ROCKETMAN AND N.O.R.T.O.N. (screenplay)

8/14/2019 ROCKETMAN AND N.O.R.T.O.N. (screenplay)

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ROCKETMAN & N.O.R.T.O.N.

screenplay

by

Sam Bass

Jillian Bass

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Registered Sam Bass Jillian Bass

WGAw 2018 Broadway

Little Rock AR. 72206

501/952-2056 501/[email protected]

"ROCKETMAN & N.O.R.T.O.N."

FADE IN:

INT. U.S. GOV. N.O.R.T.O.N. LABORATORY COMPLEX, LAB-B, CIRCA

2010 NIGHT

A slender twenty feet long yellow rocket with sweep wings

and a short tail sits on its stand in the center of thegiant laboratory. It is adorned with various safety decals

and federal aircraft identification numbers.

CLOSE ON - a sign above the rocket that is fixed on the

wall. EYES ONLY, WHAT YOU SEE HERE, STAYS HERE.

MAX ROBINSON, a late twenties handsome young man with long

hair looks over the rocket. He is very casual wearing a

white laboratory coat with a red tee-shirt and jeans. Max

steps onto a yellow metal platform fitted to the side of the

rocket.

He looks closer inside the open cockpit while he writes

notes on his clipboard and mumbles to himself.

MAX

Fuel cells check. Systems check,

check. Weapons check, check.

The front seat of the rocket is empty. N.O.R.T.O.N., a small

robot that is painted red and also marked with safety decals

and instruction stickers occupies the back seat. The robot

makes computer noises and its head is lit with colored

lights recessed in various areas. He is shaped like a bullet

with arms.

The robots opticals set on his head in the same place human

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eyes would be. They are brightly lit and have the appearance

of small crystal balls framed in plastic that move like

eyes. The machine swivels his head from side to side

resetting itself randomly then the machine speaks in a

robotic tone.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

N.O.R.T.O.N., robotic organism, U.S.

Government status and NATO code, two

-one-six-four-seven-six-five-nine-

three-two-four-eight.

Max turns and touches the robot with a screwdriver to make

an adjustment on its neck.

MAXOkay, enough with the numbers.

Max finalizes his adjustment then proudly looks at his

creation studying it closely.

MAX

(continuing)

There you are metal head, fixed.

Youve got wireless Internet and

a stopping place.

Suddenly DIANA MCCARTY, a pretty thirty something uniformed

security guard rushes into the laboratory.

DIANA

Come on Doctor Robinson. We got

a silent security breach go to

your safe room. Quickly now.

Max reaches inside the aircraft and pulls out a black box

and carries it with him. He immediately goes to a safe room

in the corner of the large laboratory.

MAX

What happened?

Diana smiles.

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DIANA

Dont know yet. Watch a movie

Ill be back.

She shuts Maxs heavy metal door of the safe room and lockshim inside. Diana quickly moves out of the laboratory and

slams the solid metal laboratory door with a clang behind

her and sets the electronic locks.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX

WIDE ON a well lit massive and pristine U.S. Government

complex under heavy guard, Ft. Worth Texas.

CLOSE ON a large heavy molded brass sign that adorns thewall next to the building entrance: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ROCKET RESEARCH DIVISION, NON-NUCLEAR OFFENSIVE ROBOTICS

TECHNOLOGIES AND ORBITAL NETWORKS (N.O.R.T.O.N. PROJECT).

BAHIR, a dark middle-aged Arabic man dressed in black

camouflage runs from the side exit of a large gray stone

office building that is located inside the N.O.R.T.O.N.

compound near the main facility.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX FRONTGATE CITY STREET

The leader YASIR, an average middle-aged Arabic man wearing

dark clothes and RASHAD, a dark Arabic man in his thirties

dressed in black sits in a car on the city street next to

the complex. They intently watch Bahir. The two men start to

get out. Yasir looks closer at the complex. He and Rashad

sit back and wait.

YASIR P.O.V.

He sees a Mustang security vehicle slowly cruise around a

corner.

The vehicle cruises through the parking lot near Bahir. The

driver notices him.

Bahir freezes in place hoping not to be noticed.

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The security guard looks closer and gets on his radio then

speeds toward Bahir as he talks.

SECURITY GUARD NO.ONE (RADIO V.O.)

We have a security breach atthe south entrance to the

laboratory. A dark male about

six feet wearing black, headed

toward the parking garage.

Bahir runs along a wall and out of sight behind some thick

bushes.

BACK TO SCENE

Yasir and Rashad drive away at a slow pace so they wont be

noticed.

Suddenly a city police car pulls in behind Yasir and Rashad

and turns on his lights.

Yasir and Rashad speed forward and the chase is on. The

police car tweaks his siren while staying close on the

bumper of the two mens car.

INT. POLICE CAR

The policeman picks up his radio microphone.

POLICEMAN

Dispatch this is three sixteen

I got a runner at the front

gate of the N.O.R.T.O.N. complex

headed north on Broadway.

DISPATCHER (RADIO V.O.)

Ten-four. All units in the area

respond to three sixteen.

The officer hangs his microphone up and speed forward.

EXT. CITY STREET

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Rashad slides around a corner and regains control while

speeding forward. The police car is right behind him.

The policeman attempts to turn the back end of the mens car

by nudging them with his bumper. They slam on their brakes

and the police car crashes into them. While the policeman istrying to recover his car Rashad speeds on.

The policeman recovers and continues his pursuit.

POLICEMAN P.O.V.

He sees Rashad turn his car behind a building.

BACK TO SCENE

The policeman speeds forward pursuing Yasir and Rashad. He

turns the corner and slams on his brakes sliding to stop

just before hitting Rashads parked car.

Suddenly Rashad and Yasir step from the darkness and start

shooting.

The policeman ducks down in his seat and draws his weapon.

Rashad and Yasir shoot out his tires.

The policeman sits up to shoot back and is fired on again.

He ducks back down.

The policeman gets back up to shoot.

No one is there. Suddenly Rashad and Yasirs car speeds

away.

The policeman jumps out of his car and shots at them. He

stops and watches the mens car disappear.

The policeman put his gun away and goes to his radio. He

picks up the microphone.

POLICEMAN

Dispatch this is three sixteen.

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The dispatcher quickly answers.


Go ahead three sixteen.

POLICEMAN

The perps got away. Send a wrecker

my unit is down.


Ten-four a wrecker is on the way

and a unit to bring you in.

The policeman hangs up his microphone and leans against his

car looking into the darkness.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX LABORATORY BUILDING

Suddenly three heavily armed U.S. secret service security

officers dressed in green khaki uniforms identified by a

small I.D. patches on their sleeves chase Bahir.

The Arabic man runs down a dark walkway firing at the

pursuing guards with a silenced automatic pistol.

CAPTAIN LEONARD BURNS, the head of security, a typical young

and athletic government agent stops and goes into a shooting

stance.

He sees the dark man in the shadows. The captain aims his

nine-millimeter pistol and yells out.

CAPTAIN BURNS

Stop or I'll fire.

Bahir glances back and keeps running.

Captain Burns fires his weapon three times as the Arabic man

runs.

The bullets miss hitting the wall nearby. The dark man

hesitates for a split second and looks back. Then turns a

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corner as more bullets hit the edge of the building.

The man runs through a side entrance from the parking lot to

the parking garage.

More N.O.R.T.O.N. guards appear and are closing fast behindhim.

INT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX PARKING GARAGE

Bahir continues to run as he crosses the large parking

garage.

He stops at a remote four door unmarked black Ford sedan.

Bahir takes a remote from his pocket and clicks it. The car

alarm chirps and the doors unlock.

The complex guards quickly enter the garage and fire their

weapons.

Every shot hits near the man, but they miss. The bullets

riddle the parked car next to him.

Bahir grabs the police car door handle and jerks the door

open. Suddenly bullets riddle the inside of the open door as

he jumps inside. The man starts the vehicle. Bahir quickly

backs out of his space. The tires squeal and smoke while he

continues speeding backward.

Another security guard carrying a pump shotgun and wearing a

suit with only a nametag for identification steps into the

driveway of the parking garage from the main building. He

takes aim at Bahir.

Bahirs sedan speeds steadily backward toward him.

The security man shoots the back glass of the car out as it

rushes toward him.

The car hits the security guard knocking him out of the way.

The car continues to speed backward and hits the concrete

wall.

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The Arabic man shifts the car into drive and pushes hard on

the gas. The car's wheels spin and the tires smoke finally

moving forward.

More gunfire is suddenly heard coming from the security

people chasing him.

Bahir puts his arm out the window holding his nine-

millimeter pistol. He fires at the guards to hold them off.

The security guards jump behind a car as the bullets from

the Arabic's pistol hit near them.

INT. BAHIR POLICE SEDAN

CLOSE ON - Bahir picks up a hand-grenade from his front seatwhile watching the guards in his rearview mirror. He pulls

the pin and drops it out of the car.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX PARKING GARAGE

The grenade hits the driveway rolling toward the security

people.

The guards jump further back behind more parked cars. The

grenade goes off in the middle of the driveway harming no

one.

The guards run from cover to give chase.

They suddenly can see that three more grenades are rolling

toward them.

The men yell out to each other in overlapping dialogue and

jump for cover.

GUARDS

Lookout. Grenades. Go for cover.

The grenades explode one behind the other while the guards

dive behind a car.

The Arabic man's vehicle speeds out of the parking garage.

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INT. BAHIR POLICE SEDAN

Bahir is sweating as he stares straight ahead focused on the

street ahead of him.

He wipes his brow and mumbles a portion of a prayer while

speeding forward.

BAHIR

Maliki yaum i eddeen.

DIALOGUE SUB-TITLE - Master of the day of judgement.

EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX PARKING GARAGE

As Bahirs car hits the street Captain Burns steps out into

the driveway and kneels with a L.A.W. rocket on his

shoulder. He fires.

The speeding rocket hits the car and disintegrates it.

Flames rise into the air surrounded by black smoke. The car

and Bahir are completely destroyed.

Captain Burns, walks to the burning car with his second in

command, Lieutenant Diana McCarty.

Four security men move in with fire extinguishes putting the

car fire out.

The captain turns away from the fire and speaks to

Lieutenant McCarty.

CAPTAIN BURNS

Get this cleaned up before the

press starts sniffling around.

She nods in acknowledgment then speaks into her hand held

radio. She motions to three guards standing near the

wreckage to wrap it up.

DIANA

Paris, we got a burning car in

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the front driveway of the parking

garage bring the equipment around

ASAP. Send Tarwater to supervise

the lock down. You got five

minutes.

A female answers.

PARIS (RADIO V.O.)

On our way.

The Chief of National Security John Bass a tall man with

gray hair wearing an expensive suit and name tag walks up

surveying the area.

CAPTAIN BURNSHello Chief Bass.

He nods to the captain.

JOHN BASS

Captain, is Doctor Robinson all

right?

The captain is very formal.

CAPTAIN BURNS

Yes sir he's fine.

The lieutenant is more relaxed.

DIANA

John, do you want me to move

him?

John confidently nods in agreement.

JOHN BASS

Yes lieutenant, top priority on

this one and tighten up security

inside and outside.

Lieutenant McCarty is quick to turn on her heel as she

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speaks.

DIANA

Yes sir. I'll take care of it

right now.

She walks toward the building.

INT. VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICE, WASHINGTON

D.C.

An elderly leading scientist in the country, LUDWIG VON

HOLTZ and a younger average man, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE

UNITED STATES CHARLES MCMANN are standing looking out of a

large window. The phone rings and the vice-president

answers.

VICE-PRESIDENT

Yes, when. All right thank you

John.

(turns to Ludwig)

Terrorist tried to hit the lab.

in Fort Worth. Our boys stopped

them.

Ludwig is calm and intelligent.

LUDWIG

We had better do something to

secure the rocket. If they get

it or Max our world could be a

miserable place.

The vice-president nods while thinking.

DISSOLVE TO EARLY MORNING:

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX PARKING LOT

Captain Burns moves to a security sedan and gets inside. He

drives away while other guards are in various stages of

setting up a watch. Near the front gate two people are

finalizing the debris clean-up.

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Lieutenant McCarty walks with her hands behind her back

looking around the area. She is inspecting the scene near

the gate as daylight breaks.

A military staff car rolls past with a driver and passengerinside.

CLOSE ON - The passenger INSPECTOR GENERAL BART RAYMOND, a

middle-aged handsome military man looks out the side window

as he passes.

Diana salutes as he passes and walks on toward the main

laboratory complex.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX - MORNING

McCarty is moving down the well-kept hall of the massive

facility.

Ten heavily armed security people move past McCarty checking

all of the offices and laboratories.

McCarty looks as she walks toward two security men in dark

business suits.

DIANA

You men secure this doorway. No

one comes in.

The two men acknowledge and stand by the doorway.

Lieutenant McCarty walks past the two men and into the

laboratory. A sign on the door reads "LAB-B".

INT. MAX ROBINSON LABORATORY, LAB-B

Diana McCarty walks past the N.O.R.T.O.N. rocket still

sitting on his metal stand with a few lights on and the nose

plate open. She glances at N.O.R.T.O.N. then her eyes scan

the large laboratory.

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The safe room metal door is open.

Diana is concerned for a moment until she sees Max out of

the corner of her eye.

Max is sitting on a table across the room from the rocket

swinging his legs and feet listening to a radio station on

his laptop computer.

The lieutenant walks toward Max.

DIANA

There you are. Are you all right

doctor?

Max smiles. He knows the lieutenant and likes her.

MAX

Sure, everything's all right.

You?

She nods that she is okay. Diana is amused at how casual he

is.

DIANA

Yes, I'm going to move you to

new quarters. We can't have

our head rocketman in danger.

Max is an agreeable man

MAX

Makes sense to me. Where to?

Lieutenant McCarty wants to reassure him.

DIANA

Things are pretty hot here.

You'll need to be more

cautious now. I'll show you.

Max is calm as he goes political.

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MAX

Yeah, those terrorists guys want

to kick American ass all of the

time. Wouldnt it be easier to

just go with new world order orworld peace or something like

that?

McCarty smiles, but shows her concern.

DIANA

Right, you ready to go doctor?

They could hit us again.

Max casually makes conversation.

MAX

Did you get the guy?

Diana nods.

DIANA

Yes, they got him.

Max is amused at his predicament.

MAX

Good, one down, nine million

to go.

He jumps off the table. He grabs his computer and proceeds

out with the lieutenant.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MAX ROBINSON LABORATORY, LAB-L - DAY

Max is sitting behind a laboratory table with his head on

the laptop computer keyboard asleep. He wakes up with the

keyboard imprinted on his face. Max sleepily looks around

the new laboratory.

He sees people finalizing the clean up of his new location.

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More equipment is being moved in. Lieutenant McCarty is

helping the crew.

Max speaks loud.

MAXAh, Lieutenant thanks for your

help.

Max pauses for a second and Lieutenant McCarty looks at him.

DIANA

It's my job to take care of you.

Im the new assistant chief of

security and I'll be watching

out for you from now on.

Lieutenant McCarty moves toward Max.

MAX

Hey that's great. The old chief

was always giving me a thumb

lashing on my text screen.

He smiles and goes about his business.

Lieutenant McCarty smiles back and continues her work with

the clean up crew.

The rocket ship is still being secured by a technician on

its stand in the background. Diane moves toward N.O.R.T.O.N.

as she speaks.

DIANA

Put N.O.R.T.O.N. in line with the

security cameras please.

A workman looks up and waves an acknowledgement.

Max turns toward her.

MAX

N.O.R.T.O.N. has his own security.

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Diana is kind but firm.

DIANA

He can be shut down and nothing

works. We must be sure the machineis protected.

Max nods.

MAX

Okay, I guess my brain grenade

went off.

Max goes back to his work.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MAX ROBINSON LABORATORY, LAB-L

Max is looking over the rocket ship as he taps on his

wireless computer keyboard. A small television set is

blaring out a soap opera nearby.

Max is steadily punching the small keys on the keyboard. The

rocket ship makes a sudden turbo sound and raises a few

inches off the metal stand. Max smiles and works the

computer keys more.

MAX

Totally freakin' awesome you

little machinicorn.

Max suddenly turns his head toward the television set.

The cockpit opens on the rocket and the small robot head

that sits behind the front seat begins to make a quietly

noise that sounds like circuitry working. The head turns and

adjusts pointing toward the television.

Max talks to the soap actors on his set.

MAX

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(continuing)

Come on Kathryn, you know he's a

jerk. Give him your driving finger

and walk away.

The woman embraces her lover.

TELEVISION FEMALE (O.S.)

Oh Tony I love you so much.

He continues to talk to the television.

MAX

Gees, I can't believe you. I'd

like to see things from your

point of view but I can't seemto get my head that far up my

butt.


Oh Darling.

TELEVISION MALE (O.S.)

I love you too, Kathryn.

A loud thump is heard. The rocket ship is sitting back on

its stand.

Max looks back at the rocket ship.

MAX

Sorry N.O.R.T.O.N., I forgot.

Max immediately turns back to the soap opera.

MAX

(continuing)

Can you believe this. She's got

another one.


Oh Jonathan, I love you so much.

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The robot in the cockpit turns toward Max and speaks in his

robotic voice.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Max, you only get one channel. Maybe

you should consider a satellite T-Vsystem?

Max looks at him curiously.

MAX

Did you just talk to me?

N.O.R.T.O.N.s head moves and he speaks.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)Yes, I am programmed to speak.

Max looks the rocket over.

MAX

Not yet, I havent finished the

script for your program.

Max looks inside the cockpit at the panels of gauges.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Dont worry about it. My brain

simulator system allows me to

assimilate needed functions.

I finished the program myself.

I then learned speech from

the internet via your program

script for learning.

Max pushes a few buttons on the panel.

MAX

Your neurological system is

working much better than first

expected.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

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Thank you, more hay for Mr. Ed.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX, SECLUDED PARKING LOT - NIGHT

The N.O.R.T.O.N. rocket hovers low in mid-air. It turns

around in place. Max stands just outside his laboratory

backdoor pushing the keys on his laptop keyboard. Suddenly

N.O.R.T.O.N. blasts off out of the parking lot and over the

facility fence speeding down a city street.

EXT. CITY STREET

N.O.R.T.O.N. is cruising along a neighborhood street at

approximately two hundred miles per hour. It is very earlyin the morning. The rocket turns corners and dodges car

still flying along.

N.O.R.T.O.N.

Max, I am programming for street

travel via Google.

A dog barks as he goes by.

MAX (O.S.)

Dont program. Just avoid contact.

N.O.R.T.O.N. is casual.

N.O.R.T.O.N.

Dont worry dotcomrade. Ive

learned to be cyberactive.

Max is talking to N.O.R.T.O.N. as heard via his radio

speaker.

MAX (O.S.)

N.O.R.T.O.N. I.D. your location.

Return to base. Repeat return to

base.

N.O.R.T.O.N. stops just as he blasts past a parked car. The

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rocket backs up and sees two gothic teenagers sitting inside

kissing. They look at N.O.R.T.O.N. and start kissing again

unconcerned. N.O.R.T.O.N. speeds away and speaks with a

computer tone to his voice.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)I wonder what that is? It must be

some sort bacterial culturing.

N.O.R.T.O.N. suddenly stops at an intersection and turns

around. Max is speaking to the rocket again through his

speaker.

MAX (O.S.)

N.O.R.T.O.N. come back, now. Your

sensors show you stopped. You dontStop. There could be trouble.

The intelligent computer operated rocket uses its think mood

to reason an answer.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Yes sir!

(speaking to himself)

He is so demanding.

Maxs voice is generated over the rockets speaker system.

MAX (V.O.)

I heard that. Move it.

N.O.R.T.O.N. blasts off and is immediately gone.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX LABORATORY BUILDING

N.O.R.T.O.N. is back at the parking lot hovering near the

laboratory door.

Max pushes a few computer buttons.

N.O.R.T.O.N. moves inside the laboratory.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

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Daddys home.

Max follows N.O.R.T.O.N. inside the laboratory.

MAX

Im overriding you, buddy. Daddybetter stay home or get the plug

pulled.

The automatic garage door closes against the concrete floor

shutting hard.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MAX ROBINSON LABORATORY, LAB-L EARLY MORNING

N.O.R.T.O.N. is above his stand hovering. He spins around

toward the door and hovers again.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

You know Max, this Internet is

great. I can instantly learn

from people all over the world.

Max looks at his display board checking it out.

MAX

Dont believe all you see there.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

I noticed that, but my evaluation

system can sort it out.

Max is pleased with his machine.

MAX

You are learning faster than I

can keep up. Im overriding you

for a little while until we sort

this out.

Max looks over his rocket and decides to test a large orange

emergency button.

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MAX

(continuing)

I wonder If I

Max smiles and pushes the orange button. The rocket shipblasts off through the wall.

Debris flies everywhere. Max has white dust on his face. He

is shocked.

MAX

(continuing)

Holy crap, come back!

He pushes buttons frantically.

MAX P.O.V.

INSIDE TO OUTSIDE - The rocket comes to an abrupt stop just

before hitting a car in the parking lot.

BACK TO SCENE

N.O.R.T.O.N. is stationary observing the car before him.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Dont do that. I cant stop

myself when you over ride.

Max peers through the hole in the wall looking.

MAX

(continuing)

Thank heaven.

Max walks into the hole in the wall. The security alarm

sounds off as Max steps into the hole to look at the rocket

ship.

N.O.R.T.O.N. is irritated.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

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So, for my information are you

a doctor of science or the new

guy?

Max ignores him.

MAX

I screwed up somewhere.

He turns and goes back to the computer. Max picks up the

keyboard and pushes more buttons. The rocket turns. It moves

quickly inside and slowly lands perfectly unscratched on its

stand.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Marvelous, simply marvelous, newguy.

Max glances at N.O.R.T.O.N.

Max shakes his head and smiles.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Max, I experienced some things

when I left before that I had

only read about.

Max is amused and interested.

Max

Like what?

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Unfiltered air, trees, people,

vehicles, stuff.

Max walks toward his desk.

MAX

Yeah, been there.

Captain Burns, Lieutenant McCarty and two other security

people break in through the steel doors into the laboratory.

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N.O.R.T.O.N. turns his lights off and shuts down.

Captain Burns stops near the big hole in the wall looking at

Max.

CAPTAIN BURNS

What the hell happened?

Max is casual.

MAX

Nothing I just pushed the wrong

button.

Lieutenant McCarty walks up to Max.

DIANA

Are you okay?

Max nods. She puts one hand on Max's arm and wipes his

dusty face a little with the other.

CAPTAIN BURNS

Scientists, get two more security

on this now.

The captain muddles and mumbles looking around and then

leaves.

DIANA

Yes sir, come on doctor let's

have coffee while they clean

this up and cover your wall.

Max smiles and nods happily completely uncaring about what

happened.

N.O.R.T.O.N.s lights in his cockpit flash lightly.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Max, Max.

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Max glances at N.O.R.T.O.N. and gives him a look to be

quiet.

Lieutenant McCarty and Max walk out as four maintenance

people enter.

CUT TO:

INT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX COFFEE SHOP/RECREATION AREA

Max and Lieutenant McCarty walk in. Diana sits at a

recreation room table while Max gets two coffees from a

vending machine.

Diana smiles.

DIANA

So Doctor what are you called in

real life?

Max walks back to her and sits down.

MAX

Oh ah, Goofy, Nerd, Dummy, Creep.

He laughs a little.

MAX

(continuing)

My mother called me Max.

Diana flirts.

DIANA

May I call you Max?

Max smiles very big.

MAX

Yeah, I dont know your name

Lieutenant.

She smiles.

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DIANA

Diana McCarty.

Max likes her.

MAX

So, whats you sign?

Diana is amused.

DIANA

Max that pick-up line went

out in the seventies.

Max is embarrassed.

MAX

I dont get out much.

Diana looks at him affectionately and consoles him.

DIANA

Thats okay. I dont either.

Max wants Diana to know he likes her.

MAX

Well Diana I hate to be forward,

but as you know I'm locked up

here all the time. Maybe we could

have dinner or something?

Lieutenant McCarty is a little nervous as she squirms in

the chair.

DIANA

That would be nice, but you cant

leave here. I guess we could watch

a video, but we cant let anyone

know.

Max smiles and nods.

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29/117

like these violent movies with cursing

and nudity so much?

Max is amused.

MAXWell, I like adventure movies. They

just happen to be violent and naked.

Diana smiles at him.

DIANA

Do you like working on these

projects?

Max is thinking as he speaks.

MAX

Yeah, its all I know. The rocket

behind you is my favorite. He

could revolutionize the world. It

runs on pennies a day, weighs

under a thousand pounds, carries

more than ten times his own weight

and is faster than anything in this

environment today.

Diana is impressed with the project.

DIANA

Everybody here knows how important

N.O.R.T.O.N. is.

Max smiles while looking at his rocket.

MAX

There are people that would use

him for war not transportation

and space exploration.

Diana is flirtatious as she smiles looking at Max.

DIANA

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Max, do you have a girlfriend?

Max flirts and speaks directly to the subject.

MAX

I haven't seen her in a longtime. I think it's been two

years.

Max and Diane are moving closer together.

Diane is amused almost cracking a smile.

DIANA

Two years? I think shes probably

moved on.

Max pulls the Lieutenant close to him. They kiss. Diana

pulls back.

DIANA

(continuing)

No Max, I don't need to be involved

right now.

Max looks at her kindly.

MAX

Its okay, I dont either.

She hesitates for a moment looking at Max affectionately and

then pulls him to her. Diana and Max embrace and kiss

passionately.

N.O.R.T.O.N. a small light glows from his cockpit.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. WAREHOUSE

Yasir and Rashad sit at a folding table talking near the

wall of the open area warehouse while four other terrorist

move around the area organizing supplies and miscellaneous

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boxes.

Yasir leans forward to make a point and speaks in perfect

English with an American accent.

YASIRWe must get the scientist and

his rocket. They could change

the course of our history and

bring the infidels to their

knees.

Rashad appears confident and also speaks with perfect

English.

RAHADI will get the scientist and his

machine. Bahir was not experienced

enough to counter the security. I

underestimated them.

Yasir looks at Rashad with an approving smile.

YASIR

We will not make that mistake

again.

Rashad is in agreement. He and Yasir stand and walk toward

the exit.

INT. MAX ROBINSON LABORATORY, LAB-L - DAY

John Bass Chief of Security Operations walks into the

research laboratory where Max is working. Max appears sleepy

and rumpled.

MAX

Hello John.

John is all business.

JOHN BASS

Hi Max. Max, General Raymond, the

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Inspector General of the Army is

in the complex. He is checking out

our facility and especially your

project. He is here to see if we

can get more funding. You could

help us out by letting somepeople come in and clean up.

They look around the room. It is stacked with paper and

debris.

MAX

Sure John, Im sorry that Im not

better prepared.

The Inspector General walks into the laboratory to thesurprise of John and Max.

INTERCOM (V.O.)

The inspector is on his way

gentlemen.

John glances at the speaker over the front door and then

looks down. The inspector is standing in the doorway.

JOHN BASS

Hello General Raymond.

The Inspector is friendly. He smiles and tries to put John

and Max at ease.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

Good morning gentlemen, sorry I'm

early.

Max greets the general with enthusiasm.

MAX

No problem, sorry for the clutter.

The general smiles and rubs his hands together.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

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34/117

Max nods in agreement.

Max picks up the computer keyboard and pushes buttons while

watching his invention.

The rocket ship engines begin to purr. The rocket raisesfrom its stand and begins to glide slowly out of a large

garage door that is automatically opening.

Inspector Raymond is astonished. He follows it on foot

speaking to himself.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

Amazing, just amazing.

John and Max walk along with N.O.R.T.O.N. Max is punchingthe keys on his computer keyboard. A long wire trails from

his board back to the computer.

MAX

We call him N.O.R.T.O.N.

The inspector is enthused.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

What can it do Max?

The rocket ships engine is running quietly with a smooth

turbine hum as it hovers in a small courtyard off the

laboratory.

John, Max and the Inspector move closer.

MAX

Lots, watch this.

Maxs fingers work their magic on his keyboard.

Suddenly the rocket's sharp nose tips up toward the sky. It

blasts off without a sound leaving a blue strike of light

while climbing toward the sky and through the clouds in just

a second.

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Max smiles totally impressed with himself as he continues to

punch his keyboard.

MAX

(continuing)

Look at him go. Whatda ya think?

Max looks at the Inspector.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

Where did it go?

Max smiles.

MAX

He'll be right back.

Suddenly the rocket blast from the clouds and he is back.

N.O.R.T.O.N. stops abruptly in front of Max and the

Inspector.

Max begins to push the keyboard buttons again.

The rocket ship turns slowly and hovers twenty feet away

from Max.

Max pushes more buttons on the computer keyboard.

MAX

(continuing)

Watch this.

Max punches the keyboard again.

The rocket ship turns upside down.

Max continues to punch the keyboard.

The rocket ship rights itself and disappears in place.

Inspector Raymond smiles while watching N.O.R.T.O.N.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

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How'd you do that?

Max watches the rockets location as he works the keyboard.

MAX

It's still there. Hes in afor real stealth mode.

The inspector is still looking.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

Where?

Max is very confident.

MAXGo look it's there.

John is too sure of himself.

JOHN BASS

I don't see it.

Max is encouraging.

MAX

Go on, go look.

John Bass and the Inspector General walk toward the location

of the rocket looking for it.

N.O.R.T.O.N.

Boring.

The inspector looks at John.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

What was that?

John is curious.

JOHN

I didnt say anything. I thought

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You did.

The inspector shrugs his shoulders. He and John look at Max.

Max shrugs his shoulders. He smiles and pushes buttons on

the keyboard. A very quiet turbine sound is heard.

John Bass and the Inspector General are still looking and

walking toward N.O.R.T.O.N. Suddenly they bump into the

invisible rocket. They look at each other.

Max is lightly amused.

The inspector continues to look. He is very curious.

INSPECTOR RAYMONDHowd you do that Max?

John chimes in.

JOHN BASS

This is amazing.

Max is very proud.

MAX

It's simple actually. It works

like a chameleon.

John Bass and Inspector General Raymond look at each other

with a question on their face.

MAX

(continuing)

A Chameleon can changes color to

blend with his background. Without

a long explanation that's what

N.O.R.T.O.N. does. Look closer

you'll see his silhouette.

John Bass and inspector General look closer at N.O.R.T.O.N.

The silhouette of the rocket ship is there but blended to

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the background.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

I can't believe it. Somebody has

finally done it.

John is amazed.

N.O.R.T.O.N.

Big yawn.

The inspector looks around.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

I heard it again.

JOHN BASS

Me too.

Max shugs his shoulders. He is modest.

MAX

Must be a glitch in N.O.R.T.O.N.s

audio.

John blows it off and looks at the inspector.

JOHN BASS

What do you think?

Inspector Raymond is enthusiastic.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

I like it. Releasing the rest of

the funds will be no problem. I'm

sure the Committee will go along.

They all are happy with each other.

INT. N.O.R.T.O.N. LABORATORY BUILDING FRONT SECURITY DESK

Rashad is dressed in vendor's clothing carrying boxes of

candy with bows on them. He shows his I.D. to security. The

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39/117

man is scanned with a handheld metal detector and then

passes through into the lobby.

The Arabic man walks down a hall toward an open pavilion in

the center of the building. He throws the candy boxes in a

trash container.

Rashad turns and walks a few feet to Maxs Laboratory door.

He quietly tries to open the door. It will not unlock. He is

disgusted. The man looks around nervously.

The Arabic man sets a small-computerized charge on the door

and pushes a button. The system beeps quietly. It sizzles

and spews sparks as it burns the lock off. The door

releases.

A security guard crosses the hall several doors down and

sees the man. He moves toward him pulling his weapon from

its holster.

SECURITY GUARD NO. ONE

Halt or I'll fire.

The Arabic man suddenly turns and fires a nine-millimeter

automatic with a silencer into the mans chest.

The guard goes down.

The man kicks the door open and enters the laboratory. He

quickly looks around surveying the area.


John Bass, Max and Inspector Raymond are still standing by

N.O.R.T.O.N. as Rashad enters.

John Bass starts to draw his pistol.

The dark man shoots.

John is hit in the chest three times and hits the floor with

a thud.

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The inspector is shocked and raises his hands. Rashad aims

and fires his pistol two times.

The Inspector is hit in the chest. He falls back and drops

to the floor.

The dark man points his pistol at Max.

RASHAD

Dont move.

Max appears as if he is resigned to die and is mumbling a

prayer.

Rashad motions with his pistol for Max to move to him.

Max looks at him and raises his hands in the air.

MAX

What? I gotta shut the rocket

down.

The man motions with his pistol to Max as he goes to the

keyboard and shuts down N.O.R.T.O.N. Rashad looks toward

Max.

RASHAD

Come to me and hurry up or I

will shoot you.

Max backs away toward his rocket looking at the man

curiously.

MAX

How did you know how to do

that?

Rashad fires a shot into the floor by Max's feet.

RASHAD

The same way everybody stops

a program on their computer.

Control, alt, delete.

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Max raises his eyebrows thinking.

The dark man motions again with his pistol.

RASHAD(continuing)

Come let's go.

Max moves over to the dark man. Rashad handcuffs himself to

Max.

Max pulls back. The dark man hits him on the side of the

face with his pistol barrel.

RASHAD(continuing)

Dont mess with me.

Max flinches and begins to bleed lightly. He pushes Rashad.

MAX

Asshole.

Rashad moves jerking Max to follow.

RASHAD

Let's go.

The Arab jerks Max again and pulls him toward the hall. They

move into the hall.

MAX

Where are we going?

Rashad smiles.

INT. LABORATORY BUILDING HALL

Rashad is short on time and patience.

RASHAD

Shut up infidel.

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Max is confident.

MAX

You speak very good English.

Youre not foreign. Yourejust a politiclone for some

radical group.

He looks at Max like hes an idiot and jerks him forward

down the hall.

RASHAD

Not all Americans love their

country.

Rashad stays on guard watching the area for guards.

Max is watching the terrorist gun as they move crudely down

the hall.

MAX

Youre one of those guys in a

cell.

Rashad is smug.

RASHAD

Arent you brilliant. A real

Sherlock Holmes spending

gigabucks on a death machine.

They continue moving down the long hall.


The Inspector moans and moves a little.

The captain moans and sits up looking down at his chest. He

rips open his shirt then grabs his handheld radio.

JOHN BASS

Full alert. I repeat full alert.

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43/117

We have a breach. Max has been

abducted by a single assailant.

They are still in the Laboratory

building. All hands on deck.

A security alarm begins to sound off replicating a divesignal on a submarine.

John looks down at his chest and sees three bullets lodged

in his bulletproof vest.

He goes to the inspector and sets him up. Inspector Raymond

weakly looks up at John.

JOHN BASS

You all right sir?

John opens the inspectors shirt and looks at his chest. He

sees a bullet proof vest with two bullets stuck in it. One

has blood running out.

The inspector nods.

INSPECTOR RAYMOND

Yes, I think so.

John is still looking over the inspectors wounds.

JOHN BASS

Looks like one of the bullets

punched through your vest a

little.

John helps Inspector Raymond get up and they walk to the

exit as Diana enters with two guards to help.


Max and the dark man walk from the building into the parking

garage un-noticed. Rashad quickly pulls Max down behind a

nearby car and puts his pistol under Max's chin.

They see two security guards walking by.

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Rashad whispers.

RASHAD

Quiet simpleton.

Another emergency alarm goes off. The security guards run by

toward the building.

Max and the man get to their feet. The dark man pushes him

to a nearby black Ford five hundred and shoves him in. Max

falls and awkwardly gets seated over the console.

INT. RASHADS VEHICLE DAY

Rashad starts the car and proceeds outside. He turns the cartoward the parking garage exit. Rashad is driving slowly

then suddenly he speeds up as he gets closer to the ramp

that takes him outside.

The front of the car is visible when it speeds toward the

opening to outside.

Two well-marked sawhorse barriers are across the exit.

A few feet in front of the barriers two security guards

begin to fire their weapons at the dark man and his vehicle

that is rushing toward them.

The dark man puts his arm out of the car window and fires

his weapon.


The bullets hit the security guards and they immediately go

down.

The car crashes through the barriers and debris flies

through the air.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX PARKING LOT

Three U.S. security people are rushing toward the parking

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garage.

They see the dark mans vehicle.

The men quickly move to their black Ford Mustang security

vehicles marked with door decals: "U.S.A. N.O.R.T.O.N.ROCKET RESEARCH COMPLEX SECURITY".

The escaping car speeds up headed for the fence.

The N.O.R.T.O.N. security Mustangs scrabble to catch up.

Rashad pushes hard on the gas and the car speeds up. It

rolls up and over a five feet high security dirt bank that

surrounds the fence.

The car is airborne and clips the top of the chain link

fence as it flies over.

The dark mans vehicle finally hits the street on the other

side with a thud. Sparks fly as the car bottoms out and

slides across the curb of the street. The sedan is seriously

damaged but is able to move off of the curb and speed down

the street.

A security guard sounds off on his car radio.

SECURITY GUARD NO. ONE (RADIO V.O.)

The suspect has left the complex

merge on the front gate.

Two Mustangs speed from the parking garage in pursuit.

More guards are in their security vehicles squealing the

tires while speeding backward from their parking places. The

tires smoke as the drivers speed forward blasting through

the front gate of the complex in pursuit.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX FRONT STREET

The dark sedans tires squeal as he turns a corner onto

another street and speeds away with Max.

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The sound of a radio voice is heard.


In pursuit of a black Ford Five

Hundred, license T-K-one-four-

six. All channels this is a toppriority V-I-P kidnapping from

the N.O.R.T.O.N. complex. I

repeat top priority.

EXT. CITY STREET

Two N.O.R.T.O.N. security Mustangs blast around the street

corner and come side by side racing down the street with the

third Mustang on their bumpers. They accelerate in hot

pursuit.

In just a second three more security vehicles run single

file directly behind the lead vehicle.

SECURITY GUARD NO. TWO (RADIO V.O.)

There they are, three oclock.

He sees the dark man & Max.


They are headed for the expressway

westbound at the Central Drive on

ramp. All cars merge on the kidnaper

vehicle westbound.

EXT. SIX LANE EXPRESSWAY

The dark man's car flies onto the exit ramp directly into

oncoming traffic.

Six Security Mustangs are on his bumper. All of the vehicles

have entered traffic going the wrong direction one behind

another.

Suddenly the trailing three security vehicles cross the

median and enter the flow of traffic in the right direction.

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The first three security Mustangs are still directly behind

Rashads car. They pull up beside, front and behind the dark

man's car.

Security Guard Number Twos vehicle pulls along side Rashad.

Rashad smiles.

RASHAD

Good bye stupid.

The dark man fires his pistol.

The side Mustangs window is broken out and he backs off.

SECURITY GUARD NO. TWO (RADIO V.O.)Shots fired. Shots fired The

kidnapper is armed.

Diana has caught up and looking for a way to save Max.

DIANA (RADIO V.O.)

This is Fed. two-nine-six,. Do not

use your weapons unless you have

a clear target. Repeat, do not use

your weapons unless you have a

clear target. Doctor Robinson is

on board.

A security Mustang is back along side Rashads vehicle. He

swerves toward Rashad trying to run him off the road. He

fails and falls back.

Max grabs the wheel of the dark man's car hoping to help.

Rashad jerks it back and hits Max with his pistol. Max is

dazed.

The dark man speaks to himself as he dodges on coming

traffic.

RASHAD

American idiot.

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Two Mustangs pull up on either side of the dark man's car.

They move in and bump him on both sides.

Another Mustang crosses the median trying to join the other

two mustangs. He swerves in and out of traffic trying to

catch up.

Rashad swerves his car and runs the first Mustang off the

expressway onto an entrance ramp going the wrong way.

An on coming car swerves and drives off the side of the ramp

to miss the Mustang.

The dark man pushes on the accelerator then spins his car

around and speeds off in the opposite direction going with

the flow of traffic.

The Mustang that was beside him jerks to the shoulder and

slams on the brakes. His tires smoke and the driver races

off the steep grass shoulder to turn around.

The Mustang hits the street and spins around heading up the

on ramp going in the right direction. He joins the flow of

traffic speeding forward looking for Rashads car.

The dark man abruptly swerves to the right driving down the

grassy shoulder and quickly goes out of sight under the

expressway.

All of the remaining Mustangs speeds down the busy

expressway looking for Rasad and Max. There is no black Ford

Five Hundred sedan in sight. They all pull to the shoulder

and stop.

OUTSIDE TO INSIDE - The head driver keys his microphone on

the police band radio.


Two-nine-six, this is security

twelve.

DIANA (RADIO V.O.)

Go ahead, twelve.

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SECURITY GUARD

We lost them. We better put out

an all points for Doctor Robinson

and the kidnapper.

DIANA (RADIO V.O.)

Okay twelve, ten four. Come on

in. We're turning it over to the

field agents. Scrabble a chopper

to canvas the area.


Ten four, U-S twelve out.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. WAREHOUSE - EVENING

Rashad drives his vehicle into the very large warehouse. The

automatic door shuts behind him.

The interior lights automatically come on. The dark man gets

out of the vehicle jerking Max and pulling him across the

car seat and into an open area.

Three rough looking armed men appear from a hidden door in

the wall.

Yasir walks out and speaks in his excellent English voice as

two guards follow.

The dark man presents Max to his leader.

RASHAD

Your scientist.

Yasir looks at Max smiling.

YASIR

Mr. Rocket man, glad you could

come. You should be proud, you

will change the course of the

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world very soon.

Max is stressed but appears brave.

MAX

You dont speak like a foreigner.Youre American too.

Yasir is amused.

YASHIR

By birth, Islam is my way.

Max is discussed.

MAXAll of you guys are just using

that Islam stuff to be gangsters

and make people do what you want.

Yasir is impatient.

YASIR

You are misguided. We are men

not God.

Max lashes out.

MAX

The government will not negotiate

with you to get me back. Im just

a

Yasir cuts him off.

YASIR

Oh my friend we don't want money.

we want your fabulous brain. Our

leaders intend to fight the fire

of the infidel with a holocaust

from your war machine.

Max openly defies him.

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MAX

Wont happen. Looks like you

got a shituation at this early

nerd special.

Yasir is amused at the boy.

YASIR

That remains to be seen. We have

many ways to make you care about

what we want.

Max defies him.

MAXYoure Americans. What kind of

men want to kill their own

people?

Yasir ignores Max and motions to his men smiling.

YASIR

Take him to his room.

Two of the terrorist guards grab Max and pull him over to a

large wooden packing crate.

MAX

Youre gonna come in dead freakin

last on this deal.

Yasir is angry but does not respond.

Rashad speaks up.

RASHAD

We dont condone vulgar comments.

Dont make the mistake again.

They open the hinged front door. Suddenly Max slams into one

of the henchmen with his shoulder and side kicks the other.

The two men wrestle Max down on the concrete floor and

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subdue him. They roughly push Max inside the crate locking

him in.

The two guards go to a card table just outside the crate and

sit down. The others go about their business.

MAX

Open the door and get your

ass kicked.

The terrorist guard laugh.

Yasir sits at a nearby table with Rashad. They are having a

private conversation.

YASIRWe must have the rocket as well.

Rashad is in agreement.

RASHAD

The man is so smart he's stupid.

I think the threat of death is

nothing. I don't think he will

help.

Yasir smiles confidently.

YASIR

Yes, My loyal and illustrious

friend he will help.

Rashad is still concerned.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY

A guard is casually throwing and sticking a knife into Max's

door. Maxs voice rings out in a muffled tone.

MAX (O.S.)

Hey, turban dude, I wish you would

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54/117

Yasir smiles glaring at Max and suddenly slaps him across

the face.

MAX

Do that with my hands untied.

Yasir moves back to a nearby table and chair speaking as he

goes.

YASIR

My patience are gone eccentric

one. You will tell us about the

rocket and where the plans are.

Max smiles.

MAX

Well, I'm not into pain so the

rocket's name is N.O.R.T.O.N.

and the plan, the plan is not

to tell you anything.

Yasir moves closer to Max and strikes him across the face

again.

Max's mouth bleeds.

Yasir puts his face close to Maxs.

YASIR

Dont try me, scientist.

Max quickly speaks.

MAX

The plans are in my head and

no one can get them.

Yasir hits him again and goes back in his face.

YASIR

The plans.

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Max moves his head forward hitting Yasir in the face with

his head.

Yasir falls back bleeding. Yasir regains his balance and

looks at Max.

YASIR

(continuing)

You have just signed your death

warrant stupid one.

Yasir nods at his two guards.

They immediately move toward Max.

Max is in serious thought. He looks up speaking through

bloody teeth.

MAX

All right,

(the guards stop and

Yasir waits for the

answer)

did you hear about the terrorist

mansion in your capitol city? It

burned down, nearly took out thewhole trailer park.

The two terrorist guards immediately move beside Max and

begin to beat him.

Yasir is discussed he walks away and glances back as he

moves to his office.

Shadows of the two guards beating Max are seen on the

warehouse wall and muffled sounds of Max suffering areheard.

DISSOLVE TO:

Max is badly beaten with his hands tied behind him sitting

in a chair. The lead guard sits across from him smirking.

The second guard is gone.

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TERRORIST GUARD NO. ONE

You want to escape dont you?

Max looks at him weakly.

MAX

I could, goat lover.

The guard smirks.

TERRORIST GUARD NO. ONE

Your insults are weak.

The guard grabs Max to pull him closer.

MAX

Whoever told you to be yourself

couldn't have given you worse

advice.

Max musters his strength and jumps up. He side kicks the

guard in the throat and face. The terrorist guard hits the

concrete floor.

Max kneels and grabs the pistol with his tied hands from the

ground.

Max appears confident as he looks around the warehouse. He

sits and pulls his hands under his butt and in front of him.

Max stands to run and first looks around the area.

MAX

See ya, Sa-dumb.

Max runs toward the exit.

The second guard sees Max. He draws his pistol and shoots

four times rapidly.

Yasir and Rashad run toward Max firing their weapons.

Max returns fire hitting the second terrorist guard in the

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throat.

The guard stumbles forward falling to his knees then down to

the floor.

Max is still moving toward the car he arrived in.

Yasir and Rashad fire their weapons again.

YASIR

Stop him.

Max looks in the car there are no keys.

Max looks back and sees Yasir and Rashad with two other men

coming for him.

Max rapidly fires two shots at them.

The terrorists go for cover.

Max rushes to the front of the car and quickly opens the

hood.

The terrorists fire their weapons.

Bullets hit all around Max. He fires back. Max then runs to

the dead second terrorist guard and picks up his weapon.

Yasir yells from cover as he shoots.

YASIR

(continuing)

Shoot him. He cant get away.

Max and the terrorist exchange more gunfire.

Max is looking under the hood franticly. He jerks two wires

and touches them together then turns and shoots at the

terrorist. The car starts. Max slams the hood and jumps in

the car as bullets hit all around him.

There are more bullets hitting the car door and fender.

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Glass breaks inside the car.

Max has covered his head for a moment.

INT. RASHADS VEHICLE

He looks around the car as he tries to figure out how to

drive.

MAX

I knew I should have taken that

driver's ed course.

INT. WAREHOUSE

The terrorist guards are running toward Max and shooting.Bullets are still flying off the car hood and near Max.

INT. RASHADS VEHICLE

Max looks out at the terrorist fumbling with the gearshift.

MAX

Lets see R is reverse.

He puts the car in reverse and pushes the gas pedal. He

slams into the garage door, it bends but doesn't open. Max

looks at the gearshift.

MAX

(continuing)

Okay, D for Drive.

Max presses on the gas pedal and the car lurches forward. He

pushes the gas again and the car slowly pushes forward. Max

speeds up. He hits two barrels.

INT. WAREHOUSE

The barrels fly across the room.

The terrorist jump for cover while the flying containers

whiz past them.

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Max spins his vehicle around with his tires squealing. He is

finally going at full speed toward the closed garage door.

Max pushes the gas pedal all the way down. The engine moans.

He hits the garage door and is outside. The garage doorflies into the street.

The terrorists run to the garage door opening looking for

Max. They run back inside.

EXT. ALLEY WAY AND CITY STREET

Suddenly a car speeds from the garage pursuing Max.

Max drives down the street swerving and bumping off thecurbs. He hits a parked car scrapping the side. Max stops

his car. He looks back.

INT. MAXS VEHICLE

Max pauses and looks closer at the scrapped car then speaks

to himself.

MAX

Should have put on my seat

belt.

Max stops trying to drive. He gets out and runs down the

alley.

EXT. CITY STREET

Max runs across to another alley opening. He turns and runs

down the alley.

A terrorist guard pulls his car in front of Max. He hits the

car and rolls over the hood. Max lands on his feet and keeps

running.

A terrorist guard jumps from the car as it rolls to a stop

and goes after Max.

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The driver speeds away chasing Max with the car. He is

getting close.

Max abruptly turns a corner and goes over a fence. He is out

of sight.

The terrorists are hurried and confused looking for him.

Max slows down and stops as he looks straight ahead.

Yasir is walking toward Max with a knife in his hand.

Max looks behind him then back at Yasir.

A terrorist guard is behind Max closing on him.

Max quickly turns and runs through two buildings and out

onto the City Street. He runs inside a nearby convenience

store.

INT. CONVENIENCE STORE

Max looks around. He can see he is trapped and turns back to

the front door.

Yasir has stopped in the doorway.

YASIR

Come with us doctor.

The very young female store CLERK watches not knowing what

to do.

Max looks at the clerk.

MAX

Call the cops.

The clerk puts her hand on the phone. Suddenly a knife

sticks in the counter top next to the phone.

She freezes staring at Yasir.

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Yasir looks at her.

YASIR

Relax, this is not your business.

Yasir turns back to Max. Yasir motions to his two mensmiling.

YASIR

(continuing)

Take him to his room.

The two terrorist guards try to grab Max. He dodges and

finds himself standing next to a row of can goods. He grabs

a large peach can and throws it.

The can hits the first guard on the bridge of the nose. He

flops back on the floor dazed.

The second guard pulls his revolver pointing it at Max.

Max has a second can in his hand about to throw. They both

freeze.

Yasir kicks the guard on the floor.

YASIR

Get up sissy boy.

The guard weakly gets up holding his nose.

Yasir takes the tin can from Max and Max gives up. The

injured guard and the guard with the gun take Max by the

arms. They pull him down the store isle and outside to a

waiting car.

Yasir looks at the clerk.

YASIR

(continuing)

Sorry this is police business.

The clerk nods and coughs out the words under her breath.

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CLERK

Bull shit.

Yasir takes his knife from the counter looking at the clerk

staring her down.

Suddenly the little clerk panics and jerks out a very large

three-fifty-seven chrome revolver from under the old counter

top and starts shooting like a wild woman.

Yasir is shocked and quickly ducks. Bullets hit all around

him. He rushes out under a hail of gunfire.

The now brave clerk is reloading and steps in the doorway of

her store shooting at the waiting car.

CLERKS P.O.V.

INSIDE TO OUTSIDE - Bullets riddle the body of the vehicle.

Yasir jumps inside the waiting vehicle and they speed away.

BACK TO SCENE

The shy clerk is standing in the doorway reloading her

pistol again.

CLERKS P.O.V.

She looks up to see the terrorist car go out of sight.

BACK TO SCENE

She smiles and put her gun to her side.

CLERK

Freaks.

INT. WAREHOUSE

The large overhead door opens and the terrorist car drives

inside. The door closes behind them.

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The two terrorist guards get out of the bullet-riddled car

and drag Max out. They move to Maxs wooden box and open the

door. The guards push Max inside and lock the hatch behind

him.

Yasir and Rashad move to a distant table and sit down while

lying their weapons on the table.

Maxs guards sit at a folding card table just outside the

crate.

Suddenly a SWAT TEAM POLICEMAN speaks up standing above them

on a rafter ready to fire his M-sixteen weapon pointed at

the group.

SWAT POLICEMAN NO. ONE

Police, put your hands in the air.

The terrorist guards look up and quickly draw their weapons

and fire.

Their bullets hit Policeman No. One. The Policeman falls

back against the wall while firing his automatic weapon. He

hits all around the guards and Maxs box.

A second policeman fires his shotgun from cover in the

rafters at the terrorist.

Yasir and Rashad are up and start shooting at the incoming

police.

Two more police have entered from the roof and are shooting

down at the terrorist.

The second policeman fires his weapon again.

His bullets hit the terrorist guard nearest him in the

shoulder and he falls to the floor in severe pain.

Yasir and Rashad are penned down in a shoot out with cops

that are coming into the building from the roof.

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The terrorist behind him fires at the partially hidden

second policeman.

His shots hit the policeman in the leg and he falls to the

floor.

The terrorist guard turns.

He can see Maxs door lock has been shot off and the door is

open.

The guards head coolly turns as he looks for Max. He sees

him.

Max is hurriedly scrambling on his hands and knees to get

away. He stops behind a steel girder next to the sheet metalwall.

Max hears and sees a cutting tool making a cut line in the

wall with sparks flying.

The guard raises his weapon to shoot Max.

The cutting tool stops and the piece that was cut is kicked

from the wall.

A female voice speaks.

DIANA (O.S.)

Max it's me, come on.

The terrorist guard shoots at Max as he moves.

Two bullets hit near him. Max scurries through the hole.

EXT. WAREHOUSE

Lieutenant McCarty pulls Max up.

DIANA

Come on. Let's go.

They rush to a black security Mustang and speed off.

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INT. DIANAS SECURITY MUSTANG

The Mustang speeds around a corner. Lieutenant McCartys is

sweating from all of the SWAT gear she is wearing.

Max and Diane rush toward the rocket complex laboratory at

full speed.

DIANA

We've been looking for you

everywhere.

Max is grateful.

MAXI'm grad somebody was. I

thought I was a dead man

just looking for a place

to happen when little

Osama caught me trying to

get away.

Diana smiles kindly at Max.

DIANA

You're safe now.

EXT. CITY STREET

Suddenly a dark colored Ford Crown Victoria speeds in behind

Max and Diane. Yasir and Rashad are in their car. Rashad

immediately fire an Uzzi.

The vehicle speeds beside Max and Diana. Rashad fire his

weapon again into the quarter panel of the Mustang.


Max is concerned.

MAX

Holly freakin cow!

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Diane pulls out her forty-four magnum.

She locks the brakes and let the vehicle go by. She puts her

arm out the window and fires her weapon at Rashad as the car

passes.

DIANA P.O.V.

Her bullet hits the passenger side rearview mirror and it

flies apart.

BACK TO SCENE

Diana then puts her weapon away and speeds forward.

Max is impressed by her side arm.

MAX

Thats some peashooter.

Diana glances at him kindly as she drives.

EXT. CITY STREET

Suddenly another Ford sedan comes in behind Diana and Max

then quickly comes along side as Yasir drops in behind with

his car. A terrorist in the car beside her holds a shotgun

ready to fire.

Diane quickly draws her weapon and fires more shots at the

car beside her and Yasir.

Broken glass from the gunshots break out the side glasses of

the vehicle and go through the windshield of the car

blinding the terrorist driver beside Diana. He blindly

swerves hitting another car on the street causing him to

flip and roll to a stop in the middle of the road. He

immediately burst into flames.

Yasirs car slides to a stop. It is blocked and he cant get

through to chase Diana and Max.

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Diana spins the Mustang around a corner and speeds away.

Lieutenant McCarty looks at the speedometer.

LIEUTENANT MCCARTY P.O.V.

The speedometer reads one hundred and ten miles per hour.

BACK TO SCENE

She continues watching the road.

Max looks out the back glass.

MAX

These guys don't give up. All

of this crap for religion. Why

dont they just pray or something

calmer.

Lieutenant McCarty slows down a little and looks at Max.

DIANA

Everything's okay. Maybe we should

do a little praying ourselves.

Max smiles and shrugs his shoulders.

MAX

Famous last words Lieutenant

Custer.

EXT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX

The Mustang brakes abruptly. It turns into the complex past

the front guard gates and rolls across the parking lot into

parking garage of the laboratory.


The car slides to a stop at the passageway leading into the

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main building.

Security people close ranks with M-sixteens ready to fire.

They gather around the Mustang protecting Max and Lieutenant

McCarty.

Max is looking around.

MAX

This looks like a war zone.

Diana looks at him seriously.

DIANA

All for you Max.

Max is grim.

MAX

No, they are here to protect

their war machine.

They all move to the laboratory entrance.

Two N.O.R.T.O.N. guards enter the laboratory building ahead

of them to check things out.

Max and Diane walk through the doorway that leads into the

main building still under heavy guard.

INT. LABORATORY BUILDING HALL

The Security personnel stand ready encircling Max and

Lieutenant McCarty as they are moved down the long hall.

They all stop at the entrance to Maxs laboratory weapons

ready.

The lead guard looks in and scans the laboratory then motion

for the others to enter.


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Max casually walks to his broad work desk and begins to toy

with his scientific desk toys while the guards check out the

premises.

Diana stands and watches the process.

Ludwig and vice-president McMann walk into the Laboratory.

Max looks up.

MAX

Hi Ludwig, Charlie.

The two men nod. Lieutenant McCarty immediately stands at

attention near Max.

DIANAHello Dr. Von Holtz, Mr. Vice

President.

The two men nod.

LUDWIG

Lieutenant.

Ludwig pats Max on the back.

LUDWIG

(continuing)

Max my boy how have you been?

I'm so glad you're all right.

Max smiles and deceatly rolls his eyes.

The Vice President steps near Max.

VICE PRESIDENT

Ludwig and I are worried about

you. Our sources tell us the

terrorist organizations have

merged and amassed a

considerable force to kidnap

you and N.O.R.T.O.N. Ludwig

being a colleague of yours was

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authorized to implemented a

plan that will counter this

situation, of course that is

if you agree.

Max is suspicious of his colleagues motives but smileskindly. He turns to Diana.

MAX

(under his breath)

Here we go, bullshit bingo.

(looks at Ludwig

speaking louder)

Depends on what you have in

mind.

Ludwig tries to be fatherly hoping to appeal to Maxs need

for a father figure.

LUDWIG

My boy I would propose you unveil

the rocket ship and give the

formulas and plans to us so we may

distribute them to all of the free

world countries negating the need

to be the only technology in this

field making the technology

obsolete.

Max is confident.

MAX

I view the fate of the rocket ship

in a different way. We use it for

space travel in the name of peace

and then give it to everybody

through an international committee

for world peace. If you take the

rocket and its information it may

get side tracked and become solely

used for war then all weve done

is build a doomsday arsenal for the

next preemptive strike.

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The vice-president starts to get tough with Max.

VICE PRESIDENT

Max the terrorists

Ludwig interrupts and looks at the vice-president giving him

a queue to wait.

LUDWIG

Max we admire your determination

but you are clearly not adept to

the sociology of people. You know

only rockets and computers. Please

let us handle this with your

blessing and help of course.

Max is confident.

MAX

I have a plan for the rocket and

it's not war games.

The vice-president has lost his patients.

VICE PRESIDENT

Max I'm ordering you

Ludwig interrupts again.

LUDWIG

Mr. Vice President lets take a

moment. There's a lot at stake

here.

The Vice-president acknowledges and pats Max on the

shoulder.

VICE PRESIDENT

Sure, youre right. Max, I know

you will do the right thing.

He smiles at Max and Ludwig.

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Max nods.

MAX

Good, lets think it over.

The vice President and Ludwig leave.

LUDWIG

Well be back later Max.

Max and Diane turn to each other. They appear worried.

Lieutenant MCCARTY

What are you going to do?

Max is thinking.

MAX

Those guys are up to something.

I know them they cant do the

right thing. Those monkeys

dont intend to let anybody

have anything. Theres a dirty

deal somewhere.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. N.O.R.T.O.N. COMPLEX CONFERENCE ROOM

Ludwig and the vice-president sit at a conference table

across from Max with a stack of papers between them.

Ludwig turns to Max and speaks kindly.

LUDWIG

So Max, were rested and have

had time to think. Can we

depend on you to support us.

Max is cheerful but firm in his opposition.

MAX

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You know Ludwig Im a peace-nic

and when I started this project

It was to be used for space travel.

But now all I hear is what a great

weapon it is and how it can combat

our enemies. So I say space travel.only.

The vice-president is unusually quiet just listening.

Ludwig continues presenting his case.

LUDWIG

Max you know me and Charlie

INT. MAXS LABORATORY, LAB-L MORNING

Men are crating up the rocket ship and preparing to load it

on a flat bed trailer. A technician pushes a button and the

wings retract folding next to the rockets body. The sides on

the crate go up and the bolts are put in the container with

an air wrench. A wench on the trailer pulls it on board. The

guards strap the rocket down.

The guards get into the trailers tow truck and the security

vehicles sitting nearby. The truck and trailer roll out with

the two unmarked security cars in front and back.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. N.O.R.T.O.N. CRATE - DAY

A buzzing sound is heard then a digital dial tone.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Where am I, Max?

N.O.R.T.O.N. waits for an answer as the phone ring.

INT. MAXS LABORATORY, LAB-L

Max enters his laboratory just after the garage door has

closed holding a cell phone to his ear. He looks around the

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room.

MAX

N.O.R.T.O.N. is that you?

(he listens for

a moment)I dont know where you are but

Ill find out.

N.O.R.T.O.N. sounds desperate.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Im shut down Max. I cant do

anything. My power is gone.

Max is kind.

MAX

Do worry, I can get you back on

line. Ill dial it in through

the phone or the G-P-S.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

Thanks Max.

MAX

Just stand by. Ill get back to

you.

Max hears N.O.R.T.O.N.s instruments chirping.

MAX

(continuing)

Those sons of donkey's rear

ends.

Max goes to a red phone. He picks it up and grabs a piece of

paper looking for a phone number.

Max finds it and frantically dials. He pauses, a voice

answers.

MALE SECURITY (TELEPHONE V.O.)

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Yes doctor.

Max is irritated.

MAX

Security, the rockets gone.

MALE SECURITY (TELEPHONE V.O.)

Sorry, we know sir. The Vice-

President asked us to tell you.

He took it to the Pinnacle Mountain

Science Pavilion. I'm

The phone goes dead. Max hung up.

He looks at the dead receiver.

MAX

Yeah, I thought, so just checking.

I'm glad I changed N.O.R.T.O.N.'s

COM system before he left.

Max picks up the phone and dials. Diane picks up.

DIANA (PHONE V.O.)

Security, Lieutenant McCarty.

MAX

Diane, Ludwig and Charles took

the rocket. Those cheeky monkeys.

DIANA (PHONE V.O.)

I know Max. I just saw the order.

Max is quietly desperate.

MAX

Diana, you gotta help me. They

can't have the rocket ship. It

is much more than anyone ever

knew. If they figure it out

the war mongers could use it to

kick ass anywhere they want with

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just one rocket ship. Its cheap

war. Whom ever gets it could rule

the world.

DIANA (PHONE V.O.)

Max they told us to keep youhere. Im sorry.

Max is immediately up-set with her.

MAX

You traitor!

Max hangs up.

MAX(continuing)

When you lie down with fleas,

you get up with dogs.

Max Security light over his doors glows red and his doors

can be heard locking electronically.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. N.O.R.T.O.N. CRATE

An orange light glows on N.O.R.T.O.N.s computer screen.

N.O.R.T.O.N. can hear Maxs voice.

MAX (PHONE V.O.)

Im coming for you N.O.R.T.O.N. keep

talking so I can track you. Ill have

your power back on soon.

N.O.R.T.O.N. (V.O.)

This is not funny Max. Im boxed

in and disabled. It feels bad.

INT. MAXS LABORATORY, LAB-L

Max grabs a digital censoring device and tunes it into

N.O.R.T.O.N.s computer system. He then speaks into the

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receiver of his commuter.

MAX

Testing, testing. Activate voice

directive module for N.O.R.T.O.N.

project, password, wildhorse.

His hand held devise chirps.

Max puts the device in his pocket and rushes to the front

door. He cant get out. The doors are locked.

Max goes to his desk and picks up another hand held laser

device. He walks back to the door and points it at the

lock pushing a button. The overhead lights flicker and

the electronic locks begin to click. Max opens the doorwith a smile and exits.

DISSOLVE TO:


Max looks for a vehicle in the garage to pursue the

guards that took N.O.R.T.O.N.

Max sees a security man drive his Mustang into a parking

place.

Max ducks down behind a car. He cautiously moves to the

side of the Mustang. The security guard gets out looking

around the area.

Max steps behind him and sticks his finger in the guard's

back. He grabs the guard tightly around the neck in a

chokehold.

MAX

Don't move. Give me your keys.

The guard complies.

Max turns to the car pulling the guard with him.

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MAX

Dont turn around or Ill

The security guard has his back to Max. He interrupts.

SECURITY GUARD

Doctor Robinson don't do this, it

just causes more trouble.

Max is irritated.

MAX

Dont you think stealing a weapon

of mass destruction is pretty

big more trouble?

The guard is sincere.

SECURITY GUARD

We all believe you'll do things

the right way. Just be careful.

Max lets go looking at the security guard.

MAX

Sometimes you gotta do what's right,

not whats careful.

Max pushes the guard forward and gets in the Mustang. He

awkwardly speeds away toward the exit.

The Mustang nears the exit and lurches forward then levels

out and goes very slow.

The security guard casually watches Max attempt to drive

away.

He takes his hand held radio from his belt and slowly keys

the microphone.

SECURITY GUARD

This is security eighty-eight. Seal

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80/117

MAX P.O.V.

He sees the Mustang and Diana driving.

BACK TO SCENE

Max panics and pushes hard on the gas. The Mustang lurches

forward as Max attempts to blasts down the street.

EXT. CITY STREET

Diana stays close behind.

Max turns a corner into a dead end. He stops inches from the

wall of a building and Diana inches from him.

INT. MAXS SECURITY MUSTANG

MAX

Dead end, story of my life.

Max looks in the rearview mirror.

EXT. CITY STREET

He jumps out of the car.

Diana is immediately out of her car. She fires a Taser gun

at Max and misses.

She hits the mustang frying its electrical system.

Max runs down a nearby alley then across a yard as he

watches his G-P-S digital sensor looking for N.O.R.T.O.N. as

he runs.

Diana immediately chases him.

DIANA

Max wait.

Max stops and looks back at Diana. He hears a heavy vehicle

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on the street before him and looks ahead of him.

MAX

Hell no. You tried to Taser me.

He sees the truck and trailer carrying N.O.R.T.O.N. in thedistance. It is moving down the street at a high rate of

speed. The unmarked secur

Documents

ROCKETMAN AND N.O.R.T.O.N. (screenplay)