this Ice character.I made that mistake and I have been reminded of it every day since

MAS
Don't worry this Ice will be cooled off quickly

LOCK
Horseman has the upmost confidence in you, now if you don't mind I have some black roses to pick

Lock exits laughing

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. INSIDE MAS' OFFICE - NIGHT

Mas meets with three members of his staff

MAS
I'm glad you three are here, I just finished being grilled by Lock, and let me tell you, I don't enjoy being told my business

WOMEN
What do you mean?

MAS
Horseman seem to think that this Ice guy is threat

HENCHMAN 1
He is gaining the support of some of the workers

MAS
Excuse me, I will not have some over grown idiot, who has problems taking orders, make me look bad.You provide security, I do the thinking got it?

HENCHMAN 2
Yes sir

The Henchman 1 exit

INT. MAS' OFFICE - NIGHT

Mas expresses his concern to Women

MAS
Look, you are my internal affairs officer, I need to get the word out to the workers that this fool Ice is not the saviour they think he is, he's an ego maniac who is only concerned with his own image

WOMEN
Okay leave it to me, I'll call a meeting and trust me at the end of it, not one them will think of ever leaving this place

MAS
Good now leave me

Women exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. BLACK FARM - DAY

Dallas walks toward a supply shed and is met by Jasmine

JASMINE
Dallas, where are you headed?

DALLAS
The supply shed, Mom need some potting soil

JASMINE
Can I help?

DALLAS
Sure make yourself useful

Dallas realizes they are no longer alone

EXT. BLACK FARM-SUPPLY SHED - DAY

DALLAS IS CONFRONTED BY ICE

ICE
Good morning Dallas

JASMINE
Is this guy a friend of yours?

DALLAS
More like an acquaintance, Jasmine go help your grandmother, I'll be right there

Jasmine exits

EXT. BLACK FARM-SUPPLY SHED - DAY

ICE
Dallas it's been a long time

DALLAS
More like another time, so what brings you back, I thought when you left the prison, you vowed never to return

ICE
Look Dallas, I came back to ask you for your help

DALLAS
Sorry can't help you

ICE
Listen for a second, down south there is a new Horseman war lord trying to drive my people into slavery

DALLAS
I'm done fighting Horseman, I'm happy here, if you don't mind I have flowers to plant

Dallas begins to walk away

ICE
Dallas, this guys name is Mas, I know you remember him

Dallas stops, a look of disgust comes over his face

DALLAS
Yea, I remember Mas, see this scar, that's from a whip, you see, when Mas was training under Lock, he used to try to impress the bosses by showing his technique for breaking people.I made the mistake of asking a question, but that was a long time ago

ICE
Doesn't sound like you have forgotten, maybe this will change your mind

Ice removes his artificial arm to reveal a stump

DALLAS
Christ what happened?

ICE
I got it caught in an ore processing machine, they tried to sew my arm back on but it became infected

DALLAS
How did you get out?

ICE
On my way to the hospital I jumped from the truck, I took two bullets in the shoulder.I was found by a group of villagers, they say I was all most dead.These people risked their lives hiding me, now I want to help them, will you help me?

DALLAS
You have convinced me, give me a minute, then we will go

Dallas exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. MAS DEPOT - NIGHT

A group of workers huddle together behind a stack of packaging materials, surrounded by noisy machines

MAS
(Shouting)
Shut the machines down!

GUARD
(Reaches for the master switch and pulls it)
At once, sir!

MAS
Have been hearing rumours that some of you have been trying to organize a resistance movement and have even gone as far as trying to contact a former employee.Let it be clear, this camp is strictly non-union and any person not wishing to comply, will be dealt with
(Mas turns to a worker)
To show you I mean business your leader hear, will be punished, take care of the trouble maker!

HENCHMAN 1
Look they were just talking

MAS
Maybe you would like to join him in the pit

HENCHMAN 1
No sir

The guards and the prisoner exit

MAS
Back to work

Mas exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. DESTROYED TOWN - NIGHT

Dallas and Ice arrive at the town where the Mas camp is located

DALLAS
What happened here

ICE
Mas took what ever he needed to build his camp, the brick, the glass, even the men, there's nothing left but a pile of broken glass

DALLAS
You mentioned the men, do you mean the villagers who saved you?

ICE
Yes, they are like family to me, you are lucky Dallas to have a family who cares for you

DALLAS
Don't worry, we will find them

Dallas and Ice shake hands

CUT TO:

INT. BLACK FARM-SMALL HOUSE - NIGHT

Cane enters and intercepts the note left by Dallas

CANE
What has he got himself into now

Cane exits shaking his head

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. OUTSIDE MAS COMPOUND - NIGHT

ICE
I hope you are ready?

DALLAS
Yes, lets go

Ice uses a piece of steel as a battering ram to crash open the depot door, sirens wail, workers scatter every where

INT. MAS DEPOT - NIGHT

DALLAS AND ICE CONFRONT MAS

ICE
I told you Mas we would be meeting again

MAS
Guards get them!

A wall of workers form a human shield in front of Ice and Dallas

ICE
I would call off your guards, It would be a shame to lose such loyal men

MAS
What do you want? I'm just an owner of a supply depot

DALLAS
Sure, supplier of human guinea pigs

MAS
Dallas, nice to see you again, it was a shame you left, you were such a good worker

DALLAS
You ass hole

ICE
Easy Dallas, we are only here to take the workers who wish to leave

MAS
Nice try, not everyone in here is brainwashed by your I will be your saviour crap, get them

INT. MAS DEPOT - NIGHT

A group of workers supporting Mas confronts the Ice supporters.A brawl ensues.

DALLAS
Lets get out of here!

ICE
Wait, I see some of my family

Ice steps through the crowd towards a male figure

ICE
Travis!

(Ice throws a punch at a man attacking his friend and escorts him out of the crowd

DALLAS
Now can we go?

ICE
Travis get your family and get out of here, meet me back in the village

TRAVIS nods and whistles, three men come through the crowd and exit

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. VILLAGE WHERE ICE LIVES - NIGHT

DALLAS
So what are you going to do now?

ICE
I'll get some more of my people out and eventually we will take back the village

DALLAS
It won't be easy

ICE
I'll do what ever it takes, why don't you stay, I could use you

DALLAS
Politics isn't my cup of tea, I got to go, but if you need me, holler

The two men part ways

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

CAPTION "MONTHS LATER"

EXT. SHORE OF BLACK POND - DAY

Dallas stands skipping rocks as Dee approaches

DEE
Hey Dallas, you have a message from some guy named Ice? Who is he?

DALLAS
A guy I used to know, thanks

Dee exits, Dallas begins reading

ICE
Hey Dallas, I just wanted to thank you for the help, it's been four months and you wouldn't recognize the village now.A hundred more people have joined the resistance, we now have more than a thousand.We hope we can finish rebuilding the main meeting hall before the rainy season starts.What I wanted to ask you was, if you remembered the last words you said to me, any time you need me.Well I need you, last month the government regained power in the area and Mas was arrested for treason.I am asking you to come back and testify.

Dallas finishes reading the letter, and throws it into the water

DALLAS
Sorry, I can't help you, I can't even help myself anymore

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DALLAS' ROOM - NIGHT

CAPTION "FOUR YEARS LATER"

Dallas works on a distorted portrait of himself

RIG
(entering)
What is it a potato with a face?

DALLAS
Funny, no it's called Enigma

RIG
If you say so, although the title fits, I have a few questions

DALLAS
Do you have a reason to be in here?

RIG
Just wanted to let you know, we are all gathered in the small house, if you wish to join us

DALLAS
Maybe later, close the door

Rig exits, Dallas throws the piece of charcoal in anger

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. BLACK FARM-FRONT GATE - DAY

Mom talks to a couple (JOEL and ARIL) at the front gate

MOM
Oh hey Dallas, I want you to meet this couple, the just moved in up the road

DALLAS
Hello

MOM
What's wrong?

DALLAS
Nothing, I have got to go finish some work on the fence

Dallas exits

MOM
That's just Dallas, he's so guarded, until you get to know him

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. BLACK FARM-OUTSIDE BARN - DAY

Cane and Axle apply paint to a car

DALLAS
(Approaching)
Hey, either of you guys see Pops today?

AXLE
Think he's in the small house, hey Dallas I know this isn't your style of painting but do you like it?

DALLAS
Sure, looks good red

CANE
That's not fair Axle, Dallas is into abstract art, he would like it better if we added a bunch of shapes and things

DALLAS
Something like that, see you guys later

Dallas exits

CUT TO:

INT. SMALL HOUSE - DAY

Dallas enters, Pops is talking with Jasmine and Kye

POPS
(Trying to stand with some difficulty)
Let me get you some more jars

DALLAS
Hey Pops I'll get them

JASMINE
Don't bother I can get them, Kye help me

POPS
So did you get the fence fixed

DALLAS
Yes

POPS
Good I'll check it out later

DALLAS
Jasmine, have you seen your mother recently?

JASMINE
Last week, in town, looks like Yarl is loosening his grip on her

DALLAS
Great, well you don't need me here, I'll be back at my place

Dallas exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. SWIMMING HOLE - DAY

Dallas swims on a warm spring day.Laughter of children can be heard nearby.Suddenly water rushes over his head.

EXT. FANTASY SCENE-DALLAS ENTERS THE REALM OF "IT" - NIGHT

Dallas finds himself entangled in a live vine.With each move he tries to make, the vines tighten.Screams of demons can. ~Be heard all around him.Through the thick fog step Aril and Joel laughing

EXT. SWIMMING HOLE - DAY

Dallas resurfaces, gasping for air.He quickly swims to shore, where he hears Mom calling him.

MOM
Dallas are you going to join us?

DALLAS
Sure

MOM
Aril and Joel were just telling me how much they are looking forward to starting a new life in this area

DALLAS
Really? And where did you live before?

ARIL
In Fe district

JOEL
You probably haven't heard of it

DALLAS
I've heard of it, anyway, enjoy the view, I've got to go

Dallas exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. MEETING HALL - NIGHT

Dallas, Axle and Pops sit listening to the communication device

POPS
It's quiet tonight

AXLE
Been that way for months

POPS
That's enough for me, I think I will go to bed

AXLE
Me too, how about you Dallas?

DALLAS
In a few minutes

POPS
Something bothering you Dallas?

DALLAS
No, just thinking about something that Joel said today

AXLE
Seems like a good guy, what did he have to say?

DALLAS
I asked about what he did before he moved here, and he said he used to be a soldier, but I never heard of him?

POPS
The resistance had pockets all over the place, don't worry, Joel's okay

DALLAS
Sure, see you guys in the morning

EXT. MEETING ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas walks over to the window and closes the shutters that are being racked by the wind.He notices two white vehicles parked on Joel's property, a flash and what sounds like an explosion goes off.

CUT TO:

INT. FLASH BACK TO A HORSEMAN TRAINING CAMP - NIGHT

Dallas is being tortured by Joel and two henchmen.Dallas screams.

CUT TO:

INT. MEETING ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas looks out the window and strains to see the figures arriving in the white vehicles, but the shadows and make it impossible.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. SIDE OF PROPERTY - DAY

Dallas walks by Joel, as he looks up Dallas has a dilutions that Joel is dressed in a Horseman uniform and his head is that of a demon.Dallas stumbles backwards.

JOEL
Oh hey you all right Dallas, you look like you saw a ghost

DALLAS
Nothing, I haven't been feeling well lately, must be the heat

JOEL
You need to keep your strength up, things could get tough again

Joel exits laughing

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DALLAS SITS IN THE EXERCISE ROOM MEDITATING - NIGHT

Dallas' breathing begins to slow, flames begin to rise around him.Family members begin to appear.Their faces appear gaunt and ghostly.

AXLE
RIG, YAW, CANE, DEE, CHEYANNE, RISA
(Chanting in Unison)
Black sheep, black sheep...

JOEL AND ARIL
(Enter)
Laughter

CUT TO:

INT. EXERCISE ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas exits his meditation.His breathing begins to quicken.He removes a small flat, black lacquered stone from his pocket and looks at it.The stone has an ornate numeral one painted on it.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. SMALL HOUSE - DAY

Mom sits with Aril sipping coffee as Dallas enters

ARIL
Hey Dallas, looking good
(laughing)

DALLAS
What, oh sorry, Yea thanks, Mom I'll be back later to fix that generator, I've got to get some supplies

MOM
Don't worry about it, Joel already fixed it, he's almost becoming family

DALLAS
Okay, then later

Dallas has a look of disdain on his face as he exits

EXT. OUTSIDE THE BLACK COURTYARD - DAY

Dallas walks by a guy (FAMINE CLONE, DISEASE CLONE) standing near one of the white vehicles he remembered from before

DISEASE CLONE
Hey Black, maybe you are not the it thing anymore

FAMINE CLONE
Maybe there is a new resistance leader in town, get it Dallas

DALLAS
What ever you say
(Dallas notices that the Disease Clone has a tattoo of a Salamander on his fore arm)
I've seen that tattoo some where, are you from Fe as well?

DISEASE CLONE
(Pulling his shirt sleeve down)
No, never been there, later

The two clones exit

CUT TO:

EXT. FLASHBACK-HORSEMAN PRISON - NIGHT

Three cloaked men enter Dallas' cell.Two of them pin Dallas' arms behind him, the third begins to punch him in the stomach and face.Dallas struggles and manages to throw one of men off him, ripping the mans shirt, to reveal a salamander tattoo.

FADE IN:

EXT. BLACK FARM - DAY

Dallas hammers furiously into a fence board

MOM
(Entering carrying a plate of sandwiches)
Dallas, I brought you some sandwiches

DALLAS
Thanks, leave them there

MOM
You haven't eaten all day, you're starting to look thin

DALLAS
I'm fine

MOM
No you are not, you are snapping at everybody, Aril and Joel are wondering why you are so cold, I know you are not that way, gimme something to say to them

DALLAS
I don't know how to say this, but I know those people from somewhere and if I'm right they are people we do not need in our lives

MOM
That's just your imagination, it's not like they are Horseman Overlords, eat!

Mom exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DALLAS' ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas begins to thrash in his bed, a bright flash goes off.Dallas is up to his neck in a pool of quicksand, he tries to fight but loses his battle.With his last gasp Dallas sinks under

CUT TO:

EXT. HELL - NIGHT

Dallas walks down a dark corridor, fighting the intense heat and smoke.Flames purge from the mire that surrounds him.Screams and shrieks beckon to Dallas A bright light flashes

CUT TO:

EXT. DEMONS PLAY A TRICK ON DALLAS - DAY

Dallas awakes lying in a meadow, the suns rays bathe him in warmth, a bird of paradise flies over.The sound of horses hooves alerts Dallas

EXT. A DEMON DISGUISED APPROACHES DALLAS - DAY

A young tall blonde women (J ENTITY) approaches Dallas on a white mare and dismounts

J ENTITY
Do not dismiss me Dallas, I am the J entity that you seek, I am your saviour, come with me, I will show you through the path of thorns and show you how too become one with your self

Dallas stands hesitantly and walks with the J entity

CUT TO:

INT. DALLAS ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas awakes sweating heavily and shaking violently

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BLACK SMALL HOUSE - DAY

Mom sits reading, Yaw enters

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Hey Mom, have you seen Dallas? I need his help removing that old processor

MOM
He ran out of here a couple of hours ago, saying that he was going up to the hills to find himself

YAW/SHORTWAVE
What's that supposed to mean?

MOM
Dallas was pretty messed up in that prison, he will come back when he's ready

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Well, I hope he finds himself soon, we need him around here

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. DALLAS HIKES THROUGH THE HILLS - DAY

Dallas travels up the steep, narrow path until he reaches the top.Out of breath he stops and looks over the edge of the cliff into the water below

DALLAS
As I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I shall fear no evil, for I am your rod and you are my staff, you comfort me

A flash of light

CUT TO:

EXT. HELL - NIGHT

Dallas is surrounded by corpses, the J entity approaches

J ENTITY
You fool! I am not your saviour, you are so quick to believe anybody who says they have the answers you seek.Salvation! From what yourself!

JOEL
(Entering laughing)
It was so easy

ARIL
(Entering laughing)
You are nothing but a broken man

CUT TO:

EXT. DALLAS STANDS ON THE END OF THE CLIFF - DAY

Dallas stretches his arms out and falls forward into a placid lake

EXT. DALLAS HITS THE WATER - DAY

As Dallas hits the water, the water turns into a sheet of mirrored glass.When Dallas hits the mirror shatters into many pieces.In each shard a different family member is seen conversing.Dallas lies motionless.

CUT TO:

INT. BROKEN GLASS-CANE AND CHEYANNE CONVERSE - DAY

Cane and Cheyanne are in the midst of a heated conversation over their children

CANE
I'm sorry Cheyanne, I can't be in twenty places at once

CHEYANNE
I know your busy trucking supplies right now, but could you find some time for your children?

CANE
I spend plenty of time with him

CHEYANNE
Look forget it, I'll take Maje and Trai into town with me

CANE
Have fun, I don't have any shipments for tomorrow I'll take the kids out
Tomorrow, okay!

CHEYANNE
Great fine!

CUT TO:

EXT. BROKEN GLASS-ARIL CAUSES TENSION BETWEEN RISA AND AXLE - NIGHT

Aril flirts with Axle in front of Risa.Risa takes exception

ARIL
Hey Axle what do you think of these pants?

AXLE
Like them!

RISA
Excuse me Axle! I'll be outside!

AXLE
What? I just said I liked them!

RISA
Save it

Risa exits

AXLE
Sorry Aril, I have got to go

ARIL
Why? Stay, Risa will be all right

AXLE
Okay

CUT TO:

EXT. BROKEN GLASS-MOM TENDS TO HER GARDEN - DAY

Joel enters and stands over Mom

JOEL
Lovely flowers Ivy

MOM
Thanks Joel

JOEL
Hey is Dallas around?

MOM
Don't think so

JOEL
He should be helping you, he seems too always be off some where

MOM
He has his own life, besides I'm okay

JOEL
Okay, but Dallas really should spend his time more wisely

CUT TO:

EXT. BROKEN GLASS-DALLAS AND POPS WORK IN THE YARD - DAY

Dallas becomes flustered as he tries to fix a piece of machinery with Pops

POPS
Hey don't worry about it Dallas, you tried I'll ask Joel he's an electrician

DALLAS
Fine!

CUT TO:

EXT. BROKEN GLASS-YAW CONFRONTS DALLAS OVER THE TIME HE SPENDS PAINTING - DAY

Dallas sits at an easel painting.Yaw enters and confronts him in an assertive tone

YAW/SHORTWAVE
Dallas! I realize art is a passion of yours, but until you can sell any of your work, you need to help out a little more around here

DALLAS
Sorry if you don't believe the arts is a necessary job

CUT TO:

EXT. BROKEN GLASS-RIG CONFRONTS DALLAS - DAY

Dallas winds up a piece of rope in the barn.Rig approaches and asks about a conversation Dallas had with Aril and Joel

RIG
(Enters the barn angrily)
Dallas I don't get why you are so hostile toward Aril and Joel, what is this theory you have about them and their past?

DALLAS
These scars are no theory, they are very real and I'm certain those two, are no freedom fighters, you know damn well that some Horseman got away

RIG
Even if that's true, now they have a family, let it go!

CUT TO:

EXT. BROKEN GLASS-JASMINE TALKS ABOUT HER MOTHER WITH DALLAS - DAY

Jasmine and Dallas talk outside the supply depot

JASMINE
Dallas, I don't know why you are so angry all the time.You don't see me snapping at everyone who mentions Horseman.Remember, it was me and my brother who spent our childhood being bounced around between madmen with a mother who denies everything.Dallas, I've got in over it, why don't you!

CUT TO:

EXT. BROKEN GLASS-DEE AND RISA STAND IN THE COURTYARD - DAY

Dee and Risa pack up an automobile in preparation for a day trip in town

RISA
Oh hey Dallas what's new?

DALLAS
The usual, where are off too?

RISA
Just into town for the town fare

DALLAS
Great! I wanted see what the local artists had

RISA
I didn't think you liked fares so I asked Kye if he wanted to go, I'm full

DALLAS
No problem, maybe I'll venture in later

CUT TO:

INT. BROKEN GLASS-NAN AND DALLAS ARGUE - NIGHT

Nan becomes offended by the insinuation from Dallas that she is disrespectful to Mom and Pops

NAN
Dallas, where do get the idea that I disrespect Mom and Pops?

DALLAS
Every time they ask you to do something, you make an excuse and get some one else to do it

NAN
I'm sorry I'm usually busy running the clinic

DALLAS
That's a cop out

NAN
To hell with you Dallas, you're wrong

CUT TO:

INT. BROKEN GLASS-POPS BECOMES FRIENDLY WITH JOEL - DAY

Pops invites Joel and Aril to dinner as Dallas looks on

POPS
So Joel why don't you and your wife join my family this Saturday for dinner

JOEL
Kye, we would be delighted, you and Ivy are so kind, I almost feel like an honorary Black family member

Dallas scowls and exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. FANTASY SCENE-GRAVEYARD - NIGHT

Dallas walks through a graveyard, listening to the cold wind howl through the lifeless trees

J ENTITY
(Approaches with Joel, Aril, Death Drone, Famine Drone, Yarl, Mas and Lock)
So you thought it was going to be like Romeo and Julliet, sorry we prefer the tragedies

JOEL
Good bye sweet prince

The group exit laughing

EXT. FANTASY SCENE-DALLAS SLUMPS TO THE EARTH - NIGHT

In the pitch blackness Dallas speaks out loud his desperate plea to what ever entity is listening

DALLAS
Is this my destiny, am I too roam endlessly through the emptiness of hell? If so what is too become of my place on the family silk? Shall my square remain void?
Barren, as this putrid soil that sticks to me.I ask for forgiveness and guidance, help me sew this tattered banner back together, don't let the Black family name die without honour

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. FANTASY SCENE - DAY

A large Phoenix with red and gold feathers lights up the night sky, turning night into day.The bird swoops through the clouds and plucks Dallas from the earth and carries him into the sky.

EXT. FANTASY SCENE-DALLAS STANDS IN EDEN - DAY

Dallas stands nude in a field of heather and orchids.A tranquil stream washes over his feet.The sounds of song birds fill the sky.Dallas feels at ease with himself as he begins to walk toward the clearing.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. DALLAS RETURNS FROM HIS TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS - DAY

Dallas in deep thought walks up the road leading to the family farm.He notices two branches on a tree bent into a letter x.

DALLAS
Ten years of darkness, am I now free

A Calico cat comes up to Dallas and nuzzles up to him.Dallas bends down to pat it and then continues through the gate

DALLAS
Has the trip down the path of thorns given me the strength to mend the tatters that I have caused

INT. DALLAS FINDS MOM LYING IN BED - DAY

Dallas enters the Black home to find Mom lying in bed and senses something is wrong

DALLAS
Hi mom

MOM
Dallas come in, shut the door

DALLAS
How come your inside? It's such a beautiful day out

MOM
(In a frail voice)
Sit, I have something to tell you

DALLAS
What's wrong are you sick?

MOM
Yes Dallas

DALLAS
Is it a cold? I'll get you some tea

MOM
No Dallas it's worse

DALLAS
What do you mean? You were fine yesterday

MOM
Dallas, I don't know how to say this, so, here it is, I have cancer

DALLAS
The doctors can cure it, can't they?

MOM
No, I talked to them and they say it's too late, I didn't say anything because I didn't want to upset you or your sisters

DALLAS
This isn't fair, damn it

Dallas exits crying

INT. DALLAS PRAYS NEXT TO MOM - NIGHT

Dallas sits on the edge of the bed beside Mom and bows his head

DALLAS
I've never prayed before, so who ever is listening please forgive me, I realize now, that being one with ones self was not to be kept selfishly within, rather, it is to be generously shared.Harmony of ones mind, body and soul is not about finding blame in others for what you have brought upon your self.I realize forgiveness is not for the taking, rather a reward given by the entity for hard work.Oh dearest entity please, I beg of you take the energy from my body and save this precious soul.

MOM
(Delirious)
Dallas, what have I done to make the heavens mad at me

DALLAS
You have done nothing wrong, your path to the heavens shall be paved in gold

Mom closes her eyes and passes

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. CREMATION CEREMONY - NIGHT

Mom is laid out on a white, flat alabaster funeral stone.She is dressed in a long white, flowing gown.Lilacs, orchids, roses and holly are scattered on and around the alter.

Dallas enters and places a lit white candle next to the alter and steps back.Pops, Rig, Dee, Cheyanne, Risa, Axle proceed with there candles and take up positions next to Dallas in a circular position.

Yaw, Nan, China, Jasmine, Kye III enter and add their candles and assume their positions in the circle.

DALLAS
(Upon Kye III and Jasmines entrance)
Are these the same children I once thought of as brats? How wrong I was

Aria and Christa enter and add their white candles and step into the circle next to Yaw and Nan A hesitant Cane steps forth and adds his candle.He looks for forgiveness towards the gathered.The gathered return a look of welcome and Cane steps into the circle.

DALLAS
Briefly the six warriors unite.This union of Black Flag was for the first time not in response to the sirens of war, rather the song of an angel

It leads in Aj, Llon, Maje, Sha and Trai.Each place their candles around the pyre and take their spots next to their parents and complete the circle

EXT. POPS DELIVERS THE EULOGY - NIGHT

Pops lights a torch and steps towards the alter

POPS
Transcend my beloved and leave your human bonds.May your trip up the stairway to the heavens be as graceful as you were in life.And now great spirit, lift this finest of your creations onto your back and whisk her too her rightful place realm of white lights.

Pops tilts his torch and sets the alter on fire

INT. DALLAS GIVES HIS PARTING WORDS - NIGHT

Cheyanne finishes her parting words, Dallas begins his

CHEYANNE
...Goodbye dearest mother, may peace be with you.Thank you

DALLAS
These orchids and roses remind me how fragile life can be, even the most strong and resilient flowers in the garden of Eden could only last six days and nights in the hands of death.

POPS
She was wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, in-law to us.To many more a good friend.We were all touched in many different ways by her generosity, love, kindness, unselfishness and purity.Lets all pray and help burn Moms legacy into the pages of the book of eternity

The circle one by one begins to disperse

INT. DALLAS GIVES HIS LAST THOUGHTS - NIGHT

The fire begins to dye.Dallas is the last person to leave the circle.He removes a black piece of cloth from his pocket and places it into the embers and watches it burn.He then places a spring of ivy, intertwined with a piece of barbed wire into the ashes.

DALLAS
(Whispering)
Life doesn't just end when you die, your life force is eternal as the Phoenix.Like the great indistinguishable bird born of fire, so too will the spirit of Mom live on in the souls of her charges.

Dallas walks away leaving one flame to fight to remain lit

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. SUMMER DAY ON THE FARM - DAY

The Black family finishes up a meal and begin to clean up

RISA
We girls will clear up the table, you guys did a great job with the barbecue, sit and chat

RIG
I would love to, but I have got to get back into town

AXLE
Wait up, I am heading that way, I will go with you, later Pops

DALLAS
What are you up to Nan?

NAN
Off to meet Yaw and the girls

DALLAS
Okay, later, well Pops, I guess your stuck with me

POPS
Dallas go, start living your life, you don't need to be my keeper, the girls are here

DALLAS
Okay, I'll see you later

Dallas exits

CUT TO:

EXT. RADIO ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas leafs through a box of old books, covered in dust in the corner.He comes across a book adorned with a Chinese symbol.Dallas dusts it off and begins to read.

DALLAS
The principles of Chi and how they relate to the concept of Yin and Yang.Yin and Yang represent the balance between the forces of light and darkness.In every element on earth, exists both the self absorbed Yin, symbolized as the beast and the enlightened and active Yang, symbolized as the bird of paradise.

Dallas closes the book and leafs through the rest of the stack

DALLAS
The Holy Bible states in Psalms 23,verse 4,that we should not fear evil as heaven shall lead us through the path of thorns.The Celts believed in eternal life, the Greeks wrote fables of mortal peoples overcoming diversity, such as the story of Hercules.Native and Chinese cultures spun tales of earth bound mentors who could deliver the words of their gods to the masses

Dallas closes the last book and falls asleep

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DALLAS MAPS HIS SPIRITUAL LEARNINGS - DAY

Dallas takes a piece of cloth and marker and begins to map out what he learned.On the left he writes "Fire (Yang)- Venomous, animated, devours as it becomes hungrier".

On the right he writes "Water (Yin),-always in motion, reflects all light that it casts, restores life to the dead"

At the top Dallas writes "Earth and Wood-(Yin) Wholesomeness, centred, seemingly unruffled, like a willow tree bending with the wind"

At the bottom Dallas writes "Metal-(Yang) Born of fire, always under constant stress, but able to flex to compensate"

Dallas then connects the eight points into two diamond shapes and then rearranges the points into a pentagram

DALLAS
In this pentagram I am safe from evil

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BLACK FAMILY FARM - NIGHT

A COOL, CRISP NOVEMBER ON THE BLACK FARM.A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR DALLAS IS SLOWLY WINDING DOWN.DEE HANDS A PIECE OF CAKE TO POPS AND THEN DALLAS.RISA, STANDS NEXT TO AXLE, RIG AND YAW

POPS
So son, how does it feel to be the big three o

DALLAS
Good, the next ten years can only be better than the last

DEE
Well, here is to happiness

ALL
Here! Here!

DALLAS
Thanks, well I think I've had enough excitement for one day, I'll see everyone tomorrow

Dallas exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. WEIGHT ROOM - NIGHT

Dallas sits in the centre of a circle of candles.He begins a series of deep, cleansing breaths, slowly inhaling and then exhaling.Smoke rises from the floor.

CUT TO:

EXT. FANTASY-PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT - NIGHT

Dallas stands on the edge of a path, marked with a long row of oak trees that stretch to the horizon.The trees frame the North Star in the sky.Dallas takes a look behind him at the thick covering of thorns, turns back, takes a deep breath and begins his journey.The background disappears.In the foreground a blue glow illuminates a FEMALE ENTITY standing in front of Dallas.The female has brown hair and green eyes and is cloaked in a blue gown, adorned with metal ornaments forming a star, moon and stars.She extends her arms out toward Dallas.

FEMALE ENTITY
Come Dallas, your journey is over, follow your destiny

DALLAS
I have already traveled this path before, how do I know you are not just another of deaths angels sent to trick me

FEMALE ENTITY
Let your mind burn through the icy misogynististic shell that traps your heart.Allow yourself to be embraced by the goddess of the moon.

The female smiles and disappears leaving Dallas standing in a circle of blue light, amongst the backdrop of darkness

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. FANTASY: PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT - DAY

Dallas awakes and sits up resting against a tree, he shields his eyes as he looks into the sun

DALLAS
If this is not a dream, so yourself my guardian angel

FEMALE ENTITY
(appearing)
Dallas, shake the effects of nights onslaught and continue

The north star appears in the sky, Dallas stands and walks down the path towards it

EXT. PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT - DAY

Dallas walks wearily down the path

DALLAS
If this is a journey of enlightenment, why is my mind so full of confusion?

FEMALE ENTITY
Dallas, it is natural to be inquisitive, but you must calm the storm of thoughts that swirl inside your head, harness this tsunami and you will find the answers you seek

DALLAS
How?

FEMALE ENTITY
Only you have the answer, when you begin to trust yourself and believe in your abilities, then the fire within you can be harnessed.Then you can forge thoughts that are as clear as the purest crystal

DALLAS
I understand

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT - NIGHT

Dallas awakes with excitement and jumps to his feet, looks around to notice that he is standing in a burnt out forest, still smouldering.Dallas stumbles back in horror against what he thinks is a tree.As he puts his hands on it to break his fall, he feels a rope.Dallas turns around and stairs at a hangman's noose, connected to a gallows

DALLAS
What is this trickery, what has brought me back to this forest of woe

A bony hand grabs Dallas by the arm

DEATH
I do Dallas (A ring of fire erupts around Dallas and Death.The J Entity steps through the flames

J ENTITY
Dallas you fool, you are not on a path of enlightenment, this is just your sick mind playing games with you again, will you ever learn, this is your destiny

DEATH
Come my child of darkness, lets leave this pathetic creature to wallow in his stupidity

Laughing, the two exit

DALLAS
I shall not succumb to your ways again, I shall fasten to my chest a shield against your evil barbs, as the book of Christians has taught me, as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil

The flames cease

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT - DAY

Dallas stands on the path pondering the lessons he has learned, with the help of the female entity

FEMALE ENTITY
What was the lesson to be learned and how has the trial of fire helped you in your quest?

DALLAS
The trial has taught me to trust my instinct in times of unknown.Together with the trust in myself and others, I now can balance the forces of chaos and order

FEMALE ENTITY
Yes Dallas, you have learned well, you now understand that it is not enough ~to just suppress the turmoil in your life, you must confront it, conquer it and then learn from it.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT - DAY

Dallas journeys toward the star, confident that he is headed towards completion of his quest.His stride begins to quicken.As he walks he recalls a dream he had the night before and begins to recant.

DALLAS
It was night, I was walking down this path, when suddenly a pack of huge wolves sprang from the bushes, snarling and foaming at the mouth, then one lunged at me

DEE
Then what?

CUT TO:

INT. BLACK FAMILY KITCHEN - DAY

Dallas and Dee stand over the sink doing dishes

DEE
And then what?

DALLAS
Then a huge wall of fire sprung up and the wolves caught on fire, then I woke up

DEE
That's a funny dream, what do you think it meant?

DALLAS
Maybe I should look out for wolves the next time I go for a walk in the woods

DEE
Want me to pack you a lunch little red riding hood?

EXT. BLACK FAMILY COURTYARD - NIGHT

Dallas, Yaw, Axle and Rig play cards

AXLE
Okay Dallas lets see if you can beat two pair, tens and jacks

DALLAS
How about two queens, two kings, oh and another king, the king of spades, the death card, full house

AXLE
Ouch! And you say you can't play cards

DALLAS
I've learned a lot lately and by the looks of things, it is going to be a great spring

Dallas turns to the window and watches the reflection of the candles on the table.The two flames merge together into one flame

EXT. CLIFFS - DAY

Dallas stands on the cliffs with his arms stretched out, the waves crash against the rocks below

DALLAS
Arise Lazarus and become reborn

Dallas picks up a log, raises it over his head and tosses it over the side of the cliff, pausing to watch it crash onto the rocks

DALLAS
I feel like the first Egyptian to answer the Sphinx riddle.Like he, I assumed because the question seemed so easy, there had to be a trick involved.So hence I ventured out on a fruitless journey in search of a complicated answer to a simple query.The answer to lifes' riddle, is of course man.The answer to all mans' problems lie not in a book of magic or prayer, rather, in the very fabric that makes us all, our mind, body and soul

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. DALLAS' ROOM - DAY

Dallas sits in front of a canvas on an easel, working away on a painting of a bird of paradise.The vibrant reds and golds leap from the canvas.A knock at the door breaks his concentration.

DALLAS
Enter

DEE
(Entering)
Hey, coming down for dinner?

DALLAS
Be right there

DEE
(Noticing the painting)
Hmm, not bad, at least your work now includes other colours than black
(laughter)

INT. BLACK FAMILY DINING ROOM - DAY

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

AROUND A LARGE DINING TABLE SITS POPS, DALLAS, RIG, YAW, AXLE, DEE ,NAN, RISA (HOLDING A NEW BORN), CHEYANNE, CHINA, ARIA, CHRISTA, KYE III, TRAI, SHA, MAJE, LLON, AJ AND IT. LAUGHTER AND BANTER ENGULFS THE ROOM AS THE BLACK FAMILY BEGIN TO ENJOY EASTER DINNER

POPS
(Carving a turkey)
Everyone, this meal looks wonderful.Firstly, I would like to officially welcome the newest edition to the Black family, welcome Maximus Eros, hail the new generation

ALL
To little Max

Jasmine and a male figure enter

JASMINE
Sorry everyone for being late

POPS
No problem, join us

JASMINE
Everyone this is Ronin, we are engaged

POPS
Congratulations, Ronin please sit with us and share this meal

Ronin and Jasmine take a seat

DEE
Let us pray, today we come together once again to form the eternal circle of light, to remember the spirit that has left us, for you dear mother, lest we forget, amen

ALL
Amen

Banter ensues

DALLAS
The true test of man is his ability to overcome adversity.For those unable or unwilling too delve into the dark regions of their soul and cast out their beasts of chaos and allow the birds of paradise to fly high above the crystal clear pools of clarity.I look forward to the next Decalogue in my story.I can only hope each challenge will be overcome easier than the last.

FADE OUT:

End: