fountain_scripts/2012.fountain

Title: 2012
Credit: Written by
Authors: Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser
Draft: Second Draft
Draft date: February 19th, 2008

!OVER BLACK

!We listen to the immortal music of Mozart's Adagio of the Clarinet Concerto in A.

> FADE UP

EXT. THE SOLAR SYSTEM

!Space, infinite and empty.

!But then, slowly all nine planets of our Solar System move into frame and align.

!The last of them is the giant, burning sphere of the sun.

!Just as the sun enters frame, a solar storm of gigantic proportion unfolds. The eruptions shoot thousands of miles into the blackness of space.

> FADE TO BLACK

> 2009 <

> FADE UP

EXT. COUNTRY SIDE/INDIA - SUNSET

!Mozart's concerto filters from a jeep's stereo, fighting the drumming sounds of the monsoon rain. PROF. FREDERIC WEST, 66, listens to the music.

!An Indian BOY playing by the roadside steers his wooden toy ship across a puddle.

!The Professor turns to his driver, pointing to the boy.

                        @PROF. WEST
        Watch out!

!But it's too late. The jeep drives straight through the puddle at full speed, sinking the boy's toy ship.

!In the background, the jeep stops in front of a building. The driver jumps out, leading the Professor towards its entrance.

!The sign at the door reads: `Institute for Astrophysics - University of New Delhi'.

INT. NAGA-DENG MINE/INDIA - SUNSET

!An endless mine shaft. An old elevator cage comes to a grinding halt. When Prof. West steps out we see that he is accompanied now by a nervous DR. SATNAM TSURUTANI, 32.

                        @PROF. WEST
        How deep are we?

                        @SATNAM
        8200 feet. Used to be an old copper mine, Professor, sir.

!As Prof. West follows Satnam, he takes in the unusual setting for this science lab.

                        @PROF. WEST
        Helmsley told me that the neutrino count doubled during the last sun eruptions.

                        @SATNAM
        Correct, sir. But that is not what worries me...

!They enter a large room with low hanging ceilings. A small group of WHITE COATS look up from their computers, which all show images of the solar storm we witnessed earlier.

                        @SATNAM (CONT'D)
        There was a new solar storm, so strong that the physical reaction got even more severe.

                        @PROF. WEST
        How can that be?

                        @SATNAM
        We don't know, Professor, sir.

!Satnam walks over into another room. There he opens a hatch on the floor and hot steam rises.

                        @SATNAM (CONT'D)
        The neutrinos suddenly act like... microwaves.

!Prof. West slowly steps closer. When he discovers that the water in the tank below is boiling, his face goes pale.

> CUT TO:

EXT. LARGE TERRACE/WASHINGTON D.C. - EVENING

!A major fund raising party is under way. The setting is spectacular. A terrace overlooking the Washington Mall and the Capitol Building.

!ADRIAN HELMSLEY, 32, stands with a group of young POLITICAL AIDES. He is the only African-American among them.

!One of the aides spots CARL ANHEUSER, 58, White House Chief of Staff, working the crowd.

                        @POLITICAL AID #1
        Look at Anheuser. Anyone would think he was President. Did you hear, he wants us to sign in and out like school boys?

                        @ADRIAN
        I still can't believe that Wilson chose him of all people to run the White House.

                        @POLITICAL AID #2
        Why not? Anheuser owns the Senate and the Congress.

                        @ADRIAN
        Shame he's such a pompous ass.

                        @ANHEUSER (O.S.)
        Somebody mention my name?

!Adrian turns to see Anheuser smiling.

                        @ADRIAN
                (SHOCKED)
        Yes sir... No, sir.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Which one is it?

                        @ADRIAN
        We were talking about what a great speech you gave tonight. Well done, sir.

                        @ANHEUSER
        It's Helmsley, right? I'll remember that.

!Anheuser walks away with a dangerous smile.

                        @POLITICAL AID #2
        That guy scares the shit out of me.

!At that moment Adrian's cell phone rings.

                        @ADRIAN
                (into the phone)
        Professor West?

                        @PROF. WEST (O.S.)
        I've been trying to reach you!

INT. LIVING ROOM/SATNAM'S HOUSE - NIGHT

!Prof. West is on the phone. In the background we make out Satnam's family around the dining room table.

                        @PROF. WEST
        Listen, Adrian. The situation is much worse than we thought...

!Satnam quiets his little son. It is the boy we saw earlier with his toy ship.

INT. HALLWAY/WHITE HOUSE - DAY

!Adrian follows Anheuser through a hallway of the White House, papers in hand.

                        @ADRIAN
        Sir, the President needs to know this.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Helmsley, how long have you been on the job as science advisor?

                        @ADRIAN
        Four months this week.

                        @ANHEUSER
        I would say that's enough time to learn that we have rules here. You'll just have to wait until the quarterly science briefing.

                        @ADRIAN
        If this is about what I said last night, I am truly sorry, sir.

                        @ANHEUSER
        So you didn't like my speech?

!Exasperated, Adrian holds out the papers to him.

                        @ADRIAN
        Can you please have a look at this, sir? It's really important.

!Finally, Anheuser rips the papers out of his hands and starts to walk away, reading.

!Suddenly he slows down.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Who wrote this?

                        @ADRIAN
        An Indian astrophysicist I graduated with from Harvard and Prof. West, the preeminent geologist in the US.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Who else knows about it?

                        @ADRIAN
        No one, sir.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Let's keep it that way, Helmsley.

!Anheuser walks away.

> FADE TO BLACK

> 2010 <

> FADE UP

EXT. SEVILLE/SPAIN - DAY

!G8 Summit. Riot police control the unruly crowd with water cannons.

!We see PROTESTERS with Anti Globalization signs behind a fence. A convoy of limousines is approaching a historic building.

INT. BIG HALL/ALHAMBRA - DAY

!We follow the American delegation into the conference room, where the other G8 delegations are seated around an enormous table.

!The President of the United States, THOMAS F. WILSON, 56, doesn't sit down. He addresses the room and everybody goes quiet.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (O.S.)
        Good Morning...

!For the first time we see the President's face. He is African-American.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (CONT'D)
        I hereby present a motion to meet privately with my seven fellow Heads of State, kindly excluding the rest of the delegates.

!A murmur erupts. The Russian President SERGEY MAKARENKO, 62, whispers to one of his interpreters.

                        @RUSSIAN INTERPRETER
        Mr. Makarenko wishes to have his interpreters present.

!President Wilson looks over to the Russian Colleague.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Mr. President, judging from the conversations we've had in the past, I can assure you, your English is absolutely fine, for what I have to say.

!As the Russian President waves his interpreter away, all the international delegates leave as well.

!The huge doors of the hall close. A secret service officer in the sound booth switches off the recording equipment to the chamber.

!The President gathers himself.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (CONT'D)
        Six months ago I was made aware of a situation so devastating, that at first, I refused to believe it.
                (PAUSE)
        However through the concerted efforts of the brightest scientists of several nations, we have now confirmed its validity.

!Dead silence.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (CONT'D)
        The world as we know it, will soon come to an end.

> CUT TO:

EXT. CHO MING VALLEY/TIBET - DAWN

!A huge Chinese military helicopter blasts through a majestic mountain valley in Tibet. We are at the top of the world.

!A Chinese COLONEL, wearing dark sun glasses, watches from the chopper as the army forces the evacuation of the villages and monasteries.

                        @VOICE (O.S.)
                (in Chinese)
        You will have new houses, electricity and running water...

EXT. VILLAGE/TIBET - DAY

!Someone speaks on a megaphone in the village square as villagers are evicted by soldiers and herded into trucks.

                        @VOICE (O.S.)
        ... Some among you will even have the chance to work for the glorious People's Republic of China building the biggest dam project in the world...

!NENG PANG, a young monk, 18, is loaded into a truck together with his PARENTS, both in their 60's.

EXT. SCHOOL/TIBET - DAY

!Neng's older brother, LIN PANG, 25, is part of a huge crowd of young men and women staying behind by a Tibetan school building. He turns and yells after the truck.

                        @LIN
        I will send you money mother.

!The Colonel with the dark glasses steps up, addressing the masses.

                        @COLONEL
        Who can read and write?

!Eager hands fly up in the air. An official makes notes.

                        @COLONEL (CONT'D)
        Who can weld?

!Lin's hand shoots up in the air. We hear a siren echoing through the mountains and suddenly an explosion. Lin turns.

!In the BACKGROUND, a series of explosions punch enormous holes into the side of the mountain, showering rock everywhere.

> FADE TO BLACK

> 2011 <

> FADE UP

INT. DORCHESTER HOTEL/LONDON - DAY

!A MAN in a dark suit walks through a hallway of the Dorchester looking like your typical MI-6 agent. The decor is plush and luxurious. He's stopped by two security men who frisk him.

INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE/DORCHESTER HOTEL - DAY

!Heavily ringed fingers flip through a folder.

                        @MI-6 OFFICER (O.S.)
        Has his Highness had the opportunity to study the dossier?

!A SAUDI PRINCE looks up and nods without expression.

                        @SAUDI PRINCE
        You must understand I have a very big family. Mister...

                        @MI-6 OFFICER
        Isaacs.

                        @SAUDI PRINCE
        Mister Isaacs, one billion dollars is a lot of money.

                        @MI-6 OFFICER
        I'm afraid the amount is in Euros, your Highness.

> CUT TO:

INT. LOUVRE/PARIS - NIGHT

!A group of dark figures in overalls walk past famous Renaissance paintings. They stop at the Mona Lisa.

!MANFRED PICARD, 63, head of the French National Museums, stands by LAURA, a young African-American woman in her late 20's. They observe the specialists opening the case of the famous painting.

!A whoosh of air as the vacuum seal breaks.

                        @MANFRED PICARD
        Laura, I'm putting a lot of trust in your people.

!Laura answers in almost perfect French.

                        @LAURA
        There are too many crazy people who could hurt her, Manfred. The World Heritage Foundation has done this all over the world.

!In the BACKGROUND the Mona Lisa is taken off the wall and replaced with a perfect replica. Picard still looks uneasy. He watches as the real Mona Lisa is sealed into an airtight case.

                        @MANFRED PICARD
        And she'll be safe now? Tucked away in the Swiss Alps?

                        @LAURA
        Perfectly safe.

!Picard looks suspicious but says nothing. The CAMERA MOVES IN on the face of the fake Mona Lisa until all we see is her mysterious smile.

> FADE TO BLACK

> 2012 <

> FADE UP

!FUZZY TV IMAGES:

!Lifeless bodies encircle a huge fire pit. They resemble the rays of the sun. In the background we see the famous step pyramids of Tikal.

                        @NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
        ... The mass suicide was discovered by a BBC documentary crew in the ancient Mayan city of Tikal...

!Many of the dead are women and children looking peaceful and are surrounded by colorful flowers.

                        @NEWSCASTER (CONT'D)
        ... the victims were said to have adhered to the Mayan-Quiche Calender which predicts the end of time to occur on the 21st of December this year, due to the sun's destructive forces...

!The CAMERA slowly pulls out and we are in--

INT. JACKSON'S APARTMENT/LOS ANGELES - EARLY MORNING

!A shabby apartment in Silverlake. The TV is on.

                        @NEWSCASTER (O.S.)
        ... Strangely enough, scientific records do support the fact that we are heading for the biggest solar climax in recorded history...

!A small tremor rocks the apartment and the dishevelled face of JACKSON CURTIS, 33, pops up from behind the couch. He fell asleep at his laptop last night.

                        @JACKSON
        Oh no. Not again.

!One look at his watch and he is off running. He throws some clothes and a toothbrush in a bag. His cell phone rings.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Hello?... What do you mean? I'm not late. It's not even 10:30...

!Jackson turns off the TV and darts towards the door, stopping only to slide his laptop into a knapsack. As he turns, he stumbles over a stack of books, all shrink-wrapped and identically titled: `Farewell Atlantis'.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Damn it!
                (into the phone)
        Kate, I'm on my way... For god's sake...

!Frustrated, he kicks them out of his way and exits. We hold on the books and realize that Jackson's photograph is on their back covers.

EXT. JACKSON'S GARAGE/LOS ANGELES - EARLY MORNING

!The phone call continues as Jackson opens the garage door, struggling to pack his old SUV with camping equipment.

                        @JACKSON
        They're kids, Kate, going on vacation. It's not a doctor's appointment... it's supposed to be fun. You remember that, right? Fun?

!He tries to start the engine, but the battery is dead. Frustrated, he hits the steering wheel.

EXT. JACKSON'S STREET/LOS ANGELES - EARLY MORNING

!Jackson runs across the street with his camping equipment, throwing it into the trunk of a stretch limo parked by the curb.

                        @JACKSON
        ... I know it's mosquito season at Yellowstone, Kate. I'll pick some up on the way.

!He notices a deep crack in the asphalt. His neighbors, an elderly couple, stand there and stare at it.

                        @NEIGHBOR
        Merrill, we should move back to Wisconsin.

!Jackson gets into the limo and speeds off.

INT. STREETS/LOS ANGELES - EARLY MORNING

!Jackson drives through LA with the radio on.

                        @RADIO HOST (O.S.)
        ... Those shake-proof coffee mugs are a genius idea, and they just show the true nature of us Californians.

!We pass a family frantically loading boxes into a van.

                        @RADIO HOST (O.S.) (CONT'D)
        We'll not bow to little inconveniences like these so called `mini-quakes'...

!Jackson passes a man in a wheelchair. He's holding up a cardboard sign: `Repent - The End is Near'.

EXT. KATE'S HOUSE/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Jackson stops and honks in front of an upscale Westwood home.

                        @RADIO HOST (O.S.)
        ... If you have a funny `mini-quake' story you wanna share, call Lisa & Randy at 1-800...

!Jackson switches the radio off. Two kids NOAH, 10, and LILLY, 7, come running down the driveway. They slow down, as they see the limo.

                        @NOAH
        Jackson, what is this?

                        @JACKSON
        Don't call me Jackson, Noah, I'm your father.

!Lilly yells from inside the limo.

                        @LILLY (O.S.)
        Noah! Look! Daddy's got Space-Busters in the car... and Space-Busters 2. Awesome!

!Their mother, KATE CURTIS, 32, a beautiful woman appears.

                        @KATE
        So what, you're a chauffeur now? What happened to the temp work?

                        @JACKSON
        This is better hours for me. Means I can still write.

                        @KATE
        Of course.

!Kate's new boyfriend, GORDON SILBERMAN, 43, pulls out of the garage in his Porsche wearing his Bluetooth.

                        @GORDON
                (on the phone)
        Simone, how many times have I told you, we don't do Lipo on Fridays. It's too messy.

!Jackson smiles bitterly. Gordon waves at the kids.

                        @GORDON (CONT'D)
        Have fun guys. And watch out for those bears.
                (to Jackson)
        Nice car.

!Jackson waves grudgingly as Gordon pulls away.

                        @KATE
        Noah needs to read twenty pages from his book each day...

!She follows Jackson to the car with a bag of pull-up diapers.

                        @KATE (CONT'D)
        ... and Lilly has to put these on, before she goes to sleep.

                        @JACKSON
        Still?

!He shuts the trunk and gets back behind the wheel. She looks at him seriously.

                        @KATE
        Jackson, they've been really looking forward to this you know. Don't let them down.

!He nods as the car pulls away.

> CUT TO:

EXT. SHIP DECK/SAN FRANCISCO HARBOR - DAY

!HARRY HELMSLEY, 73, and his partner TONY DELGADO, 68, board an enormous cruise ship, the `Freedom of the Seas'. Harry is African-American, Tony is Italian. He carries a large case. They pass a poster: `Jazz Night with Harry Helmsley & Tony Delgado'.

                        @HARRY
        So this time we'll hit the Japs.

                        @TONY
        So what?

                        @HARRY
        Well Tony, electronics are cheap there and... you could visit your boy Will.

                        @TONY
        Afternoon ladies...

!TONY shoots a charmers smile at a couple of older single ladies on sun loungers. They smile back coyly.

                        @HARRY
        Are you even listening to me?

                        @TONY
        Yes unfortunately I am Harry.

                        @HARRY
        I heard from Audrey you're a grandpa now.

                        @TONY
        Why don't you keep your nose out of my family. You're cramping my style.

                        @HARRY
        He married a Japanese girl - how is that the end of the world? You should at least go see him.

                        @TONY
        Why? Do you see your boy?

                        @HARRY
        Not as much as I'd like. DC is a long way. But at least we talk.

                        @TONY
        What about?

                        @HARRY
        Life, how short it is...

!Suddenly they're thrown off balance by a large swell that pulls the massive `Freedom of the Seas' away from the landing, about ten yards.

!The next moment, the ship slams back against the dock with an earthshaking BOOM.

                        @TONY
        What the hell was that?

!A murmur goes through the crowd. Luckily nobody is injured.

> CUT TO:

INT. LAURA'S BEDROOM/D.C. - EARLY MORNING

!The phone rings twice before Laura switches on a light. We catch a glimpse of a framed photo of her and Adrian. She answers the phone.

                        @MANFRED PICARD (O.S.)
        Laura? They lied to us.

                        @LAURA
        Manfred is that you?

EXT. STREETS/PARIS - NIGHT

!Picard is speeding in his Peugeot, anxiously checking his rear view mirror.

                        @MANFRED PICARD
        I had my suspicions. I should have said something. They are following me.

                        @LAURA (O.S.)
        Who is?

                        @MANFRED PICARD
        They may be listening to us too. Laura the Heritage Foundation is a sham.

!Picard's car approaches a tunnel.

                        @LAURA (O.S.)
        What?

                        @MANFRED
        The art you collected, it's not in the Alps.

!The Peugeot enters a tunnel.

                        @LAURA (O.S.)
        Then where is it?

!A huge blast rips through the tunnel as his car explodes.

> SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. ROAD/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

                        @JACKSON AND LILLY
                (singing along to the RADIO)
        ~`We all live in a Yellow Submarine...'

!They're driving through the glorious landscape of Yellowstone National Park. Noah sits in the back with headphones on playing Space-Busters 2.

!As they pass over a ridge, the music station is overpowered by a talk show filtering through. We hear a raspy and excitable voice.

                        @RADIO HOST
        ... After what is going on in La-La-land with all those surface cracks, I told myself: Get your stupid ass to Yellowstone. I don't want to miss all the great fun, when it finally blows...

!Lilly reaches for the dial of the radio.

                        @LILLY
        What happened to the music?

                        @JACKSON
        Hang on, sweet pea, let daddy listen to this for a moment...

!Jackson corrects the dial to get better reception.

                        @RADIO HOST
        ... There's been government people flying in and out all morning. And trust me, they did not look happy...

!A huge black helicopter brushes over the limo.

                        @RADIO HOST (CONT'D)
        ... Folks, always remember, you heard it first from Charlie.

!They watch in awe as the chopper disappears behind a ridge.

> CUT TO:

INT. OVAL OFFICE/WHITE HOUSE - MORNING

!Laura bursts in and heads straight for the TV. The President looks up from his desk.

                        @LAURA
        You have to see this.

!Sally the President's Secretary enters, flustered.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        It's alright Sally.

!Sally closes the door as Laura turns up the TV.

                        @CNN ANCHOR
        ... Mr. Picard had been the director of the French National Museums for 24 years. As fate would have it his assassination took place in the same Paris tunnel where Princess Diana died in 1997.

!The President comes around his desk. Laura looks at him distraught.

                        @LAURA
        I just talked to him, Dad. He told me the world Heritage Foundation is a sham. Is that true?

!The President shoots an anxious look across the room. Laura turns and suddenly realizes that Adrian is standing in the corner.

                        @LAURA (CONT'D)
        You knew too? You sleep with me and you didn't say anything?

!Adrian looks ashamed.

                        @LAURA (CONT'D)
        I can't even look at you. Either of you!

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Honey, calm down.

                        @LAURA
        A man was killed! I want the truth Dad. Right now.

> CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST TRAIL/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!A dense forest trail. We hear Lilly before we see her.

                        @LILLY (O.S.)
        Daddy, where are we going?

                        @JACKSON
        To a very special place, Lil'bee. It's a lake. A place where mommy and daddy fell in love.
                (winking to Noah)
        Remember the book I gave you?

                        @NOAH
        I don't want to know where you and mom had sex. I'm not ready for that, Jackson.

                        @JACKSON
        I'm your dad, Noah.

                        @LILLY (O.S.)
        Daddy!

!Jackson runs to catch up with Lilly who has reached a fence with a `keep out' sign posted.

                        @JACKSON
        This wasn't here before.

!Jackson starts to climb the fence.

                        @NOAH
        Don't you see the signs?

                        @JACKSON
        It's fine guys.

EXT. RIDGE/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Jackson and his kids crest a ridge. They look down on a parched basin with cracked terrain.

                        @JACKSON
        It's gone. The whole darn lake is gone. I swear you guys there was a lake here.

!The kids roll their eyes.

EXT. EMPTY LAKE BED/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!A puddle of water is all that remains of the lake. Jackson and the kids walk into the basin, unaware of being watched THROUGH BINOCULARS.

!Jackson spots an electronic measuring device and crouches to have a closer look.

!Elsewhere in the lake bed, we see sand seeping through CRACKS in the ground.

                        @NOAH (O.S.)
        Jackson!

!When he looks up, he sees heavily armed soldiers coming towards them from all sides.

                        @JACKSON
        It's okay, Noh'.

!Through the BINOCULARS, we see Jackson and his kids arrested and led over a ridge.

!With this we reveal an ENORMOUS RESEARCH FACILITY with hundreds of tents and vehicles surrounding a massive drilling tower.

EXT. RESEARCH FACILITY/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Adrian Helmsley and Prof. West exit the drilling tower, both studying papers. Adrian notices Jackson and his kids nearby, being interrogated by an OFFICER.

                        @ADRIAN
        I'll be with you in a second, Professor.

!Adrian walks towards them. Jackson stares at the officer with defiance.

                        @OFFICER
        ... And then you climbed over a posted fence? Just like that?

                        @NOAH
        I told you.

                        @JACKSON
        Isn't this supposed to be a National Park? There shouldn't be fences. What are you guys doing around here anyway?

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        We're geologists...

!Jackson turns and sees Adrian standing there.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        I'll handle this officer. Thank you.

!The officer reluctantly hands him Jackson's license.

                        @JACKSON
        So, where did the lake go?

                        @ADRIAN
        That's what we're trying to find out. We think this whole area has become potentially unstable. I would advise you to take your kids and leave, Mr...

!He throws a look at Jackson's drivers license.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        ... Curtis.

!He looks up at Jackson with renewed interest.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        Are you by any chance the Jackson Curtis, the author of `Farewell Atlantis'?

                        @JACKSON
                (SURPRISED)
        Yeah, that's me.

!Jackson straightens up proudly. Lilly smiles.

                        @ADRIAN
        What a coincidence. I'm reading your book, as we speak... first third, around day 300, when the shuttle loses communication with earth and drifts off into space.

                        @JACKSON
        You're one of lucky 422 who bought it.

                        @ADRIAN
        Actually I didn't buy it. My father gave it to me.

                        @JACKSON
        Oh, I see.

!Prof. West waves at Adrian from one of the container labs. Adrian hands back Jackson his drivers license.

                        @ADRIAN
        Officer, can you return them to the campgrounds, please.
                (to Jackson)
        Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Curtis.

!Jackson and his kids look after Adrian hurrying away.

                        @LILLY
        He was very nice.

                        @JACKSON
        Yes he was, Lil'bee.

EXT. FOREST TRAIL/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - LATER

!Jackson and the kids walk back to the campgrounds when suddenly CHARLIE FROST, 62, a crazy looking guy with binoculars around his neck, stands in their way.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        What did the government guys tell you?

!Jackson looks at him, instinctively picking up Lilly.

                        @JACKSON
        They think it's not such a good idea to climb over their fences. They feel the area is unstable.

!Charlie bursts out laughing.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        Unstable! Ha-ha! They say its unstable! That's funny...

!With this he turns around and leaves.

EXT. TENT/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DUSK

!Jackson is sitting on a camp chair, right outside the tent. He's on his laptop, looking enquiringly at an aerial picture of Yellowstone on Google earth.

!In the background we see the kids are in the tent.

                        @NOAH
        There are mosquitos in here. Did anybody spray the tent?

!Jackson looks up, remembering he forgot the spray.

                        @JACKSON
        We'll get some of that tomorrow. For tonight just put your head under the blankie.

                        @LILLY
        Daddy you said you weren't gonna work on your book.

                        @JACKSON
        I'm not Honey, I promise. Are you wearing your pull-ups?

!Lilly nods as Jackson walks over and tucks her into bed. He kisses her good night. He turns and is surprised to see Noah typing a text on his cell phone.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Did mommy buy you that?

                        @NOAH
        No... Gordon gave it to me for my birthday.

!Jackson takes the phone from out of Noah's hands.

                        @JACKSON
        Noah. Things like a cell phone have to be discussed in the family.

                        @NOAH
                (BITTER)
        What family?

!Jackson reads the message Noah has typed `Hey Gordon, Camping Sucks!'. Hurt, Jackson hands back the phone.

                        @JACKSON
        Go to sleep guys.

EXT. RESEARCH FACILITY/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DUSK

!Commotion. The base packs up. Adrian and Prof. West duck low as they board a chopper. Adrian is on the phone.

                        @ADRIAN
        ... You have to immediately inform the President, Mr Anheuser. The readings look much worse than I expected.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        Plus Satnam's neutrino figures from India confirm...

!We hear Anheuser, yelling.

                        @ANHEUSER (O.S.)
        ... But you guys said...

                        @ADRIAN
        We were wrong! By five or six months...

!A second later the chopper lifts off.

INT. LIMO/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DUSK

!Jackson has his laptop open with the cursor blinking away on the words `Chapter Seven'. But he can't concentrate on writing after what Noah has said.

!A chopper flies overhead. Jackson follows it's path over the campsite and his eyes fall on an American flag fluttering on top of a massive radio antennae. This belongs to an RV truck.

!Through the RV's window, Jackson sees the silhouette of Charlie Frost, the guy with the binoculars, speaking into a microphone.

!Curious, Jackson flicks on the radio and twists the dial.

                        @ON THE RADIO
                (Charlie's voice)
        ... We have a listener calling in. Bill from Cooke City, you're on the Charlie Frost Show.
                (Bill's voice)
        I wanted to know, where will this all start?

!Jackson is intrigued. He puts his laptop down.

                        @ON THE RADIO (CONT'D)
                (Charlie's voice)
        Well, something like this could only originate in Hollywood, Ha-Ha! But seriously, they've got the earth cracking under their asses already, Bill.

!Jackson climbs out of his car and starts towards the RV. He can still hear the radio.

                        @ON THE RADIO (CONT'D)
                (Bill's voice)
        Our family believes in the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

                        @ON THE RADIO (CONT'D)
        We have nothing to fear, Charlie.
                (Charlie's voice)
        Good for you Bill, good for you!

INT. CHARLIE'S RV/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DUSK

!Charlie hits a switch. Music starts playing. The Doors, `The End'.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        ... This is Charlie Frost reporting live from Yellowstone National Park, soon to become the world's largest active volcano.

!Charlie is about to take a bite of his sandwich, when there's a knock on the door. Jackson sticks his head in.

                        @JACKSON
        Hi. Mind if I join you?

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        I only got a few minutes.

!Charlie bites into his sandwich as Jackson looks around at all the equipment.

                        @JACKSON
        I just heard part of your broadcast... Mind me asking a question? What exactly is it... that will start in Hollywood?

                        @CHARLIE FROST
                (CHEWING)
        Actually it's gonna be the whole west coast...

                        @JACKSON
        What are you talking about?

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        The apocalypse, the end of days. The Mayans knew it, the I Ching and the Bible, kind of...

!Charlie looks at his watch.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        I got to eat... Just check my blog. You can download it for free.

!Charlie clicks on his laptop.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        ... However, we do take donations.

!A crudely animated film starts to play. Charlie narrates on screen in an overly dramatic fashion.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        In the year 2012 a cataclysmic event will unfold. Caused by an alignment of the planets in our solar system that only happens every 640,000 years... Just imagine the earth as an Orange...

!Charlie appears as an animated figure holding an orange.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
        ... our sun will begin to emit such extreme amounts of radiation, that the core of the earth will melt - that's the inside part of the Orange, leaving the crust of our planet free to shift.

!On screen the middle of the orange shrinks, now the skin moves freely around it.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
        In 1958, Prof. Hapgood named it `Earth Crust Displacement'...

!A faded portrait of a scientist appears on screen.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        ... and Albert Einstein endorsed it...

!The infamous photo of Einstein, sticking out his tongue.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        The forces of mother nature will be so devastating it will bring an end to this world on winter solstice 12-21-12.

!The film ends with an image of the whole earth covered with water.

!Charlie shuts the laptop.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        Pretty neat, huh? It's a big hit on YouTube. I did the animation myself.
                (PAUSE)
        I know what you're thinking. But all the governments know about this.

                        @JACKSON
        If they all knew, don't you think somebody would tell us?

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        They can't. Just think about it. First the stockmarket would crash...

!Charlie opens a can of beer. Phsssh!

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        Then the economy... boom. The dollar... boom. And then the people in the streets...
                (mimicking gun fire)
        Boom, boom! Pandemonium, revolution, war! They would never tell us. Beer?

!Jackson shakes his head still struggling to digest this.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        Only if you're some Sheik, Bill Gates, or maybe one of those Russian billionaires do you stand a chance to buy a seat.

                        @JACKSON
        A seat?

                        @CHARLIE FROST
                (INTENSELY)
        They're building spaceships, man.

                        @JACKSON
        Oh... I see.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        No really... One of my listeners, a geography professor at UTSC, has even figured out where they're building them. He sent me a map.

                        @JACKSON
        Well... Charlie, I think I gotta go. My kids are sleeping.

!Charlie looks at him bug eyed.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        Get them out of Yellowstone, man. It's gonna get ugly here.

                        @JACKSON
        Night, Charlie.

!As Jackson exits, Charlie gets back on the air.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        Sorry for the delay, folks. But even in times like these, a man has got to eat...

> CUT TO:

EXT. PARKING LOT OF SUPERMARKET/LOS ANGELES - NIGHT

!Westwood. The parking lot of Gelson's is nearly empty.

!Eerie silence. Suddenly some of the cars begin to shift in place from an unseen force. A small CRACK creases the asphalt and slowly crawls towards the brightly lit supermarket.

INT. BETWEEN AISLES/SUPERMARKET - NIGHT

!Muzak is playing. Kate and her boyfriend Gordon are shopping late. She picks up some pull-ups for Lilly, Gordon steps up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

                        @GORDON
        Why don't we make a baby?

!He reaches up and touches her breasts.

                        @KATE
        Stop it! We're in public.

!Gordon lets go of her with mock disappointment.

                        @GORDON
        Honey, I created them. And now suddenly I can't touch them?

!Kate pushes him away and moves on.

!A few customers are paying at the checkout stand.

!BEHIND THEM: Huge glass windows reveal cars slowly sliding into the ever widening crack in the parking lot. Nobody inside notices.

!Gordon catches up with Kate.

                        @GORDON (CONT'D)
        You always act strange after he shows up?

                        @KATE
        Just because I don't care for your arrogant humor doesn't mean I'm acting strange. He is the father of my kids.

                        @GORDON
        Maybe biologically. Can I remind you what that guy did? First you gave up med school to have Noah... Then you practically raise him and Lilly by yourself while he sat glued to a laptop writing that junk.

                        @KATE
        Some of his stuff is actually... He's published Gordon.

                        @GORDON
                (MOCKINGLY)
        Yeah, published! You know your mother was right. You've always been drawn to guys with lofty dreams and empty pockets. But not this time right, sweetheart?

!Kate smiles awkwardly and picks up a can of soup. The shelf in front of her shakes for a moment.

                        @KATE
        Did you see that?

                        @GORDON
        See what?

!Kate slowly puts the cans of soup into her cart and looks around. Gordon senses a problem between them.

                        @GORDON (CONT'D)
        You know Kate, we have to keep working at this... our relationship. Because I won't end up being just a re-run of you and Jackson.
                (PAUSE)
        I mean Honey, I feel like... something is pulling us apart?

!Before Gordon finishes his sentence--

!A violent ROAR! From front to back, the entire supermarket rips open right between Kate and Gordon.

!The few customers scream in horror at the sight of the huge crevasse forming beneath them. Kate and Gordon are thrown up against opposite aisles holding on for dear life.

!They cling to the columns as the shelves fold into the ever widening crack...

> CUT TO:

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE/YELLOWSTONE - MORNING

!Jackson puts down some groceries at the checkout.

                        @JACKSON
        Just stop scratching. You'll get them infected.

!He smiles at the female cashier behind the counter who does not look friendly.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Something for Mosquito bites please?

                        @CASHIER
        Before or after?

                        @JACKSON
        What?

!The woman looks at Lilly and Noah with their red lumps.

                        @CASHIER
        I'd get before and after.

!She slams two mosquito products on the counter.

                        @LILLY
                (POINTING)
        Look! Mrs. Birnbaum, my teacher is on TV!

!On the store's TV: A heavy-set blonde WOMAN, 45, speaking to a reporter in front of Gelson's.

                        @NOAH
        That's our supermarket.

!The gap in the ground is enormous now, at least half a mile long and 200 feet wide.

                        @JACKSON
                (WORRIED)
        Kids, we have to pack up and go find mommy.

> CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY/WHITE HOUSE - MORNING

!President Wilson and Anheuser walk towards the Situation Room.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Sir, you have to initiate the boarding process immediately.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Is this even possible? What's our information from China?

                        @ANHEUSER
        They estimate four of the ships will be ready for launch.

!The President is shocked by this news.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Only four?

                        @ANHEUSER
        If it's alright with you sir, I'll brief the panel about the new development.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        I'd rather have Adrian do that. They trust him. I told him to be in on the meeting.

!Anheuser fumes as they enter the situation room.

INT. SITUATION ROOM/WHITE HOUSE - MORNING

!Flat screens line the walls. A video conference is under way with each of the G8 members represented.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Ladies and Gentlemen, we all knew this day would come. But we never imagined it would come this soon.

!He looks over to Adrian.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (CONT'D)
        I would like to pass this over to my science advisor, Adrian Helmsley.

!Adrian steps up and gathers himself. Anheuser watches.

                        @ADRIAN
        I'll make this brief...

!Pointing to a set of charts.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        ... According to our latest data from Yellowstone, the temperature of the subterranean crust of the earth, the cement that holds our landmass in place, is increasing at a rapid rate, much faster than anticipated...

!All the heads of state are glued to his words.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        ... This causes extreme polar instability. The magnetic fields have decreased by more than 80% over the last 48 hours.

!The German Chancellor, a woman, interrupts.

                        @GERMAN CHANCELLOR
        How much time do we have, Mr. Helmsley?

!Adrian glances to Professor West, standing in the back.

                        @ADRIAN
        Two, maybe three days if we're lucky.

!The Prime Minister of Italy breaks in, upset.

                        @ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER
        How can you speak about luck in such a situation?

                        @ANHEUSER
        Apologies Prime minster. He's still new to the job.

!President Wilson steps up.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Nevertheless, Mr. Antonioni, we have to make an immediate decision.

!We hear CHEERING and APPLAUSE.

                        @BOXING ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
        Introducing the 320 pound muscle machine from the Ukraine...

> CUT TO:

INT. BOXING ARENA OF MGM GRAND/LAS VEGAS - NIGHT

!The arena is filled to its max. The crowd is on its feet.

                        @BOXING ANNOUNCER
        ... and tonight's challenger for the heavy weight world championship of the world. Here he is... Mister Zultan Balashin!

!The crowd ROARS as the boxer and his entourage enter.

!The CAMERA moves in on a tall man with blonde clean cut hair. He is well built, wearing designer clothing from head to toe. YURI KARPOV, 45, stereotypical Russian oligarch.

!He approaches the ringside corner and whistles.

                        @YURI
        Zultan!

!The nervous boxer turns.

                        @ZULTAN
                (in Russian)
        Ah, finally, Yuri. I thought I would not see you.

!Yuri hits the boxer's gloves. Zultan is nervous. His coach steps in.

                        @COACH
        He needs to concentrate now, Mister Karpov.

                        @YURI
        You shut up... when I talk to my boy, understand?

                        @COACH
        Yes, Mr. Karpov.

                        @YURI
        Good... That is good.
                (in Russian to the BOXER)
        Zultan my friend. Do not forget. We are fighters. We never go down. We always stay on our feet...

!Zultan just keeps nodding, pumping himself up.

                        @YURI (CONT'D)
        ... No matter who is hitting us. No matter how hard.

!GONG. First Round. The fight is on.

                        @YURI (CONT'D)
        Now, go kill the bastard.

!Yuri walks to his seat, sitting down next to his trophy:

!TAMARA, 28, blonde, wears the shortest mini one can imagine, designer shoes, handbag, glasses and boobs. In her lap she holds CAESAR, a tiny dog wearing a diamond collar.

!In the ring the boxers maul at each other. Yuri's cell phone beeps. It's a text message:

!START BOARDING PROCEDURE

!Yuri's whole demeanor changes. Without a word, he gets up and walks out of the arena.

                        @TAMARA
        Yuri bear... where are you going?

!Yuri does not respond as he squeezes through the crowd.

!Zultan, the boxer, notices Yuri leave. In that split second distraction, he is hit HARD and goes down for the count.

!The crowd ROARS!

> CUT TO:

EXT. WESTWOOD/LOS ANGELES - SUNRISE

!Jackson has driven all night. The sun rises, a giant glowing orb.

                        @PUBLIC RADIO NEWS (O.S.)
        ... Caltech believes that the incident in the Westwood supermarket has released most of the surface tension...

EXT. KATE'S HOUSE/LOS ANGELES - EARLY MORNING

!Jackson pulls up. The kids are asleep.

                        @PUBLIC RADIO NEWS (O.S.)
        ... It looks like life in the city will soon be back to normal, Mayor Gonzales said at an early morning news conference from his home in Hancock Park.

!Jackson switches off the radio and wakes his kids gently.

                        @JACKSON
        Lilly, we're home sweetie.
                (to Noah)
        Wake up big man.

!Kate heads to the car. Still sleepy, the kids grab their stuff and run into her arms.

                        @KATE
        Oh honey, I'm so glad you're back... And you too, darling.

                        @JACKSON
        We tried calling but -

                        @LILLY (O.S.)
        I'm hungry Mummy.

                        @KATE
        At least it looks like the Mosquitos ate well.

!She looks at Jackson and softens.

                        @KATE (CONT'D)
        Wanna come in?

!Gordon appears at the door. Jackson watches painfully as Noah runs and gives Gordon a big hug.

!His cellphone beeps with a message.

                        @YURI (O.S.)
        Where are you Curtis?

INT. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE/LAS VEGAS - EARLY MORNING

!Yuri stands at a huge window overlooking the strip talking into his phone.

                        @JACKSON (O.S.)
        Back in Westwood, Mister Karpov.

                        @YURI
        Good. That is good. I'm sending the Gulfstream to pick up Alec and Oleg.

!Tamara hovers in the background packing her Louis Vuitton luggage. Caesar, her little dog, watches from the bed.

                        @TAMARA
                (in Russian)
        Tell him to bring Caesar's raincoat, it's in the Range Rover.

!Yuri brushes her off.

EXT. STREET/BEL AIR - MORNING

!While talking to Yuri, Jackson is standing in front of the open trunk, changing into his chauffeur suit.

                        @YURI (O.S.)
        Curtis, make sure you get my boys as fast you can.

EXT. MANSION/BEL AIR - MORNING

!A palatial home. Completely gaudy. The twins, ALEC and OLEG, wait impatiently. They are 12 years old and wear identical clothing by Dior.

                        @ALEC
        Curtis, you are late.

!Jackson ignores him and starts throwing the luggage into the limo. The other twin notices his muddy sneakers.

                        @OLEG
        Careful with our stuff. Don't get it dirty.

EXT. STREETS/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Ahead of the limo a crowd has formed in the streets, singing songs and chanting about the end of days. A SKINNY MAN with a ponytail preaches from the scriptures.

                        @PREACHER
        ... There will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes, sayeth the Lord.

!Jackson has to maneuver through the people. Banners read: `Prepare for the End'-- 'You cannot escape his judgement'--

!Alec looks up from his video game, annoyed.

                        @ALEC
        Curtis, can't you go faster?

                        @JACKSON
        Are you guys blind? I can't run people over.

                        @OLEG
        Why not? They're idiots anyway.

!Jackson shoots these spoilt brats an angry look.

EXT. SANTA MONICA AIRPORT/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Jackson stops in front of the Gulfstream. SASHA, 40, Yuri's Russian pilot is expecting them.

                        @SASHA
        Hey Jackson. Took you a while...

!Jackson mutters under his breath as he unloads the luggage, dropping one of them on Alec's foot on purpose.

                        @ALEC
        Ouch! Be more careful!

!The other twin has noticed Jackson's intentions. He gets into his face.

                        @OLEG
        Now you're laughing, Curtis. But we are going on a big ship.
                (PAUSE)
        We will live... and you will die.

!Oleg grins back at Jackson as the jet door closes. The Gulfstream taxis onto the runway.

!As Jackson turns back to the car a fine surface crack shoots across the tarmac. We hold on his face as it hits him like a ton of bricks:

!THE CRAZY RADIO HOST, CHARLIE FROST WAS RIGHT!

!Frantically Jackson looks around and spots a MAN in overalls working on a twin engine Cessna. He runs to him.

                        @JACKSON
        Where can I rent a plane?

!The man points to a shabby office building.

> CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Kate is in her kitchen cooking breakfast for the kids. Gordon watches the Governor on the news.

                        @GOVERNOR
                (with Austrian ACCENT)
        ... just this morning my people at Caltech told me that in the last 36 hours we had basically zero earthquake activity in Southern California, which is very rare...

!The phone rings. Kate picks up.

EXT. STREETS/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Jackson drives like crazy.

                        @JACKSON
        ... Kate, we have to get out of LA! I've rented a plane for us. Get the kids ready! I'll be there in five.

                        @KATE
        The kids have plans today...

                        @JACKSON
        Are you kidding me!

                        @KATE
        No I'm not! Noah has music at 2 and Lil' has Karate.

!Gordon rolls his eyes and mutters.

                        @GORDON
        Not that we'd expect him to remember.

                        @JACKSON
                (SCREAMING)
        California is going down! Pack up the kids!

                        @KATE
        You're crazy! The Governor just said we're fine now.

                        @JACKSON
        The Governor's a meathead, how would he know anything? Kate listen! You gotta trust me over some politician. Come on.

INT. KATE'S HOUSE/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Kate slams the phone down. Lilly stops eating.

                        @LILLY
        Mommy, why are you so angry with Daddy?

                        @LAURA
        Because your daddy is a lunatic, darling.

!On the TV, the interview comes to an end.

                        @GOVERNOR
        ... it looks to me, like the worst is over.

!That moment a MASSIVE QUAKE hits Los Angeles.

!Everybody dives under the table.

!ON TV: The news casters and the Governor do the same. A few seconds later the signal cuts out.

!Gordon pulls Kate and the kids close as the earth shakes violently for 20 seconds.

EXT. KATE'S HOUSE/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Jackson flies into the driveway and runs into the house.

INT. KATE'S HOUSE/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!When he enters, Lilly immediately runs into his arms. The next tremor hits. Cracks form on the kitchen floor.

                        @JACKSON
        We have to leave! Noah, let's go!

                        @KATE
        I think we're safer here!

                        @JACKSON
        Noah, now! Kate please...

!The whole house rides up and down like on a wave.

                        @GORDON
        I think he's right.

!Finally Kate pushes her son out from under the table. They all scramble out of the house in a panic. Kate is cut on the shoulder by falling glass but she hardly notices.

EXT. KATE'S HOUSE/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!As they storm out of their front door the house crumbles behind them.

                        @JACKSON
        Get in the car!

!The whole street starts to buckle. Left and right the houses are shaken and smashed like toys.

!Just before the wave of destruction can reach them, Jackson tears out of the driveway.

EXT. STREETS/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!Jackson maneuver's the limo through the crumbling neighborhood. Right in front of their eyes, streets disappear, trees fall, electrical lines snap. Sewer pipes burst in front of the car.

                        @NOAH
        Holy shit!

!Jackson has to turn on the windshield wipers.

EXT. SANTA MONICA AIRPORT/LOS ANGELES - MORNING

!The limo crashes through a gate onto the tarmac, coming to a stop in front of a twin engine Cessna.

                        @JACKSON
        Damn it! Where's the pilot?

!Kate turns to Gordon.

                        @KATE
        Gordon, you know how to fly.

                        @GORDON
        I... had a couple lessons...

                        @JACKSON
        Did you cover taking off?

                        @GORDON
        Yeah.

                        @JACKSON
        That's good enough for me.

!They start running, when Jackson remembers something and heads back to the Limo.

!He grabs his knapsack from the front seat fumbling to zip his laptop back inside it. Kate shouts.

                        @KATE (O.S.)
        Jackson, what are you doing?

                        @JACKSON
        I'm coming.

!He jumps out of the car and races back after them. Behind Jackson the hangar starts to disintegrate.

!IN THE DISTANCE

!A gigantic fissure forms in the earth, shooting towards Santa Monica airport.

!Gordon fumbles with the controls, Jackson yells from the copilot seat.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Come on, come on...

                        @GORDON
                (pointing at the INSTRUMENTS)
        But I'm supposed to check all these first...

!Jackson reaches over and slams Gordon's hand down and the plane lurches forward.

!As the Cessna speeds onto the tarmac the control tower goes down and explodes.

!Noah discovers the giant crevasse forming behind them.

                        @NOAH
        Guys, behind us!

!As the plane accelerates, the giant crack closes in on them. Gordon's hand trembles on the throttle control. Everybody screams on top of each other.

                        @EVERYBODY
        Gordon! Damn it! Lift off!

!Gordon gathers his courage and pulls the lever. The plane almost rockets into the air just as the ground beneath them gives way.

!They hover for a moment, almost caught in mid-air as the widening crevasse beneath them fights to suck them into the bowels of the earth. Gordon fights to maintain control but they begin to be pulled down.

!The daylight vanishes. Debris and mud smashes into the plane from all sides. The canyon walls erupt.

                        @GORDON
        I can't get it up!

!Taking desperate measures, Gordon nearly rips the control stick out of its joint - with a lurch the Cessna lifts out of the abyss.

!They all take a deep breath only to realize that now they are flying directly into the collapsing towers of downtown Los Angeles!

!Like a roller coaster, Gordon manages to weave the little plane through the tumbling high rises.

!They dive one last time to evade the plummeting US BANK TOWER, the tallest building on the west coast.

!All are dead silent as they watch the whole of Los Angeles crumble beneath them. Kate covers Lilly's eyes.

                        @NOAH
                (in total shock)
        That was amazing, Gordon!

!Jackson looks at Kate and notices her cut.

                        @JACKSON
        Are you okay?

                        @KATE
                (brushing it off)
        I'm fine. How did you know this was gonna happen?

                        @JACKSON
        I didn't.
                (To Gordon)
        Do we have enough fuel to make it to Yellowstone?

!The plane veers off in a northeasterly direction. Behind them the destruction of Los Angeles continues.

> CUT TO:

EXT. FREEDOM OF THE SEAS/PACIFIC - DAY

!The gigantic cruise ship plows through the Pacific. We hear lounge music...

INT. BAR/FREEDOM OF THE SEAS - DAY

!Adrian's father Harry and his partner Tony are on stage. Harry on the piano, singing, Tony playing the bass. A waiter brings drinks. Water for Harry, and a brightly colored cocktail for Tony.

                        @WAITER
        You got fans Tony...

!Tony raises his glass to two old ladies who are sitting at the bar.

                        @WAITER (CONT'D)
        There's a call for you Harry. Want me to take a message?

                        @HARRY
                (while still playing)
        I'll be right there.

!The waiter nods. A few more bars of music, then applause.

                        @HARRY (CONT'D)
                (into the microphone)
        Thank you ladies and gentlemen. Let's hear it for the one and only Tony Delgado... And I'm Harry Helmsley and we'll be back after a short pit stop.

!Applause. Harry rushes off stage.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        Dad... what I have to tell you is very serious...

INT. HALLWAY/WHITE HOUSE - DAY

!Adrian is standing in a dark corner. Behind him people are packing up, carrying boxes.

                        @ADRIAN
        You remember when I told you about the dam in China? Well, it's happening much sooner than we anticipated.

INT. GALLEY/CRUISE SHIP - DAY

!Harry's face has turned serious.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        The President has ordered us to clear out the White House.

                        @HARRY
        Hah... About time someone cleaned up that mess.

INT. HALLWAY/WHITE HOUSE - DAY

!Adrian fights back the tears.

                        @ADRIAN
        Where are you, dad? What exactly is the course of the `Freedom' right now?...

                        @HARRY (O.S.)
        It's all good, Adrian. Don't worry about your old man. You have more important things to do now.

INT. GALLEY/CRUISE SHIP - DAY

!There's a tremor in Harry's voice.

                        @HARRY
        You know, your mom and I, we had a hell of a great life... and a hell of a great kid too.
                (PAUSE)
        And the `Freedom' is a pretty big ship you know... Don't write your old man off, just yet.

INT. HALLWAY/WHITE HOUSE - DAY

!A tear runs down Adrian's face.

                        @HARRY (O.S.)
        ... Besides, I could never leave Tony alone. You know how he can't keep decent time by himself.

!Pause.

                        @ADRIAN
        I love you, dad.

INT. GALLEY/CRUISE SHIP - DAY

!Harry bites his lip.

                        @HARRY
        Love you too, son.

INT. BAR/CRUISE SHIP - DAY

!Back in the lounge, Tony has finished his cocktail. Harry walks up and hollers at the barkeeper.

                        @HARRY
        Hey Herb. Get me a double Jack on the rocks.

                        @TONY
        After twenty-five years on the wagon?

                        @HARRY
        Why not? Who cares how long we do certain things? How long we drink booze, how long we talk to people... Or how long we don't talk to people.

!Harry grabs Tony by his shirt.

                        @TONY
        Woah!... Harry, what's the matter with you? Let's go. We're back on.

!Harry pulls him even closer.

                        @HARRY
        Call your kid, you stubborn old ass.
                (PAUSE)
        I'm not going back on that stage unless you promise to call him.

                        @WAITER
                (INTERRUPTING)
        Tony, the ladies are waiting for you.

                        @HARRY
        Promise me, Tony... please.

!Harry stares him down.

                        @TONY
        Yeah, maybe I should call him...

!Harry smiles, downs his bourbon and walks back on stage.

> CUT TO:

INT. ADRIAN'S OFFICE/WHITE HOUSE - DAY

!Adrian enters his office. The TV is on.

                        @NEWS ANCHOR
        ... There is little we know at this point, but the earthquake registered at 10.1 on the Richter scale. The whole of the Western seaboard was hit...

!Assistants stare at the news in shocked disbelief, some of them are crying. Prof. West appears at the door.

                        @ADRIAN
                (pointing at the TV)
        Have you seen this?

!Prof. West silently nods and beckons Adrian, who follows him down the hall into a dark control room. They look at a wall-sized high def monitor.

                        @PROF. WEST
        We have satellite images. Here's the sequence we've got so far.

!On the monitors, detailed satellite imagery displays how the monstrous quake unfolds, leaving California sliding into the sea.

                        @ADRIAN
        Any news from Yellowstone?

                        @PROF. WEST
        Anytime now.

> CUT TO:

EXT. RESEARCH FACILITY/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!The base is abandoned but for a few structures and the enormous drilling tower.

!Gordon manages to land the plane next to what looks like a fueling station. Jackson leaps out checking the pump.

                        @JACKSON
        Guys, there's fuel! Fill her up and I'll look for Charlie.

                        @KATE
        You're sure about this?

                        @JACKSON
        Kate, everything this guy said so far has happened. I'll be right back.

!Jackson runs off towards the hills.

                        @LILLY
        Daddy wait! I wanna come with you!

!Lilly runs after him. Jackson picks her up.

                        @KATE
        Lilly! Come back!

                        @JACKSON
        It's fine! I'll take her.

!Kate watches as they disappear, worried. Noah and Gordon have started to fuel the plane.

EXT. CHARLIE'S RV/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Jackson and Lilly find Charlie's RV with it's door hanging open. They enter. The key is in the ignition. The radio transmitters are on, but Charlie is gone. Jackson fiddles with the switches and Charlie's voice comes on.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        ... I am standing here at the highest point on what is the rim of this super volcano...

                        @JACKSON
        He's got to be close by, Lil'bee...

!Jackson jumps behind the wheel and turns the ignition.

                        @LILLY
        Let's go back, Daddy.

                        @JACKSON
        Listen to me. We have to find Charlie. He's got a secret map, you know, like Jack Sparrow in `Pirates'.

!That catches her interest.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Lil', we have to work as a team now, okay? You have to help me.

!Jackson passes her his mobile phone. Lilly nods. He throws the RV into gear and they speed off over the bumpy terrain.

!In their dust, we see the earth fissuring!

INT. RV/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Jackson drives like a bat out of hell.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        ... The last time this baby blew, was 640,000 years ago...

                        @JACKSON
        Dial Mommy's number, sweetheart.

!Jackson tears up the mountain looking for Charlie.

EXT. EMPTY ARMY BASE/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Kate's phone rings.

                        @LILLY (O.S.)
        Hi mommy...

                        @KATE
        Where are you, honey!?

INT. RV/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Jackson hears the stress in Kate's voice. He hisses at Lilly.

                        @JACKSON
        Tell her we'll be back in ten minutes.

                        @LILLY
                (EXCITED)
        We're looking for a secret map, mommy.

!Jackson grimaces.

EXT. RESEARCH FACILITY/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Kate tries to keep it together for Lilly.

                        @KATE
        Let me speak to your daddy, darling.

                        @LILLY (O.S.)
        Daddy can't talk right now, he's driving really fast...

INT. RV/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!The RV runs over a boulder. Lilly hits the roof.

                        @LILLY
        Ouch!

                        @KATE (O.S.)
        LILLY!

!In the background Kate hears the voice of Charlie Frost.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        ... I tell you guys, any minute now... any minute the fireworks will start...

                        @KATE (O.S.)
        Who's in the car with you? Who's that man screaming?

                        @LILLY
        He's not in the car. He's on a mountain waiting for fireworks.

!Lilly spots Charlie way up on a ridge. He has erected his ten foot radio antenna with the flag fluttering on top.

                        @LILLY (CONT'D)
                (to Jackson)
        There he is! Up there!

                        @JACKSON
        You're the best, darling. Give Daddy the phone...
                (into the phone)
        Kate I am sorry, I can't talk...

!The road ends just below the mountain peak.

                        @KATE (O.S.)
        Bring back my child, Jackson! NOW!

!Jackson sees Charlie up above, broadcasting. He hangs up the phone and jumps out of the RV.

                        @JACKSON
        You wait here for me! You watch the ship while Captain Curtis talks to the pirate. Okay?

                        @LILLY
                (UNCERTAIN)
        Okay...

!Jackson climbs up to Charlie.

EXT. MOUNTAIN PEAK/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Charlie has his broadcasting equipment strapped to his body. The antenna's flag is whipping in the wind.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
                (into his mic)
        ... I wish you guys at home could see this on TV...

!He notices Jackson and muffles the microphone.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        How did you make it up here? Thought you were toast.

                        @JACKSON
        The spaceships Charlie, where are they?

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        You can't make it there.

                        @JACKSON
        We have a plane. We can get you out of here too. Let's go Charlie!

!All around the landscape begins to collapse. A three mile crater forms, revealing the awe-inspiring sight of the super-volcano.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        You'll never make it out in time. Just stay and enjoy the big bang. That your kid?

!Jackson discovers Lilly standing behind him, staring at Charlie with her big brown eyes.

!Jackson grabs Charlie lifting him off the ground.

                        @JACKSON
        Where is that god damn map!

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        Easy, easy. Watch the mic... I don't know. Somewhere in my camper.

!A low rumble builds to a rapturous thunder as MILLIONS OF BIRDS tear into flight.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        Wow! Look at that!...
                (into his mic)
        Fly birdies fly! This marks the last day of the United States of America folks and by tomorrow...

!The mouth of the volcano starts to break apart revealing molten lava underneath.

                        @CHARLIE FROST (CONT'D)
        ... the last of mankind. Soon they'll see us from a million miles away, out there in the milky way...

!Jackson grabs his wide eyed daughter and races down the mountain.

EXT. BELOW MOUNTAIN PEAK/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Jackson and Lilly jump into the RV and races off, with Charlie's broadcast still playing.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        ... The ash cloud will travel everywhere.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
        First the lights will go out in Vegas, then Dallas, St. Louis and then Washington DC...

!Jackson's cell phone rings and he picks up.

                        @JACKSON
        We're on our way.

EXT. RESEARCH FACILITY/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

                        @KATE
        Jackson, things are really looking bad here!

!In that instant, the air around them vanishes, as if sucked from the landscape into a vacuum.

!THE BIGGEST EXPLOSION THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN... At least in the last 640,000 years.

!To them, all this occurs in total silence. The sound of the eruption has not reached them yet.

!They are frozen, unable to comprehend what is happening.

EXT. MOUNTAIN PEAK/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!The explosion begins to resembles an atomic mushroom.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        ... it's beautiful, kids! Just beautiful!

!The sound waves reach Charlie, throwing him to the ground.

EXT. DIRT ROAD/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!The RV flies over the rugged terrain. Everywhere the earth is cracking, falling apart. Jackson struggles to swerve around the disappearing landscape.

                        @LILLY
                (SCREAMING)
        It's following us!

!Lilly has discovered the expanding ASH CLOUD behind them.

                        @JACKSON
        Just don't look back, Lil'bee!

!The THUNDERING sound envelopes them! On the radio, the voice of Charlie is getting shrill.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        Majestic!... Oh yeah!

EXT. MOUNTAIN PEAK/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Charlie slowly tries to stand again, silhouetted against the cloud of dust and fire towering above him.

!Flaming rocks fly towards him. When they hit the ground, they detonate like fire bombs.

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        Oh baby! It's coming!

EXT. DIRT ROAD/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Rocks plummet like comets around the RV as Jackson races over a collapsing bridge. On the radio, in his delirious state, Charlie begins to sing...

                        @CHARLIE'S VOICE
        ~`This is the end, my friend'...

!Yellowstone looks like a war zone. The RV dodges the bombardment of fire and rock.

EXT. MOUNTAIN PEAK/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!Huge tree trunks and glowing boulders fly at Charlie through the ashes. He screams at the top of his lungs.

                        @CHARLIE FROST
        ... Folks, always remember, you heard it first from Charlie.

!A second later, Charlie's radio antenna comes spinning like a scythe through the air. It decapitates Charlie in an instant.

EXT. DIRT ROAD/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!The radio cuts out. The forest and the camp grounds are mown flat by the extreme force of the ASH CLOUD. In the rear view mirror Jackson sees it gaining on them.

                        @JACKSON
        LILLY! DOWN!

!A firebomb hits the RV, ripping half the roof off.

!Lilly barely makes it under the dashboard.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Stay down there, Lil'! We're almost there! Just keep looking at daddy.

!Jackson spots the little Cessna in the distance.

EXT. EMPTY ARMY BASE/YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - DAY

!At the entrance to the airstrip a huge crevasse forms, cutting the RV off from reaching the plane.

!Lilly sticks out her head.

                        @LILLY
        Mommy!

!Jackson swerves wildly to miss the crack, sending Lilly flying out. Without thinking, he lets go of the wheel, lunging after her and pulling her back inside.

                        @JACKSON
        Stay down darling.

!Jackson races the RV alongside the forming crack.

!Spotting a narrow point in the crevasse, he makes a decision. Slamming the accelerator down, he races towards it at full speed.

!Moments later the RV is airborne!

!Kate watches, too shocked to scream. A few drawn out seconds.

!Then the RV touches down, crashing 200 feet from the plane.

!Kate runs towards the wreckage of the camper. Lilly jumps out, racing into her mom's arms. Jackson turns and sees the cloud approaching.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        You guys go! I'll be right there!

!Kate pulls Lilly back to the plane.

!Jackson jumps into the back of the RV scavenging through the shelves, looking for Charlie's map.

!Kate lifts Lilly onto the wing of the plane. Gordon revs up the engines.

                        @NOAH
        Give me your hand, Lil'.

!Noah pulls his little sister into the cockpit.

!Fiery rocks rain from the sky, detonating to the right and left of their plane as Kate climbs in.

                        @GORDON
        We have to take off!

                        @NOAH
        No!

                        @LILLY
        Where's daddy?!

                        @GORDON
        Kate, I'm sorry but if we wait we'll all die!

!Gordon pushes the throttle. The plane starts to move. Kate screams.

                        @KATE
        Gordon! Wait!

!Back in the RV, Jackson is frantically going through the masses of books and papers on the shelves. Finally, a map. He unfolds it. But it's only of the London underground system.

!He throws it to the ground and finds another. This time he's lucky! There are markings everywhere.

!As he races to the door, the ground gives way beneath the RV. Kate and the kids watch it disappear from sight.

                        @KATE (CONT'D)
        JACKSON! NO!

!Noah begins to cry and Lilly clings to her mom. Gordon just stares, paralyzed.

!The ASH CLOUD is almost upon them!

!Gordon takes action and accelerates the plane.

!Kate turns back. A hand emerges from the crevasse. Then another, holding a map. Her face lights up.

                        @LILLY
        It's daddy!

!Jackson pulls himself up and sprints towards them, the map in his hand.

                        @KATE
        Jackson! Here!

!Kate leans out of the cockpit reaching for him.

                        @NOAH
        Faster Dad. You can make it!

                        @GORDON
        Kate, grab him for god sake. We're almost out of runway.

!Using every last ounce of energy, Jackson leaps onto the wing and is yanked into the plane by Kate.

!Just at that moment, the plane lifts off.

!Jackson falls into the cockpit, completely out of breath. Lilly crawls over and hugs him.

                        @JACKSON
        Thanks for waiting guys.

!Now all eyes are glued to the speedometer. 180... 190...

!The violent ASH CLOUD is hitting their tail rudder. The plane swerves wildly! Gordon gets it back under control.

!The speedometer finally creeps towards 200 mph and the CLOUD slowly falls back. Everybody breathes a sigh of relief.

                        @KATE
        So, now that you got your map, where are we going?

!Jackson unfolds it and takes a look. Hundreds of markings clutter the map. In the left corner he discovers a large letter C followed by H - I - N - A.

!He looks up.

                        @JACKSON
        We're gonna need a bigger plane.

> CUT TO:

INT. WEST WING/WHITE HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON

!The White House is being evacuated. Amidst the chaos stands Anheuser. Adrian puts down a phone and looks at him.

                        @ADRIAN
        Just a few minutes ago Yellowstone erupted, sir. The ash cloud will reach Washington in roughly 7 hours. Maybe 6. We have strong easterly winds...

                        @ANHEUSER
        And the crustal displacement?

                        @ADRIAN
        No one knows, sir.

!Anheuser starts walking, Adrian trails behind.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Let's get the government airborne and... I mean now.

INT. OVAL OFFICE/WHITE HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON

!Anheuser and Adrian burst into the Anteroom of the Oval Office. The President's secretary, SALLY, 55, is packing.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Where is the President, Sally?

!Sally looks up stone faced.

                        @SALLY
        He said he wanted to spend a few minutes alone. I think he's over at the chapel.

                        @ANHEUSER
        The whole North American continent is about to perish, and Wilson decides to go to church!

!Adrian shoots an angry look at Anheuser.

                        @ADRIAN
        He's praying sir. Which considering the circumstances is not a bad idea.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Maybe. But right now I need the leader of the free world off his knees and on Air Force One. Wheels up 1900 hours. Can I leave that with you Helmsley?

!Anheuser walks away. Adrian and Sally exchange a look.

                        @SALLY
        I really don't like that man.

INT. CHAPEL/WHITE HOUSE - SUNSET

!Adrian finds the President standing near the front of the chapel.

                        @ADRIAN
        Mr. President? We need to get you out of Washington immediately.

!President Wilson stays with his head bowed.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        No matter how idealistic you are taking office. You lose your innocence behind that desk.
                (PAUSE)
        Laura was right. People have died because of the decisions I made.

                        @ADRIAN
        That's not your fault sir.

!He turns to face Adrian.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        You sound like Anheuser.

!This quietly affects Adrian.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (CONT'D)
        Laura's never looked at me like that before. Only once... When I told her, her mother had died. You knew the first lady?

                        @ADRIAN
        A little.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        You know what she said to me that night we brought her to the hospital?
                (PAUSE)
        `Tommy... I think you should do a lottery. Every one should have a chance to go'. That's what Dorothy said to me. That's what we should have done.

                        @ADRIAN
        There would have been chaos, sir.

!President Wilson looks Adrian in the eyes.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        You know what I believe, Adrian. I believe nature should choose for itself, from itself.

!Adrian takes this in.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (CONT'D)
        Don't let her go. You'll regret it if you do. Prove to Laura what kind of a man you are. And I'll do the same... You go now. And watch your back for Anheuser.

!Adrian stares at the President in disbelief.

                        @ADRIAN
        But sir?

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Go. That's an order Helmsley.

!A tense moment before Adrian starts to walk away. Just as he exits the chapel, Wilson calls after him.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON (CONT'D)
        Would you tell my daughter... there's nothing on earth that I cherish more than her.

!We hold on President Wilson's face.

> CUT TO:

EXT. LAS VEGAS - SUNSET

!Most of Las Vegas is destroyed. A 200 foot wide canyon now divides sin city along its famous strip. The towering casinos still teeter along the canyon's rim.

!All forms of emergency rescue operations are deployed around the city.

!In the FOREGROUND, we see Las Vegas International Airport, its runway cut dramatically short. Large pieces of tarmac continue to break off into the crevasse.

EXT. AIRFIELD/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - SUNSET

!Gordon maneuvers his plane through the chaos. Airplanes are strewn about the runway. Passengers everywhere.

                        @GORDON
        I told you we should have gone to my parents' in the Rockies.

                        @KATE
        Gordon's right. Look at this mess.

!Jackson looks around frantically.

                        @JACKSON
        You don't understand, it's our only chance.

                        @GORDON
        This isn't one of your crazy stories now. How the hell are we gonna make it to China?

                        @NOAH
        Gordon, without Jackson, we'd never have made it out of California.

!Silence. Noah is right and they know it. They taxi past a private jet whose front wheel is stuck in a hole in the tarmac.

!We hear a dog barking and the CAMERA finds Tamara, with Caesar in her arms.

                        @YURI (O.S.)
        Careful with the landing gear!
                (in Russian)
        Tamara, get the boys out of the way!

!An airport tow truck attempts to pull Yuri's Gulfstream jet out. Sasha, the pilot, helps. A safety announcement echoes through the whole area.

                        @VOICE
                (over loudspeaker)
        Attention! The US National Guard has informed us, that an extremely hazardous ash cloud is headed towards the city of Las Vegas.

!Tamara looks scared and secretly reaches for Sasha's hand. They share an intimate look, no one else sees.

                        @VOICE (CONT'D)
        We strongly advise every one to move indoors immediately...

!The tow truck driver panics and runs inside.

!We move in on Yuri. For the first time he looks helpless.

!In the background, Jackson and his family join the panicked crowd heading towards the terminal building. Firemen and rescue workers usher them forward.

                        @FIRE MAN
        Let's move people! Inside the terminal!

!Jackson and his family are swept along.

> CUT TO:

INT. AIR FORCE ONE/ARLINGTON AIRPORT - DUSK

!Adrian rushes up the stairs of Air Force One, approaching one of the flight officers.

                        @ADRIAN
        Where's Anheuser?

                        @OFFICER
        In the command center, sir.

!Adrian moves on.

INT. COMMAND CENTER/AIR FORCE ONE - DUSK

!Adrian enters. Anheuser immediately senses something is amiss.

                        @ADRIAN
        The President is not coming. I couldn't convince him to.

!Everyone in the room looks up, speechless.

                        @ANHEUSER
        So, the captain doesn't want to leave his sinking ship?
                (PAUSE)
        Well, Mr. Helmsley, we just learned that the Vice President's chopper crashed 80 miles north of Atlanta.

!Adrian is shocked.

                        @ADRIAN
        What about the Speaker of the House?

                        @ANHEUSER
        In this chaos... I have no idea!

                        @ADRIAN
        But she's Commander In Chief now. Sir, I just think -

!Anheuser moves in dangerously close.

                        @ANHEUSER
        I don't care what you think, Helmsley.

!Laura quietly enters the Command Center, as Anheuser and Adrian stare each other down.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        Your ass only made it into the White House, because your old man knew the First Lady... and because of all that affirmative action bullshit.

!Anheuser takes it even further.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        There was a white kid, much more qualified than you. Just so you know.

!Adrian's face is ashen.

                        @LAURA (O.S.)
        Where is my father?

!Everyone turns to Laura. Silence.

                        @ADRIAN
        He wanted to stay with his people.

!Suddenly, the engines of Air Force One turn over. Laura panics.

                        @LAURA
        We have to go back!

!Adrian tries to hold her close to him. Anheuser sees this intimate moment and gives a suspicious, questioning look. A second later Laura pushes Adrian away.

                        @LAURA (CONT'D)
        Let me get out. Mr. Anheuser - tell the Captain.

                        @ANHEUSER
        There is a protocol for just this situation Ms. Wilson and I'm afraid we'll have to follow it to the letter.

!Anheuser turns to an officer.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        Tell the Captain, to take off immediately.

!Laura looks at him incredulously.

> CUT TO:

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!Emergency lights illuminate the densely populated terminal.

                        @RESCUE WORKER
        People, stay away from the windows!

!One of the rescue workers yells, pushing Jackson and his family back.

!Frustrated, Jackson turns to Kate and Gordon.

                        @JACKSON
        We can't get stuck here.

!Suddenly a voice...

                        @VOICE (O.S.)
        Dr. Silberman? What are you doing here?

!They all turn and stare at Tamara, holding her little dog against her plump breasts.

!Kate gives Gordon a look.

                        @GORDON
                (EMBARRASSED)
        She's a patient, honey.

                        @JACKSON
                (SARCASTICALLY)
        Nice work.

!But when Jackson discovers Yuri behind her, his tone suddenly changes. He gets in Yuri's face.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        You bastard. You knew it all along!
                (at the twins)
        You and those spoiled rotten sons of yours...

!Sasha comes running in and cuts through this.

                        @SASHA
        I found us a plane, an Antonov. They were just about to take off, but the tower didn't let them.

                        @YURI
        Can you still fly that thing?

                        @SASHA
        Sure... But I need a copilot.

!Lilly chimes in.

                        @LILLY
        Gordon is a pilot.

!Before Gordon can protest Jackson picks up Lilly.

                        @JACKSON
        Let's go!

!They burst through the emergency exit, setting off an alarm. Emergency personnel yell after them.

                        @RESCUE WORKER
        Hey! Stop! You can't go out there! Come back!

!But they keep on running. Sasha now leads the way.

EXT. AIR FIELD/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!They race around the corner and come to a halt. Before them, a Russian freight plane of enormous size--

!The ANTONOV 225, the biggest aircraft in the world.

                        @NOAH
        Wow, that is a big plane.

                        @YURI
                (PROUDLY)
        It's Russian.

!Sasha, who has run ahead turns back and sees:

!A MASSIVE GREY WALL OF ASH moving towards the airport.

                        @SASHA
        Guys, follow me!

!They all run after him up the stairs.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DUSK

!Sasha enters the cockpit and puts on the headset while readying the plane for takeoff.

                        @SASHA
                (into the mic)
        You'll find folding seats on each side of the cargo hold...

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DUSK

                        @SASHA (O.S.)
        ... Sit down and buckle up!

!They all scramble to get into their seats.

                        @NOAH
        Wow! Look at those!

!They discover the cargo they are carrying--

!Sports cars, SUV's, concept cars and luxury models, some of them are labeled `Las Vegas Auto Show 2012'.

                        @YURI
        We had VIP tickets for that.

!The six engines of the Antonov come roaring to life.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DUSK

!The plane is starting to move. Gordon sits uncomfortably in the copilot's seat.

                        @SASHA
        You check the main bus for the hydraulics. I'll balance the tanks.

                        @GORDON
        Uh... What?

!Sasha reaches over and does it himself.

                        @SASHA
        Work the radio and keep an eye on the fuel, okay?

!Gordon nods and puts on the headset, trying to focus.

INT. TERMINAL/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!People start SCREAMING, when they discover the menacing WALL OF ASH racing towards them.

                        @RESCUE WORKER
        Move back, people... down on the floor!

EXT. RUNWAY/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!The nose of the Antonov turns onto the runway. This humongous plane suddenly looks small against the wall of ash.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DUSK

!Gordon is panicking.

                        @GORDON
        We have to get going!

!Sasha hits the throttle.

                        @SASHA
                (CALM)
        We're going, we're going.

!A deafening THUNDER emanates from the engines.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DUSK

!Everybody grabs their seat as the vibration of the aircraft builds.

EXT. RUNWAY/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!The Antonov steadily gains speed as it rumbles down the cracked and uneven runway.

!The canyon that has swallowed half the city looms ahead. And behind them the volcanic cloud bears down.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DUSK

!Sasha stares down the gap ahead, determined. Gordon's face is as white as a sheet.

                        @GORDON
        We're not gonna make it!

                        @SASHA
        Shut up! We will!

INT. TERMINAL/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!The violent cloud has finally reached the airport. The terminals are hit by flying debris.

!Seconds later, Yuri's Gulfstream is whipped through the air, shattering the huge windows into a thousand pieces.

!People are thrown like rag dolls as the jet explodes in a massive fireball.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DUSK

!Kate and Jackson hold their kids tight. Tamara clings to little Caesar and Yuri to his twins.

EXT. RUNWAY/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!The Antonov lumbers heavily towards the inevitable drop off on the horizon. The runway is way too short...

!And to make matters worse, the ground begins to move again, slowly arching the tarmac upwards, creating a crooked ramp at the end of it.

INT. COCKPIT/LAS VEGAS AIRPORT - DUSK

!A drop of sweat trickles down Sasha's forehead as he pulls back the wheel.

!Gordon holds on for dear life as the huge plane barely lifts off, veering sideways.

EXT. CANYON/LAS VEGAS - DUSK

!The Antonov is on a collision course with the crumbling casino towers along the other side of the rim.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DUSK

                        @SASHA
        GOVNO! (shit). Help me pull!

!Gordon grabs the wheel on his side, helping Sasha pull up the beast of a plane.

EXT. CANYON RIM/LAS VEGAS - DUSK

!Very slowly the plane starts to rise and Sasha's face lights up. They barely make it over a casino called `Paris; Las Vegas'.

!But the plane clips its wheels on a high metal structure right behind it, ripping away part of the landing gear.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DUSK

!After some struggle, Sasha manages to steady the Antonov. Gordon's face is green as he looks back.

                        @GORDON
        Was that the Eiffel Tower?

!Sasha looks over and grins. He grabs the microphone.

                        @SASHA
        Ladies and gentlemen, we are on our way to China.

> CUT TO:

EXT. YAK LA MONASTERY/TIBET - DAY

!An ancient monastery built atop a solitary mountain rock. In the distance, the sun glistens off the peaks of the Himalayas.

!NENG PANG, a young monk, 20, sits with his superior and teacher LAMA YAK LA, 65. They have tea beneath a huge bronze bell.

                        @LAMA YAK LA
                (in Chinese)
        Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it, Neng.

                        @NENG
        But Lin is my brother. He is working inside the big tunnels, where the ships are made.

!The Lama remains silent.

                        @NENG (CONT'D)
        What is in your wisdom for us to do, great Lama... if Lin is right, if our world is indeed coming to an end?

!Instead of answering, the Lama serves him more tea.

!When the cup is full, the Lama doesn't stop pouring. Neng watches the tea overflow until he can no longer restrain himself.

                        @NENG (CONT'D)
        It's full, great Lama. It can hold no more!

!The Lama stops pouring and looks at Neng.

                        @LAMA YAK LA
        Like this cup, Neng, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you wisdom unless you first empty your cup?

!Neng bows his head in embarrassment.

!The Lama smiles to himself and takes a chain from around his neck. On it hangs a set of rusty car keys.

                        @LAMA YAK LA (CONT'D)
        Be careful with the clutch. It tends to slide.

!The Lama throws him the keys and the young monk catches them, smiling from ear to ear. They bow to each other and Neng runs off.

!Lama Yak La looks after him as a father would. He gets up and strikes the bronze bell with a wooden mallet.

EXT. HOUSING PROJECT/TIBET - DAY

!As far as you can see is a series of identical little houses. The house in the foreground has a chicken coop in the garden.

!Mrs. Pang enters the coop. We last saw her when the village was being evacuated. She grabs one of the hens. She places its head on a woodblock and picks up a rusty hatchet.

!Just about to strike, she hears a strange RATTLING noise.

!An old truck comes driving towards the house. Behind the wheel sits her son Neng. She puts down the hatchet, yelling.

                        @MRS. PANG
                (in Chinese)
        Bata! Neng is coming!

!The young monk jumps out, quickly bowing.

                        @NENG
        Mother, I got a message from Lin. He wants us to meet him in Cho Ming, at the west gate. He says he can get us on one of the ships he is working on.

!Mrs. Pang is still holding the chicken by its throat.

                        @MRS. PANG
        I thought Lin is working on the dam?

                        @NENG
        The dam is a ship, Mother. The government lied to us. There will be a big flood.

!The chicken hangs limp in Mrs. Pang's hand.

                        @MRS. PANG
        Not here in the mountains... Let's eat first.

!The hen panics as she puts its head back on the block, raising the hatchet again.

                        @NENG
        No mother! We must pack up right away.

                        @NENG'S MOTHER
        We took a trip with the Laem Song ferry once. Your father was throwing up the whole way.

!The door opens and Mr. Pang appears.

                        @MR. PANG
        Neng, I did not know you were coming for dinner.

!At that moment the hatchet drops with a THUD!

> CUT TO:

EXT. ANTONOV/OVER THE PACIFIC - NIGHT

!The majestic Antonov is flying high in the Pacific skies.

                        @OLEG (O.S.)
        Look, the new Bentley.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - NIGHT

!The boys are exploring the huge freight deck. Caesar, the little dog, is traipsing along.

!Alec, Oleg and Noah marvel at a stylish mixture of luxury and performance cars.

                        @ALEC
        Our dad had one on order. We were supposed to get it next year.

                        @OLEG
        But then he cancelled it again, because of the ships.

!Noah points to a 2012 Aston Martin parked further back.

                        @NOAH
        If I was rich, I'd get one of those.

                        @OLEG
        We have one. How many cars does your family have?

                        @NOAH
        My Mom's boyfriend has a Porsche, a Carrera 4.

                        @ALEC
        Our parents are divorced too.

!The boys share a moment of understanding.

                        @NOAH
        Nothing we can do about that.

!Noah reaches for the door of the Bentley. To his surprise, it opens.

                        @NOAH (CONT'D)
        Wow... look at this.

!Noah jumps into the car.

                        @KATE (O.S.)
        Be careful, Noh'!

!Kate and Lilly are still belted in next to Tamara. Jackson and Yuri sit on the other side of the Antonov.

                        @TAMARA
        How did you meet Dr. Silberman? He's great, isn't he?

                        @KATE
        I think for the same reasons you did. You know, after breast feeding two kids...

!Kate looks at Tamara.

                        @KATE (CONT'D)
        Did your husband ask you to get your's done?

                        @TAMARA
        We are not married. And we probably never will... But he paid for them.

                        @KATE
        I bet he did.

!They laugh.

                        @LILLY
        What did the man pay for mommy?

                        @KATE
        Nothing, Lil'bee.

!Kate looks over at Jackson who's trying to make sense of Charlie's map. Tamara catches her looking.

                        @TAMARA
        What's your situation?

!Kate lets out a sigh.

                        @KATE
        Way too complicated...

!On the other side of the plane, Yuri has been watching the two women talk.

                        @YURI
        They seem to like each other.

                        @JACKSON
        I guess... So tell me Mr. Karpov - how much did you pay?

                        @YURI
        One billion euro, per seat.

                        @JACKSON
        That's disgusting.

                        @YURI
        You know Curtis, I wasn't always businessman. I am a boxer. Was my only playing when I was a boy, back in Murmansk. My coach...
                (SMILING)
        ... his name also Yuri... He always said: `Someone wants to beat you... he has to kill you first'.

!Yuri puts his hand on Jackson's shoulder.

                        @YURI (CONT'D)
        What would you have done, if you rich like me? Just look at your gorgeous kids. And call me Yuri...

!Yuri offers his hand but Jackson doesn't shake it.

!Sasha's voice comes over the radio.

                        @SASHA (O.S.)
        Hi guys. The plan is to refuel in Hawaii. So, buckle up... Gordon and I will do the rest.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - NIGHT

!Gordon turns to Sasha.

                        @GORDON
        Let's get this straight, Sasha. I'm not a pilot. I'm a plastic surgeon. I just took some lessons to overcome my fear of flying.

                        @SASHA
        Why did you give up?

                        @GORDON
        It didn't work.

!Gordon points to the declining altimeter.

                        @GORDON (CONT'D)
        What about the wheels we lost at take-off?

                        @SASHA
        There's 14 on each side. Some of them must still be there.

!With that, Sasha commences the landing procedure.

EXT. ANTONOV/OVER HAWAII - NIGHT

!The Antonov dives into a thick layer of clouds.

                        @SASHA (O.S.)
        Still nothing from the tower?

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - NIGHT

!Gordon shakes his head.

!The two pilots stare ahead watching as the clouds slowly change color, from yellow... to orange.

!They stare out the window in disbelief.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - NIGHT

!Gordon comes climbing down the metal ladder whispering to Jackson and Yuri.

                        @GORDON
        Guys, you really oughta take a look at this.

!Jackson and Yuri follow Gordon back into the cockpit. The women exchange a worried glance.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - NIGHT

!When Jackson and Yuri enter, they don't believe their eyes.

                        @YURI
        What is that?

                        @SASHA
        The State of Hawaii!

                        @YURI
        Not good. That is not good.

EXT. ANTONOV/OVER HAWAII - NIGHT

!From above we watch as the Antonov flies over an endless ocean of fiery red lava. The Islands of Hawaii have turned into one big volcano.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - NIGHT

                        @JACKSON
        How much fuel do we have?

                        @SASHA
        Not enough. We'll have to make a water landing somewhere in the South China Sea.

                        @GORDON
        At least we won't need our landing gear.

!Yuri wonders.

                        @YURI
        What about it?

                        @GORDON
        We lost it all... in Vegas.

EXT. ANTONOV/OVER HAWAII - NIGHT

!The damaged landing gear slowly retracts into the vast belly of the Antonov as it veers off to the east.

> CUT TO:

INT. PRESIDENTIAL CABIN/AIR FORCE ONE - NIGHT

!Adrian knocks quietly and sticks his head around the door. Laura is sitting in her father's chair.

                        @ADRIAN
        Can I come in?

                        @LAURA
        I've got nothing to say to you.

                        @ADRIAN
        But I do...

!Adrian enters. He has his travel bag in one hand. He looks at Laura and gathers himself.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        Your Dad and I... we were trying to protect you.

                        @LAURA
                (EXPLODING)
        I'm a big girl Adrian. I don't need protection. You used me. You guys had me gallivanting around the world, as part of your little cover-up.

                        @ADRIAN
        But you were doing a good job.

                        @LAURA
        Sure, if your name's Da Vinci or Picasso. But if you're some young talent in Podunk, Texas, sorry you're not famous enough. People like you and Anheuser and my father - you think you can play God.

!Adrian takes a moment, he's desperate to make her see.

                        @ADRIAN
        You know what your father believed. That nature will choose itself from itself.

                        @LAURA
        That's bullshit and you know it. It's the fittest, the richest and the strongest that survive.

                        @ADRIAN
        That's not true.

!Adrian glances down and spots Jackson's book poking out of his bag.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        What would you say were the chances of a first time, middle-aged writer, who barely sold 500 copies of his novel making it on board this plane?

                        @LAURA
        Zero. What's your point?

!Adrian pulls out the book from his bag. He shows her.

                        @ADRIAN
        It's called `Farewell Atlantis' and it's a fantastic read. It's part of our legacy now.

!Laura takes this in. The plane's intercom cuts through the moment.

                        @INTERCOM (O.S.)
        Mr. Helmsley, Prof. West requests your presence immediately.

!Adrian takes a breath, but before he leaves -

                        @ADRIAN
        What if I tried to sort some of this mess out? I need to know you can forgive me...

!Laura looks at him sadly, but with a little hope.

                        @LAURA
        I need to know that too, Adrian.

!Adrian moves for the door. He stops.

                        @ADRIAN
        One more thing. Your father told me you were the most precious thing to him in the whole world... You are to me too.

!As Adrian exits, we hold on Laura's conflicted face.

> CUT TO:

EXT. WHITE HOUSE/WASHINGTON D.C. - NIGHT

!The cloud from the Yellowstone eruption has hit Washington D.C. hard. Pennsylvania Avenue resembles a war zone. A ten inch layer of ash lies on the ground.

!The gates of the White House are wide open, with ash-covered rescue workers running about, resembling ghosts.

INT. WEST WING/WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

!The President has turned the whole West Wing into a shelter. He walks through the packed rooms assisting where he can.

!An old African-American LADY holds a crying young girl. President Wilson kneels down to her.

                        @OLD LADY
        She can't find her mother.

                        @PRESIDENT
        Why don't you two girls make yourself comfy on that big couch? I'll see what I can do.

!The child nods. The President gets up.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Sally, can you take care of them. I'll go check with the Red Cross...

!As he leaves, the old lady looks up at Sally and smiles.

                        @OLD LADY
        No wonder the First Lady fell for him. I knew Miss Dorothy Jones long before the President, when she was still singing jazz down in Atlanta with Harry Helmsley.

                        @SALLY
        I know, she was amazing.

EXT. FRONT LAWN/WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT

!The President walks up to the Red Cross tents placed on the front lawn. He stops one of the Red Cross volunteers.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Who can help me with missing persons?

!Without looking up, the young guy responds.

                        @RED CROSS VOLUNTEER
        Sorry man, I'm busy right now.

!He then recognizes who he's talking to.

                        @RED CROSS VOLUNTEER (CONT'D)
        I mean, of course sir. I didn't realize... What can I do for you, Mr. President?

!The President pats him on the shoulder.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        Don't worry about it. You're doing a great job son...

!A deep, low rumble begins, stopping everybody in place.

!As it builds, the President grabs onto a tent pole to secure himself. He looks out over Washington D.C. His eyes grow wide...

!The National Mall bends like rubber. The towering Washington Monument breaks into pieces.

!An even more deafening sound makes him turn--

!The Capitol Building rises from behind the trees, lifted up by earth's incredible force.

!As the whole building breaks apart, the President is thrown to the ground.

> CUT TO:

INT. COMMAND CENTER/AIR FORCE ONE - DAY

!All the officers and scientists are glued to monitors that show satellite images from all over the globe. Adrian and Prof. West stare in disbelief.

                        @SCIENCE OFFICER
        The capitol was hit by a 9.4.

!Laura enters the command center unnoticed.

                        @COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
        We lost communication with the White House, sir.

!She stands there frozen, emotionless. She looks over to Anheuser, who is shouting orders. Another officer hands him a phone.

                        @LIEUTENANT #2
        President Makarenko for you sir. He's just entered Chinese air space.

!Anheuser takes the phone and after a beat answers.

                        @ANHEUSER
        That's affirmative, Mr. President. Until communication is restored, I am in command.

!Adrian and Laura look to each other baffled.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        ... It seems all other Heads of State are en route, however there are unconfirmed reports that the Italian Prime Minister has also decided to stay behind and trust in prayer rather than action...

> CUT TO:

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE/ROME - DAWN

!Pope Benedict XVI holds mass in St. Peter's Basilica. Millions of followers flood Vatican City. It's a sea of candles.

!Amidst the mass of believers we see the Italian Prime Minister Antonioni with his family clinging to him. They all are praying.

!A low RUMBLE. People look around frightened. In the distance we hear SCREAMING.

INT. SISTINE CHAPEL/CEILING - DAWN

!A few cardinals huddle together in silent prayer under Michelangelo's famous fresco. Most prominent above them is `The Creation of Adam'.

!The cardinals look up in horror as the rumbling intensifies. A crack forms on the ceiling, shooting straight through God touching the finger of Adam.

!Then the whole fresco breaks apart.

EXT. ST. PETER'S SQUARE/ROME - DAWN

!The people in St. Peter's square begin to panic--

!The entire Vatican is lifted up in the air. We hold on the Prime Minister and his family, as the basilica collapses onto the fleeing masses.

> CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNT CORCOVADO/RIO DE JANEIRO - DAY

!The giant statue of `Christ the Redeemer' on Mount Corcovado. Behind it, we see Rio de Janeiro being obliterated by violent quakes.

!The famous statue of Jesus Christ begins to topple over and crashes down the mountain.

> CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNTAIN PASS/TIBET - NIGHT

!Neng Pang, the young Tibetan monk drives his truck up a bumpy mountain pass. His parents huddle in the back of the pick-up.

!The steering wheel is vibrating badly in his hands as he slides the clutch and downshifts. As the vehicle slows on the steep incline, the vibrations become much worse. Neng worries that the truck may be breaking down.

!He pulls up and switches off the engine but to his surprise the steering wheel continues to vibrate.

!Looking out the windshield, he sees the whole earth shaking violently.

                        @NENG
                (in Chinese)
        Hold on back there!

!Rocks fall all around them.

> CUT TO:

INT. THE ANTONOV - NIGHT

!Jackson sits inside one of the luxury cars and tries the radio. Kate opens the passenger door and gets in.

                        @JACKSON
        Couldn't sleep huh? Me neither.

                        @KATE
        Anything?

                        @JACKSON
        Nothing, just static. Not even an emergency signal.

                        @KATE
        I can't think about what's going on down there.

!Jackson switches off the radio.

                        @KATE (CONT'D)
        I wanted to thank you. For coming back for us.

                        @JACKSON
        I couldn't have left you...

!Silence. They both look out through the front windshield at Lilly and Noah curled up together.

                        @KATE
        Do you think people change?

                        @JACKSON
        By `people' are we talking about me?

                        @KATE
        Do you think you've changed since we separated?

                        @JACKSON
        Well I certainly eat a lot more cereal now...

                        @KATE
        You know, you always had tunnel vision. You could always just block things out and write. You blocked all of us out Jackson.

!He thinks about this and can't help asking.

                        @JACKSON
        Do you love him? Gordon...

                        @KATE
        I love him enough.

!Kate gets out of the car and shuts the door. He watches her go.

> CUT TO:

INT. COMMAND CENTER/AIR FORCE ONE - DAY

!The computers buzz with the incoming data.

                        @COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
        ... Cho Ming reports the first tremors, however none higher than 5.0.

!Anheuser looks relieved. Then the big news hits.

                        @SCIENCE OFFICER #1
        The crust has begun to shift, Prof. West.

                        @PROF. WEST
        By what degree?

                        @SCIENCE OFFICER #1
        1.2 percent, but still moving.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Any clue what to expect next, Professor?

                        @PROF. WEST
        Once the movement of our land masses comes to a halt, we expect the formation of tidal waves, sir... proportional to the magnitude of the corresponding quakes.

!Adrian looks distressed as he turns to one of the officers.

                        @ADRIAN
        Do we have any news from the Japanese seaboard?

!Laura notices Adrian's concern.

                        @SCIENCE OFFICER #2
        We've recorded two quakes averaging 8.3.

!She grabs Adrian's hand. Anheuser sees this and his suspicions about them are confirmed. A cold little smile appears on his face.

> CUT TO:

INT. SALON/CRUISE SHIP - NIGHT

!Tony is watching TV with a group of passengers. Harry has just entered and stands near the back of the room.

!A TEENAGE BOY with bad acne searches for an available channel that is still broadcasting. He finds a news program with lousy reception.

                        @NEWSCASTER
        ... Tokyo seems to have taken the severity of the hit... Unconfirmed reports indicate that the entire island of Japan is below water...

!The signal gets weaker.

!Harry watches Tony slowly stand up. As he turns to his friend, his knees begin to buckle. His face is pale.

                        @TONY
        I called... But I never got through.

                        @HARRY
        I'm so sorry.

!Tony only stares back at him.

!Behind them, the TV rolls to the side, as the whole room begins to tilt.

!Harry grabs on to the door frame, as the passengers along with Tony fall like dominoes.

                        @HARRY (CONT'D)
        Tony!!

!As the ship rolls to the side, Harry finds himself hanging from the door frame now 20 feet off the ground. He's barely able to pull himself up and roll onto the middle deck.

EXT. MIDDLE DECK/CRUISE SHIP - NIGHT

!On his back, Harry is shocked to see the star field and the moon shifting across the sky.

!An eerie sound fills the air. A gigantic swell has formed off to his right. It's a mountain of water.

!Harry turns to see another gargantuan swell close in from the other side of the `Freedom of the Seas'.

> CUT TO:

EXT. SHIBAM/YEMEN - DAY

!The old walled city of Shibam is in ruins. The 2,000-year-old towers lie on the desert ground. Hundreds of believers have gathered to pray towards Mecca.

!As they raise their hands to heaven in unison, they slow their motion and the chanting dissipates.

!They stare into the distance not knowing if what they see is reality or only a mirage.

!A monstrous tidal wave rises from the desert sands thundering towards them.

> CUT TO:

EXT. WHITE HOUSE/WASHINGTON DC - NIGHT

!President Wilson's body lays between the rubble. As he slowly regains consciousness, all he can hear is the flapping sound of the collapsed Red Cross tents.

!As President Wilson gets to his feet, he sees--

!A tidal wave come sweeping over the remains of the Washington Mall and it carries with it the battleships of the 14th Fleet of the US Navy that were anchored in Chesapeake Bay.

!The President looks ahead, calm and peaceful.

                        @PRESIDENT WILSON
        I'm coming home Dorothy...

!The CAMERA follows the aircraft carrier `USS John F. Kennedy' as it slams broadside into the White House.

> CUT TO:

INT. COMMAND CENTER/AIR FORCE ONE - DAY

!Hushed voices. Anheuser, Adrian and Prof. West stand amongst a group of officers and analysts.

                        @COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER #1
        All global ground communication has ceased sir.

                        @COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER #2
        The only signal our satellites are picking up are coming from the vessels in Cho Ming.

                        @ANHEUSER
        At least some good news.

!Anheuser turns to Adrian.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        Would our science advisor care to give us his assessment?

                        @ADRIAN
        We expect enormous tsunamis to reach landfall in every continent. The Cho Ming area will be impacted in approximately six hours.

!He nods to one of the analysts, who types in a couple of commands.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        ... and it looks like the crust has shifted by nearly 23 degrees in a south-westerly direction. Here's the computer simulation.

!Everybody stares as the graphic illustrates what happened to planet Earth.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        Our data also shows, that our earth's poles have reversed their magnetic fields...
                (POINTING)
        ... These are their new positions.

!Anheuser looks at the monitor, then turns to Adrian.

                        @ANHEUSER
        So Helmsley, what you're telling us here is that... the north pole is now somewhere in Wisconsin?

!Silence. Adrian clears his throat.

                        @ADRIAN
        It's the south pole, sir.

!An ALARM SIGNAL goes off--

> CUT TO:

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DAWN

!A red light blinks on the plane's instrument panel.

                        @YURI (O.S.)
        What's that?

                        @SASHA
        Engine failure. GOVNO! Two of six are down. We must get ready.

!Yuri and Jackson are standing behind the pilots.

                        @JACKSON
        Let's go wake up the kids.

!Yuri nods and they make their way back to the lower deck.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DAWN

!Jackson's family are all asleep in their seats, Lilly in her mom's lap. She looks like a little angel. Jackson can't bear to wake them. He caresses Lilly's face.

                        @NOAH (O.S.)
        Why do you hate Gordon?

!Jackson turns to see Noah is awake.

                        @JACKSON
        What are you talking about? I don't hate Gordon.

                        @NOAH
        But you don't like him either.

                        @JACKSON
        I don't know him that well.

                        @NOAH
        But I know him. He's really nice. You should talk to him more often. You guys would get along really well.

!This breaks Jackson's heart. He pulls Noah tightly to his chest.

                        @JACKSON
        I'll give it a try, Noah. I promise.

!Kate opens her eyes.

                        @KATE
        Is it time?

!Jackson nods.

                        @KATE (CONT'D)
        Wake up Lil'bee. We're getting ready to land.

!On the opposite side of the aircraft, Yuri and Tamara help the twins get into their life vests. Noah is suspicious.

                        @NOAH
        What's wrong?

!Jackson looks at his kids. They both look scared.

                        @JACKSON
        Sasha told us, it could get a little bumpy... and wet.

!The Antonov jerks to the side. Two more engines out. Alarm signals flash.

EXT. ANTONOV - DAWN

!The remaining two engines barely hold the plane in the air as it dives into the clouds.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DAWN

!Jackson and his family huddle together. He puts his arms around Lilly and Noah.

                        @JACKSON
        Your daddy has to tell you something.

!In the background, Gordon climbs down from the cockpit. He is about to speak when he hears Jackson's voice.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        I know that with my writing and work I didn't have a lot of time for you both...

!Jackson glances at Kate.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        I wasn't there for you, the way I should have been.

!Jackson looks Kate directly in the eyes.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        ... And I am so very sorry for that.

!Gordon watches as Kate pulls the kids and Jackson tight. For the first time, they seem a little like the family they once were.

                        @GORDON (O.S.)
        Jackson, Yuri... I think you guys should come back up here.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DAWN

!First Jackson and then Yuri enter the cockpit. Sasha points out of the window.

                        @SASHA
        Don't ask me how that happened.

!Behind them Yuri and Jackson stare at the snow covered mountains of the Himalayas.

                        @SASHA (CONT'D)
        There's no more ocean, and it looks like we're pretty close to where we wanted to go.

                        @GORDON
        It's as if the whole earth shifted by 1500 miles...

                        @JACKSON
        No shit.
                (BEAT)
        It's called 'Earth Crust Displacement' Gordon... Prof. Hapgood, 1958.

!Jackson brims with joy.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Way to go Charlie!

!A JOLT!

                        @SASHA
        We lost our last two engines.

!The plane drops rapidly, nearly scraping the tip of a mountain. Sasha and Gordon are doing all they can to keep the Antonov in the air.

!A vast glacier spreads out in front of them.

                        @SASHA (CONT'D)
        I'll shoot for that glacier. Drain the brake fluids. It's going to get rocky... There, the blue levers!

!The plane plummets, losing altitude fast.

                        @SASHA (CONT'D)
        Listen up guys! This may sound a little crazy, but here's what you got to do...

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DAWN

!Jackson and Yuri come running. Yuri yells at his boys.

                        @YURI
                (in Russian)
        Get up! Follow me!

                        @TAMARA
        Yuri bear, what are we doing?

                        @YURI
        We're taking the Bentley!

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DAWN

!Sasha is struggling with the gyrating wheel. The glittering snow field comes flying towards them.

                        @SASHA
        CHTO ZA... Gordon! We're still too fast!

!Sasha pulls the Antonov back up.

                        @SASHA (CONT'D)
        Now! Open it!

!Gordon yanks with all his might. A loud NOISE.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DAWN

!The cargo door drops open. The Antonov is extremely close to the glacier's surface.

!Jackson tries to start the Bentley, but nothing happens. Everyone screams in panic.

                        @YURI
        SHUT UP EVERY ONE!

!They all go quiet, except for a few muffled barks from Caesar. Yuri speaks towards the dashboard, slowly and clearly.

                        @YURI (CONT'D)
        Engine... start...

!The motor revs to life. Yuri looks at Jackson.

                        @YURI (CONT'D)
        Voice control... Sold me on it.

INT. COCKPIT/ANTONOV - DAWN

!Sasha barely holds on. He yells at Gordon.

                        @SASHA
        Your turn Gordon! Go! Make sure that they make it out of here before I touch down!

                        @GORDON
        What about you?!

                        @SASHA
        I'll be fine! I have to land this thing!

!Gordon hesitates.

                        @SASHA (CONT'D)
        What are you waiting for!

!Sasha nods at him reassuringly. Gordon bolts out.

INT. CARGO HOLD/ANTONOV - DAWN

!The cargo door scrapes against the glacier, hurling ice everywhere. The Bentley roars.

                        @YURI (O.S.)
        Push it Curtis!

                        @JACKSON
        We're waiting for Sasha and Gordon.

!Noah turns and sees Gordon.

                        @NOAH
        Tamara! Open the door!

!Gordon jumps in. Tamara yells at him in desperation.

                        @TAMARA
        Where's Sasha?

                        @GORDON
        He said he'll be fine and we should get out of here before he touches down.

!Yuri notices Tamara's distress as she keeps looking back to the cockpit. Jackson slams the pedal down trying to gain as much speed as possible to soften their landing.

                        @LILLY
        Daaadddy!

!The Bentley shoots out the back of the plane. As it hits the snow, the air bags deploy cushioning the passengers.

!The Antonov hits the ice and catapults the rest of the luxury cars out of the back cargo hold. They barrel past the Bentley like skittles, narrowly missing it as they fly off in opposite directions.

!The plane skids across the glacier, clipping its wing and causing the aircraft to break apart.

!Sasha has no control anymore and watches helplessly as he shoots towards the ledge in the Antonov, plunging into the deep.

!The plane crashes and explodes.

EXT. GLACIER/TIBET - DAWN

!As the snow settles we see that the glacier is scattered with luxury cars tomb-stoned in the snow.

!The Bentley is half buried. We hear Caesar barking.

                        @JACKSON (O.S.)
        Everybody okay back there?

                        @KATE (O.S.)
        We're all fine.

!The door opens and Jackson climbs out, looking around. Just above the wind, he hears the SOUND OF HELICOPTER BLADES.

!One by one the others appear behind Jackson and stare at a surreal sight--

!Several Chinese Mil-26 choppers airlift animals over the mountain pass.

!GIRAFFES, ZEBRAS, EVEN ELEPHANTS hang by huge straps from these flying machines.

!One of the smaller helicopters veers from the transport fleet and lands near the Bentley.

!Armed soldiers jump out. Their Commander speaks to them in a sharp tone.

                        @CHINESE COMMANDER
        Welcome to the People's Republic of China.

!Jackson nods to them.

                        @JACKSON
        Thank you...
                (to Lilly and Noah)
        Say thank you, kids.

!The others acknowledge the soldiers as well. Hi... Hello...

                        @CHINESE COMMANDER
        What color are your passes?

!Jackson stands dumbfounded. The Commander repeats.

                        @CHINESE COMMANDER (CONT'D)
        What color are your boarding passes?

!Still no answer. He yells an order. The soldiers point their guns at them.

                        @YURI (O.S.)
        I have green card.

!Surprised, Jackson turns to Yuri who's holding up three green plastic cards.

                        @YURI (CONT'D)
        For my boys and me.

!Tamara can't believe what she's hearing.

                        @TAMARA
        It's a joke... a mistake...
                (LAUGHING)
        Right Yuri?

!Yuri shrugs. Tamara lunges at him.

                        @TAMARA (CONT'D)
                (in Russian)
        You disgust me. You pig.

!Yuri brushes her off, coldly. And then speaks so they can all understand him.

                        @YURI
        You think I did not know about you and Sasha? May god rest that poor bastard's soul.

!With that Yuri turns to the others.

                        @YURI (CONT'D)
        I am sorry guys. Good luck. And Jackson remember, if someone wants to beat you... he has to kill you first. Come boys!

!The twins grab Caesar and climb into the helicopter. The dog barks furiously, wanting to stay with Tamara.

!The next moment, the helicopter takes off.

                        @GORDON
        What!... Did that just happen!?

!They're stranded.

> CUT TO:

EXT. AIRFIELD IN CHO MING VALLEY/TIBET - DAWN

!Air Force One is in the background as Laura, Anheuser, and other members of the crew are rushed towards a group of waiting helicopters.

!Adrian is a little way back in the middle of the pack. A Chinese Officer with a list shouts over the noise.

                        @CHINESE OFFICER
                (POINTING)
        Mr. Anheuser - you're in Chopper 1. Dr. Wilson the same.

!Laura and Anheuser reach the chopper. An authoritative Naval Officer greets them, and raises his voice.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        I'm Captain Richard Michaels. I'm the skipper of the American boat sir. After you!

!Anheuser nods and climbs in the chopper. Captain Michaels helps Laura in. Adrian arrives just as the Chopper door slides shut and it lifts off.

INT. HELICOPTER/CHO MING VALLEY/TIBET - DAWN

!Laura catches Adrian's look of unease before they soar away.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        My sincerest condolences Dr. Wilson, for your father...

!Laura's look thanks him for this. He turns to Anheuser.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS (CONT'D)
        Your party is the last to arrive.

                        @ANHEUSER
        I've been told of damages?

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        We haven't completed the assessment but it looks like we lost Number 4 when the crust shifted.

!Captain Michaels looks up and points into the distance.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS (CONT'D)
        There it is!

EXT. CHO MING VALLEY/TIBET - DAWN

!The CAMERA follows the choppers revealing--

!Nine gigantic oval gates that measure at least 60 stories, built into the face of a mountain.

!In front of every gate there is a line of huge `Y' shaped metal support structures, which are the launching towers for the ships. They are each at least 800 feet high. It's an unparalleled feat of engineering.

EXT. CHOPPER/CHO MING VALLEY - DAWN

!The lead chopper descends onto a platform in front of one of the gates, dwarfed against this majestic setting.

!The door slides open and Anheuser jumps out. Laura follows. She looks around in awe.

!Even the utility entrances that lead into the mountain are immense. The Captain guides them into the hollow mountain.

!In the BACKGROUND we see an angry Yuri scream and argue with military personnel, waving his tickets.

                        @YURI
        What do mean we can't board Number 4? I want to speak to your supervisor.

                        @SOLDIER
        I am the supervisor! Now get in line with all the others while we make arrangements.

                        @YURI
        I want your name!

                        @SOLDIER
                (pointing to his BADGE)
        Can you read? Now get the hell back with the other green cards, or I'll have you detained.

!The twins stand nearby, holding Caesar. They look afraid.

> CUT TO:

EXT. THE GLACIER/CHO MING - DAWN

!Jackson and his group are small specks in a barren landscape. They have made it down the glacier and are now walking over a scree field.

!It is hard going. Jackson carries Lilly.

                        @JACKSON
        Keep thinking warm thoughts sweetheart. You're doing great.

!Kate holds Noah by the hand. Gordon and Tamara trail behind. She's still very upset.

                        @TAMARA
        I should have listened to you, Dr. Silberman. I actually liked the way I looked before that monster talked me into it.

                        @GORDON
        Did you know he asked for a discount... and he paid in installments?

                        @TAMARA
        Cheap bastard.

                        @GORDON
        You're better off without him. What he said about you and Sasha, is it true?

!Tamara nods silently.

                        @TAMARA
        Now that he's gone I think he was worth a hundred times a man like Yuri.

!Suddenly they hear the PUTTERING of an engine.

                        @JACKSON
        You guys hear that?

!In the distance, an old rusty truck comes bumping down the dirt road. Jackson puts down Lilly and chases after it.

EXT. DIRT ROAD/NEAR CHO MING - DAWN

!Neng and his parents drive past, billowing a huge cloud of dust just as Jackson reaches the road.

                        @JACKSON
                (out of breath)
        Hey! Help! Wait for us!

!But Neng doesn't hear him over the rattling truck. Jackson, pissed, kicks at the rocks on the road.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        Shit! Shit!

!Just then, Neng's mother, sitting in the back of the truck, turns and sees his tantrum. She bangs on the rear window of the cabin.

!Neng looks in the mirror and hits the brakes. Jackson can't believe his luck.

!The others show up and they all run towards the truck.

> CUT TO:

INT. INSIDE MOUNTAIN/CHO MING - DAWN

!Anheuser and Laura follow Captain Michaels and a Chinese Steward over one of the many boarding bridges erected inside the cavernous mountain that lead to one of the monstrous arks. Laura stops halfway, gazing in awe--

!Deep down below, thousands of workers are swarming over the ship, readying it for launch.

!Laura looks up and sees the contrast, spotting the SHEIK we met in the Dorchester Hotel as he boards comfortably with his huge family.

!Laura points down at the workers.

                        @LAURA
        Captain Michaels? What happens to all those people?

!The Captain doesn't know what to say. Anheuser turns.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Dr. Wilson, there's a protocol for all that. You just stick to your art. We'll handle the rest.

!Laura hates him in that moment.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        Captain? Where is the Bridge?

!Anheuser and Captain Michaels move away as Laura stands and watches the frantic workers who are now boarding the animals we saw being airlifted over the mountains.

                        @CHINESE STEWARD (O.S.)
        Dr. Wilson? Your cabin is this way.

!Laura has a look of guilt as she follows the steward.

> CUT TO:

EXT. NAMPAN MOUNTAINS/EAST COAST OF INDIA - SUNRISE

!Thousands are on the march up the mountains. Behind them a valley stretches into the horizon. Plumes of smoke rise from destroyed cities in the distance.

!Amongst the refugees, we discover Satnam, the young astrophysicist, holding his little son. The rest of Satnam's family trails behind.

!Distant WARNING SIRENS pierce the silent march, coming from the cities below.

!People start to scream and run, but Satnam stands there frozen. He fumbles for his satellite phone, then hits a number on its speed dial.

INT. LIVING QUARTERS/AMERICAN SHIP - SUNRISE

!Adrian is unpacking. He lays down his copy of `Farewell Atlantis' just as his cell phone rings.

                        @ADRIAN
        Satnam?
                (CONFUSED)
        Where are you?

                        @SATNAM (O.S.)
        On the Nampan Plateau...

!Adrian's face goes pale.

                        @ADRIAN
        What?!

                        @SATNAM
        There's a tidal wave coming from the East! It's huge!

                        @ADRIAN
        Satnam, what happened?

                        @SATNAM (O.S.)
        We never got picked up, Adrian, the airlift never came!

!Adrian closes his eyes.

EXT. NAMPAN MOUNTAINS/EAST COAST OF INDIA - SUNRISE

!Satnam swallows hard. He stares out into the valley.

                        @SATNAM
        I have to go!

!A wall of undulating foam and debris comes rolling towards him. A tidal wave of gigantic height.

!Everybody panics and scratches for a higher elevation. But for Satnam it is clear, they do not stand a chance.

!He picks up his little son, squeezing him tightly to his chest, humming an Indian lullaby for the scared child.

INT. LIVING QUARTERS/AMERICAN SHIP - SUNRISE

!Adrian hears SCREAMING on the phone and the deafening sound of the approaching wave. He tenses up, desperate but unable to do anything.

!As the noise reaches its height, the line goes dead. Adrian is left breathless.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - SUNRISE

!Adrian storms onto the bridge. Many officers and analysts are at work under Captain Michaels.

                        @ADRIAN
        Do we have the latest satellite images of Napam, India?

                        @SCIENCE OFFICER
        One moment, sir.

!Anheuser and Prof. West step over and join him.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Helmsley, what's going on here?

                        @ADRIAN
        Looks like our model was wrong.

!They all stare at the monitor showing several tidal waves coming in from the south.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        Satnam was talking about a wave from the East.

!A science officer selects a different quadrant on the satellite display. They all stare at the new tidal wave that's coming from the East of the Cho Ming valley.

                        @PROF. WEST
        Jesus!

!Anheuser is shocked.

                        @ANHEUSER
        What does this mean?

                        @ADRIAN
        The flooding will happen earlier. Bobby, can you plug in the new data please?

!As the officer does this, Prof. West looks at Adrian with questioning eyes.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        Satnam didn't get picked up.

!Prof. West is horrified.

                        @SCIENCE OFFICER (O.S.)
        Ready sir.

!Adrian turns back to the monitor and sees the new tidal wave that is coming towards the Cho Ming valley.

                        @ADRIAN
        This one is at least 1500 meters high!

                        @ANHEUSER
        Talk to me Helmsley. What does this mean for us?

                        @ADRIAN
        Bobby, plug in the new data and adjust the count down?

!Every one on the bridge stares at a display. It reads--

!02hrs - 09min - 07sec

!The science officer nervously hits a few keys and the display changes to--

!00hrs - 28min - 10sec... and counting.

!We see the shock on Anheuser's face.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Get me the other Heads of State.

> CUT TO:

EXT. GATE/CHO MING SITE - EARLY MORNING

!Neng's truck, loaded with Jackson and the others, creeps up to the service entrance of the launch site.

!A lone figure awaits them. This is Neng's older brother Lin, who we saw signing up for the 'Chinese Dam Project'.

!Lin notices the strangers in the pick-up truck.

                        @LIN
                (in Chinese)
        Who are they?

!Neng answers hesitantly.

                        @NENG
        We found them by the side of the road, my brother.

                        @LIN
        You must send them back.

                        @NENG
        I am a follower of the great Lama Yak La. You know I cannot do that.

!The others watch the interaction but do not understand. Jackson senses a problem. He grabs Lilly and Noah.

                        @JACKSON
        Come with daddy.

!Gordon and Tamara stare perplexed as Jackson approaches Lin with his kids.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        At least take our children with you. Please.

!Lin answers in broken English.

                        @LIN
        Why should I do that?

                        @JACKSON
        For the same reason you sent for your parents.

!Lin stares at him stone faced. In desperation, Kate turns to Mrs. Pang.

                        @KATE
        I have no clue if you understand what I'm saying, but I ask you as a mother, please take my kids with you!

!Silence. A beat. The old Chinese lady turns to Lin.

                        @MRS. PANG
                (in Chinese)
        We are all children of this earth.

                        @LIN
        My plan will not work for so many, mother.

!She looks up at her son, determined.

                        @MRS. PANG
        We will take them all. Bata?

!Mr. Pang nods and reluctantly, Lin motions to Jackson to follow. Kate bows to Mrs. Pang.

                        @KATE
        Thank you ma'am. Thank you so much.

!Jackson and the others acknowledge what Kate has done.

> CUT TO:

INT. SHIP BAY/CHO MING - EARLY MORNING

!We finally reveal the unbelievable magnitude of this ship yard, built into the hollow belly of the mountains.

!Nine gargantuan vessels are lined up next to each other. Their size is at least four times that of the `Freedom of the Seas'. However, they look more like spaceships than anything, having been built aerodynamically to withstand the full force of nature.

!But only three of these monstrous ARKS are complete. Number 4 is being repaired, all the others are still under construction, surrounded by scaffolding.

!Suddenly SIRENS goes off!

!The boarding bridges to the finished vessels begin to retract. There's growing confusion among the thousands of workers and security personnel.

INT. PLATFORM, SHIP BAY/CHO MING - EARLY MORNING

!Opposite the boarding bridges, on a large platform, Yuri and his boys sit in line with the other waiting passengers.

!They watch as massive stern gates begin to close. Yuri jumps up and yells to the others.

                        @YURI
        They're leaving without us!

!The soldier from earlier points his gun at him.

                        @SOLDIER
        What did I tell you!

!Caesar barks at the guy.

                        @YURI
                (POINTING)
        Look! Idiot! They are leaving you behind too!

!The soldier turns to the ships and Yuri knocks him out. He grabs his boys and runs towards the closing gates. All the other passengers surge forward with him.

!In the distance, on the bow side of the ships, the huge mountain gates of the bay open, revealing a stunning view of Cho Ming Valley.

> CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNTAIN RIDGE/CHO MING - MORNING

!Lin leads his group over a ridge. In front of their eyes--

!The gates to the mountain open!

                        @LIN
                (in Chinese)
        We have to hurry!
                (to Jackson)
        They launch! We run out of time!

!They follow Lin rushing down the hill, towards one of the many Y-shaped launch structures towering in front of the gates. Neng and Kate help Mr. and Mrs. Pang down the rocky terrain.

INT. SHIP BAY/CHO MING - MORNING

!A screeching and thundering noise!

!THE THREE COMPLETED VESSELS BEGIN TO INCH FORWARD on metal girders connecting the Y-shaped launch towers.

INT. LIVING QUARTERS/AMERICAN SHIP - MORNING

!Laura feels a jolt. She rushes out of her small cabin and into a swarm of people moving down a crammed endless corridor. She struggles to fight her way through.

!A digital voice blares over the speakers.

                        @COMPUTER VOICE
        Countdown to departure. Launch in 17 minutes - 42 seconds.

!Laura bumps into one of Adrian's Science Officers.

                        @LAURA
        Where can I find Adrian Helmsley?

                        @SCIENCE OFFICER
        He's in the Technical Command Centre. Follow me.

EXT. LAUNCH SITE/CHO MING VALLEY - MORNING

!The three gigantic vessels emerge from the mountain, into the open. Support helicopters swarm around them like flies.

EXT. BENEATH A LAUNCHING TOWER/CHO-MING - MORNING

!Lin and his group look like ants as they scale the metal ladders of one of the launch towers.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - MORNING

!Verbal commands fly back and forth. Anheuser watches the preparations from a large window.

!He looks over to the command bridges of the other vessels as they continue to be pulled into place.

INT. COMMAND BRIDGES/OTHER SHIPS - MORNING

!We cut to the various Heads of State, all at their command posts.

EXT. TOP OF LAUNCHING TOWER/CHO MING - MORNING

!A hatch opens at the top of the launch tower. Lin is the first to climb out.

!Right before his eyes, the hull of the American Ship slowly creeps towards him. He's but a speck against this man-made behemoth.

!Lin hastily pulls the others up.

                        @LIN
                (in Chinese)
        Faster, Neng! Help father! Mother, give me your hand.

!It's a race against time. The huge ship's hull closes in fast. Lin and his family crawl up the side arm while Jackson hurries to pull up the rest of the group.

!Lilly freezes at the sight of the approaching ship.

                        @JACKSON
        Move Lil'bee!

!Jackson rips her out of harm's way, just in time. In a frenzy, he pushes her up the support arm where the others are already huddled on a small platform.

!As the towering wall of steel passes by them, inches from their faces, Mr. Pang loses his balance. Jackson and Lin both see this, but Jackson is closer--

!He grabs the old man by his arm, saving him from falling to his death.

!For the first time, Lin acknowledges Jackson with a nod.

EXT. SHIP BAY/CHO MING SITE - MORNING

!The three completed ships are half way out, grinding to their final launching position.

!A mob of passengers led by Yuri has fought their way to the ship. More and more people join them, including soldiers.

EXT. TOP OF LAUNCHING TOWER/CHO MING - MORNING

!Lin, Jackson and the group are huddled on the platform.

!The sound of SCREAMING PEOPLE makes them turn. The storming masses have arrived at the access platform. There is now a huge drop off between them and the tails of the ships.

                        @TAMARA
                (POINTING)
        Oh my god, that's Yuri!

!Next to Yuri are his twins, holding Caesar. She yells!

                        @TAMARA (CONT'D)
        Caesar!

EXT. ACCESS PLATFORM/CHO MING SITE - MORNING

!The little dog hears Tamara and jumps out of Oleg's arms, leaping onto one of the thick cables, that connects the platform with the launching towers.

!Alec and Oleg attempt to run after Caesar, but Yuri grabs them by their necks.

                        @YURI
        Let that stupid dog go!

!He's panicked. The arriving masses are pushing them to the drop off at the edge of the platform.

EXT. TOP OF LAUNCHING TOWER/CHO MING - MORNING

!The ship has reached its targeted position. A small hatch lines up directly in front of Lin and his group.

                        @LIN
                (in Chinese)
        Okay. Now!

!One by one they all climb into the hatch. Jackson being the last in, notices that Tamara has stayed back.

                        @JACKSON
        Tamara! Come on! Get in!

!She doesn't move, anxiously waiting for her beloved dog darting towards her.

EXT. ACCESS PLATFORM/CHO MING SITE - MORNING

!The mob pushes at Yuri and his boys. Passengers on either side tumble off the platform.

!Yuri watches one of them fall, hitting his head against a tiny ledge 8 feet below. To his right, he sees a small ladder leading down.

                        @YURI
                (in Russian)
        Down there! Oleg, you go first!

!As they hurry down the ladder, people keep tumbling into the deep. Reaching the ledge, Oleg discovers Caesar running towards Tamara.

                        @OLEG
        Daddy look, Tamara!

!Yuri cannot believe his eyes.

EXT. TOP OF LAUNCHING TOWER/CHO MING SITE - MORNING

!The hatch behind Tamara begins to move. The hydraulic supports are being lifted, sealing up the vessel.

                        @TAMARA
        Caesar darling!

!Jackson reaches out from the closing hatch.

                        @JACKSON
        Tamara! Get in!

!Tamara climbs inside the hatch and turns.

                        @TAMARA
        Come to mommy!

!Caesar leaps into her arms only seconds before the hatch seals. As a last gesture, Tamara sticks out her arm and gives Yuri the finger.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - MORNING

!Lin leads the group into a long and narrow chamber where the hydraulics for the tail gate are located.

!He opens a tool cabinet, retrieving a giant electrical power drill, almost too big to be carried by one person.

!Lin climbs to a hatch near the ceiling and begins to unscrew the huge bolts. He looks at Jackson.

                        @LIN
        I need your help.

INT. TECHNICAL COMMAND CENTER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Laura and the Science Officer enter the Technical Command Center. She finds Adrian staring at a wall of monitors showing the horrifying scenario on the platforms.

!People are falling to their deaths in large numbers in their desperation to board the ship.

                        @LAURA
        What in god's name is happening Adrian?

                        @ADRIAN
        Anheuser convinced them all to launch.

!Outside, panicking workers, screaming for their life! Deserted passengers waving their green cards!

!Adrian makes a decision and rushes out.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Anheuser turns hearing Adrian storming onto the bridge.

                        @ADRIAN
        Anheuser! We have to stop this madness.

!With that, Adrian turns to the Communication Officer.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        Bobby, make sure the other bridges can hear this.

!The officer hesitates as Laura enters in the background.

                        @ANHEUSER
        What do you think you're doing?

                        @ADRIAN
        I know exactly what I'm doing.
                (To Bobby)
        Turn it on!

!Bobby flicks a switch. Adrian's voice echoes through all the ships.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        This is Adrian Helmsley, science advisor to President Wilson...

INT. BRIDGE/EUROPEAN SHIP - DAY

!The German Chancellor turns to one of the technicians on the bridge of the European Ship.

                        @GERMAN CHANCELLOR
        Can you please turn up the volume, Mr. Hoffmann?

!Next to her stand the British and French Prime Ministers.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        I know we've all been involved in making difficult decisions... to save our human civilization...

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Anheuser looks on stoney faced.

                        @ADRIAN
        ... But to be human means to care for each other, and civilization means to work together to create a better life. If that's true there is nothing human and nothing civilized about what we're doing here. Ask yourselves ... Can we really stand by and let all those people out there die?

!Laura watches him proudly.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        A civilization that allows that, does not deserve to survive.
                (PAUSE)
        Or at least I don't want to be part of it.

!Anheuser cuts in with sarcasm.

                        @ANHEUSER
        We'll miss you Helmsley but somehow we'll get by. Officer switch that off.

!The Communications Officer looks at Adrian.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        That's an order soldier.

                        @ADRIAN
        Don't do it!

INT. BRIDGE/ASIAN SHIP - DAY

!The Russian President, together with the heads of state from China and Japan, listen in as Adrian responds.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        We have to open our gates and let these people in. All of them.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Anheuser has had enough.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Have you lost your mind? Look at the countdown. We have less than five minutes left... And none of our ships have the resources to feed those people. If you save them today we all starve tomorrow.

!He's almost screaming now.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        Do you wanna be responsible for the extinction of the human race? Can you handle that, Adrian?!

!Silence.

!Adrian's battle seems lost. But he doesn't give up, and instead speaks softly now.

                        @ADRIAN
        There is a young astrophysicist from India who is the reason we are all here, trying to give mankind a second chance. He's the one who discovered it all, the one who connected the dots. We all owe him our lives.

!All eyes are glued to Adrian.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        I just learned that he was killed with his family by a tsunami in eastern India. You know why?

!Adrian stares Anheuser in the eyes as he continues.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        He died because we forgot to pick him up.
                (PAUSE)
        I beg you... whatever our future holds don't let us start it with an act of cruelty. What will you tell your children... and their children?

!Silence. Laura steps up alongside Adrian.

                        @LAURA
        If my father were here, he would open the gates.

!Adrian and Laura share a look.

                        @RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (O.S.)
        The people of Russia along with...

INT. BRIDGE/ASIAN SHIP - DAY

!His Asian colleagues nod in approval.

                        @RUSSIAN PRESIDENT
        ... China and Japan agree to open the gates.

INT. BRIDGE/EUROPEAN SHIP - DAY

!The German Chancellor speaks up.

                        @GERMAN CHANCELLOR
        The United Kingdom, Spain, France and Germany, and I believe I can also speak for the Italian Prime Minister...

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

                        @GERMAN CHANCELLOR (O.S.)
        ... We vote to open the gates.

!Laura and Adrian watch Anheuser shaking his head in defeat. Bobby, the Communications Officer smiles with relief. Adrian turns to the Captain.

                        @ADRIAN
        Captain Michaels, you heard them.

EXT. LAUNCH SITE/CHO MING VALLEY - DAY

!One by one the gigantic gates at the stern of the three ships begin to creek open.

!The masses gathered on the platform CHEER wildly!

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Lilly crawls through the CONNECTING TUNNEL meeting up with Kate in a large bay on the other side.

                        @LILLY
        Phew... It stinks in here.

!Together with Neng and his parents, they all look up in DISBELIEF--

!A Giraffe, chewing her cud, smiles down at them. Caesar barks at her.

                        @TAMARA
        Sssh...Caesar.

!A second later, hundreds of different ANIMALS RESPOND. They are in the zoological bay.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Gordon helps Noah up the small ladder leading to the connecting tunnel.

!Just as he goes to hand him Jackson's backpack, the HYDRAULIC MOTORS begin to GROWL! Lin looks up in panic. He screams.

                        @LIN
        They're opening the gate! It will crush us!

!The whole ceiling begins to lower towards them. From down below, Jackson sees his son about to be hit by it.

                        @JACKSON
        Noah! Watch out!

!Gordon makes a split second decision. With all his strength, he shoves the boy into the tunnel.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!From the other side of the tunnel, Kate watches as the metal ceiling misses Noah by a hair, but catches Gordon, wiping him off the ladder.

                        @KATE
        No!

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson watches helplessly as Gordon falls past him. He survives his landing and desperately tries to grab on to the sloping surface, but he can't. He slips.

!Gordon is crushed between the gears, sharing his last look with Jackson before he dies.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Kate helps a trembling Noah out of the tunnel.

                        @NOAH
        Something happened, mom.

!Kate pulls him close and shuts her eyes tightly. She fights back the tears.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson and Lin know they're running out of time, their remaining space is shrinking every second.

                        @JACKSON
        We have to stop it!

!Lin grabs the huge electrical power drill nearby and attempts to jam it between the hydraulic arm and the wall.

!As it digs deeper into the metal, the hydraulic starts to slow down.

EXT. ACCESS PLATFORM/CHO MING - DAY

!Still on the ledge, Yuri and the boys watch as the huge boarding gate lowers towards them. They are trapped.

!Just then, the gates begin to slow, but surely they will be crushed.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Back in the chamber, Lin still struggles with the drill. Suddenly he slips.

!Jackson manages to catch his fall. But in the process Lin's foot gets caught between the gears, mangling it.

!He screams in pain as the hydraulic slowly grinds towards a halt.

                        @JACKSON
        You did it, man. You did it.

!In great pain, Lin grins back at him.

EXT. LAUNCH SITE/CHO MING VALLEY - DAY

!The gates of the ships hit the access platform with a thundering noise. People begin to rush on board.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Alarm signals go off. The Captain turns to one of his officers.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        What's wrong with the gate?

                        @OFFICER
        I don't know. Maybe there's something jamming it, sir.

!The countdown on the monitor reads 2 min. 40 sec. Laura and Adrian share a worried look.

!We hear a HOLLOW BELL ring!

> CUT TO:

EXT. YAK LA MONASTERY/TIBET - DAY

!Lama Yak La rings the large bronze bell of his monastery.

!The booming sound echoes through the Cho Ming valley. As a gentle wind catches the Lama's clothes, he looks up--

!A tidal wave of immeasurable proportion crests the mountains.

!The Lama continues to strike the bell as the monastery is wiped clean from the earth.

> CUT TO:

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The technicians desperately try to figure out what's wrong. An officer waves Adrian over.

                        @SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
        Sir, we have a breach in the zoological bay.

                        @ADRIAN
        Can you zoom in?

!The video camera moves in on Kate, Noah and Lilly. Adrian can't believe his eyes. He turns to Laura.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        I know those kids. Remember the book I told you about? Their father wrote it.

!Captain Michaels shouts across the room.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        We're loaded. We can close the gates sir.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Do it!

!Anheuser looks nervously at the countdown. It reads 1:34

EXT. ACCESS PLATFORM/CHO MING SITE - DAY

!Above Yuri and the boys, people are leaping from the access platform onto the stern gate of the American ship.

!Yuri looks for a hole in the flow of people before seizing his chance and lifting the first of his boys up.

                        @YURI
                (in Russian)
        Pull yourself up!

!Oleg manages to reach up and hold onto the gate.

!Inside the ship, officers yell.

                        @DECK OFFICER (O.S.)
        To the lower decks people!

!The gates suddenly screech back into life and begin to close. Yuri doubles his efforts lifting Alec higher, but Alec cannot quite reach.

!Yuri strains with all his effort before deciding.

                        @YURI
        Oleg! Catch your brother!

!Yuri leaps forward holding Alec out in his arms.

!Oleg manages to grab his brother's hands as Yuri lets go and falls into the deep crevasse below. He makes no noise until he hits the rocks beneath.

!Oleg pulls his brother from above.

INT. INSIDE LOADING GATE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!A SIREN blasts. Both of Yuri's sons are now on deck. A loading officer pulls them back, away from the gate.

                        @DECK OFFICER
        Boys, you gotta move.

                        @ALEC
        We wait for our father! He's still down there!

!The loading officer attempts to comfort them.

                        @DECK OFFICER
        There's no one down there.
                (GENTLE)
        Come on boys, come...

!The Officer and the boys look back as the stern gate slowly closes. But with a SCREECHING sound it grinds to a halt.

!The gate is jammed open leaving a twenty foot gap.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!ALARMS sound. Anheuser and the Captain stare at the monitors.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Why is the stern gate not closing?

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        Something's wrong with the hydraulics, sir.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        Captain, over here.

!They race over. Adrian points to a monitor.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        I think we found the problem.

!On the monitor, they see Sarah and the others desperately waiting for Jackson and Lin.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        How did they get in there?

                        @SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
        They must have come through the hydraulic chamber. There...

!Bobby, the Surveillance Officer, selects a different camera and we now see inside the tunnel in which Jackson is pulling along a wounded Lin.

                        @LAURA
        That guy is injured. Something must have gone wrong.

                        @ANHEUSER
        You're damn right something went wrong! Congratulations Helmsley, you may have just killed us all but as long as your conscience is clean...

!Adrian tries to ignore this.

                        @ADRIAN
        Let's get an emergency crew there right now. I'll meet them at the Hydraulic Chamber.

!Anheuser sneers him, shooting a look to Laura.

                        @ANHEUSER
        You think you're the main man now, just because your fucking the President's daughter?

!Without thinking, Adrian turns and punches Anheuser hard in the face. He drops to the floor, out cold.

!Everyone stands in stunned silence. Laura smiles. Adrian looks around.

                        @ADRIAN
        What are you all waiting for?

!They speed off. The countdown reads 0 min. 53 sec.

> CUT TO:

EXT. AIRFIELD/TIBET - DAY

!Further down in the valley, the tidal wave has reached the Cho Ming airfield, blasting away the planes with overwhelming force.

EXT. LAUNCH SITE/CHO MING VALLEY - DAY

!The massive propellers of the ships begin to turn. However, the props of the American ship don't move.

!In the background, the huge tidal wave comes thundering towards them.

INT. HALLWAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!An IMPACT WARNING sounds as Adrian and Laura race through the crammed hallways with members of the rescue crew. One of the officers explains.

                        @TECHNICAL OFFICER
        If we can't close the stern gate, then the engines won't start.

                        @ADRIAN
        There's no way to override it?

                        @TECHNICAL OFFICER
        No sir, it has to be done manually.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Kate, Noah and Lilly watch as Jackson nears the end of the tunnel with Lin. Neng comforts his brother who's about to pass out.

                        @NENG
                (in Chinese)
        Almost there, Lin...

> CUT TO:

EXT. LAUNCH SITE/CHO MING VALLEY - DAY

!THE WAVE FINALLY HITS!

!All three vessels are now engulfed in churning water.

!They rock back and forth. Only the huge support towers they're resting on, keep them anchored.

INT. INSIDE LOADING GATE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!A new ALARM sounds as water begins to shoot through the open stern gate of the American ship.

!The people on the loading bay panic, among them we see Alec and Oleg.

INT. HALLWAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The same ALARM rings out in the hallways of the ship. Laura, Adrian and their party are all braced against the corridor, as the vessel undulates back and forth.

                        @SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
        Water has penetrated the stern!

!Laura looks unsure.

                        @LAURA
        What now?

                        @SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
        The rear of the ship will start sealing itself up one compartment at a time.

!Adrian looks at him.

                        @ADRIAN
        Then how will we get to the hydraulic chamber?

                        @SURVEILLANCE OFFICER
        If we don't hurry, we won't be able to.

!Despite the violent movement of the ship, Adrian pushes on down the corridor towards the back of the boat. They follow.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Water is also now rushing into the Zoological Bay and only the giraffe can manage to keep her head dry.

!Jackson is not yet out of the tunnel with an unconscious Lin.

!Kate shouts across to Tamara.

                        @KATE
        Tamara! Take Lilly and Noah.

!Kate reaches in to help Jackson as Tamara begins to move with Lilly. Noah remains back with his mother.

!Jackson finally makes it through with Lin. Kate is almost tearful with relief to see him.

                        @KATE (CONT'D)
        I was so worried about you.

!Suddenly the Zoological bay begins to seal itself off.

!Lilly, already in the next compartment with Tamara and her dog, screams out as a chamber door quickly slides up, from the floor to the ceiling. It separates Lilly from her family.

                        @LILLY
        Mummy!

!Jackson and Kate turn but it's too late. They only catch a glimpse of Lilly before they are sealed in. The water level continues to rise.

INT. ANTE-CHAMBER ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Panicked, Tamara turns and looks around. Down the corridor, in the distance, she sees Adrian, Laura and the rescue crew approaching.

!But between them she spots the next chamber door rising quickly.

                        @TAMARA
        Lilly run!

!Lilly starts moving as Tamara turns and picks up Caesar.

!Moving quickly, Lilly is able to climb up and over the fast rising door. But as she dangles from the other side, she looks down and is too scared to jump.

                        @TAMARA (O.S) (CONT'D)
        Lilly! Take him.

!Lilly looks up and sees two hands straining to hold Caesar above the quickly narrowing gap.

!In a courageous move, Lilly grabs the little dog before he gets crushed and together they fall to the ground.

!Back on the other side of the chamber door, Tamara looks around. She is trapped now as the water continues to rush in.

INT. CONNECTING CORRIDOR/ZOOLOGICAL BAY - DAY

!Laura picks Lilly up and comforts her. Adrian realizes they are too late. He turns to the rescue crew.

                        @ADRIAN
        Is there any way to talk to them?

!Lilly is close to tears.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The water continues to flood in as Jackson helps Neng with his unconscious brother.

                        @JACKSON
        We have to move him higher.
                (looks around)
        Over there!

!Suddenly, a VIOLENT SHAKE throws them all off balance, pitching them into the water.

EXT. LAUNCH PILLAR/UNDER WATER - DAY

!In the debris-filled, murky waters we see that the fuselage of Air Force One has slammed against the first of the ship's launch towers.

!Slowly it begins to bend, finally giving way. The other launch towers follow like dominos.

!The ship is ripped from its anchorage and sent drifting sideways, rudderless.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Chaos. Fear. Everybody holds on for dear life.

EXT. LAUNCH SITE/CHO MING VALLEY - DAY

!The vessel is swept away, over the mountain ridge.

INT. HALLWAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Alec and Oleg scream, desperately trying to hold on as the whole ship capsizes.

EXT. DARJEELING VALLEY/HIMALAYA - DAY

!The giant ship drifts upside down and rudderless - smashed around by the debris and raging waters.

!But then, as it hits another ridge, it rolls right side up and seems to steady itself.

!However, the strong currents continue to force it through the mountain ranges of the Himalayas.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The officers try to regain some control.

                        @NAVAL OFFICER
        Moving at 34 knots, sir.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        What is our position?

                        @NAVIGATION OFFICER
        Darjeeling valley, heading south east, sir.

!The Captain's face drops.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        You must be kidding!

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The water rises fast as Kate sees the severity of Lin's wound for the first time.

                        @KATE
        We need something to stop the bleeding or he'll die.

!A split second later Noah holds out his belt.

                        @NOAH
        Mum, will this do?

!Suddenly Jackson hears a voice over a speaker.

                        @ADRIAN
                (Over a speaker)
        Mr. Curtis... I'm Adrian Helmsley. We met once before. Your daughter is with me.

!Kate screams with relief.

                        @KATE
        Lilly!

INT. CONNECTING CORRIDOR/ZOOLOGICAL BAY - DAY

!Adrian is using an emergency wall intercom, with Laura next to him, holding Lilly.

                        @LILLY
        I'm alright Mom!

!Caesar barks.

INT. ANTE-CHAMBER ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Tamara hears Caesar over the speaker in her compartment and smiles with relief. She is struggling to stay afloat though, and is running out of air.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson discovers the wall speaker. He moves closer to it.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        We can't get to you. Whatever you did, jammed the hydraulics. If you can't get it out... None of us will make it.

INT. CONNECTING CORRIDOR/ZOOLOGICAL BAY - DAY

!All eyes are on Adrian as he speaks.

                        @ADRIAN
        You're our only hope.

!Adrian looks at Laura.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

                        @JACKSON
        I'll go back. I'll try my best.

                        @NOAH
        I'll go with you.

                        @JACKSON
        You stay with Mommy.

!Jackson looks at Kate.

                        @JACKSON (CONT'D)
        I'll be right back...

!The water is up to their chest now. Jackson takes a breath and disappears underwater.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Back on the bridge, Anheuser regains consciousness and gets to his feet. His nose is bleeding. He looks around him.

                        @ANHEUSER
        Captain, what's happening?

!The Captain looks at him annoyed.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        What's happening?...
                (PAUSES)
        We're heading straight for the north face of Mount Everest, Mr. Anheuser.

!Anheuser looks at him dumbfounded as he stumbles to the window and sees the massive rock face of Mount Everest in the distance.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson swims down into the dark chamber and reaches the jammed power tool, pulling at it. But it doesn't budge.

INT. ANTE-CHAMBER ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The water level in Tamara's compartment is at its height now and she goes under.

!She struggles below the surface for a moment, looking around desperately for a way out but there is none.

!Tamara drowns.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson manages to find an air pocket. He fills up his lungs with air and thinks hard.

!As he strips off his jacket, he seems to have a plan. He dives under again.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Lin is being held up in the water by his brother and parents.

!Kate has wrapped the belt around his lower leg and now pulls it tight. Lin screams.

!Noah uses this as the moment to dive underwater, unnoticed, to go and help his father.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Back under water, Jackson is using the extension cord of the power drill to pull himself down to the tool cabinet.

!Jackson opens it, retrieving a giant crowbar. He begins to use it to dislodge the tool but it's hard work.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Anheuser and everybody on the bridge stares as the north face of Mount Everest is almost upon them.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Kate and the Pangs are desperately close to running out of air now, but despite this, Kate still tends to Lin.

!After a moment she turns and is first confused then horrified to see that Noah is nowhere to be found.

                        @KATE
        Noah!

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson pulls with all his might, but he can't quite shift the drill.

!To his surprise, a pair of young hands join his on the handle of the crowbar. Noah is alongside him now, helping.

!Working as father and son, they manage, little by little, to loosen it before finally the drill comes free.

!Adrian gives Noah the thumbs up and the boy heads back to the surface. Jackson goes to follow but in the last moment he spots the knapsack containing his laptop.

!He dives back down for it.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Noah emerges from the water.

                        @NOAH
        Mom, we did it!

!Kate pulls him to her, relieved he is safe. Noah smiles and calls out towards the nearly submerged speaker.

INT. CONNECTING CORRIDOR/ZOOLOGICAL BAY - DAY

!Lilly and Laura wait nervously. They hear a muffled voice.

                        @NOAH (O.S.)
        We got it free. Can you hear me? We did it!

!Adrian leaps up when he hears this. He flicks a button on the intercom.

                        @ADRIAN
        Captain Michaels - close the gate!

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Hearing this, the Captain yells the eagerly awaited order.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        That's affirmative. Close the gate!

                        @TECHNICAL OFFICER
        Ay, ay, Sir.

EXT. DARJEELING VALLEY/HIMALAYAS - DAY

!We hear a BOOMING sound as the tail gate finally seals.

INT. HYDRAULIC CHAMBER/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson reaches his knapsack, but when sees Noah's cell phone lying next to it, he makes a decision and reaches for that instead.

!He hears the muffled sound of the engines and smiles. But as he turns to swim back, his face freezes--

!He's looking into the lifeless eyes of Gordon, who floats inches from his face.

EXT. PROPELLERS/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The gigantic propellers fight against the current, hitting rock at the base of the mountain.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!The battle seems hopeless. Captain Michaels yells at the top of his lungs.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        Engage starboard stabilizers!

                        @OFFICERS
        One is engaged... two is engaged... number three is out, sir!

!The vessel scrapes against the rocks, throwing Anheuser to the floor.

EXT. DARJEELING VALLEY/HIMALAYA - DAY

!The giant ship escapes the mountain with an inch to spare.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Everyone on the bridge watches in awe as Mount Everest, earth's highest peak, drifts slowly past.

!After a long beat, they begin to holler and cheer.

INT. ZOOLOGICAL BAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Kate hears the CHEERING coming from the speakers. The water level stops rising but she still looks around in panic.

                        @KATE
        Noah! Where is he?

!Noah begins to cry.

                        @NOAH
        He was just behind me...

!Finally! Jackson bursts out of the water and takes a lungfull of wonderful air.

!Kate and Noah are overjoyed. The Pangs smile to one another.

!Jackson looks Kate squarely in the eyes.

                        @JACKSON
        If you would ever consider to give me another chance... I promise, I'll always be there when you need me.

!Kate embraces him tightly.

                        @KATE
        Whatever you do... I will never let you go again.

!Noah is all smiles.

> FADE TO BLACK

> 2013 <

!We hear a voice.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        ... Day 988. No one is waiting for anything to happen...

> FADE UP

!The CAMERA moves over the last lines of Jackson's novel.

INT. SLEEPING QUARTERS/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Adrian sits in his cabin, his copy of `Farewell Atlantis' in his lap.

                        @ADRIAN
        ... and all we can hear is the sound of our own breathing that reminds us we are still sharing our memories, hopes and ideas.

!Opposite him, Laura sits listening to him read.

                        @ADRIAN (CONT'D)
        ... And funny, just today we found out that the entire crew of the Atlantis, somehow or another, has relatives in Wisconsin.
                (PAUSE)
        The end.

!Adrian closes the book. There's a moment of silence.

                        @LAURA
        How many copies did you say that sold?

                        @ADRIAN
        Less than 500.
                (with a smile)
        It's what you might call a cult classic.

!Laura looks at him grinning.

                        @LAURA
        It seems we have very different tastes Mr. Helmsley?

                        @ADRIAN
                (PLAYFUL)
        Well that's healthy Dr. Wilson. Something we could maybe explore... unless you have other pressing engagements.

                        @LAURA
        Actually my diary's pretty open.

!The intimate moment is cut short.

                        @OFFICER (O.S.)
                (over loudspeaker)
        Mr. Helmsley to the bridge please.

INT. HALLWAY/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Adrian and Laura make their way to the bridge.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS (O.S.)
        Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Michaels speaking. In a few minutes, I will be giving the orders to unseal the decks.

INT. FRONT DECK/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Jackson and his family stand amongst thousands of other people who are gathering in anticipation.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS (O.S.)
        Please be careful when you step out and of course... enjoy the fresh air.

!Jackson kneels down and zips up Lilly's jacket. She is holding Caesar, whose still wearing his diamond collar.

                        @LILLY
        Daddy? When can we go back home?

                        @JACKSON
        There's nothing we can go back to Lil'bee. Whatever's out there, that's our home now. Don't be scared.

                        @LILLY
        I'm not Daddy. No more pull-ups.

                        @JACKSON
                (PROUDLY)
        That's my big girl.

!Jackson squeezes Lilly's shoulder.

                        @OLEG (O.S.)
        Can we pet him?

!Lilly turns to see Yuri's boys standing next to her.

                        @LILLY
        Of course you can. He's your doggie.

!The boys both smile at her.

INT. BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Adrian and Laura enter the bridge.

                        @ADRIAN
        You called for me, sir?

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        Prof. West has something to show you, Mr. Helmsley.

!The Captain directs him to a monitor.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS (CONT'D)
        Looks like your scientific projections are way off again.

!The Captain grins at Prof. West.

                        @PROF. WEST
        The water is receding much faster than we projected, Adrian...

!A monitor reveals an image of the African continent, however its shape changed dramatically. The image of the southern tip is enlarged.

                        @LAURA
        What's that?

                        @PROF. WEST
        It's hard to believe, but the Himalayas are no longer the roof of the world. It's now the Drakensberg mountains of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The whole African continent has risen several thousand feet and most likely, never even flooded.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        Our European colleagues have already set course for it.

!Captain Michaels hands Adrian a short wave radio.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS (CONT'D)
        Here, somebody wants to talk to you.

!Adrian curious, grabs the mic.

                        @ADRIAN
        This is Helmsley.

!We hear a muffled, raspy voice through the speakers.

INT. COMMAND BRIDGE/FREEDOM OF THE SEAS - DAY

!Harry Helmsley stands beside the cruise ship's Captain.

                        @VOICE
        No, this is Helmsley.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        Dad!... Is that you?

INT. COMMAND BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Adrian is ecstatic. Captain Michaels explains.

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS
        We should have a visual of the `Freedom of the Seas' shortly.

                        @ADRIAN
        Dad. We're coming to pick you guys up. How's Tony?

INT. COMMAND BRIDGE/FREEDOM OF THE SEAS - DAY

!Harry looks over at Tony who's listening, smiling.

                        @HARRY HELMSLEY
        He's fine, son. We're all fine.

                        @ADRIAN (O.S.)
        See you guys soon. Bye dad.

!Harry hangs up. He picks up Tony, embracing him wildly.

INT. COMMAND BRIDGE/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!Adrian, still excited from speaking with his dad, grabs Laura and kisses her on the lips. She squeals.

                        @ANHEUSER (O.S.)
        Put that woman down Helmsley.

!Adrian looks at Anheuser, unsure of what he might say.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        Young guys like you with your idealistic dreams, you think you can change the world...

!Adrian and Laura exchange a look.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        I just pray to God, that you keep on making the right calls... in this new world of ours.

!Adrian nods and with a smile to Laura turns to leave.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        Mr. Helmsley, one more thing.

!Adrian turns back.

                        @ANHEUSER (CONT'D)
        There was no one.

                        @ADRIAN
        Pardon me?

                        @ANHEUSER
        There was no white kid better than you. I'm terribly sorry I said that.

!Anheuser puts out his hand. Adrian takes it.

INT. FRONT DECK/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

                        @CAPTAIN MICHAELS (O.S.)
        This is your Captain speaking. Standby to open Deck 1.

                        @OFFICER
        Standing by Sir.

!Neng pushes his brother Lin in a wheelchair onto the deck next to his parents. Mrs. Pang turns to her husband.

                        @MRS. PANG
                (in Chinese)
        I wonder will the clouds look the same and the stars?

                        @MR.PANG
        Do not fear. Some things will never change.

!The old Chinese man forces a little smile. Closer to the front of this crowd Jackson approaches Noah.

                        @JACKSON
        I thought you might want this.

!He takes Noah's cell phone from his pocket and hands it to him.

                        @NOAH
        Do you think I'll still get a signal ... Dad?

!Jackson is touched to hear him use that word. He smiles and hugs him. Adrian, Laura and Anheuser arrive alongside them.

                        @ADRIAN
        I finally finished your book Jackson.

                        @KATE
        Really? You may well be the first person who ever got to the end.

!Jackson looks at her, smiling playfully.

                        @JACKSON
        Excuse me, I believe he's addressing the author. Well, what did you think?

!Adrian smiles.

                        @ADRIAN
        I'd say... those astronauts of yours would be shitting themselves, if they knew all their relatives are now stuck in the South Pole.

!Suddenly a horn sounds and the sealed deck doors let off a burst of pressurised air. A murmur goes through the crowd.

!Everyone is silent as the huge deck doors slowly begin to roll back and light streams in.

!The Pang family try to see over people's heads, even Anheuser looks hopeful. Jackson pulls his family close as the first rays of daylight hit their faces.

EXT. AMERICAN SHIP/SOMEWHERE IN THE HIMALAYAS - DAY

!Hatches unseal all around the ship. Sun streams through the clouds. Everywhere people emerge outside, into the light of day. A majestic moment.

EXT. FRONT DECK/AMERICAN SHIP - DAY

!They all stare in awe at the waters receding against the ice-covered mountain peaks. Caesar lets out a YELP of joy.

!Almost as soon as the doors have opened, the ship's HELICOPTERS take off, flying towards a stunning site--

!The `Freedom of the Seas' is perched on a mountain peak, surrounded by calm waters. Behind it, they see the most beautiful rainbow. This is the new world.

!And again we hear Mozart's Adagio...

> THE END <