Review By: Emma Keturah "Dana... you're coming with me." - The Cigarette-Smoking Man Holy moly what! How can that nasty chimney be
alive??!! Oh wait, it's a flashback... Phew! *deep breaths* Anyway
there are quite a few flashbacks which give insight into The Project.
|
 |
Title: "Stranded III"
Story by: Cassie & Kristi
Written by: Kristi
Date: April 1, 2006
Air Date: April 3, 2006
Rating: PG
Series: FRVS - Episode #167
FRVS Episode References: 2x18 “Flight 194”, 4x14 “The Project”, 7x17 "Super Buddies Without A Cause", other past episodes from FRVS season 7.
Feedback: We love it. There is a form at the bottom of this story that you can use to send us feedback. Thank you.
Archiving: "Fox & Rat" Virtual Series only!
Disclaimer: We do not own anyone. They belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen Productions, and 20th Century FOX Broadcasting.
Author's Note: The personalities of the characters within the world of "Fox & Rat" are not those you know from "The X-Files" television series. We have warped them and given them a common past, immature behavior and a sense of humor. Any horrid behavior should not be mimicked in your every day life.
Special Thanks To: Naoko-chan, for her Japanese came in handy right on time.
Summary: The conclusion of the “Stranded” Trilogy.
PREVIOUSLY ON “FOX & RAT”: Brad got his pilot’s license and took Mulder, Krycek, Doggett, Scully, Monica and Knowle on a winter vacation to Florida. Things got bumpy on the way and the plane mysteriously crashed. Now they’re stuck on a deserted island with no way back home. Or is it deserted at all? Monica was taken by the island’s locals – aliens, and Knowle and Scully went to search for her. All the while, Krycek finds that Mulder brought an x-file case with him that is possibly about the island they are on, saying that it has possible alien life on it. Monica managed to get away from the aliens, but without a wound from her fight to escape, and now Scully is feeling the alien’s presence from a chip that has been implanted by the Cigarette-Smoking Man many years ago. Are these aliens targeting her now?
FADE IN:
EXT. FISHING BOAT – EVENING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18
IWO JIMA ISLAND
1000 KILOMETERS SOUTH OF TOKYO, JAPANTwo Japanese men are tossing a net out into the ocean. The younger man looks out towards the island of Iwo Jima. They are a few miles out from the island and the currents of the ocean are rather rough.
YOUNGER MAN
(in Japanese)
These waves are rough. We
should head back soon or
make our way to Iwo Jima.The older man looks out towards Iwo Jima and shakes his head “no”.
YOUNGER MAN
(in Japanese)
It’s dangerous out here.OLDER MAN
(in Japanese)
It’s more dangerous there.The younger man shakes his head. His father is so superstitious sometimes.
YOUNGER MAN
(in Japanese)
Father, it’s only an island. You
shouldn’t believe those silly myths.OLDER MAN
(in Japanese)
They are not myths. Many men
have disappeared there. (beat)
We are in the Devil’s Sea.They pull their net up out of the water. It is filled with fish.
YOUNGER MAN
(in Japanese)
With this much fish, this
cannot be the Devil’s water.The younger man smiles at his father, but the smile quickly fades when he sees a bright light coming from behind a small mountain on the island. A humming sound follows, which is when the man’s father turns to look at the island.
OLDER MAN
(in Japanese, re: mountain light)
Suribachi’s light. It’s dangerous.The older man goes over to the steering and starts to turn the boat around to head back home, just as a plane comes crashing down out of the sky on the island. The younger man watches with wide eyes as their boat goes farther and farther away from the island.
YOUNGER MAN
(in Japanese; to his father)
A plane crashed, father! We should help!The older man shakes his head. He believes the stories that are about the island. He’s not going to risk it.
The light from the island dims and all is quiet.
OLDER MAN
(in Japanese; scared)
Kaibutsu .Off his feared expression of this unknown monster, we:
FADE OUT:
OVER BLACK:
MONTGOMERY (V.O.)
It's what we've always wanted.SLOW BLUR FADE IN:
INT. AIRPLANE - 1993
John Montgomery holds Scully’s hand in his, his thumb runs over the wedding ring she happily wears. He brings her hand up to his lips and gives it a gentle kiss. Their young daughter, Jill (age 2), sits on Montgomery’s lap. A fascinated look on her face as she peers out the window at the airport. Scully smiles happily at Montgomery, happy to finally be away from The Project, the Group, and the Cigarette-Smoking Man.
Montgomery leans his head back on the seat and lets out a sigh of relief. They have truly wanted this for a long time and now they are free and on their way to Germany where the Cigarette-Smoking Man can no longer affect their lives.
Montgomery looks up towards the front of the plane and sees government agents talking to the pilot. He picks his head up from resting comfortably on the seat. The sight of these government agents alerts him, just as the Cigarette-Smoking Man comes onto the plane, looks around and spots Montgomery and Scully. He makes his way over to them.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
(demanding)
Dana... you’re coming with me.Scully looks up at him, not happy to see him.
SCULLY
I put in my resignation. I
no longer wish to be involved
in The Project.The Cigarette-Smoking Man signals to Alex Krycek, who comes and grabs her out of her seat.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. MEDICAL ROOM – 1993
Scully is strapped down on an operating table. A doctor is preparing to insert the tiny metal chip into the base of her neck. Scully’s eyes dart around the room, finding the Cigarette-Smoking Man smoking his cancer stick in the corner. She glares at him.
SCULLY
(pissed)
Let me go. You can’t do
this to me.The Cigarette-Smoking Man steps closer to her.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Of course I can.He gives her a smug grin and he takes another drag.
SCULLY
I don’t want this. I’m
no longer part of The Project.CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
And that’s a problem for us, Dana.SCULLY
“Us”? Or you?She glares at this selfish son-of-a-bitch.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
Go ahead and yell for help, Dana.
It won’t matter. In a few moments
you won’t remember a thing. You
won’t remember your life with The
Project. You won’t remember your
husband or your daughter. (beat)
In all essence you will become my property.SCULLY
You can’t insert that chip into me!Scully tries to move, but is strapped down tightly. She can’t have that chip inserted into her neck. She knows what it is and how the Cigarette-Smoking Man can use it against her. Program her to do as they want. Make her forget. Track her. It’s not safe. Her life will never be safe. And now he’s talking of clearing her memory of her life. This can’t happen.
The Cigarette-Smoking Man signals to the doctor, who injects Scully with a sedative.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
(he’s won)
Sweet dreams, Ms. Scully.Off the Cancer Man’s smug grin and Scully’s defeat...
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. BEACH – PRESENT DAY
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
Scully sits alone on the beach, looking out at the ocean. Her hand on her the base of her neck where the chip is located. Ever since Monica found she and Knowle she’s felt the chip. At times it hurts her until she walks towards the jungle. She knows she shouldn’t go into the jungle, despite the pain she feels when she walks away from it. She can’t let the chip control her.
Monica said she was taken. She said Krycek was right. Aliens are on this island. The chip came from their technology.
Part of her thinks she’s responsible for crashing the plane because of the chip in her neck. She’s been thinking of it for a few days, ever since she’s felt it. Thinking back to a case she and Mulder investigated about a plane crash and a little girl who died because she had the same chip in her neck. Flight 194. She’ll never forget that case. So haunting. So unexpected that the plane crashed without having any problems before.
Like how their plane crashed to this island.
Behind Scully, Mulder carries a large bundle of bamboo. He walks as if he’s on a mission. Determined. He makes his way down the beach a long way. Once getting to his hidden location, he sets the bundle of bamboo down in a pile.
He stands looking down at all the bamboo he has collected. A smile forms his face as he picks up the bamboo and brings it over to a structure that looks like the development of a boat.
KRYCEK (O.S.)
AH-HA!Krycek’s outburst startles Mulder and he quickly turns around to see Krycek coming out of the jungle.
KRYCEK
So this is what
you have been up to!MULDER
Up to?KRYCEK
Yes, “up to”.Mulder looks guilty.
KRYCEK
Why are you hiding this from
the others? Are you trying to
get off this island and leave
everyone else behind?MULDER
No! Why would I leave my Super Bud-Mulder stops himself. Krycek rolls his eyes. He should just say it, he knows what he means.
MULDER
(correcting himself)
Why would I leave my buddies here?
(beat) It’s a surprise for everyone.Krycek looks down at the pathetically structured boat frame.
KRYCEK
Looks like you need some help.MULDER
Maybe a little.KRYCEK
Can I?MULDER
Sure!They both run over and gather up some bamboo and start to work on the boat.
KRYCEK
So I’ve been thinking.MULDER
Oh?KRYCEK
I’m the only one on this
island with a nickname.Mulder stops working and looks up at his friend.
KRYCEK
Pee-Wee. I’m the only one with
a nickname. (beat) I’ve been
thinking about it too. It’s
pretty cool.Mulder cocks an eyebrow. “Pee-Wee” is a cool nickname? And since when is Krycek the only one with a nickname. His own nickname is Spooky.
KRYCEK
How does this sound...Krycek clears his throat.
KRYCEK
(macho man)
I am da man, hunky punk, pee-wee!Mulder winces, but shrugs his shoulders.
MULDER
Ok, I guess.KRYCEK
Maybe I need to warm you
up to it, ya think?MULDER
I don’t know. Let’s build the boat.KRYCEK
Ok. You know why?MULDER
Why?KRYCEK
(he’s cool)
I am da man, hunky punk, pee-wee!
I’m the coolest dude ever because
I’ll pee-wee on you, baby.Mulder winces inside. Is this how he’s going to have to get used to “Pee-Wee” being Krycek’s new favorite nickname of many... oh joy. Mulder lets out a sigh and starts to work on his boat some more as Krycek continues to go off on making “Pee-Wee” a cool nickname.
MULDER
Hey, um... Pee-Wee-KRYCEK
-That’s me!MULDER
(ok...)
I’m going to go get some more bamboo.KRYCEK
That’s coo.Mulder rolls his eyes. He hates when Krycek gets like this, trying to be “hip” or whatever. And it’s especially annoying when he says “coo” when he means “cool”. Who does that anyway?
Mulder walks off into the jungle.
SMALL TIME CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE
Mulder enters the jungle in search of more bamboo. He walks deeper in than he has before, just to see how much “supplies” the jungle has for him to make the boat. He spots some bamboo trees and makes his way over to them. He stops in his tracks when he sees a dark green building structure in the near distance. It’s not large at all and looks like it could be a single room on the inside.
He cautiously makes his way to the building. He touches it with his hand, then puts his ear to it and knocks on it. Seems solid and thick. He makes his way around the back and finds a door with a small window. He looks at it for a moment, thinking of his x-file he brought with him.
After a beat, he goes over to the window and looks at it. It’s dusty and dirty from years of being out in the jungle. He cleans the window the best he can with his hand and peers in. His eyes widen with what he sees.
CUT TO:
INT. EAST 46TH STREET – NEW YORK CITY – DAY
The Syndicate room is dimly lit, and unlike many meetings of the past, the room is not filled with cigarette smoke. The Elders are spread around the room, seated in their chairs, and with them is John Montgomery, Diana Fowley, and Marita. Marita stands next to her father, the Well-Manicured Man, and is addressing the meeting.
MARITA
Our Japanese Project Leaders are
assessing the damage and covering
the problem on Iwo Jima.FIRST ELDER
Why are they doing this?
It’s sooner than we thought.MARITA
Perhaps not.The First Elder looks at her.
MARITA
Colonization plans are going
as they have planned. They
have not changed their timetable.WELL-MANICURED MAN
Then why? Why crash that plane?MARITA
They are looking for something.This catches their attention.
MARITA
Last year our New York Facility
was targeted for an attack on
Dr. Montgomery and Dana Scully.
As you know, it was unsuccessful.DIANA FOWLEY
What does that have to do with
what’s happened on Iwo Jima?MARITA
I believe that what they are
looking for is one of two
things – possibly even both.
(beat) The chip in Ms. Scully’s
neck, or Monica Reyes.John Montgomery looks up with concern. If the aliens get either one of them it could be the end of their resistance, the end of a possibility to survive their colonization.
FIRST ELDER
I’m not following. Why would
they want a chip?MONTGOMERY
The chip holds information.Montgomery holds back elaborating on what kind of information the chip holds. Diana Fowley watches him, sensing he’s holding something from the group.
FIRST ELDER
It doesn’t explain why
that plane was crashed.
We’re either one of them
on that flight?MARITA
No, they weren’t.She pauses to regain attention from the Group.
MARITA
However... I do know that both
of them were going on a trip to
Florida a week ago. They haven’t
returned yet. I’ve informed Walter
Skinner of this information and he
said that he found out from someone
in the Bureau that Mulder has opened
a file containing information about an island.DIANA FOWLEY
(pensive)
Florida? Wasn’t there an old testing
facility on one of the islands off
the coast? Wasn’t it shut down?WELL-MANICURED MAN
Yes. The tests there went wrong
and our scientists were killed and
the island is now enemy territory.
(beat) We have to get a search and
rescue operation out to that island.
We can’t have Mulder discovering
the island’s truth.FIRST ELDER
(agitated)
That name. Again and again.MONTGOMERY
More importantly, we can’t let
the aliens get to Ms. Scully
or Ms. Reyes. (beat) It’s vitally
important that they are not taken.DIANA FOWLEY
Why are they so important? Neither
one of them are a part of this anymore.Montgomery looks over at her.
MONTGOMERY
If they get Ms. Reyes, they could
discover that we have a vaccine against
their virus. They could have enough
time to mutate their virus and we
would have no defense against them at all.DIANA FOWLEY
Why Ms. Scully?MONTGOMERY
(thinks for a small beat)
She knows too much about The Project.Diana looks at him for a beat, sensing he’s not telling her the whole truth behind Dana Scully. Off her suspicion...
CUT TO:
EXT. BEACH – EVENING
Knowle has started up a fire in their campsite. Brad is by Monica’s side. She’s still hurting from the attack she took from the alien. He helps her drink. Doggett watches on with worry. Monica seems to be getting sick, and it could be an infection of the wound. He looks out at the beach where Scully has been sitting all day.
DOGGETT
Knowle, can I talk to you over here?KNOWLE
Yeah.Knowle gets up from the fire and walks over to Doggett.
DOGGETT
Monica’s not looking too good.
I think she’s getting an infection.Knowle looks over at her and sees her push Brad’s hand away from giving her water.
DOGGETT
Is there anything you know
that could help?KNOWLE
I don’t know. I’d have to
take a look at her.DOGGETT
Why don’t you?KNOWLE
Brad doesn’t want me near her.Doggett gives him a confused look.
DOGGETT
What are you talking about?KNOWLE
Before we found you guys,
he told me to back off and
said I was complicating her
life more than it already is.
(beat) Yesterday, I went to give
her something to eat to help her
and he got on my back about that.DOGGETT
He doesn’t blame you for what
happened to her, does he?KNOWLE
I don’t know. (beat) Maybe you
can get Dana to look at her.Doggett nods his head.
DOGGETT
I’m a bit worried for her too.
(beat) She’s been sitting out
there all day.Doggett’s eyes fix on Scully. Knowle senses his worry.
KNOWLE
Go talk to her, John.DOGGETT
Did something happen while
you guys were out there?KNOWLE
No. (beat) She got really
quiet though after we found
Monica. I’m thinking it’s
because Monica’s mind started
to remember back to that facility.
(beat) Maybe it affected her too.Doggett nods his head and walks off towards Scully. He stops and turns with an after thought, stopping Knowle from going back to the campsite.
DOGGETT
Knowle!Knowle turns to face him.
DOGGETT
You haven’t seen Mulder and
Krycek today, have you?KNOWLE
Not since this morning.Doggett nods his head and turns back to going to Scully.
Scully sits in the sand, still bothered by the chip in her neck. She watches the sun set. The breeze from the ocean is cool, which is a nice change from sitting in the hot sun.
Doggett sits next to her.
DOGGETT
Hey.Scully looks over and smiles at him.
SCULLY
Hey.DOGGETT
Couldn’t help but notice how you’ve
been sitting here alone all day long.
(beat) Penny for your thoughts?SCULLY
Just watching the sun set.She touches the base of her neck again. The chip causing her some more pain.
His eyes notice some bruising on her shoulders.
DOGGETT
You all right?SCULLY
(lying)
Yeah.DOGGETT
You have bruises.Scully looks at him, realizing he’s talking about the bruises.
SCULLY
It’s from my training with Knowle.DOGGETT
Does it hurt?SCULLY
Not really.DOGGETT
I gotta ask... how did you
beat the big guy?SCULLY
Core strength. (beat) He told me
use my own will power, determination
and core strength. (beat) It wasn’t
easy. He made it difficult. I learned
a new way to defend myself than anything
Quantico would’ve taught me.DOGGETT
Knowle’s knowledgeable in many areas.He smiles at her.
SCULLY
He taught me to look inside
myself and that physical strength
isn’t as powerful as mental strength.
(beat) He’s not skilled in marital arts, is he?Doggett laughs.
DOGGETT
I wouldn’t doubt it.Doggett looks at her for a beat, noticing she’s touching the base of her neck with her hand. He takes her hand, holding it in his, bringing it away from her neck.
DOGGETT
Everything all right?Scully looks at him, wanting to say “I’m fine”. She’s afraid to tell him about the chip bothering her. She doesn’t know what to do about it. But why bother lying to him? He knows her too well and they agreed to be open with each other, it’s the best way to deal with everything they’ve been through. Not just here on the island, but also in life.
SCULLY
(after a beat)
The chip in my neck, the one
I told you about... it can
also be used to track me down.She looks at him.
SCULLY
Ever since Monica found Knowle
and I a few nights ago, I’ve
felt strange. Sometimes it hurts
me... until I walk towards the jungle.Doggett listens, trying to understand.
SCULLY
As if I’m being pulled to something.DOGGETT
Like what?Scully lets out a sigh. How does one go about telling John Doggett there are aliens on this island.
SCULLY
Johnny... Monica was taken by
aliens that are stationed here
on this island – just like what
Krycek was saying. (beat) This
chip in my neck... it’s from their
technology. They can track me down.
This chip can be programmed for anything.DOGGETT
Are you saying that these things -
whatever they are – are trying to
get you now?SCULLY
I think they are. I felt it the
moment we got Monica safe.DOGGETT
Why? Why would they want you?SCULLY
I have no idea. I’m not with
The Project anymore. I don’t
have anything that they’d want.Doggett listens.
SCULLY
A few years ago, Mulder and I
investigated a plane crash that
was taken down by something. It
just dropped out of the sky. No
nose dive or anything. (beat) We
found out that one of the victims,
a little girl, had a chip in the
back of her neck. A chip just like
the one I have. (beat) The plane
was pulled out of the sky. Nothing
was wrong with it, just like with
our plane. (beat) I think I’m responsible
for this crash, Johnny.DOGGETT
It doesn’t make it your fault.
(beat) It’s the technology.SCULLY
Yeah, but I should’ve been
more responsible.DOGGETT
There was no way for you to know
that this island isn’t safe, Dana.She moves her hand out of his and touches the base of her neck again. Tears well up in her eyes.
SCULLY
I want off this island, Johnny.
I can’t take it anymore. (beat)
They’re hurting me, trying to get me.Doggett puts his arm around her and pulls her into him.
DOGGETT
We’ll find a way off. I
won’t let anyone hurt you.SCULLY
They’re stronger than us.
Look at what they did to Monica.Doggett looks back at the campsite and then back at Scully.
DOGGETT
Knowle told me that Monica
didn’t want you to help her.Scully nods her head.
DOGGETT
I thought maybe that was bothering you.SCULLY
A little. I don’t want to
upset her. (beat) She was
held in a cave by these
aliens against her will, just
like when she was at The Facility.
(beat) She’s uncomfortable around
me when I’ve been by her. She doesn’t
talk to me. I’m worried for her.Doggett doesn’t say anything for a moment.
DOGGETT
(after a beat)
I think she’s getting an infection.Scully looks up at him with worry. They have no antibiotics here to help her.
SCULLY
How bad?DOGGETT
I don’t know. I’m not a doctor.
(beat) When I asked Knowle to
look at her, he said Brad doesn’t
want him near her.Scully stands up and starts to head over to the campsite.
CUT TO:
EXT. JUNGLE – EVENING
Krycek is walking through the constantly darkening jungle, moving tree leaves and branches out of his way. Mulder left him alone with the boat hours ago and there has been no sign of him.
KRYCEK
(complaining to himself)
You leave and never come back.
Right, you’re looking for bamboo.
You just wanted to leave me with
the hard work, didn’t you?He continues into the jungle.
KRYCEK
(complaining to himself)
It’s getting dark out and now
you’re probably looking for Samantha.
(beat) You and your stupid x-files
are gonna get me lost. Hell you’re
probably already back at the campsite
and forgot all about me because, oh
I don’t know, you found something shiny.He lets out a sigh and stops walking.
KRYCEK
MULDER!! WHERE ARE YOU?!He waits a beat and receives no answer.
KRYCEK
(complaining to himself)
You’re probably off on some
alien proof journey. Geez!He stops in his tracks when he sees the green building Mulder found earlier.
KRYCEK
(curious)
What do we have here... hmm...?Krycek makes his way to the building. He knocks on it with his hand. Solid and thick.
KRYCEK
Hello?He makes his way around to the back and sees the door is open. He goes over to it and looks in. It’s dark, even more so than before now that the sun is setting.
KRYCEK
Mulder? You in here?Krycek steps into the building.
INT. BUILDING – CON’T
The building smells musty, letting Krycek know it’s been locked up for a long time. He feels the wall, looking for a light switch. He finds one and turns on the lights. It immediately shorts out, leaving him in the dark.
KRYCEK
Geez. No lights. Stupid
piece of useless concrete.Krycek continues in and looks around. Not much is here.
KRYCEK
HELLO?!He doesn’t receive an answer. He walks around the room, looking at all the old equipment. Old computers have been uncovered from their plastic protection. Mulder must have been here. Krycek looks down and notices a panel on the floor.
KRYCEK
What could you be?He squats down and lifts the panel from the ground, revealing a staircase going downward.
KRYCEK
How far down the rabbit hole
would you go, Mulder?Krycek lets out a sigh and goes down the staircase in the hopes of finding Mulder.
CUT TO:
INT. DARK TUNNEL OF A HALLWAY – A FEW MINUTES LATER
All is black and dark. Krycek only wishes he had a flashlight on him. For sure he is lost here forever.
KRYCEK
(singing; scared; weak)
But you don’t know that your eyes
Are made of bat poop
In your eyes.
You don’t know!
You don’t know!
You don’t know... your eyes are bat poop eyes...We hear him stumble over something. He feels around and feels an arm.
KRYCEK
Oh thank god! Mulder! I found you!No response.
KRYCEK
(after a beat)
Dude... you ok? Talk to me, buddy.Nothing.
Krycek fumbles around his pant pocket and finds a match. He strikes it and lights up the dark tunnel, only to discover that he has fallen on top of a dead corpse that is rotting from the years.
Krycek screams! He quickly gets up and backs up to the wall. He looks down at the dead body with wide eyes. The body is in a white lab coat, but has been cut open by four large cuts across the belly. Krycek catches his breath and shuts his eyes.
KRYCEK
This can’t be happening. This
can’t be “Jurassic Park”. (beat)
I don’t believe in Raptors.The flame continues to work it’s way down to Krycek’s finger tips. He screams once the fire touches him and he blows the flame out. A couple seconds later another match is lit. Krycek looks down the hallway and sees he’s coming to an end. He sees another door, this time windowless. He makes his way towards it.
He tries the doorknob. Much to his surprise, the door is unlocked. He opens it and enters a room, that is lit by a desk lamp. He sees Mulder sitting at the desk.
KRYCEK
What are you doing?Mulder looks up at him.
MULDER
I found this place.KRYCEK
What is it?Krycek comes in and looks over Mulder’s shoulder at what he’s looking at.
MULDER
I think it’s some kind of
testing place.KRYCEK
What happened here?MULDER
Aliens.KRYCEK
This is about your x-file.MULDER
You know about that?KRYCEK
I was digging through your
bag the other day.MULDER
(like it’s nothing)
Oh.KRYCEK
What if this is an alien
headquarters or something.Mulder shakes his head in disagreement.
MULDER
There’s a dead human body
out in the hallway. I tripped
over him on my way down.KRYCEK
Me too.MULDER
(realizing)
Oh, that’s what that
girly scream was.Mulder grins at Krycek.
KRYCEK
Shut up.MULDER
Anyway, I’ve been reading the
entries in these files and
apparently a test for a vaccine
went wrong and got out of control.
(beat) The last entry date is May 17, 1994.KRYCEK
That corpse was pretty preserved.
Especially for that amount of time.MULDER
He wasn’t exposed to the elements.Mulder sets the paper down that he was reading.
KRYCEK
What do we do now?MULDER
I don’t know.Mulder shakes his head. He’s confused about something.
KRYCEK
What’s wrong?MULDER
I don’t get it. I was given
this information from an
anonymous informant. I know
all about everything I read,
except for this island. (beat)
I mean, I know that aliens are
coming to colonize, so I’m not
shocked they are among us. (beat)
It just makes no sense why I was
told to come on this trip with
everyone. You know?KRYCEK
Wait. Hold on a second. You’re
secret informant knew about this trip?MULDER
I guess so. He told me I had
to get down here and that
everything would work out for
me to get on this island.Krycek listens to him. Maybe Mulder is responsible for crashing the plane.
KRYCEK
You knew the plane would crash?MULDER
No. (beat) I was told things
would happen to get me on the island.
(beat) To be honest, I thought I’d
take a boat ride in Florida and
POOF! I’d turn my three hour tour
into a whoopsie, we’ve landed on
“Gilligan’s Alien Island”.Mulder looks at him for a beat.
MULDER
Then I started thinking. If this
secret informant knew about this
trip, who’s to say he didn’t know
who was going to be on it. You know?KRYCEK
Yeah, your point?MULDER
Scully. She has a chip in her
neck, remember? (beat) A few
years ago we investigated a
plane that was taken down by
aliens because of the same chip.KRYCEK
So your secret informant would
have to be someone who knows
Scully has the chip in her neck.MULDER
Yes. But I don’t care who my
informant is. What I care about
is getting off this island.KRYCEK
You of all people want to get
off the island? What about seeing
the aliens.MULDER
No thank you. Did you see
what happened to Monica?Krycek nods his head.
MULDER
How’s the boat coming?KRYCEK
Almost ready I think.MULDER
I hope it’s floatable.KRYCEK
Well, if it’s not, we call
it “The Monica” since Monica
can’t swim.They giggle at the stupid joke, but are suddenly startled by a loud clanking noise coming from somewhere outside the room they are in.
They both look to the door with wide eyes, expecting the worst to happen.
MULDER
(scared)
Was that you?KRYCEK
(scared)
No. I was hoping it was you.MULDER
(scared)
Well, if it isn’t you and
it isn’t me then... who was it?KRYCEK
(scared)
I don’t want to wait to
find out. Let’s run for it!MULDER
OK!The boys quickly make their way to the door and start to run. They hear footsteps chasing after them in the dark.
MULDER
Jump over the dead guy!We hear them both jump at the same time, hoping that’s where the dead guy was located.
KRYCEK
I think it’s gaining on us!MULDER
Don’t stop!They run as hard as they can, finding the stairs that lead up to their exit.
MULDER
There’s our ticket out of here!They run like the wind up the stairs, being chased the whole way. They make their way up out of the stairwell and Krycek slams the panel down on the ground and stands on it.
KRYCEK
(frantic)
QUICK! Get something to cover this!Mulder looks around and sees a heavy desk. Pounding can be heard on the ground. Krycek looks down, he’s not heavy enough to stop this thing if it really wants out.
KRYCEK
Hurry!Mulder starts to push the heavy desk over to the panel with all his might.
The panel on the floor starts to pop up. Krycek screams and Mulder continues with the desk. A dark gray hand gets in between the panel and the panel frame and a large claw grows from the tips. Krycek’s eyes widen.
KRYCEK
MULDER! It’s getting out!The panel is pushed up with all the strength of this alien being, knocking Krycek to the ground. The panel flies open and the alien comes after Mulder.
Krycek scrambles to his feet and runs to help Mulder by grabbing him by the arm and dragging him out of there.
EXT. JUNGLE – CON’T
Mulder and Krycek run through the forest as fast as they can. They hear the alien screech and it pierces their eardrums. They find a place to hide and hunker down. They squat in silence, letting their eyes adjust to the dim moonlight. They cover their ears to block out the harsh screech from the alien. Krycek cautiously uncovers his ears when he doesn’t hear it anymore. He looks out into the dark jungle. Nothing moves. The stillness doesn’t help calm him.
He grabs Mulder by the arm and they carefully and quickly leave the jungle.
CUT TO:
INT. JOHN MONTGOMERY’S LIVING QUARTERS – 10:30 P.M.
STRUGHOLD RESEARCH FACILITY
NEW YORKMontgomery sits on his black leather couch reading a book written in the Arabic language. He wears his glasses and looks up when he hears a knock on his door. He gets up and answers the door. Much to his surprise, Diana Fowley stands before him.
MONTGOMERY
Ms. Fowley, what may I do for you?DIANA FOWLEY
May I come in?Montgomery nods his head and stands to the side, allowing her into his living quarters.
MONTGOMERY
What’s going on?DIANA FOWLEY
You tell me.She turns to face him.
DIANA FOWLEY
In the meeting today I believe
you were keeping something from
the group. Something important
enough not to bring up. (beat)
I didn’t think that’s how the
Group works any more now that
Charles Spender is dead. (beat)
If you’re keeping information
that is important to what’s going
on, I think you should tell.Montgomery looks at her for a moment, then walks by her.
MONTGOMERY
Would you like coffee, Ms. Fowley?DIANA FOWLEY
I’d like answers.MONTGOMERY
It’s imported from Saudi Arabia.
(beat) I’ve found they make the best.He pours himself the rich coffee and stands before her.
DIANA FOWLEY
What are you hiding?Montgomery looks at her for a beat and takes the time to sip his coffee. Diana starts to grow impatient with him, knowing now that he’s not telling her something.
DIANA FOWLEY
Dr. Montgomery, if you-MONTGOMERY
-I put vital information in her
chip that could mean worlds to us
when they colonize this June.Diana looks at him for a beat.
DIANA FOWLEY
What kind of information?MONTGOMERY
Information on effective defense
against them.DIANA FOWLEY
How do you know it’s effective?Montgomery gives her a look and sips his coffee once again.
MONTGOMERY
I have my ways. (beat) But it’s
important that these aliens don’t
get her or that chip or else our
chance at survival will be minimal
to nonexistent. (beat) With the information
on her chip the world we know will
be saved from the world we don’t know.Montgomery goes over to sit on his couch. Diana follows, but remains standing.
MONTGOMERY
The world we know has law, it’s
balanced, it’s equal. (beat) The
world we don’t know is the opposite.
No law. No balance. Evil out weighs
the good. (beat) A living nightmare.DIANA FOWLEY
How do you know this?MONTGOMERY
It’s all theory, but based on the
knowledge I have of what they are
capable of. (beat) If they get this
chip, we will live in the world we
do not know. Of course, that’s assuming
we survive their attacks. (beat) Some
of us will and some of us won’t.DIANA FOWLEY
So you put this defense information
in her chip. (beat) Have you forgotten
that she’s no longer involved with The Project?MONTGOMERY
I did it before it was even heard
of for her to leave this Facility.
(beat) I plan to talk to her about
joining us at the base camp in the
north once the date closes in.Diana looks at him for a beat.
DIANA FOWLEY
Does she know she has this?MONTGOMERY
No. (beat) I put it there without
her knowledge so Charles Spender would
not get at it or even know about it.DIANA FOWLEY
You’ve put her life in danger.MONTGOMERY
No I haven’t. The aliens have
no way of knowing what her
chip holds. They only know she
has the chip in her neck and that
wasn’t because I chose to put it
in her. Charles Spender did long
before he died. (beat) He was a
selfish man. He’ll use this information
for himself, not to help others.Montgomery looks at her with seriousness.
MONTGOMERY
The world is a safer place
now that he is gone.Montgomery looks away from her and sips his coffee.
CUT TO:
EXT. BEACH – NIGHT
Mulder and Krycek have not returned to the campsite yet. Doggett and Scully are close together, sleeping in front of the fire that has been built. Brad sleeps as well. Knowle sits close to Monica, quietly plucking at his guitar. He can’t sleep knowing she has a small infection to her wound, even though Scully did all she could to help her. He doesn’t know it, but Monica is awake, watching him. Her eyes are tired, but she enjoys listening to him play, even if he’s not strumming notes to their full potential. He glances up at her and meets her eye contact. She smiles at him.
MULDER & KRYCEK (O.S.)
EVERYONE! GET UP! WE HAVE TO
GET OUT OF HERE AND FAST!Slowly, everyone starts to come to as Mulder and Krycek run up to them.
BRAD
What’s going on?MULDER
Aliens!KRYCEK
We have a boat. We made it.DOGGETT
What?MULDER
The bamboo. My surprise! (beat)
But we have to get out of here.KRYCEK
And fast! We were almost
eaten by an alien.MULDER
Yeah, I found an abandoned
building and one was inside.KNOWLE
A building?MULDER
We don’t have time to go
into it now. We have to leave!KRYCEK
Yeah! Grab all your stuff
and follow us.Everyone gets up, all curious to see how they made a boat out of bamboo. How secure can this thing be? They all gather up their stuff. Doggett and Scully go to help Monica. Doggett picks her up.
SCULLY
Make sure you don’t tear the wound.MONICA
They’re coming.DOGGETT
And we’re not going to be
here when they come. Don’t worry.They all follow Mulder and Krycek down the beach to where they have been building the boat. Surprisingly, the boat doesn’t look half bad. Of course, the question of how long it can last in the water remains unanswered.
MULDER
Ok, ladies on first. Gentlemen,
we’ll carry it out to sea.Scully gets on the boat and helps Doggett get Monica on. Everyone loads their belongings onto the boat.
MULDER
Ok, Knowle, you go in front and
pull since you are the strongest.
John, Brad, you get on the sides
and help lift it. Pee-Wee and I will
push the boat from behind.They all get into their positions and push or pull with all their might until the boat is in the water. Krycek is the first to climb on, followed by Doggett and Brad, then Mulder and Knowle.
KRYCEK
(amazed)
Wow! We did it!MULDER
We’re so cool!KRYCEK
I know I am! Who da man!?
I da man! I da hunky
punk! I da pee-wee!Mulder rolls his eyes. Brad leans over to Doggett.
BRAD
(whisper)
Did he just say he’s a “pee-wee”?DOGGETT
I think so.They look at him as if he’s lost his mind.
Mulder and Krycek start to jump in excitement that their boat floats. Scully quickly goes over to them.
SCULLY
Boys! Don’t jump you’ll
probably break it and then
we’ll be in big trouble.They stop jumping immediately. They don’t want to sink, especially because the only land mass is that island and they know what’s on that.
SCULLY
Good. Now sit down and behave.Mulder and Krycek immediately drop into sitting position.
BRAD
How do we steer this thing?MULDER
We made a sail so the
wind can push us. If
that doesn’t work, we’ve
got paddles. And if they
somehow get eaten by a
big fish or shark, like in
“The Old Man And The Sea”,
we’ll have to paddle with
our bare hands.SCULLY
All right, who’s going to
stay awake and steer this
thing... or whatever.KNOWLE
I was awake already before they came.DOGGETT
I’ll stay awake too.KRYCEK
But we made the boat. We
should stay awake and navigate.They all look at them with doubt. No one trusts them to navigate. They could make some careless error and end up back on the beach.
Monica looks out towards the beach, seeing one of the aliens on the shore.
MONICA
There it is.They look out towards the beach and see the dark figure in the moonlight.
MULDER
Oh god! What if it comes
out here and swims after us?!MONICA
They can’t.SCULLY
Why can’t they?MONICA
I don’t know.KRYCEK
Does water kill them? Like
in that movie “Signs”?MONICA
You don’t live in a movie.Krycek pouts, he thought he was on to something.
MONICA
Maybe it’s not the water.
Maybe it’s the island not
letting it leave. (beat)
At least not through any
physical means. I’m sure
it can leave in its craft.Doggett looks away from the shore. He coughs to get everyone’s attention back to the boat.
DOGGETT
(changing subject)
We still need our rest so
lets do that. (beat) Knowle
and I will stay awake.BRAD
I think I should too. I
know a little about sailing.DOGGETT
Good.SCULLY
(to Mulder and Krycek)
That means you have to go to sleep.They pout, wanting to stay awake to see how far their boat can float.
MULDER
Can’t we just stay awake for
a little while. We worked so hard.SCULLY
You’re forgetting that you’re
exhausted from working so hard.
(beat) Rest up. Tomorrow’s a new day.MULDER & KRYCEK
(disappointed)
Ok, you win. We’ll go to sleep.They reluctantly lie down on the boat and attempt to sleep. Scully lies down as well, close to Monica incase she needs any medical attention during the night.
Doggett, Brad and Knowle move away from the others to give them a bit of silence so they can sleep. They move to the front of the boat where they can keep a look out incase they spot any boats. Knowle pulls out his guitar again and starts to strum quietly at it.
DOGGETT
(to Brad)
How do you know how to sail?BRAD
Used to have a boat.DOGGETT
What happened to it?BRAD
I never used it so I sold it.Doggett nods his head.
DOGGETT
Kind of like my cabin.BRAD
Only, your cabin still gets used.DOGGETT
On occasion. (beat) It’s a nice
place to go to get away from the city.BRAD
That’s why I had the boat. (beat)
Work just kept getting in the way.Knowle glances up at Brad’s comment, remembering how he once told him not to put work as a priority. He looks back down at his guitar and continues his quiet tune.
BRAD
Do you think anyone is looking for us?DOGGETT
Right now I’m just hoping
this boat can stay afloat.Brad laughs a little.
BRAD
Considering who made it, me too.
(beat) Of course, it could have
Mulder Luck to it.DOGGETT
That’s true.KRYCEK
I can’t sleep!Doggett, Brad and Knowle look over at Krycek.
SCULLY
(mother like)
Then shut your eyes.KRYCEK
No, I want someone to entertain me.Doggett goes over to Knowle and whispers something to him. After a moment, Knowle nods his head and hands his guitar over to him.
DOGGETT
You want to be entertained?KRYCEK
Yes.DOGGETT
All right, you asked for it.Krycek sits up and eagerly looks at Doggett. Scully sits up too, seeing that he has a guitar.
SCULLY
You know how to play?DOGGETT
Not really.He starts to play the guitar in what sounds like “Walking After Midnight” by Patsy Cline.
DOGGETT
(singing)
I go out walking after midnight
Out in the moonlight just like we used to do
I'm always walking after midnight searching for youKrycek winces, he sure can’t play a guitar and that’s not helping his singing voice at all.
Scully smiles from ear to ear.
DOGGETT
(singing)
I walk for miles along the highway
Well that's just my way of saying I love you
I'm always walking after midnight searching for you
I stopped to see a weeping willow-KRYCEK
-Please stop! I wanna play a song!
Gimme the guitar! I wanna sing
“Bat Poop Eyes”. Now gimme it!Krycek goes for the guitar, but Doggett pulls it away from him and gives it back to Knowle.
KRYCEK
(mad)
I wanna sing!KNOWLE
Go to sleep.KRYCEK
NO! Gimme it!Krycek grabs at the guitar, but Knowle keeps his grasp on it.
KRYCEK
I said gimme it you punk!KNOWLE
Is that how you say “please”?KRYCEK
Give it!Suddenly, the guitar leaves Knowle’s hand and Krycek flings it out of his own hands and it splashes into the water.
Krycek’s eyes bug as Knowle looks out at the water at his guitar that is floating away from them.
KRYCEK
(scared shitless)
Oh shit... Oh shit... Oh shit...
Oh shit... Oh shit... This is the
end of me I just know it. Oh shit...Everyone watches the scene. What will Knowle do? Knowle calmly looks over at Krycek.
KNOWLE
Guess I’ll need to buy
a new one when we get back.Krycek’s breathing calms. He’s not dead.
MULDER
On the brighter side, we don’t
have to hear him try to play
“Bat Poop Eyes” on a guitar.Krycek pouts as everyone is relieved inside.
MULDER
Now that we’re all up again...Mulder stands up to address all his Super Bud- err... buddies.
MULDER
Boat rules! I thought we need
some kind of rules for the boat,
you know since it’s very small
and we’re all stuck here.Everyone pays attention.
MULDER
Rules #1: No throwing guitars overboard.He looks at Krycek.
MULDER
Guess that rule has already
been broken. (beat) Rule #2:
Doggett and Monica sleep in
the middle because she can’t
swim and he’s scared of “Jaws”.
This way, if they roll, they won't
fall off and drown or get eaten.Krycek laughs.
MULDER
Rules #3: No fire. This boat is made
of bamboo. If we have a fire it could
burn a hole through the bottom of the
boat hence sinking us and we’ll have
to call the boat “Monica” since she can’t swim.Monica’s jaw drops. Did he just make fun of her?
MULDER
Rules #4: No sex. There isn’t
enough room and the pounding
could sink the boat. This means
John and Dana can’t do the nasty
because they are the only couple.Krycek points and laughs at them. Mulder gives him a devious look.
MULDER
Rule #5: When we have to resort to
cannibalism, Alex is the first we eat.Krycek stops laughing and his eyes widen.
MULDER
That’s all!KRYCEK
Why do I get eaten first?MULDER
It’ll save our sanity if you’re gone.KRYCEK
That’s mean.MULDER
So is laughing and pointing.KRYCEK
So.Krycek pouts.
MONICA
They’re coming.MULDER
On another note, I’ve been
thinking of bringing back Super-He is suddenly cut off by a bright blinding light! They all squint their eyes.
MULDER
(scared)
AHHH! Aliens! Samantha!!SPLASH! Mulder falls overboard.
The light moves out of their direct eye line for them to see the U.S. Coast Guard.
BRAD
At last, we’re saved.TIME CUT TO:
INT. DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – MORNING
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
Marita and the Well-Manicured Man are standing by the window watching everyone get off the plane. Mulder is the first off, followed by Doggett and Scully, then Brad, then Knowle who carries Monica. Krycek is the last to get off, carrying Monica and Knowle’s bags, along with his own. Marita smiles when she sees him. She’s been worried sick about him for this past week.
In a few moments they enter the area. Marita runs up to them and Daddy C follows to greet everyone. Krycek drops all the bags when he sees Marita. She goes up to him and wraps her arms around him, giving him a kiss. He lifts her up in his arms. She kisses him on the forehead, leaving lipstick on the center of his forehead.
Scully takes Doggett over to the Well-Manicured Man and introduces him to her step-father. Doggett gladly shakes his hand and words are exchanged.
Brad picks up Monica’s bags, and goes over to where she and Knowle are. Monica holds her head, hearing the voices of the city she had escaped on the island. Brad helps Monica walk away from Knowle, giving him a look that tells him to “back off” once again.
Knowle watches him walk away with Monica, respecting the relationship they have and not getting in the way. Monica looks back and waves to him. He smiles, and picks up his bag.
Off everyone walking out of the air port, we...
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
INT. SMALL CABIN – DAY
NORTHERN CANADA
A television is on playing an old black and white war movie. A cigarette sits in an ashtray, it’s smoke coming out as a hand enters frame and picks it up, just as a telephone rings.
MAN
Yes?DIANA FOWLEY (FILTERED)
The chip holds information vital
to survival after colonization begins.MAN
Does she know?DIANA FOWLEY (FILTERED)
No. He did it without her knowledge.MAN
Good. She’d never cooperate if she knew.DIANA FOWLEY (FILTERED)
And sir, your plan to get her
back has failed. They never got her.We pan around to see the Cigarette-Smoking Man, alive and well. He brings the cigarette up to his lips and takes a slow drag of his Morely.
CIGARETTE-SMOKING MAN
There will be another time.Off his words, we...
CUT TO BLACK:
THE END.
Please let us know what you thought of the episode.