Nola Grey - By Sean Lawrence
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. LSU - STUDENT COMMONS - DAY (2005)
A FATHER wearing an LSU tiger's shirt, helps his SON transports a large trunk across the quad of Louisiana State University.
WIDEN TO SEE
HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS amass on campus to mark the start of the new fall semester.
EXT. LSU - LIBRARY - DAY
Twin African American brothers, DEAN and DAVID TALE, 22, each stands near the entrance of the library close to the bike rack, watching freshmen move in.
Each fills a thin, muscular athletic frame, dressed somewhat the same in a pair of dark blue, denim, baggy shorts, but with different shirts. Dean wears T-shirt with a print of Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon. David wears a red and white polo.
DAVID
In light of everything on campus wouldn’t you say something needs to change?
DEAN
Nothing! This is college. There is nothing I could change. I see it for what it is. I know you’re missing home you have to understand Mom and Dad are only a phone call away. If we ever needed help, we can always drop a line.
DAVID
Is that it , is that the best you can come up with? I ask you the about the things you would change about school and life here and you give me the drop a line speech, college is about the girls the prating, staying up late, the drinking till you drop, the eating pizza every day, and that's the best you can come up with? Don’t telling me how you feel about home? Tell me...
DEAN
I Guess my head is somewhere else.
DAVID
Seems like it.
DEAN
I’m just concerned about...
David steps and turns toss the football back at his bother.
DAVID
What are you working on today?
Dean catch the ball its purple and yellow with a tigers claw.
DEAN
Getting started on this history project. What about you?
DAVID
I'm headed over to the law center a few us are meeting to work on this mock trial.
A FEMALE STUDENT walks by wearing a pair of low cut shorts with a dark tank top.
David smiles. She waves back.
DEAN
I'm sensing something is up with you, bro. You seem to be a little unfocused. Maybe on something else.
Dean rockets the ball back at David’s head.
DAVID
It’s nothing.
Dean feels a chill all over him he shakes. A overcast comes over head.
DEAN
It’s been forever since I felt that, that’s the illest feelings...
DAVID
(irritated)
Not this shit again! You and your weird Doctor-Strange-feelings are always getting us caught up in Dogma type shit.
DEAN
This time it’s different.
DAVID
It better not be anything that involves my truck or me.
David turns plants his foot and launches the ball as hard as he can.
Dean not even looking catches the ball and puts it in his bag.
DEAN
I’m out.
DAVID
Call me if you need me.
INT. LSU - LIBRARY - DAY
Dean walks to the back area of the library and places his bag down on a table.
Looking over but not noticing the group of girls until out the corner of his I he turns his head in that direction.
JULIE DuBOIS, 19, a tall, African American woman holding a cellphone.
DEAN
Julie. Long time, no see.
(UNDER HIS BREATH)
Call, Text.
JULIE
Dean! Nice to see a familiar face.
DEAN
Where have you been?
JULIE
I've been playing catch up since last year's prom. Summer break didn't help either. My family went to Europe for a little R & R.
The INTERCOM system CRACKS and CLICKS IN. It's the LIBRARIAN’S VOICE.
LIBRARIAN (V.O.)
All classes have been canceled for the rest of the day due to the approaching Hurricane.
DEAN
Must have been nice to get away from it all, I mean, to have no worries.
Dean stand to a stack of books reach over and place on in his hand.
JULIE
I guess so, but I missed all the summer parties. Plus I didn’t have a chance to say bye to anyone.
DEAN
You didn’t miss much. I went back home for a workout or two with Coach.
JULIE
Finally, I’m here now and so far behind.
DEAN
Just give it some time and you’ll be where you need to be.
JULIE
I need to go, here’s my number... if you want to meet up or just hang out... if you get a chance come over, just call I’m staying with my sister.
Julie walks off.
CUT TO:
INT. LSU - LAW CENTER - STUDENT AREA - DAY
David directing his study group of LAW STUDENTS. With about twelve member in a mock jury. Dean walks into the room.
STAN
Members of jury today you will hear that my client has been involved in.
Dean walk to his brothers seat in the room.
DAVID
What are you doing here?
DEAN
The announcement?
DAVID
What frakin announcement?
DEAN
Classes have been canceled for the rest of the week because of the storm.
DAVID
(sarcastically)
What that storm that’s in the Gulf.
DEAN
(angrily)
What’s up with you. You’re acting like you didn’t care that Katrina is aimed at THE --NOLA! Right at the Home.
Dean turns back out the room.
INT. LSU - LAW CENTER - OPEN HALL - DAY
Dean sit’s near the benches outside in the hallway. Starts looking at THE WALL:
Photo bronze plaque with commemorative inscription on the wall. Reads:
“William Tale - Valedictorian Class of 1979”
David lightly slaps Dean on the in the back of the head.
DAVID
You ready? Let’s bounce.
CUT TO:
EXT. LSU - EAST CAMPUS DRIVE - DAY
Dean and David walking across campus.
Dean holds up his hand to block out the sun.
A GROUP OF PRETTY FEMALE STUDENTS walks by. Dean turns.
DEAN
(excited)
So what’s the haps?
DAVID
First thing, we need to do is get our house in order. --Right.
Taking his bag off Dean reaches for the LSU football in his bag.
Dean lobs it at David.
DEAN
I don’t think that’s the first thing we need to work on.
Dean points toward the GROUP OF PRETTY FEMALE STUDENTS.
David turns his head to look.
DAVID
Aren’t you forgetting... the storm?
DEAN
(jokingly)
You’re right.
David turns walking backwards.
DAVID
That's what I'm here for baby bro, to keep you on the straight and narrow, without me where would you be?
Dean points towards the FEMALE STUDENTS.
DEAN
With her or her or maybe...
DAVID
Come on.
EXT. LSU - EAST FRATERNITY DRIVE - DAY
Dean and David walk by a group of young FRATERNITY BROTHERS. One Frat Brother hands out a stack of flyers to the others.
A gust of wind abruptly kicks up a few of the flyers blown by the wind. They hit the ground and Dean steps on one. He picks it up.
DEAN
What’s this?
FRAT BROTHER 1
We are handing out invites for a meet and greet this evening.
FRAT BROTHER 2
Not a meet and greet you moron, a charity drive for hurricane relief.
DAVID
Oh. What kind of charity drive for hurricane relief?
FRAT BROTHER 1
In honor of Hurricane Katrina, the brothers are throwing a charity drive to help other victims of the storm.
DAVID
Victims?
FRAT BROTHER 1
This isn’t the first time Katrina hit land.
FRAT BROTHER 1 (CONT’D)
That’s why we are having a food drive, to help other Sigma Nu brothers.
FRAT BROTHER 2
Bring a can of food. Get in free.
DEAN
So you’re collecting for other victims?
DAVID
(sarcastically)
Right.
FRAT BROTHER 1
Human foods only. We’re not animals. Please! No. Dog food!
FRAT BROTHER 2
Everyone enters free, with a can of food.
DEAN
We’ll be there.
FRAT BROTHER 1
But, byob!
DEAN
Bring your own beer! Plus a can of food. What kind of charity drive is this do we need to supply entertainment too.
DAVID
Where else are you handing out?
FRAT BROTHER 2
We’re headed to the student center and the Lambda house.
DAVID
You can skip the student center and head straight to the Lambdas house.
The frat brothers start to walk off. In the direction of nearby dormitories and student center. A brother looks back.
DEAN
(yelling)
Don’t forget the Delta House! We don’t want this little pre-emptive relief effort to turn into a dude ranch.
FRAT BROTHER 1
(in the distance yelling)
We have no plans on this being a Dude Ranch.
Dean and David walk on running into other STUDENTS on who live off Fraternity Row.
DEAN
Have you given any thought about Mom and Dad?
DAVID
No, but you know how Dad is.
DEAN
What is he always telling us?
DAVID
Which one? He’s always telling us to do something.
DEAN
To take care of home first and everything else will fall into place.
DAVID
Someone needs to call them to see if they’re all right.
They walk towards black pickup truck parked at the curb, a newer model Ford F150.
Dean lifts the cover of the back of the truck.
Dean and David throw there bags in the back of the truck.
David moves behind the wheel. Dean get in the passenger seat.
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
David takes out his cell phone to dial the number for Tale household.
DAVID
(into the phone)
Hello, what's up old man? How is everything going? Hold on Dean is with me. Let me put you on speakerphone.
David presses the speaker button.
INT. TALE HOME - SAME TIME
SAM TALE, 55, hard-as-nails retired military and head of the Tale family, stands in front of a fire place talking on the phone.
SAM
(seriously)
Who you calling old man?
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAVID ON PHONE
David starts to voice a reply, but Dean cuts him off.
DEAN
(jokingly)
You, Dad. Can you hear me?
INTERCUT phone conversation.
SAM
We’ll see how old I am when I catch up with the both of you.
DAVID
Hey Dad, we’ve been thinking since school is closed that we can come down and help you with the house.
DEAN
It wouldn’t even be a big deal.
SAM
(commandingly)
We understand you’re concerned about us, but don’t worry. We’ll be okay. This isn’t our first rodeo.
DAVID
It’s a big storm, Dad. We think you and Mom would be safer up here.
SAM
Boys, I understand how you feel. I’ve done all the windows and the doors and we’re ready for the storm. Your mother and I have lots of food and supplies to weather it.
DAVID
But, Dad--
SAM
Sons, look here. We have everything that we could possibly need. We have made up our minds.
DEAN
Say, Dad, what if...
SAM
Now boys, you need to get your own place in order now. We don’t want you to worry about us anymore. Call us if you need us. We love you.
Sam hangs up.
Dean and David look at each other with a dumb look. David closes the phone and puts it back in his pocket.
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
DAVID
That's Dad.
DEAN
Stubborn as a mule.
CUT TO:
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - MORNING
SHERIFF TODD, a thin, with sandy blonde hair with patches of grey. Stands with a worried look on his face.
SERGEANT SMITH, a large man and completely bald is the ranking desk Sergeant and oversees all the day-to-day activities.
SERGEANT SMITH
Joe. Did you see that fight last night?
SHERIFF TODD
Some of it.
SERGEANT SMITH
What’s going on?
SHERIFF TODD
There is a lot of chatter coming in about the mill creek militia.
SERGEANT SMITH
With this storm coming in, this would be a perfect time for them to act up.
SHERIFF TODD
I’m thinking about asking the mayor to call in more troops.
SERGEANT SMITH
Do you think that is a good idea Joe?
SHERIFF TODD
It’s the only one we have.
SERGEANT SMITH
What happens if he says no?
SHERIFF TODD
We’ll have to wait and see.
SERGEANT SMITH
You mean hope and pray.
SHERIFF TODD
That, too.
CUT TO:
INT. HARDWARE STORE - MORNING
Dean grabs a shopping cart to place their supplies in; David moves throughout the store with his brother.
DEAN
We need a game plan.
DAVID
Why do we need a game plan?
DEAN
It’s a simple plan of action.
DAVID
What do we need a simple plan for? All we need are supplies.
DEAN
I’m not talking about supplies; I’m talking about Mom and Dad. Don’t you think we need to come up with a backup plan? Just in case?
DAVID
Just in case of what?
DEAN
Just in case. We need to go get them out of New Orleans.
DAVID
You heard the old man. He and Mom are fine.
DEAN
But if we need to go get them, we need a plan.
They turn down the aisle with boards of plywood and other wood products. They place the boards in their cart.
DAVID
When that Moment comes, we will be ready. If we have to. For now, like the old man said we need to get our house in order.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE - DOWNSTAIRS - DAY
David is downstairs with his back to the television. He reaches his long, skinny arm out for the remote. Takes the remote off the arm of the chair and presses the volume button. On the news a weather journalist giving his report on the predicted hurricane models which have been forecasted.
ON THE TV
A WEATHERMAN gives the latest news about hurricane.
WEATHERMAN (V.O.)
Estimated forecast on Hurricane Katrina. The storm has been upgraded from a tropical storm to a Category three and will make land fall sometime Monday morning, somewhere in and around New Orleans. All residents of Saint Charles Parish, Saint Tammany Parish and Plaquemines Parish have been ordered to a mandatory evacuation. I repeat, all residents of Saint Charles Parish, Saint Tammany Parish and Plaquemines Parish have been ordered to a mandatory evacuation. As for Jefferson Parish and Saint Bernard, these Parish have been ordered to a voluntary evacuation only.
EXT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE - DECK - DAY
Dean is on a elevated deck, using a nail gun to place plywood boards over the windows on the second floor of the house.
THE NAIL GUN
pumps nails into the plywood in slow-mo.
DEAN reloads the nail gun.
THE NAIL GUN
presses up against the plywood again. The quick TUG of the nail gun hits the plywood, forcing each nail through the wood in rapid succession. The gun repeats the FIRING over and over, the sound becomes faster and louder.
DEAN
raises the gun over his head to finish the last two nails and moves towards the next window. He looks over at his neighbor house.
DEAN’S POV
Julie, Dean’s next-door neighbor, moves furniture back inside her garage.
JULIE
(yelling up)
Hey, what’s up?
DEAN
(yelling down)
Boarding up these windows.
JULIE
Are you going to the frat party tonight?
DEAN
(speaking loudly)
Thought did cross my mind.
Dean places the nail gun down. He leans over the side of the deck.
JULIE
So does that mean you're sitting the storm out here?
DEAN (O.S.)
Don’t know yet. You’ll have to ask David.
JULIE
Hey how about you do my house next?
DEAN
Sure. I’ll be right over with my Oompa-Loompas.
EXT. DEAN AND DAVID'S - HOUSE - OUTSIDE GARAGE - DAY
David walks outside of the house from the garage. He has a hammer in his hand along with some plywood. He starts to hammering the outside garage windows.
EXT. JULIE AND SUSAN’S - HOUSE - OUTSIDE GARAGE - DAY
SUSAN DuBOIS, young African American, in her early 20s. She has the looks of a model or of a beauty queen, but looks are not her most desired attribute, she is more concerned about the things going on around her.
Susan walks outside the garage.
JULIE
Hey. Sis.
SUSAN
Hey little sis. What are you doing out here?
JULIE
Trying to convince David to help me do our windows.
SUSAN
I’m sure he will. If you let me ask, him.
JULIE
Sure, sis, I need to call Mom anyway.
Julie walks inside the house.
SUSAN
Well. What do you say? Will you help us?
DAVID
I plan on doing them next.
SUSAN
I know honey.
Susan takes a towel and clears sweat from David’s face.
DAVID
Are you guys staying in town?
SUSAN
No, we're headed to Atlanta. My cousin has a place there and they’ll be out of town. You and your brother are more than welcome to join us.
DAVID
Thanks for the offer but we need to stay in town. My parents are back in New Orleans.
SUSAN
You’re not thinking of going back?
DAVID
I don’t know. Between the weather reports and my parents not wanting to leave from home. We may have to.
SUSAN
If you do, promise me you will take care of yourself.
DAVID
I will do my best.
SUSAN (O.S.)
Just come back in one piece please.
DAVID
I will, don’t worry about me.
SUSAN
Do your best to help Dean also.
DAVID
I promise.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S LIVING-ROOM - NIGHT
Dean looks at the phone and notices the message light flashing. He pushes the play button.
LORI (V.O.)
Hey, guys it’s your mother calling. Just checking up on you give me a call when you get a chance.
As soon as the message starts, Dean recognizes the voice. It's his mother's voice. He jumps in the air immediately. Picks up the receiver, and places the phone number side up and starts to redial the number.
Dean listens to the phone RING.
DEAN
(into the phone)
Hi, Mom. How are you doing?
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - SAME TIME
The twin’s, mother, LORI TALE, 55, sweet as can be. The motherly, homemaker type who’s never too busy to bakes, cookies. Lori sits near the front room in the Tale’s home.
LORI
I’m fine.
INTERCUT phone conversation.
DEAN
How’s Dad doing?
LORI
He’s fine also.
DEAN
So, have you given any thought about coming up before the storm?
LORI
I thought your Dad and you boys already spoke about this.
DEAN
We did.
LORI
I called to see how you are. Also to tell you not to worry I know how you get.
DEAN
Mom, it’s just a feeling, I can’t help it.
LORI
The news states there is no mandatory evacuation for our parish. So, stop worrying about us. Your father and I will be okay. Hold on. Your father wants to talk to you. Remember, I’ll always love you boys.
DEAN
I know Mom. I love you too.
LORI
Here’s your Dad.
SAM
Hi son. How are you holding up?
DEAN
I’m okay, just finishing work on the windows and all the doors.
SAM
Great, son just wanted to tell you not to worry about us. I know that you boys are the youngest of the family and the last to leave the nest and we worry about you guys just as much as you worry about us, but your mother and I have been through many of these storms and we can take care of each other.
DEAN
I know, Dad, but if anything happens, promise that you will give us a call. And Dad, I do mean anything.
SAM
Dean, you are the oldest and I love you both the same, but worrying won’t get you anywhere in life.
DEAN
Promise me that you will call.
SAM
We will call, so stop worrying. Tell your brother we love him, and we miss you both.
DEAN
Okay, Dad. If you need anything. Dad that's anything. Call.
CUT TO:
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - NIGHT - 2001 [FLASHBACK]
A strong gust of air Hurricane Allison is due to make landfall in Moments.
Dean has a hammer in one hand facing a window. David is at another window with Sam.
Lori starts to bring items into the house.
SAM
(yelling from a distance)
You have to get the boards lined up with the frame of the window.
DEAN
Okay, Dad.
DAVID
(yelling)
Everything’s inside Dad.
LORI
(yelling from inside the house)
You guys need to get into the house! The storm is almost on us!
Sam hurries his boys inside the house while placing the last nail into the frame of the door.
END FLASHBACK.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE LIVING-ROOM - NIGHT
After finishing the work on the house the brothers reenter the home. David puts his hammer down on the table next to the door. As he moves into the living-room he notices additional messages on the answering machine. The boys sit around the device. Dean has a look of confusion on his face, while David pushes the play button.
DEAN
There are about five new messages on the machine.
DAVID
Listen to one.
It’s their older brother WILLIAM, he’s calling concerned about their mother and father, and his voice is borderline between yelling and screaming.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
(almost yelling)
Dean, David. I was hoping that you both would be home. I’m concerned about Mom and Dad. This hurricane in the Gulf is headed right for home and you two are the only one capable of going and getting them out of there. It’s important that you go and get them out of harm’s way. Mom and Dad are older now. Since you two have left home they have had to depend on each other more. They’re getting older and I don’t think they can handle being in a Category three storm by themselves.
The message stops Dean looks over at his brother’s face and reaches for the phone. He starts to punch the numbers into the phone.
DEAN
So, what are we supposed to do? Mom and Dad both just told me that they wanted to stay and not to worry about them.
DAVID
I say we go out, come home and get some rest. We’ll call him when we wake up in the A.M.
DEAN
I respect the old man’s wishes and they’re not that old.
DAVID
After we go out we’ll call him in the morning.
DEAN
First thing, we need to handle this.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. SIGMA NU FRATERNITY HOUSE - LSU - NIGHT
The MUSIC hits the floor and the surrounding areas. As it leaves the speakers lined near the side door of the house the sound moves off the walls as students gather around. Everyone has drinks in their hands or sits around playing drinking games.
A small line has formed outside the downstairs bathroom and kids are attempting to talk over the loud MUSIC.
Julie and Susan both sit in the madness of the kitchen.
David and Dean walk into the kitchen holding cans of food.
FRAT BROTHER 1
So you made it. It’s about time.
FRAT BROTHER 2
I didn’t think you guys were coming. Thanks for bring the canned food.
Dean stands with his back to the wall and Susan and Julie sit across from David and the other frat brothers.
DEAN
Late but right on time. Always glad to be helping a worthy cause.
DAVID
If you were ever on time it would be a miracle.
SUSAN
Glad to see you finally made it. Did you drive?
DEAN
We drove if you need a ride. We can give you one.
SUSAN
Do you need a drink?
DAVID
No thanks, not looking to get a DUI.
DEAN
I’m not drinking either. Just here to show our support.
FRAT BROTHER 1
(yelling)
We came to party!
FRAT BROTHER 2
(yelling)
How much should we drink my brother?
DEAN
At least you two don’t have that far to go pass out.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE KITCHEN - MORNING
Dean watches the news and listens to the weather report. He opens the refrigerator and takes out the orange juice, reaches into the cabinet and grabs a cup, pours himself a glass of juice.
ON THE TV
A WEATHERMAN gives the latest news about the hurricane.
WEATHERMAN (V.O.)
We are tracking the storm and Katrina has now reached Category four intensity with winds of one hundred and forty five miles per hour. As ordered yesterday Saint Charles Parish, Saint Tammany Parish and Plaquemines Parish have been ordered to a mandatory evacuation of all residents as for Jefferson Parish and Saint Bernard Parish a voluntary evacuation is in place but as of this time we are recommending that all residents evacuate.
Dean eyes open wide he drops his glass on the floor and David comes running into the room.
DAVID
What was that?
Dean brushes over the floor with paper towels attempting to clean the mess up with little success.
DEAN
The storm is a category four now and they’re...
The phone RINGS as Dean reaches for the handset on the caller id it flashes, William Tale 1-517-555-8458.
Dean reaches for the phone, he pushes the talk button on the handset. He answers it then puts the phone on speakerphone and places it back on the base.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
Good morning, fellows. Hoped to hear from you before now.
DEAN
We got your message.
DAVID
We were in the middle of fixing up the house.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
I understand. I’m not going to beat around the bush. I think you two have to get Mom and Dad out of New Orleans before the storm.
DEAN
The news reports have the storm up to a Category four and are recommending an evacuation of Saint Bernard’s Parish.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
That’s why you need to get them out as soon as possible before the storm hits.
DAVID
You both know Dad. He’ll never leave that place.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
That's the reason why you two need to go now. It gives you more of a chance to get them both out of harm's way. I'm catching the next flight out of Detroit to Houston. I’ll try to get there to help you guys but it's up to you to get them out of there.
DEAN
We will do what we can.
WILLIAM
You need to do more, Dean!
The phone goes silent. Dean slams the phone down. He moves towards the door near the edge of the stairs.
DEAN
We need to pack a bag. Bring clothes and blankets, plus food for the road; also the rest of the plywood, hammers, and the nails.
DAVID
So, I guess we’re headed for home.
DEAN
Back to the Nola!
CUT TO:
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
Dean throws his bags into the back of David’s truck. Opens the door and sits inside. Takes out his cell phone and dials a few numbers.
Dean listens while the phone RINGS.
DEAN
(into phone)
What up Matt? What’s going on?
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - DAY
MATT BROWN, tall a young man, 20, generation x skater. He’s alone at home.
MATT
As well as one can imagine with the hurricane and all.
INTERCUT phone conversation.
DEAN
Don’t worry. We’re on the way.
MATT
Where are you guys?
DEAN
Still at school. I need you to do something for me.
MATT
Anything. What do you need?
DEAN
Go down to the Sheriff’s office. Find out what the evacuation plan is, and if it is going to be enforced.
MATT
I’m not sure about this.
DEAN
I would do the same for you.
MATT
Okay, give me forty-five minutes and I’ll call you back.
JUMP CUT TO:
MUSIC plays in background.
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - DAY (MONTAGE)
He opens the door to his bedroom. In his left hand he holds his skateboard.
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - DAY
As he opens the door to his home he drops in on his board and pushes off down the street.
EXT. JACKSON BOULEVARD - DAY
Matt takes a turn down a street. As he gets to the top of the street there is a large incline. His speed picks up till he slams into the side of a brick wall.
EXT. ROYAL STREET - DAY
Matt bounces right off of it. He seems to be fine and just a little shaken up. His foot hits the back of the board and enters the building.
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
(END OF MONTAGE)
Once inside there are sheriff’s deputies all in an uproar, noisy, and very busy.
Desk Sergeant Smith sits behind his desk, Matt walks up to him.
MUSIC ends.
MATT
Hi, Sarge. I was, wondering. What’s the state of the evacuation is.
SERGEANT SMITH
Kid, tell me you have a television at home.
MATT
Actually I don’t, are residents having to evacuate?
SERGEANT SMITH
There will be no mandatory effort at this time, but we will be helping with the elderly and hospitals in the area that wish to evacuate.
MATT
Oh, I see.
SERGEANT SMITH
Well, does that answer your question, kid?
MATT
Oh. Yes sir. Thank you.
SERGEANT SMITH
You’re welcome!
Matt turns and places his skateboard on the ground and drops in on it. Matt skates out of room with his back to Sergeant Smith’s desk.
Matt walks downstairs and back outside takes out his cell to call Dean.
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
MATT
(into phone)
Hey. What up? Dean. You're right they are not enforcing a mandatory evacuation just moving the elderly and patients from hospitals.
CUT TO:
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
DEAN
(into phone)
Thanks, Matt. You’ve been a big help. I’ll see you when we get to town bye.
David driving behind the wheel as Dean turns the stations on the radio.
DAVID
So the police aren’t making any one leave yet?
DEAN
Not yet.
DAVID
This could help us with getting Mom and Dad out of there.
DEAN
What do you mean?
DAVID
If the police aren’t moving anyone and just hospitals and the elderly maybe we can tell Mom and Dad that the evacuation includes them.
DEAN
If you think that will work, on Mom and Dad you’re sadly mistaken.
DAVID
You know you're right. I need to pull over for a sec.
DEAN
I’m going to call Sara to see if she could call and talk some sense into Mom and Dad.
EXT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
Dean dials numbers on his cell.
DEAN
(into phone)
Hi, Sis. How’s everything going?
CUT TO:
INT. CHICAGO - SARA TALE’S HOME - - SAME
Sara Tale, woman, 27, sitting at a desk in a warmly lit room. She speaks into phone instantly recognizing her younger brothers voice.
SARA
Okay, William tells me he’s headed for home and Mom and Dad won’t leave. Even though there’s a Category four hurricane.
INTERCUT phone conversation.
DEAN
Unfortunately, that’s what we’re looking at. In a nutshell.
SARA
I guess you're calling for my help?
DEAN
Thankfully, how do you always seem to know when I need your help?
SARA
I’m your big sister. Who else are you going to call?
DEAN
Do me a solid sis and call Mom and Dad and try to talk some sense into them.
SARA
I already did and they won’t budge an inch.
DEAN
What did they say?
SARA
There could be a Tsunami coming at them and they would stay right where they’re. So what are you going to do?
DEAN
I guess go get Mom and Dad.
SARA
That’s my baby brother.
CUT TO:
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - TALE FAMILY HOME - DAY
LORI
I think we should consider leaving dear.
Sam sits in a storage room looking for flashlights.
SAM (O.S.)
We have lived here in this home and built a wonderful life together. When I start to think of the life we have had I.
Lori walks down the hallway.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - DOWNSTAIRS - DAY
LORI
(yelling)
I understand but think of the children and how they feel!
SAM (O.S.)
I do dear, and I hope that they will feel this strongly about something when they reach our age.
At the door of the Tale home; a knock at the door and a RING to doorbell, Lori opens the door after turning the handle on the door.
LORI
(talking to herself)
Who could this be?
SAM (O.S.)
(yelling)
Lori. Who’s at the door?
INT./EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - DOORWAY - DAY
Lori looks through the peep whole. She opens the door.
LORI
(yelling)
A couple of New Orlean’s finest!
POLICE OFFICERS, dress in street blues, and long pants. At the door, both have short, sleeves shirts.
Lori, turns her attention to the officers.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Hello ma’am. We are going door to door. To ask people if they need any help, with evacuating.
LORI
We are staying. Officer, it’s only my husband I.
SAM (O.S.)
(yelling from a distance)
What do they want?
POLICE OFFICER 2
You wouldn’t consider evacuating the storm will be coming right at the city it’s projected to be a Category four if it hits.
LORI
My husband seems to be adamant on staying. We both feel safe in this home.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Ma’am we understand completely here some information about the evacuation route just in case. We will be closing some roads. To make it easier for people to leave if they need to please feel free to use this list of emergency contact numbers on the back. If you or your husband needs help, someone will be at these numbers during the entire storm and the hours afterwards feel free to call.
LORI
Thank you, officers.
Officer’s mark the house side with a can of paint but Lori see’s nothing come out of can.
POLICE OFFICER 2
You’re welcome ma’am you have a nice day.
LORI
You do the same.
Door closes.
CUT TO:
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 EAST - NIGHT
Dean and David are driving back toward home, while all the traffic is leaving the city.
DAVID
We should be home in an hour.
DEAN
I can almost picture the look on Mom and Dad’s faces.
DAVID
They are going to be surprised.
DEAN
Look at all those cars.
DAVID
That’s a lot of traffic.
DEAN
But it’s all leaving New Orleans.
DAVID
Which means the roads into town should all be clear.
DEAN
Hey turn here it will take us straight into town.
DAVID
No, I’m staying on I-10 till we hit town it’s the fastest way into the Nola, plus with all this traffic leaving we won’t run into any trouble.
DEAN
Do you see that over there?
DAVID
Definitely, I see them. Hold on I’m pulling over.
David slams on the brake and pulls the truck to the side of the road.
David jumps out the truck runs to the side to see a woman in the front seat.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Do you need any help?
MARY, 30, mother of four children, broken down with a flat tire. She sits on the side of the road with here children.
MARY
I could use a hand.
DEAN
Do you have a wrench or a lift?
Dean looks into car he notice Mary’s condition. She is almost full term.
MARY
Yes. It’s in the back.
DEAN
lifts the back of the car’s trunk, grabs the tire iron, and spare.
DEAN’S POV
on the backseat Mary’s children sit.
DEAN
Aren’t you guys cute?
Mary looks into the rearview mirror at Dean.
MARY (O.S.)
Yes they’re but a handful.
Dean moves to passenger’s side. He lifts the side of the car with the wrench.
DEAN
What are your names?
LIZ
I’m Liz; this is Ricardo, Sam, and Dora.
DEAN
It’s been a pleasure meeting all of you. We will have you out of here in a sec.
DAVID
Where are you headed ma’am? If you don’t mind me asking.
MARY
(overjoyed)
Just up the road to my mother’s house. Thank you very much. I didn’t know what to do. I’m nine months pregnant. I couldn’t ask any of my other children to help. My husband is stationed in the Gulf so I was completely stuck until you two came along.
DEAN
It’s all fixed now. I wouldn’t drive to far with that spare.
MARY
Oh bless, your hearts. Thank you very much.
Mary turn the cars engine over. She drives off with her children.
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 EAST - EXIT 10 A - NIGHT
AIR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN, young men, mid to late 20s, assigned to sit at different barricades blocking the interstate entrance into New Orleans.
DEAN
Almost home another twenty miles.
DAVID
I’m going to exit here.
As they reach the exit a barricade stands in their way.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 1
May I help you?
DAVID (O.S.)
We are trying to go home just up the road.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 2
I’m sorry but this whole area is under Marshall Law by order of the governor.
DEAN
We're just trying to get home to help our parents out of the area.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 2
Sorry but you have to turn around.
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 WEST - ON-RAMP 10 B - NIGHT
DAVID
(yelling)
Are you kidding me?
DEAN
Just do what he says let’s go.
INT. FORD TRUCK ON INTERSTATE 10 WEST - NIGHT
DAVID
So what are we going to do?
DEAN
We need to back track and come in from a different direction for now let’s get out of the city.
DAVID
I’m getting off on the next exit and trying another back road into town.
At the end of the next exit troops are sitting at a barricade with guns.
EXT. INTERSTATE 10 WEST - EXIT 11 A - NIGHT
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 3
Sorry guys but you’re going to have to turn around.
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 WEST - EXIT 11 A - NIGHT
DEAN
(almost yelling)
Really! Okay.
David puts the car in reverse and turns around.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Face it we need a game plan.
DAVID
You're right.
DEAN
Guess we're headed back.
DAVID
Until we figure how to get into the city. We’re locked out for good.
Dean cell phone rings.
CUT TO:
INT. MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - NEW ORLEANS/INT. FORD TRUCK ON INTERSTATE 10 WEST - SPLIT SCREEN - NIGHT
MATT
The city is on lock down like Fort Knox.
DEAN
(into phone)
Tell me about it; we just got denied. Can’t get in anywhere at least on the roads.
MATT
If you can get to Lake Pontchartrain you could use our boat. It’s dry docked at the lake. Then you could come right in the city.
DEAN
Not a bad idea Matt. Let me get back to you.
MATT
Okay brother. Call me when you get to town.
Dean puts his phone away.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCK SIDE LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN - MORNING
The boat sits off the Lake the sun is overhead.
Dean makes his way to the storage area where the boat is. David backs the truck to the boat. Dean puts the hitch down and places the boat on the back of the truck. They drive to the launch.
FOREST AGENT, 40, in a tan jump suite, with forest crest on the front sleeve of jacket. Sits in a Dodge truck. He Notices Dean and David on the lake. He picks up the receiver to his megaphone.
FOREST AGENT
(voice booming)
What are you doing?
DEAN
(yelling back)
Is it too late to put our boat out on the lake?
FOREST AGENT
(voice booming)
No. But you can’t launch from here.
DEAN
(yelling back)
Why not?
FOREST AGENT
(voice booming)
We are locking access to this part of the lake until after the storm. You’ll have to dock it for now.
DEAN
(yelling from a distance)
Okay.
DAVID
(upset with anger)
I’m sick of doing what people tell us. We need to get home.
Dean gets back behind the wheel. Starts to place the truck into drive but slams the shifter into park.
FOREST AGENT
(loudly from a distance)
There’s nothing I can do about this, but until the storm is over no one is allowed on the lake.
Dean waves to the agent as he gets back into the truck.
DEAN
(calmly yelling)
Not your fault, we understand! Thank you.
Forest Agent drives off not noticing if Dean has pulled the boat backup.
DAVID
(crying)
We need to get home.
Dean grabs his brother’s shoulder as his eye start to tear up.
DEAN
This is our only chance to get to Mom and Dad. We need to take it now.
Clearing his eyes David looks at his brother and shakes his head in agreement. David locks up his truck and clears everything from the cab.
DAVID
Okay! Clear the hitch.
DEAN
It’s clear. Is that everything?
DAVID
Everything is on the boat. But you. So, get on already. What’s up?
Dean jumps into the boat.
DEAN
Are we sure about this?
DAVID
It’s the only way. We can make it.
DEAN
Let me get my phone.
David powers up the boat.
The engine turns over and the motor CRANKS.
Dean can see the Forest Agent running after them.
DAVID
Finally we're off.
DEAN
Looks like a lot of water.
DAVID
The storm has dumped all this.
DEAN
I’m going to call Mom and Dad.
DEAN CALLING HOME NO ANSWER.
DEAN (CONT’D)
No answer.
DAVID
Its possible that the storm knocked the power off.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - DOCK SIDE LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN - MORNING
OFF IN THE DISTANCE MAN WALKING TREADING WATER.
DEAN
Look at all the water. Can you believe all this water could have come from one storm?
DAVID
Everything is under water.
MAN CARRYING BAGS ON HIS BACK.
PLACES GUN IN SMALL OF BACK DROPS SHIRT OVER PANTS.
DEAN
Expect to see a lot of that.
DAVID
Yeah, I know. Just didn’t think about it.
DEAN
There are a lot of people still in the city trapped who weren’t able to get out.
CELL PHONE RINGS BOAT IS IN THE CITY .
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - MORNING
MATT SITTING ON ROOF.
MATT
Can you believe all this?
DEAN (V.O.)
Where are you?
MATT
On the roof of my house.
DEAN (V.O.)
Hold on. We’ll be there in a second.
BOAT COMES FROM HOUSE YELL RINGS OUT.
ON ROOF OF HOUSE
FIGURE FROM ROOF IN THE DISTANCE.
MATT
LOOKING DOWN AT BOAT.
MATT’S POV
MOTOR STOPS THE BOAT STILL MOVING.
MATT
(yelling)
Hey! Up here!
DEAN
(yelling up)
What are you doing up there?
MATT
(yelling back down)
Just hanging around.
DAVID GRABS ROPE TOSSES IT UP.
DAVID
(yelling up to Matt)
Take this and tie it off to something and climb down!
MATT CLIMBS TO FRONT OF WINDOW; PUTS ONE FOOT ON MIDSIZE AIRBOAT.
MATT
Thanks. I could have been stuck up there for days.
DEAN
No problem.
MATT
Just happy to be down from there.
DEAN
Any Army or Air National Guardsmen come around?
MATT
The only people I’ve seen moving around were the Mill Creek militia other than that nobody.
DAVID
What about the sheriff’s and his men? What happen to them? How in the hell did the Mill Creek, already have the town locked down?
WATER CRESTS AROUND BOAT ON STREET.
DEAN
(into phone)
Hello.
DEAN PHONE VIBRATES.
PLACES PHONE TO EAR.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ EXT. MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - SPLIT SCREEN - DAY
WILLIAMS RUSHES FROM PLANE ON PHONE.
WILLIAM
Were you able to get to Mom and Dad?
DEAN
No, we’re here now, and trying to get home now, hit a bit of trouble let me call you once we’re home.
WILLIAM
I’m unable to reach Mom or Dad on the house phone.
DEAN
Yeah, I’ve been calling the house and no answer either; I’ll call you once I’m there.
WILLIAM
I’ve landed now. I’ll have a renter car on the road in the hour.
DEAN
You may want to rent a boat instead streets here are completely flooded.
WILLIAM
In that case, I have a friend or two who owe me.
DEAN
Call you once we get to Mom and Dad’s place.
WILLIAM
See you soon little brother.
CUT TO:
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
PHONES RINGS.
POLICE OFFICER 1
The phones won’t stop.
POLICE OFFICER 2
There’s not much anyone can do.
SERGEANT SMITH
(yelling)
Somebody get this phone!
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
PULL INTO SHERIFF OFFICE.
DEAN
Who’s going in?
DAVID
The real question here is. What we say once we get in there?
MATT
I’ll go in I know the Desk Sergeant.
DAVID
I’ll go in with you.
MATT AND DAVID CLIMBS OF BOAT.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Look at the door its locked and there are chains stopping anyone from getting in.
MATT
What is the deal?
DAVID
Maybe they were expecting trouble after the storm.
DAVID BANGS ON MAIN DOOR.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Where is everybody?
MATT
Look there.
POINTS TOWARDS SECOND FLOOR DAVID looks up to the fire escape.
MATT (CONT’D)
We can climb up there and find a way inside. I think there might be a door on the roof.
FIRE ESCAPE PULLED DOWN up the latter to SECOND FLOOR.
DAVID
Do you see that?
MATT
There’s someone inside.
DAVID
Looks like the building withstood the storm’s surge.
MATT
What are they doing?
DAVID
Looks like they are working the phones.
MATT
Then if that is the case, why aren’t they answering the doors?
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE ROOFTOP - DAY
As the two climb off the fire escape on to the roof of the building they head towards the door. Matt pulls the door open.
POLICE OFFICER 3
Hello. Boys we saw you climbing up here.
POLICE OFFICER 2
Anything we can do for you?
THE SHOTGUN
DOUBLE BARREL OF LOADED SHOTGUN MATT’S FACE.
POLICE OFFICER 2
HOLDS A LOADED SHOTGUN
MATT’S VIEW OF BARREL OF SHOTGUN.
MATT’s POV
MATT
Could you move this shotgun out of my face?
POLICE OFFICER 2
Please follow me. My Sergeant wants to talk to you.
DEAN CLIMBS ONTO THE ROOF.
DEAN
Couldn’t let you two have all the fun.
BOYS WALK BEHIND OFFICERS INTO THE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR.
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - MORNING
SERGEANT SMITH
Welcome to the New Orleans Police Department, if I may ask. What are you doing on my roof?
PHONE RINGING SHERIFF WALKS UP.
DAVID
We needed help getting into our parish and with the flooding we were hoping to get some help.
SERGEANT SMITH
What did you need help with?
DEAN
Two things, to get home, and a little help bypassing the mill creek militias'.
SERGEANT SMITH
You don’t need help you need an army.
DEAN
That’s what where hoping for.
POLICE OFFICER 1
(loudly)
Hey! Aren’t you Dean Tale the kid who broke all the state records?
DEAN
Yes, sir.
SERGEANT SMITH
We don’t have the manpower we evacuated most of the residents and those who stayed did so by choice.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Hey Sergeant. I can show them around the mark places that we put up before the storm and come back once we are finish.
SERGEANT SMITH
I don’t know with a strong federal presents in the area if that is a smart idea.
DAVID
Sergeant we have to get home. My Mother and Father were both at home when the storm made landfall. We need to see to their safety. No matter the cost.
POLICE OFFICER 1
I promise to get them in and head back. Plus we need eyes in there to see what’s going on.
SERGEANT SMITH
(worried)
Okay, but try not to get caught by any federal troops. I won’t hear the end of it from the Sheriff.
MATT
Does anyone have anything to eat?
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
BACK IN THE BOAT VIEW THROUGH NIGHT VISION GOGGLES.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Look over there we marked all routes into town and out in case traffic lights went out.
DAVID
So how do we access the streets without running in to the mill creek militia?
AREA VIEWED CLEARLY IN GREEN NEON FOLLOWED BY YELLOW NEON.
POLICE OFFICER 1
We have known about the mill creek militia. We have no authority to do anything about them because they hadn’t broken any laws. That and the fact the local law enforcement probably all left before the storm hit.
DEAN
How is it then they have locked down the whole Parish so fast?
MATT
They have been on the move in this area for a while.
DAVID
You’re overlooking the facts, that local law enforcement maybe mill creek militia also.
ENGINE TURNS OVER.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. SHERIFF’S OFFICE/INT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - SPLIT SCREEN - NIGHT
IN BACK ROOM CB RADIO CLICKS.
SHERIFF TODD
This is Todd can you hear me?
LARRY
Loud and clear!
SHERIFF TODD
You need to be on the lookout!
LARRY
Be on the lookout, for what?
SHERIFF TODD
I had three kids that came into the station and ask for help getting into the Parish.
LARRY
I thought you weren’t going to check in till the morning?
SHERIFF TODD
This couldn’t wait.
LARRY
What do you mean?
SHERIFF TODD
They’re coming your way.
LARRY
I thought you were keeping everyone out of here?
SHERIFF TODD
I can’t keep everyone out.
LARRY
What about the Army troops?
SHERIFF TODD
I did my best to keep them out, they shouldn’t give you any trouble.
LARRY
What do you mean shouldn’t?
SHERIFF TODD
I told them that my men had this area under control and that we didn’t need any help.
LARRY
We have it under control and no one’s getting in here.
SHERIFF TODD
It’s up to you.
LARRY
How long ago did they leave?
SHERIFF TODD
Just a few Moments ago, they just left.
INT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT
MILL CREEK LEADER GIVES DIRECTIONS TO HIS SECOND.
LARRY
We need to make sure the perimeter is well guarded and no one can get in or out.
JON
We are ready on this end!
LARRY
Have word sent out that all groups report in every hour on the hour.
JON
How long are we going to keep this area lock down?
LARRY
Until martial law is lifted.
JON
That could be weeks, or even months.
LARRY
It’s the best we can do to insure the safety of the people in the parish.
JON
All groups have reported in and will update next hour.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS CITY LIMITS/INT. HOUSTON INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT - SPLIT SCREEN - NIGHT
AIRBOAT MOVES ACROSS THE CITY ENGINE CUTS OFF BOAT DRIFTS.
DEAN
Hello.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
I’m off the plane and heading towards home did you get Mom and Dad out?
DEAN
No. We’re heading home now the storm had direct impact on the city and the place is flooded, the army troops are here and aren’t letting anyone in or out.
WILLIAM (O.S.)
You need to get there as fast as you can.
DEAN
We've got to move.
ENGINE CUTS OFF.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - CITY LIMITS - ARMY CHECK POINT - NIGHT
TWO SOLDIERS SITTING NEAR BARRICADE.
ARMY OFFICER 1
Did you hear that?
ARMY OFFICER 2
No I didn’t and neither did you.
ARMY OFFICER 1
Give me a smoke!
OFFICER OPENS HIS PACK.
ARMY OFFICER 2
Here, you need to buy your own.
ARMY OFFICER 1
It sounded like an engine.
WALKS UP A RESIDENT IN THE WATER.
RESIDENT 1
I need some help. Please!
BANDAGE OVER A CUT.
ARMY OFFICER 2
Here let me help you.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - CITY LIMITS - NIGHT
DAVID
They almost heard us you need to be more careful.
MATT
That was a close call.
POLICE OFFICER 1
We cut the motor just in time.
BOAT MOVES THROUGH TOWN.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
Here put these on.
HANDS ON THE UV NIGHT-VISION GOGGLES THE MARKS LIGHT UP.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
The markers only can be seen with these.
OVER HIS HEAD.
RESTART THE ENGINE.
DEAN
Hold on we’re past the checkpoint.
CUT TO:
EXT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT
OVER THE CB.
JON
We were getting reports of a single engine airboat, heading this way on edge of the encampment.
LARRY
I already know. Let it, move through. We will catch it once it stops.
JON
All sections! I repeat let the boat past monitor and report movements. Don’t stop craft.
CUT TO:
EXT. SAINT BERNARD PARISH - NIGHT
TWO MILITIAS’ MEN WAIT NEAR THE POST.
ANDY
Jon said to wait till the boat stops. It’s close.
LEE
Do you even hear the motor anymore?
THE GROUP WALK UP TO THE GUARD POST NEAR THE MILITIA MEN.
MATT
(quietly)
I got the one on the left.
UP FROM BEHIND DEAN, DAVID GRABS A MILITIAMEN WHILE MATT ATTEMPTS TO GRAB ANOTHER. CATCHING THE OTHERS BY SURPRISE THEY KNOCK OUT THE OTHERS.
DAVID
That was close.
MATT
Too close.
DEAN
We're almost home. Just a few more miles I think we can make it before sun up.
DAVID
Look around. The storm hit here the hardest. A lot of homes aren’t even standing anymore.
DEAN
Which has me worried? Even more about Mom and Dad I hope they're okay.
DAVID
Don’t worry. About them I’m sure they’re fine.
POLICE OFFICER 1
The troops aren’t even in this area yet.
MATT
Don't you find it strange that they didn’t come this far into the Parish?
POLICE OFFICER MOVES BACK FROM THE LOOKOUT.
POLICE OFFICER 1
The mill creek militia has this whole area surrounded. It’s locked down tighter than a drum.
MATT
They must have let us in here.
DAVID
Which means?
DEAN
They have to know that we are here.
MATT
And we’re walking into a trap.
POLICE OFFICER 1
At least we have the cover of night on our side.
DAVID
Only for about ten hours and then it will be light out again.
DEAN
That’s why we need to hurry up and move.
CUT TO:
EXT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT
MILL CREEK COMMANDER GIVES THE ORDER TO THE TROOP TO WAIT FOR ALL THE GROUPS STANDING GUARD AT THE ENCAMPMENT TO REPORT.
RON
Everyone has reported in but Andy and Lee, Troop B.
LARRY
Good then we know right where they are.
RON
Yeah, what’s our next move?
LARRY
Send Troop A and Troop C they are able to get their fastest.
RON REACHES FOR CB RADIO PUSHES DOWN THE RECEIVER.
RON (O.S.)
Troop A and C move in to Troop B location don’t engage. Report back.
LARRY
Now we have them.
EXT. SAINT BERNARD PARISH - MORNING
DEAN AND DAVID WALK DOWN TO THEIR PARENT’S STREET.
DEAN
We made it!
POLICE OFFICER 1
This is where I leave you I have to get back, my home isn’t too far from here and my wife and kids are away.
DAVID
Thank you for all your help without you we wouldn’t have made it this far.
DEAN
Thank you, if you’re ever in Baton Rouge call on us.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Don’t worry I’ll be at some of those Tiger games. Good luck to you both and say hi to your parents for me.
MATT TAKES SHAKES THE OFFICERS HAND.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
Look after these two.
MATT
I will.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Hold on to these glasses you’ll need them to get out of here.
THE OFFICER HANDS DAVID AND MATT THE GOGGLES.
THE POLICE OFFICER MOVES BACK OFF THE ROAD.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
(yelling in the distance)
Good luck!
THE GROUP STARTS DOWN THE DARK ROAD OF THE FAMILY HOME.
CUT TO:
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
THREE MEN WALK OUT OF THE SHADOW.
HOUSE WITH MOSS ALL OVER IT A CLEAR WATER LINE CAN BE SEEN TO THE TOP OF THE HOUSE FROM OUTSIDE.
TROOP LEADER 1
What are you doing here?
DEAN
We live here this is my home.
TROOP LEADER 2
How do we know that you could be looters trying to make a fast buck?
SOUND OVER THE CB A VOICE.
RON (V.O.)
Troop C report have you seen the intruders? Report.
TROOP LEADER 1
We have found and engaged the targets.
RON (V.O.)
I was pretty clear that you were not to engage the combatants.
DAVID
(whispering)
I’m going into the house to see if Mom and Dad are okay.
THE TWO TROOPS ARE TALKING ON CB’S.
DAVID MOVES TO THE FRONT OF THE HOME.
MATT
Who are you guys anyway?
DEAN
Yeah, what do you want?
RON (V.O.)
We are on our way don’t move
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
DAVID OPENS THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE.
DAVID
(yelling)
Mom! Dad! Hello Mom! Dad!
DAVID MOVES THROUGH THE HOME.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Anyone?
DAVID COMES BACK OUTSIDE.
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
DAVID
They’re not here.
DEAN
What do you mean?
DAVID
There is no one inside.
UP WALKS UP A GROUP OF MEN IN THEIR HANDS ARE GUNS.
LARRY
What happen to the command I gave you?
TROOP LEADER 1
They’re going into this house.
OUT OF THE DISTANCE WINDS START TO MOVE AROUND.
MATT
Do you see that?
DEAN
DARK OBJECT MOVES INTO VIEW IT IS A ARMY BLACKHAWK HELICOPTER
DEAN’S POV
DEAN
Looks like a helicopter.
ARMY OFFICER
FLARES AND ROPE DROP FROM THE BLACKHAWK.
ARMY OFFICER’S 3 POV
ARMY OFFICER 3
(yelling from a distance)
This is the United States Army. This area is under martial law and all persons must comply with the authority of the U.S. Armed forces. Place any and all weapons or firearms on the ground now!
ARMY OFFICER’S 3
ANGLE ON GROUND AS TROOPS DESCEND FROM BLACKHAWK.
DAVID
I think you guys should listen.
LEE
(angrily yelling)
We have right to bear arms!
ARMY OFFICER 5
What part of drop your weapons you didn’t understand?
RON
We are with the mill creek militia we have a right.
ARMY OFFICER 5
Under Marshall Law the United States Armed forces has complete and total control, take these four into custody.
THE ARMY TROOPS place all the members of the MILL CREEK MILITIA under arrest.
LARRY
Where are you taking us?
ARMY OFFICER 3
You will be held until you have been processed.
DEAN
We are on our property sir where just looking for our parents.
ARMY OFFICER 5
We just need to see proof that you live in this residents and you are free to stay.
THE BROTHER’S take out there identification THE OFFICERS takes them.
ANGLE ON BLACKHAWK LANDING
ARMY OFFICER 3
Thank you for your help.
ARMY OFFICER 5
Place these men in the Blackhawk.
ARMY OFFICER 3
And you sir, do you stay here also?
MATT
I’m helping them with the relocation of their parents to a safe location.
DAVID
I can vouch for him officers.
ARMY OFFICER 3
Fine with me, gentlemen we will be monitoring the area if you need any help just signal for one of my men and they should be able to contact me, best of luck.
THE OFFICERS MOVE BACK INTO THE BLACKHAWK.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
Dean makes his way INSIDE.
DEAN
(Yelling)
Mom! Mom!
DAVID (O.S.)
They aren’t here.
MATT
Did you check upstairs?
DAVID (O.S.)
No, but they didn’t respond when I called before.
DEAN
I’ll take the attic you check the second floor.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - UPSTAIRS - MORNING
David OPENS THE DOOR TO HIS OLD ROOM.
DAVID
(yelling)
Dad! Mom! Are you up here?
Matt moves TOWARDS THE SECOND FLOOR TOWARDS A BED.
MATT
Mister Tale, Miss Tale, anybody here?
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME UPSTAIRS ATTIC - DAY
Dean MAKES HIS WAY to the top floor of the house inside it is dark with his glow stick HE MOVES AROUND THE ROOM.
DEAN
Mom, Dad? No. No. No. Mom.
DEAN LOOKS Down at the lifeless bodies.
DEAN (CONT’D)
(screaming)
Up here, they’re up here. Mom!
MATT
Its all right man.
PLACING A HAND ON Dean’s SHOULDER.
DAVID
(happily)
You found them, you found Mom and Dad.
Dean GRABS David’s ARM TO HOLD HIM BACK.
DAVID (CONT’D)
(screaming)
No, no. Dad get up, this can’t be, Mom get up, this can’t be.
DEAN
(crying)
At least they had each other.
MATT
Come on guys lets go back downstairs.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
DEAN
All this time trying to get here; all this way and unable to get here in time.
DAVID
Don’t beat yourself up we tried. They wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE sun starts TO RISE in the distance AND THE BOYS TRY TO CONSOLE ONE ANOTHER.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
OUTSIDE IN A 4X4 TRUCK with an air boat in tow WILLIAM ARRIVES.
WILLIAM
(yelling)
Hey Dean, David come and help me.
BOTH BROTHERS go outside DOOR SLAMS behind them.
WILLIAM (CONT’D)
What’s wrong why are you two crying like little babies?
MATT
They found your parents in the attic; looks like the water forced them up there and trapped them, they couldn’t get out.
WILLIAM
Are you telling me my parents' are dead?
DEAN
(upset)
He’s not telling you I am. Mom and Dad are in a better place. Why do you think they didn’t want to leave? They made up their minds to be together, no matter what. No one could change that. No matter how much we attempted to make them leave, this place is where they wanted to be. Here together there was no stopping this from happening.
WILLIAM
(upset near tears)
As a little boy, Dad would talk to us about being together. Plus doing all we could for each other. No matter what I think, this was his way of forcing us together. I am truly sorry for making you boys responsible for the actions of our parents. It’s not your fault it’s not any one’s fault this was unforeseeable.
WILLIAM GRABS for both of his brothers to EMBRACE THEM.
Matt reaches and touches William’s shoulder.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MOMENTS LATER
WILLIAM ON THE PHONE arranging for the PICK up PARENTS BODIES.
WILLIAM (O.S.)
I’m at my parents’ home there is a lot of flooding I would like for you to please come out today. Thank you.
DAVID
How long before they get here?
WILLIAM
It’s going to be a while maybe a few hours, for now we need to call everyone else and let them know I will handle everything just help Dean for now.
DEAN
Remember when we were little and Dad would take use out fishing.
DAVID picks chairs.
DAVID
Yeah, I remember I caught all the fish and you kept throwing yours back in.
DEAN
Dad always told me that the fishing wasn’t always about how many or how big of a fish you caught. But understanding the balance between man and nature and that we all had a responsibility to abide by natures rules.
MATT
It seems like you two learned two different techniques on how to fish.
DEAN
That was the beauty of the old man he could be telling you one thing while meaning something completely different.
WILLIAM
Everything is taken care off it’s going to take some work but it’s going to be up to you two to help hold this family together and weather this storm.
DAVID
Mom would want us to call her family and let them know can I borrow your phone.
WILLIAM hands over his PHONE TO DEAN.
DEAN
We will be here for you all and we understand how much you wanted us to be here for Mom and Dad.
WILLIAM
I thought that if you could get here in time that you could change the old man’s mind. But, I should have known that once his mind was made up about something there was no changing it.
DEAN
With his stubborn will. When he made up his mind there was no changing it. We all knew that.
WILLIAM
It’s sad to remember them now that they are gone. I'm going up to say my good-byes.
WILLIAM WALKS UPSTAIRS DAVID hangs up PHONE.
DEAN
We will rebuild this house from the ground up that’s the least that we can do for Mom and Dad.
DAVID
That’s the least we can do for each other.
MATT
I’m leaving this is a time for the Tale’s to be a family. I’ll bring the boat back if you still need it.
DEAN
Thanks for being here for us.
MATT
What are brothers for?
Matt closes the door.
David look outside as the sun light as it comes into the front window.
Dean moves to the wall. He looks:
ON THE WALL a plaque framed it holds a quote. It reads:
“That which causes us trials shall yield triumph: and that which makes our hearts ache shall fill us with gladness. The only true happiness is to learn to advance, and to improve: which could not happen unless we had commenced with error, ignorance, and imperfection. We must pass through the darkness, to reach the light.”
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
INT. LSU - STUDENT COMMONS - DAY (2005)
A FATHER wearing an LSU tiger's shirt, helps his SON transports a large trunk across the quad of Louisiana State University.
WIDEN TO SEE
HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS amass on campus to mark the start of the new fall semester.
EXT. LSU - LIBRARY - DAY
Twin African American brothers, DEAN and DAVID TALE, 22, each stands near the entrance of the library close to the bike rack, watching freshmen move in.
Each fills a thin, muscular athletic frame, dressed somewhat the same in a pair of dark blue, denim, baggy shorts, but with different shirts. Dean wears T-shirt with a print of Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon. David wears a red and white polo.
DAVID
In light of everything on campus wouldn’t you say something needs to change?
DEAN
Nothing! This is college. There is nothing I could change. I see it for what it is. I know you’re missing home you have to understand Mom and Dad are only a phone call away. If we ever needed help, we can always drop a line.
DAVID
Is that it , is that the best you can come up with? I ask you the about the things you would change about school and life here and you give me the drop a line speech, college is about the girls the prating, staying up late, the drinking till you drop, the eating pizza every day, and that's the best you can come up with? Don’t telling me how you feel about home? Tell me...
DEAN
I Guess my head is somewhere else.
DAVID
Seems like it.
DEAN
I’m just concerned about...
David steps and turns toss the football back at his bother.
DAVID
What are you working on today?
Dean catch the ball its purple and yellow with a tigers claw.
DEAN
Getting started on this history project. What about you?
DAVID
I'm headed over to the law center a few us are meeting to work on this mock trial.
A FEMALE STUDENT walks by wearing a pair of low cut shorts with a dark tank top.
David smiles. She waves back.
DEAN
I'm sensing something is up with you, bro. You seem to be a little unfocused. Maybe on something else.
Dean rockets the ball back at David’s head.
DAVID
It’s nothing.
Dean feels a chill all over him he shakes. A overcast comes over head.
DEAN
It’s been forever since I felt that, that’s the illest feelings...
DAVID
(irritated)
Not this shit again! You and your weird Doctor-Strange-feelings are always getting us caught up in Dogma type shit.
DEAN
This time it’s different.
DAVID
It better not be anything that involves my truck or me.
David turns plants his foot and launches the ball as hard as he can.
Dean not even looking catches the ball and puts it in his bag.
DEAN
I’m out.
DAVID
Call me if you need me.
INT. LSU - LIBRARY - DAY
Dean walks to the back area of the library and places his bag down on a table.
Looking over but not noticing the group of girls until out the corner of his I he turns his head in that direction.
JULIE DuBOIS, 19, a tall, African American woman holding a cellphone.
DEAN
Julie. Long time, no see.
(UNDER HIS BREATH)
Call, Text.
JULIE
Dean! Nice to see a familiar face.
DEAN
Where have you been?
JULIE
I've been playing catch up since last year's prom. Summer break didn't help either. My family went to Europe for a little R & R.
The INTERCOM system CRACKS and CLICKS IN. It's the LIBRARIAN’S VOICE.
LIBRARIAN (V.O.)
All classes have been canceled for the rest of the day due to the approaching Hurricane.
DEAN
Must have been nice to get away from it all, I mean, to have no worries.
Dean stand to a stack of books reach over and place on in his hand.
JULIE
I guess so, but I missed all the summer parties. Plus I didn’t have a chance to say bye to anyone.
DEAN
You didn’t miss much. I went back home for a workout or two with Coach.
JULIE
Finally, I’m here now and so far behind.
DEAN
Just give it some time and you’ll be where you need to be.
JULIE
I need to go, here’s my number... if you want to meet up or just hang out... if you get a chance come over, just call I’m staying with my sister.
Julie walks off.
CUT TO:
INT. LSU - LAW CENTER - STUDENT AREA - DAY
David directing his study group of LAW STUDENTS. With about twelve member in a mock jury. Dean walks into the room.
STAN
Members of jury today you will hear that my client has been involved in.
Dean walk to his brothers seat in the room.
DAVID
What are you doing here?
DEAN
The announcement?
DAVID
What frakin announcement?
DEAN
Classes have been canceled for the rest of the week because of the storm.
DAVID
(sarcastically)
What that storm that’s in the Gulf.
DEAN
(angrily)
What’s up with you. You’re acting like you didn’t care that Katrina is aimed at THE --NOLA! Right at the Home.
Dean turns back out the room.
INT. LSU - LAW CENTER - OPEN HALL - DAY
Dean sit’s near the benches outside in the hallway. Starts looking at THE WALL:
Photo bronze plaque with commemorative inscription on the wall. Reads:
“William Tale - Valedictorian Class of 1979”
David lightly slaps Dean on the in the back of the head.
DAVID
You ready? Let’s bounce.
CUT TO:
EXT. LSU - EAST CAMPUS DRIVE - DAY
Dean and David walking across campus.
Dean holds up his hand to block out the sun.
A GROUP OF PRETTY FEMALE STUDENTS walks by. Dean turns.
DEAN
(excited)
So what’s the haps?
DAVID
First thing, we need to do is get our house in order. --Right.
Taking his bag off Dean reaches for the LSU football in his bag.
Dean lobs it at David.
DEAN
I don’t think that’s the first thing we need to work on.
Dean points toward the GROUP OF PRETTY FEMALE STUDENTS.
David turns his head to look.
DAVID
Aren’t you forgetting... the storm?
DEAN
(jokingly)
You’re right.
David turns walking backwards.
DAVID
That's what I'm here for baby bro, to keep you on the straight and narrow, without me where would you be?
Dean points towards the FEMALE STUDENTS.
DEAN
With her or her or maybe...
DAVID
Come on.
EXT. LSU - EAST FRATERNITY DRIVE - DAY
Dean and David walk by a group of young FRATERNITY BROTHERS. One Frat Brother hands out a stack of flyers to the others.
A gust of wind abruptly kicks up a few of the flyers blown by the wind. They hit the ground and Dean steps on one. He picks it up.
DEAN
What’s this?
FRAT BROTHER 1
We are handing out invites for a meet and greet this evening.
FRAT BROTHER 2
Not a meet and greet you moron, a charity drive for hurricane relief.
DAVID
Oh. What kind of charity drive for hurricane relief?
FRAT BROTHER 1
In honor of Hurricane Katrina, the brothers are throwing a charity drive to help other victims of the storm.
DAVID
Victims?
FRAT BROTHER 1
This isn’t the first time Katrina hit land.
FRAT BROTHER 1 (CONT’D)
That’s why we are having a food drive, to help other Sigma Nu brothers.
FRAT BROTHER 2
Bring a can of food. Get in free.
DEAN
So you’re collecting for other victims?
DAVID
(sarcastically)
Right.
FRAT BROTHER 1
Human foods only. We’re not animals. Please! No. Dog food!
FRAT BROTHER 2
Everyone enters free, with a can of food.
DEAN
We’ll be there.
FRAT BROTHER 1
But, byob!
DEAN
Bring your own beer! Plus a can of food. What kind of charity drive is this do we need to supply entertainment too.
DAVID
Where else are you handing out?
FRAT BROTHER 2
We’re headed to the student center and the Lambda house.
DAVID
You can skip the student center and head straight to the Lambdas house.
The frat brothers start to walk off. In the direction of nearby dormitories and student center. A brother looks back.
DEAN
(yelling)
Don’t forget the Delta House! We don’t want this little pre-emptive relief effort to turn into a dude ranch.
FRAT BROTHER 1
(in the distance yelling)
We have no plans on this being a Dude Ranch.
Dean and David walk on running into other STUDENTS on who live off Fraternity Row.
DEAN
Have you given any thought about Mom and Dad?
DAVID
No, but you know how Dad is.
DEAN
What is he always telling us?
DAVID
Which one? He’s always telling us to do something.
DEAN
To take care of home first and everything else will fall into place.
DAVID
Someone needs to call them to see if they’re all right.
They walk towards black pickup truck parked at the curb, a newer model Ford F150.
Dean lifts the cover of the back of the truck.
Dean and David throw there bags in the back of the truck.
David moves behind the wheel. Dean get in the passenger seat.
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
David takes out his cell phone to dial the number for Tale household.
DAVID
(into the phone)
Hello, what's up old man? How is everything going? Hold on Dean is with me. Let me put you on speakerphone.
David presses the speaker button.
INT. TALE HOME - SAME TIME
SAM TALE, 55, hard-as-nails retired military and head of the Tale family, stands in front of a fire place talking on the phone.
SAM
(seriously)
Who you calling old man?
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAVID ON PHONE
David starts to voice a reply, but Dean cuts him off.
DEAN
(jokingly)
You, Dad. Can you hear me?
INTERCUT phone conversation.
SAM
We’ll see how old I am when I catch up with the both of you.
DAVID
Hey Dad, we’ve been thinking since school is closed that we can come down and help you with the house.
DEAN
It wouldn’t even be a big deal.
SAM
(commandingly)
We understand you’re concerned about us, but don’t worry. We’ll be okay. This isn’t our first rodeo.
DAVID
It’s a big storm, Dad. We think you and Mom would be safer up here.
SAM
Boys, I understand how you feel. I’ve done all the windows and the doors and we’re ready for the storm. Your mother and I have lots of food and supplies to weather it.
DAVID
But, Dad--
SAM
Sons, look here. We have everything that we could possibly need. We have made up our minds.
DEAN
Say, Dad, what if...
SAM
Now boys, you need to get your own place in order now. We don’t want you to worry about us anymore. Call us if you need us. We love you.
Sam hangs up.
Dean and David look at each other with a dumb look. David closes the phone and puts it back in his pocket.
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
DAVID
That's Dad.
DEAN
Stubborn as a mule.
CUT TO:
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - MORNING
SHERIFF TODD, a thin, with sandy blonde hair with patches of grey. Stands with a worried look on his face.
SERGEANT SMITH, a large man and completely bald is the ranking desk Sergeant and oversees all the day-to-day activities.
SERGEANT SMITH
Joe. Did you see that fight last night?
SHERIFF TODD
Some of it.
SERGEANT SMITH
What’s going on?
SHERIFF TODD
There is a lot of chatter coming in about the mill creek militia.
SERGEANT SMITH
With this storm coming in, this would be a perfect time for them to act up.
SHERIFF TODD
I’m thinking about asking the mayor to call in more troops.
SERGEANT SMITH
Do you think that is a good idea Joe?
SHERIFF TODD
It’s the only one we have.
SERGEANT SMITH
What happens if he says no?
SHERIFF TODD
We’ll have to wait and see.
SERGEANT SMITH
You mean hope and pray.
SHERIFF TODD
That, too.
CUT TO:
INT. HARDWARE STORE - MORNING
Dean grabs a shopping cart to place their supplies in; David moves throughout the store with his brother.
DEAN
We need a game plan.
DAVID
Why do we need a game plan?
DEAN
It’s a simple plan of action.
DAVID
What do we need a simple plan for? All we need are supplies.
DEAN
I’m not talking about supplies; I’m talking about Mom and Dad. Don’t you think we need to come up with a backup plan? Just in case?
DAVID
Just in case of what?
DEAN
Just in case. We need to go get them out of New Orleans.
DAVID
You heard the old man. He and Mom are fine.
DEAN
But if we need to go get them, we need a plan.
They turn down the aisle with boards of plywood and other wood products. They place the boards in their cart.
DAVID
When that Moment comes, we will be ready. If we have to. For now, like the old man said we need to get our house in order.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE - DOWNSTAIRS - DAY
David is downstairs with his back to the television. He reaches his long, skinny arm out for the remote. Takes the remote off the arm of the chair and presses the volume button. On the news a weather journalist giving his report on the predicted hurricane models which have been forecasted.
ON THE TV
A WEATHERMAN gives the latest news about hurricane.
WEATHERMAN (V.O.)
Estimated forecast on Hurricane Katrina. The storm has been upgraded from a tropical storm to a Category three and will make land fall sometime Monday morning, somewhere in and around New Orleans. All residents of Saint Charles Parish, Saint Tammany Parish and Plaquemines Parish have been ordered to a mandatory evacuation. I repeat, all residents of Saint Charles Parish, Saint Tammany Parish and Plaquemines Parish have been ordered to a mandatory evacuation. As for Jefferson Parish and Saint Bernard, these Parish have been ordered to a voluntary evacuation only.
EXT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE - DECK - DAY
Dean is on a elevated deck, using a nail gun to place plywood boards over the windows on the second floor of the house.
THE NAIL GUN
pumps nails into the plywood in slow-mo.
DEAN reloads the nail gun.
THE NAIL GUN
presses up against the plywood again. The quick TUG of the nail gun hits the plywood, forcing each nail through the wood in rapid succession. The gun repeats the FIRING over and over, the sound becomes faster and louder.
DEAN
raises the gun over his head to finish the last two nails and moves towards the next window. He looks over at his neighbor house.
DEAN’S POV
Julie, Dean’s next-door neighbor, moves furniture back inside her garage.
JULIE
(yelling up)
Hey, what’s up?
DEAN
(yelling down)
Boarding up these windows.
JULIE
Are you going to the frat party tonight?
DEAN
(speaking loudly)
Thought did cross my mind.
Dean places the nail gun down. He leans over the side of the deck.
JULIE
So does that mean you're sitting the storm out here?
DEAN (O.S.)
Don’t know yet. You’ll have to ask David.
JULIE
Hey how about you do my house next?
DEAN
Sure. I’ll be right over with my Oompa-Loompas.
EXT. DEAN AND DAVID'S - HOUSE - OUTSIDE GARAGE - DAY
David walks outside of the house from the garage. He has a hammer in his hand along with some plywood. He starts to hammering the outside garage windows.
EXT. JULIE AND SUSAN’S - HOUSE - OUTSIDE GARAGE - DAY
SUSAN DuBOIS, young African American, in her early 20s. She has the looks of a model or of a beauty queen, but looks are not her most desired attribute, she is more concerned about the things going on around her.
Susan walks outside the garage.
JULIE
Hey. Sis.
SUSAN
Hey little sis. What are you doing out here?
JULIE
Trying to convince David to help me do our windows.
SUSAN
I’m sure he will. If you let me ask, him.
JULIE
Sure, sis, I need to call Mom anyway.
Julie walks inside the house.
SUSAN
Well. What do you say? Will you help us?
DAVID
I plan on doing them next.
SUSAN
I know honey.
Susan takes a towel and clears sweat from David’s face.
DAVID
Are you guys staying in town?
SUSAN
No, we're headed to Atlanta. My cousin has a place there and they’ll be out of town. You and your brother are more than welcome to join us.
DAVID
Thanks for the offer but we need to stay in town. My parents are back in New Orleans.
SUSAN
You’re not thinking of going back?
DAVID
I don’t know. Between the weather reports and my parents not wanting to leave from home. We may have to.
SUSAN
If you do, promise me you will take care of yourself.
DAVID
I will do my best.
SUSAN (O.S.)
Just come back in one piece please.
DAVID
I will, don’t worry about me.
SUSAN
Do your best to help Dean also.
DAVID
I promise.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S LIVING-ROOM - NIGHT
Dean looks at the phone and notices the message light flashing. He pushes the play button.
LORI (V.O.)
Hey, guys it’s your mother calling. Just checking up on you give me a call when you get a chance.
As soon as the message starts, Dean recognizes the voice. It's his mother's voice. He jumps in the air immediately. Picks up the receiver, and places the phone number side up and starts to redial the number.
Dean listens to the phone RING.
DEAN
(into the phone)
Hi, Mom. How are you doing?
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - SAME TIME
The twin’s, mother, LORI TALE, 55, sweet as can be. The motherly, homemaker type who’s never too busy to bakes, cookies. Lori sits near the front room in the Tale’s home.
LORI
I’m fine.
INTERCUT phone conversation.
DEAN
How’s Dad doing?
LORI
He’s fine also.
DEAN
So, have you given any thought about coming up before the storm?
LORI
I thought your Dad and you boys already spoke about this.
DEAN
We did.
LORI
I called to see how you are. Also to tell you not to worry I know how you get.
DEAN
Mom, it’s just a feeling, I can’t help it.
LORI
The news states there is no mandatory evacuation for our parish. So, stop worrying about us. Your father and I will be okay. Hold on. Your father wants to talk to you. Remember, I’ll always love you boys.
DEAN
I know Mom. I love you too.
LORI
Here’s your Dad.
SAM
Hi son. How are you holding up?
DEAN
I’m okay, just finishing work on the windows and all the doors.
SAM
Great, son just wanted to tell you not to worry about us. I know that you boys are the youngest of the family and the last to leave the nest and we worry about you guys just as much as you worry about us, but your mother and I have been through many of these storms and we can take care of each other.
DEAN
I know, Dad, but if anything happens, promise that you will give us a call. And Dad, I do mean anything.
SAM
Dean, you are the oldest and I love you both the same, but worrying won’t get you anywhere in life.
DEAN
Promise me that you will call.
SAM
We will call, so stop worrying. Tell your brother we love him, and we miss you both.
DEAN
Okay, Dad. If you need anything. Dad that's anything. Call.
CUT TO:
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - NIGHT - 2001 [FLASHBACK]
A strong gust of air Hurricane Allison is due to make landfall in Moments.
Dean has a hammer in one hand facing a window. David is at another window with Sam.
Lori starts to bring items into the house.
SAM
(yelling from a distance)
You have to get the boards lined up with the frame of the window.
DEAN
Okay, Dad.
DAVID
(yelling)
Everything’s inside Dad.
LORI
(yelling from inside the house)
You guys need to get into the house! The storm is almost on us!
Sam hurries his boys inside the house while placing the last nail into the frame of the door.
END FLASHBACK.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE LIVING-ROOM - NIGHT
After finishing the work on the house the brothers reenter the home. David puts his hammer down on the table next to the door. As he moves into the living-room he notices additional messages on the answering machine. The boys sit around the device. Dean has a look of confusion on his face, while David pushes the play button.
DEAN
There are about five new messages on the machine.
DAVID
Listen to one.
It’s their older brother WILLIAM, he’s calling concerned about their mother and father, and his voice is borderline between yelling and screaming.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
(almost yelling)
Dean, David. I was hoping that you both would be home. I’m concerned about Mom and Dad. This hurricane in the Gulf is headed right for home and you two are the only one capable of going and getting them out of there. It’s important that you go and get them out of harm’s way. Mom and Dad are older now. Since you two have left home they have had to depend on each other more. They’re getting older and I don’t think they can handle being in a Category three storm by themselves.
The message stops Dean looks over at his brother’s face and reaches for the phone. He starts to punch the numbers into the phone.
DEAN
So, what are we supposed to do? Mom and Dad both just told me that they wanted to stay and not to worry about them.
DAVID
I say we go out, come home and get some rest. We’ll call him when we wake up in the A.M.
DEAN
I respect the old man’s wishes and they’re not that old.
DAVID
After we go out we’ll call him in the morning.
DEAN
First thing, we need to handle this.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. SIGMA NU FRATERNITY HOUSE - LSU - NIGHT
The MUSIC hits the floor and the surrounding areas. As it leaves the speakers lined near the side door of the house the sound moves off the walls as students gather around. Everyone has drinks in their hands or sits around playing drinking games.
A small line has formed outside the downstairs bathroom and kids are attempting to talk over the loud MUSIC.
Julie and Susan both sit in the madness of the kitchen.
David and Dean walk into the kitchen holding cans of food.
FRAT BROTHER 1
So you made it. It’s about time.
FRAT BROTHER 2
I didn’t think you guys were coming. Thanks for bring the canned food.
Dean stands with his back to the wall and Susan and Julie sit across from David and the other frat brothers.
DEAN
Late but right on time. Always glad to be helping a worthy cause.
DAVID
If you were ever on time it would be a miracle.
SUSAN
Glad to see you finally made it. Did you drive?
DEAN
We drove if you need a ride. We can give you one.
SUSAN
Do you need a drink?
DAVID
No thanks, not looking to get a DUI.
DEAN
I’m not drinking either. Just here to show our support.
FRAT BROTHER 1
(yelling)
We came to party!
FRAT BROTHER 2
(yelling)
How much should we drink my brother?
DEAN
At least you two don’t have that far to go pass out.
CUT TO:
INT. DEAN AND DAVID’S HOUSE KITCHEN - MORNING
Dean watches the news and listens to the weather report. He opens the refrigerator and takes out the orange juice, reaches into the cabinet and grabs a cup, pours himself a glass of juice.
ON THE TV
A WEATHERMAN gives the latest news about the hurricane.
WEATHERMAN (V.O.)
We are tracking the storm and Katrina has now reached Category four intensity with winds of one hundred and forty five miles per hour. As ordered yesterday Saint Charles Parish, Saint Tammany Parish and Plaquemines Parish have been ordered to a mandatory evacuation of all residents as for Jefferson Parish and Saint Bernard Parish a voluntary evacuation is in place but as of this time we are recommending that all residents evacuate.
Dean eyes open wide he drops his glass on the floor and David comes running into the room.
DAVID
What was that?
Dean brushes over the floor with paper towels attempting to clean the mess up with little success.
DEAN
The storm is a category four now and they’re...
The phone RINGS as Dean reaches for the handset on the caller id it flashes, William Tale 1-517-555-8458.
Dean reaches for the phone, he pushes the talk button on the handset. He answers it then puts the phone on speakerphone and places it back on the base.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
Good morning, fellows. Hoped to hear from you before now.
DEAN
We got your message.
DAVID
We were in the middle of fixing up the house.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
I understand. I’m not going to beat around the bush. I think you two have to get Mom and Dad out of New Orleans before the storm.
DEAN
The news reports have the storm up to a Category four and are recommending an evacuation of Saint Bernard’s Parish.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
That’s why you need to get them out as soon as possible before the storm hits.
DAVID
You both know Dad. He’ll never leave that place.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
That's the reason why you two need to go now. It gives you more of a chance to get them both out of harm's way. I'm catching the next flight out of Detroit to Houston. I’ll try to get there to help you guys but it's up to you to get them out of there.
DEAN
We will do what we can.
WILLIAM
You need to do more, Dean!
The phone goes silent. Dean slams the phone down. He moves towards the door near the edge of the stairs.
DEAN
We need to pack a bag. Bring clothes and blankets, plus food for the road; also the rest of the plywood, hammers, and the nails.
DAVID
So, I guess we’re headed for home.
DEAN
Back to the Nola!
CUT TO:
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
Dean throws his bags into the back of David’s truck. Opens the door and sits inside. Takes out his cell phone and dials a few numbers.
Dean listens while the phone RINGS.
DEAN
(into phone)
What up Matt? What’s going on?
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - DAY
MATT BROWN, tall a young man, 20, generation x skater. He’s alone at home.
MATT
As well as one can imagine with the hurricane and all.
INTERCUT phone conversation.
DEAN
Don’t worry. We’re on the way.
MATT
Where are you guys?
DEAN
Still at school. I need you to do something for me.
MATT
Anything. What do you need?
DEAN
Go down to the Sheriff’s office. Find out what the evacuation plan is, and if it is going to be enforced.
MATT
I’m not sure about this.
DEAN
I would do the same for you.
MATT
Okay, give me forty-five minutes and I’ll call you back.
JUMP CUT TO:
MUSIC plays in background.
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - DAY (MONTAGE)
He opens the door to his bedroom. In his left hand he holds his skateboard.
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - DAY
As he opens the door to his home he drops in on his board and pushes off down the street.
EXT. JACKSON BOULEVARD - DAY
Matt takes a turn down a street. As he gets to the top of the street there is a large incline. His speed picks up till he slams into the side of a brick wall.
EXT. ROYAL STREET - DAY
Matt bounces right off of it. He seems to be fine and just a little shaken up. His foot hits the back of the board and enters the building.
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
(END OF MONTAGE)
Once inside there are sheriff’s deputies all in an uproar, noisy, and very busy.
Desk Sergeant Smith sits behind his desk, Matt walks up to him.
MUSIC ends.
MATT
Hi, Sarge. I was, wondering. What’s the state of the evacuation is.
SERGEANT SMITH
Kid, tell me you have a television at home.
MATT
Actually I don’t, are residents having to evacuate?
SERGEANT SMITH
There will be no mandatory effort at this time, but we will be helping with the elderly and hospitals in the area that wish to evacuate.
MATT
Oh, I see.
SERGEANT SMITH
Well, does that answer your question, kid?
MATT
Oh. Yes sir. Thank you.
SERGEANT SMITH
You’re welcome!
Matt turns and places his skateboard on the ground and drops in on it. Matt skates out of room with his back to Sergeant Smith’s desk.
Matt walks downstairs and back outside takes out his cell to call Dean.
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
MATT
(into phone)
Hey. What up? Dean. You're right they are not enforcing a mandatory evacuation just moving the elderly and patients from hospitals.
CUT TO:
INT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
DEAN
(into phone)
Thanks, Matt. You’ve been a big help. I’ll see you when we get to town bye.
David driving behind the wheel as Dean turns the stations on the radio.
DAVID
So the police aren’t making any one leave yet?
DEAN
Not yet.
DAVID
This could help us with getting Mom and Dad out of there.
DEAN
What do you mean?
DAVID
If the police aren’t moving anyone and just hospitals and the elderly maybe we can tell Mom and Dad that the evacuation includes them.
DEAN
If you think that will work, on Mom and Dad you’re sadly mistaken.
DAVID
You know you're right. I need to pull over for a sec.
DEAN
I’m going to call Sara to see if she could call and talk some sense into Mom and Dad.
EXT. FORD TRUCK - DAY
Dean dials numbers on his cell.
DEAN
(into phone)
Hi, Sis. How’s everything going?
CUT TO:
INT. CHICAGO - SARA TALE’S HOME - - SAME
Sara Tale, woman, 27, sitting at a desk in a warmly lit room. She speaks into phone instantly recognizing her younger brothers voice.
SARA
Okay, William tells me he’s headed for home and Mom and Dad won’t leave. Even though there’s a Category four hurricane.
INTERCUT phone conversation.
DEAN
Unfortunately, that’s what we’re looking at. In a nutshell.
SARA
I guess you're calling for my help?
DEAN
Thankfully, how do you always seem to know when I need your help?
SARA
I’m your big sister. Who else are you going to call?
DEAN
Do me a solid sis and call Mom and Dad and try to talk some sense into them.
SARA
I already did and they won’t budge an inch.
DEAN
What did they say?
SARA
There could be a Tsunami coming at them and they would stay right where they’re. So what are you going to do?
DEAN
I guess go get Mom and Dad.
SARA
That’s my baby brother.
CUT TO:
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - TALE FAMILY HOME - DAY
LORI
I think we should consider leaving dear.
Sam sits in a storage room looking for flashlights.
SAM (O.S.)
We have lived here in this home and built a wonderful life together. When I start to think of the life we have had I.
Lori walks down the hallway.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - DOWNSTAIRS - DAY
LORI
(yelling)
I understand but think of the children and how they feel!
SAM (O.S.)
I do dear, and I hope that they will feel this strongly about something when they reach our age.
At the door of the Tale home; a knock at the door and a RING to doorbell, Lori opens the door after turning the handle on the door.
LORI
(talking to herself)
Who could this be?
SAM (O.S.)
(yelling)
Lori. Who’s at the door?
INT./EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - DOORWAY - DAY
Lori looks through the peep whole. She opens the door.
LORI
(yelling)
A couple of New Orlean’s finest!
POLICE OFFICERS, dress in street blues, and long pants. At the door, both have short, sleeves shirts.
Lori, turns her attention to the officers.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Hello ma’am. We are going door to door. To ask people if they need any help, with evacuating.
LORI
We are staying. Officer, it’s only my husband I.
SAM (O.S.)
(yelling from a distance)
What do they want?
POLICE OFFICER 2
You wouldn’t consider evacuating the storm will be coming right at the city it’s projected to be a Category four if it hits.
LORI
My husband seems to be adamant on staying. We both feel safe in this home.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Ma’am we understand completely here some information about the evacuation route just in case. We will be closing some roads. To make it easier for people to leave if they need to please feel free to use this list of emergency contact numbers on the back. If you or your husband needs help, someone will be at these numbers during the entire storm and the hours afterwards feel free to call.
LORI
Thank you, officers.
Officer’s mark the house side with a can of paint but Lori see’s nothing come out of can.
POLICE OFFICER 2
You’re welcome ma’am you have a nice day.
LORI
You do the same.
Door closes.
CUT TO:
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 EAST - NIGHT
Dean and David are driving back toward home, while all the traffic is leaving the city.
DAVID
We should be home in an hour.
DEAN
I can almost picture the look on Mom and Dad’s faces.
DAVID
They are going to be surprised.
DEAN
Look at all those cars.
DAVID
That’s a lot of traffic.
DEAN
But it’s all leaving New Orleans.
DAVID
Which means the roads into town should all be clear.
DEAN
Hey turn here it will take us straight into town.
DAVID
No, I’m staying on I-10 till we hit town it’s the fastest way into the Nola, plus with all this traffic leaving we won’t run into any trouble.
DEAN
Do you see that over there?
DAVID
Definitely, I see them. Hold on I’m pulling over.
David slams on the brake and pulls the truck to the side of the road.
David jumps out the truck runs to the side to see a woman in the front seat.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Do you need any help?
MARY, 30, mother of four children, broken down with a flat tire. She sits on the side of the road with here children.
MARY
I could use a hand.
DEAN
Do you have a wrench or a lift?
Dean looks into car he notice Mary’s condition. She is almost full term.
MARY
Yes. It’s in the back.
DEAN
lifts the back of the car’s trunk, grabs the tire iron, and spare.
DEAN’S POV
on the backseat Mary’s children sit.
DEAN
Aren’t you guys cute?
Mary looks into the rearview mirror at Dean.
MARY (O.S.)
Yes they’re but a handful.
Dean moves to passenger’s side. He lifts the side of the car with the wrench.
DEAN
What are your names?
LIZ
I’m Liz; this is Ricardo, Sam, and Dora.
DEAN
It’s been a pleasure meeting all of you. We will have you out of here in a sec.
DAVID
Where are you headed ma’am? If you don’t mind me asking.
MARY
(overjoyed)
Just up the road to my mother’s house. Thank you very much. I didn’t know what to do. I’m nine months pregnant. I couldn’t ask any of my other children to help. My husband is stationed in the Gulf so I was completely stuck until you two came along.
DEAN
It’s all fixed now. I wouldn’t drive to far with that spare.
MARY
Oh bless, your hearts. Thank you very much.
Mary turn the cars engine over. She drives off with her children.
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 EAST - EXIT 10 A - NIGHT
AIR NATIONAL GUARDSMEN, young men, mid to late 20s, assigned to sit at different barricades blocking the interstate entrance into New Orleans.
DEAN
Almost home another twenty miles.
DAVID
I’m going to exit here.
As they reach the exit a barricade stands in their way.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 1
May I help you?
DAVID (O.S.)
We are trying to go home just up the road.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 2
I’m sorry but this whole area is under Marshall Law by order of the governor.
DEAN
We're just trying to get home to help our parents out of the area.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 2
Sorry but you have to turn around.
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 WEST - ON-RAMP 10 B - NIGHT
DAVID
(yelling)
Are you kidding me?
DEAN
Just do what he says let’s go.
INT. FORD TRUCK ON INTERSTATE 10 WEST - NIGHT
DAVID
So what are we going to do?
DEAN
We need to back track and come in from a different direction for now let’s get out of the city.
DAVID
I’m getting off on the next exit and trying another back road into town.
At the end of the next exit troops are sitting at a barricade with guns.
EXT. INTERSTATE 10 WEST - EXIT 11 A - NIGHT
AIR NATIONAL GUARD 3
Sorry guys but you’re going to have to turn around.
INT. FORD TRUCK - INTERSTATE 10 WEST - EXIT 11 A - NIGHT
DEAN
(almost yelling)
Really! Okay.
David puts the car in reverse and turns around.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Face it we need a game plan.
DAVID
You're right.
DEAN
Guess we're headed back.
DAVID
Until we figure how to get into the city. We’re locked out for good.
Dean cell phone rings.
CUT TO:
INT. MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - NEW ORLEANS/INT. FORD TRUCK ON INTERSTATE 10 WEST - SPLIT SCREEN - NIGHT
MATT
The city is on lock down like Fort Knox.
DEAN
(into phone)
Tell me about it; we just got denied. Can’t get in anywhere at least on the roads.
MATT
If you can get to Lake Pontchartrain you could use our boat. It’s dry docked at the lake. Then you could come right in the city.
DEAN
Not a bad idea Matt. Let me get back to you.
MATT
Okay brother. Call me when you get to town.
Dean puts his phone away.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOCK SIDE LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN - MORNING
The boat sits off the Lake the sun is overhead.
Dean makes his way to the storage area where the boat is. David backs the truck to the boat. Dean puts the hitch down and places the boat on the back of the truck. They drive to the launch.
FOREST AGENT, 40, in a tan jump suite, with forest crest on the front sleeve of jacket. Sits in a Dodge truck. He Notices Dean and David on the lake. He picks up the receiver to his megaphone.
FOREST AGENT
(voice booming)
What are you doing?
DEAN
(yelling back)
Is it too late to put our boat out on the lake?
FOREST AGENT
(voice booming)
No. But you can’t launch from here.
DEAN
(yelling back)
Why not?
FOREST AGENT
(voice booming)
We are locking access to this part of the lake until after the storm. You’ll have to dock it for now.
DEAN
(yelling from a distance)
Okay.
DAVID
(upset with anger)
I’m sick of doing what people tell us. We need to get home.
Dean gets back behind the wheel. Starts to place the truck into drive but slams the shifter into park.
FOREST AGENT
(loudly from a distance)
There’s nothing I can do about this, but until the storm is over no one is allowed on the lake.
Dean waves to the agent as he gets back into the truck.
DEAN
(calmly yelling)
Not your fault, we understand! Thank you.
Forest Agent drives off not noticing if Dean has pulled the boat backup.
DAVID
(crying)
We need to get home.
Dean grabs his brother’s shoulder as his eye start to tear up.
DEAN
This is our only chance to get to Mom and Dad. We need to take it now.
Clearing his eyes David looks at his brother and shakes his head in agreement. David locks up his truck and clears everything from the cab.
DAVID
Okay! Clear the hitch.
DEAN
It’s clear. Is that everything?
DAVID
Everything is on the boat. But you. So, get on already. What’s up?
Dean jumps into the boat.
DEAN
Are we sure about this?
DAVID
It’s the only way. We can make it.
DEAN
Let me get my phone.
David powers up the boat.
The engine turns over and the motor CRANKS.
Dean can see the Forest Agent running after them.
DAVID
Finally we're off.
DEAN
Looks like a lot of water.
DAVID
The storm has dumped all this.
DEAN
I’m going to call Mom and Dad.
DEAN CALLING HOME NO ANSWER.
DEAN (CONT’D)
No answer.
DAVID
Its possible that the storm knocked the power off.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - DOCK SIDE LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN - MORNING
OFF IN THE DISTANCE MAN WALKING TREADING WATER.
DEAN
Look at all the water. Can you believe all this water could have come from one storm?
DAVID
Everything is under water.
MAN CARRYING BAGS ON HIS BACK.
PLACES GUN IN SMALL OF BACK DROPS SHIRT OVER PANTS.
DEAN
Expect to see a lot of that.
DAVID
Yeah, I know. Just didn’t think about it.
DEAN
There are a lot of people still in the city trapped who weren’t able to get out.
CELL PHONE RINGS BOAT IS IN THE CITY .
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - MORNING
MATT SITTING ON ROOF.
MATT
Can you believe all this?
DEAN (V.O.)
Where are you?
MATT
On the roof of my house.
DEAN (V.O.)
Hold on. We’ll be there in a second.
BOAT COMES FROM HOUSE YELL RINGS OUT.
ON ROOF OF HOUSE
FIGURE FROM ROOF IN THE DISTANCE.
MATT
LOOKING DOWN AT BOAT.
MATT’S POV
MOTOR STOPS THE BOAT STILL MOVING.
MATT
(yelling)
Hey! Up here!
DEAN
(yelling up)
What are you doing up there?
MATT
(yelling back down)
Just hanging around.
DAVID GRABS ROPE TOSSES IT UP.
DAVID
(yelling up to Matt)
Take this and tie it off to something and climb down!
MATT CLIMBS TO FRONT OF WINDOW; PUTS ONE FOOT ON MIDSIZE AIRBOAT.
MATT
Thanks. I could have been stuck up there for days.
DEAN
No problem.
MATT
Just happy to be down from there.
DEAN
Any Army or Air National Guardsmen come around?
MATT
The only people I’ve seen moving around were the Mill Creek militia other than that nobody.
DAVID
What about the sheriff’s and his men? What happen to them? How in the hell did the Mill Creek, already have the town locked down?
WATER CRESTS AROUND BOAT ON STREET.
DEAN
(into phone)
Hello.
DEAN PHONE VIBRATES.
PLACES PHONE TO EAR.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ EXT. MATT BROWN’S HOUSE - SPLIT SCREEN - DAY
WILLIAMS RUSHES FROM PLANE ON PHONE.
WILLIAM
Were you able to get to Mom and Dad?
DEAN
No, we’re here now, and trying to get home now, hit a bit of trouble let me call you once we’re home.
WILLIAM
I’m unable to reach Mom or Dad on the house phone.
DEAN
Yeah, I’ve been calling the house and no answer either; I’ll call you once I’m there.
WILLIAM
I’ve landed now. I’ll have a renter car on the road in the hour.
DEAN
You may want to rent a boat instead streets here are completely flooded.
WILLIAM
In that case, I have a friend or two who owe me.
DEAN
Call you once we get to Mom and Dad’s place.
WILLIAM
See you soon little brother.
CUT TO:
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
PHONES RINGS.
POLICE OFFICER 1
The phones won’t stop.
POLICE OFFICER 2
There’s not much anyone can do.
SERGEANT SMITH
(yelling)
Somebody get this phone!
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
PULL INTO SHERIFF OFFICE.
DEAN
Who’s going in?
DAVID
The real question here is. What we say once we get in there?
MATT
I’ll go in I know the Desk Sergeant.
DAVID
I’ll go in with you.
MATT AND DAVID CLIMBS OF BOAT.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Look at the door its locked and there are chains stopping anyone from getting in.
MATT
What is the deal?
DAVID
Maybe they were expecting trouble after the storm.
DAVID BANGS ON MAIN DOOR.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Where is everybody?
MATT
Look there.
POINTS TOWARDS SECOND FLOOR DAVID looks up to the fire escape.
MATT (CONT’D)
We can climb up there and find a way inside. I think there might be a door on the roof.
FIRE ESCAPE PULLED DOWN up the latter to SECOND FLOOR.
DAVID
Do you see that?
MATT
There’s someone inside.
DAVID
Looks like the building withstood the storm’s surge.
MATT
What are they doing?
DAVID
Looks like they are working the phones.
MATT
Then if that is the case, why aren’t they answering the doors?
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE ROOFTOP - DAY
As the two climb off the fire escape on to the roof of the building they head towards the door. Matt pulls the door open.
POLICE OFFICER 3
Hello. Boys we saw you climbing up here.
POLICE OFFICER 2
Anything we can do for you?
THE SHOTGUN
DOUBLE BARREL OF LOADED SHOTGUN MATT’S FACE.
POLICE OFFICER 2
HOLDS A LOADED SHOTGUN
MATT’S VIEW OF BARREL OF SHOTGUN.
MATT’s POV
MATT
Could you move this shotgun out of my face?
POLICE OFFICER 2
Please follow me. My Sergeant wants to talk to you.
DEAN CLIMBS ONTO THE ROOF.
DEAN
Couldn’t let you two have all the fun.
BOYS WALK BEHIND OFFICERS INTO THE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR.
INT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - MORNING
SERGEANT SMITH
Welcome to the New Orleans Police Department, if I may ask. What are you doing on my roof?
PHONE RINGING SHERIFF WALKS UP.
DAVID
We needed help getting into our parish and with the flooding we were hoping to get some help.
SERGEANT SMITH
What did you need help with?
DEAN
Two things, to get home, and a little help bypassing the mill creek militias'.
SERGEANT SMITH
You don’t need help you need an army.
DEAN
That’s what where hoping for.
POLICE OFFICER 1
(loudly)
Hey! Aren’t you Dean Tale the kid who broke all the state records?
DEAN
Yes, sir.
SERGEANT SMITH
We don’t have the manpower we evacuated most of the residents and those who stayed did so by choice.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Hey Sergeant. I can show them around the mark places that we put up before the storm and come back once we are finish.
SERGEANT SMITH
I don’t know with a strong federal presents in the area if that is a smart idea.
DAVID
Sergeant we have to get home. My Mother and Father were both at home when the storm made landfall. We need to see to their safety. No matter the cost.
POLICE OFFICER 1
I promise to get them in and head back. Plus we need eyes in there to see what’s going on.
SERGEANT SMITH
(worried)
Okay, but try not to get caught by any federal troops. I won’t hear the end of it from the Sheriff.
MATT
Does anyone have anything to eat?
EXT. ST. BERNARD PARISH - SHERIFF’S OFFICE - DAY
BACK IN THE BOAT VIEW THROUGH NIGHT VISION GOGGLES.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Look over there we marked all routes into town and out in case traffic lights went out.
DAVID
So how do we access the streets without running in to the mill creek militia?
AREA VIEWED CLEARLY IN GREEN NEON FOLLOWED BY YELLOW NEON.
POLICE OFFICER 1
We have known about the mill creek militia. We have no authority to do anything about them because they hadn’t broken any laws. That and the fact the local law enforcement probably all left before the storm hit.
DEAN
How is it then they have locked down the whole Parish so fast?
MATT
They have been on the move in this area for a while.
DAVID
You’re overlooking the facts, that local law enforcement maybe mill creek militia also.
ENGINE TURNS OVER.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. SHERIFF’S OFFICE/INT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - SPLIT SCREEN - NIGHT
IN BACK ROOM CB RADIO CLICKS.
SHERIFF TODD
This is Todd can you hear me?
LARRY
Loud and clear!
SHERIFF TODD
You need to be on the lookout!
LARRY
Be on the lookout, for what?
SHERIFF TODD
I had three kids that came into the station and ask for help getting into the Parish.
LARRY
I thought you weren’t going to check in till the morning?
SHERIFF TODD
This couldn’t wait.
LARRY
What do you mean?
SHERIFF TODD
They’re coming your way.
LARRY
I thought you were keeping everyone out of here?
SHERIFF TODD
I can’t keep everyone out.
LARRY
What about the Army troops?
SHERIFF TODD
I did my best to keep them out, they shouldn’t give you any trouble.
LARRY
What do you mean shouldn’t?
SHERIFF TODD
I told them that my men had this area under control and that we didn’t need any help.
LARRY
We have it under control and no one’s getting in here.
SHERIFF TODD
It’s up to you.
LARRY
How long ago did they leave?
SHERIFF TODD
Just a few Moments ago, they just left.
INT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT
MILL CREEK LEADER GIVES DIRECTIONS TO HIS SECOND.
LARRY
We need to make sure the perimeter is well guarded and no one can get in or out.
JON
We are ready on this end!
LARRY
Have word sent out that all groups report in every hour on the hour.
JON
How long are we going to keep this area lock down?
LARRY
Until martial law is lifted.
JON
That could be weeks, or even months.
LARRY
It’s the best we can do to insure the safety of the people in the parish.
JON
All groups have reported in and will update next hour.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS CITY LIMITS/INT. HOUSTON INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT - SPLIT SCREEN - NIGHT
AIRBOAT MOVES ACROSS THE CITY ENGINE CUTS OFF BOAT DRIFTS.
DEAN
Hello.
WILLIAM (V.O.)
I’m off the plane and heading towards home did you get Mom and Dad out?
DEAN
No. We’re heading home now the storm had direct impact on the city and the place is flooded, the army troops are here and aren’t letting anyone in or out.
WILLIAM (O.S.)
You need to get there as fast as you can.
DEAN
We've got to move.
ENGINE CUTS OFF.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - CITY LIMITS - ARMY CHECK POINT - NIGHT
TWO SOLDIERS SITTING NEAR BARRICADE.
ARMY OFFICER 1
Did you hear that?
ARMY OFFICER 2
No I didn’t and neither did you.
ARMY OFFICER 1
Give me a smoke!
OFFICER OPENS HIS PACK.
ARMY OFFICER 2
Here, you need to buy your own.
ARMY OFFICER 1
It sounded like an engine.
WALKS UP A RESIDENT IN THE WATER.
RESIDENT 1
I need some help. Please!
BANDAGE OVER A CUT.
ARMY OFFICER 2
Here let me help you.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEW ORLEANS - CITY LIMITS - NIGHT
DAVID
They almost heard us you need to be more careful.
MATT
That was a close call.
POLICE OFFICER 1
We cut the motor just in time.
BOAT MOVES THROUGH TOWN.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
Here put these on.
HANDS ON THE UV NIGHT-VISION GOGGLES THE MARKS LIGHT UP.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
The markers only can be seen with these.
OVER HIS HEAD.
RESTART THE ENGINE.
DEAN
Hold on we’re past the checkpoint.
CUT TO:
EXT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT
OVER THE CB.
JON
We were getting reports of a single engine airboat, heading this way on edge of the encampment.
LARRY
I already know. Let it, move through. We will catch it once it stops.
JON
All sections! I repeat let the boat past monitor and report movements. Don’t stop craft.
CUT TO:
EXT. SAINT BERNARD PARISH - NIGHT
TWO MILITIAS’ MEN WAIT NEAR THE POST.
ANDY
Jon said to wait till the boat stops. It’s close.
LEE
Do you even hear the motor anymore?
THE GROUP WALK UP TO THE GUARD POST NEAR THE MILITIA MEN.
MATT
(quietly)
I got the one on the left.
UP FROM BEHIND DEAN, DAVID GRABS A MILITIAMEN WHILE MATT ATTEMPTS TO GRAB ANOTHER. CATCHING THE OTHERS BY SURPRISE THEY KNOCK OUT THE OTHERS.
DAVID
That was close.
MATT
Too close.
DEAN
We're almost home. Just a few more miles I think we can make it before sun up.
DAVID
Look around. The storm hit here the hardest. A lot of homes aren’t even standing anymore.
DEAN
Which has me worried? Even more about Mom and Dad I hope they're okay.
DAVID
Don’t worry. About them I’m sure they’re fine.
POLICE OFFICER 1
The troops aren’t even in this area yet.
MATT
Don't you find it strange that they didn’t come this far into the Parish?
POLICE OFFICER MOVES BACK FROM THE LOOKOUT.
POLICE OFFICER 1
The mill creek militia has this whole area surrounded. It’s locked down tighter than a drum.
MATT
They must have let us in here.
DAVID
Which means?
DEAN
They have to know that we are here.
MATT
And we’re walking into a trap.
POLICE OFFICER 1
At least we have the cover of night on our side.
DAVID
Only for about ten hours and then it will be light out again.
DEAN
That’s why we need to hurry up and move.
CUT TO:
EXT. MILL CREEK MILITIA ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT
MILL CREEK COMMANDER GIVES THE ORDER TO THE TROOP TO WAIT FOR ALL THE GROUPS STANDING GUARD AT THE ENCAMPMENT TO REPORT.
RON
Everyone has reported in but Andy and Lee, Troop B.
LARRY
Good then we know right where they are.
RON
Yeah, what’s our next move?
LARRY
Send Troop A and Troop C they are able to get their fastest.
RON REACHES FOR CB RADIO PUSHES DOWN THE RECEIVER.
RON (O.S.)
Troop A and C move in to Troop B location don’t engage. Report back.
LARRY
Now we have them.
EXT. SAINT BERNARD PARISH - MORNING
DEAN AND DAVID WALK DOWN TO THEIR PARENT’S STREET.
DEAN
We made it!
POLICE OFFICER 1
This is where I leave you I have to get back, my home isn’t too far from here and my wife and kids are away.
DAVID
Thank you for all your help without you we wouldn’t have made it this far.
DEAN
Thank you, if you’re ever in Baton Rouge call on us.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Don’t worry I’ll be at some of those Tiger games. Good luck to you both and say hi to your parents for me.
MATT TAKES SHAKES THE OFFICERS HAND.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
Look after these two.
MATT
I will.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Hold on to these glasses you’ll need them to get out of here.
THE OFFICER HANDS DAVID AND MATT THE GOGGLES.
THE POLICE OFFICER MOVES BACK OFF THE ROAD.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (CONT’D)
(yelling in the distance)
Good luck!
THE GROUP STARTS DOWN THE DARK ROAD OF THE FAMILY HOME.
CUT TO:
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
THREE MEN WALK OUT OF THE SHADOW.
HOUSE WITH MOSS ALL OVER IT A CLEAR WATER LINE CAN BE SEEN TO THE TOP OF THE HOUSE FROM OUTSIDE.
TROOP LEADER 1
What are you doing here?
DEAN
We live here this is my home.
TROOP LEADER 2
How do we know that you could be looters trying to make a fast buck?
SOUND OVER THE CB A VOICE.
RON (V.O.)
Troop C report have you seen the intruders? Report.
TROOP LEADER 1
We have found and engaged the targets.
RON (V.O.)
I was pretty clear that you were not to engage the combatants.
DAVID
(whispering)
I’m going into the house to see if Mom and Dad are okay.
THE TWO TROOPS ARE TALKING ON CB’S.
DAVID MOVES TO THE FRONT OF THE HOME.
MATT
Who are you guys anyway?
DEAN
Yeah, what do you want?
RON (V.O.)
We are on our way don’t move
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
DAVID OPENS THE DOOR OF THE HOUSE.
DAVID
(yelling)
Mom! Dad! Hello Mom! Dad!
DAVID MOVES THROUGH THE HOME.
DAVID (CONT’D)
Anyone?
DAVID COMES BACK OUTSIDE.
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
DAVID
They’re not here.
DEAN
What do you mean?
DAVID
There is no one inside.
UP WALKS UP A GROUP OF MEN IN THEIR HANDS ARE GUNS.
LARRY
What happen to the command I gave you?
TROOP LEADER 1
They’re going into this house.
OUT OF THE DISTANCE WINDS START TO MOVE AROUND.
MATT
Do you see that?
DEAN
DARK OBJECT MOVES INTO VIEW IT IS A ARMY BLACKHAWK HELICOPTER
DEAN’S POV
DEAN
Looks like a helicopter.
ARMY OFFICER
FLARES AND ROPE DROP FROM THE BLACKHAWK.
ARMY OFFICER’S 3 POV
ARMY OFFICER 3
(yelling from a distance)
This is the United States Army. This area is under martial law and all persons must comply with the authority of the U.S. Armed forces. Place any and all weapons or firearms on the ground now!
ARMY OFFICER’S 3
ANGLE ON GROUND AS TROOPS DESCEND FROM BLACKHAWK.
DAVID
I think you guys should listen.
LEE
(angrily yelling)
We have right to bear arms!
ARMY OFFICER 5
What part of drop your weapons you didn’t understand?
RON
We are with the mill creek militia we have a right.
ARMY OFFICER 5
Under Marshall Law the United States Armed forces has complete and total control, take these four into custody.
THE ARMY TROOPS place all the members of the MILL CREEK MILITIA under arrest.
LARRY
Where are you taking us?
ARMY OFFICER 3
You will be held until you have been processed.
DEAN
We are on our property sir where just looking for our parents.
ARMY OFFICER 5
We just need to see proof that you live in this residents and you are free to stay.
THE BROTHER’S take out there identification THE OFFICERS takes them.
ANGLE ON BLACKHAWK LANDING
ARMY OFFICER 3
Thank you for your help.
ARMY OFFICER 5
Place these men in the Blackhawk.
ARMY OFFICER 3
And you sir, do you stay here also?
MATT
I’m helping them with the relocation of their parents to a safe location.
DAVID
I can vouch for him officers.
ARMY OFFICER 3
Fine with me, gentlemen we will be monitoring the area if you need any help just signal for one of my men and they should be able to contact me, best of luck.
THE OFFICERS MOVE BACK INTO THE BLACKHAWK.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
Dean makes his way INSIDE.
DEAN
(Yelling)
Mom! Mom!
DAVID (O.S.)
They aren’t here.
MATT
Did you check upstairs?
DAVID (O.S.)
No, but they didn’t respond when I called before.
DEAN
I’ll take the attic you check the second floor.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - UPSTAIRS - MORNING
David OPENS THE DOOR TO HIS OLD ROOM.
DAVID
(yelling)
Dad! Mom! Are you up here?
Matt moves TOWARDS THE SECOND FLOOR TOWARDS A BED.
MATT
Mister Tale, Miss Tale, anybody here?
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME UPSTAIRS ATTIC - DAY
Dean MAKES HIS WAY to the top floor of the house inside it is dark with his glow stick HE MOVES AROUND THE ROOM.
DEAN
Mom, Dad? No. No. No. Mom.
DEAN LOOKS Down at the lifeless bodies.
DEAN (CONT’D)
(screaming)
Up here, they’re up here. Mom!
MATT
Its all right man.
PLACING A HAND ON Dean’s SHOULDER.
DAVID
(happily)
You found them, you found Mom and Dad.
Dean GRABS David’s ARM TO HOLD HIM BACK.
DAVID (CONT’D)
(screaming)
No, no. Dad get up, this can’t be, Mom get up, this can’t be.
DEAN
(crying)
At least they had each other.
MATT
Come on guys lets go back downstairs.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
DEAN
All this time trying to get here; all this way and unable to get here in time.
DAVID
Don’t beat yourself up we tried. They wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE sun starts TO RISE in the distance AND THE BOYS TRY TO CONSOLE ONE ANOTHER.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MORNING
OUTSIDE IN A 4X4 TRUCK with an air boat in tow WILLIAM ARRIVES.
WILLIAM
(yelling)
Hey Dean, David come and help me.
BOTH BROTHERS go outside DOOR SLAMS behind them.
WILLIAM (CONT’D)
What’s wrong why are you two crying like little babies?
MATT
They found your parents in the attic; looks like the water forced them up there and trapped them, they couldn’t get out.
WILLIAM
Are you telling me my parents' are dead?
DEAN
(upset)
He’s not telling you I am. Mom and Dad are in a better place. Why do you think they didn’t want to leave? They made up their minds to be together, no matter what. No one could change that. No matter how much we attempted to make them leave, this place is where they wanted to be. Here together there was no stopping this from happening.
WILLIAM
(upset near tears)
As a little boy, Dad would talk to us about being together. Plus doing all we could for each other. No matter what I think, this was his way of forcing us together. I am truly sorry for making you boys responsible for the actions of our parents. It’s not your fault it’s not any one’s fault this was unforeseeable.
WILLIAM GRABS for both of his brothers to EMBRACE THEM.
Matt reaches and touches William’s shoulder.
INT. TALE FAMILY HOME - MOMENTS LATER
WILLIAM ON THE PHONE arranging for the PICK up PARENTS BODIES.
WILLIAM (O.S.)
I’m at my parents’ home there is a lot of flooding I would like for you to please come out today. Thank you.
DAVID
How long before they get here?
WILLIAM
It’s going to be a while maybe a few hours, for now we need to call everyone else and let them know I will handle everything just help Dean for now.
DEAN
Remember when we were little and Dad would take use out fishing.
DAVID picks chairs.
DAVID
Yeah, I remember I caught all the fish and you kept throwing yours back in.
DEAN
Dad always told me that the fishing wasn’t always about how many or how big of a fish you caught. But understanding the balance between man and nature and that we all had a responsibility to abide by natures rules.
MATT
It seems like you two learned two different techniques on how to fish.
DEAN
That was the beauty of the old man he could be telling you one thing while meaning something completely different.
WILLIAM
Everything is taken care off it’s going to take some work but it’s going to be up to you two to help hold this family together and weather this storm.
DAVID
Mom would want us to call her family and let them know can I borrow your phone.
WILLIAM hands over his PHONE TO DEAN.
DEAN
We will be here for you all and we understand how much you wanted us to be here for Mom and Dad.
WILLIAM
I thought that if you could get here in time that you could change the old man’s mind. But, I should have known that once his mind was made up about something there was no changing it.
DEAN
With his stubborn will. When he made up his mind there was no changing it. We all knew that.
WILLIAM
It’s sad to remember them now that they are gone. I'm going up to say my good-byes.
WILLIAM WALKS UPSTAIRS DAVID hangs up PHONE.
DEAN
We will rebuild this house from the ground up that’s the least that we can do for Mom and Dad.
DAVID
That’s the least we can do for each other.
MATT
I’m leaving this is a time for the Tale’s to be a family. I’ll bring the boat back if you still need it.
DEAN
Thanks for being here for us.
MATT
What are brothers for?
Matt closes the door.
David look outside as the sun light as it comes into the front window.
Dean moves to the wall. He looks:
ON THE WALL a plaque framed it holds a quote. It reads:
“That which causes us trials shall yield triumph: and that which makes our hearts ache shall fill us with gladness. The only true happiness is to learn to advance, and to improve: which could not happen unless we had commenced with error, ignorance, and imperfection. We must pass through the darkness, to reach the light.”
FADE TO BLACK.
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