 
Hell Hole:

The Official Screenplay

Leland Jay Anderson

and Donald Firesmith

# Table of Contents

Preface

Script

Pass It On

# Hell Holes: The Official Screenplay

By Donald Firesmith

Copyright 2018 by Donald G. Firesmith

First Edition: May 2017

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

This script is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All characters and events in this work are figments of the authors' imagination.

1. Science Fiction 2. Paranormal 3. Fantasy 4. Apocalyptic 5. Action-Adventure

You may purchase autographed copies of the script by contacting the author via:

Magical Wand Press

20 Bradford Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15205

http://donaldfiresmith.com

This book is typeset in Times New Roman and Courier.

Cover design and layout by Ellie Kay Bockert Augsburger of Creative Digital Studios

Interior design by Donald G. Firesmith

#  Preface

## Genesis of the Script

Quite a few people, who have reviewed the books in my Hell Holes series, have said that they thought it would make a good movie. I have to admit, I've often thought so too. So, when I had the opportunity in April 2017 to pitch my novel, _Hell Holes: What Lurks Below_ , to Hollywood producer, Michael Chamoy, I took it. A few days later, Mike and Hollywood producer, Nat Mundel, phoned me. I was happy and not a little surprised when they told me they wanted to produce a full-length science fiction feature film based on my book.

A couple of days later and after quite a bit of thought and discussion, I granted Mike and Nat one year's shopping rights to the book. That essentially means that I granted them the exclusive right for one year to find a studio and investors to buy, or at least option, the rights to the movie. Part of that agreement stated that they would have a movie script written and that I would own that script.

Approximately one month later, Mike hired Leland Anderson to write an initial spec script for the movie based on the book. After discussing the movie with Mike and me, Leland created an outline for the movie. After Mike and I reviewed the outline, the three of us reached a consensus on changes Leland would make to the script, and Leland got to work. He produced a first draft of the script, and once again, Mike and I reviewed the script and we reached a consensus on additional changes to make. Leland delivered the final script was delivered on February 26th.

As you can see, producing the movie script has been a long process, taking nearly a year to complete. I consider myself to be fortunate to have been involved in the reviewing all three work products, and Mike and Leland accepted and incorporated all of my major recommendations.

## Accepting Another Writer's Vision

It's been very interesting to see how someone else could take my premise, plot, and characters and tell a different, though similar, story. Some things have been improved, such as the prologue and the resulting changed relationship between Dr. Jack Oswald and his wife, Dr. Angela Menendez. The script also introduces a major antagonist, which is understandable because every good protagonist needs an antagonist to embody the opposition. Some characters have been added, and some original characters have been deleted. All in all, I can definitely see the resulting script turned into a movie I would be proud of. Besides, IF (and it's still a big if) the movie does eventually get made, I am sure that the script will be rewritten by another script writer, and that the actors and especially the director, will also make significant changes.

## My Rewrite of the Script

Once the initial script was finished, Mike also produced a movie treatment that described the script, outlined its strengths and weaknesses, and listed several ways the producers might market it. A few weeks later, I was in Los Angeles and had the pleasure of having lunch with Mike. We spent a very pleasant hour and a half discussing the script as well as many other topics including Mike's experience working on movies and TV series. Most importantly, we also discussed several additional changes that could improve the marketability of the script.

Once we had developed a list of potential improvements, I decided to do my own rewrite of Leland script. Over the course of a month, I made the following changes to his script:

  * I removed unnecessary camera and sound directions that made the script less readable for the story analyst and didn't belong in a spec script.

  * I removed unnecessary differences between the script and the book series (especially with regard to the demons and their alien tech).

  * I lowered the age of two main characters needed to better attract a younger audience.

  * I gave the central character, Jack Oswald, a bigger part in the final struggle.

  * I provided more explanation of the character, Aileen O'Shannon, and gave her a bigger part in the movie.

  * I allowed the character, Kathryn Neuhausen, to survive because she's such a kick-as female character and Mark Starr's love interest.

  * I filled out the implicit underlying emotional stories to increase audience empathy with the characters.

  * I made some improvements in the dialog and action descriptions.

I delivered my updated version of Leland's script to the producers the first week of April 2018, and that is the version published in this book.

## Movie Scripts

A movie script is quite different than a book. Perhaps the three most important and obvious of these differences are:

  * **Content**. A movie consists of only what you can see and hear. It therefore emphasizes action (what you see) and dialog (what you hear). Unlike in a novel, a character's thoughts and emotional state can only be conveyed through his actions and speech.

  * **Format**. The most obvious difference is the script's extremely standardized structure and format. For example, a script is always printed in Courier font, in which each letter and digit has the same width. This is why scripts look like they are written on a typewriter rather than a computer or laptop. The different components of a script (for example, action and dialog) must be justified at specific distances from the left and right margins. One advantage of this standardized format is that one page of script equates to roughly one minute of screen time.

  * **Length**. While books come in a wide range of page counts, a movie must fit within a fairly standard timeslot. This, combined with the one minute per page heuristic, is the reason why movie scripts typically run from 100 to 120 pages. Most books are considerably longer, both in terms of page count as well as the number of words per page. Thus, adapting a book into a movie involves a great deal of condensation and deletion.

## Reading Movie Scripts

The Hell Hole script is a spec script, which that is produced prior to obtaining funding on the _speculation_ that it will eventually be produced. Unlike a production script, a spec script is primarily used to sell the movie. It is intended to be easy to read and therefore the simplest form of script. For example, it avoids camera directions and indications of sound effects that are typically added later by a director.

To read the Hell Hole script, it definitely helps if you understand the different components of the script. As indicated in the following figure, a spec script primarily consists of the following parts:

  * **Scene Heading**. A scene heading marks the beginning of a scene, whereby a scene is a continuous part of the movie that is filmed in a single location. A scene heading is left justified and written in all caps. It also consists of three parts:

  * **INT./EXT.** , which denotes whether the scene is to be filmed inside a building or a vehicle (designated by INT for interior), filmed outdoors (designated by EXT for exterior), or both.

  * **Location** , which is the location where the scene takes place.

  * **Time** , which is when the scene takes place. Common examples of time include DAY, NIGHT, CONTINUOUS, LATER, MOMENTS LATER

  * **Action**. Action describes everything important that is taking place on the screen including what characters are doing and sounds other than dialog. The name of a character is in all caps the first time that character is introduced. Underlining is used to emphasize the underlined word.

  * **Character**. A character is the name or role that is played by an actor. A character is printed in all caps starting in a specific location near the center of the page. If dialog from the same character is separated by action, (CONT.) is added to indicate the character's dialog is _cont_ inued. Finally, (O.S.) is used to indicate that the character speaking is local but not visible, where as (V.O.) is used to signify that the character speaking is not local (e.g., on the phone) or not moving her mouth (e.g., speaking by telepathy).

  * **Parenthetical**. A parenthetical tells an actor how to deliver the following dialog. It often tells the actor to whom to speak or with what emotion. A parenthetical consists of the direction in parentheses and is located immediately below the character to whom it pertains.

  * **Dialog**. Dialog is the words that the actors speak. It is written directly under the character that that speaks them.

  * **Camera Direction**. Only rarely is it necessary in a spec script to give camera direction. When it occurs, it is written in all caps and left justified (just like scene headings). The first three examples of camera direction in the script are FADE IN:, CAMERA RISES, and SUPER: THREE YEARS LATER, which means that the words "Three Years Later" is _super_ imposed on the scene.

The following figure is an example that illustrates these different components of the script.

#  Script

FADE IN:

EXT. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO / NYIARGONGO VOLCANO / CRATER - DAY

A deep reverberation, like a primeval rumbling from the Earth's bowels, grows into a dull roar.

Darkness is replaced by blurred motion. Racing upwards, a bubble of superheated gasses rapidly rises from a vast magma chamber through a long narrow opening into the world's largest lava lake.

The huge bubble bursts through the glowing surface, creating a wave that spreads outward to lap near the top of the ring-shaped dam of solidified lava holding back the lake.

Clouds of noxious gases rise above the boiling lava. Constantly churning, the surface of the lake consists of black rafts of volcanic rock separated by bright yellow lanes of molten rock.

It's lethally beautiful.

Protected by aluminized heat-reflective fire-proximity suits, two silver-clad volcanologists are dwarfed by the volcano's huge caldera. Standing on the dam overlooking the lava lake, Dr. JACK OSWALD (40) holds a coiled length of thin steel cable ending in a metal weight. Twenty yards back on the crater floor, BEN (18) collects a gas sample from a yellow sulfur-encrusted fumarole.

To be heard over the thunderous rumbling of the lava lake, they communicate via radio headsets.

BEN (V.O.)

I'd done down here. How about I come up, and you let me use the sampling line?

JACK (V.O.)

I've got it, Ben. Besides, no sense both of us risking our necks up here.

BEN (V.O.)

(chuckles)

This is because I crashed the drone, isn't it?

JACK (V.O.)

You never did take care of your toys. Besides, your mom would kill me if she knew I'd let you come down to the crater floor, let alone up here.

Twirling the weight on the end of the cable, Jack lets it fly. It lands in the churning lava. He rapidly reels it back, quenches the lava stuck on the weight with water, and chips off the solidified sample with his rock hammer.

JACK (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Got it. Time to pack up and get out of here.

Sample secured, Jack begins to carefully descend to the crater floor.

Without warning, the rumbling grows louder. The ground starts to shake, forcing Jack to stop and hold on to avoid tumbling down the steep slope.

BEN (V.O.)

(worried)

Dad! Are you okay?

Ben takes a step towards his father, but the shaking increases, throwing him to the ground.

A few yards from Jack, the rocky dam bursts, sending molten lava surging across the caldera floor.

JACK (V.O.)

(shouting)

Ben, run!!!

Seeing the lava flood towards him, Ben turns and tries to sprint to the safety of the caldera's steep walls. The heavy, head-to-toe protective suit and continued shaking make it a race Ben can't win.

Standing on the dam near the break, Jack watches in horror as the lava overtakes his son.

JACK (V.O.) (CONT'D)

(screaming in anguish)

Ben! No!

CAMERA RISES

The swirling volcanic gases conceal the hellish scene as we emerge from a plume of truck exhaust.

INT./EXT. ALASKAN NORTH SLOPE / PICKUP TRUCK - DAY

SUPER: THREE YEARS LATER

In the twilight of an Alaskan autumn, a mud-caked F-150 pickup rolls to a stop. A mid-thirties Inuit OIL WORKER in coveralls climbs out. The logo on the back of the coveralls matches the one on the truck's door: "Morningstar Energy".

The oil worker walks to an uprooted, bright yellow pipeline marker laying on its side. Wearily shaking his head, he looks around for the animal that had knocked it over. Neither man nor beast mars the solitude of the endless tundra.

He walks back to his truck and is about to climb in when a low rumbling starts. The ground begins to shake, causing him to stumble as he reaches for the door handle. Then... silence.

The oil worker gets back into his truck and starts it.

Without further warning, a circle of tundra over 100-feet across heaves upward under him as though the very Earth were taking a breath. Simultaneously, a circular sheet of blue light shoots skyward along the circle's circumference.

The ground inside the circle suddenly collapses. The terrified oil worker screams as he and his truck are swallowed down into a newly-formed, twenty-foot-deep hole.

INT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

The dazed oil worker stumbles from the truck cab. In the low light, he bumps into the sheer vertical wall of the hole. A haze of noxious vapor swirls about his feet as he scans the improbably smooth wall for a hand hold.

The oil worker runs back to his pickup, desperately searches for has satphone, and dials his boss back at Pump Station Two. The phone rings, the call is answered, but static prevents him from hearing what his boss is saying.

OIL WORKER

(coughing)

Hello? Hello! I need help!

The call drops. The worker tries again, but the call fails.

Sensing something behind him, the oil worker spins around but all he sees in the dim light are swirling fumes.

He walks back to the wall of the hole, frantic to find any way out, but the wall is smooth without hand holds. He hears something moving behind him and turns. What he sees is terrifying. He wants to run, but his back is to the wall.

EXT. HELL HOLE - DAY

The poor bastard's blood curdling screams echo across the tundra, but there's no one to hear them.

EXT. DEADHORSE / MORNINGSTAR ENERGY BUILDING - FOLLOWING MORNING

The brightly-lit industrial oasis on the outskirts of Deadhorse stands against the scenic backdrop of Alaska's oil-rich North Slope. Its buildings are raised on six-foot pillars to avoid melting the frozen ground beneath them. Clouds carrying the first snows threaten to block the weak rays of the sun hugging the southern horizon.

INT. DEADHORSE / MORNINGSTAR ENERGY BUILDING / CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Four people stand around a large table covered with maps, photographs, and geological survey charts. Their raised voices are just shy of a shouting match.

KEVIN KOWALSKI (55), a glad-handing, good ol' boy, corporate-sales type argues with DR. KATHRYN SHEFFIELD (29), an exasperated company geologist in sweater and jeans. MICHAEL HOFFMAN (45), a mid-level manager in a Morningstar-branded Oxford, tries to keep the peace, while ANGELA MENENDEZ (39), North Slope VP for pipeline safety, silently watches.

KOWALSKI

Help me understand. You just said that the area's geologically stable.

SHEFFIELD

It is, except for the one spot near Pump Station Two. We've had two highly localized tremors coinciding with a newly formed sinkhole. I've no idea what's going on.

KOWALSKI

Then how can you say it's not safe?

HOFFMAN

(frustrated)

We've been at this for over an hour. We're talking in circles.

KOWALSKI

No, we're talking about idling two hundred workers with families to take care of.

SHEFFIELD

They'll be idled a lot longer if an earthquake breaks the pipeline or another sinkhole opens under it.

KOWALSKI

(exasperated)

I'm not stopping a four-billion-dollar pipeline construction just 'cause some geologist a couple years out of school doesn't know what's going on.

SHEFFIELD

(angry at the insult)

And I'm not going to change my report just so you get a bonus for getting back on schedule!

Angela Menendez steps forward, putting herself between Kowalski and Sheffield.

ANGELA

Alight, everyone. Why don't we all take a short break?

Angela gives Hoffman a look, and he escorts Sheffield out of the office leaving Angela and Kowalski alone. Tired, Kowalski leans on the conference table.

KOWALSKI

This is costing us two million dollars a day. I have to get us back on schedule.

ANGELA

I understand. But my job is to keep the oil safely on the inside of the pipe.

KOWALSKI

The longer the oil isn't flowing, the more pressure we'll get from the head office to cut corners.

ANGELA

We restart when I'm satisfied we can do so safely. Not before.

KOWALSKI

Sheffield said the affected area was highly localized. We have the pipe. We could run a short bypass line around it.

ANGELA

Which won't help if another hole opens up under the bypass.

KOWALSKI

It'll take months to survey an alternate route and get the necessary permits, and we don't have months. What if Sheffield missed something? What if she's wrong?

ANGELA

And your plan was what? To brow-beat her until she gave in?

KOWALSKI

It's just a gopher hole.

ANGELA

It's a risk. If the pipeline isn't safe...

KOWALSKI

The pipeline will be safe. You think I don't know what's at stake?

ANGELA

Kevin, I'm questioning your judgment, not your values.

KOWALSKI

You didn't mind my judgment when I recommended you for this job.

ANGELA

Hey!

KOWALSKI

Sorry. It's just that Blackwell's up here from Oklahoma City. I've got protesters and idle crews. And now this geologist wants to do a month-long study.

Angela looks at the charts and maps spread out on the table.

ANGELA

This sinkhole is the only roadblock?

KOWALSKI

We've triple checked everything else. Pipeline construction is good to go. I'd stake my reputation on it.

Angela gets an idea and turns to leave.

KOWALSKI (CONT'D)

Where are you going?

ANGELA

To get a second opinion.

INT. UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS / GEOLOGY BUILDING / JACK'S OFFICE - DAY

Jack is buried in paperwork. Awards, certificates, and pictures of volcanoes dominate the wall behind him. Although only just forty-three, the lines on his face point to a smile that's fallen out of use.

On Jack's desk is a photo of Jack and a teenage boy in climbing gear. He's the spitting image of Jack. They stand atop a glacier beaming ear to ear. A third person, a woman, is also in the photo, but a loose file folder on his desk just blocks her face.

Jack answers a knock at the door without looking up.

JACK

How'd it go?

Jack's grad student and teaching assistant, MARK STARR (25), enters. Wearing a vintage _Star Wars_ tee shirt, he carries a stack of papers and an _Alien_ mug full of coffee.

MARK

Geomorphology tests are graded and entered into the system. Coffee?

JACK

From the teacher's lounge?

MARK

Ugh, no. I'm pretty sure that's just coffee-flavored crude oil. I bring a thermos from home.

Jack waves off the coffee, which Mark gladly drinks.

JACK

Dr. Bergman found a flyer for a science fiction convention in one of the copy machines. He'll write you up for "misuse of university property" if you're not more careful.

MARK

Bergman? I doubt that. They didn't install enough computing power to enable him to trace the flyer to me.

JACK

(chuckling)

Still convinced he's a clone?

MARK

Not a clone. My money's on a replicant. Replicants have their own genome as well as a distinct personality. I mean, you'd need a way to reliably measure empathic response to be sure. Of course, a simple android....

JACK

(becoming annoyed)

Mark, I am kind of busy here.

MARK

Sorry. Oh! Almost forgot. You got a message on the department's voicemail.

JACK

We have department voicemail?

MARK

(nodding)

Usually it's a robocall or some guy selling timeshares. Sometimes it's a robocall selling timeshares.

JACK

The message?

Mark hands him a Post-it note.

MARK

You need me to enter any more grades or...?

Jack's demeanor changes once he sees who the message is from. He stares at the Post-it, then unconsciously glances at the photo on his desk and the marriage ring he still wears. He grabs his cell phone off his desk, his jacket off a hook by the door, and leaves Mark alone in his office without a word.

MARK (CONT'D)

(to himself)

Maybe he's a clone of a replicant....

EXT. UAF CAMPUS / GEOLOGY BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER

Jack stares at his phone. His thumb hovers over the green "Dial" key. He swallows, then presses it.

INTERCUT - TELEPHONE CONVERSATION

A few rings, then Angela answers.

ANGELA

Hello, Jack.

JACK

(pauses unsure)

Hi.

ANGELA

I wasn't sure you'd get my message.

JACK

How's Vancouver?

ANGELA

I moved up to Anchorage, actually. Six months now.

Jack's surprised, and a little taken aback, by the realization that he knew so little about his ex-wife's new life.

ANGELA (CONT'D)

How are your classes going?

JACK

You know, young minds, empty and in need of filling.

ANGELA

I'm sorry to call you out of the blue like this.

Jack hesitates briefly before answering.

JACK

It's fine. I needed a break. Been busy all morning writing grant proposals. Since federal money started drying up, it seems all I do anymore is chase funding.

ANGELA

I might be able to help with that. I'm working up in Deadhorse for Morningstar Energy. I'm their North Slope VP of Safety, and I'm working with Kevin Kowalski on a new pipeline project.

JACK

Yeah, I know Kevin. I consulted for him a couple years ago. He's lucky to have you.

ANGELA

We're extending our pipeline from Pump Station Two east to the new oil field near ANWR. Unfortunately, we've hit a bit of a snag with our geologist.

JACK

Who is it, Emmerson or Cooper? Given what Morningstar pays, they're usually happy to just rubber stamp the preliminary site assessments.

ANGELA

No, her name's Kathryn Sheffield. She's new. A Canadian. She's kind of young, and Kevin feels she's being overly cautious about a large sinkhole and some unusual seismic readings.

JACK

And you think I'll see the data differently?

ANGELA

Someone with your level of expertise checking her analysis would at least let us know where we stand.

Jack hesitates, nervous about seeing Angela again.

JACK

(reluctantly)

I've got a full class load this semester.

ANGELA

Given the circumstances, the consulting fee will be considerably above the going rate. It could cover your field work next summer. If you could just come up and take a look.

JACK

Tempting, but like I said, I've got lots to do, lecture notes and tests to prepare....

ANGELA

It won't take long, four days tops. We fly you up. You take a couple days to study the site. We fly you back to Fairbanks right after the site inspection. I'm due back in Anchorage myself in a couple days.

JACK

(nervously)

So, you'll be on site, too?

ANGELA

Yeah. This is really important. I need to be here.

JACK

(resigned)

Send me what you have. I'm not committing, but I'll take a quick look and let you know what I decide.

ANGELA

Jack... Okay. Bye.

Angela ends the call. Jack sadly stares at his phone for a few seconds before eventually returning it to his pocket.

END INTERCUT

EXT. NORTH SLOPE EAST OF PUMP STATION TWO - DAY

Dressed head-to-toe in brand new woodland camo, two hunters with fancy compound bows walk in single file behind their GUIDE, a middle-aged local Inuit in a worn coat and hat.

The guide carries a hunting rifle, while one bowhunter has a large pistol on his hip and the other has a large, custom, antler-handle Bowie knife on his belt. From their attire and demeanor, they're novices looking for adventure.

In the distance, the guide sees something large lying on the tundra. It's brown and red. As they approach, the guide stops and lets out an astonished whistle.

KNIFE

Damn. Will you look at that?

The carcass of a massive grizzly has been ripped apart as though butchered by something far higher on the food chain.

PISTOL

You think it was the wolves we saw?

GUIDE

A wolf pack? I've never known one to hunt bears.

KNIFE

Maybe someone shot and wounded it. If it got away from the hunter, this could just be where it finally bought the farm. That way, it would have already been dead when the pack came across the carcass.

Knife kneels next to what's left of the dead bear and unsheathes his knife.

PISTOL

What are you doing?

KNIFE

I didn't hike all this way to go home empty-handed. I want a souvenir.

PISTOL

(to Guide)

Can he do that? I read Fish and Game's been arresting people to stop the export of bear parts to China.

Not waiting for an answer, Knife grabs the bear's giant paw and begins cutting off one of its claws.

GUIDE

A claw is okay, but I wouldn't recommend taking an entire paw.

(looks at watch)

It's getting late. We should head back. Only so long before a ranger spots us. We pressing our luck as it is.

Knife holds up a bloody claw and grins at his trophy.

PISTOL

Might as well. We're not going to see any action today anyway. Screw this.

KNIFE

"Big game", you said. So far, all we've seen is a dead bear and some wolves way too far away to shoot.

The Guide leads Pistol and Knife back towards where he parked their car, several miles across the tundra.

A few minutes later, Pistol hears a noise behind him and turns towards Knife. A torrent of warm liquid sprays Pistol in the face, blinding him. It's scarlet red arterial blood.

Pistol hears the wet, tearing sound of sinew and muscle being shredded by powerful jaws. Jaws strong enough to kill Knife before he could even scream.

Wiping the blood from his eyes, Pistol backpedals as something big hurtles past. The Guide's rifle fires. The Guide's blood-curdling screams are quickly silenced.

Pistol's fight-or-flight response kicks in. Still partially blinded by his friend's blood, he turns and runs as if the demons of hell are on his heels.

Half crawling, half running, Pistol loses his footing and face-plants. He's on all fours. The sound of ripping flesh or cracking bones behind him stops, and it's deadly quiet.

Eyes sealed tight with fear, Pistol is too scared to move. He's also too terrified to look, to terrified to see what's directly in front of him. He feels its hot sulfurous breath in his face, feels his hair being blown as it breathes.

Except for Pistol and the unseen monster, the tundra is empty. No one hears his screams or the sound of crunching bones.

INT. UAF CAMPUS / GEOLOGY BUILDING / HALLWAY - DAY

Lost in thought, Jack approaches his office door.

MARK (O.S.)

Jack! Hey, Jack!

JACK

I'll have the Intro to Geology papers for you to grade in about an hour.

MARK

What? Oh, okay. Sure. Whatever. What do you think?

JACK

About what?

Mark holds up a tablet.

MARK

The data from Morningstar.

Jack gives Mark a look of surprise.

JACK

How long have you been reading my emails?

MARK

You didn't know I'm copied on emails to your school email address?

Jack sets off for his office again with Mark in tow.

INT. UAF CAMPUS / GEOLOGY BUILDING / JACK'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

The pair enter Jack's office, and Jack sits behind his desk.

MARK

It said, "Fascinating data. Read Immediately". So, I did, and it was.

Mark extends the tablet. Jack reluctantly takes it. He scans through the data, swiping intermittently.

JACK

A hole and a pair of co-located earthquakes?

MARK

Exactly. Take a look at the survey data on page nine.

Jack swipes some more.

MARK (CONT'D)

You see where it says the initial earthquake and aftershock were super shallow, practically at the surface? But there aren't any faults for hundreds of miles.

JACK

Known faults. Could just be one that hasn't been mapped yet.

MARK

Possibly, but unlikely since the oil companies have heavily surveyed the area.

JACK

Agreed. What else did you consider?

MARK

Another possibility was blasting, but the pipeline construction team's been idle for several weeks now because of the protests.

JACK

So, what do you think's going on?

MARK

Well, the Morningstar geologist is calling it a sinkhole, but I don't buy it. Look at this.

Mark goes to a white board on the wall. He quickly sketches a horizontal line and adds a V-shaped hole and an underground cave beneath the line as he talks.

MARK (CONT'D)

Start with a thin layer of dirt over a limestone formation. Rain falling through the air absorbs carbon dioxide, forming a weak acid that percolates down through cracks in the rocks. It slowly dissolves the limestone, and the resulting cave expands until it nears the surface. The cave roof collapses, and you get a boring run-of-the-mill sinkhole.

JACK

And your point?

Mark draws a second hole, this time with vertical sides and horizontal bottom.

MARK

The hole up on the North Slope isn't like that at all. First, the ground's mostly Pleistocene aeolian dust blown in from China, not limestone. Second, sinkholes have sloping walls, either inward when cave roof first collapses or outward when enough surface soil has fallen in and washed away. -- But this hole's perfectly cylindrical, some hundred-feet across and thirty-feet deep.

That last fact gets Jack's attention. Previously leaning back in his chair, he sets up straight, paying considerably more attention.

JACK

What do you mean, perfectly cylindrical?

MARK

Just what it sounds like. Circular cross section, sheer vertical walls, and flat bottom. The photos look like a giant shoved a huge cookie cutter into the ground.

JACK

But, where's the dirt?

MARK

Exactly. At that latitude, it's permafrost for at least a thousand feet down. The ground's been frozen solid since before the last ice age. So, that leaves us with two more questions....

Jack leans forward, totally interested.

JACK

How did the hole form? And what do the earthquakes and hole have to do with each other?

MARK

Bingo. Like the email said, "Fascinating data".

Jack glances briefly at the photo on his desk, and his excitement vanishes.

JACK

Still, it's the middle of the Fall semester, and I have classes to teach.

MARK

You can't tell me you're not intrigued. You can get one of the other professors to take your classes for a couple of days. It would be well worth our time to find out.

JACK

"Our time"?

MARK

You can't go without your research assistant. That'd be like Batman without Robin, Superman without Jimmy Olsen, Radioactive Man without Fallout Boy, Green Arrow without....

JACK

(chuckling)

Enough already. You've made your point.

Jack looks through the email attachments again, stops, and hands the tablet back to Mark.

JACK (CONT'D)

And if it turns out to be nothing?

MARK

I'll grade the Intro to Geology papers for the rest of the semester.

JACK

You're already doing that anyway.

MARK

Well, yeah, but -- Science!

JACK

(sighing resignedly)

Fine. You win. You can come along.

Mark makes a fist and yanks his arm down in triumph.

MARK

Yes!

Mark happy dances his way out of Jack's office singing:

MARK (CONT'D)

We're gonna do some science! We're gonna do some science!

EXT. ALASKAN NORTH SLOPE - MORNING

A small herd of caribou graze on the endless tundra.

The thrum of a single-prop bush plane is heard passing overhead.

INT. BUSH PLANE - CONTINUOUS

Jack and Mark sit in two of the four seats behind the pilot. In the rear, a cargo net secures their luggage and equipment.

Jack stares out the window, while Mark is buried in a science-fiction graphic novel.

EXT. BUSH PLANE - LATER

The tiny plane begins its descent over the bare-bones oil town of Deadhorse at the end of the Dalton Highway.

EXT. DEADHORSE AIRPORT - LATER

The bush plane taxis off the airport's single runway and stops outside its main hangar. A pair of snow plows are parked next to a nearby row of small planes.

Jack and Mark deplane as a Morningstar Energy SUV pulls up. Kowalski and Angela get out to greet the new arrivals.

KOWALSKI

(shaking Jack's hand)

Dr. Oswald. I'm so glad you decided to come. Good flight?

JACK

It was fine, thanks. This is Mark Starr, one of my grad students.

KOWALSKI

Pleased to meet you.

(to Mark)

This is Angela Menendez, our North Slope Operations VP of Safety.

Angela nods to Jack and gives him a tense smile. Jack nods but doesn't return the smile; seeing Angela again is tougher than he expected.

Everyone starts shifting bags and equipment from the plane to their ground transportation.

Angela intercepts Jack as he puts his bag in the back compartment of the SUV.

ANGELA

Hey.

JACK

Hey.

ANGELA

You're looking well.

Jack manages an awkward smile.

ANGELA (CONT'D)

...I just wanted to say I appreciate you being here... Coming on such short notice, I mean.

JACK

You said it was important.

She returns an awkward smile of her own. They're both avoiding the caribou in the room.

JACK (CONT'D)

Angela....

ANGELA

(overlapping)

Listen, I....

JACK

Please, you first.

ANGELA

(professional)

I don't want you to feel any pressure one way or the other, but we're under a time crunch. The sooner you can give an assessment, the sooner I can make my formal recommendation to Operations. And that way, you can get right back to your classes.

Jack's tentative smile vanishes as Angela's last sentence brings up his defenses.

JACK

(more angrily than intended)

Wouldn't want you to be stuck with me longer than necessary.

Angela pauses, grasping for the right words when the roar of an arriving helicopter interrupts them.

EXT. DEADHORSE AIRPORT / BY MAIN HANGAR - CONTINUOUS

A sleek EC-145 helicopter touches down. A prominent Morningstar Energy logo is stenciled onto its side.

Parked in front of the hangar, a beat-up Jeep contrasts with two rented SUVs.

MORDECAI "MORTY" BLACKWELL (63) exits the hangar. Silver-haired and broad shouldered, Blackwell is the type of guy who's been "in charge" since Boy Scouts.

Blackwell is flanked by his personal security, two ex-military types wearing black uniforms: WILLIAM WICKES (35), a brawny Midwesterner and CHRISTINE NEUHAUSEN (26), an athletic brunette, pretty in spite of having her hair pulled back in a severe bun.

A handful of male REPORTERS from various mainstream news outlets spill out of the rented SUVs to meet Blackwell. AILEEN O'SHANNON (25), a beautiful red-haired reporter from the Fairbanks newspaper, gets out of the Jeep. The reporters shout questions over the din of the helicopter's spinning rotors.

REPORTER #1

Morningstar is headquartered down in Dallas. What brings you all the way to Deadhorse?

BLACKWELL

Thank you for your question. I'm here to tour the newly renovated Pump Station Two and observe the great progress we're making on our new pipeline. At Morningstar, we're committed to the safe and efficient transportation of oil to the American people, all while providing well-paying, high-skill jobs.

REPORTER #2

What about the workers who will lose their jobs due to increased automation at the pump station?

BLACKWELL

(grimaces)

While regrettable, automation improves safety by eliminating human error. And the number of jobs lost is quite small. Where possible, we are reassigning them to other projects.

REPORTER #3

What about reports of altercations between Morningstar employees and protesters from nearby villages? I've heard there have been injuries. What can you say about that?

BLACKWELL

Morningstar Energy respects the rights and traditions of the indigenous population, and any violence is naturally regrettable. However, we cannot allow valuable equipment to be sabotaged by a few overzealous protesters. That's why our security personnel are working closely with local authorities to keep the peace and protect valuable company property.

AILEEN

What are you doing to address the environmental impact? People have reported feeling tremors in the area. Aren't you concerned that one of these tremors might cause a spill?

BLACKWELL

Alaska is prone to earthquakes, which is one of the reasons our pipelines are built to the highest safety standards. There is no reason to believe the minor quakes pose any danger to our pipeline.

(noticing Jack)

In fact, we've flown in an independent consultant to ensure our pipeline is safe and poses no threat to the environment.

The group stops on the tarmac in front of Jack and the others.

JACK

Actually, I'm ....

ANGELA

(interrupting Jack)

Dr. Oswald is here to make sure we can resume operations safely.

Aileen sizes up the group, especially Jack and Mark.

BLACKWELL

I'm afraid that must be all for now. Safety is Morningstar's top priority, and I need to get the assessment team on-site so they can begin work immediately. Now if you'll excuse us, we have a helicopter to catch.

Blackwell turns to his guards.

BLACKWELL (CONT'D)

Neuhausen, you're with me. Wickes, drive Kowalski, Mr. Star, and their equipment to the hole.

Blackwell leads Jack, Angela, and Christine Neuhausen to the helicopter, while Wickes runs interference with the media. Once the four enter the helicopter, Wickes escorts Kowalski and Mark to the Morningstar SUV for the three-hour drive to the mysterious hole.

INT. DEADHORSE AIRPORT / HELICOPTER - MOMENTS LATER

Blackwell, Neuhausen, Angela and Jack strap themselves in. The interior is closer to a luxury sedan than a helicopter.

BLACKWELL

Excellent timing. You're already earning your consulting fee.

Jack stares at Angela a little confused.

ANGELA

Respectfully, sir. We had planned to drive to the sinkhole where the quakes were centered.

BLACKWELL

And now you'll get there that much faster. Relax and enjoy the view.

Blackwell dons a set of flight headphones and talks with the pilot.

BLACKWELL (CONT'D)

Basecamp, Thomas.

EXT. DEADHORSE AIRPORT / BY MAIN HANGAR - CONTINUOUS

The helicopter lifts off, leaving the reporters and the others behind.

MARK

I wanted to ride in the helicopter.

KOWALSKI

And I want box seats at Wrigley Field. Let's go.

EXT. ALASKAN NORTH SLOPE (10,000 FEET) - LATER

The desolate tundra of the North Slope is flat and dotted with small ponds. Looking south, the rounded mountains of the Brooks Range looms in the distance.

The Morningstar helicopter streaks into view.

INT. HELICOPTER - CONTINUOUS

Jack, Angela, Blackwell, and Neuhausen, headphones on, ride comfortably in the executive helicopter.

PILOT (O.S.)

Excuse me, sir. Five minutes out.

BLACKWELL

Thank you, Thomas.

Blackwell takes stock of Jack and Angela.

BLACKWELL (CONT'D)

(to Jack and Angela)

Most divorced couples I know would do anything to avoid seeing each other, much less working together.

(reacting to their surprise)

A good CEO makes it his business to know his employees.

JACK

You always this hands-on with your pipeline operations?

BLACKWELL

This is a special case. The protesters have set up a camp in the path of the pipeline. We've had to bring in security to protect company property, and the resulting delay is costing us millions.

ANGELA

(interjecting)

We have a small basecamp for our construction workers a mile this side of the end of the pipeline. The protesters' camp is about a hundred yards past that, and the sinkhole is two miles further on.

BLACKWELL

We have a court order telling them to get out of our way, but they aren't budging. Typical environmental crap about oil spills ruining their ancestral lands. We thought they'd give up by now, especially with winter coming on. But now with the sinkhole and tremors, they're hanging on like a tick on a hound. Hopefully, you can take a look, give us a report, and this can all be resolved quickly.

JACK

I'll give my professional opinion, based on our observations. I can't say what the results will be until I can see for myself.

BLACKWELL

Of course.

EXT. FLYING OVER THE PIPELINE - CONTINUOUS

The helicopter passes over Pump Station Two where the new pipeline joins the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Sometime later, the helicopter flies over the construction basecamp, the end of the pipeline, and the protester camp. After a few minutes more, it begins a wide orbit around the mouth of the hole.

INT. HELICOPTER - CONTINUOUS

Jack and Angela stare awestruck at the massive crater, now forty-feet deep. Clouds of noxious gases ominously rise from the hole as shadow shrouds the hole's bottom.

JACK

Strange. It looks deeper than in the photos.

BLACKWELL

There was another tremor centered here about an hour before you touched down. It's deeper now.

ANGELA

Our geologist thinks the quakes caused the hole.

BLACKWELL

(to Jack)

Whether or not she's right, what I really need to know is how soon will it stop? And is this a one-off, or will any more holes be opening up?

JACK

With a little luck, I may have initial answers tomorrow after we rappel down inside, take a look, and collect some samples.

EXT. HELL HOLE - LATER

The SUV that brought Kowalski, Mark, and Wickes sits well back from the hole, while Blackwell and his helicopter are long gone.

Jack, Angela, Mark, Kowalski, Christine Neuhausen, and Wickes have abandoned their coats due to the strange warmth around the hole. Fog-like vapors from the hole cover the ground, which is wet and squishy underfoot. Jack and Mark are wearing climbing harnesses and carrying helmets and respirators.

KOWALSKI

Well, Dr. Oswald, where's all this heat coming from?

JACK

(flummoxed)

I don't know. The nearest sources of geothermal energy and volcanic activity are all along the Pacific Coast and Aleutian Islands. There shouldn't be anything this far east.

KOWALSKI

Well, whatever's causing it, you two need to find out what it is. We put pipelines on pylons to keep the oil's heat from melting down into the permafrost. If the heat around this hole spreads, it could cause the ground under the pipe to thaw. The pylons will sink into the muck, and if that happens, the pipeline's going to buckle and fail. We have enough problems with global warming; we don't need this too.

A rope tied to the winch on the SUV runs to the hole and over the edge. Mark notices the attractive Neuhausen standing alone, next to where the rope disappears into the hole. He walks over to her and smiles.

MARK

Impressive, isn't it.

His smile vanishes when she turns to him, and he sees her nose scrunched up in disgust.

NEUHAUSEN

What reeks?

Mark's smile returns when he realizes she wasn't disgusted with him.

MARK

Oh. The smell. That's sulfur dioxide. It's often found in crude oil and has to be removed or it corrodes the pipes. \-- I'm Mark, by the way. Mark Starr.

NEUHAUSEN

(offers hand to shake)

Neuhausen. -- So, Doctor Starr, what do you think?

MARK

Call me Mark. I won't get my doctorate 'til next year. -- As for the hole, that's why we're here. To find out. -- So, you ever make it down to Fairbanks?

She smiles briefly on realizing he's interested in her.

NEUHAUSEN

I go where Mr. Blackwell goes, which is pretty much everywhere there's oil. Haven't been to Fairbanks yet.

MARK

We have a great museum at the University. I could show you around if you're ever in town.

Jack walks over, interrupting any further attempt by Mark to impress her.

Angela sits in the passenger seat with a laptop displaying the feeds from the cameras on Jack and Mark's helmets. They also wear two-way radio headsets under their helmets.

ANGELA

Your cameras are working fine. Do you copy? Over.

JACK (O.S.)

I copy. Over.

MARK (O.S.)

I read you. TK-421, do you copy?

ANGELA

What?

MARK (O.S.)

You know. Star Wars? A New Hope? The storm trooper on the Death Star?

JACK (O.S.)

Don't ask. It only encourages him. He'll just keep spouting Sci-Fi trivia, and we'll never get anything done.

Mark and Jack stand at the very edge of the hole, which is now roughly forty-feet deep. Jack steels himself for the work ahead when something catches his eye.

By his foot is a partial animal track in the thawed tundra. It's big, very big, with four long groves left by vicious claws. It's not like that of any bear or anything else that Jack's ever seen.

Mark peers over the lip of the hole. The bottom is covered by swirls of noxious vapors and is in the deep shadow cast by the sun that hangs just above the southern horizon. Before Jack can comment on the track, Mark dons his respirator and connects the carabiner on his climbing harness to the rope.

MARK

Last one down buys lunch.

Mark backs over the edge, dropping backwards into the hole. But Jack hesitates.

QUICK FLASHBACK - NYIARGONGO CRATER

Jack watches Ben rappel down the walls of the volcano's caldera to step onto the floor of the crater.

BACK TO SCENE

Jack shakes his head to disperse the painful memory. Mark is already half way down and threatening to disappear into the thick miasma below.

MARK (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Get a load of the side of the hole. It's like glass. Jack, you gotta see this.

Jack snaps out of his personal daze, connects himself to the rope, and backs over the edge.

INT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Mark is on the bottom and has unhooked himself from the rope. Jack reaches bottom and also unhooks himself. Both examine the smooth interior wall of the hole. The two men ignore the fact they are standing ankle-deep in water.

A pall of slowly swirling mist cloaks the inside of the hole. It's like trying to see through gauze.

JACK

Take a sample of the water and the mud on the bottom. I'm going to take some samples of the wall.

MARK

Okay.

As Mark prepares to take the samples, Jack's pulse rises. His breathing ramps up. Taking a deep breath, he tries to remember he's not inside a volcano this time, but his brain isn't splitting hairs.

Standing at the wall of the hole, Jack removes his glove and runs his bare hand over the wall's smooth surface. It's not the dull brown frozen dirt he expected. It looks more like brown glass. He looks for any clue to its formation but finds nothing obvious.

ANGELA (O.S.)

What do you see? Between the mist and shadow, we can't make out much from the cameras.

JACK

Visibility's only a few yards. And it has to be eighty-degrees down here. It's like a sauna.

MARK

Yeah. Talk about climate change.

Jack knocks on the smooth hard surface in front of him.

JACK

Mark's right about the walls being like glass. It looks like something's melted the sides of the hole.

Jack strikes the smooth surface with the chisel head of his rock hammer. It breaks through the glass into the dull brown permafrost soil behind it.

JACK (CONT'D)

The melted layer is only about an eighth of an inch thick. I'm breaking off a piece for analysis.

While Jack collects the sample, Mark walks over and runs his hand across the strange surface.

MARK

You can feel small vertical ridges where the molten glass flowed down the wall. It's volcanic rock without the volcano.

INT. SUV - CONTINUOUS

Kowalski leans in through the open door of the SUV to look at Angela's laptop.

KOWALSKI

(conceding)

So, it's not a sinkhole?

INT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

JACK

I don't know what it is, but whatever it is, it's definitely not a sinkhole. I've never seen anything like it. Hell, I've never even heard of anything like it.

Mark turns from the wall and walks a few feet towards the center of the hole. A large shadow looms, barely visible through the swirling mist.

MARK

Jack, there's something over there.

JACK

Coming. Just watch your step-OOF.

Jack trips over something and falls face-first into the shallow muddy water.

ANGELA (O.S.)

Jack!

JACK

I'm okay. We're okay. I just tripped....

He stops short as he sees what he tripped over: the top-half of a corpse. Lying on its back, its face is contorted with fear and pain. What's left of its abdomen and legs are shredded beyond recognition.

JACK (CONT'D)

Damn...

MARK

...nation!

The mists part to reveal the side of the dead man's pickup truck. The Morningstar Logo on the truck's door peeks out from the hellish fumes. They've found the Morningstar employee who was swallowed up when the hole first formed.

JACK

There's a body down here. Kowalski, he was one of yours.

MARK

Half of a body.

ANGELA (O.S.)

Say again. Did you say half a body?

JACK

That's right. It looks like a bear or pack of wolves either killed him or found him after he died. Then, the ground opened up under what's left of him and his truck.

They hear a deep rumbling as an earthquake shakes the bottom of the hole. The ankle-deep water sloshes back and forth. Simultaneously, the walls of the hole are briefly lit by a brilliant blue light.

The floor of the hole drops several feet, and a crevasse opens up, swallowing the truck. The water pours down, washing the corpse down with it. Losing his footing, Mark slips and screams as he follows them over the edge of the crevasse.

JACK (CONT'D)

Mark!

QUICK FLASHBACK - NYIARGONGO CRATER

Jack watches in horror as Ben runs for his life and the flood of lava overtakes him.

BACK TO SCENE

ANGELA (O.S.)

Jack... Jack!

NEUHAUSEN (O.S.)

What the hell was that? Blue lights just shot out of the hole.

Jack scrambles to the lip of the crevasse and looks down into the pitch blackness.

JACK

Mark! Can you hear me? Are you okay?

(to Angela)

I'm okay, but a crevasse opened up, and Mark fell in.

(to Neuhausen)

I have no idea what the light was.

(to Mark)

Mark!

Jack leans over the crevasse, hoping to see Mark, but all he sees is darkness.

MARK (O.S.)

(pained)

I sprained my ankle slamming onto a narrow ledge. Otherwise, I'm okay.

JACK

Thank goodness! You had us worried for a second there.

MARK

Jack, what was that light?

JACK

I'm not sure. If I had to guess, I'd say we just had a close up look at an earthquake light. Ordinarily, they are diffuse bluish lights in the sky above earthquakes. But what we saw hugged the walls of the hole.

MARK (O.S.)

Whatever it was, it was bizarre.

JACK

Anyway, hang tight. I'm going to get some rope and pull you out.

Jack walks back to the wall of the hole but can't find the rope that they rappelled down on.

JACK (CONT'D)

Hey, up there. I can't see the rope with all this fog. Which way is it?

NEUHAUSEN (O.S.)

Follow my voice. It's over here.

Looking up, Jack moves sideways towards her voice.

JACK

I still don't see it. Oops.

Jack trips over something and reaches down. It's the rope. But it's been severed near the top of the hole and fallen to the hole's floor. Jack picks up the end and looks at it.

JACK (CONT'D)

Son of a bitch. The rope's been cut... No, melted.

Jack reaches out his hand and carefully touches the wall with his fingertips. He yanks back his hand and blows on his fingertips.

JACK (CONT'D)

The wall. It's hot. Whatever that blue light was, it melted the rope and reheated the wall. Wickes, send down some more rope. Meanwhile, I'm going to use what I have to pull Mark out of the crevasse.

EXT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Wickes mans the winch, lowering more rope into the hole.

NEUHAUSEN

This is taking way too long. I'm going down to help.

Neuhausen grabs climbing gear and rapidly puts it on. She hooks herself to the newly-lowered rope and rappels down.

INT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Jack winds up the severed piece of rope and walks to the crevasse. Wrapping one end of the rope over his shoulder and around his waist, Jack lowers the other end down to Mark.

JACK

Mark, grab the end of this, and I'll pull you up. Okay?

MARK (O.S.)

Got it. Go ahead.

Jack slowly backs up, pulling Mark up as he goes. But it's difficult as Mark can't put his weight on his injured ankle and the rope is wet and wants to slip.

Rumble. An aftershock occurs, the ground vibrates, and the blue light briefly reappears. Clouds of swirling gas billow out of the crevasse.

The bottom of the hole drops a few feet, causing the rope to slip out of Mark's hands. Small rocks are knocked loose and fall as Mark slides further down the crevasse. Mark lands on another ledge some thirty feet below Jack.

JACK

Mark!

MARK (O.S.)

I'm okay. Thank goodness, I didn't slide very far. We have no idea how deep this rabbit hole goes.

The distant sound of more falling rocks rises from deep within the crevasse.

MARK (O.S.) (CONT'D)

(nervously)

Jack, I don't think this crevasse is exactly stable. Get me out of here!

JACK

Hang on. I'm lowering more rope.

More small rocks cascade down in the crevasse, somewhat louder this time, closer. They hear a faint low-pitched growling sound that might be more falling rocks or something more sinister.

MARK (O.S.)

(concerned)

Jack, I think you'd better hurry!

JACK

Tie yourself on.

MARK (O.S.)

(panic rising)

I'm on! Get me out of here! Now!!

Neuhausen approaches from behind Jack.

NEUHAUSEN

Need a hand?

JACK

(startled)

Oh! Yeah, definitely. Thanks.

(to Mark)

Okay, Mark. We're pulling you out.

Standing at the edge of the crevasse, Jack and Neuhausen pull on the rope. When Mark reaches the edge, Neuhausen reaches down to help him out onto the floor of the hell hole.

Mark can't put weight on his injured ankle, and Neuhausen helps him stand.

MARK

(surprised, to Neuhausen)

You came down to help me!

NEUHAUSEN

Yeah, well don't get used to it. I might not be around the next time you need me.

MARK

(smiling)

Still, you came down for me.

JACK

How about you two finish this conversation topside. Let's get the hell out of here before anything else goes wrong.

Neuhausen helps Mark hobble back to the side of the hole, but as Jack is about to follow, he hears the sound of cascading rocks. Jack turns and looks down into the crevasse and faintly sees two dim lights, looking like eyes gazing up at him out of the darkness. Jack pauses, unsure of what he's seeing. The lights blink, and he unmistakably hears the sound of a low rumbling growl.

NEUHAUSEN (O.S.)

Okay, Wickes, pull us up.

A primeval fear envelops Jack, and he turns and runs for the side of the hole and the safety of the rope. It's gone! Jack looks up to see Neuhausen, Mark, and the end of the rope disappearing over the edge of the hole to safety.

JACK

(to the people topside)

Send down the rope. Hurry!

(muttering to himself)

Come on. Come on.

Looking back through the swirling mists, Jack sees an indistinct shadow creep over the edge of the crevasse. He turns back to the wall and looks up as the rope lowers into reach. Without waiting to attach his harness to the rope, Jack grabs the rope and yells:

JACK (CONT'D)

(in panic)

Pull me up! Pull me up now!

As the rope rises, Jack loses his footing and slips, banging his face into the wall and smashing his respirator. He gets several deep lungsful of gas and begins coughing.

EXT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Mark sits on the back seat of the Morningstar SUV.

Still coughing as he's pulled out of the hole, Jack rips off his broken respirator and takes in great gulps of air.

Angela's former fear is replaced by a mixture of relief, joy, and concern at Jack's safe return to the surface. She kneels down next to him.

ANGELA

Are you alright?

JACK

(hacking)

Something... Saw something... In the....

The rest of Jack's answer is a coughing fit.

Kowalski picks up Jack's broken respirator as Jack passes out.

ANGELA

Jack? Jack!

EXT. NORTH SLOPE / PROTESTER CAMP - LATER

An inverted American flag and several tribal insignias fly over a random collection of tents, teepees, campers, and other civilian vehicles. Hand painted banners read: NO PIPELINE and SAVE OUR LAND.

Blackwell's helicopter sits on the perimeter of the encampment, guarded by a two-man Morningstar security detail. The Morningstar SUV sits next to it.

INT. PROTESTER CAMP / MEDICAL TENT - CONTINUOUS

The tent is stocked with modest piles of mostly donated medical supplies. An ad hoc EMS team of volunteers busily treats locals suffering from pepper spray exposure and other protest-related injuries.

Jack, IV drip and oxygen flowing, wakes to find a relieved Angela by his side.

ANGELA

Hey.

JACK

(still groggy)

Mark?

ANGELA

He's fine. Just a badly sprained ankle. They wrapped it up and moved him to another tent to make room.

JACK

Room?

ANGELA

Some of the protesters got into it with the security contractors Morningstar hired. A few people were injured.

JACK

(looking around)

"Were injured"? Looks more like your company goons decided to send a message.

Injured protesters fill the medical tent. Some receive milk washes for their eyes for the pepper spray. Others are having cuts bandaged or are receiving ice packs for black eyes and bruises.

An unconscious teen with a pretty nasty head wound lies on the cot next to Jack. A concerned twenty-something, perhaps a brother, holds his hand.

Radiating empathy and calm, DAVID POOLE (late-thirties), walks up. His unzipped coat reveals a simple white cleric's collar at his neck.

POOLE

They started with pepper spray, and when that didn't work, the progressed to rubber bullets and batons...

(extending his hand)

David Poole. I'm pleased to see you're doing better.

JACK

Jack Oswald and my... and Angela Menendez. Too bad we can't say the same thing for them.

POOLE

So many have gathered in protest that I can hardly keep track of all the new faces.

ANGELA

We're not with the protesters.

POOLE

I shall pray for you all the same.

Several men, women, and more young teens begin to file in, nursing a variety of injuries from respiratory distress to blunt force trauma.

ANGELA

(looking disapprovingly at the injured)

I see kids and retirees. Why would security attack them like this?

POOLE

These people want justice. As a member of the clergy, I had hoped I could help de-escalate things, but a group of security officers on the access road had other ideas.

ANGELA

This is unacceptable. Reverend, I'm going to talk to Morningstar's CEO about this personally.

POOLE

I prefer "pastor", truth be told. A shepherd overseeing his flock and so on, but you can call me David. And you'll have to excuse me as I'm heading back to Deadhorse to collect a shipment of donations: blankets, food, water, and medicine.

(nods politely)

God Bless you.

Poole exits the tent as Kowalski enters. Kowalski walks up to Jack

KOWALSKI

Thank goodness. You had us worried for a while there.

JACK

We, all of these people, everyone has to get out of here. You have to evacuate your construction crews.

KOWALSKI

Hold on, now. I know that sinkhole gave you a good scare, but....

Jack sits up and pulls off the nasal cannula.

JACK

That's no sinkhole! It's not like any hole I've ever seen. I saw something when I was down in the hole.

ANGELA

Saw something? What?

Jack pauses, realizing how what he was about to say would sound.

JACK

I'm... I'm not sure....

KOWALSKI

You got a good dose of gas after you broke your respirator. You could have seen anything given the nasty stuff you were breathing.

JACK

And I heard growling.

KOWALSKI

Growling? What you probably heard was the rumbling of the quake.

JACK

But back at the hole. I saw a large animal track.

KOWALSKI

A bear. They're all over the North Slope.

JACK

I know a bear track when I see one.

KOWALSKI

Listen, since the hole isn't in the direct path of the pipeline, is it or is it not a danger to the pipe?

ANGELA

(diplomatic)

What about those tremors? What if the hole gets bigger?

KOWALSKI

Can you say for sure it will?

JACK

You really don't care, do you? Unbelievable.

KOWALSKI

(digging in)

Without confirmation that the hole will get bigger, I can't justify continuing the stoppage.

JACK

Did you fly me all the way up here to ignore my expertise? You can't just....

A fit of raspy coughs stops Jack's tirade. He pauses to compose himself.

KOWALSKI

You're an expert on sinkholes. You said yourself this isn't a sinkhole.

(to Angela)

Look, I'm not the bad guy; we're all here to do our jobs.

(to Jack)

Get better. That's your only job now.

Before Angela or Jack can argue, Kowalski turns his back and storms out of the tent.

JACK

You can't let him do this.

ANGELA

Jack, you did hit your head on your way out of the hole and passed out after breathing the fumes. How can I... how can you know for sure what you saw and heard?

JACK

I know it sounds crazy. It sounds crazy to me too, but I know there's something unnatural about that hole, something dangerous.

ANGELA

(reluctantly)

Jack, listen to yourself. I know that today can't have been easy for you, but....

JACK

(getting angry)

What's that supposed to mean?

ANGELA

Jack, the hole, the heat. Your grad student falling down a crevasse.

That hits him way too close to home, leaving Jack briefly too upset and angry to speak.

JACK

How dare you. How dare you use Ben to rationalize your... misguided sense of loyalty.

ANGELA

Wait, what?

JACK

You needed a rubber stamp to get the construction going again. And you figured I'd go along out of what, guilt?

ANGELA

(confused by the false accusation)

Do you even hear yourself? Where is this coming from? I would never use Ben's death against you. Never.

JACK

How could I have been so blind? You were just using me. Get what you need, and then cast me aside without worrying about the consequences.

ANGELA

(shocked, hurt, and angry)

This isn't about us. Don't you dare make this about us.

JACK

Suddenly, I don't feel so well.

Jack turns on his side, turning his back to Angela.

JACK (CONT'D)

I need to rest.

ANGELA

Fine. Roll over and wall me out. Again.

Both are too angry to admit that they had gone too far, said things they would later regret. As Angela storms out, Blackwell and BO TAGAROOK (45) walk in, followed by several reporters including Aileen.

A lanky Inuit, Tagarook is wearing expensive sportswear, an expensive watch, and a gold and diamond ring that he didn't buy on a pipeline worker's salary. He's Blackwell's man inside the tribe.

REPORTER #1

What can you tell us about the latest violence between protesters and Morningstar's private security?

BLACKWELL

I'm told the authorities are looking for outside agitators who have infiltrated the local protesters. While we can hardly allow our equipment to be vandalized, we are committed to work with the local communities to find a peaceful and equitable solution to our current impasse.

TAGAROOK

As Tribal Liaison, I can assure you that both sides seek a peaceful resolution, and we have agreed to a twenty-four-hour cooling off period to calm things down and let cooler heads prevail.

AILEEN

What about the continued tremors and reports of strange lights on the eastern horizon? There are also reports of several people who have gone missing.

BLACKWELL

(chuckling dismissively)

What are you suggesting? Alien abductions? Some cockamamie conspiracy theory? I assure you that there is nothing untoward going on.

AILEEN

There is still the issue of the earthquakes and rumors of a large new sinkhole in the path of the pipeline.

TAGAROOK

Mr. Blackwell has assured me their consultant's recommendation will determine what happens next. Isn't that right, Dr. Oswald?

The expression on Jack's face makes it clear he doesn't appreciate being put on the spot.

AILEEN

What happened to you today?

JACK

What?

REPORTER #2

Did the protesters attack you because you work for Morningstar Energy? Did you see any other acts of violence from the protesters?

BLACKWELL

Unfortunately, Dr. Oswald slipped and injured himself while making measurements as part of his safety study.

Blackwell gives Jack a look and a barely noticeable shake of his head, warning him to keep his mouth shut in front of the reporters. Jack remains quiet, perhaps realizing how crazy his warnings might sound to a bunch of reporters.

BLACKWELL (CONT'D)

I think Dr. Oswald has had quite enough excitement for one day. I'd be happy to answer any questions about Morningstar's new two-million-dollar Spill Response Center.

With a last glance at Jack, Blackwell exits the tent, leading the reporters outside like goslings behind a mother goose.

JACK

(to Tagarook)

You and Blackwell can't cover this up like some industrial accident.

TAGAROOK

One fishing trip and suddenly you white people are stewards of the land?

JACK

This isn't about preventing an oil-spill anymore.

TAGAROOK

Save the preservation lecture. My grandfather worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Quakes, global warming, a biblical flood, nothing is going to keep that oil in the ground, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure my people get their share.

JACK

And this isn't about oil money....

Jack's anger and frustration triggers more coughing.

TAGAROOK

Relax, Doc. You'll live longer.

Tagarook walks off.

JACK

(to Angela)

I've had all of the bullshit I can stand for one day. I'm going for a walk. Alone.

Jack grabs his blanket, wraps it around his shoulders, and storms out of the tent.

INT. PROTESTER CAMP / RECOVERY TENT - CONTINUOUS

The patients with only minor injuries huddle together in a repurposed supply tent. Mark is trying to get to his feet, but grimaces when he puts his weight on his injured ankle.

Neuhausen enters, helping a young girl with bandaged eyes take a seat on a cot. Neuhausen spots Mark, who's watching her. He smiles. She hesitates, then walks over to him.

NEUHAUSEN

How's the ankle?

MARK

It hurts like hell, but I'll live. Do you know which tent Dr. Oswald is in?

NEUHAUSEN

He's still in the medical tent, but he's finally awake.

MARK

How's he doing?

NEUHAUSEN

The camp doctor says he's lucky. There won't be any permanent lung damage.

MARK

I should go and see how he's feeling.

NEUHAUSEN

What you should do is keep off your ankle. Put weight on it too soon, and you could end up limping for a long time.

MARK

Regardless, I still need to go and see him. I was so excited about actually seeing the hole, I didn't think about how being in it might have affected him.

NEUHAUSEN

It was kind of hairy down there.

MARK

That's not what I meant. You couldn't know this, but up until three years ago, Jack was a volcanologist.

NEUHAUSEN

Really? I'm seriously impressed. You wouldn't catch me climbing into a volcano.

MARK

Jack's son was studying to become a volcanologist like his dad, and Jack often took his son with him on field trips to various volcanoes. About three years ago, the two of them were studying a volcano in Africa when there was a terrible accident.

NEUHAUSEN

What happened?

MARK

They were collecting samples inside the caldera of an active volcano when an earthquake caused a lava lake to flood the area where his son was standing.

NEUHAUSEN

That's horrendous.

MARK

Yeah. After that, Jack gave up researching volcanoes and became a petroleum geologist.

NEUHAUSEN

(shaking her head)

That's brutal. No parent should ever have to bury a child.

MARK

Jack never forgave himself for his death, and neither did his wife. They ended up getting divorced. Ever since, Jack's avoided anything even remotely resembling a volcano.

NEUHAUSEN

Like the hole you were in today.

MARK

Exactly. Anyway, I'm worried about how he's taking this, especially with me falling down that damn crevasse.

NEUHAUSEN

Well maybe I can rustle up some crutches for you. -- Oh, by the way, Blackwell says he's flying up to Deadhorse in the morning, and for you and Dr. Oswald to be ready to ship out.

MARK

But we're not done. We're just getting started.

NEUHAUSEN

The guy who signs my paycheck says otherwise. You need to take it up with him. Meanwhile, get some rest.

Mark smiles as he watches her leave.

MARK

(to himself)

I think I might just be growing on her.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP - EVENING

Aileen sneaks along a row of parked vehicles, ignoring the motley collection of beat-up SUVs and pickup trucks. She stops behind a Morningstar Energy SUV.

Aileen glances into the back window. Angela's computer lies on top of a pile of climbing gear, including the helmets with attached cameras. Crouching to remain unseen, she tries to open the hatchback, but it's locked. She leans closer, blocking our view, and a few seconds later, she hears a click.

Aileen opens the hatch, reaches in, and removes the laptop. She sits down on the ground so that she remains hidden. She opens the laptop and turns it on. After trying a few passwords without success, she pauses in thought, and then types "BEN". The password works. She clicks on the camera icon and rapidly scrolls through the day's video recordings. She spots something unusual, stops, and slowly scrolls backwards until she finds the clearest image.

Although thick swirls of haze obscure the image, the dark shape of something appears to be climbing out of the crevasse. She plugs in a thumb drive and copies the video file.

Hearing nearby voices, Aileen quickly removes the thumb drive, turns off the laptop, and returns it to the SUV. Moving away from the voices, she disappears into the darkness.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP / MEDICAL TENT - LATER

The sky is gray with clouds heavy with snow. It's as dark as it can be this time of year on the North Slope. The camp is relatively still. No longer as densely populated as it once was, the few diehards huddle together in their tents, nursing their injuries from the day's confrontation.

As Jack walks along the edge of camp, it begins to snow. Aileen walks up to Jack.

AILEEN

Dr. Oswald. May I talk to you?

Jack changes direction to avoid her. She moves to cut him off.

AILEEN (CONT'D)

I came by earlier, but you were still unconscious. I just have a few questions.

Jack speeds up, and Aileen runs up to him.

AILEEN (CONT'D)

What happened out there today?

JACK

Why don't you ask Blackwell or Tagarook? They seem to have agreed on their cover story.

AILEEN

I'm not on Morningstar's payroll.

JACK

Good for you.

AILEEN

What was it you saw in that hole?

JACK

Listen, Miss...?

AILEEN

Aileen O'Shannon. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

JACK

I've had a remarkably shitty day, Ms. O'Shannon, so if you'll excuse me.

Jack turns away from Aileen and walks off.

AILEEN

You saw it didn't you?

She cuts him off; he steps around her again. Aileen won't give up and matches him stride for stride.

AILEEN (CONT'D)

This isn't the first time. Northern Siberia, the Northwest Territories, Iceland, northern Norway and Finland. Holes belching hot poisonous gasses. Animals, people, sometimes entire buildings being swallowed up never to be seen again.

JACK

I'm in no mood for conspiracy theories. Go peddle them somewhere else.

AILEEN

I'm telling you the truth.

JACK

(having had enough)

You have no idea what's out there!

(tired)

Listen, I've had my fill of drama today. Now, if you don't mind?

AILEEN

You're right, you know? Something is coming. Something these people are not prepared to deal with.

JACK

Go back to Fairbanks, Ms. O'Shannon.

Jack just walks off.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP - LATER

An eerie, inhuman series of shrieks pierces the frigid night air. It sounds completely alien.

In the distance, a shout, then a scream, a very human one. The camp erupts in panic as people scramble out of their tents to find out what's happening.

The snow is really coming down, and visibility has dropped to only a few yards. Jack squints, trying to see through the swirling snow, but can't make out anything.

A man in snow pants, but no shirt, barrels out of the snow and shoves past Jack. SHIRTLESS struggles to stay on his bare feet. He's panting, terrified. He scrambles to put more distance between himself and the horror he witnessed.

Jack feels something wet on his hand and raises it to his face. It's blood, but not his own. It's from shirtless.

JACK

(to Shirtless)

Hey!

Shirtless doesn't seem to hear Jack. He continues running, fearfully glancing behind him.

Wham! Something large slams into Shirtless, knocking him to the ground some ten yards from Jack.

Jack strains to see, but between the failing light and falling snow, he sees only shadows.

But Shirtless sees. Right up close. The sheer horror of it is written on his face. He tries to scream, but there's no time. Something savage and unrelenting pounces on top of him.

The sound of ripping flesh and snapping bones is barely audible above the sound of the wind.

That's enough for Jack, who turns heel and races to put distance between him and whatever just disemboweled the shirtless man.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP / NEAR PARKED VEHICLES - MOMENTS LATER

A Morningstar security guard sees something on the ground several yards ahead of him. He holds his .38 at the ready. When a gust of wind clears his line of sight, he sees it.

It's a huge hound, fit to guard the gates of Hell itself. It's massive muscles glisten under transparent skin that reveals black blood vessels, yellow sinews, white bones, and large triangular teeth. Its yellow eyes have horizontal goat-like pupils, and the claws on its large paws are curved and unnaturally long.

Viscera clings to its glistening fangs. Drool drips onto Shirtless Man's freshly exposed entrails.

The hellhound emits an unholy roar as it turns from its meal to face the security guard, who empties his pistol into the beast. The bullets emerge from their bullet holes and drop onto the ground. Black blood briefly drips before the wounds disappear.

The security guard tries to reload, but accidentally drops the magazine into the deepening snow. He reaches down, reloads, and aims at -- snow.

The hellhound is gone. No, it's moved right beside him.

The beast's long fangs pierce the security guard's skull before he can take aim. Although already dead, his finger reflexively squeezes the trigger, firing off a single round, which goes wide. The monster feeds.

Jack hears the security guard's gunshots.

Jack races through the near white-out conditions, trying to get back to the medical tent.

JACK

(to himself)

Angela!

He rounds a corner of a tent and sees a lone protester holding a glow sick out in front of him as though it were a cross.

JACK (CONT'D)

(loud whispering)

We need to get out of here! Run!

Ignoring Jack, Glow Stick looks back and forth, desperately straining to see through the blizzard.

Before Jack can run past Glow Stick, a hellhound attacks, rending the panic-stricken protester limb from limb.

The monster turns towards Jack. Rippling cords of muscle are clearly visible under its slick transparent skin. With drool dripping from its shark-like teeth, the hellhound is death incarnate. It stares right at Jack.

WICKES (O.S.)

(shouting)

Jack, run!

Wickes aims his M4 assault rifle, set to full auto, at the hellhound, and sends a burst of bullets into the beast's side. The bullets knock the monster down, but it soon gets back on its feet, growls, and turns towards its assailant.

WICKES (CONT'D)

(to Jack)

Don't just stand there! Move your ass!

Jack makes a run for it, as Wickes empties the rest of his magazine into the monster. While the hellhound recovers, Wickes takes cover behind a minivan and reloads. Wickes carefully glances around the corner of the vehicle, but the hellhound is gone.

A drip of something thick and warm falls by Wickes' foot, melting the spot of snow where it landed. Another drip is followed by a low, menacing growl from above.

Wickes looks up. The huge hellhound looms over him like a gargoyle on a gothic mansion.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP - CONTINUOUS

Crouching by a beat-up RV, Angela hears the rapid burst of gunfire from Wickes' assault rifle. She thinks she hears a man screaming, but she's not sure. She tightens her grip on a hammer she wields for protection.

Angela checks the RV door. Locked. She turns and signals behind her. TWO INUIT TEENS scramble up to join her at the RV.

ANGELA

We're going to be okay. We have to keep moving.

Angela looks around to get her bearings. One of the teens is in shock from the horror she's seen. Her movements are slow and plodding, and she stares blankly as her friend drags her along.

ANGELA (CONT'D)

Okay. Okay. This way.

Angela wills herself and her wards through the driving snow.

Up ahead, the exterior lights of one of the few solid-walled makeshift structures of the protester camp promises safety.

Angela rounds a corner of a parked vehicle right into the path of a hellhound.

Angela stands bravely between the two girls and the monster. She brandishes the hammer with as much intimidation as she can muster. The hellhound stalks forward, ready to strike.

Barreling through the snow with its horn blaring to distract the hellhound, a Morningstar SUV rams into the hellish creature, launching it into the plywood lean-to. The SUV skids to a halt.

INT. PROTESTER CAMP / MORNINGSTAR SUV - CONTINUOUS

Dazed by the deployed airbag, Jack blinks through the concussion he may have just given himself.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP - CONTINUOUS

The remains of the plywood lean-to shift as the beast stirs. It's still alive and is rapidly healing.

The front of the Morningstar SUV is smashed. Coolant drips, along with the thick black fluid hellhounds use for blood.

Jack cranks the starter. The ruined engine sputters and dies.

The hellhound rises on talon-tipped paws, shakes itself like a wet dog to dislodge a sharp piece of wood stuck into its side, and exits the collapsed lean-to. It spots Angela and the helpless teens.

Jack cranks the motor again. It starts, then sputters and dies.

The beast briefly looks at the SUV before turning its attention back to Angela and the teens.

Jack desperately searches the SUV' cab for anything he can use as a weapon and finds a heavy-duty flashlight.

The hellhound bears its dagger-like fangs and takes a step towards the defenseless trio.

A bright blue light temporarily blinds Jack. He hears an otherworldly cry of pain, then only the wind.

Jack, spent from exertion and still reeling from the crash, drifts in and out of consciousness. Turning to open his door, he sees a silhouette approach but can't make out the face.

JACK

(groggily)

Angela? Are you alright?

Jack passes out before the blurry red-headed figure answers.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP - NEXT MORNING

Between the weather and the hellhound attack, the camp is a wreck. Few of the structures remain undamaged, and a small fire burns in the background.

The remains of a dozen protesters and security guards are laid out on the snow-covered ground, their bodies or faces covered by blankets and coats. The survivors who still can are pulling up stakes and getting ready to flee the camp.

Neuhausen squats down by Wickes' body. She may not have shown it, but they were close in the way all soldiers who serve together are close.

Jack, Angela, Kowalski, Tagarook, Neuhausen, and Mark, with his ankle now heavily taped, stand over the outdoor morgue.

Tagarook tries to comfort a few shell-shocked SURVIVORS.

SUVIVOR #1

After the gunshots, I ran. That's when I found Joe. Most of him anyway.

TAGAROOK

You're okay now. You're safe.

SURVIVOR #2

Safe? None of us are safe. Not here.

SURVIVOR #1

What did this?

SURVIVOR #3

I don't care what it was as long as I'm miles away from here when it returns.

NEUHAUSEN

When I was working a protection detail in Zimbabwe, a local tourist group asked for help searching for a man who'd gone missing.

(regarding the victims)

This is like what was left when the hyenas were done with him.

SURVIVOR #2

Hyenas? Are you crazy?

An OLD INUIT steps forward.

OLD INUIT

Amarok.

JACK

What?

TAGAROOK

(looking at the old man)

Some of our people still believe the old legends. Amarok is a giant wolf that stalks and devours any hunter foolish enough to hunt alone at night.

OLD INUIT

Amarok feeds on souls, not flesh.

KOWALSKI

(dismissive)

Great. That's a very helpful distinction. Thank you.

Mark points to the nearby charred corpse of a hellhound that attacked the camp.

JACK

The tents that caught fire were on the other side of camp. That... thing is burnt to a crisp. How?

NEUHAUSEN

Don't know. Was it found on top of a campfire?

TAGAROOK

No. Not even near to one.

MARK

I watch a lot of "Animal Planet". I've never seen anything close to that.

KOWALSKI

This is crazy talk. It's just some kind of bear, gone rabid or something.

TAGAROOK

That really looks like a dead bear to you? I lived here my entire life. That's no bear.

AILEEN

It's a hellhound.

MARK

As long as we're all on the same page about it not being a bear.

JACK (CONT'D)

(interrupting)

It doesn't matter what it looks like or what we call it. Last night's storm is probably the only reason any of us are still alive.

KOWALSKI

Now everyone just calm down....

JACK

(interrupting)

Calm down? We have people being ripped apart by some kind of... creature. Your armed security guards shoot the damn things but haven't been able to kill a single one of them.

AILEEN

All of you need to leave before they return.

ANGELA

I finally managed to contact Pump Station Two last night before the satphones stopped working. I'm having more security sent. They should be here in a few hours.

JACK

(to Kowalski)

That's the least the company can do, considering this is all your fault.

KOWALSKI

How in hell can you possibly think any of this was my fault? There's no way anyone could have predicted last night?

JACK

I did. I warned you there was something dangerous in that hole, but you ignored me. That's why. You're responsible for the death of every single person killed last night!

KOWALSKI

What? And why should I have believed you? You hit your head and had just come to after being unconscious.

JACK

I know what I saw and heard. You should have moved everyone back to Deadhorse before anyone was killed.

KOWALSKI

I have a job to do. You're crazy if you think I'm going to let some wild animal stop me from getting this pipeline built. There's no way we're just going to leave half-a-million barrels of oil in the ground indefinitely.

JACK

You're is going to pay for this, Kowalski.

KOWALSKI

Don't you threaten me. -- I've had it with you. Dr. Oswald, your services are no longer needed. Leave before I have you charged with trespassing. I'll send your check when I get back to Deadhorse.

A high-pitched whistle stops their arguing. They all turn to see Aileen, standing confidently, powerfully, and ready to take charge.

AILEEN

(looking at the charred corpse)

There were only two hellhounds last night. Soon, there'll be more. If we stay here, we die.

KOWALSKI

Who the hell are you?

JACK

(to Aileen)

You. After I hit that thing with the SUV. There was a blue flash like the light at the hole and then....

NEUHAUSEN

(interrupting)

Here comes someone.

An unmarked SUV trundles to a stop. Poole climbs out. He lays on hands, comforting the harried survivors on his way to Jack and the others.

POOLE

I prayed you all would be safe.

(looking down at the dead)

I should have prayed harder. If there was ever a need for prayer, it's now.

MARK

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

(he looks sheepishly at the others)

Sorry, I quote "STAR WARS" when I'm nervous.

POOLE

(to Mark)

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil." And I quote the Bible whenever I need strength.

Jack wordlessly heads toward the remaining vehicles looking to put some distance between himself and all the death.

ANGELA

(to Aileen)

What did you call that thing?

AILEEN

A hellhound.

ANGELA

(to Aileen)

That's no answer. Everyone wants to know what it was. Everyone except you. What is it?

AILEEN

A demon. One of the many types of demons that occasionally rise up to spread death and destruction.

NEUHAUSEN

Demon, my ass! That thing's real, flesh and... well, whatever that black stuff is. And whatever that thing was, it didn't die easily. Wickes emptied two full mags into it.

TAGAROOK

Which is why we need to get everyone as far from here as possible.

KOWALSKI

So now you want to leave? We had a court order weeks ago mandating this camp be disbanded. If they'd left then, none of them would have died.

Tagarook storms up to Kowalski. Fists balled and livid with rage, he stands with his face mere inches from Kowalski's.

AILEEN

There's no time for fighting among yourselves. I saw two sets of tracks leading here and one set heading back towards the hell hole. While you waste time arguing, it could be on its way back with the rest of its pack.

MARK

We have to get word to the National Guard, Army, somebody.

ANGELA

I haven't been able to raise anyone on the satphone since a little before dawn. There's some kind of interference causing the calls to fail.

TAGAROOK

That's not all. The snow last night was just the beginning. The big storm's scheduled to hit in a few hours.

POOLE

If help's not able to get through until the weather breaks, we'll have no choice but to pray and place our faith in God's protection.

TAGAROOK

Prayers won't help if more of those monsters show up. They won't give a damn about your prayers.

AILEEN

Pump Station Two's only thirty-five miles from here. It's not perfect, but it's our best option. Everyone, get into your vehicles. We're leaving.

KOWALSKI

Who put you in charge?

TAGAROOK

You heard the lady. You have five minutes to grab your things. Then, we're getting out of here.

EXT. PROTESTER CAMP / MORNINGSTAR SUV - CONTINUOUS

Jack opens the back hatch and checks over what little remains of his survey equipment. He pulls out a scanner, turns it on. It's clear from Jack's expression that he's confused by the reading.

Angela finds him.

ANGELA

Are you alright?

JACK

(looking around)

Plenty of folks are a lot worse off than me.

ANGELA

Once we get to the Pump Station, we'll be able to call for help.

Jack's clearly distracted by the scanner.

ANGELA (CONT'D)

What is it?

JACK

I don't know. Something's causing EM interference and jamming our communications.

Jack switches off the scanner and shuts the tail hatch.

JACK (CONT'D)

We should get moving.

Jack turns away, trying his level best to end the conversation.

ANGELA

(gently)

Not talking to me won't bring Ben back.

Angela rests her hand on Jack's shoulder. He shrugs it off and turns to face her.

JACK

You want to talk? Talk to your boss. Make him understand what happened here. Ben's dead; ripping open that scar won't help the living.

ANGELA

Jack....

JACK

I'm going to get Mark.

Angela watches as Jack heads off towards his grad student.

EXT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Looking down at the hole, we see the same sheer walls, the same ominous clouds of gas rising from its middle, the same fog ringing its mouth. But now, the hole is clearly deeper, and numerous tracks lead towards the protester camp.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO - LATER

Two hours later, the sad convoy of pickups, SUVs, and RVs carrying the few remaining survivors pulls up to the main gate just as the storm strikes.

An armed Morningstar SECURITY GUARD steps up to the lead vehicle.

EXT./INT. MORNINGSTAR SUV - CONTINUOUS

NEUHAUSEN

I've got people in need of medical care.

SECURITY GUARD

Mr. Blackwell wants to see Menendez.

Angela Menendez, who is sitting in the back, calls out.

ANGELA

Blackwell? He's still here?

The security guard nods and waves the convoy through.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / OPERATIONS BUILDING / OFFICE \- MOMENTS LATER

Enjoying the warmth and a mug of coffee, Blackwell sits at an empty desk flanked by security guards. Jack, Kowalski, and Angela stand before him.

BLACKWELL

My pilot thinks the snow's too heavy to risk flying back to Deadhorse. Better to ride it out. A dead CEO is hardly good for the share price.

JACK

How about a massacre?

BLACKWELL

There's no need for hyperbole, Dr. Oswald. I'm not completely oblivious to what's going on. As I understand it, some wild animals attacked the protester's camp. There were few casualties, both among the protesters as well as some of my employees, who I might add, died protecting the people who were assaulting them just the other day.

KOWALSKI

Now that the protesters are gone, I'm sure we can proceed without losing any more time.

BLACKWELL

Organize a new crew, Kowalski. When you're ready, take a security squad with you and prepare the site for restarting construction. I'm counting on you to get us back on schedule.

KOWALSKI

Yes, sir.

Kowalski leaves.

JACK

But....

Angela places her hand on Jack's arm and subtly shakes her head. Jack gives her a stern look but remains quiet.

ANGELA

Sir, may I speak with you privately?

BLACKWELL

Certainly.

Blackwell's security guards escort Jack outside.

ANGELA

With respect, sir, I still don't think you understand the gravity of what's going on here.

BLACKWELL

On the contrary, Ms. Menendez. This project represents a considerable outlay of capital. After a violent act of sabotage gone wrong claimed the lives of innocent Morningstar employees, the company is well within its rights to continue its lawful operations.

ANGELA

But that's not what happened.

BLACKWELL

Angela, please. Rabid bears? Folk tales? Look, nobody cares how the oil flows, just that it flows and keeps flowing. With the right PR, we'll be back in business shortly.

ANGELA

This isn't a PR issue. You're not facing a few locals and college kids with signs. Those people were killed by... by I don't know what.

BLACKWELL

I've hired some of the best trained, best equipped security in the world. Don't worry. You've still got a sizable bonus coming your way.

Angela is floored. Even for an unbridled capitalist, this is insane.

ANGELA

But....

BLACKWELL

That will be all, Ms. Menendez.

Angela storms out before she says something that will get her fired.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO / OPERATIONS BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER

Angela stalks out and sees Tagarook stepping back from the spray of ice kicked up by a two-man Snowcat racing east towards the hole.

ANGELA

Who's that?

TAGAROOK

Neuhausen and Dr. Oswald.

ANGELA

(concerned, to herself)

What the hell is he up to?

EXT. NORTH SLOPE - CONTINUOUS

The tracked vehicle speeds east along the pipeline access road as snow continues to fall.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / REC ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The room has been converted into a makeshift triage area where the protesters can be treated or just find a warm place to lie down after their ordeal.

Mark uses a pen to scratch underneath the tape binding his ankle. One of the younger protesters, OLIVE (18), is handing out blankets and bottles of water. She hands a bottle to Mark.

MARK

Thanks. So, you from around here?

OLIVE

I live over in Utqiagvik.

MARK

Utqui...?

OLIVE

You know, Barrow? We changed the name a few years ago.

MARK

I'm from New Jersey. Little town called Mount Salem.

OLIVE

So, do you want a blanket?

MARK

No. I'm good. Thanks.

She starts to move on.

MARK (CONT'D)

So... you know... that thing that attacked the camp. Crazy, right?

OLIVE

Yeah. I haven't believed in Amarok since I was a little girl.

Olive leaves to see to the other survivors.

MARK

(to self)

"I'm from New Jersey. Little town called Mount Salem." Lame.

Tagarook comes in, shaking off the cold. Mark spots him.

MARK (CONT'D)

How's it look out there?

TAGAROOK

Snowing pretty heavily. There are armed guards at the main gate. They've been told to watch out for anything unusual.

MARK

I guess Blackwell thought, "Demons from Hell are coming to eat your souls" wouldn't have been believed.

TAGAROOK

That's probably not how I'd have phrased it either. Still, it just may be the truth. -- You and your colleague teach at the University?

MARK

Jack's my doctoral advisor and my friend. I've been meaning to talk to him since this all started. Was he outside with you?

TAGAROOK

He's gone. Took off in a Snowcat.

MARK

Took off? Where?

INT. SNOWCAT - LATER

Sometimes the snow falls so heavily that Neuhausen and Jack can't see the access road, and Neuhausen is forced to follow the newly constructed pipe.

A new M4 assault rifle is secured in a rack behind their heads. Jack consults his scanner.

NEUHAUSEN

(indicating the scanner)

What's that for?

JACK

It measures electromagnetic fields. There's a strong one around the hole, and it's increasing in strength as the hole gets deeper. It's what's jamming our communications. I can't help but think it's connected to the creatures that attacked the camp.

EXT. HELL HOLE - LATER

The Snowcat is parked a good fifteen yards back from the edge of the hole. Neuhausen mans the winch attached to the front of the snowcat. Jack, in climbing harness, helmet, and respirator, prepares to descend into the hole.

NEUHAUSEN

I'm all for a bit of recon, Doc, but doing this by yourself is crazy.

JACK

Since Kowalski terminated my work and Mark's injured, I don't have any other options. I appreciate your help, by the way.

NEUHAUSEN

We can't mount a good defense without intel.

JACK

Anyway, the interference means we can't use a drone. Believe me, I'm not happy about going down by myself either, but I have to get another look inside.

NEUHAUSEN

Well just remember, you're on your own. I can't help you from out here.

JACK

These things, whatever they are, they're flesh and blood. They can't just melt into thin air. They can be observed and classified. Most predators rest after a meal...

(catches himself)

Neuhausen, I'm sorry. That was....

Neuhausen shrugs off Jack's comment.

NEUHAUSEN

An M4 will stop about anything if you put enough rounds into it. But not that... "hellhound". So, what burned it up like that? What are we dealing with?

JACK

That's what we're here to find out, so we can kill them.

NEUHAUSEN

Then, let's do this.

She holds out a separate length of climbing rope.

NEUHAUSEN (CONT'D)

Since we can't hear anything on the headsets but static, we're going to have to use a signal rope.

JACK

Okay.

NEUHAUSEN

One tug means stop. Two sharp tugs, and I'll pull you out. You're coming out in five minutes regardless. You sure about this?

JACK

No. Lower me down before I change my mind.

INT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Jack descends slowly. Visibility is low; it's like dropping into a witch's cauldron. Two-thirds of the way down, he tugs once on the signal rope. The winch grinds to a halt.

JACK

(whispering to himself)

The floor. It's moving.

The toxic vapors part, and Jack gets his clearest view of what's inside: a dozen hellhounds sleeping peacefully on the floor of the hole.

JACK (CONT'D)

(loud whispering)

Pull me up, now. Right now.

Jack realizes he's not wearing a headset and remembers the code. Jack tugs twice on the signal rope.

A few seconds pass. Nothing. Two more tugs. Still nothing.

EXT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Neuhausen kneels by the front of the Snowcat, the signal rope lying useless on the ground. She stares at the hellhound on the other side of the hole from her. She can't tell if it's seen her through the haze yet.

Neuhausen deftly slips her assault rifle off her shoulder and levels it at the beast.

INT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Jack gives up on the signal rope. He carefully removes his phone from his pocket and selects its camera app. Jack brings up the settings so that he can turn off the flash.

The winch unexpectedly starts, causing him to slip. His shoulder strikes the glassy wall, jarring the phone from his grasp.

The phone tumbles through the air for what seems forever before bouncing off the head of a sleeping hellhound. The beast snorts awake, confused.

Jack freezes, dangling like bait on a fishing line.

The hellhound sniffs suspiciously at the camera. A tentative swipe with a claw triggers the camera, and the accompanying flash startles the hellhound. That rouses two more hellhounds that investigate the unexpected object in their midst.

The first hellhound snaps its jaws on the phone, crushing it in its fangs before spitting out the broken plastic.

Above, the rope cuts into the lip of the hell hole, dislodging a bit of mud that falls past Jack to splat on the floor. The hellhounds slowly crane their heavily muscled necks upward just as....

EXT. HELL HOLE - CONTINUOUS

Jack pulls himself over the edge and unhooks from the harness like it was on fire.

JACK

(loud)

We have to warn....

Neuhausen holds her finger to her lips, then points at the hellhound that stands ominously with its head raised. Waiting.

NEUHAUSEN

I don't think it can see us. Maybe its eyes work differently from ours. Maybe it sees in infrared, and the hot gasses rising from the hole are masking the heat of our bodies.

Jack and Neuhausen back quietly, but quickly, to the Snowcat.

INT. SNOWCAT - MOMENTS LATER

Jack tries the radio. Static. Jack stops Neuhausen from starting the engine.

JACK

Wait. The noise will rouse the rest of them.

NEUHAUSEN

How many are there?

JACK

A dozen. Maybe more.

NEUHAUSEN

Then, we have to warn everyone.

JACK

The ones down below had to have seen me. Why didn't they attack?

NEUHAUSEN

I don't know. Never question good luck. Remember, it's better to be lucky than good, right?

JACK

The whole thing doesn't make sense. Between their transparent skin and ability to instantly heal gunshot wounds, these hellhounds aren't like anything on Earth. Either religious demons exist, or they're from another planet.

NEUHAUSEN

Why does it have to be one or the other? Maybe demons are from another planet.

JACK

Well, wherever they're from, the hole is full of them.

NEUHAUSEN

All the more reason to put some distance between us and them.

JACK

Wait. I have an idea. If we don't provoke them, if they lose interest, maybe there's a chance they'll just go back to sleep. Then we can....

The terrible otherworldly howl of a hellhound, multiplied a dozen times in a hellish chorus, pierces the air.

NEUHAUSEN

Nope.

JACK

Drive! Drive! Drive!

Neuhausen cranks the engine and throws it in gear. She floors it, and twin rooster tails of mud spray up in the Snowcat's wake. It cuts twin grooves into the soggy soil as the large flakes of snow begin to fall even harder.

The hellhounds howl again. Behind the Snowcat where Jack and Neuhausen can't see, something shoots skyward from the center of the hole and disappears into the snowy sky.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO - EVENING

With the storm growing in intensity, the Snowcat rolls up to the main entrance to Pump Station Two.

Morningstar security guards in full tactical gear have converted the place into an armed camp. A GUARD at the gate flags them down and climbs up to the Snowcat's window.

NEUHAUSEN

What's going on?

GUARD #1

The station's on lockdown.

JACK

We've got to get everybody out of here. Right now.

GUARD #1

Not happening. We have orders to defend the station.

NEUHAUSEN

There's something coming, and believe me, you don't want to be here when it arrives.

JACK

Where are the people who arrived a few hours ago?

GUARD #1

I don't know about that, but you can check with my supervisor. Some of the protesters were getting rowdy and had to be detained.

JACK

Detained? Just who the hell do you think you are?

NEUHAUSEN

(to Jack)

Easy there. Let me handle this.

(to guard)

Where were you stationed?

GUARD #1

Kandahar. 82nd.

NEUHAUSEN

Outstanding. Pale Horse. 10th Cavalry.

GUARD #1

You were in the thick of it.

NEUHAUSEN

Hip deep. We're all veterans, and we all got our jobs to do. Why don't you point me to your supervisor so I can do mine?

He thinks for a few seconds before making up his mind.

GUARD #1

Bunkhouse.

Guard #1 steps down, and the Snowcat drives in.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Jack comes in with a head of steam looking for Mark and Angela. Neuhausen is a half-step behind. Two armed guards, STEWART ROBERTSON (28) and RICHARD BUTLER (26), stand post in front of the Rec Room entrance.

JACK

(angrily demanding)

Where are you keeping them?

Butler raises his hand.

ROBERTSON

(calmly)

Sir, you need to calm down.

Jack is so upset and angry that he forgets he's no longer married.

JACK

Where's Mark and my wife?

BUTLER

Sir, you'll have to take that up with management.

When the guards don't move aside, Jack tries to push past them.

ROBERTSON

You're on private property, mister. I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

JACK

(to guard)

We're all in danger.

(shouting)

Angela! Mark!

Butler places a hand on Jack's shoulder, and that's all it takes. Jack loses it.

JACK (CONT'D)

Take your hands off me!

Jack starts to take a swing at Butler, and both guards instantly take action. Butler puts Jack in an arm bar, while Robertson draws his sidearm and points it at Neuhausen.

ROBERTSON

I said for you to calm down.

ANGELA (O.S.)

What's going on here?

Angela comes around a corner glaring at the guards.

JACK

(relieved)

Angela!

ROBERTSON

This doesn't concern you, ma'am.

ANGELA

I'm Morningstar's VP of Safety for the North Slope, so everything here is my concern. Let him go this instant and put that guns away! What's the matter with you?

Her directness cows the two guards. In spite of themselves, they comply like scolded children.

BUTLER

Our orders were to keep the agitators in one place until they could be moved to a safe location.

NEUHAUSEN

At gunpoint?

ANGELA

Who's orders?

ROBERTSON

Mr. Kowalski, Ma'am.

JACK

(to Angela)

There's no time for any of this. There are more of those creatures.

ANGELA

More? How many?

JACK

I saw at least a dozen. And who knows how many more are down in the crevasse at the bottom of the hole.

BUTLER

(confident)

Nobody is attacking anything.

NEUHAUSEN

I don't know what you've been told, but I've seen what we're facing. You're going to need a lot more than those Glocks.

JACK

We need to evacuate this entire facility. Right now.

ROBERTSON

No one's going anywhere. Orders.

(to Neuhausen)

Shouldn't have to explain that to you.

Jack is about to protest. Neuhausen stops him.

NEUHAUSEN

(relenting)

There's no use arguing. Nothing will put any of our people off their mission. We're all trained soldiers. We have to wait it out here like they said.

That takes down the temperature in the room and both Butler an Robertson relax a bit. Neuhausen's subtly closes the distance between them.

Neuhausen executes a blinding fast move on Robertson, spinning him around and disarming him in the process. She shoves Robertson into Butler, and trains Robertson's gun on both of them before Butler can react.

NEUHAUSEN (CONT'D)

You heard the man. We're getting everybody out of here. And you're going to thank him for it later.

(to Butler)

Your gun.

The humiliated Butler looks at Robertson. Jack grabs Butler's gun and hands it to Angela.

JACK

Where are you keeping the others?

The guards look at each other. Neuhausen aims her gun at Butler's face.

NEUHAUSEN

The man asked you a question. Don't make me ask; I'm not as patient.

ROBERTSON

They're locked in here, in the Rec Room.

Neuhausen motions with her gun, and Robertson unlocks the door.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / REC ROOM - CONTINUOUS

A dozen or so walking-wounded turn towards them as Jack and Angela burst into the room. Neuhausen follows, leading Robertson and Butler at gunpoint.

Aileen is comforting a young boy and what looks like his grandmother. Tagarook paces nervously. Mark, keeping the weight off his ankle, hops off a pool table.

JACK

Mark, are you okay?

MARK

I am now. Everything was fine, all things considered, until the storm troopers locked us all in here without explanation.

JACK

We need to get everyone on their feet and ready to move. There's no time to explain.

(raising his voice)

Attention, everyone. You need to get up and get back into the vehicles immediately. We're bugging out for Deadhorse.

The majority, brow beaten locals who've had enough of white outsiders ordering them around, don't move.

ANGELA

(to Tagarook)

You need to help us get everyone out of here. We're all in danger.

TAGAROOK

I agree. From gun-thugs who rough up our elders and frighten children.

ANGELA

You have every right to be suspicious, of me most of all, but if you want to save their lives, you need to help get everyone as far from here as possible.

JACK

We can't reason with what's coming.

MARK

What's coming? Is it more hellhounds? Are more hellhounds on the way?

ROBERTSON

(to Neuhausen)

You're making a big mistake. There are a dozen armed men outside. You'll be disarmed the second your feet touch snow, and then you'll be right back in here.

NEUHAUSEN

Nobody asked you.

BUTLER

And they won't be so nice about it this time.

Before she can speak, they hear the unmistakable boom of a shotgun blast above the sound of the howling winds.

The following silence is soon replaced by the staccato BRRRT, BRRRT, BRRRT of short, controlled bursts of fully automatic gunfire and shouted commands.

AILEEN

It's too late. They're here.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO - CONTINUOUS

A dozen plus hellhounds maraud in pairs. Their razor-sharp talons are unsheathed from their powerful paws, ready to rend flesh and cleave bone.

The guard's initial discipline degenerates into a cacophony of non-stop full auto, a backing chorus of panicked screams, and the howls of hellhounds. No tactics, no training could have prepared them for what they're now facing.

One guard desperately rips off his gloves so he can reload his Glock 9mm faster. Gun up, he scans for a target ahead as a hellhound pounces from behind, tearing through a vest designed to stop bullets, not nine-inch canines.

A Snowcat attempts to trundle out of the chaos. One of the beasts vaults onto the cab gnashing and clawing at the tempered windows. The driver can't see her fellow guard being eaten alive by another hellhound. Both hellhound and its prey are crushed under the heavy treads of the Snowcat.

It's a firefight in the middle of a Bosch painting.

Slowly, the intensity of the gunfire decreases as the last magazines are emptied of their last rounds, leaving only the alien roars of the abominations that have descended on the isolated pump station. The carnage is soon over. Everyone who could fight is dead. The heavy snow slowly covers their bodies, hiding the blood of the fallen.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / REC ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The protesters huddle against a wall. A vending machine barricades the door. Neuhausen still guards Robertson and Butler. Jack peers through the blinds of a window near the main entrance to the bunkhouse.

Tagarook, Olive, and a few of the adults try their best to keep everyone calm.

PROTESTER #1

What do you see?

PROTESTER #2

Are they the same things that attacked our camp? Someone said it had been killed.

ELDER

Amarok cannot be killed. He always rises to attack again.

Murmurs of worry.

JACK

Alright, everyone. We can't stay here. We need to get ready to move.

PROTESTER #3

We can't go out there. Didn't you hear all that shooting?

PROTESTER #2

Maybe the guards scared them off?

Dissent begins to fracture the survivors. Some want to stay; some want to risk fleeing.

PROTESTER #1

(hopefully)

We're inside. It's warm. Whatever is out there will stay outside.

MARK

This isn't exactly the Fortress of Solitude.

NEUHAUSEN

I saw one of them up close. If a group of them want to get in here, they're getting in.

TAGAROOK

They're just animals. If we stay here and keep quiet, they'll go away.

(sees Jack about to argue)

I'm sorry, but I'm not going to risk the lives of my people. We're staying put.

Jack wants to speak, but Aileen giving him a look and he follows her into the kitchen.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE REC ROOM / KITCHEN \- CONTINUOUS

Aileen and Jack hold a war council.

JACK

We're sitting ducks in here; we have to do something... The creature at the camp was burned. Maybe we can stop them with fire?

AILEEN

Not fire. They're healing power makes them relatively immune to ordinary fire.

JACK

(incredulous)

And you know this how?

AILEEN

How I know isn't important. Keeping those people out there safe is.

Angela joins them.

ANGELA

We have another problem.

JACK

Now what?

ANGELA

The lights and heaters. The pump station gets all its power from diesel generators. This station was mothballed until recently, so it's been running with only a skeleton crew.

JACK

So?

ANGELA

So, there's no telling when the generators' fuel tanks were last filled. We don't know how much fuel they have. If we're lucky, it's a couple days' worth. If they run out before we're rescued, someone's going to have to go out and refill them.

JACK

Even if someone's lucky enough to get past those creatures and refill the tanks, we'd still be stuck in here like cattle in a slaughterhouse.

AILEEN

We have to get to the vehicles and make a break for it.

JACK

Almost everyone out there is either old or injured. They're not going to be fast, and there's no way we're leaving anyone behind.

AILEEN

I'm not suggesting we do. But we have to move. Once hellhounds eat, they only take a few hours to get hungry again. Once that happens, they'll break in and feed again.

The noise of people entering the rec room drifts down the hallway.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / REC ROOM - CONTINUOUS

It's Blackwell, Kowalski, Poole, and a fourth man, Franklin, the helicopter pilot. They're half frozen, but uninjured.

Someone offers them a thermos of something hot, and each man takes a gulp before passing it on.

Jack, Angela, and Aileen return from the kitchen.

ANGELA

What happened?

Kowalski is the first to sufficiently gather himself together to speak.

KOWALSKI

We were in the office building. I'd gone over to brief Mr. Blackwell before he left, but his pilot said the weather made it too dangerous to fly.

ANGELA

So that's where you were when the station was attacked?

KOWALSKI

Yeah. We stayed inside and barricaded the door. A while after it was over, the padre here showed up.

POOLE

I was at my car getting some medical supplies for the injured when the shooting and screaming started. I'm afraid I don't have the courage that Daniel had in the lion's den.

ANGELA

It must have been terrible.

POOLE

It was, child. It was. All I could do was hide under a blanket and pray for the poor souls until it finally was over.

JACK

How'd you end up at the Operations Building?

POOLE

I see you haven't looked outside. I got turned around in the driving snow and ended up in the office building instead of here.

BLACKWELL

We waited a while and since Reverend Poole didn't get attacked, I thought it best to try and regroup here, so here we are.

JACK

And none of you saw any of those....

MARK

Hellhounds. That's what we're calling them.

TAGAROOK

No one is calling them that.

MARK

(muttering)

I'm calling them that.

JACK

Okay, hellhounds. None of you saw any hellhounds on the way here?

KOWALSKI

It's practically a blizzard out there. The Empire State Building could have been twenty yards in front of us, and we wouldn't have seen it. We certainly didn't see any "hellhounds".

POOLE

As a pastor, I appreciate a good religious metaphor as much as the next man, but "hellhounds" are... above my pay grade? Is that the expression?

AILEEN

Where else could something so terrible come from if not Hell?

MARK

It's obvious, isn't it. They're aliens, and there's a portal to their homeworld somewhere below the hell hole.

KOWALSKI

Ridiculous. They're wild animals.

JACK

Didn't you see their paws? How could they develop an advanced technology when they can't even hold a tool? Whatever they are, those creatures couldn't build a portal, or anything else for that matter.

POOLE

I don't know what's out there. All I know is that there are people in here in need of my ministrations. Now if you'll excuse me.

MARK

That doesn't mean they aren't aliens. It just means that there's another kind of alien we haven't seen yet. An intelligent one that set the hellhounds loose on us.

POOLE

I don't know what's out there. All I know is that there are people in here in need of my ministrations. Now if you'll excuse me.

Poole takes off the blanket he's wrapped in and offers it to one of the wounded protesters before working his way through the room in the direction of the toilets.

Aileen, who's been standing quietly by herself, steps forward.

AILEEN

(seriously)

Demons have been attacking our world for millennia. During that time, they have become the basis of many mythological monsters. Devils, imps, hellhounds, and gargoyles are only a few of the demons that have attacked our world. -- And when they have come, members of the Tutores Contra Infernum have hunted and killed them.

Note: Tutores Contra Infernum is Latin and mean Guardians Against Hell.

That gets everyone's attention. Aileen seems to have grown in stature and bearing. No longer merely a local reporter, she has the bearing of a warrior.

MARK

The what?

AILEEN

Tutores Contra Infernum. A secret order dedicated to protecting humanity from demons.

MARK

Cool.

KOWALSKI

This is insane.

AILEEN

More insane than a glowing hole that vomits the hot foul breath of Hell? More insane than monsters that kill armed men at will?

KOWALSKI

This isn't just insane; it's bat-shit crazy. You can listen to this crap if you want to, but I'm going to the kitchen and get some coffee and something to eat.

Kowalski shakes his head at the others' gullibility and leaves.

NEUHAUSEN

I don't care what they are or what you call them. I just want to know how to kill them.

AILEEN

There are only a few ways guaranteed to kill a demon. Anything less, and their wounds will heal before your eyes. The surest way to kill a demon is to cut off its head.

NEUHAUSEN

Yeah, right. Like that's going to happen. How about something a bit more practical?

AILEEN

Every part of a demon's body heals in seconds except one, its brain. When you shoot, I suggest you aim for their heads.

NEUHAUSEN

Oh, great. Nothing but head shots. You don't ask much, do you?

AILEEN

You are the one who asked. Don't blame me if you don't like the answer. -- It is difficult, but not impossible, to kill one by causing so much harm it overwhelms their ability to heal. But that takes a great deal of damage all at once. A large enough explosion might suffice.

JACK

It wasn't an explosion that charbroiled the creature at the protesters' camp.

Jack pauses briefly and closes his eyes.

QUICK FLASHBACK - THE MORNINGSTAR SUV AT THE PROTESTER CAMP.

A bright blue flash, followed by a blurry image of a face with red hair looking in through the driver's window.

BACK TO SCENE

JACK

I remember a blinding blue flash, the same color as the blue light in the hole. -- Oh my god, you're telling the truth. That was you. You killed it.

AILEEN

Yes.

JACK

But how?

Aileen puts her hand to her neck and pulls a long silver chain out from beneath her blouse. She holds up the circular pendant for the others to see. It is a round red jewel, crisscrossed by tiny golden lines, roughly the size of a quarter, and encircled by a band of gold. The words Tutores Contra Infernum are inscribed into the band.

AILEEN

This amulet holds the power to kill a demon if you know how to use it. Every member of my Order has one. This was given to me at my initiation.

Everyone strains to read the words on the amulet.

AILEEN (CONT'D)

It is called a devil stone, so named because it was taken from inside the skull of a devil. It was the source of that devil's power, and now, it is the source of mine.

MARK

Alien tech. Oh my God, she has alien tech. This is so cool.

AILEEN

The hole is a doorway to Hell. We have no idea how it works. No one has ever been through a portal, let alone returned.

MARK

There's a wormhole to another planet at the bottom of the crevasse I fell into? This isn't just cool. It's frelling awesome!

AILEEN

We must destroy the portal, or more demons will come.

NEUHAUSEN

First things first. Killing the hellhounds already here sounds to me like a good start.

JACK

You burned one of those creatures with that?

AILEEN

This amulet is the source of enormous energy. I was taught how to harness it into a beam that kills.

NEUHAUSEN

So, roast the rest of the bastards.

Kowalski returns just in time to hear:

AILEEN

I cannot kill all of them at once, not by myself. There are too many.

KOWALSKI

This is insane. Are you still listening to this crap about fairy tale monsters no one has seen?

NEUHAUSEN

We all saw one. For Christ's sake, one tore Wickes to shreds.

BLACKWELL

We are all very sorry Wickes died. Yet, here we sit. Once the storm passes, this will all be sorted out. You'll see. In a couple days, everything will be back to normal.

MARK

I read about a group of Knights Templar who were pinned down by a snowstorm while crossing the Alps. They were fleeing the persecution of King Phillip of France. Legend has it, they were wiped out by "demons".

This catches Aileen's attention, but Jack has heard enough of Mark's nerd-rants.

JACK

Mark....

MARK

Truth was the King owed the Templars so much money, he asked the Pope to have them branded as heretics and burned at the stake.

(noticing Jack glaring at him)

I guess that's not really relevant. I just think Templars are cool.

NEUHAUSEN

Every minute we sit here is one more minute we give those things to figure out we're here and how to break in.

JACK

(to Angela)

What if Aileen and Mark are right?

MARK

You really think they're alien hellhounds?

JACK

I saw one of them crawl out of the crevasse in the bottom of the hole. If the hole keeps getting deeper, maybe it will get all the way down to their portal. If it does, maybe more will come out. Maybe a lot more.

TAGAROOK

Then what happens to my people?

JACK

We need to warn them. We need to let everyone know what's happening.

NEUHAUSEN

What we need is the Alaskan National Guard.

JACK

How? Satphones are useless. EM interference from the hole is jamming them.

MARK

Isn't this supposed to be a state-of-the-art facility? Can't we just send an email or text message?

ANGELA

The station has been mothballed for years. The renovations are ongoing, and the new computers haven't been brought online yet. That includes the comms systems, which is why everyone's been using satphones.

Franklin, the helicopter pilot, raises his hand.

FRANKLIN

I have a military surplus satphone in the crash kit on my copter. It should be jam proof.

JACK

Great. But how are we going to get to it? As far as we know, those creatures as still out there.

MARK AND AILEEN

(simultaneously)

Hellhounds....

JACK

Okay. Hellhounds.

ROBERTSON

If it gets us out of here, I'm in. Give me back my gun, and I'll go with the pilot.

NEUHAUSEN

I'm all for calling for help, but with this weather, it could take a couple days before anyone gets here. We need to help ourselves, or we won't live long enough to get rescued. We need weapons. A couple of nine-mill Glocks aren't going to do squat against those

(nodding to Mark)

... hellhounds.

AILEEN

Your assault rifles weren't any more effective than your sidearms.

NEUHAUSEN

That's because we didn't know about needing head shots. We've all been trained to aim for center of mass.

BUTLER

I've got several M4s and plenty of ammo in my van. And I've got Sweetie. If I can get to them, it would damn well even the odds.

JACK

What the hell is "Sweetie"?

ROBERTSON

It's Butler's multiple grenade launcher.

Angela angrily turns to Kowalski and Blackwell.

ANGELA

What in God's name is a Morningstar security guard doing with a grenade launcher?

BUTLER

(hurt)

I use it to launch tear-gas canisters for crowd control.

AILEEN

If hellhounds shrug off gunshot wounds and breathe the air in the hell hole, what makes you think tear-gas would have any effect on them?

BUTLER

(sheepishly)

Well... I do have half a dozen high-explosive rounds.

Angela glares angrily at Kowalski. The others look at Butler with surprise.

BUTLER (CONT'D)

What? I like to be prepared. You know, just in case the shit hits the fan and the Government comes for our guns.

JACK

(to Angela)

It doesn't matter now why he has them. I'm just glad he does.

BILLY KANAAQ (21), a young Inuit, sporting long black hair, speaks up.

KANAAQ

Those things out there killed my sister. I will go with this... this company man, but only on one condition.

(to Butler)

You will give me one of your rifles.

JACK

After the last few weeks, are you two really willing to work together?

KANAAQ

If It means killing those things, yes.

Jack looks at Butler, who nods.

NEUHAUSEN

(to Butler)

You wouldn't happen to have any hand grenades in you stash, would you?

BUTLER

'Fraid not. Sorry.

(his face brightens)

But we do have five sticks of dynamite and some blasting caps in the workshop building. Oops....

ANGELA

Since when do we need dynamite? The North Slope's flat, and there's no rock to speak of. And since when does security know what's in the workshop?

Butler hesitates and glances guiltily at Blackwell, who gives him the evil eye.

BUTLER

Well...

ANGELA

(getting pissed)

Out with it!

BUTLER

I was told to plant it and some weapons in a truck belonging to one of the protester leaders. Blow it up. Make it look like he was going to sabotage the pipeline.

Butler is too ashamed to meet Tagarook's gaze. Angela angrily turns on Blackwell.

ANGELA

Blackwell, you bastard. You put him up to this, didn't you?

BLACKWELL

I'm not going to dignify that outrageous lie with an answer.

Glaring angrily with balled fists at Blackwell, Tagarook stands, ready to beat Blackwell to a bloody pulp.

JACK

(to Tagarook)

Not here and not now! Once we get back to Deadhorse, Butler tells the police. Until then, we got bigger fish to fry.

NEUHAUSEN

I'll go get the dynamite. I was an explosive ordinance tech in Afghanistan. I'll MacGyver us some hand grenades.

JACK

(to Neuhausen)

Okay. I'll go with you and act as your lookout while you work.

ANGELA

(worried)

Jack, you're not a soldier. You're a university professor, for Christ's sake. Don't do this.

JACK

But it needs to be done.

ANGELA

Well, that doesn't mean you have to be the one to do it. Don't go.

JACK

I don't want to go any more than you want me to, but look around. Kowalski and Blackwell aren't going to save us. Somehow, the leadership mantle fell onto my shoulders, and now I'm stuck wearing it.

ANGELA

But....

JACK

I'm sorry, Angela. I've got to do this.

Angela looks into Jacks eyes and sees his determination.

ANGELA

(resigned)

Okay, Jack. I still don't like it, but I understand.

MARK

Hey, everyone. I just thought of something. What about the oil in the huge tank out back?

ANGELA

The crude balance tank?

MARK

Yeah. What if we lure a bunch of hellhounds there and blow it up? Maybe the explosion would be big enough to kill them. Most of them, anyway.

BLACKWELL

Are you crazy? You're talking about deliberately destroying the pump station! You'll cause a massive oil spill and put the Trans-Alaska Pipeline out of commission for weeks. It'll cost us hundreds of millions!

TAGAROOK

What's one more tax write-off?

Blackwell bites his tongue.

NEUHAUSEN

So, you want to set a trap?

MARK

(nodding)

We lure as many of the hellhounds as we can to the oil tank and then blow the sucker up. That could give us a fighting chance to make it to the cars and escape.

NEUHAUSEN

(to Butler)

Butler, this is your lucky day. You get a chance to redeem yourself. Take your grenade launcher and find a safe spot where you've got a good view of the tank.

BLACKWELL

This is insanity. You do this, and I'll see all of you locked up for the rest of your lives.

ANGELA

I wouldn't talk about jail if I were you. Besides, we're trying to save lives, yours included, so if you're going to make idle threats, you can just go find a corner and shut the fuck up.

Flabbergasted and outraged, Blackwell turns and marches to the nearest corner with as much dignity as he can muster.

For a few seconds, the group radiates satisfaction and resolve. Then, the lights sputter and briefly go out. They come back on a couple seconds later, slightly dimmer this time.

MARK

(to Neuhausen)

I'll help too.

NEUHAUSEN

(looking down at Mark's ankle)

I appreciate your sentiment, I really do, but you'd just slow us down and end up dead.

JACK

Sorry, Mark, but she's right.

(to everyone)

That just leaves the matter of who's going to lure the hellhounds to the tank.

AILEEN

I will. I have the most experience fighting demons. I may even be able to pick off one or two hellhounds while I'm at it if I can catch them alone. Speaking of which, I'll go alone; I'll be faster that way.

Aileen turns to Butler.

AILEEN (CONT'D)

When you see me run by with a pack of hellhounds on my ass, give me a couple of seconds head start and then blow it. After that, we hightail to the vehicles before the others leave us behind.

Jack looks at his band of volunteers, their expressions a mixture of fierce determination tempered with fear.

JACK

Okay, everyone. Here's how it's going to go down. Franklin and Robertson, you're going to get the satphone from the helicopter and bring it back here.

FRANKLIN

Okay.

JACK

Butler and Kanaaq, you get the weapons. Kanaaq brings the rifles and ammunition back while Butler finds a place from which to launch a grenade at the oil tank.

BUTLER

Copy that.

JACK

Meanwhile, Neuhausen and I will make our way to the workshop building, where she'll use the dynamite to jerry-rig some hand grenades, which we'll bring back here.

Neuhausen acknowledges their assignment with a nod.

JACK (CONT'D)

Finally, Aileen will lure the hellhounds to the oil tank, where Butler will blow them back to Hell. That will be the signal for everyone to race for their cars and make a run for it up to Deadhorse.

The lights suddenly go out. A brief cry of fear and the murmur of worried voices fill the room. A second later, battery-powered emergency lights come on, indicating the location of exit doors.

KOWALSKI

Something's happened to the backup generator. That only leaves the batteries, and they're only rated to last a couple hours. We have to get the main power back on, or it's going to get damn cold in here.

JACK

We'll be long gone before that happens.

(to Angela and Tagarook)

Keep everyone calm and get them ready to move.

BLACKWELL

And we're just supposed to sit here in the dark waiting on you? How do we know you won't just head to the cars and leave us stranded here?

ANGELA

Sit, stand. I honestly don't give a damn what you do as long as you stay out of our way.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / REC ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Tagarook looks out the blinds at the falling snow. The wind's died down, and countless huge flakes drift down, limiting visibility to fifteen yards.

TAGAROOK

I don't see anything moving, though with the snow, that doesn't mean much. Still, it's been a long time since we've heard anything. If you're going, I'd say now would be the time.

JACK

Okay, everyone. Let's do this.

Tagarook and a beefy Inuit push aside the vending machine that blocks the door. Aileen pulls on her knit cap, opens the door, and slips out into the twilight. Franklin and Robertson go next, followed by Butler and Kanaaq.

That leaves only Neuhausen and Jack.

ANGELA

Jack....

He stops, and they look into each other's eyes. They don't just see worry and fear. They see a hope for rekindled love.

JACK

(to Angela)

It'll be okay. We'll be back soon. Have everyone ready to go when we return.

Angela nods. Jack moves to the door and waits for Neuhausen.

As Neuhausen walks past Mark, he puts a light hand on her forearm, but doesn't say anything.

NEUHAUSEN

(smiling)

Oh, so now you don't have anything smart to say?

MARK

(petrified)

I like you.

NEUHAUSEN

(earnest)

You too, collage boy.

Just before Neuhausen steps out the door, she turns to Mark.

NEUHAUSEN (CONT'D)

(her best Arnold Schwarzenegger impression)

I'll be back.

Mark is floored by her TERMINATOR quote and smiles as she steps outside.

ANGELA

(whispers)

Good luck, Jack.

Tagarook and a well-built Inuit push the vending machine back against the door. The beefy Inuit pulls a chair up to the window, sits down, and peers through the blinds to watch for their return.

MARK

(to Angela)

They'll be okay. Come on, let's check the kitchen. I call dibs if there's a meat cleaver. Otherwise, I'll thumb-wrestle you for the biggest knife.

She takes his arm around her shoulder and helps him hobble out of the room.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO / NEAR HELIPAD - MOMENTS LATER

The snow's a foot deep, and large flakes fall silently through the still air. It is totally quiet, as if the world is waiting for something.

Peeking around a corner, Franklin and Robertson stop just within sight of the copter. The place appears deserted.

FRANKLIN

(whispers)

Rotors are iced over. Weather or no weather, she's not flying any time soon. Come on.

Robertson grabs Franklin's shoulder and points.

ROBERTSON

(whispers)

Over there. By the fence.

Except for a single opening, a thigh-high chain surrounds the helipad. A mound of snow in front of the opening shifts, and a large muzzle protrudes. It sniffs the air. A hellhound lies camouflaged, hiding in plain sight, guarding the helicopter.

Although it doesn't notice them, it blocks their way.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / WORKSHOP - SIMULTANEOUS

Jack stands guard as Neuhausen stands at a workbench taping nails and screws to a stick of dynamite. Three completed hand grenades lie on the bench beside her.

JACK

(low)

What's taking so long?

NEUHAUSEN

With explosives, you're either fast or alive. Just watch and keep quiet. I'll be done in a couple of minutes.

Jack turns and peeks out the door.

JACK

Shit! Neuhausen, over here.

Neuhausen comes and looks over Jack's shoulders. Two hellhounds sit outside, looking at the door.

NEUHAUSEN

Why are they just sitting there? Why don't they try to get in?

JACK

Surely, they know we're in here. It's like they're keeping us here.

NEUHAUSEN

Why?

Suddenly, the silence was broken by an eerie otherworldly cry. The hellhounds turn their heads in the direction of the sound, get up, and quietly head the same direction.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO / MORNINGSTAR SUV - SIMULTANEOUS

Butler and Kanaaq carefully make their way through the falling snow, moving silently while taking advantage of every bit of cover they can find. They approach a row of vehicles, late-model Morningstar SUVs and vans on one end, the protesters' older more-banged-up SUVs and pickups on the other.

BUTLER

(whispers)

You see anything?

KANAAQ

(whispers)

No. Wait. Get down!

Kanaaq points towards the tall chain-link fence surrounding the pump station. Two hellhounds approach in single file, moving just inside the fence. They silently pass by, not ten yards from where the two men crouch behind the van. The men wait for thirty seconds before moving.

KANAAQ (CONT'D)

(whispers)

Let's go. I feel naked out here.

BUTLER

(whispers)

You'll feel a lot less naked with a rifle in your hands. Let's go.

Hunched over, they make their way through the thick snow to the back of the van. Butler tries to open its back doors, but they're frozen shut. He pulls harder, and on the third try, they open. Inside is a virtual arsenal.

Butler opens an ammunition box and starts pulling out fully-loaded thirty-round magazines. Kanaaq stuffs them into every pocket like a starving squirrel stuffing its cheeks. He then slings two rifles over his shoulder. Butler loads a third rifle and hands it to Kanaaq.

BUTLER (CONT'D)

(whispers)

This one's yours to keep. Don't use it unless you absolutely have to, but if you do, aim for the head. You might just get lucky.

Kanaaq nods. Butler turns back to the van.

BUTLER (CONT'D)

(whispers)

Come to papa, Sweetie.

Butler reaches into the back and pulls out his pride and joy, a Milkor multiple grenade launcher. He unloads the tear gas canisters from the six-shot revolver-type launcher and lovingly reloads it with forty-millimeter high-explosive rounds.

BUTLER (CONT'D)

(whispers)

You'll send those bastards back to hell, won't you, girl?

He turns back to Kanaaq, but the young man is already gone.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO / HELIPAD - SIMULTANEOUS

Taking advantage of every bit of cover they can, Franklin and Robertson carefully work their way around to the far side of the helipad.

The demon dog is still in the same spot.

Robertson watches nervously from behind a piece of equipment as Franklin crawls to the chopper. He's almost there.

A bizarre alien cry breaks the silence. The hellhound stands, shakes off the snow like a wet dog, and then stalks away in the direction of the sound.

Not one to question a bit of luck, Franklin scrambles to the chopper.

The inside of the cockpit looks like someone took a hammer to the instrument panel. Franklin checks the emergency kit for the satphone. It's gone.

EXT. /EXT. PUMP STATION TWO / NEAR THE OIL TANK - SIMULTANEOUS

Butler is in position inside a small building. Through the window, the crude balance tank is clearly visible some forty yards away. Twice, individual hellhounds have passed by, but Aileen is nowhere to be seen.

Butler hears the alien cry, but there are no hellhounds in sight. When nothing happens, he goes back to waiting for Aileen and the sounds of hellhounds chasing prey.

Butler's cold. With no gloves, he briefly sits Sweetie down to blow on his hands. When he hears a noise behind him, he spins around, drawing his pistol in one fluid motion. It's Aileen.

AILEEN

(quietly)

The hellhounds aren't alone. There's a devil somewhere controlling them.

BUTLER

Devil?

AILEEN

A humanoid demon. When the hellhounds heard its cry, they all left. I won't be able to lead them here. We should head back while we can.

BUTLER

Damn. I was really looking forward to blowing that tank up.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / REC ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Kanaaq is the first one back. He hands Tagarook one of the rifles and three magazines. He lays the second rifle and magazines on the pool table. He keeps the third rifle in his hands.

Jack and Neuhausen are the next ones in through the door.

ANGELA

(relieved)

You're back.

JACK

I told you I would be.

Jack takes Angela by the hand, squeezing it gently before letting go.

ANGELA

(smiling)

You did. -- How'd it go out there?

JACK

It was weird. A couple of hellhounds had us trapped in the workshop building. But then, there was this strange cry, and they just left.

ANGELA

What do you think it means?

JACK

No idea, but it makes me nervous. Butler can't blow the tank too soon. We need to leave before things go from bad to worse.

(to Tagarook)

Is everyone ready to take of?

TAGAROOK

As ready as they're going to be.

Neuhausen drops five improvised hand grenades onto the pool table and picks up the assault rifle and ammunition Kanaaq had left there.

NEUHAUSEN

Come to mama.

Neuhausen walks over to Angela, bends down, and pulls up a pant leg to reveal a small gun from a holster strapped to her ankle. She hands the gun to Angela.

NEUHAUSEN (CONT'D)

It doesn't pack much of a punch, but it might be better than nothing.

ANGELA

Thanks. Extra mag?

NEUHAUSEN

Sorry. I just keep it for emergencies, not fire fights. You got six rounds plus the one in the chamber. -- Have you ever fired a gun before?

Angela takes the pistol, smoothly ejects the magazine, clears the chamber, reloads and re-checks the chamber before tucking it in the small of her back.

Impressed, Neuhausen gives Angela a questioning look.

ANGELA

I was an Army brat. Dad was stationed at Fort Benning when I was growing up. I don't know if you've ever been to Georgia, but it's all churches and shooting ranges. I chose shooting ranges.

Franklin and Robertson rush in through the door.

FRANKLIN

It's gone! The satphone's gone!

ROBERTSON

And the copter's control panel has been smashed. Someone doesn't want us to leave.

Everyone turns towards Kowalski and Blackwell.

KOWALSKI

That's crazy. Why would I do that?

MARK

You are kind of a dick.

KOWALSKI

I'm a loyal employee, not a lunatic.

ANGELA

He's right. The last thing he'd do is destroy valuable Morningstar property. He'd lose his pension.

They turn to Blackwell.

BLACKWELL

You really think I could slip out, sabotage the helicopter and slip back in unnoticed? Besides, what's my motive? It's my personal helicopter.

ROBERTSON

Well, someone did it, and it wasn't Butler or me.

MARK

(looking around)

Where's his holiness?

POOLE (O.S.)

Here.

Everyone turns to see Pastor Poole. His smile looks warm, but his eyes are colder than a crypt.

JACK

I didn't see you when I returned. Where were you?

POOLE

I was making a few last-minute preparations.

ANGELA

Preparations? For what?

POOLE

"In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

KOWALSKI

What on Earth is that supposed to mean?

POOLE

Interesting choice of words. -- I would have preferred a little more time to gather my forces, but I guess it doesn't matter whether I reveal myself now or later.

Neuhausen and Robertson immediately take on a defensive posture. Jack instinctively steps in front of Angela. Poole smiles, but there is only malice in his eyes.

POOLE (CONT'D)

Behold a true god.

As we slowly PAN a complete 360 degrees around Poole, he transforms smoothly into a demon clearly related to the hellhounds.

Poole's clothes melt away to reveal a naked demon's body. A transparent "skin" covers massive brick-red muscles crossed by black blood vessels as well as glimpses of yellow tendons and white bone. He stands on cloven hooves, and the four fingers on each hand end in long sharp claws. Huge bat-like wings sprout from massive muscles on his back.

Worst of all is his face. No lips hide the double rows of triangular serrated teeth. He has yellow goat-like eyes with horizontal pupils, and large bony horns adorn his head.

"Poole" is gone, replaced by HELLPOOLE: roughly human in size, but in no way human. When HellPoole speaks, his mouth doesn't move. Instead, everyone hears his words telepathically reverberate in their minds.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

You humans are such a simple species. Much like your sheep, really. Always yearning to be lead. Desperate for someone else to do your thinking for you. So easy to fool with the simplest of spells.

KOWALSKI

Please tell me, I'm not the only one seeing this right now.

Several of the survivors cry out in fear, backing away from the monster in their midst.

Neuhausen, Kanaaq, and Tagarook train their assault rifles on HellPoole. Robertson's aims his pistol. Jack grabs a cue from the nearby pool table, while Angela steps to the side so she has a clean shot at the devil.

Something loud and heavy THUDS onto the roof, while outside the door, hellhounds cry out their unholy howls.

JACK

What the hell are you?

MARK

The devil's an alien. A frelling alien.

HellPoole looks around at the people in the room like they are something brown and mushy on the sole of his cloven hoof.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

Think of this as evolution's natural course. Species come, and species go, especially when out-competed by a more superior species.

JACK

Is that why you're here? To replace humans?

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

Why else would we travel so far? -- We have studied your kind for centuries, learning your ways and weaknesses. You merely have the misfortune of living when our time to strike has come.

MARK

The hell hole is a doorway. A portal to another planet. That's how you got here.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

Clever... for a human. Perhaps you would have made a tolerable slave if you hadn't meddled in our plans.

HellPoole walks over to Blackwell, who cowers in the corner.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Your final torment is to accept that one of your own has sold you out for a mere promise of personal gain.

BLACKWELL

(bargaining)

But, I did everything you asked. We had an agreement!

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

Your profiteering was a convenient cover for our plans. Nothing more. You are no longer necessary.

BLACKWELL

But you promised!

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

I lied.

Before anyone can react, HellPoole straight-arm lifts Blackwell by the head, crushing his skull like a soft-boiled egg. He drops Blackwell's corpse, which lands with a thud.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.) (CONT'D)

How pitifully gullible you humans are. He thought he was fit to serve as a trusted slave when we have conquered this world. But why would we ever trust such a traitor?

Neuhausen, Tagarook, and Kanaaq open up with their rifles set to full auto, while Robertson adds individual shots from his Glock. The first few bullets strike HellPoole's body, but his wings rapidly unfurl and wrap around him to form a leathery shield. Seeing the others' bullets having no effect, Angela holds her fire, keeping her bullets in reserve.

The firing stops when the rifle magazines are empty. The silence is broken as HellPoole expels bullets from bullet holes to fall on the hard floor. The bullet holes briefly bleed black blood, seal, and disappear as HellPoole miraculously heals.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.) (CONT'D)

Fools. You cannot harm a god.

HellPoole grabs the rifles from Kanaaq and Tagarook, tossing them so hard that they embed themselves in the walls.

As Neuhausen and Robertson attempt to reload, HellPoole grabs Robertson's wrist, and shakes him like some human rag doll. Robertson drops his pistol as his forearm breaks. He screams in agony as he is flung across the room, crashes into a wall, and ends up moaning on the floor.

While HellPoole is occupied with Robertson, Kanaaq take a large knife from his belt and stabs HellPoole in the huge back muscles that power his wings. HellPoole spins, slicing Kanaaq's neck open with the long claws on his hand. Kanaaq falls to the ground, bleeding out.

HellPoole plucks the offending blade from his back. The wound briefly bleeds black blood and heals.

Franklin picks up Robertson's gun and fires. HellPoole's giant wings swing out, slicing a vicious cut across Franklin's abdomen, and launching him across the room. He lands, bleeding heavily from the deep gash.

The remaining protesters scatter in terror for the main exit.

JACK

No! Stay inside!

But it's no use. Panic has taken over, and the protesters take their chances with the hellhounds. Outside, they fare no better, judging by their screams.

Neuhausen changes tactics. Keeping out of HellPoole's reach, she fires short bursts at his head. Most miss, some hit is neck and forearm, and one strikes him in the jaw. This enrages the devil, and he throws pieces of furniture at her.

Jack and Angela hide behind the pool table, desperately trying to keep out of the devil's sight.

Everyone left alive is doing their best to hide in the darkened rec room. HellPoole methodically tears the place apart searching for victims. He's enjoying this.

A couch goes flying. Behind it are Kowalski and Olive, the young Inuit woman.

HellPoole gazes at them trying to conceive of an appropriately gruesome end. He grabs Olive by the throat lifting her off the ground.

OLIVE

(throttled)

Die, you asshole!

In the brave girl's hand, a road flare ignites, sparking wildly. She jams the flare directly into the devil's eye. HellPoole lets out an inhuman scream of pain and anger. Holding her by the neck, he swings her over his head and slams her down into the floor so hard that the survivors hear a dozen bones breaking. Olive is dead.

The wounded HellPoole stretches an arm over his head. A beam of blue light from his hand blasts a hole through the ceiling and roof. As debris rain down, HellPoole leaps and hurtles up through the hole in the roof with a terrible alien-sounding cry the dwindles as he flies away.

A shamed Kowalski stares as snowflakes drift down through the hole in the roof to land on Olive's lifeless body.

JACK

Angela, are you okay?

ANGELA

I think so. You?

JACK

Scared shitless, but otherwise okay. Anyone else alive? Mark?

MARK

Over here, Jack. I'm okay too.

Robertson, arm mangled, has crawled over to where Franklin lies on the floor.

ROBERTSON

The damn bastard broke my arm, but except for that, I'm mostly okay! Can't say the same for Franklin, though.

Tagarook crawls out from behind an overturned jukebox, cradling his right hand to his chest.

TAGAROOK

I'm okay, but he dislocated my trigger finger when he yanked the rifle out of my hand.

Kowalski, who had been playing dead, raises his head.

KOWALSKI

I'm still alive, though I wouldn't be if Poole had chosen me instead of her.

MARK

Olive. Her name was Olive.

They hear someone moaning. Jack and Angela follow the sound and find Neuhausen lying under a couch.

JACK

Are you okay. Are you hurt?

NEUHAUSEN

I think I'm okay. But my head is killing me. What happened?

MARK

Oh, nothing much. Olive shoved a lit road flare into Poole's eye.

Looking down at Olive's body, Mark is initially sad, then angry.

MARK (CONT'D)

The bastard killed her. Then, he shot a blue light out of his hands, blasted a hole in the ceiling, jumped up through the hole, and flew away.

NEUHAUSEN

Damn.

MARK

Olive saved us.

JACK

She did more than that. She proved he isn't immune to pain. Even if we didn't manage to kill him, she drove him off. And that might be good enough for us to escape.

From outside comes the sound of two explosions, the first one some distance away and the second one closer. A few seconds later, there's frantic banging on the door.

Jack and Tagarook shove the vending machine aside, and Aileen barges through the door, slamming it shut behind her. She looks around at the destruction in the rec room.

AILEEN

A devil's controlling the hellhounds! The hellhounds left when he called them, so I was never able to lure them to the oil tank.

JACK

It's Poole. He's the devil. Somehow, he was able to make himself look human.

AILEEN

It was a glamour spell.

MARK

Hologram.

ANGELA

Whatever. It doesn't matter. Where's Butler?

AILEEN

I don't know. I thought he was right behind me.

ROBERTSON

Damn. We could really use his grenade launcher.

AILEEN

You're right. Butler and I killed a few of the hellhounds on our way back here, but there are a lot more circling the building. I don't know how we'll be able to take 'em all out.

KOWALSKI

(hysterical)

We're trapped! We'll never make it out of this damned place! Whether Poole comes back or not, we're all going to die here!

Jack looks at Angela.

JACK

(determined)

We are not going to die here, not now, not after everything that's happened.

TAGAROOK

(determined)

You're right. I've spent my entire life finding the cracks and seams between what's right and what's legal. But no more.

Tagarook looks around the room at the bodies.

TAGAROOK (CONT'D)

My people have not died for nothing. I won't allow it. We know what we're fighting. We know they can be killed and sent back to hell or wherever they came from.

Tagarook looks at Kowalski.

TAGAROOK (CONT'D)

Our job now is to make damn sure these demons know they're not welcome here. This is my home. This was my father's home and his father's before him. No treaty, no law, no corporate contract is going to change that. I am Bo Tagarook, and I'm going to fight for my home. And damn everyone and everything that gets in my way.

A hellhound drops down on top of Tagarook through the hole in the roof. Crunch! Its massive jaws bite down on Tagarook's head, and he is dead before he can scream.

With bits of poor Tagarook still hanging from its teeth, the hellhound glowers at the survivors. The beast's massive muscles tense as it prepares to attack. Our heroes steel themselves, ready to meet their fate when boom!

The wall behind the hellhound rips open as Butler drives a giant trencher into the room. The excavator's spinning serrated blade rips the hellhound in two, spraying black blood like sparks from a Fourth of July pinwheel firework.

A ceiling support beam falls on Robertson, pinning his leg to the floor, but the others don't notice because a second hellhound leaps down through the hole in the roof and lands on the cab of the trencher. A third hellhound drops all the way to the floor.

Holding her amulet in her hand, Aileen aims it at the hellhound on the cab. She mumbles a few Latin words and a blue beam of light from the amulet hits the hellhound, blasting it off the cab.

Franklin grabs an assault rifle from the floor and unloads on the other hellhound, filling it with lead faster than it can push out the bullets. Black fluid spurts, and the hellhound staggers, unable to advance.

Neuhausen picks up her rifle and a fresh magazine, reloads, takes careful aim, and blows the top of its head off. The hellhound goes down and stays down.

AILEEN

Everybody, move your asses! We gotta go. We gotta go now!

Aileen runs for the door. She is closely followed by Jack and Angela, who each grab one of Neuhausen's improvised hand grenades from the pool table on their way out.

Holding her rifle in one arm, Neuhausen runs over and grabs Mark with the other. They follow, Neuhausen supporting Mark as he limps along as fast as his ankle will allow.

Kowalski snaps out of his daze and is about to follow the others when he notices the wounded Robertson trapped under the beam. Kowalski turns and watches Neuhausen and Mark disappearing through the door. Torn as to what to do, Kowalski pauses for a second.

KOWALSKI

Damn it!

Kowalski angrily shakes his head as he runs over to help the injured Robertson.

Snow and the sounds of automatic fire, alien howls, and an explosion drift in through the open door.

Butler hops down from the cab of the trencher, a pistol on his hip and Sweetie in his hands.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO - CONTINUOUS

Aileen fires blasts of blue light from her hands as hellhounds emerge from the swirling snow, only to disappear again.

Angela takes her improvised hand grenade, arms it, and flings it at the sound of hellhounds snarling to her right. The resulting explosion is immediately followed by a satisfying demonic scream of pain.

Neuhausen fires her assault rifle to her left, hoping that no hellhound attacks Mark on her right.

INT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE / REC ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Kowalski and Butler strain to shift the massive beam that's pinning Robertson's leg. He screams as the beam barely rises, and fresh arterial blood spurts. Kowalski and Butler have no choice but to let the beam back down.

ROBERTSON

It's no use. It's time for you two to go.

BUTLER

(ignoring Robertson)

We just need a tourniquet and something to act as a lever.

But before they can act, they hear something enter the door. A hellhound. Then another and yet another. They're trapped with no way to escape. Butler and Robertson share the look of soldiers who accept their fate, and Butler nods. Butler picks up his grenade launcher and aims it at the slowly advancing lead hellhound.

At the last instant, Butler swivels the launcher to the side so that it's aimed at the trencher's 135-gallon diesel fuel tank mere yards away. He fires.

EXT. PUMP STATION TWO / BUNKHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Kaboom! Butler, Kowalski, Robertson, and what's left of the bunkhouse go up in a huge ball of fire.

The shock wave nearly knocks Aileen, Jack, Angela, Neuhausen, and Mark to their knees as they continue to fight their way to where the vehicles are parked.

Angela does her best with the pistol Neuhausen gave her. She's a good shot, but the hellhounds barely flinch as the smaller caliber rounds hit their chests and sides.

Aileen kills more of the hellhounds as Angela and then Neuhausen run out of ammunition.

INT./EXT. PUMP STATION TWO / SUV - CONTINUOUS

They reach the nearest Morningstar SUV and scramble to get inside. Angela gets into the driver's seat and finds the keys sitting on the center console. Neuhausen helps Mark into a back seat and then slides in next to him. Jack climbs into the shotgun seat and closes his door. Then he realizes that Aileen isn't getting in.

JACK

What the hell are you waiting for? Get in!

Between shooting blasts of blue light from her amulet, she shakes her head.

AILEEN

Can't.

JACK

What? Why the hell not?

AILEEN

I've got to close the hole. Give me the hand grenade and go! I'll try to keep them busy until you're away.

JACK

But how are you...?

Aileen points at a Morningstar fuel truck parked nearby.

AILEEN

I'm going to drive that into the hole and blow it up.

Jack looks at the truck and then back at Aileen.

JACK

Oh, Hell!

Jack turns to Angela.

JACK (CONT'D)

Get to the Dalton and don't stop 'til you make it to Deadhorse.

ANGELA

What? Where are you going?

JACK

Aileen is going to blow up the hole, but she can't do it by herself. She can't drive and shoot her amulet at hellhounds. I have to go with her.

ANGELA

No! Poole's still out there somewhere!

JACK

Which is why you've got to get back and warn people. Please don't argue. I have to do this.

She grabs his arm, touching him for the last time as far as either of them know.

JACK (CONT'D)

(earnestly)

I was wrong to push you away after Ben died. I'm sorry.

ANGELA

No, Jack. It was my fault. I blamed you; refused to forgive you.

AILEEN

If you're coming, do it now, or I'm leaving without you.

A short last look. Jack and Aileen make a dash for the fuel truck, and climb in, Jack as driver and Aileen literally riding shotgun. The SUV and truck convoy past the pump station's buildings (including the still burning bunkhouse) and drive out of the pump station's main entrance.

Angela floors the SUV, briefly fishtailing before heading north to Deadhorse, while Jack turns onto the new pipeline's access road, barreling east towards the hell hole.

The hellhounds briefly give chase but are soon left behind.

EXT. HELL HOLE - LATER

Jack drives as fast as he can through the falling snow. As he nears the hole, the heat has melted the snow and the top few inches of ground. The access road becomes treacherously muddy.

Jack and Aileen hear the otherworldly shriek again right before something heavy slams onto the top of the truck cab, spider-webbing the windshield.

The metal roof of the cab is torn off and tossed aside.

HellPoole is back, his burned eye not yet completely healed. He's super pissed.

He yanks Jack from the truck, tossing him thirty feet through the air. Jack lands on thawed muck at the lip of the hell hole with a wet thud and the snap of breaking bones. Jack's left arm is broken as are a couple of his ribs.

The tanker truck veers off the access road and turns onto its side before skidding to a stop.

HellPoole's "words" burn Jack's brain like acid.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

Worm, did you think you could stop me? Are you truly that stupid?

Jack rolls over and groans.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.) (CONT'D)

How long before pollution and wars would have driven you to extinction? Fifty years? A hundred? You should be grateful. We're putting an end to your long-drawn-out suffering. We're doing you a favor.

Jack tries to get up, but HellPoole pins him on his back with a cloven hoof on his chest. The weight of the demon on a broken rib causes Jack to cry out in pain.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.) (CONT'D)

You know, we should be thanking you. Though we can easily withstand the cold, your Global Warming is making this pitiful planet much more like home. Your short-sighted stupidity will make it much easier for us to finish terraforming your planet.

HellPoole squats down over Jack's bruised face to gloat. His hot sulfurous breath makes Jack's eyes water.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.) (CONT'D)

You miserable maggot, did you really think you could stop a god?

Jack glances over HellPoole's shoulder.

JACK

No, but she can.

Standing twenty feet behind Poole, Aileen holds her amulet up. She mutters a Latin curse, and a blue beam of light streams out of the amulet and strikes HellPoole in the back. While not as bright as the beam HellPoole used to blast his way out of the bunkhouse, it's still strong enough to cause HellPoole to cry out it pain.

HellPoole falls off Jack, but Aileen doesn't stop. She continues pouring energy into HellPoole. The devil rolls over, stretches his arm towards Aileen, and a blue light shoots out of his hands. The two beams collide midway between them, fanning out to form a crackling disk of blue fire.

HELLPOOLE (V.O.)

Witch, you think you've stopped us. You've stopped nothing!

AILEEN

I may not be stopping your kind forever....

ANGELA

But I'm stopping you.

Angela raises a handgun and fires three times point blank into the back of Hellpoole's head, blowing off the top of his skull.

Hellpoole collapses, killed by the one injury his strange abilities cannot heal.

JACK

(grimacing with pain)

Is he dead?

AILEEN

Yes. Like I said, destroy the brain, and you destroy the demon.

ANGELA

So, it's finally over.

AILEEN

(with resignation)

Not yet. The hole is still open. We must close it, or more demons will come through.

ANGELA

But how? The truck's way over there, and God knows where the hand grenade ended up.

Aileen kneels down, puts her hand into Hellpoole's skull, and pulls something out. She wipes off bits of brain and black blood and holds the red disk up so that Jack and Angela can see it.

AILEEN

A devil stone. Like the one in my amulet. Ordinarily, we'd use it to make another amulet. But I have a different use for this one.

Aileen glances down into the hole. The warmth from the gasses has caused the sides of the hole to collapse, making the climb down without a rope possible. Although clouds of noxious gasses billow out of the still-open crevasse, the wind scours the bottom of the hell hole free from fumes.

AILEEN (CONT'D)

Somewhere down in that crevasse is a portal connecting our world with Hell. This devil stone contains enormous energy. I'm going down into that hole and use this to seal the portal forever.

JACK

But the gases. We don't have a respirator.

AILEEN

Then I'm just going to have to go in without one.

(to Angela)

Help Jack get away from this hole. I have no idea how big this explosion will be, but it will be big. -- If I don't make it out, someone from my order will contact you. Tell them what happened.

Jack and Angela nod their agreement, and Angela gives Aileen a quick hug. Jack and Angela both know it is unlikely they will ever see Aileen again.

Aileen slides down into the hole. She walks to the crevasse, takes several deep breaths of the relatively clean air, and then lowers herself over the edge.

INT. NEAR HELL HOLE / SUV - CONTINUOUS

Angela helps Jack lie down on the back seat of her SUV. After carefully turning the car around and driving a hundred yards back towards the Dalton, she stops and gets into the back seat with Jack's head in her lap. Looking out the back window, the hole is barely visible through the still falling snow.

JACK

(gasping in pain with each breath)

I thought... you were on your way... to Deadhorse.

ANGELA

I changed my mind. We separated once, and it was the worst decision we could have possibly made. I couldn't make that decision again.

JACK

But how did you get here?

ANGELA

I drove us back and took this SUV so that Neuhausen and Mark could continue north. Luck smiled on me twice. The hellhounds had disappeared, and I found a loaded pistol in the glove compartment.

JACK

That's wonderful, dear... I think I'll close my eyes... for a bit.

ANGELA

You rest. Once Aileen returns, we'll leave and never come back.

Jack falls asleep, and Angela looks back.

ANGELA (CONT'D)

(to self)

Come on, Aileen! Come on.

Suddenly behind them, a brilliant white light is followed almost immediately by the extremely loud sound of an explosion. A mushroom cloud of flames and smoke rise into the snowy sky above the hell hole.

The hole is closed. Jack and Angela are alive. Injured and exhausted, but finally safe.

INT. MORNINGSTAR CORPORATE JET - EVENING

Jack, bruised, bloodied, and still in filthy clothes, sits in the back next to Angela on their flight south to Fairbanks. His left arm is in a sling and bandages wrapping his ribs are visible through rips in his shirt. He's out cold.

Neuhausen and Mark sit two rows back, deep in discussion.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

The pilot just informed me there will be an ambulance waiting at the airport to take your husband to the hospital.

ANGELA

Thank you. How long 'til we arrive?

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

We should be touching down in a little over an hour. How is Dr. Oswald?

ANGELA

Sleeping. He was beat up pretty badly, but he'll be fine. We both will.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Glad to hear it. -- Shame about what happened at the pump station. It's hard to believe that a single disgruntled former employee could cause so much death and destruction. Still, I guess that's just the crazy times we're living in.

The flight attendant continues on to the back of the plane to see if Neuhausen and Mark need anything.

Angela leans in close to Jack. Her expression is one of love and gratitude for the gift of a second chance. They're finally back together and safe.

EXT. AERIAL SHOT - CONTINUOUS

The jet flies high above the North Slope. The snowstorm has passed, and the Northern Lights dance across the night sky.

Along the horizon, one after another in rapid random order, dozens of isolated shafts of blue light stab the sky, the same blue light that formed the first hell hole.

FADE OUT.

The END

#  Please Pass It On

First of all, thank you for reading my spec script for the Hell Hole movie. Unlike a production script that is used during filming, a spec script's purpose is to impress a story analyst (a.k.a., "reader") who acts as a gate keeper to a potential buyer. After reading or scanning a spec script, a story analyst will produce a short report (called a coverage) that is passed on to a studio or production company executive. But before a story analyst can read and analyze a spec script, it must first find its way to the reader.

I have made this ebook version of the Hell Hole script free to maximize the number of its readers. My hope is that some of you know someone in the film industry and will pass this script on to him or her. My hope is that that person will pass it on to a story analyst who in turn will pass it on to an executive who will want to produce the Hell Hole movie.

If you liked this script and would like to see it made into a movie, please leave a review, spread the word on social media, and pass the script on. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

