NOTE: Charles Rane was originally named Wolfgang.
PASSENGER 57
by
David Loughery
REVISED DRAFT
October 8 1991
FADE IN:
1A CLOSEUP - MAN'S FACE 1A
Handsome. Capable-looking. Sharp, chiseled features. But it's the eyes that grab you. They're the coldest, crudest eyes you've ever seen and they belong to CHARLES RANE, known in the terrorism trade as "Wolfgang." On the Interpol Hit Parade, Wolfgang is number one with a bullet.
DR. BAUMAN (O.S.)
Close, please.
Wolfgang closes his eyes. A felt-tip pen ENTERS FRAME and begins to make precise marks on Wolfgang's features. These are the marks of a skilled plastic surgeon, mapping out the operation he intends to perform. Everything about Wolfgang's face will change.
DR. BAUMAN (O.S.)
Open.
Wolfgang opens his eyes. No amount of surgery can change them. They remain cold, cruel and penetrating.
DR. BAUMAN (O.S.)
Well?
A mirror ENTERS FRAME. Wolfgang smiles at his marked-up image, eyes gleaming with wicked pleasure. This is one scary guy.
WOLFGANG
I think I'm going to like the new me.
CUT TO:
2 INT. SURGERY 2
Darkness. Then -- BOOM! --a big overhead light comes on, illuminating Wolfgang who reclines in a custom operating chair surrounded by gleaming high-tech equipment and a surgical team headed by DR. MICHAEL BAUMAN, the Florida Gulf coast's foremost plastic surgeon.
Dr. Bauman looks at the wall clock. Two minutes 'til noon. Bauman wipes some sweat from his lip and adjusts his surgical mask.
BAUMAN
Sedate the patient.
An enter TANK HISSES to life.
3 EXT. CLINIC GROUNDS - DAY 3
Bauman's beautiful hacienda-style hospital is located high in the Palisades overlooking the ocean. Without noise or fanfare, three SWAT vans arrive ON the SCENE.
4 SURGERY 4
A nurse prepares to place the ether mask over Wolfgang's nose and mouth. But the patient has other ideas. Wolfgang reaches up and catches the nurse by the wrist.
WOLFGANG
(politely)
That won't be necessary. I intend to stay awake.
The surgical team reacts with shocked surprise.
5 INT. CORRIDOR 5
SWAT commandos are on their way, moving with swift, military precision -- each commando armed with the latest in high-tech weaponry.
6 SURGERY 6
Bauman is flustered by Wolfgang's refusal to be sedated.
BAUMAN
You don't understand. The work I have to do -- the pain involved --
Pain is Wolfgang's favorite word. He smiles his Death's Head smile.
WOLFGANG
Pain is something I've learned to live with.
It's all there in Wolfgang's eyes. Not just pain but the pleasure of pain. Wolfgang can't wait for Bauman to cut into him! Bauman realizes he's dealing with one weird motherfucker and wisely decides to humor him.
BAUMAN
All right. Let's proceed.
A scrub nurse presents an operating tray to Bauman. On it are an assortment of strange scalpels and instruments. Bauman shoots a nervous look at the clock -- thirty seconds 'til noon -- and selects a wicked-looking scalpel.
7 CORRIDOR 7
SWAT commandos converge on the door marked "Surgery."
8 SURGERY 8
Bauman bends over Wolfgang. He brings up the scalpel, his hand shaking ever so slightly. A drop of sweat falls from Bauman's forehead and lands on Wolfgang's lower lip. Wolfgang's tongue darts out and licks it away.
Bauman and Wolfgang lock eyes. Wolfgang knows that Bauman has set him up.
WOLFGANG
The patient lived. But I'm afraid we lost the doctor.
Wolfgang's hand darts up like a cobra, grabs the scalpel and thrusts it into Bauman's neck. Bauman screams and staggers back, spraying blood. The surgical team recoils in horror.
At that moment, the door is kicked open by SWAT.
SWAT COMMANDER
Freeze!
Wolfgang is already on his feet. He takes two long strides, dives through the air and CRASHES through a wall of smoked GLASS.
8A ADJOINING ROOM 8A
Wolfgang hits the floor in a shower of glass, scrambles to his feet and bursts through a door, knocking over a nurse.
8B INT. CORRIDOR 8B
Terrified patients and staff flatten themselves against the walls as Wolfgang comes charging down the corridor, half-naked, surgical gown flapping behind him, pursued by a wave of SWAT commandos.
9 thru 11 OMITTED
12 ANGLE 12
Wolfgang rounds the bend. At the end of the corridor is an elevator -- its doors have begun to separate. It's Wolfgang's only chance.
Wolfgang races for the elevator, bare feet slapping marble. He's halfway there when the elevator doors slide open to reveal a second team of SWAT cops. They spill out with weapons drawn, ready to open fire.
Wolfgang puts on the brakes. The first SWAT team arrives from behind and Wolfgang is caught in the middle. One false move and he gets fragged from both directions. Oh, well. With a shrug of indifference, Wolfgang raises his hands over his head.
SWAT OFFICER
You're under arrest!
The smile on Wolfgang's face seems to say, "Temporarily." Wolfgang begins to whistle "Pack Up Your Troubles" as SWAT cops rush forward to cuff him.
CUT TO:
13 EXT. NIGHT SKY 13
Fierce RAIN. Dense clouds. First the awsome ROAR, then we see the massive underbelly of a 707 airliner as it lumbers ACROSS FRAME. Clouds thicken. The big ENGINES work hard against the storm. Suddenly, an EXPLOSION rips out the bulk cargo door and the airliner hurtles to earth -- on fire and out of control -- a symphony of WIND and noise.
CUT TO:
13A INT. BEDROOM (LOS ANGELES) - NIGHT 13A
JOHN CUTTER sits upright in bed, jolted from the nightmare. His eyes are wide with fear.
CUTTER
Lisa...
Cutter's naked chest is soaked with sweat and his heart is pounding like a jackhammer. The annoying sound in his ears is the BUZZ OF his ALARM CLOCK.
Cutter SHUTS OFF the ALARM. 6 A.M.
Cutter looks around. Nothing to worry about. He's alone in his own bedroom, bathed in the blue glow of a TV test pattern. Cutter runs a hand through his damp hair. He's a black man in his late 20s -- handsome and muscular --but unable to shake the nightmare that has haunted him for two years.
CUTTER
(under his breath)
I gotta get some new dreams.
ANGLE WIDENS.
The room is pretty much bare. Bed, nightstand and a Solo-flex exercise set-up. Cutter is a man of few possessions. The walls are covered with a variety of bulls-eyes and target silhouettes -- the kind used by law enforcement. Each one is expensively framed -- Cutter's idea of art.
The ALARM GOES OFF AGAIN.
CUTTER
I heard you the first time.
Cutter SHUTS OFF the ALARM and climbs out of bed. He goes to the Solo-flex and begins a rigorous workout --pumping iron to keep the chaos inside him at bay. As Cutter battles the weights, we PUSH IN ON the nightstand...
13B FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH 13B
of Cutter and a beautiful young woman in happier times. Perhaps this is "Lisa." Next to the photo is an Amtrack brochure and a ticket -- round trip -- Los Angeles to Orlando. But it's the Amtrak brochure that really catches our attention. It's illustrated with a bold drawing of a powerful locomotive. PUSH IN ON the train as we...
DISSOLVE TO:
13C EXT. TRESTLE BRIDGE - DAY (STOCK) 13C
Darkness. Then... a real train bursts out of tunnel and hurtles PAST CAMERA. It crosses a span somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, headed east.
CUT TO:
14 thru 16 OMITTED
17 INT. MAXIMUM SECURITY LOCKDOWN - NIGHT 17
RAIN streaks a window re-enforced with steel mesh. THUNDER CRASHES!
Bars slide open with a LOUD CLANG. CAMERA FOLLOWS a distinguished, silver-haired ATTORNEY as he enters the bowels of a prison designed in hell. He travels down a long corridor lined with cells containing the evil and the insane. They jeer, laugh, taunt and spit at the Attorney as he runs their gauntlet of abuse.
At the end of the corridor, a stem-faced guard stands in front of an iron door. The Attorney, wiping spit off his expensive suit with a handkerchief, shows the indifferent guard some papers. The guard wheels open the heavy iron door.
CAMERA FOLLOWS the Attorney into a small dark room. The iron DOOR CLANGS shut behind him. On the other side of a mesh screen sits Wolfgang, stripped naked, wearing handcuffs. His body is hard and muscular, a map of ugly scars. He greets his Attorney with a wolfish smile.
WOLFGANG
what's wrong, Martin? Haven't you ever seen a naked man before?
ATTORNEY
How can you be so calm? They know who you are.
WOLFGANG
Knowing it and proving it are two different things.
ATTORNEY
Will you listen to me? They can prove it. They've got the Welshman.
Wolfgang's eyes cloud. They do that when something displeases him.
WOLFGANG
Go on.
ATTORNEY
The N.S.A. has him in protective custody. He's connected you to Islamic Jihad, the American Embassy bombing in Beirut and God knows what else. They're flying you to Los Angeles to stand trial.
WOLFGANG
Then the solution's simple. I must not reach Los Angeles.
ON Wolfgang's confident look...
CUT TO:
18 EXT. TRANS PACIFIC AIRLINES BUILDING (ORLANDO) - DAY 18
The logo of Trans Pacific atop a tower of glass and steel. ANGLE DOWN TO street level as a taxi pulls up to the entrance and stops. John Cutter climbs out. We see him full figure in a dark suit -- ramrod straight --lean, hard and muscular. Cutter pays the driver, hefts his bag and enters the building.
CUT TO:
18A INT. SLY DELVECCHIO'S OFFICE 18A
An efficient young SECRETARY looks up from her computer as Cutter steps into the outer office. He tosses his bag on the couch.
SECRETARY
You must be Mister Cutter. Mister Delvecchio's expecting you.
CUTTER
Don't buzz him. I want this to be a surprise.
Cutter crosses the room and pushes open the big door to...
18B SLY'S INNER OFFICE 18B
Cutter is barely through the door when SLY DELVECCHIO jumps him from behind.
In a blinding flash of martial arts skill. Cutter flips Sly over his shoulder. Sly hits the carpet with a thud. Swift as a cobra, Cutter is upon him -- knee planted in the center of Sly's chest, hand tight around Sly's throat -- thumb pressed to his jugular.
CUTTER
(with a smile)
You're dead. Sly. Get yourself buried.
Through his surprise and pain, Sly smiles back. He's in his early 30s, a friendly, likable guy -- Cutter's buddy from way back.
SLY
(his voice is a rough whisper)
Okay, I'm dead. Now would you mind getting your big knee off my chest?
(gasping)
I can't breathe...
Cutter just smiles as Sly continues to gasp. Sly is very convincing but Cutter's not buying. He knows his friend too well.
SLY
Cutter... please... I can't breathe...
CUTTER
Sly, do the words 'acting lessons' mean anything to you?
SLY
(really gasping)
Cutter, no shit... you know I've got this asthma thing...
Cutter frowns and steps back. As he does, sneaky Sly tries to hook him with his foot. But Cutter has anticipated this. He catches the foot with one hand and hoists Sly into the air so that he's hanging upside down -- face buried in the rug.
CUTTER
(amused)
How's that carpet taste?
SLY
All right! Okay! Uncle!
Sly's Secretary appears in the doorway, alarmed to see her boss in this most undignified position.
SECRETARY
(frightened)
Mister Delvecchio? Should I call Security?
SLY
(upside down)
Ellen, I am Security.
(then; chuckling)
Don't worry. It's just a couple of Navy buddies catching up on old times.
CUTTER
We're bonding.
SLY
(to Cutter)
You want something? Coffee? Tea?
CUTTER
I'm fine.
(to the Secretary)
But you'd better bring Mister Delvecchio some Therapeutic Mineral Ice. He's not as young as he thinks he is.
The Secretary nods and backs away. Cutter releases Sly and lets him crumple to the floor. With a groan. Sly gets to his feet. He straightens his suit and tie in a dignified manner.
SLY
Okay. So I'm a little rusty. But you... you sonovabitch...
Sly and Cutter regard each other soberly, then break out laughing. They embrace.
CUTTER
I think you put on some weight.
SLY
Corporate life. I think you lost some.
CUTTER
You ever tried the food at Forrestal?
SLY
(scoffing)
Forrestal. Jesus, Cutter. Teaching counter-terrorism and evasion techniques to a bunch of rich guys' bodyguards and chauffeurs -- it's beneath you. What's next? Church Groups? Cub Scouts?
CUTTER
Maybe. How much do they pay?
SLY
It's not you. Cutter.
CUTTER
It's me, Sly -- the new me. And the new me happens to like teaching. It's got some great perks.
SLY
Name one.
CUTTER
You want to know what I like best? It's make-believe. The danger is pretend. Strictly hypothetical. Nobody gets hurt -- especially me.
SLY
You ever hear that old expression? 'Those who can -- do. Those who can't -- teach.'
CUTTER
What about it?
SLY
I know you. Cutter, and you're no teacher.
CUTTER
Then I'm in big trouble because the idea of being a 'do-er' again makes me break out in a cold sweat.
SLY
'You fall off a horse, you get back on.'
CUTTER
Sly, don't you know any new expressions?
The Secretary returns.
SECRETARY
Mister Delvecchio -- your meeting with Mister Ramsay.
SLY
(looks at his watch)
Better hustle.
CUTTER
Look, Sly, I'm not even sure I want this job. The idea of getting back in the shit doesn't exactly thrill me.
SLY
I need you, Cutter -- and you need this job.
It's the truth. ON Sly's imploring look...
CUT TO:
18C INT. ATRIUM - DAY 18C
Sly and Cutter wind their way through an in-door botanical garden that doubles as a dining area for the employees of Trans Pacific.
SLY
Ramsay is Stuart Ramsay, the guy above me -- President of Operations. To get the airlines anti-terrorism unit off the ground, we're gonna need Ramsay's support. He's a slick prick but he can be handled. You've done these dog and pony shows before so you know the drill. Nod. Smile. Jump through a few hoops.
STUART RAMSAY rises from a table to greet them. He's in his thirties, handsome, immaculately groomed and styled. Stuart Ramsay's only real interest in life is his own survival in the corporate jungle. In this respect he is ruthless. He can also be quite charming.
RAMSAY
Welcome to the jungle.
SLY
Stuart, meet John Cutter.
They shake hands.
RAMSAY
(friendly)
John -- I'm a big fan.
Cutter smiles. He knows a shark when he sees one.
CUT TO:
18D SAME SCENE - SOME MINUTES LATER 18D
Cutter, Sly and Ramsay are deep in discussion.
CUTTER
These are facts. Over the last year, there's been a forty percent increase in terrorist actions against Trans Pacific. Most of these incidents occurred in-flight. Most of them could have been prevented.
RAMSAY
How?
CUTTER
By doing what the Israelis do... having trained security specialists 'ride shotgun' on all international and coast-to-coast flights.
RAMSAY
I hope you aren't suggesting we put armed guards on our planes. Our passengers would never stand for it.
CUTTER
I'm not talking about armed guards. I'm talking about trained counter-terrorists -- disguised as passengers. Their identities would be known only to the flight crew. You want to stop terrorism?
CUTTER (CONT'D)
Then you gotta send a message. Let the terrorists know you're not afraid to fight back.
RAMSAY
(amused)
Maybe we could use it as an advertising gimmick. 'Fly Trans Pacific -- We'll Get You There Alive.'
(a friendly smile)
John... air travel is supposed to be a pleasant and relaxing experience. We don't want the public to think their lives are in danger every time they get on a plane.
CUTTER
But their lives are in danger.
Cutter knows this only too well. Ramsay considers for a moment.
RAMSAY
(turns to Sly)
He doesn't pull his punches, does he? What do you think?
SLY
I'm with John. I've worked up some numbers and it's not as expensive as you might think. Not in the long run.
RAMSAY
Well, you guys are the experts... but it seems kind of extreme to me.
CUTTER
Terrorism is a growth industry, Mister Ramsay. It should be your number one priority.
RAMSAY
I can understand why you feel that way.
CUTTER
You can?
RAMSAY
You've been a victim of terrorism yourself.
Caught slightly off-guard. Cutter turns to Sly.
SLY
I told him about Lisa.
RAMSAY
I'm very sorry for your loss. I know it's got to be painful.
Cutter nods, remains stoic.
CUTTER
It's been two years. I'm not over it -- I never will be -- but I can talk about it now. Yeah. I'm a victim of terrorism. Pan International Flight 107. The ironic part is, I wasn't on a job. I was on my honeymoon. We were halfway to Buenos Aires when a bomb went off in the cargo hold. One second we're making jokes about the lousy food. The next...
(too painful; stick to the facts)
One hundred and forty-two people lost their lives. Twenty-seven survived. They tell me I was lucky but the truth is, a big part of me died in that crash.
RAMSAY
I apologize. I know this is a sensitive area. But I have to know if your own experience has made you a bit... over-zealous when it comes to airline security.
CUTTER
If anything it's made me realize that terrorism isn't something that only happens to other people. It can happen to any of us... at any time.
RAMSAY
I appreciate your honesty. One more question and we're through.
(a slight beat)
Do you always travel by train?
Sly sits up like he's been stuck with a red-hot poker. How the hell did Ramsay know that? Even Cutter looks perplexed... until he follows Ramsay's eyes to the Amtrak brochure poking out of his breast pocket. Cutter removes it, playing for time.
CUTTER
You mean this?
SLY
(butting in)
I thought I told you. Cutter took the train so he could have time to relax and work on his presentation. But he's returning to L.A. tonight -- by air.
(giving Cutter a strained look)
The six o'clock flight, I believe.
CUTTER
(playing along)
Right. The six o'clock.
RAMSAY
Well, that's a relief.
(joking)
We wouldn't want to hire an airlines security specialist who's afraid to fly.
SLY
(laughing)
We'd have to be pretty crazy to do a thing like that.
CUTTER
Stark raving mad.
Ramsay's WATCH goes BEEP.
RAMSAY
Guys, I'm late.
(standing)
John -- most impressive. Sly and I will run your ideas by Addison Cale and see what the old man thinks. I hope the next time I see you will be to welcome you on board.
(they shake hands)
Have a nice flight.
CUTTER
Thanks.
But Ramsay is gone. Cutter and Sly exchange uneasy smiles.
SLY
You think he bought it?
CUTTER
He's an asshole but he's not a fool.
SLY
I know him. He'll check to see if you're on the plane. I'd better make you a reservation.
(calling to a waiter)
Phone!
CUTTER
Don't bother.
SLY
(as if betrayed)
You gonna make me a liar?
CUTTER
Oh, man. Don't give me that look.
SLY
What look?
CUTTER
What look? The 'Please, mister, don't shoot my puppy' look. Forget it. Sly. I agreed to come here and take a meeting. That's all. Nobody said nothin' about flyin' on a plane. So don't try to talk me into it because my mind's made up. And don't try any of your blackmail tricks.
SLY
Fine. End of discussion.
A waiter arrives with a cordless phone. Sly takes it and punches some numbers.
SLY
(into the phone)
Honey, it's me. I think you should put the house up for sale...
CUTTER
Aw, man...
CUT TO:
18E EXT. ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - ARRIVAL ZONE - DAY 18E
A convertible pulls INTO FRAME and stops. Sly is at the wheel. He turns to Cutter in the passenger seat and tries not to smile.
CUTTER
Get it straight, you smug sonovabitch. I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for me.
SLY
I understand.
CUTTER
What? You're not even gonna say thanks ?
SLY
Why should I? You're not doing it for me. You're doing it for you.
Cutter shakes his head.
CUTTER
I gotta get some new friends.
Sly breaks into a happy smile.
SLY
Thanks, flyboy. You're saving both our asses.
CUTTER
(like it's no big deal)
Hey, it's just a little plane ride. A couple hours from now we'll be talking on the phone and laughing about it.
Cutter reaches over and squeezes Sly's neck affectionately. They shake hands. Cutter gets out, hefts his bag and enters the terminal.
CUT TO:
19 thru 28 OMITTED
29 EXT. TERMINAL 5 - PARKING BAY 29
A Trans Pacific 747 is being prepped for flight. FROM an OVERHEAD ANGLE the jumbo jet looks like a patient on life support with all the machinery and vehicles hooked up to it -- tow tractor, fuel truck, cargo belt loaders, cabin/galley and lavatory service -- all coming and going with swift, military precision.
30 ANGLE 30
A Sky Cuisine catering truck is parked alongside the 747. A fat man wearing orange coveralls pushes a food cart into the open cargo door of the plane. Then he goes back for the next cart. Making sure no one's watching, the fat man produces a square metal package, slips it into the bottom tray of the cart and pushes the cart into the plane.
31 INT. 747 - LOWER GALLEY 31
The plane's lower galley is accessible by a small elevator located mid-ship.
Two flight attendants steer the food carts into their bays. MARTI SLAYTON is in her mid-twenties -- dark, very pretty, friendly and outgoing. FIONA RITCHIE is Irish, a tall, hard-bodied redhead.
MARTI
(friendly)
Marti Slayton.
FIONA
Fiona Ritchie. I just transferred from London/Chicago.
MARTI
(as they work)
Single?
FIONA
Don't rub it in.
MARTI
Then you'll like Orlando/L.A.
FIONA
Pretty good pickings, huh?
MARTI
It's got its rewards --if you can recognize the bullshit artists. Not that I'm an expert. Last week I met this guy. Cute. No ring. Says he's in town for one night and doesn't know a soul...
FIONA
Sounds familiar.
MARTI
We go out. Dinner. Dancing. Then a stroll on the beach. The moon's out. Very romantic. He takes my hand, looks deep into my eyes and says --
FIONA
(imitating a male voice)
'Uh, Marti, I think I should tell you -- I'm married but my wife and I have an understanding.'
MARTI
(nods)
Next thing, he's sitting in the surf checking for loose teeth. Like he's surprised I decked him.
FIONA
Good for you.
They both laugh.
FIONA
I probably would've cut his balls off.
Say what? Marti gives Fiona a look. Fiona smiles brightly as if to say, "Just kidding." Marti nods and goes back to work.
The smile fades from Fiona's face. She shoots a glance at the last food cart -- the one with the package inside. Obviously, Fiona knows what's inside it.
32 EXT. PARKING BAY 32
The Sky Cuisine truck drives away. It travels to a deserted spot under the terminal. The fat man gets out, looks around to make sure no one's watching.
He sheds his orange coveralls. Underneath he wears slacks and a sports jacket.
The Fat Man wads up the cover-alls and stuffs them into a large trash bin. He walks away. CAMERA MOVES CLOSER TO the bin. Beneath the cover-alls is the body of a man. Naked, his throat cut.
33 INT. DEPARTURE GATE 33
Observing the 747 through one of the big windows is a razor-thin young man wearing a black beret and a leather jacket. His face is sharp, ferret-like. His name is
VINCENT and he looks like a reject from the Ramones.
34 VINCENT'S POV - PARKING BAY BELOW 34
A dark sedan approaches the 747. It parks next to special boarding stairs that connect to the aircraft's upper entrance hatch, located behind the flight deck.
35 WOLFGANG 35
is removed from the sedan by two cops and two no-nonsense Federal Marshals, MANNING and DUNCAN. Wolfgang wears a coat draped over his shoulders to conceal the fact that his hands are cuffed and attached to a leather belt around his waist.
MANNING
(to Wolfgang)
When we say walk, you walk. When we say sit, you sit. You want something, you ask. You have to take a leak, we'll hold your dick for you.
WOLFGANG
Sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
As they walk him to the boarding stairs, Wolfgang's eyes casually drift up to the terminal windows. He sees Vincent who flashes him a spooky smile.
35A INT. TERMINAL - TICKETING AND CHECK-IN 35A
Cutter waits while a FEMALE AIRLINES CLERK does the computer thing. Cutter is looking a little anxious. Just being inside an airport has quickened his pulse.
CLERK
I can get you on the five o'clock flight if you'd like. It'll save you sitting around for an hour.
CUTTER
Do it. Might as well get this over with.
CLERK
(cheerful)
Sir, there's nothing to worry about. Statistically speaking, flying is still the safest form of travel.
Cutter gives her a dark look. He's not so sure.
36 OMITTED 36
37 INT. 747 - UPPER DECK 37
CAPTAIN, CO-PILOT and NAVIGATOR arrive and enter the cockpit, closing the door behind them.
PAN OVER TO Manning and Duncan as they bring Wolfgang on board, showing their orders to Fiona who checks them against the manifest. The upper deck can seat up to fifty passengers but it's empty for this flight.
FIONA
We're underbooked so you'll have the upper deck all to yourselves.
WOLFGANG
(reading her name tag)
'Fiona.' That's Irish, isn't it? I've always loved the Irish. They make such good bombs.
Wolfgang gives Fiona a lascivious look.
38 INT. MAIN CABIN 38
Passengers are boarding. In a SERIES OF SHOTS, we get to know the layout of the jumbo jet's main cabin. There are two different sections down here -- first class and beyond it, the much larger coach section.
A staircase behind first class leads to the flight deck and the upper deck (where Wolfgang, Manning and Duncan are settling in). This 747 can carry five hundred passengers but tonight's flight is spotty.
39 INT. BOARDING BRIDGE 39
Cutter walks down the jetway, surrounded by cheerful, chattering travelers. Cutter feels like a lamb on its way to the slaughter.
40 INT. 747 - MAIN CABIN 40
Marti welcomes passengers onboard, verbally numbering each one to get a head count.
MARTI
55... 56...
Cutter appears... "57." He shows Marti his boarding pass. Between them, a slight flicker of attraction.
MARTI
Hello, Mister... Cutter. Down the aisle and to your right.
Cutter moves on. Behind him is a Big American Indian, tall and powerfully built with a long black braid. The guy looks like a mountain of granite -- with a personality to match. Stoically, he shows Marti his boarding pass.
MARTI
Hello, Mister... Elk Horn. Right down the aisle. Watch your head.
The next passenger is a long-haired kid wearing rimless glasses and lugging a big backpack. We'll call him the STUDENT. He smiles shyly and shows Marti his boarding pass.
MARTI
Hello, Mister... Ernst.
41 COACH SECTION 41
Cutter find his seat near the rear of the plane. A window seat. His closest fellow passenger is a GRANDMOTHER across the aisle.
42 MAIN CABIN - UPPER GALLEY 42
The faint WHIRR of a MOTOR. The narrow elevator door opens and Fiona emerges, carrying a tray of complimentary champagne.
43 FIRST CLASS 43
Vincent finds his seat and settles in paying special attention to the spiral staircase that leads to the upper deck -- and Wolfgang. Fiona serves him a glass of champagne.
44 COACH 44
Cutter is doing fine until he hears the airtight HISS of the HATCH DOOR being sealed. The jet lurches into motion and backs away from the gate. Cutter remains calm, assuring himself that he'll be fine.
At the front of the cabin, Marti speaks into a MICROPHONE .
MARTI
Ladies and gentlemen, we are now preparing for departure. Please make sure that all carry-on luggage is stored safely in the overhead compartments. Make sure your seatbelts are fastened and please extinguish all cigarettes.
45 EXT. TAXI LANE 45
The 747 rolls along a strip of concrete that parallels the take-off runway.
MARTI (V.O.)
Once we reach our cruising altitude, we'll be serving our complimentary beverages and then a little later, our dinner. Thank you and have a safe, enjoyable flight.
46 FLIGHT DECK 46
Captain, FIRST OFFICER and FLIGHT ENGINEER. Through the windscreen panels is the runway, stretching out to infinity.
TOWER (V.O.)
T.P. 694, you are clear for take off.
CAPTAIN
Roger, tower.
The 747 starts down the runway, speed increasing knot by knot until everything beyond the windscreen starts to blur.
47 UPPER DECK 47
Wolfgang sits in a center row between Manning and Duncan. He closes his eyes and settles back to enjoy the take-off.
48 EXT. RUNWAY 48
The 747 leaves the runway and climbs into a dark and threatening sky.
49 INT. 747 - COACH 49
Climbing. Cabin vibrating. Cutter's eyes are clamped shut. But sensing something, he opens them. Across the aisle the Grandmother smiles at him, obviously amused by his discomfort.
GRANDMOTHER
(slightly condescending)
I've been flying for forty-seven years.
CUTTER
You must be tired.
CUT TO:
50 EXT. SKY 50
The 747 thunders overhead, headed west.
51 INT. 747 - LOWER GALLEY 51
Marti and Fiona are propping the rolling food carts. Marti rolls one into the elevator and closes the door. The ELEVATOR WHINES into service and up she goes.
Once Marti is gone, Fiona goes to the special food cart. She squats down, reaches into the lower shelf and nervously removes the package.
CUT TO:
52 EXT. NIGHT SKY 52
Just like Cutter's nightmare only this time it's for real. Fierce rain. Dense clouds. First the awesome ROAR -- then we see the massive underbelly of the 747 as it lumbers INTO FRAME. The clouds thicken. The big engines struggle against the mounting storm. There is a flash of lightning.
53 INT. 747 - MAIN CABIN 53
PING! The "fasten seatbelts" light comes on.
CAPTAIN (V.O.)
This is Captain Diehl. Folks, I've turned on the seatbelt sign. We've got some unfriendly weather up ahead and we're apt to bounce a bit. So just bear with us.
54 CUTTER 54
He's not doing so well. To him, every BOOM OF THUNDER is an exploding bomb. Marti appears in the aisle beside him.
MARTI
How are you doing?
CUTTER
(manages to smile)
Well, I'm not exactly flying the friendly skies.
MARTI
Is there anything I can do to help?
CUTTER
How about holding my hand?
MARTI
(smiling sweetly)
I'm sorry, sir, but we're not allowed to do that. However, there's a three-year-old child up in First Class with a teddy bear. Maybe he'd let you borrow it. Shall I ask?
Cutter's a good sport. He knows when he's been shot down.
CUTTER
Right between the eyes.
54 CONTINUED: 54
MARTI
Don't forget. I'm a professional. I know all the lines.
CUTTER
And all the comebacks, too.
MARTI
Besides, you're married.
We see that Cutter still wears his wedding band.
CUTTER
I guess I should take it off one of these days.
MARTI
Divorced?
CUTTER
Not exactly.
Marti looks at Cutter and she knows.
MARTI
I'm sorry.
CUTTER
Great. Now it looks like I'm trying for sympathy.
LIGHTNING CRACKLES. Cutter reacts.
CUTTER
Damn. Can't you turn off the sound effects?
MARTI
There's really nothing to worry about. Statistically speaking --
CUTTER
Flying is still the safest form of travel.
They share a smile.
MARTI
Heard it before, huh?
CUTTER
Thanks for trying.
MARTI
Sure you don't want that teddy bear?
CUTTER
It's tempting but I think I'll tough it out.
Marti smiles, rises from her seat and makes her way up the aisle. Cutter checks her out from behind and likes what he sees.
CUTTER
(to himself)
Yeah. Tempting.
Another BOOM --a flash of lightning -- and Cutter's had enough. He unbuckles and leaves his seat, making his way to the rear of the plane where he finds an unoccupied lavoratory.
55 INT. LAVATORY 55
Cutter bolts the door. He stares at himself in the mirror. A nervous stranger stares back.
In this tiny space, the SOUND OF the PLANE only increases Cutter's discomfort. He reaches into his pocket and takes out his DISC MAN. He puts on the earphones, punches play and cranks it. Loud R & B MUSIC drowns out the plane ambiance and Cutter closes his eyes, trying to get into the music, hoping it will help him forget where he is.
CUT TO:
56 EXT. NIGHT SKY 56
ENGINES STRAIN as the 747 climbs above the storm.
57 INT. 747 - FIRST CLASS 57
Dinner is underway. Fiona approaches Vincent. She's carrying a tray of empty glasses. Under the tray is the smuggled package. Fiona bends down and whispers in Vincent's ear-ringed ear.
FIONA
Sir, it's time for the in-flight entertainment.
58 COACH 58
Pushing aside the curtain, Fiona leaves first class and enters coach, heading for the rear of the plane. The Indian leaves his seat and follows. So does the Student. Vincent brings up the rear, licking food off his fingers.
Fiona steps behind the partition wall that separates the main cabin from the rear lavatories (one of which is occupied by Cutter). There's only one person back here, a businessman who finishes up a call on one of the air phones and returns to his seat.
The Indian, the Student, and Vincent arrive. They acknowledge each other in a curt, professional manner.
VINCENT
(eager)
Unwrap the present and let's get this party started.
Fiona opens the metal package. Inside are several automatic pistols and a grenade.
59 UPPER DECK 59
Duncan holds a spoonful of spinach to Wolfgang's mouth.
DUNCAN
Eat your spinach or no dessert.
Manning chuckles. We RACK FOCUS. Behind them, silently ascending the spiral staircase is Vincent. Vincent raises his gun and takes aim at the back of Manning's head. The plane is bouncing and he'll have to be good to make a shot like this. He is.
Manning is to take his next bite when -- POP! --a BULLET enters the back of his head and comes out between his eyes. He slumps forward.
VINCENT
He shoots, he scores!
As Duncan reacts to his partner's death, Wolfgang clamps his teeth down on the spoon, rips it free of Duncan's fingers and lunging forward, drives the end of the spoon into Duncan's left eyeball, savagely tearing upward into Duncan's brain.
60 BELOW - FIRST CLASS 60
The GUNSHOT has caused a chain reaction of panic throughout the entire ship. Fiona appears in first class.
The passengers are shocked to see a flight attendant pointing a gun at them!
FIONA
(shouting)
Put your heads down!
61 UPPER DECK 61
Wolfgang pulls away from Duncan, the spoon (now bent) still clamped between his teeth. As Duncan writhes in agony, Vincent steps up and FIRES a bullet into his chest, finishing him.
Wolfgang spits out the spoon and smiles at Vincent, his teeth flecked with Duncan's blood.
WOLFGANG
I hate spinach.
62 COACH 62
The Indian and the Student aim their guns at the now hysterical passengers.
STUDENT
(shouting)
Put your heads down! Heads down now!
A macho man passenger stands up to protest and the Indian treats him to a brutal pistol whipping. Terrified, the other passengers put their heads down.
63 UPPER DECK 63
Vincent finds the key in Duncan's pocket and unlocks Wolfgang's handcuffs. Wolfgang tosses the cuffs away and stands, stretching like he just got up from a restful nap. He holds out his hand like a surgeon awaiting a scalpel. Vincent slaps a gun into it.
64 FIRST CLASS 64
A terrified WOMAN turns to the passenger beside her --a burly, florid-faced Catholic PRIEST who, oddly, is casually sipping a cocktail and popping peanuts into his mouth.
WOMAN
Father --do something!
The Priest pats her thigh in a most un-Priestlike manner. *
PRIEST
Excuse me. I'm needed by the man upstairs.
The Priest downs his drink, stands up and brushes the crumbs off his garment. He smiles at Fiona who allows him to climb the staircase to the upper deck, passing Vincent on his way down. They nod at each other in recognition.
65 FLIGHT DECK 65
The Captain reacts to a throbbing emergency light.
CAPTAIN
We've got a security problem.
WOLFGANG (0.S.)
Not anymore.
They turn as Wolfgang steps into the cockpit and FIRES three perfect headshots. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. He's just executed the flight crew!
Priest, still chewing peanuts, enters the cockpit. He shoves the Captain's corpse aside and settles into his seat. Priest puts on the Captain's headset and starts punching a new flight plan into the ship's computer.
Wolfgang puts on a headset and activates the P.A. SYSTEM. His voice BOOMS through the airliner. We INTERCUT:
66 SHOTS OF TERRIFIED PASSENGERS 66
WOLFGANG (V.O.)
Your attention please. By now you've noticed four people with automatic weapons. A word of advice for those of you too dense to grasp the obvious. These people are killers. Obey them and you will live. Disobey them and you will die. Have a nice flight.
67 FIRST CLASS 67
At gunpoint, Vincent and Fiona herd first-class passengers into the coach section.
VINCENT
Don't worry. We're not gonna kill you. We're gonna do something a lot worse.
FIONA
We're gonna make you fly coach.
68 COACH 68
As passengers scramble to find empty seats, Marti comes toward Fiona.
MARTI
(can't believe it)
Fiona. What're you doing?
FIONA
(a new and deadly person)
Sit down, bitch, or I'll blow your tits off.
She means it, too. Marti sits down.
69 INT. LAVATORY 69
Cutter, eyes still closed, hasn't heard a thing in here, grooving on the music from his Disc Man. The last track comes to an end and Cutter opens his eyes. He looks at himself in the mirror. He smiles, feeling relaxed and relieved. The music has worked so well he's wondering why he was ever nervous in the first place.
Cutter removes his earphones. Feeling confident now, he opens the door, ready to return to his seat and ride out the flight. But before he's halfway out, he hears...
VINCENT
(to the passengers)
Just be cool and maybe you'll live!
Instinctively, Cutter ducks down and crouches behind the partition. What the hell's going on? Cutter eases over to the edge and peers around the comer. He sees that the terrorists have re-located all passengers to the Coach section of the main cabin.
Cutter ducks back. Talk about a worst case scenario.
CUTTER
(under his breath)
This is not happening.
But it is happening and Cutter knows he's got to do something. Thinking hard, his eyes drift up to the air phones.
CUTTER
(to himself)
What're you gonna do? Dial 911?
70 FLIGHT DECK 70
Priest has altered the 747's course which gets an immediate RADIO REACTION.
TOWER (V.O.)
T.P. 694, this is Orlando Tower.
WOLFGANG
Go ahead. Tower.
TOWER (V.O.)
Say reason for deviation of flight plan.
WOLFGANG
(playful)
We felt like it.
TOWER (V.O.)
(cautious)
Who am I speaking to?
WOLFGANG
You can call me... Wolfgang.
CUT TO:
71 & 72 OMITTED
73 INT. TRANS PACIFIC BOARDROOM - NIGHT 73
A large meeting room has been transformed into mission control to deal with the hijack situation.
Staff are busy dealing with the problem, shouting at each other and into phones. Video and communications equipment arrives. In the middle of this madhouse Stuart Ramsay arrives in mid-conversation with a top EXECUTIVE.
RAMSAY
Who authorized his transit on our airline?
EXECUTIVE
You know how it works. The fucking F.B.I, shows up at the airport, they flash their badges and bully their way on board whatever flight they like. We're powerless to stop them.
RAMSAY
They'll take full responsibility for this one, believe me.
VOICE
Unfortunately, Stuart, the public will blame us.
Ramsay turns as a tall, imposing gray-haired man in his early seventies enters... ADDISON CALE, the Chairman and C.E.O. of Trans Pacific. Cale does not look pleased.
RAMSAY
Addison.
CALE
Who fucked up?
RAMSAY
Isn't it a little early to start looking for a scapegoat?
CALE
Stuart, in my experience, it's never too early.
Ramsay sees a way out.
RAMSAY
Sly Delvecchio's our V.P. in charge of airline security. Talk about a coincidence. Just today I was telling him how we need an anti-terrorism unit to handle situations like this.
CALE
(sad)
Too bad. I always liked Sly.
An ASSISTANT carrying a telephone approaches them.
ASSISTANT
Mister Ramsay, there's a Mister Cutter on the line.
RAMSAY
I'm in the middle of a crisis here.
ASSISTANT
He says he's on the hijacked plane and wants to speak to Sly Delvecchio.
Ramsay and Cale exchange looks of surprise. Ramsay grabs the phone.
RAMSAY
Cutter, this is Stuart Ramsay. Where are you?
INTERCUTTING WITH:
74 CUTTER 74
Crouched behind the partition, whispering into an air phone.
CUTTER
I'm camped out behind the left bulkhead on one of the air phones. Is Sly there?
RAMSAY
No. Cutter, talk to me. What the hell's going on up there?
CUTTER
Four terrorists have taken over the plane.
RAMSAY
Cutter, don't do anything rash.
RAMSAY
Just follow my instructions. I want you to make your presence known and contact the leader. Tell him you have the President of Trans Pacific on the line. I'm here with the Chairman and we're willing to negotiate.
CUTTER
Ramsay, you don't negotiate with terrorists.
(the truth)
You kill them.
And so saying. Cutter knows what he has to do.
RAMSAY
Wait. Listen to me. Cutter...
CUTTER
(lying)
What's that, Ramsay? You're breaking up. I can't hear you.
RAMSAY
Cutter, you have no authority. If you do anything to --
CUTTER
(cuts him off)
Gotta go. Gotta get busy.
CLICK. Cutter hangs up. Ramsay turns to Cale in utter bewilderment.
RAMSAY
He hung up on me.
That's when Sly enters in a rush.
SLY
I got here as fast as I could.
RAMSAY
You just missed your friend Cutter. He's on 694.
SLY
He can't be. I put him on the six o'clock.
CALE
(to Sly)
You know this man?
SLY
(confident)
Yes sir. I do. But don't worry. Cutter's a pro. He won't do anything to jeopardize the safety of the passengers.
RAMSAY
No? He just said he was going to kill the terrorists.
Now it's Sly's turn to look worried.
75 CUTTER 75
He returns the air phone to its cradle, removes his credit card and leans back against the partition, thinking hard. Directly in front of him are the two lavatory doors.
76 FLIGHT DECK 76
The bodies of the flight crew have been dumped outside the cockpit in the empty upper deck. Wolfgang and Priest are studying a map. The RADIO CRACKLES.
VOICE (V.O.)
T.P. 694. Do you read?
WOLFGANG
(into his headset)
Go ahead.
NEW VOICE (V.O.)
This is Special Agent Stern of the F.B.I. First, I'd like to establish the status of Marshals Manning and Duncan.
WOLFGANG
Their status is dead. They looked so lonely I had the flight crew join them. The passengers have not been harmed. So far.
STERN (V.O.)
(NEW VOICE)
What are your demands?
WOLFGANG
We're diverting to Houston. Estimating arrival there in two hours. I want a small jet standing by, fueled and ready for take-off. Meet my demands and the passengers will be released.
Wolfgang CLICKS OFF.
WOLFGANG
Chew on that.
77 OMITTED 77
78 INT. 747 - COACH 78
Vincent, Fiona, Indian and Student stand in the front of the cabin, keeping the passengers covered. Vincent reacts to their frightened sobs.
VINCENT
Knock that shit off. We don't want any cry-babies. Let's see some happy faces.
(pointing his gun at a passenger)
Smile.
The passenger, a middle-aged woman, tries to smile but dissolves into tears.
VINCENT
You people are pathetic.
A series of LOUD THUMPING sounds. They're coming from the rear of the jet.
VINCENT
What the hell is that?
Marti rises from her seat.
MARTI
The lavatory doors -- they sometimes come open when there's turbulence. Would you like me to go back and shut them?
VINCENT
How sweet of you to offer. Now sit down and shut UP.
(to the Student)
Check it out.
Gun up, the Student heads for the rear of the plane.
79 AFT SECTION 79
The Student steps around the partition and discovers both LAVATORY DOORS open, swinging open and shut, going THUMP THUMP THUMP. The Student investigates the first compartment. Empty. He secures the door and peers into the second compartment.
Cutter, who has wedged himself overhead, drops down on the Student like a ton of bricks. Cutter slams the Student's face into the mirror. The GLASS SHATTERS.
CUTTER
There goes your next seven years.
80 MAIN CABIN 80
Vincent, growing impatient, calls out.
VINCENT
Hey, Ernst! You fall in?
The Student steps out from behind the partition. His face is bloody and his legs are wobbly. He's being held up by Cutter who appears behind him, pressing a gun to the dazed kid's head -- using him for a shield.
CUTTER
(shouting like a crazy man)
I'll kill him! Swear to God I'll blow his goddamn brains out!
Passengers scream and duck as Cutter frog-marches the Student up the aisle. Vincent, Fiona and the Indian are unsure what to do. Cutter looks positively rabid.
VINCENT
Don't fuck with us, man! Let him go or we start offing people!
CUTTER
(raving)
You think I give a shit about them? Hell, I may take out a few myself just for kicks! Now pull those curtains and move back! Move back or I'll blow a window and suck everybody's ass into space!
Cutter aims his gun at a window.
VINCENT
Okay, just level out...
Vincent opens the curtains to first class. He, Fiona and the Indian retreat into the empty area, keeping their guns on Cutter who shoves the dazed Student in front of him.
81 FIRST CLASS 81
As Cutter and the Student enter, Vincent shouts up the stairway to the flight deck.
VINCENT
Wolfgang!
Wolfgang. Cutter recognizes the name and realizes he's in very dangerous company. Marti, up and out of her seat, watches from a position near the upper galley.
Wolfgang comes down from above, gun at his side.
WOLFGANG
I see we have a hero.
CUTTER
(demanding)
Lose the guns!
Wolfgang considers, shrugs, then raises his GUN and FIRES TWO SHOTS into the Student. As the Student folds like a marionette. Cutter FIRES back at Wolfgang -- but Wolfgang is already diving for cover.
Cutter drops the Student and leaps back, colliding with Marti. They tumble into the upper galley.
82 UPPER GALLEY 82
Cutter and Marti disentangle themselves.
CUTTER
What do you think you're doing?
MARTI
I could ask you the same question.
Cutter is on his feet -- suddenly all business. He pushes Marti into the recesses of the tiny compartment.
CUTTER
Get down and cover your head.
MARTI
(realizes)
You were faking!
CUTTER
No shit! Get your ass down!
Marti gets her ass down. Cutter crouches in front of her, gun pointed at the entryway.
MARTI
What's your plan?
CUTTER
Stay alive.
MARTI
Good plan.
WOLFGANG (O.S.)
(shouting)
Hero! Throw out your gun or I'll start executing passengers!
Big problem. If Cutter throws out his gun, he and Marti are dead. If he doesn't, the passengers are. That's when Cutter notices the little elevator.
CUTTER
(shouting)
All right -- here it comes!
83 FIRST CLASS 83
Cutter's gun sails out of the upper galley and lands in the aisle. Wolfgang nods at the Indian and together, they rush the upper galley.
84 UPPER GALLEY 84
It's empty! Wolfgang and the Indian look at each other in confusion. Then, they hear the ELEVATOR MOTOR. Wolfgang grabs the elevator door but it refuses to open.
85 LOWER GALLEY 85
The elevator door opens to reveal Cutter and Marti, face to face, wedged against each other like sardines.
CUTTER
I guess this is what they mean by 'Fly United.'
They untangle themselves and pop out. Cutter grabs a food cart and jams it into the doorway, making the elevator inoperative.
86 UPPER GALLEY 86
The Indian tries to pry the elevator doors apart with his superior strength but they won't budge. Wolfgang doesn't seem particularly upset. He gives calm instructions to Fiona and Vincent.
WOLFGANG
Handle the passengers. We'll take care of the hero.
Fiona and Vincent go aft.
87 LOWER GALLEY 87
Cutter scrambles around, searching for something.
CUTTER
Where's the hatch to the avionics compartment?
MARTI
What do you want that for?
CUTTER
We've got to find a way to bring this plane down.
Marti looks at Cutter in horror. Maybe he is crazy.
MARTI
Down? This is a jumbo jet. You don't just bring a jumbo jet down.
Cutter finds the handle to the avionics compartment. He opens the hatch.
MARTI
Hey! You can't go in there.
Cutter ignores her and enters.
88 AVIONICS COMPARTMENT 88
Marti grabs Cutter from behind. They struggle and he pins her against the wall.
CUTTER
Where'd you lear to fight like that?
MARTI
(snarling)
Five older brothers. Let go.
CUTTER
Not until you promise to cool out.
MARTI
All right. I promise.
Cutter steps back. That's when Marti throws a punch at his head. Cutter catches her fist, twists it around and pins her again.
CUTTER
Now that I know I can't trust you...
MARTI
Like I'm supposed to trust you? For all I know you're as crazy as those hi-jackers. Crazier! They just want to steal the plane --you want to crash it!
CUTTER
My name is John Cutter. I'm a former airlines security specialist.
MARTI
Former? What happened? They fired you and now you're gonna get revenge by crashing a 747?
CUTTER
(with conviction)
I'm trying to save lives. The people who've taken over this ship are killers. Their leader is a man called Wolfgang and he's only the most dangerous fucking terrorist in the world. He kills hostages and he'll wipe out everybody onboard if we don't find a way to change his plans. Yeah, bringing the jet down is dangerous. But staying in the air with that psycho is even more dangerous.
Marti considers... and decides to trust him.
MARTI
So what do we do?
Cautiously, Cutter lets her go. Marti makes no move to attack. So Cutter crouches down and opens a small panel. Inside is a river of bright circuits and wires.
CUTTER
We cut some wires.
Cutter searches his pockets for something sharp but has nothing that will work. Marti taps him on the shoulder. From her pocket, she produces a knife, fork and spoon sealed in plastic.
89 UPPER GALLEY 89
The Indian is trying to wedge open the elevator door when a sudden drop in altitude knocks him off his feet.
90 EXT. NIGHT SKY 90
The 747 falls, coming AT US in excess of 500 knots.
91 INT. 747 - MAIN CABIN 91
It's panic time for everybody -- terrorists as well as passengers. Screams and shouts. The interior lights flicker out -- then burst back on. The ENGINE WHINE is deafening.
CUT TO:
91A INT. TRANS PACIFIC BOARDROOM 91A
Sly, Ramsay and Addison Cale react to news from a TECHNICIAN monitoring the A.F.C.
TECHNICIAN
694 has dropped off the radar screen!
The room becomes very quiet, very tense.
CALE
(pragmatic)
Well, if they crashed, it would certainly take the pressure off.
CUT TO:
92 OMITTED 92
93 INT. 747 - FLIGHT DECK 93
Wolfgang enters to see what's gone wrong. Fighting the yoke, Priest jabs a finger at the fuel gauge. The needle is steadily going down. Red lights wink on. Under each red light it says "Manual Emergency Fuel Void."
PRIEST
Somebody's dumping fuel!
WOLFGANG
What does that mean?
PRIEST
It means we find a place to land in five minutes or we're dead!
94 AVIONICS COMPARTMENT 94
While Marti watches. Cutter severs wires with the blunt butter knife.
95 EXT. GULF OF MEXICO - NIGHT 95
Men working on the back of a fishing boat look up as the mammoth JETLINER THUNDERS overhead, sending them scurrying for cover or diving overboard.
96 INT. 747 - FLIGHT DECK 96
Priest motions for Wolfgang to take the co-pilot seat.
PRIEST
Better strap yourself down. This is gonna get hairy.
Wolfgang buckles up as the fuel gauge hits empty.
WOLFGANG
(a trace of admiration)
The hero did this.
PRIEST
(into his headset)
Lake Lucille Tower. Do you read?
97 EXT. AIRFIELD (LAKE LUCILLE, LOUISIANA) - NIGHT 97
A terminal, control tower and a couple of runways in the middle of a soggy cow pasture.
In the distance, we see the lights and hear the faint noise of a small county fair and carnival. The ferris wheel is a revolving beacon in the gathering darkness.
TOWER (V.O.)
This is Lake Lucille. Identify yourself.
98 INT. TOWER 98
A night crew of four or five including FRANK ALLEN and his wife, NORA. The Allens work as flight controllers. *
PRIEST (V.O.)
This is Trans Pacific Flight 694 on emergency approach! Request landing instructions, your field.
Frank and Nora can't believe their headsets.
FRANK
Negative 694 -- this is not a commercial airport. We are not equipped to accommodate a craft of your size. Suggest you reroute to Baton Rouge --
PRIEST (V.O.)
And I suggest you shut up and get ready 'cause we're coming in!
NORA
694 -- that's the hijacked ship.
Frank nods grimly.
FRANK
Say your position, 694.
PRIEST (V.O.)
Due west. Two miles out at five hundred feet -- coming in hot and fast!
Frank and Nora look at each in alarm. Then, gripped by the same thought, their eyes go to the window... and the fairgrounds beyond the landing strip. If the 747 comes in too low...
99 EXT. FAIRGROUNDS - ESTABLISHING 99
The familiar sights and sounds of a county fair. The mid-way is packed with innocent, unsuspecting fun-seekers from neighboring farms and towns. Families, couples and teenagers enjoy the rides and attractions. They're out for a night of excitement (and danger) headed their way.
100 FERRIS WHEEL 100
Revolving, brightly lit, framed against the night sky. Just as a seat containing two necking teenagers comes up over the top, the 747 plunges out of the clouds. FILLING the FRAME. It THUNDERS overhead -- almost close enough to touch. Then -- WHOOM! it's gone. And the ferris wheel shakes -and shimmies in the powerful jetwash.
101 MID-WAY 101
People react and panic as if the sky is falling. And it is! The massive underbelly of the 747 completely obliterates the moon and stars. Over by the pony rides, a terrified mother clutches her CHILD who points at the big plane with excitement.
CHILD
Mommy, I wanna ride on that!
102 EXT. END OF RUNWAY 102
Barely missing the fairgrounds, the 747 continues to drop like a brick with wings.
103 INT. 747 - LOWER GALLEY 103
Cutter and Marti strap themselves into harnesses. The plane shakes, RATTLES and rolls -- dislodging the food cart from the elevator. As Cutter and Marti look on in horror, the elevator door closes and the MOTOR WHIRS to life.
CUTTER
Shit! We've got company!
Cutter struggles to unstrap himself.
104 EXT. RUNWAY 104
The jet comes down, biting asphalt, blue smoke rising.
105 INT. 747 - LOWER GALLEY 105
Cutter frees himself just as the elevator opens to reveal the Indian, gun up. Cutter leaps into the air. With a vicious roundhouse kick, he knocks the gun out of the Indian's hand. The Indian swings at Cutter and connects.
While Marti looks on, the two men slam each other around the compartment. Cutter's good but it's like fighting a mastadon.
106 INT. 747 - FLIGHT DECK 106
Priest mashes the brake pedals to the floor.
107 MAIN CABIN 107
Everyone and everything is violently thrown forward.
108 LOWER GALLEY 108
Cutter and the Indian are lifted off their feet and hurled forward. Cutter manages to get behind the Indian and use him as a buffer. The Indian hits the wall head first -- Thud! -- and knocks himself cold.
109 EXT. RUNWAY 109
The 747 -- bumping and SKIDDING along the tarmac.
110 INT. 747 - LOWER GALLEY 110
Cutter sits on the floor beside the unconscious Indian, trying to clear his head. He picks up the Indian's gun, then gestures to Marti who is out of her harness.
CUTTER
Open the loading hatch!
Marti wheels it open -- letting in a blast of wind. Cutter stands.
MARTI
Now what?
CUTTER
Climb down and jump.
MARTI
You're kidding.
CUTTER
Somebody's got to tell 'em our situation and I just elected you. So climb down and jump -- or I'll throw you out.
That's when a huge foot slams into Cutter's back. He loses the gun and falls out through the open hatch.
111 EXT. RUNWAY 111
Cutter lands in the wet grass alongside the runway.
CUTTER
(a groan of pain)
Grounded.
Cutter looks up and sees the 747 growing small in the distance. The Indian stands in the open hatchway, restraining Marti while waving "bye bye" to Cutter with the gun. And to make matters worse, the big bastard is smiling. The plane disappears into the distance.
The sound of a GUN being COCKED. Cutter raises his head and finds himself staring into the barrel of a revolver. Behind it is a BURLY SECURITY COP, ready to blow him away.
BURLY COP
Hold it right there, boy.
CUTTER
Bov?
ON Cutter's fierce look...
CUT TO:
111A INT. TRANS PACIFIC BOARDROOM - NIGHT 111A
Staff is crowded around a TV to watch a VIDEO TAPE. On the screen, a bearded man with an Israeli accent is speaking. Under his face is supered DR. ROBERT KAPOV, AUTHOR, "THE NEW TERRORISM."
KAPOV
(on the TV)
Wolfgang's services are available to any group or government willing to meet his price. He hasn't got a political bone in his body. In my opinion, he is all the more dangerous because he does not align himself with any particular cause other than his own survival. And Wolfgang has the survival instincts of a cockroach.
Sly, Ramsay and Cale are watching from nearby.
CALE
Given that, it seems unlikely Wolfgang would intentionally crash the plane.
SLY
Highly.
RAMSAY
Can you say the same for your friend. Cutter?
There's a big commotion as an entourage of FBI agents enter the room. They look like clones of each other ? tall, cropped hair, conservative dark suits. Their leader, JAMES WEBB approaches Sly. Webb is in his fifties, tough as they come -- completely devoid of humor.
WEBB
Sly.
SLY
Hello, Jim. Addison Cale and Stuart Ramsay... James Webb of the F.B.I.
WEBB
Gentlemen.
RAMSAY
I'm glad you're here. I'd like to have a word with you about transporting dangerous criminals on commercial aircraft --
WEBB
Some other time.
(to Sly)
I understand John Cutter's on board 694.
(CONTINUED)
SLY
That's right.
WEBB
Do you think he can be trusted to keep a cool head?
SLY
Oh, absolutely.
The Technician monitoring the A.F.C. interrupts with an announcement.
TECHNICIAN
Confirmed. 694 has made an emergency landing at Lake Lucille, Louisiana.
The staff greets this news with joy and relief. But Sly, Webb, Ramsay and Cale are not ready to celebrate. They find a map of Louisiana and locate Lake Lucille.
SLY
Talk about the boondocks.
CUT TO:
112 OMITTED 112
113 EXT. LAKE LUCILLE AIRFIELD - APPROACH ROAD - NIGHT 113
Headlights FILL the SCREEN as three police cruisers speed TOWARD CAMERA, SIRENS WHOOPING and bubble-tops flashing. As the third cruiser CLEARS CAMERA, we WHIP-PAN WITH it. The cruisers are hauling ass to the airfield. SLOWLY CRANE UP.
In the distance, we see the tiny terminal and control tower. But beyond that --a truly staggering sight. Dwarfing everything around it like Gulliver in Lilliput, is the awesome amd immense 747, squatting on the tarmac. It gleams in the moonlight like some great silver monster.
114 INT. 747 - MAIN CABIN 114
The Indian throws Marti into a seat near Rita and Sly. He points a warning finger at her. "Stay." Marti glares at him.
115 EXT. RUNWAY PERIMETER 115
The three police cruisers pull up alongside the Tower, aiming their headlights at the 747. Police officers scramble out with assault weapons, taking cover beside their vehicles.
116 INT. CONTROL TOWER 116
Frank and Nora Alien stare in amazement at the huge airliner.
FRANK
(into his headset)
694, that was one hell of a landing. Welcome to Lake Lucille.
WOLFGANG (V.O.)
So much for Southern hospitality. Now get a fuel truck out here in two minutes or I start tossing out bodies.
Frank and Nora react to Wolfgang's chilling threat. Just then, the door to the tower flies open and POLICE CHIEF BIGGS swaggers in, followed by two officers. Biggs is in his fifties, muscle gone to fat, a cracker cop who'd never admit he's out of his depth in a situation like this.
NORA
Chief Biggs...
Biggs goes to the window and peers out at the 747. He puts his hands on his hips, cowboy-style.
BIGGS
I got orders from the F.B.I, to take charge 'til they get here.
(jabbing a finger at the 747)
Now get me those sonsabitches on the horn.
117 INT. 747 - FLIGHT DECK 117
Wolfgang considers his options. Priest peers out the cockpit window at the police bordering the runway perimeter.
PRIEST
What're we going to do?
WOLFGANG
Now that we're on the ground, we're going to turn our disadvantage into an advantage.
PRIEST
What about 'Geronimo?'
WOLFGANG
It was a beautiful plan but hardly useful in our present condition.
The RADIO SQUAWKS,
This is Lucille
BIGGS (V.O.)
Chief Biggs of the Lake Police Department.
Wolfgang looks at Priest and smiles.
WOLFGANG
Good. If Andy of Mayberry is calling the shots, it means the F.B.I, hasn't arrived yet.
(into his headset)
Talk to me. Chief.
BIGGS (V.O.)
You want fuel? I'll swap you for it. You give me the passengers and I'll give you the fuel. How's that sound?
Wolfgang becomes folksy and amiable, subtly mocking Biggs,
WOLFGANG
(into his headset)
Looks like you got me over a barrel, good buddy. I'll give you half the passengers now and the other half when the fuel's delivered. That fair enough?
INT. CONTROL TOWER
Biggs is puffed up, confident he'll come out of this a big hero.
BIGGS
You let us know when you're ready.
118 CONTINUED: 118
Biggs releases the mike and strokes his several chins.
BIGGS
Once we get those passengers off, we'll shoot out his goddamn tires.
There's a COMMOTION OUTSIDE. Everybody turns as the burly Security COP is shoved in through the open door, followed by Cutter.
CUTTER
Somebody lose this?
BIGGS
What the...
COP
(to Biggs)
He took my gun!
CUTTER
I was afraid he might hurt himself with it.
Cutter tosses the gun to Biggs who catches it and reacts with outrage.
BIGGS
Who the hell are you?
CUTTER
John Cutter. I was a passenger on that plane until one of the terrorists showed me the door. Are you in charge here?
BIGGS
You're damn right I'm in charge here. What's the idea of roughing up my officer?
CUTTER
I'm a security specialist working for Trans Pacific.
Cutter hands Biggs his wallet and I.D. Biggs looks it over.
BIGGS
California?
CUTTER
It's a state out west. Look, we're wasting time. I have intelligence relating to the terrorists. You want it or not?
BIGGS
It don't say nothing here about you working for Trans Pacific. For all I know you could be one of them terrorists trying to pull a fast one.
CUTTER
And for all I know you could be a cop -- but I doubt it.
BIGGS
Understand something. Even if you're who you say you are, you don't come in here and start throwing your weight around. This is my airfield, my rescue --
CUTTER
(indicating 747)
And their funeral. You want that on your head?
Nora approaches Biggs with a telephone. 'Chief
NORA
Trans Pacific.
BIGGS
(into the phone)
Biggs.
INTERCUTTING WITH:
118A INT. TRANS PACIFIC BOARDROOM NIGHT 118A
Sly, Webb, Ramsay and Cale are grouped around a speaker.
WEBB
Chief, this is James Webb of the F.B.I. I'm in Orlando with the executive officers of Trans Pacific. Can you tell us what's happening?
BIGGS
The plane's on the ground and we're negotiating for the passengers' release. We're gonna swap 'em fuel for passengers.
RAMSAY
Has anyone been hurt?
BIGGS
Not unless you count one of my officers who got his nose bloodied by a fella who says he works for you -- John Cutter.
SLY
(amazed)
Cutter's there? How'd he get off the plane?
BIGGS
He says he was pushed.
SLY
(anxious)
Is he all right? Put him on.
BIGGS
(to Cutter)
Pick up that line over there.
Cutter picks up another phone.
CUTTER
(into the phone)
This is Cutter.
SLY
Sounds like you've been busy.
CUTTER
Well, I had a hell of a time getting the plane on the ground.
SLY
How'd you do it?
CUTTER
I dumped the fuel.
Ramsay, Cale and Webb can't believe their ears. Sly wishes he hadn't asked.
CALE
(outraged)
He what?
WEBB
He dumped the fuel.
SLY
It was probably an accident...
RAMSAY
He could've killed every passenger on that plane. Chief Biggs, this is Stuart Ramsay, President of Trans Pacific Operations. John Cutter does not work for this company. I am instructing you to lock him up until I can determine how many violations of civil air code to charge him with.
SLY
You can't do that, Stuart. Cutter's the only person there who's trained to handle the situation.
RAMSAY
Cutter is obviously out of his mind and I do not intend to stand by and allow him to further endanger those lives.
(turning to Cale)
Addison?
CALE
It's your call, Stuart.
Biggs turns to two of his officers.
BIGGS
Fellas, take Mister Cutter downstairs and introduce him to the dentention room.
CUTTER
Sly, I'm beginning to feel real unpopular.
SLY
There's nothing I can do, man. Just hang in there.
The two cops grab Cutter and take him away from the phone.
CUTTER
(shouting)
Give Ramsay a message for me! Tell him I'm gonna reach out and touch him -- and it's not gonna be with a phone!
Cutter is hustled out the door.
118B BACK IN BOARDROOM 118B
Sly turns to Ramsay in a fury.
SLY
That was a mistake.
RAMSAY
(tough)
I'm doing your friend a favor. Now back off. Sly. I've got an airline to protect.
The two men stare daggers at each other.
CUT TO:
119 & 120 OMITTED
121 EXT. AIRFIELD 121
More police and emergency vehicles arrive. A staging area has been set up in front of the terminal with paramedics standing by. A fuel truck sits on the edge of the tarmac, waiting for a signal. All eyes are glued to the fortress-like 747.
122 INT. 747 - MAIN CABIN 122
Vincent, Fiona and the Indian guard the passengers from the front of the cabin. Wolfgang and Priest join them.
WOLFGANG
Change of plans. Who's got the party favor?
Vincent opens his jacket to reveal the grenade hooked to the lining. Wolfgang offers it to the Indian.
WOLFGANG
Mister Elk Horn, you know what to do.
The Indian nods solemnly. He puts the grenade in his pocket. Wolfgang turns and addresses the passengers.
WOLFGANG
Good news. In just a minute, half of you will be released.
Excited reactions. Some faces, like Marti's, are wary.
WOLFGANG
After we've been refueled, the rest of you will follow. Now... who'd like to be in the group that goes first?
As anticipated, every hand in the cabin shoots up. Wolfgang hides a smile.
WOLFGANG
You can't all go first.
Clamoring and shouting as individuals plead for Wolfgang's attention. To him, their begging is better than an orgasm. Marti, who's seen enough, stands up.
MARTI
(to passengers)
Stop it! Don't beg him! Can't you see he's getting off on this?
The cabin becomes silent. Wolfgang fixes Marti with his deadly look. He walks down the aisle to her. Marti defiantly stands her ground. Wolfgang stands very close to her.
WOLFGANG
Our brave little stewardess.
(reading her name badge)
'Marti.' The whole plane's dying to know. What happened down there in the lower galley? You and the hero in that tight little place, two healthy young people facing death, wondering if you'd ever have another chance to -- tell us, Marti, did the hero get into your tight little place?
MARTI You're sick.
WOLFGANG
Guess what? I knew that before you did. And you're right. I do get off on people's suffering. So... help me get off, Marti.
(a beat)
Beg me for your life.
MARTI
Go to hell.
Wolfgang raises his gun and presses the barrel to Marti's forehead. Passengers gasp. Marti, jaw trembling, continues to stare defiantly at Wolfgang.
WOLFGANG
(a sexy whisper)
Beg.
Marti refuses. Wolfgang considers, withdraws the gun --and points it at the nearest person -- a mother with a small child in an aisle seat. It's the kid with the teddy bear!
MARTI
(crying out)
Please -- don't--
Wolfgang closes his eyes, feeling a rush of pleasure. He lowers the gun and opens his eyes. They gleam at Marti who feels like she's been raped.
WOLFGANG
Thank you, Marti. You were very good... darling.
(announcing)
All right. I've decided who will go first. All passengers in rows ten through thirty --
Passengers in these rows brighten.
WOLFGANG
-- will go last.
Wolfgang inhales their disappointment.
122A INT. SERVICE CORRIDOR 122A
TWO COPS escort Cutter down a long dark passageway, lit by dim overhead bulbs.
They journey from one pool of light to another, disappearing into darkness in between. Cutter is extremely agitated and getting more "street" by the second. He begins to struggle between the Two Cops who are overweight country boys.
CUTTER
(ranting)
Fuck this shit! No way! No fuckin' way you're lockin' my ass in jail! You hear what I'm sayin', you shit-kickin', grits-eatin' motherfuckers? I ain't goin'!
COP #1
Cool it, suntan.
CUTTER
Fuck you, cottonball! I ain't afraid of your wimpy Barney Fife ass!
(to the Cop #2)
Yours either, corn pone.
COP #2
(losing it)
That's it! Let's cuff him!
CUTTER
(defiant)
You try to cuff me and I will definitely fuck you up!
COP #1
(angry)
Get him under the light! Turn him around!
The Second Cop shoves Cutter up against the wall while the First Cop pulls out his handcuffs. Cutter struggles as they brace him and try to get the cuffs on.
COP #1
Hold still!
CUTTER
Hold this!
COP #1
(fumbling with the handcuffs)
I can't see a goddamn thing! Get him back in the light!
Taking advantage of the situation and the bad light, Cutter suddenly whips around, catching the Cops off guard. A couple of lightning fast moves and -- snap! click! The two Cops are handcuffed to each other!
They're so amazed that Cutter is easily able to push them over. Floundering off-balance, the Two Cops tumble to the floor, tangled together, thrashing to get free.
As they struggle to get up, Cutter grabs one of their guns and aims it at them, COCKING back the TRIGGER. The Two Cops freeze in terror. The look on Cutter's face is murderous.
COP #1
(pleading)
Please don't kill us!
Cutter's "murderous look" vanishes, replaced by his regular look of cool, calculating intelligence.
CUTTER
What? And waste perfectly good bullets?
The Two Cops realize the whole thing was an act to throw them off guard -- and it worked.
Keeping the gun trained on them, Cutter walks over to a door marked "Janitor." He opens it to reveal a small closet filled with mops and buckets and brooms.
CUTTER
In.
CUT TO:
123 OMITTED 123
124 INT. CONTROL TOWER 124
The RADIO CRACKLES. Biggs and the others perk up.
WOLFGANG (V.O.)
This is Wolfgang. Is the fuel truck in position?
BIGGS
(into the microphone)
Sure is.
WOLFGANG (V.O.)
If anyone else comes within a hundred feet of this plane during refueling, the remaining passengers will be executed. Do you read me?
BIGGS
Loud and clear.
WOLFGANG (V.O.)
There will be no communication during the refueling process.
(a beat)
Stand by to receive passengers.
125 EXT. RUNWAY - ANGLE ON 747 . 125
Emergency slides start inflating and passengers come tumbling down, reaching the tarmac and running for the terminal.
126 TERMINAL AND STAGING AREA 126
The meager emergency teams are overwhelmed by the sudden tidal wave of humanity.
127 INT. SERVICE CORRIDOR 127
Cutter locks the Two angry Cops in the janitor's closet. Then he races down the corridor, responding to the O.S. NOISE of the evacuation. He disappears up a flight of stairs.
A series of THUMPING sounds comes from the Janitor's closet as the Two Cops try to break out. Suddenly, the door shatters and they come tumbling out.
128 EXT. RUNWAY 128
Cutter moves through a wave of humanity as passengers continue to de-plane. It's a madhouse scene so there's little chance of Cutter being discovered in the middle of it.
Cutter stops. He stands very still like an island in the middle of a sea of swarming, moving people. He's got his radar out. It may be a madhouse but Cutter's trained eye picks up something out of whack -- something in the distance that sends a jolt through his body.
128A CUTTER'S POV 128A
Four "passengers" have broken away from the crowd and are hurrying off in the opposite direction, crossing a grassy field in the direction of the fairgrounds. As they pass the runway lights, they are revealed as Wolfgang, Priest, Vincent and Fiona.
128B BACK TO CUTTER 128B
He can't help being impressed by Wolfgang's ingenuity.
CUTTER
(to himself)
'America's Most Wanted.' Out for a moonlight stroll.
Cutter's first instinct is to chase after them but it's too hard -- he's already being swept back by the pushing, shoving passengers. Maybe he can find a way to intercept them.
Cutter turns and allows the tide of humanity to carry him toward the terminal. At the last moment, he breaks away and disappears around the side of the building.
128C EXT. FRONT OF TERMINAL 128C
More cars are arriving. Most of them contain locals who've come to the airfield to rubberneck at the spectacle.
Cutter sees what he's looking for. A big BIKER and his woman come ROARING up to the curb on a monster HARLEY. The woman dismounts as Cutter arrives.
BIKER
(to Cutter)
We seen all the cars. What's goin' on?
CUTTER
You'll never believe it. Some crazy black guy just stole a big redneck's motorcycle!
Cutter shoves the Biker to the pavement, hops into the seat, REVS the BIKE and ROARS off into the night. The Biker, sitting stupidly on the ground, can't fucking believe it.
129 EXT. FIELD 129
Wolfgang, Priest, Vincent and Fiona, wearing borrowed coats and hats, hurry for the light of the fairgrounds.
PRIEST
(curious)
What'll happen to Mister Elk Horn?
WOLFGANG
He'll babysit the passengers until the police rush the plane. Then he'll detonate the grenade and blow everything to kingdom come. With all those mangled body parts, no one will know we weren't on board.
PRIEST
He'll do. that? Kill himself for you?
WOLFGANG
Of course. Wouldn't you?
Priest looks uneasy.
FIONA
Too bad we can't stay and watch it go 'boom.*
VINCENT
Why bother? It'll be on the news for the next six months!
They come to a tall cyclone fence. Without hesitation, the four terrorists hit the fence, scale it and clamber down to the other side. A pasture separates them from the fairgrounds.
WOLFGANG
(running)
Keep moving. We're free but we're not clear.
130 EXT. RUNWAY 130
The last of the freed passengers escape to the terminal. On the 747, hatch doors close.
131 INT. 747 - MAIN CABIN 131
Keeping his gun trained on the fifty or so remaining passengers, the Indian seals the final hatch with his free hand. All eyes are on him. With the same hand, he pulls the grenade out of his pocket. The passengers shriek and cower. The Indian says nothing but the message is clear. "If I pull the pin, we all blow up."
132 INT. CONTROL TOWER 132
Standing at the window, Chief Biggs is satisfied that the first half of the transaction has gone smoothly. Frank Alien thinks something's fishy.
FRANK
They freed a lot more than half.
BIGGS
You complaining?
FRANK
You gotta admit it's odd.
BIGGS
I can live with odd. Gas her up.
Frank gives the signal. Outside, the fuel truck drives up to the 747.
The door to the control tower opens and the Two Cops stagger in -- bruised, bloody and humiliated.
BIGGS
(roaring)
Where is he?
CUT TO:
132A EXT. PASTURE 132A
Cutter rides the HARLEY, rocketing cross-country in the direction of the fairgrounds. He's running without lights but the ROAR of the bike beneath him is like a warning bell. Wolfgang and company appear in the near distance. Cutter guides the bike with one hand. In his other hand -- the stolen gun, up and ready for action.
132B ANGLE 132B
Wolfgang and his crew turn and react to the fast-approaching Harley. The moonlight reveals the rider as Cutter.
VINCENT
It's that crazy fucker from the plane!
WOLFGANG
He's not crazy.
(impressed by Cutter's moxie)
He's dead.
(whipping out his gun)
Take him out!
Wolfgang, Vincent, Priest and Fiona OPEN FIRE, lighting up the night.
132C ANGLE 132C
Cutter bears down on them, RETURNING FIRE. They scatter as Cutter comes over a rise -- and goes airborne. Vincent keeps PUMPING lead at him. One of his shots hits the FUEL TANK and it EXPLODES beneath Cutter.
Cutter and the flaming BIKE go CRASHING down into a deep ravine. Cutter is thrown from the Harley and hurled into the darkness.
VINCENT
Bullseye.
WOLFGANG
See that he's dead and meet us at the fairgrounds.
(to Priest and Fiona)
Let's go.
They depart as Vincent slides down the ravine, gun up, drawn to the wreckage of the smouldering Harley.
132D BOTTOM OF RAVINE 132D
Vincent arrives. He sees the bike -- but no Cutter.
VINCENT
(calling out)
Don't be a shy guy. Come out and play.
As Vincent turns to look for him, Cutter comes flying out of the darkness. He tackles Vincent and slams him to the earth. Two quick punches and Vincent is out like a light.
CUTTER
You're 'it,' motherfucker.
Cutter stands, out of breath. He sees Wolfgang, Fiona and Priest in the distance, entering the fairgrounds. At Cutter's feet is the mangled Harley. One of the saddle-bags is open and a leather jacket is hanging out. Cutter reaches down and grabs it for a disguise.
132E EXT. FAIRGROUNDS 132E
CLANG! A softball hits a bullseye, RINGS a BELL and a board drops out from under a clown, dumping him in a tank of water. The crowd cheers and laughs. As the soggy Clown climbs back on his perch, we see Wolfgang, Priest and Fiona coming down the midway.
WOLFGANG
How far to the rendezvous point?
PRIEST
Port Arthur, Texas? Maybe two hundred miles.
WOLFGANG
Secure some transportation. I'll call the rendezvous team and instruct them to hold their position. We'll come to them. Move.
Priest and Fiona nod and scurry off.
CUT TO:
132F INT. CONTROL TOWER 132F
While the re-fueling continues, a COP enters with news for Biggs.
COP
Some biker says a black guy stole his motorcycle and took off toward the fairgrounds.
ANOTHER COP
(as he hangs up a phone)
Chief, we've got reports of gunfire coming from over near the fairgrounds.
CHIEF
(rising anger)
Put them both together they spell 'Cutter.' Get some men over there and nail his ass.
As the Cops scramble for the exit...
CUT TO:
132G EXT. FAIRGROUNDS - MIDWAY 132G
ANGLE DOWN FROM a big banner that proclaims "COUNTY FAIR -- FIREWORKS TONITE!" In the crowd, we find Cutter on the hunt, effectively disguised in the leather jacket.
A LOUD SCREAM. Cutter reacts but it's only a couple of teenagers on the ferris wheel. Cutter continues on, pushing through the dense crowd. The gun in his pocket is a reassuring weight but he's clearly worried. Wolfgang and innocent people are a lethal combination.
We RACK FOCUS. Behind Cutter, Wolfgang steps out of a telephone booth. Like a shark, he glides silently up behind Cutter and ever so gently pokes his gun into Cutter's back. Cutter stiffens.
WOLFGANG
(in Cutter's ear)
Lovely night. Let's go for a walk... hero.
Cutter does as he's told, wondering how the hell Wolfgang recognized him.
WOLFGANG
Nice 'disguise.' How did you resist wearing a neon sign?
They walk past a distortion mirror. Cutter glances at his reflection and sees that the back of his leather jacket is decorated with big letters that spell out "ARYAN ARMY."
CUTTER
(feeling like a chump)
I gotta get some new brains.
WOLFGANG
(amused)
I'm curious to know how a black man got into a Neo-Nazi bike gang.
CUTTER
I promised to introduce them to Michael Jordan.
WOLFGANG
A sense of humor. I like that in a corpse.
(as they walk)
Now, very gently, remove the pistol from your pocket and drop it into the nearest trash receptacle. Any hesitation and I'll blow a hole through your spine. And if that's not incentive enough, I assure you I have no problem with wasting a few bystanders.
As they pass a trash can. Cutter carefully removes his pistol and drops it in.
WOLFGANG
Very good.
CUTTER
Now what?
WOLFGANG
We walk and we talk. Get to know each other. I don't usually care who I kill but in your case I'm willing to make an exception. You fascinate me. But first things first. What happened to the young man I sent to kill you?
CUTTER
He's taking a nap in some cow shit.
They pass the carousel with its HURDY GURDY MUSIC, spinning lights and happy children. For a brief moment, Wolfgang savors the scene with an almost child-like wistfulness.
WOLFGANG
Quite a fascinating place, wouldn't you agree? I've never actually been to a county fair before. I've never even been on a carousel.
CUTTER
You poor little thing. I'll bet you had a deprived childhood.
WOLFGANG
My childhood was a nightmare.
CUTTER
You're adulthood's no golden dream.
WOLFGANG
And you're no ordinary passenger. Who are you?
(poking Cutter with the gun)
If you don't tell me, somebody will die. Maybe you... maybe one of them.
Cutter's blood freezes. He looks around at the happy, unsuspecting people on the midway. Teenagers. Toddlers. Moms and Dads. A whole cross-section of humanity.
WOLFGANG
Let's see. Who shall it be? The fat girl with the ice cream cone? Too easy. How about the sailor trying to impress his girl friend? Wait. Just the thing. A pair of identical twins...
Cutter simply has no choice.
CUTTER
My name's John Cutter.
WOLFGANG
Don't lie. I'll know if you lie.
CUTTER
I'm a security specialist working for Trans Pacific. I asked the local cops to let me take you down without causing a scene. They're watching us right now.
WOLFGANG
I hardly think so. You're a lone wolf. Cutter. I know the breed. I assume you know who I am.
CUTTER
I'm your biggest fan.
WOLFGANG
You're very clever. Very resourceful. Dumping the fuel was quite brilliant.
CUTTER
Thanks. I've never been complimented by a psychopath before.
WOLFGANG
Well, it takes one to know one. I could use a man like you. Cutter, but I'm sure you're hopelessly tied to some sense of morality. We're not really that different, you and me. We're both killers.
CUTTER
The people I've killed were scum. They had it coming. The people you kill are innocent.
WOLFGANG
Innocent? Who says they're innocent? I'm surprised at you, Cutter. Haven't you figured it out by now? The world is a hell. It doesn't matter what we do in it.
CUTTER
Wolfgang, I hope you won't take this the wrong way... but you are one sick fuck... and it's gonna be a pleasure to kill you.
WOLFGANG
(can't believe Cutter's nerve)
Kill me? Cutter, you need a reality check.
Fiona comes toward them. She recognizes Cutter.
FIONA
Back from the dead?
WOLFGANG
Vincent failed. Where's Priest?
FIONA
Waiting with the bus. We borrowed it from a Baptist church group.
(indicating Cutter)
What about him?
WOLFGANG
We'll kill him on the bus and dump his body in the swamp. Let's go.
132H ANGLE 132H
Fiona leads Cutter and Wolfgang down the midway. In the distance sits a battered yellow church bus on the edge of the parking area, belching black exhaust fumes,
Cutter notices police arriving on the scene. The Cops are mingling with the crowd, obviously on the lookout. Wolfgang sees them, too.
CUTTER
They're looking for me.
WOLFGANG
They can't have you. I found you first.
They continue along the midway, careful not to attract attention, approaching...
132I OPEN-AIR STAGE 132I
Where a pie and cake auction is underway. A folksy AUCTIONEER in a cowboy suit examines the next item, a pit displayed by its creator, a twelve-year-old Cajun girl.
AUCTIONEER
(into a microphone)
What do we have here? Looks like a lovely pecan pie baked by Suzanne Belreve, a sixth grader from Natchitoches . Mnunnun, that do smell good. I'm gonna start the bidding at five dollars. Who's gonna gimme six?
As Cutter moves past the assembled crowd, flanked by Wolfgang and Fiona, he realizes he has to take a chance,
MAN IN CROWD
Six!
ANOTHER MAN
Seven!
AUCTIONEER
Seven. Do I hear eight?
VOICE (V.O.)
Fifty bucks!
The crowd lets out a collective gasp. Heads turn, seeking the owner of the voice. It's Cutter, wearing a big grin. Wolfgang and Fiona are momentarily flummoxed. They can't believe it. On stage, the Cajun girl's eyes light up with excitement. Fifty dollars!
AUCTIONEER
Did you say fifty bucks?
CUTTER
(feeling generous)
What the hell, make it a hundred!
A bigger gasp. This attracts the attention of other people strolling the midway. They drift over to see what's going on. Even the Cops are pressing closer to see who the big spender is. Wolfgang feels his power slipping away:
WOLFGANG
(hissing in Cutter's ear)
Enough.
CUTTER
What's that? Two hundred? Hey! My buddy here bids two hundred!
Now everybody's looking at Wolfgang!
Just what Cutter wanted. He takes advantage of the situation and steps away, burrowing deeper into the crowd. Wolfgang squirms. He looks like a rat trapped in a corner. This is the first time we've ever seen him flustered.
AUCTIONEER
(to Wolfgang)
Is that right, sir? Are you bidding two hundred dollars?
Wolfgang is in a cold fury. Even the Cops are looking at Wolfgang now, waiting for his response.
WOLFGANG
No.
CUTTER
What a cheap ass!
(stirring up the crowd)
You gonna let him get away with that?
Wolfgang shrinks back as people begin to jeer, giving him shit for being a phoney bidder. He gives Cutter a deadly look. Cutter returns it with a look of his own. Wolfgang turns and takes off with Fiona.
AUCTIONEER
(to Cutter)
What about you, friend? You're still at two hundred.
Cutter may have solved one problem but in doing so, he's created another. In the crowd. Cutter sees the Burly Airport Cop -- the one he beat up. Uh oh. The Burly Cop sees Cutter and signals the other Cops to close in.
CUTTER
Three hundred!
The Cajun girl looks at her pie. Three hundred dollars. It never occurs to her that this is a bluff.
AUCTIONEER
Come on now. Fun's fun but we're talking about a pie.
The Cops are all around Cutter. He realizes his only avenue of escape is the stage itself.
CUTTER
(pushing forward)
You're right! Let me get a better look at it!
Cutter leaps up on the stage. That's it. The Cops have had enough. Guns come out. Wrong move. The crowd panics as the Cops rush the stage.
Without fear, the Cajun girl steps up happily to offer her pie to Cutter.
CUTTER
Hang on to that pie, kid. I'll be back for it.
(looking around)
I hope.
Cutter dives through the flimsy stage backing and is gone.
132J ANGLE 132J
Suddenly, there's a LOUD EXPLOSION overhead --a bright flash of light -- the FIREWORKS SHOW has begun. Instead of responding with delight, the crowed freaks out, thinking World War III has erupted. The midway becomes a riot and the Cops must try to contain it.
132K PARKING AREA 132K
Wolfgang and Fiona run to the waiting church bus. Priest, in the driver's seat, pulls the lever that opens the door. Wolfgang and Fiona scramble on board.
PRIEST
What happened?
WOLFGANG
Hit it.
Priest shoves the bus into gear. But just as it lurches into motion, two military transport trucks arrive on the scene, blocking their getaway.
The loading doors of the transport trucks roll open, discharging COMMANDOS with assault weapons and "FBI" stencilled on their back and chests. In their black body armor and night vision goggles, they look like invaders from hell.
VOICE (V.O.)
(amplified)
Driver, yellow bus! This is the F.B.I.! Stop your engine!
WOLFGANG
Short trip.
132L REAR OF CHURCH BUS 132L
The emergency exit hatch is kicked open. Wolfgang and Fiona drop to the ground and take off running low. They head for the midway, the only place where they have a chance.
132M CHURCH BUS 132M
Commandos surround the bus.
VOICE (V.O.)
(amplified)
Come out with your hands over vour head! Do it now!
The bus door slowly opens and Priest steps out, hands high in the air.
PRIEST
Thank God! I'm Father Seamus O'Brien! They held a gun to my head!
VOICE (V.O.)
(amplified)
Take him down!
Two Commandos rush Priest, throw him to the ground and cuff him.
COMMANDO
(from the rear of the bus; shouting)
Exit hatch is open!
A tall man in a black windbreaker and FBI baseball cap steps out of the lead transport truck. He's the man whose amplified voice we've been hearing... FBI Agent, DWIGHT HENDERSON. Henderson is standard FBI issue --rigid, professional and emotionally detached.
HENDERSON
(into his megaphone)
Units One and Two -- execute Containment Plan!
Commandos take off in different directions to surround the midway as FIREWORKS CONTINUE to EXPLODE overhead.
133 thru 148 OMITTED
LINE OF GENERATOR TRUCKS
HUMMING and THRUMMING, providing the fair with power. Two Uniform Cops run by, searching for Cutter.
149A ANGLE UP 149A
to reveal Cutter on the roof of one of the trucks, using it for a lookout the FBI and sees the point. He has witnessed the arrival of the Commandos fanning out to surround the fairgrounds.
Cutter runs along the roofs of the trucks, jumping from one to the next, scouting the midway for a glimpse of Wolfgang.
149B MIDWAY 149B
The Cops have manged to get the Wolfgang and Fiona skulk past a games -- ring toss, water race, crowd under control. row of contests and shooting gallery, etc. Wolfgang stops at the entrance to "The House of Mirrors.' He turns to Fiona.
WOLFGANG
Are you prepared to do what's necessary?
FIONA
Yes.
Wolfgang indicates the House of Mirrors.
WOLFGANG
Go inside. In thirty seconds I want you to blow the fuck out of the place. Break every mirror and make a lot of noise. That'll bring the cops and buy me a chance. Hold them off for as long as you can, then execute yourself.
FIONA
I understand.
WOLFGANG
Don't fail me.
Fiona nods, the dutiful soldier. Wolfgang takes off. Fiona enters...
149D INT. HOUSE OF MIRRORS 149D
A Empty and dark labyrinth of distortion mirrors, creating dozens of Fionas -- fat ones, skinny ones, tall ones, short ones. Fiona takes out her GUN and pulls back the bolt.
CUTTER (O.S.)
Stewardess?
Fiona whirls and sees Cutter behind her. She FIRES and Cutter EXPLODES! Surprise! He's a mirror reflection. Before Fiona can recover, the real Cutter is upon her. He slams a fist into her beautiful, snarling face.
MIDWAY
Wolfgang is now some distance from the House of Mirrors. He wonders why Fiona hasn't started the diversion. But it's a moot point because he's got trouble -- Commandos are coming up the midway. Wolfgang turns and looks behind him. Cutter -- fifty feet away.
Cutter stops. He and Wolfgang lock eyes. They hold it for a long moment. Faintly, we hear the HURDY GURDY MUSIC of the carousel. Wolfgang's eyes drift in its direction. Cutter's do likewise.
149E LONG SHOT - CAROUSEL 149E
With its gaily spinning lights and happy children. As Wolfgang and Cutter know, children make the best hostages.
CUTTER
No. . .
But Wolfgang is already running for the carousel. Cutter takes off after him. He's got Fiona's gun but there's no way he can take a shot. Too many people.
Wolfgang collides with the ticket taker, knocking him down.
149F CAROUSEL 149F
Round and round go the colorful carved horses and their merry young riders. The MUSIC is LOUDER here. It seems almost demented. Suddenly Wolfgang is on board -- a wolf among sheep, seeking a victim. He zeroes in on a five-year-old boy astride a bucking bronco.
Wolfgang grabs the child by the back of his T-shirt, lifts him out of the saddle. In the center ring, the ride operator sees Wolfgang, the child and Wolfgang's gun. Terrified, he panics and yanks the brake -- too fast.
The sudden braking is too much for the over-taxed MOTOR. It BLOWS. Gears fly apart, showering sparks. The carousel begins to spin out of control, shimmying and shaking. Children scream and cling to their horses for dear life.
149G CROWD 149G
It watches in horror. Cutter pushes through the throng and races to the madly spinning carousel. He throws himself on board and smashes into a horse. He bounces off, crashes into another horse and is knocked around like a pinball.
ANGLE
Wolfgang is thrown forward against a pole. He loses his grip on the boy who drops to the spinning platform and rolls toward the edge. The ground beyond is a dangerous blur. The boy is just about to roll off when Cutter dives INTO FRAME. He grabs the boy just in time and pulls him back to safely.
CUTTER
(to the terrified boy)
You're okay.
WOLFGANG
You should've let him fall.
Wolfgang is now standing over them, one hand clinging to a striped pole for support, the other clutching the gun -- aimed at Cutter and the boy. Cutter cocks his leg and kicks the pole Wolfgang is using for support. The pole splinters and Wolfgang loses his balance. He falls off the ride.
ANGLE
Wolfgang hits the ground and rolls for several yards. The gun flies out of his hand. It skitters across the dirt and Wolfgang lunges after it like it was a life line. As his fingers close around the gun stock, a foot comes down, trapping hand and gun.
Wolfgang looks up. The foot belongs to FBI Agent Henderson. He