EXT. OBERON - ANIMAL LIVING QUARTERS

LEO WALKS BY A WARNING SIGN. INSERT SIGN:

CAUTION: LIVE ANIMALS

SECURITY ACCESS ONLY

int. oberon - animal LIVING QUARTERS

An EXPLOSION OF ANIMAL NOISES as we SWEEP BY CAGES OF PRIMATES: mostly CHIMPANZEES, a few ORANGUTANS, GIBBONS, even a young lowland GORILLA.

VARIOUS MED TECH SPECIALISTS work with the apes in the b.g: ONE SPECIALIST picks out a simple MELODY (easily recognizable) on an electronic keyboard for ONE APE; the APE watches, then tries to repeat the notes.

INSERT: The cages are marked with METALLIC SQUARES stamped with SERIAL NUMBER and NICKNAME.

Pericles scoots to the comforting arms of CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER LT. COL. GRACE ALEXANDER.

Alexander

Was the homo sapien mean to you again?

(turns to Leo)

We all know it's just rocket envy.

leo

Ever consider an actual boyfriend?

Alexander

You mean do I enjoy being miserable? I'll stick with my chimps.

Pericles jumps up on a counter. Pulls on a CABINET. Leo takes a BISCUIT from a huge bag of TREATS. Puts it behind his back, then holds out his hands. Pericles chooses right, nothing; left, not there either. Pericles squawks.

leO

Another curve ball.

Alexander

You weren't authorized to change his flight training.

leo

I'm teaching him.

Leo pulls the biscuit from his back pocket. Hands it to Pericles.

Alexander

You're teasing him.

leo

He's gene spliced, chromosome enhanced ... a state of the art monkey ... he can take it.

ALEXANDER

When you frustrate them, they lose focus ... get confused. Even violent.

Across the room a CHIMP screeches and rattles its CAGE. Alexander brings Pericles over.

Alexander (CONT'D)

Congratulations, Pericles, you're going to be a daddy.

leo

I thought I saw a smirk on his face.

Alexander

Actually, the female was the aggressive one.

She looks right at Leo. Leo reacts. Is this a come on?

leo

Aggressive works for me.

She looks up at him, smiles. A moment between them, then, a TECH appears.

tech

Hey, Leo, you got a postcard.

NEW ANGLE

Leo takes the 'POSTCARD' -- a small, thin WIRELESS LCD MONITOR and finds a quiet place to sit by himself. Clicks on his MAIL. TIME CODE DISPLAYS THE DATE: 02-07-2029

on LCD screen: ext. leo's house - front porch - day

Crammed in front of a LENS waving madly are Leo's FATHER, MOTHER, SISTER, YOUNGER BROTHER and a few other relatives. A handsome, strong family. ONE LITTLE BROTHER waves a TOY MODEL OF THE OBERON.

leo's mother

(flustered)

Now? OK, Hi, honey, it's me ... your mom.

Leo smiles warmly. His MOTHER wears an OBERON PIN on her dress. In the b.g. we can see a small old AIR STRIP with several planes, a hangar and wind sock on a pole.

leo's mother (CONT'D)

I have so much to tell you ...

Leo's Father steps FORWARD IN FRAME.

leo's father

But she won't ... 'cause this is costing me a fortune. Hi, son. The TV showed some pictures of you from space.

THE PICTURE STUTTERS. JUMPS.

LEO'S father (CONT'D)

... we're all real proud of you ...

leo's mother

... we just want you to come back to us safely ...

Her voice breaks. Leo reacts.

THEN THE PICTURE GOES OUT. Leo bangs on the screen. It reads: 'YOUR SERVICE HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED.'

WIDER: THE ENTIRE ROOM GOES DARK FOR A MOMENT. THE ANIMALS SCREECH.

When the lights come back on Leo rushes out.

int. oberon - JUST OUTSIDE bridge

THE SECURITY DOOR. A SHATTER PROOF GLASS BARRIER. LEO uses a HAND PRINT ID SYSTEM to gain access. The DOOR SLIDES OPEN. Leo hurries through --

int. oberon - the bridge - continuous

As LEO ENTERS CREW MEMBERS are gathered around a LARGE DIGITAL SCREEN. SPECIALIST HANSEN (20's) works the board with COMMANDER KARL VASICH (40's).

MAJORS FRANK SANTOS (30's) and MARIA COOPER (20's) are already there.

franK

We found it.

maRIA

It found us.

Leo looks up to see --

ON screen: an electromagnetic cloud RUSHing through space

HANSEN

It's moving like a storm.

vasich

That's what it is. An electromagnetic storm ...

frANK

This is what's causing blackouts on earth.

marIA

It's ... beautiful.

VASICH

So's the sun til you get too close.

haNSEN

This is weird. I'm picking up frequency patterns.

vasICH

Tune them in.

ON SCREEN: A QUICK RUSH OF IMAGES, including:

HANSEN

It's sucking up satellite relays, cell phone conversations, TV broadcasts ... every electronic communication from earth ... from all time.

leO

(sarcastic)

Ten billion channels and nothing to watch.

widen

The SHIP GOES DARK AGAIN. A strange stillness settles over the bridge.

The POWER RETURNS. The display has spooked them all.

maria

It sure knows how to get your attention.

vasICH

Let's get to work. We'll start with a pass through the core. Take initial radiation and gamma ray readings.

Vasich turns to Leo.

VASICH (CONT'D)

Get your monkey ready.

Leo doesn't move. Looks at the other pilots.

leo

Sir, this is a waste of time.

vaSICH

We have standard procedures ...

leo

(over)

And by the time you go through all of them, it could be gone.

Vasich knows what Leo is lobbying for.

vasich

No manned flights. First we send out an ape, then if it's safe, we send a pilot --in that order.

leo

Let me do my job. You need somebody out there who can think, remember that? ... You need me.

Vasich is calm but firm.

VASICH

He's the canary. That's the coal mine. Alpha pod deploys at 1600.

close on pericles

His soft brown eyes looking around anxiously for something. Finally focusing on -- LEO.

widen: int. oberon - launch PLATFORM

Alexander and her CREW help Leo secure Pericles in the pod. Leo checks the flight suit. He tries to hide his concern from the chimp.

leo

Just follow your sequence and then come home. Understand? Home.

The CREW finishes up. Pericles vocalizes, looks for Leo -- needing Leo's reassurance. Leo turns to Pericles, smiles, gives him a THUMBS UP.

PERICLES looks down at his own HAND. Selects his THUMB. Pulls it up -- as the DOOR IS SEALED and WIPES SCREEN.

INT. OBERON - FLIGHT control - DECK

Leo sits next to Vasich. Frank, Alexander and the rest of the team huddle around. Through Leo's head set he HEARS AN AURAL BOILER PLATE OF TECHNICAL DATA

ON THE DIGITAL SCREEN: STATIC PULSES IN BRILLIANT COLORS

CLOSE ON CONTROL BOARD

They watch the ALPHA POD trace the course of an ELLIPSES around the OBERON. MOVING TOWARDS THE ENERGY CLUSTER

PUNCH EVEN CLOSER -- the IMAGE OF ALPHA POD FLICKERS.

Alexander leans forward.

Alexander

What's wrong?

leo

He's off course.

Vasich speaks in a dull monotone that obscures concern.

vasich

Lock on him.

Leo slides forward a RED LEVER on the board. A BEAT, then --

leo

He's not responding.

Alexander

Surge in the heart rate. He's scared.

The MONITOR FLASHES then GOES DEAD. They're all stunned.

vasich

Light him up again.

leo

I can't...

An endless second of frantic activity at the board. Frank checks his monitors.

CLOSER - ON CONTROL BOARD as the POD DISAPPEARS.

leo (CONT'D)

Jesus. He's gone.

alexander

He's trained to come back to the Oberon.

frank

If he's alive ...

PAN THEIR FACES -- the silence is agony. Leo can't just do nothing.

leo

I'm waiting for orders, sir.

vaSICH

We sit tight for now and wait.

Beat, Leo thinks.

leo

I'll run some sequences in Delta pod. See if I can figure out what he did wrong.

Leo gets up and leaves.

OMIT

int. oberon - launch platform - DELTA POD - later

Leo sits INTO DELTA POD. Staring out at the immensity of Space. OVER THE HEADSET LEO CAN HEAR FLIGHT CONTROL CHATTER.

ON SCREEN -- Leo plots several variations on Pericles' flight sequences. OVER THE HEADSET: Leo recognizes Vasich's VOICE.

vasich (os)

OK, that's it. We lost him.

frank (os)

Want to send another chimp?

PUSH IN CLOSE ON LEO -- as he waits for the response.

vasich (os)

No, it's too dangerous. ... shut it down.

widen

Leo slowly swings his chair into command position. His hand trembles slightly as he reaches for the POD DOOR LOCK. PUNCHES: 'LOCK' It seals with a HISS.

omit

int. oberon - flight control - deck - later

Hansen reacts to something ON FLIGHT CONTROL. Checks his instruments, then --

hansen

(astonished)

Sir. Delta pod has launched.

VASICH rushes INTO FRAME.

int. DELTA pod - same time

Leo leans back in his command chair as a VIEW OF THE OBERON SWEEPS PAST THE WINDOW BEHIND HIM. Leo squeezes into his gloves. Takes control of the FLIGHT BOARD.

ext. space -- delta pod (moving)

Accelerating from the OBERON.

int. delta pod -- close on leo

IN SPACE. Vasich's VOICE sheds its monotone: full fury.

vasich (os)

(over radio)

Delta Pod, you're flight is not authorized. Repeat, your flight is not authorized.

leo

Never send a monkey to do a man's job.

VASICH (os)

I swear you'll never fly again.

leo

But I'm sure as hell flying now.

intercut: flight deck - same time

CLOSE ON HANSEN -- looking at the DIGITAL SCREEN.

hansen

I'm getting a Mayday, sir. ... Jesus, it's on our secure channel..

Vasich hurries over.

frank

Alpha pod?

hANSEN

I ... I don't know. But, it's coming on strong.

vaSICH

Put it up.

TILT UP TO DIGITAL SCREEN: OUT OF THE STATIC FIGURES EMERGE. IN QUICK FLASHES. JUMPY, SHADOWED. HARD TO READ. AUDIO OUT OF SYNC. WE HEAR BITS AND PIECES.

VOICES

(filtered)

... help us ... massive turbulence ... request instructions ...

A LOUD WASH OF STATIC and then SILENCE.

The crew is stunned. Vasich lunges for the radio.

vasICH

Delta Pod ... abort mission. Repeat. Delta pod ... return to ship ...

CHAPTER 5: CRASH LANDING

ext. space/int. delta pod - leo's pov

as he follows Pericles' course around the OBERON. Vasich's VOICE melts into a RUSH OF RADIO STATIC.

FROM THE RIGHT -- SWEEPING ACROSS SPACE

A Tsunami of LIGHT washes through. Glittering particles. When it clears PERICLES' POD APPEARS AGAIN.

leo

Oberon. I've got a visual on Alpha pod ... Over.

All he gets back is another WASH OF STATIC. He sets course for ALPHA POD.

ANOTHER WAVE OF LIGHT CRESTS AND FALLS. ALPHA POD disappears.

Leo has no way to process what he's just seen.

leo (CONT'D)

... Oberon? Come back ...

For the first time we HEAR a note of fear in his voice. Leo twists in his seat to look out the side WINDOW.

LEO'S POV -- RUSHING AT CAMERA

Another TIDAL WAVE OF LIGHT -- so thick it seems viscous. Leo braces himself. It rocks the POD as it sweeps by. Shakes Leo viciously.

int. delta pod - continuous

Then STOPS cold. LEO'S CONTROL MONITOR goes BLACK. ALL SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. Leo bangs on the controls. In full panic.

ext. pod -- from space

Powerless. It begins to drift, then pitch and tumble with increasing speed.

int. pod

Leo's life support is down. He gasps for air.

leo

Oberon ... Come in Oberon ...

Leo flails at his helmet. It's a horrifying moment. He's almost unconscious.

ext. pod -- from space/int. delta pod -- anotHER light wave

This one far bigger and brighter than before -- rushes AT the POD. Pummels it violently.

Leo's CONTROL MONITOR EXPLODES INTO FULL COLOR. EVERY SYSTEM JUMPS BACK ON.

INSERT DIGITAL DATE CLOCK: going haywire; it spins FORWARD IN TIME, THEN BACK IN TIME. Then SHATTERS.

LEO'S POV -- THROUGH WINDOW

as the POD suddenly ACCELERATES in a blur, pinning Leo back into his seat. Crushing him into his chair.

int. delta pod - continuous

BLACKNESS SWEEPS SCREEN

THEN GIVES WAY TO A BLUE HALO OF LIGHT

CLOSE ON LEO as he OPENS HIS EYES

(THE ENTIRE ENTRY ONTO THE PLANET IS SEEN FROM LEO'S POV)

A wash of blues and purples -- then, the eerie, whistling RUSH that AIR makes as it generates friction on metal.

Leo looks down to see FLAMES licking the outside of the POD. The TILES ON HIS HEAT SHIELD are white hot. SMOKE coats the cockpit with dark grease.

Leo tries to get his RETROS to fire -- but the heat has disabled the control panel.

He grabs a MANUAL LEVER and fights to engage it. ENGAGES.

int. delta pod -- leo's pov

The hazy outlines of LAND formations come RUSHING UP AT LEO. A huge expanse of DENSE GREEN fills the POD WINDOW. Leo fights to recover some steering.

The shriek of the POD rises in pitch as it's about to impact with the surface.

Leo crashes through FOREST CANOPY and EXPLODES INTO WATER.

INT. DELTA POD -- COCKPIT -- UNDER WATER

Leo tries to fire open his ENTRY DOOR -- the HINGE has melted. Water pours in around him.

He fumbles in the murky water for a RED HANDLE. His EJECTION SEAT CONTROL.

widen -- ext. delta pod -- under water

as Leo trips his EJECTION SEAT -- the COCKPIT DOOR SOUNDLESSLY EXPLODES -- sending a rage of BUBBLES AT CAMERA.

ACROSS FRAME -- LEO IS STILL STRAPPED INTO HIS SEAT AS HE'S THRUST INTO THE WATER LIKE A TORPEDO

Still underwater, Leo tears himself OUT of his FLIGHT SUIT and swims for the surface.

ext. forest - bog -- surface

Leo breaks free -- gulps air. Swims for shore. Falls to his face -- reeling.

CHAPTER 6: THE HUNTED

ext. forest - day

DISSOLVE THROUGH: CLOSE ON LEO as his eyes open and his senses focus. He sits bolt upright.

LEO'S POV -- 360 DEGREE PAN

Nothing but intense jungle. Leo stands, wobbly on his feet. Trying to get his bearings. Cut and bruised. Black grease from the fire streaked across his face. No idea where he is. He gets no time to think about it.

SOUND CUE: SOMETHING IS MOVING THROUGH THE WOODS

Then Leo hears a frightening CRY. Leo's military training takes over. Leo moves quickly for cover.

ext. forest -- leo's pov (moving)

Racing through forest. Nettles rip his arms. He breaks from a tangle of vines. Stumbles over roots. THE SOUND IS RIGHT BEHIND HIM. Leo wheels to fight. Picks up a STONE.

ANGLE - BREAKING CLEAR

An older HUMAN (KARUBI), face decorated with intricate markings. He's carrying a sack of exotic fruits. Leo has no idea how to react -- he cocks his arm with the stone.

ANGLE - BEHIND

Karubi's fierce YOUNG DAUGHTER (DAENA) appears --

daENA

Father ... they're coming.

She knocks the STONE from Leo's hand. Karubi pushes Leo aide. Other HUMANS APPEAR -- many with the same markings. Their raid on the fruit trees has become a run for their lives. Some are badly wounded. All following KARUBI.

angle

Leo is left alone. Looks around. BEAT -- then the FOREST CANOPY shakes furiously. Leo hears the eerie metallic tingle of bells. DARK FIGURES MOVE with frightening speed towards him. Like ghosts.

Leo is spooked. He backs up, races after the HUMANS.

ext. forest - LEO'S POV - UP AHEAD

The DARK FIGURES drop through the trees onto the HUMANS. Cries and shouts.

QUICK SHOTS: A HUMAN FIGURE is suddenly PROPELLED THROUGH THE AIR -- disappearing as it crashes in the underbrush. Branches snap. LOUD CRIES seem to come from everywhere. A YOUNG HUMAN is dragged into the foliage.

Leo keeps moving. The nightmarish NOISE builds to an unbearable furor.

A hundred yards ahead the foliage CLEARS. Giving way to a sun drenched HORIZON. And HILLS in the distance. KARUBI tries to lead the other HUMANS that way.

Leo puts on a burst of speed. HEARS a GROWL. Leo looks UP.

EXT. FOREST

MATCH POV -- whatever it is looking down on Leo drops like a spirit through the trees. Branches whiz by. LEO GROWS IN FRAME, until --

widen

A ferocious GORILLA lands in front of Leo. Bares its canines.

CLOSER

the Gorilla wears ARMOR across its massive chest and a strange HELMET that glistens in the sun. THIS IS ATTAR -- the prodigious APE CAPTAIN OF THE HUNTING PARTY.

leo

Jesus.

Leo grabs a branch to defend himself. Holds it like a spear.

ATTAR reacts almost with surprise. Then fury. With a fierce growl Attar SNAPS the branch in two. HEFTS Leo INTO THE AIR and HURLS him. Leo flies backwards. Hits the ground. Stunned.

Attar turns his attention to the other humans. He signals a LINE OF GORILLAS behind him. High-pitched HORNS ring out.

EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS

ATTAR takes out a BOLA with heavy stones affixed to make it spin quickly. Whips it over his head -- unleashes it.

The Bola cuts the air with a frightening shriek. It catches a HUMAN MALE and wraps tightly around his legs.

TWO GORILLAS race forward and tie the captured human arms-over-head to long poles.

new angle

MORE GORILLAS charge in from the other side with lightning speed. Dragging a long NET affixed with hundred of small BELLS; the Apes shake it rhythmically -- scaring the humans, driving them on.

NEW ANGLE

Other soldiers dash across the tree branches with incredible speed and balance as if walking on air. They leap down on the terrified humans.

on leo

He staggers to his feet -- starts to run. Looks over his shoulder. As the NET closes in on Leo he's able to fall into a small ditch and roll UNDER it.

EXT. FOREST - follow leo

He runs the other way. Cutting in front of him is a stocky Human (GUNNAR) trying to flee with a LITTLE HUMAN GIRL (5) in his arms.

RACK FOCUS -- BEHIND GUNNAR -- TWO GORILLAS chase him down. One GORILLA plucks the child from his arms. The OTHER GORILLA knocks him forward. APES swarm over him.

KARUBI and DAENA lead the humans through a stand of small saplings. The APES sweep across ripping the trees out of the ground by their roots.

CLOSER ON KARUBI -- breathing hard, afraid, listening closely.

But ATTAR attacks like a force of nature, graceful with his power, unrestrained with his speed. The humans in his way are overwhelmed. Only Karubi and Daena are left at large from this group.

NEW ANGLE: a slight BOY (BIRN, 15) eludes several APES. Feral and wild, he is very agile. But he doesn't see an APE HANGING ONTO A TREE A LIMB. THE APE SNAGS BIRN WITH HIS FEET. Wrenches him into the air.

KARUBI circles back to try and rescue the Boy. Two more APES drop down -- slam him to his knees. Daena is bowled over. Karubi covers her with his body as a NET envelops them.

EXT. FOREST - leo

kneels behind a tree stump to catch his breath. Several APES drag human BODIES away. Leo tries to take this all in.

AN APE ON HORSEBACK crashes through the brush dragging two HUMANS behind. Leo waits til the Ape rides by --- then launches himself at the APE RIDER. Grabbing onto the reins, swinging himself up and KNOCKING THE APE off his mount.

Leo flips onto the horse. Tries to ride through the attack.

EXT. FOREST/LAVA TREE LINE - widen to new pov

Leo is suddenly PLUCKED OFF THE HORSE by an APE dangling from a tree. He's dropped hard to the ground.

pov

Leo looks up as ATTAR stands over him. Growls fiercely.

EXT. LAVA - ON THE EDGE OF THE FOREST - ROUND-UP CARTS

The CLEARING beyond the forest. Out of a HAZE OF DUST we see A DOZEN ORNATE CARTS WITH CAGES being loaded with HUMANS. The CARTS are painted brightly with strange markings and symbols.

ATTAR is directing the loading of the carts. The humans are literally THROWN inside.

We see DAENA tossed inside one cart. Then GUNNAR, BIRN. And finally, KARUBI, who's been beaten severely.

find leo

in a group of a dozen other HUMANS. An APE binds Leo's hand tightly. Suddenly all the HUMANS BOW THEIR HEADS, cower, turn their eyes to the ground.

LEO'S POV: the SUN enshrouds a DARK SILHOUETTE MOVING TOWARDS THE CAPTIVES.

ATTAR comes to attention -- with obvious pride at the success of the hunt.

REVEAL AN APE IN A GLITTERING GOLD UNIFORM RIDING A MASSIVE BLACK CHARGER. This is THADE, GENERAL OF THE APE ARMY.

Leo reads the reactions: a sense of glory from the Apes; intense fear from the Humans.

PUNCH CLOSE ON THADE AS HE WHEELS HIS HORSE AROUND AND MAKES EYE CONTACT WITH LEO. Leo is the only human staring right at THADE.

Thade's reaction is lightning quick: in a blur he's off his horse and in front of Leo. Grabs Leo by the hair. In a fury.

thade

This one looked at me.

CLOSE ON LEO: his bewilderment takes a new twist. The APE SPOKE ENGLISH.

atTAR

He won't do it again.

Leo reacts, grabs Attar by the wrist.

leo

(amazed)

You talk ...

attAR

Take your stinking hand off me you damn, dirty human.

Attar swats Leo away -- Leo is knocked unconscious.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. LAVA - ROAD TO CITY OF APES - CLOSE ON LEO

as he blinks awake. The CARTS ARE ROLLING on a road that winds into a HILL TOP CITY in the distance.

crane up

as ATTAR rides in front of the CARAVAN -- leading it into the CITY OF THE APES. The CARTS are pulled by YOUNG HUMAN MALES, each fixed with BLINDERS.

leo's pov: ext. city of the apes - day

A collage of old and new. Great stone buildings draped with bright tapestries, narrow streets and wide public spaces, busy with commerce and filled with APES.

SEVERAL OLD APES at a stone table argue over a game of chance. Several smoke from a hookah like object.

A GROUP OF FEMALE APES haggle with a FRUIT VENDOR.

ONE YOUNG APE plays a long flute like instrument for his friends. (This could be subtly evocative of the melody we heard on the Oberon.) A FEMALE APE passes by a drops a coin in his hat.

A CHIMP carves caricature-like HUMAN DOLLS out of wood.

ANOTHER APE JUGGLES USING HANDS -- AND FEET.

And in the most menial tasks we can see HUMANS -- carrying goods, pulling vehicles, chained. In all senses -- animals.

pan across

Most of the civilian APES ignore the CARTS.

Except for a group of YOUNG GORILLA KIDS who are playing a soccer like game (in this game, however, they use their prehensile feet to manipulate the ball). Several YOUNG APES rush up and throw a volley of stones at LEO'S CART.

INTO FRAME -- a FEMALE CHIMP (ARI) rushes to stop them.

ari

Stop it. You're being cruel. ... Open your hands.

When the kids hesitate, she slaps their hands. The stones fall. Leo reacts --

arI (CONT'D)

Who told you you could throw stones at humans?

one gorilla kid

My father.

ari

Then you're both wrong. And you can tell him I said so.

They run off. One GORILLA KID turns and sticks out his tongue.

one gorilla kid

Human lover.

Ari scowls at him -- they scurry away.

NEW ANGLE as ARI's friend, another FEMALE CHIMP (LEETA) comes up.

leeta

Do you always have to be so intense? I thought we're going shopping.

But Ari is staring as the carts pass her by. The humans wretched behind bars. CLOSER ON ARI -- her eyes well with tears. LEO makes EYE CONTACT with Ari for one second.

Ari hurries after the carts.

leeTA (CONT'D)

Ari. ... You're going to get in trouble again.

EXT. CITY OF THE APES - CONTINUOUS - stay ON THE CARTS

The other Humans all keep their heads down. Silent. Leo looks at ONE HUMAN MALE, clearly dead. No one reacts to the body.

Leo catches the young boy, BIRN, staring boldly at him. Through the layers of dirt Leo can sense his intelligence.

widen

The CARTS suddenly veer to the side of the road. A PROCESSION OF APES in what looks like MONK'S ROBES, faces wrapped in scarves, shuffle by in single file chanting.

ATTAR moves towards the Monks. They stop and give Attar their blessing. He bows his head, closes his eyes. We can sense his deep spirituality.

Leo crawls over to one HUMAN MALE face in his hand.

leo

(whispers)

Where am I?

He moves away from Leo. Leo tries a frightened HUMAN FEMALE.

leo (CONT'D)

... What is this place?

CLOSER: the FEMALE looks quickly at Leo, eyes impossibly wide, too scared to speak. Then turns her face away.

INTO FRAME: KARUBI, pulls leo back. Whispers urgently.

karubi

Head down. Mouth shut. You'll get us all killed.

Karubi looks around to make sure no Ape has heard them. Daena glances at Leo. Leo decides he'd better bide his time. He kneels down with the others.

ATTAR shouts and the CARTS move on.

WIDEN: AS THE CARTS TURN UNDER A GREAT STONE ARCH.

CLOSE ON A HOODED FIGURE

happily slapping a small sap in his palm as he waits in the center of a walled QUADRANGLE. LIMBO (ORANGUTAN) throws back his hood as --

ext. ape city - limbo's quadrangle

The Human CARTS come to a stop. Limbo strides forward. Looks over the humans. Turns to an APE SOLDIER.

limbo

Are you trying to put me out of business? These are the skankiest, scabbiest, scuzziest humans I've ever seen.

ape soldier

You don't want them?

liMBO

I'll take the whole lot. I'll have to make it up on volume.

Limbo pays the SOLDIER; turns to his HANDLERS.

limbo (CONT'D)

Get 'em out, get 'em cleaned!

LEO peeks up as the CARTS are overwhelmed by large GORILLA HANDLERS wearing GERM PREVENTION MASKS. It happens quickly: Cages thrown open. Humans dragged out. Men and women separated. Cries and shouts. The humans keep heads down.

Karubi has to be pulled away from Daena.

kARUBI

(quickly)

Don't be afraid.

daena

I'll find you ...

Limbo appears IN FRAME suddenly.

LIMBO

Very touching. Really. I can't see for the tears in my eyes.

He drags Daena by the hair into FEMALE PEN. Karubi struggles to reach his daughter. One HANDLER almost breaks his arm hurling him into the cage. Karubi shouts, collapses in pain.

Children are pulled from their Mothers. Put in separate pens.

LEO is thrown in the MALE PEN with Gunnar. Amazed at what's happening around him. Birn bites the hand of one HANDLER. LIMBO appears -- grabs Birn, shakes him hard, and tosses him in. Leo helps the boy to his feet.

limbo (CONT'D)

How many times do I have to tell you? Wear your gloves when you handle humans.

thade (os)

Are you softening, Limbo?

LIMBO spins to see THADE -- mounted, followed by ATTAR. Limbo turns from tyrant to toady in a second.

tHADE (CONT'D)

You used to hack off a limb.

liMBO

Yes, General... but unfortunately he's worth more intact.

Attar goes to the cage and spots Leo.

attAR

Don't turn your back on this one. He's feisty.

Karubi watches Leo closely. Limbo talks quickly trying to suck up to Thade.

limbo

These the ones raiding the orchards, sir? I know an old country remedy that never fails. Gut one and string the carcass up ...

THADE

The human rights faction is already nipping at my heels.

limbO

Do-gooders. Who needs them? I'm all for free speech... as long as they keep their mouths shut.

Thade stops by a PEN with the HUMAN CHILDREN. WIDE-EYED, terrified. Thade looks them over.

thADE

I promised my niece a pet for her birthday.

limBO

Excellent. The little ones make wonderful pets... but make sure you get rid of it by puberty. If there's one thing you don't want in your house it's a human teenager.

ON LEO: he watches A YOUNG APE and HER APE MOTHER walk over to the pen. Limbo quickly points out a few little Girls.

limbO (CONT'D)

Anyone you want, sweetheart.

Like a kid in a pet store, the LITTLE APE looks over the children. Points at the 5 YEAR OLD GIRL we saw earlier.

liMBO (CONT'D)

Excellent choice.

ATTAR grabs the petrified LITTLE HUMAN GIRL and pets her head like a puppy -- sets her in the LITTLE APE's arms. Her Ape mother puts a leash on the Human Girl's neck as they leave.

IN THE FEMALE PEN -- the Little Girl's Human MOTHER stares at the ground blankly. Her eyes dead.

Daena watches them take the Little Girl. We feel her rage.

Thade turns his horse to the gate. Limbo can't resist one last fawning word.

liMBO (CONT'D)

They say if you piss along the fence line it keeps them away from the crops.

thADE

(stops him with a growl)

Close enough. You stink of humans.

He gallops off. LIMBO frowns, lifts his arm and sniffs.

EXT. LIMBO'S QUADRANGLE - another angle

As Thade and Attar ride off we see ARI hiding behind the gate. Leeta is very nervous.

leeTA

No way I'm going in there. It's disgusting.

Ari isn't paying attention to her. She moves closer to the entrance.

Ari

What's disgusting is the way we treat humans. It demeans us as well as them.

Leeta grabs her hand.

leETA

Ari... we should go home.

ari

(snaps)

Then go home.

CHAPTER 9: A NEW OWNER

return to ext. limbo's quadrangle

Leo moves round the PEN watching -- not sure what's next.

limBO

Get 'em marked. I've got orders to fill.

TWO HANDLERS heft BRANDING IRONS from a large STONE FIRE PIT.

LEO'S POV: they use poles with wire loops at the end to grab DAENA by the neck. Drag her to a WOODEN POST. Then the Apes uncover her shoulders.

Karubi is enraged -- shakes his cage.

kaRUBI

No.

Limbo makes a funny face -- pretends he's scared. Teasing Karubi. The other Apes all laugh.

CLOSE ON DAENA: as the BRAND is pressed deep into her flesh. (THE BRAND IS FAINTLY EVOCATIVE OF THE ICON FROM THE OBERON.) But Daena does not scream. Her eyes burn with defiance. She's thrown back.

TWO APES come for LEO. He digs his heels in but they easily drag him to the post. One HANDLER quickly jabs the white hot IRON. Leo twists himself and KICKS IT OUT OF THE APE'S HAND. Limbo is furious.

limbo

Do I have to do everything myself?

He reaches out to pick up the BRANDING IRON.

EXT. LIMBO'S QUADRANGLE - CONTINUOUS - widen

ARI comes exploding INTO THE QUADRANGLE. She moves so quickly Limbo can't react at first. Opens a cage, knocks over a table, and finally grabs the BRANDING IRON and hurls it aside.

limbo

Oh, no, by Semos, not you again.

ari

I can not stand idly by while humans are being mistreated, tortured...

Leo watches Ari. Karubi and the others rush to the bars.

Ari dashes past Limbo to the FEMALE PENS. TURNS THE LOCKS AND THROWS OPEN THE GATES. Before the women can escape an APE HANDLER appears -- the women retreat back in the cage.

LIMBO grabs Ari. She twists away.

limbo

The only reason I put up with your nonsense is because of your father.

ari

If you want me to stop, give up your bloody business.

ON LEO: watching Ari carefully.

limBO

Hey, I do the job nobody else wants. I don't see any of you bleeding hearts spending all day with these dangerous, dirty, dumb beasts ...

ARI

They're not dumb. They can be taught to live with us ... and I'm going to prove it.

LEO reaches out for a CHAIN snaked in the dirt -- suddenly whips it around the foot of his HANDLER. Yanks him off balance. His SPEAR flies from his hand. Leo grabs it. Points it right at Ari's neck.

limbo

There's your 'proof'. Now I'll have to put him down.

Karubi and Daena watch intently.

widen

Leo wraps an arm, around Ari; tries to maneuver her to the gate. The HANDLERS surround them. Offering a low growl. Leo looks over at the gate. He knows he won't make it.

CLOSER: LEO LOCKS EYES WITH ARI. Ari is thrown by the intimacy of this act. No human has ever dared look her in the eyes this way. LEO LEANS INSIDE THE 'SPACE' BETWEEN HUMANS AND APES. HE SPEAKS INTENSELY.

leo

Please ... help me.

Ari is startled, frozen.

ANGLE

DAENA realizes the HANDLERS have been distracted by Leo. The DOOR TO THE FEMALE PEN is still open. She suddenly breaks out and runs for the gate. Limbo knocks her down hard. Turns furiously to Ari.

limbo

Look what you've started. Now I'm getting a headache.

Leo starts to back up, pressing the spear to her neck.

leo

Get back.

Limbo raises his hands, as if he's scared.

limBO

Oh, please, please don't hurt her.

Leo keeps his eyes on Limbo's hands -- and doesn't see LIMBO USE HIS FOOT to reach up and grab the spear. In one second he wallops Leo. Stands over him.

limBO (CONT'D)

Who needs this aggravation. Hold him.

Limbo hefts the spear. Ari makes her choice --

arI

Sell him to me.

limBO

Are you crazy? He's wild...

(re: Daena)

... they're both wild.

arI

Then I'll buy them both.

Limbo freezes -- a look comes over his face. Nothing gets his attention like money. Leo and Daena exchange a look.

liMBO

That would be expensive ... very expensive.

ari

I'm sure we could come to a deal.

Limbo scratches his head. He can't resist.

arI (CONT'D)

Deliver them to my house.

liMBO

I'll have to mark him first.

In one quick thrust Limbo BRANDS Leo.

CHAPTER 10: THE DINNER PARTY

WIDE SHOT: EXT. CITY OF THE APES - NIGHT

The evening darkens as the MOONS rise above the city.

ext. ari's house - night

High-walled gardens strung with red lanterns. Tapestries billow in the night breeze. We HEAR LOUD VOICES.

ari'S VOICE

Father, please, I'll pay with my own money.

int. ARI'S kitchen - night

Ari chases her Father (SANDAR, chimpanzee, hair streaked with gray) into the kitchen.

sanDAR

Your 'own money' is going to make a pauper of me. ... Where are they?

KRULL (a large, elder silverbacked Gorilla) points. On the other side of the room Leo and Daena kneel on the floor with TWO OTHER HUMANS (TIVAL and BON). Sandar groans when he sees them.

Tival and Bon rise immediately. These 'house humans' are well-groomed, wear nice robes.

krULL

(to Leo and Daena)

Rise when your master enters.

Daena scowls -- doesn't move. Krull yanks her up. Leo stands and faces the old chimp.

saNDAR

Semos, help me, wild humans in my house.

ari

(re: Leo)

This one seems different.

saNDAR

(dismissive)

How different could he be? You can't tell one from the other.

Leo looks up at Ari, meets her eyes again. Looking right at her. She is flustered, turns away.

O.S. They HEAR the sound of VOICES. Sandar is flustered.

saNDAR (CONT'D)

My guests are here. Keep the savage ones out of sight ... especially from General Thade.

Ari reacts --

arI

Father ...

saNDAR

And you'd better be nice to him.

Sandar runs out. Ari looks at Leo -- runs after her father.

ext. ARI'S DINING PATIO - NIGHT

A long table and garlands of fruit and flowers. A party of APES engage in small talk.

at the front door

Sandar exchanges ape touches with SENATOR NADO (an elderly orangutan) AND HIS WIFE NOVA (a young CHIMP).

sanDAR

Good evening Senator Nado, you look lovely tonight.

nOVA

I'm having a bad hair day.

She sighs and strokes the fur on her face.

naDO

(rolls his eyes)

Yet she spends a fortune grooming herself.

nova

And I'm worth every penny.

She strokes her old husband quickly and runs ahead of him inside.

FIND ARI WITH LEETA: in elegant embroidered robes.

leeTA

Thade is powerful and aggressive ... what else could you want in a male?

arI

Someone I can respect ... and who respects me.

leETA

Don't play so hard to get. Say 'yes' to him and you'll be invited to every exclusive party in the city.

ari

How many silly parties can you go to?

leETA

How many are there?

Krull appears ringing a small bell. Sandar sweeps through.

sandAR

Please, everyone, sit.

int. ARI'S kitchen - same time

At the sound of the bell Tival and Bon carry wooden trays of food upstairs.

As soon as they leave Leo jumps up, tests a WINDOW with wooden shutters. Won't budge. Leo turns to Daena.

leo

How the hell did these monkeys get this way?

Daena just stares --

daena

What other way would they be?

leo

They'd be begging me for a treat.

daENA

(confused, looks at him)

What tribe do you come from?

leo

It's called the United States Air Force. And I'm going back to it.

Krull suddenly appears.

krULL

Finish your work... no talking.

Krull grabs another tray of food and leaves. Leo waits, then picks up a tray -- peeks up the stairs.

EXT. ARI'S DINING PATIO

The APES are seated at a long table. Sandar at the head. Ari across from Leeta. The CHAIR next to Ari is STILL OPEN.

nado

We just returned from our country house in the rain forest.

Krull offers food to each guest.

sANDAR

And how was it?

noVA

Bor-ing.

naDO

I find it relaxing ... being away from the frantic pace of the city.

noVA

I wanted to go out. But there was no place to go ... nothing but trees and rocks. All you did was nap.

NADO

Exactly. A bit of time away from politics is what is needed for a weary soul like me.

ON LEETA AND ARI

ari

Look at the old fool ... he left his wife and children for her ... a chimp half his age. Now he can't keep up.

leETA

But he's worth a fortune.

back to nado

He reaches for Sandar. Gives him a gentle touch.

nadO

We used to lose ourselves for days in the forest when we were young. Now I can barely climb a tree.

saNDAR

It's trite but true. Youth is wasted on the young. Now that I have so much to do ... I'm exhausted. ... Still, some nights I dream of hurtling through the branches...

(sighs)

How did I get so old so fast?

thade (o.s.)

Living with your daughter would age any ape quickly.

They all turn as THADE ENTERS THE PARTY WITH ATTAR.

ari

Quick. Switch seats.

leeTA

No, he's here to see you.

THADE WAITS FOR KRULL TO PULL OUT THE CHAIR. KRULL DOESN'T MOVE. ATTAR HURRIES TO HOLD THE CHAIR FOR THADE. WE CAN SENSE ENORMOUS HOSTILITY BETWEEN THADE AND KRULL.

Thade sits next to Ari. Sandar shoots Ari a look which says 'Please don't be rude.'

sANDAR

You are too long a stranger in our house.

thADE

My apologies, Senator. I stopped to see my father.

sandar

How is my old friend doing?

THADE

I'm afraid he's slipping. I wish I could spend more time with him... but these are troubled times. Humans infest the provinces...

ari

Because our cities encroach on their habitat.

THADE

They breed quickly while we grow soft with our affluence. Even now they outnumber us ten to one.

nOVA

Why can't the government simply sterilize them all?

NADO

The cost would be prohibitive. ... Although our scientists do tell me the humans carry terrible diseases.

ari

How would we know? The army burns the bodies before they can be examined. ...

Ari turns to Sandar for support.

ari (CONT'D)

Father.

saNDAR

At times, perhaps, the senate feels the army has been a tad... extreme ...

thADE

Extremism in defense of Apes is no vice.

Senator Nado is about to bite into a piece of fruit. ATTAR growls -- they all freeze. Attar closes his eyes and prays.

atTAR

We give thanks to you, Semos, for the fruit of the land. Bless us, Holy Father, who created all Apes in his image. Hasten the Day when you will return ... and bring peace to your children. Amen.

All the guests quickly say 'Amen.' Attar looks over at Krull, uncomfortable under the glare of the old silverback.

int. aT the top of the stairs

Leo is looking for a way out when an APE SOLDIER sees him and pushes him into the --

EXT. ARI'S DINING PATIO

Thade notices LEO ENTER THE ROOM. Leo has no choice but to pretend to serve. He tries hide his face from Thade. Thade sees LEO serving from the tray.

thADE

What is this beast doing in your house?

Ari exchanges a look with her father.

ari

He'll be trained as a domestic.

thade

Your ideas threaten our prosperity. The human problem will not be solved by throwing money at it. The government tried once and all we got was a welfare state that nearly bankrupted us.

Attar

And changed the face of the city.

leeTA

I think the city has about as much diversity as I can handle.

Ari glares at Leeta. She holds up her EMBROIDERED SCARF.

ari

This garment was made by one of my humans.

Ari smiles at BON, who averts her eyes nervously.

arI (CONT'D)

Can you deny the skill? Isn't it obvious they are capable of a real culture?

thADE

Everything in 'human culture' takes place below the waist.

The guests all laugh.

nado

Next you'll be telling us that these beasts have a soul.

arI

Of course, they do.

Attar

The senator's daughter flirts with blasphemy.

Thade and Attar exchange a look. Thade grabs Leo powerfully. Knocking the tray and its food to the floor.

THADE

Tell me. Is there a soul inside you?

CLOSE ON LEO -- on the floor. He sweeps up the food. EVEN CLOSER: ON A SMALL PRONG the apes use as a fork. Leo slips it into his shirt. Thade pushes Leo away. Holds his HANDS UP with disgust.

tHADE (CONT'D)

Quick, a towel. ...

The guests all laugh at Leo. Ari's had enough. She stands.

ari

You're all cruel and petty ... and I've lost my appetite.

A quiet embarrassment in the room as Ari storms away from the table.

Sandar seems embarrassed -- he gestures to Thade: 'Go after her.'

ext. forest - bog - night

The woods are moon bright. THADE rides behind the TWO APE SOLDIERS. Just skirting the BOG.

first ape soldier

Here! This is where I saw it.

Thade dismounts.

thade

Go on.

second ape soldier

Something fell from the sky.

first ape soldier

With wings of fire.

seCOND APE SOLDIER

There was a terrible thunder and the ground itself shook! I thought we'd all be killed.

The apes look at each other nervously.

thADE

Are you sure you didn't dream this?

fIRST APE SOLDIER

It was no dream, sir. Look!

ON THADE: as they come upon the CHARRED AND BROKEN TREES LIKE SKELETONS IN THE MOONLIGHT.

thADE

Who else did you tell?

fiRST APE SOLDIER

No one, sir. We knew we had to come right to you.

CLOSE ON THADE: as he sets his hands on their shoulders.

tHADE

You did exactly the right thing.

CHAPTER 13: ESCAPE

close on a bowl of flowers

bright, fragrant blossoms. A FURRY HAND COMES INTO FRAME and CRUSHES THEM with a stone pestle.

widen and reveal: int. limbo's house - night

Limbo stands in front of a large mirror. Looks himself over. Sniffs. Sighs. Then starts to rub the crushed flowers across his armpits and chest.

ext. limbo's quadrangle - human pens - night

Karubi rests with Gunnar. The young feral boy, Birn, looks out through the slats. POV -- he's focused on a tiny slice of the night sky. As if it were a lifeline.

Birn suddenly jumps up. He HEARS SOMETHING moving above him.

punch close on birn

His eyes alive, senses alert. Now Karubi hears it. Gestures for them to be quiet.

ext. human pens - same time

TWO of Limbo's GORILLAS walk past the pens. ONE GORILLA stops, looks up at the roof line, sniffs, cocks his head.

first gorilla

You smell that?

second gorilla

Don't start now. We're off duty. And I'm starvin'.

They leave. PAN UP TO THE ROOF LINE. A SHADOW MOVES.

int. human pens - through the slats

A sound -- then a SHADOW ripples past. Karubi recoils against the back wall. Looks for something to use as a weapon. Tears away a wooden plank. Prepares for an attack.

into frame

DAENA appears. Reaches out her hand. Karubi takes it. Kisses it. The gate suddenly rattles. CLOSER -- a rope snakes through. Karubi hurries over and pushes the other end back outside.

ON LEO - OUTSIDE THE PEN

Leo uses a stake to twist a strand of rope tighter until the slat snaps.

They all freeze at the SOUND. Listen. No one has heard it.

Daena and Tival pull back the gate. Birn is out first. Then Gunnar. Karubi comes out slowly Daena sees his injured arm.

daeNA

You're hurt.

Karubi folds her into a warm embrace.

kaRUBI

How did you get away?

Daena turns to Leo. Karubi gives Leo a long look over.

kaRUBI (CONT'D)

Who are you?

leo

Just somebody trying to get the hell out of here.

Gunnar pokes at Tival.

guNNAR

This is one of their house humans. He thinks he's better than us. ...

(steps closer to taunt him)

He thinks he's part ape.

leo

(to Daena)

You promised to show me the way back.

Daena looks to Karubi.

kaRUBI

We'll go together.

ext. limbo's quadrangle - on the roof - night

Leo steps onto the rooftop. Followed by Karubi, Daena and the others. They move quickly. Silhouettes against the moon bright sky. They know what will happen if they're caught.

EXT. ROOFTOPS - angle - on the roof

FOUR TEENAGE APES pass around a JUG, all a little tipsy.

one teenage ape

Shhh, I hear something.

second teenage ape

I think it's my mom. Hide it!

ONE TEENAGER runs to stash the jug. Comes face to face with LEO. He lunges for Leo but falls, too dizzy from the drink.

Leo kicks OPEN the ATTIC DOOR. The others race after him. The TEENAGE APES ROAR loud enough for the alarm to carry.

INT. BUILDING - WIDEN AS THEY RUSH INTO THE BUILDING.

They fly down stairs. Leo veers off THROUGH ANOTHER DOOR.

MOVING QUICKLY THEY PASS THROUGH: int. bedroom (continuous)

NADO is in bed. NOVA comes out of the bathroom in a sexy short robe. Slinks into bed.

noVA

Honey? I'm feeling frisky ...

SNORE ... Nado is fast asleep. She growls and snuggles up to him just as LEO and the OTHERS explode into the room. NOVA lets out a howl. She jumps to the ceiling. A moment later NADO does the same. Leo veers for ANOTHER DOOR --

INT. APE APARTMENT (CONTINUOUS)

An OLD APE removes his WIG revealing a bald head -- setting the wig on an APE BUST. Then he takes out FALSE TEETH, sighs, puts them in a glass as -- LEO EXPLODES THROUGH THE DOOR. Leo overturns the bust, but never stops moving. Out the window, over a balcony. Through ANOTHER WINDOW --

INT. BEDROOM (CONTINUOUS)

THADE'S NIECE (the LITTLE APE we saw earlier) is putting her 'pet' to bed in a small CAGE. Her eyes filled with tears.

Leo and Karubi burst into the bedroom. Daena sees the LITTLE GIRL -- runs across the room and grabs her.

PUSH IN ECU AS THE LITTLE APE OPENS HER MOUTH REVEALING TINY CANINES AND STARTS TO HOWL.

INT. LIMBO'S HOUSE - SAME TIME

Limbo picks off pieces of flower petals stuck all over his fur. He HEARS the ROARS outside. Reacts.

ext. streets - night

Attar leads his soldiers through the city. Wait til they pass, then —

CHAPTER 14: AN APE ALLY

TILT UP TO ROOF

Leo hangs from an eave -- then drops down into the street. Daena hands him the Little Girl. She drops next. Then Gunnar, Birn, Tival. Karubi can only use one arm -- he FALLS from the eave. Hits HARD. Daena runs to him.

kaRUBI

Leave me...

daeNA

No...

KARUBI

I'm tired... and just too old. And old men get scared.

leo

You might be old and tired ... but you're done being scared.

Leo helps Karubi to his feet. Daena supports him.

gunnar

Apes.

EXT. STREETS - CONTINUOUS

STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS: TWO APES

Leo pulls his knife. Prepares for the attack.

It's ARI. in a flash krull disarms leo. Ari is upset.

ari

You're lucky I found you before they did. Come back with me to the house. I can reason with them.

karubi

I know how apes 'reason.'

BON, Ari's servant, stands meekly behind her. She looks quickly at Tival then bows her head.

leo

Is there another way out of the city?

Ari reacts. Leo can see it in her eyes right away -- she knows something. Krull tries to stop her.

krull

Do not get involved with these humans.

Leo steps closer to Ari -- it unnerves her. He speaks quickly, forcefully.

leO

Why did you save me? Why'd you take the chance?

Ari is flustered, then --

ari

I ... don't know. You are very unusual.

leo

Like you can't even imagine. Come with me... and I'll show you something that'll turn your whole world upside down.

dAENA

(sharply to Leo)

So this ape will understand you but I can't?

CLOSE ON ARI -- her mind racing. They can HEAR the howls of ape patrols echo across the city. Finally, Ari makes her decision.

ari

When I was little I found a way to sneak outside the city walls. Where no one could find me. I can lead you there.

krULL

If you are caught even your father won't be able to protect you.

ari

You know what the soldiers will do to them.

krULL

Your Father did not order it.

ari

He didn't forbid it, either.

The old Gorilla cannot refuse her. He looks them over.

krULL

This human child cannot survive the journey.

ARI

My servant woman will hide her in my house.

Gunnar glares at Bon as she steps forward. Ari reaches for the LITTLE HUMAN GIRL. Daena steps back.

Daena can't bring herself to let go. Karubi surprises them all by taking the Little Girl from Daena. Karubi hands her to Ari.Bon moves off quickly, disappearing into the shadows.

Ari looks at Leo, then runs off. The others follow quickly.

OMIT

OMIT

OMIT

OMIT

Omit

EXT. STREET - SAME TIME

Ari runs through the shadows with Leo leading the others. Down the long, narrow street. STAY ON KARUBI -- in great pain. Watching carefully. The city seems alive. He knows the what the sounds signify: the apes are hunting them again.

widen

They turn a corner.

KARUBI'S POV: AT THE FAR END OF THE STREET

Several DARK SHAPES appear. Krull quickly pulls Ari into the shadows.

PUNCH IN CLOSE - ATTAR

Too late. He sees Ari with the humans. Attar lets out a terrible roar.

krULL

They've seen us.

CLOSE ON KARUBI: He touches Daena gently.

kaRUBI

Hurry.

When she realizes what he's doing --

daeNA

No, father ...

kaRUBI

Don't worry. I'll be right beside you. Just like always.

Karubi dashes out of the shadows.

dAENA

Father.

ext. in the street - FOLLOWING KARUBI

Karubi charges forward straight at Attar.

ON ATTAR

He flashes his canines at Karubi.

closer - karubi

running through his pain. He grabs a heavy wooden TOOL left by a doorway and wields it like a spear. With a warrior's cry Karubi attacks Attar.

ATTAR merely puts out his arm to deflect the blow. With dazzling power he hurls Karubi to the ground.

KARUBI lays stunned for a second. He pushes himself to his knees. Looks UP to see Attar standing over him. Ape Soldiers encircle him.

Attar

Why do you not tremble before me?

To Attar's dismay a smile play across Karubi's face as he recalls Leo's words.

kaRUBI

I'm done being scared.

CLOSE ON ATTAR -- surprised at the heroism of this human. The nobility in Karubi's eyes freezes him. He can't quite bring himself to kill him.

NEW ANGLE -- The clatter of HOOFBEATS on stone. THADE CHARGES INTO FRAME ON HIS HORSE. Sword raised.

TILT UP TO A SHADOW ON THE WALL -- as Thade's sword pierces Karubi.(OR: THADE LEAPS FROM HIS HORSE TO KILL KARUBI WITH HIS HANDS.)

ext. moving through the shadows - same time

Leo, Ari, Krull, Daena and the others HEAR the heart-rending last CRY of Karubi. Daena tries to break away to go to him. But Krull stands in her way like a stone wall. Daena struggles ineffectively against his strength. Krull hands her to Leo.

ext. street

FOLLOW THADE charging back down the street with Attar and the soldiers.

tHADE

Where are the other humans?

atTAR

This way ... they can't have gone far.

at the end of the street

The soldiers fan out. But there is no sign of the humans. Attar sniffs the air, looks around, surprised.

attAR (CONT'D)

They've disappeared.

thADE

Ring the city. Block every gate. ... When you find them, kill them all. But keep the troublemaker alive. I must talk to him before he dies.

Attar hesitates; this is very hard for him to say.

Attar

Sir... the Senator's daughter is with them.

Thade reacts --

thADE

They took her?

attAR

She is helping them. I saw her myself.

Thade is thrown by the news -- but he recovers quickly and puts a 'spin' on Ari's involvement.

thADE

She had no choice. She was terrified. They threatened her life. I will report the matter to the senate myself.

(then)

They'll beat their chests and ask for my help.

atTAR

They are weak without you, sir.

thaDE

Has she taken the old silverback with her?

Attar is unhappy about the answer he must give.

atTAR

Yes, sir.

thADE

I trust that will not be a problem for you.

Thade stares intensely at Attar.

atTAR

No, sir, as of now he is a criminal.

But Attar is troubled.

CHAPTER 15: NO TURNING BACK

wide shot: ext. LAVA - night

An old stone CISTERN and SPRING HOUSE. The heavy wooden door shakes. Can't be moved.

SUDDENLY IT SHATTERS. KRULL powers through -- his old body still prodigiously strong compared to humans.

The humans stop to catch their breaths.

Last, Ari steps out. She sees Daena, face streaked with tears, staggered by her father's death.

ari

(gently)

Your father was a brave man.

Daena focuses her rage on Ari.

daENA

You know nothing about my father.

Daena flies at Ari. With stunning speed Ari flashes her canines and slaps Daena to the ground.

In a moment humans separate from apes. Krull roars and shields Ari -- who's already regretting what she's done.

Leo helps Daena to her feet.

daENA (CONT'D)

Let ... me ... go.

She breaks free of Leo and runs off powerfully into the forest.

Ari looks back at the city -- and the life she has put in jeopardy.

krULL

Move quickly ... Thade will be after us.

Krull turns to close up the TUNNEL DOOR by moving a massive ROCK in its place.

Ari and Leo run off.

stay with leo and ari

leo

He's no servant.

arI

Krull was a general ... til he opposed Thade. Thade ruined his career. ... My father took him in.

leo

I'm glad he's on our side.

widen: ext. forest - night

Impossibly lush. MOVING ACROSS FRAME: DARK SHAPES IN A BLUR.

REVEAL: DAENA leads the way -- running like a deer through the thick foliage. LEO racing after her. Leo hears SOMETHING right BEHIND him: BIRN continues to be his shadow. Birn smiles at Leo. Leo doesn't want to deal with him.

widen

ARI streaks past them all easily. She looks back to make sure Leo can see her.

Leo and the other humans stop to catch their breaths. Ari lopes back hardly winded.

Tival immediately offers her fruit and water. Daena and Gunnar watch.

gunnar

Look how they pamper her.

Ari hears them, pushes the food away.

ari

I'm fine.

daENA

Apes are always fine ... as long as you have humans to serve you.

Leo looks back to see if they're being followed.

leo

Keep moving.

They start off again. Krull stops Leo.

krULL

If this is some human trick, I will kill you.

ext. BACK TO THE STONE CISTERN

at the end of the hidden tunnel. A SHADOW MOVES. WE CAN JUST MAKE OUT TWO YELLOW EYES.

DISSOLVE THROUGH:

EXT. FOREST - DAWN

TWO SUNS take their place as the first violet streaks of dawn appear.

EXT. BOG - DAWN

The stippled pale light is reflected in deep still water.

CLOSER -- IN the WATER

LEO'S REFLECTION appears. TILT UP AND FIND LEO -- racing along the bank. He's wound up -- with the adrenaline of hope.

INTO FRAME: The others try to keep up with LEO -- then they STOP, astonished at the sight.

POV -- BURNT TREETOPS MARK A CHARRED TRAJECTORY FROM THE SKY INTO THE FOREST WHERE LEO CRASH LANDED. It's unmistakable that something powerful went into the water.

leO

This is where I flew in ...

ARI AND KRULL are not sure what to make of all this. The others are confused and unsettled by this startling image.

ari

You caused this?

leo

My retro-burners ...

Birn's eyes are wide. Leo's excitement infects him. Gunnar pushes forward to Daena. He won't admit it -- he's spooked.

guNNAR

The soldiers will be hunting us. We can still make it to the mountains.

Daena touches a scarred tree.

daeNA

I don't understand. You fell from the sky?

leo

With my ass on fire.

Krull gives Ari a very skeptical look.

ari

I'm sure he'll explain everything.

kruLL

How can you explain what can't exist?

LEO

I'll tell you what 'can't exist.' You. Talking monkeys. This whole place.

Leo traces a streak of black soot leading deeper into the bog. Krull STOPS Ari from following.

leO (CONT'D)

What's wrong?

ari

Apes cannot swim. We will drown in deep water.

Daena glares at Ari.

daenA

That's why we pray for rain every day.

But Ari follows Leo anyway. Leo spots an OIL SLICK.

leo

There's where I went in.

Before they can react -- Leo DIVES INTO THE BOG AND DISAPPEARS BENEATH THE WATER.

ON THE BANK: the others wait. No idea what to think. Birn stands on the edge. The silence unsettles them. No sign of Leo. Finally, Ari looks at Daena --

ari

How long can a human hold his breath beneath the water?

Birn looks at Deana -- Is Leo in trouble? Daena dives in. Ari is taken back by her power and grace in the water.

EXT. UNDERWATER - FOLLOW DAENA

she swims powerfully. Pulls apart a curtain of weeds. REVEALING: THE POD. Daena is amazed. She runs her hand along the surface.

PUSH EXTREME CLOSE: THE EMBLEM OF THE OBERON ON THE POD. THE LETTERS 'USAF'. INTO FRAME -- LEO swims OUT of the pod carrying a METALLIC BOX. They turn to swim back.

Daena reacts -- Leo pulls her away.

ext. bog

Leo and Daena swim quickly back to shore. Looks at Krull.

leo

You guys don't go near water?

Leo sets the EMERGENCY BOX (with an OBERON LOGO) on the ground.

LEO (CONT'D)

How come there's two monkeys down there?

They all react --

krULL

Someone else knows about you.

CLOSER: LEO URGENTLY UNPACKS THE BOX

Removes a LAPTOP-SIZED DEVICE. While Leo works to set it up BIRN rummages through the BOX.

Out comes: COMPASS, FLARE, MRE'S (FIELD RATIONS), THERMAL BLANKET, CORD, MEDICAL KIT. Birn passes around the supplies; the others examine them, not sure what they're for.

Gunnar tears open the FIELD RATIONS. The contents spill to the ground.

Leo's box suddenly SQUAWKS to life. The humans jump back.

ari

What is it?

leo

It's called a 'Messenger'...it keeps an open frequency with my ship so I can talk to them.

ari

It can 'talk'?

leo

With radio waves.

(off their confused look)

Invisible energy that floats all around us.

krULL

This is sorcery.

LEO

Not sorcery, science. ... I just have to monkey with it a little.

Ari and Krull react.

A LOUD PIERCING TONE startles them all. Ari and Krull cover their ears. Leo is electrified.

leo (CONT'D)

Contact.

Birn creeps forward to peek at the machine. ON THE 'MESSENGER' SCREEN: a digital SWEEP shows Leo's POSITION and the POSITION of the responding beacon. Leo's face lights up brightly.

leo (CONT'D)

Jesus. They're already here.

CLOSE ON ARI -- amazed.

daENA

You'd better warn them about the apes.

leo

Better warn the apes about them. We're in control now. We're the 800-pound gorilla.

ari

It's time you told us the truth. ... Who are you?

PUSH IN CLOSE ON LEO AS HE TURNS TO THEM --

leo

I'm Captain Leo Davidson, of the United States Oberon. I come from a galaxy called The Milky Way. A planet in our star system called 'Earth'.

birn

Is it far?

leo

Past any star you can see at night.

An impossible concept. CLOSE ON ARI: her look reveals how much Leo has taken hold of her imagination.

tival

Your apes permit you to fly?

leo

Our apes live in zoo's... They do what we tell them. ...

Leo quickly closes up the Messenger.

leo (CONT'D)

I'd call this hostile territory. So I've got exactly 36 hours to rendezvous with them. ... And then my ass is out of this nightmare.

gunNAR

What happens to us? Where do we go?

Omit

OMIT

EXT. BOG - CONTINUOUS - ANGLE - DROPPING OUT OF THE TREES

LIMBO slams down on Gunnar and holds him tight.

limbo

You're going nowhere. This one still belongs to me.

Gunnar struggles but Limbo slaps him once -- and stuns him. Limbo shackles his legs.

ari

This is an outrage ... stop.

limbo

(growls at her)

You I've had enough of.

widen

Birn breaks for the forest. He's pulled off the ground. TILT UP: TWO OF LIMBO'S HANDLERS explode from bushes.

CLOSE ON LEO

he quietly reaches into the EMERGENCY BOX. Takes out a SIDEARM and setting his finger on the trigger makes a rapid adjustment to the handle.

BIRN fights fiercely as Limbo tries to shackle him.

limbo (CONT'D)

Hold still. I'm not going to hurt you. I wouldn't hurt my own property...

Birn punches him sharply in the face. Limbo growls and backhands him hard.

limBO (CONT'D)

For you I'll make an exception.

He's about to hit Birn again -- PAN SLIGHTLY RIGHT -- as the TREE BRANCH next to Limbo suddenly EXPLODES. Wood splinters. The SOUND echoes through the forest. It's never been heard before by any of them. Birn stares wide-eyed at Leo.

leo

(re:gun)

You saw what it did to the tree.

Limbo's men are as loyal as he is honest; they disappear into the trees. Limbo freezes. Gives a meek smile. Quickly helps Birn to his feet.

liMBO

No harm done.

(to Birn)

You're not hurt. You're young...

(smiles at Leo)

... these kids bounce right back.

leo

(as if commanding a dog)

Play dead.

Limbo falls to his knees, puts his hands up.

daENA

Kill him!

Gunnar kicks Limbo.

gunnar

Slave trader.

But Ari steps in the way.

arI

If you kill him you'll only lower yourself to his level.

limbo

Exactly. She's extremely smart. You know I've heard her talking ... about apes and humans ...

(fumbling)

Separate but equal, to each his own ... something like that, right? Whatever it is, I agree with it completely.

Limbo approaches Leo with his hands up (the way we saw him disarm Leo in the quadrangle.)

limbo (CONT'D)

Can't we all just get along?

LEO FIRES AT THE GROUND JUST BEFORE LIMBO MAKES A MOVE TO GRAB THE GUN WITH HIS FOOT.

leo

Find a new trick.

(re: Gunnar's shackles)

Take them off ...

Limbo frees Gunnar from the heavy shackles.

limBO

Well, I'm probably just in the way now. So I'll get going ...

He tries to back away.

daena

He'll lead them to us.

leo

Then we'll make him our guest.

Leo throws the shackles to Birn. Birn locks Limbo's wrists.

limBO

Ow! These things hurt.

INTO FRAME FROM ABOVE LEO -- KRULL flips down and grabs the gun from Leo. Jumps to the ground.

leo

What the hell are you doing?

krULL

You can turn this on me. I can't allow it.

Before Leo can stop Krull he uses his massive strength to smash the gun against a rock. Ari scolds Leo.

ARI

Who would invent such a horrible device?

leo

(screams)

That 'device' was going to keep me alive.

ari

We're better off without it.

dAENA

There's no 'we' here.

arI

Must you be so difficult?

dAENA

Why don't I act more like a slave?

arI

That's not what I meant.

As they argue --

leo

Shut up. ... That goes for all species.

Ari and Daena separate, then --

daeNA

You can't trust them.

leo

Know who I trust? Myself.

Leo picks up the Messenger and hurries off.

CHAPTER 18: MARTIAL LAW

OMIT

NEW ANGLE - APE SOLDIERS MOVE THROUGH THE CITY

FIND THADE -- walking with SANDAR, Ari's Father.

saNDAR

If I ever thought that those humans were capable of kidnapping my daughter ...

Sandar's voice breaks.

tHADE

Don't blame yourself, Senator. Your family above all tried to be compassionate to the humans ... and look how they repaid you.

Sandar seems suddenly frail and weak.

sANDAR

Can you find my daughter?

thade

If you untie my hands.

Sandar is caught off guard.

sandar

What do you want?

Thade stops -- turns to him boldly.

thADE

Declare Martial Law. Give me the absolute power to rid our planet of humans once and for all.

When Sandar hesitates --

thADE (CONT'D)

Now is not the time to be timid and indecisive...

(steps closer)

... I am the only one who can bring your daughter back to you ... alive.

Sandar looks at him -- nods, then leaves quickly.

ANGLE

Attar comes up to Thade.

attar

They're not within the city walls.

thade

We underestimate this human.

Thade considers, then --

thade (CONT'D)

I will hunt him down myself.

He mounts his horse.

angle

An OLD APE SERVANT in dark robes ride up.

old ape

Your father has sent me to find you. You must come quickly.

Thade is shaken by the news. He gives orders to Attar.

tHADE

Alert our outposts. Make sure the human does not pass.

atTAR

I understand, sir.

Thade looks at Attar.

THADE

Except for my father, you're the one I depend on most. We are not just soldiers ... we're friends. I'm depending on you.

Omit

CHAPTER 19: A FATHER’S SECRET

INT. thade's father's HOUSE - night

A pitch dark room. Windows shrouded. A single candle BURNS by a wooden bed. Silence broken only by the rasp of heavy breathing.

CLOSER: IN THE BED

An extremely frail, old APE, fur completely gray. So insubstantial he seems to have no corporeality.

INTO THE LIGHT: THADE

startled by the pitiful shell of his father. We read great pain in Thade's face. He reaches out and touches the old ape.

thade

Father...

The old ape opens his eyes -- cataracts distort their color. He smiles when he recognizes his son.

father

I don't have much time. ... Tell me about this human who troubles you.

thADE

He'll be captured soon ... and little trouble.

faTHER

You're not telling me everything. ... You believe he's not born of this world.

CLOSE ON THADE: he reacts -- surprised.

fATHER (CONT'D)

Has he come alone?

thADE

Yes.

fATHER

More will come looking for him.

thADE

How can you possibly know?

FATHER

I have something to tell you before I die. Something my father told me ... and his father told him ... back across our bloodline to Semos.

PUSH IN CLOSE as Thade leans his ear to his father's lips.

father (CONT'D)

In the time before time ... we were the slaves and the humans were our masters.

thADE

Impossible.

Thade's Father holds out his skeletal hand and points across the room. On a table sits a sealed URN.

fATHER

Break it.

Thade hurries across the room. Smashes the urn to the floor.

insert: on the floor

In the clay pieces Thade finds what looks like an ANCIENT METAL ARTIFACT. A GUN. Thade holds it up, confused.

fATHER (CONT'D)

What you hold in your hand is proof of their power. Their power of invention. Their power of technology. Against which our strength means nothing.

Thade looks at the GUN, holds it, studies it.

fATHER (CONT'D)

It has the force of a thousand spears.

Greatly agitated, Thade's Father grimaces in pain; he fights to stay lucid.

faTHER (CONT'D)

I warn you ... their ingenuity goes hand-in-hand with their cruelty. No creature is as devious or violent... Find this human quickly ... do not let him reach Calima.

tHADE

The ancient ruins? There's nothing there but some old cave paintings.

fATHER

Calima holds the secret of our true beginning.

The old man's groans in great pain.

thADE

I will stop him, Father.

fATHER

This human has already infected the others with his ideas.

(with his last breath)

Damn them all to Hell ...

His hand drops away. His eyes roll back. Thade's eyes well with tears. He closes his Father's eyes -- and blows out the candle.

OMIT

CHAPTER 20: THE WAY TO KALIMA

ext. mountain slopes - day

Rough and steep. Leo and the other humans struggle towards the top.

ext. mountain slopes - CONTINUOUS

Leo stops to catch his breath. Tival and Krull immediately tend to Ari again. This time Ari bounds right to leo and hands him the water. Leo reacts -- unsettled by her intimate manner with him. Leo takes a sip. Returns it to her.

NEW ANGLE: Daena is watching them. Ari holds out the canteen to her. Daena brushes it aside. Moves on.

widen (MOVING) - AS LEO AND ARI WALK

Ari is excited, full of energy.

arI

I have so many questions I want to ask.

leo

Get in line.

ARI

What are these 'zoo's' you speak of? ... this word is unfamiliar.

leo

Zoo's are where you'll find our last few apes.

Ari and Krull react.

krULL

What happened to the rest of them?

leo

Gone. After we cut down their forests. The ones that survived we lock in cages for our amusement... or use in scientific experiments.

ari

(shocked and angry)

How horrible.

leo

We do worse to our own kind.

ari

I don't understand ... you seem to possess such great intelligence.

leo

Yeah, we're pretty smart ... and the smarter we get the more dangerous our world becomes.

Ari looks at Leo. No matter what he says she'll find a way to use it as a connection.

arI

You're sensitive, I knew it. It is an uncommon quality in a male.

krull

Why don't your apes object to the way you treat them?

leo

Our apes can't talk.

ari

Maybe they choose not to, given the way you treat them.

Limbo snorts -- he doesn't believe a word.

limbo

Apes in cages. Right.

daENA

Sounds like paradise to me.

ext. mountain slopes - CONTINUOUS

widen

BIRN is watching Leo. Leo smiles at him. Birn is embarrassed -- scoots ahead.

The hill becomes very steep now. Birn looks for something to grab onto.

CLOSE ON BIRN'S HAND -- he latches onto AN APE FOOT.

PAN UP TO SEE A MONSTROUS APE -- ARMS SPREAD WIDE -- CANINES EXPOSED. Birn screams and tumbles backwards.

FOLLOW BIRN caroming down the hill.

INTO FRAME -- SOMEONE catches him. Birn looks up to see Leo.

leo

They're not real.

REVEAL: APE EFFIGIES. Exaggerated in size, set in fearsome poses, hanging from high poles. A long line along the crest of the hill.

Daena steps beside Leo.

daENA

The apes put them where they don't want us to go. Crossing means certain death.

leo

What's so important on the other side of this hill?

krulL

It leads to the ancient ruins at Calima.

leo

Calima?

ari

Our Holy writings say Creation began at Calima ... ... where the Almighty breathed life into Semos, the First Ape, in the time before time...

krull

... and where it is said Semos will return to us one day.

arI

Of course, most educated apes consider such religious notions as fairytales, metaphors we use to explain our origins. I doubt there ever really was a Semos.

daENA

His friends aren't fairytales. They're real.

Leo continues ACROSS THE LINE OF EFFIGIES. Krull shoves Limbo ahead.

liMBO

Doesn't he ever stop?

STAY ON HUMANS: afraid to cross the line. Birn suddenly springs forward. TILT UP AT THE EFFIGY as Birn chases past it to fall behind Leo. Daena sees it -- and runs after them with the others.

ext. TOP OF THE HILL - evening

Leo finally reaches the crest. Below is a narrow MEADOW in a valley between two MOUNTAINS. A DOZEN PATTERNED TENTS FORM A CAMP BY A RIVER. APES guard the pass.

Leo and the others hide in the ROCKS.

POV - A SMALL HERD OF HORSES

trapped in a natural rock pen between Leo and the Ape Camp.

dAENA

(re: horses)

Monsters.

leo

(reacts)

What are you talking about?

gunnar

I've heard the apes feed them human flesh.

tival

I've heard they're possessed by the spirits of great ape generals.

leo

They're just horses. They'll do whatever you tell them to do.

gunnar

We should to cross the river another way... over the mountains.

leO

I've got no time for that. We'll go through them.

Leo slips back down the hill. Ari and Krull exchange a look. Limbo calls after him.

limBO

Where should we bury your remains?

ext. ape enCAMPMENT - night

Brightly colored tents billow in the wind off the river.

by a campfire - a group of ape soldiers

are gambling. ONE APE throws down a large PLAYING CARD.

INSERT PLAYING CARD: THE FIGURES ARE APES IN ANCIENT COSTUMES

FIRST ape soldier

Semos smiles on me. I win again.

He reaches for the pot. A SECOND APE SOLDIER stops his arm.

second ape soldier

You win too often. What have you hidden up your sleeve?

It immediately gets tense. The FIRST SOLDIER pulls back the sleeves of his uniform. One hand, the other hand. Grins -- nothing there. Reaches for the pot again. He's stopped again.

second aPE SOLDIER (CONT'D)

All of them...

He forces back one pant leg. Nothing in that foot. Tries the other. PUNCH IN CLOSE: THE FIRST APE HOLDS A CARD WITH HIS FOOT.

second aPE SOLDIER (CONT'D)

Cheater!

He knocks the soldier back. In a second they start to fight. A LOUD GROWL MAKES THEM STOP. They turn to see --

attar on horseback

having just come into camp. He has clearly covered a great distance. He rides right up to them and kicks over the cards. The soldiers jump to their feet.

attar (o.s.)

Who is in charge here?

ANGLE: Rushing out of a TENT: the APE COMMANDER, quickly buttoning his uniform.

ape commander

I am, sir. ... They didn't tell me you were coming.

atTAR

(cuts him off)

This camp is a disgrace.

The Commander is terrified. Attar dismounts.

ATTAR (CONT'D)

Some humans have escaped.

apE COMMANDER

If they come this way we'll crush them.

atTAR

These humans are different. They travel with apes.

The Ape Commander hesitates, then laughs --

atTAR (CONT'D)

You find this amusing?

apE COMMANDER

(stops)

No, sir.

Attar looks around at the mountains.

atTAR

I'm assuming command. I will personally make sure this camp is prepared.

CHAPTER 21: FIRE AND WATER

ext. horse pen - night

Leo holds a DUN COLORED STALLION. They watch him grab a fistful of mane and hop on. The humans are all amazed. Leo wheels the horse round.

leo

Who's next?

The others hang back. Too afraid to join him.

leo (CONT'D)

Then I guess we're saying good-bye here.

Ari takes a hesitant step forward.

daENA

You can't go, you're afraid of water.

arI

You can't go, you're afraid of horses.

Leo rides between them.

leo

(to Daena)

You want to ride? Grab a fistful of mane and hold on.

(to Ari)

You want to cross the river? Horses are great swimmers. They'll carry you across. ...

KRULL APPEARS OUT OF THE DARKNESS.

krull

You're assuming the soldiers won't tear you to pieces. ... I've just seen Thade's greatest warrior ride into the camp.

leo

Sounds like he scares you.

krULL

He does. I trained him myself.

limBO

Well, good luck, have a pleasant ride. Obviously, I can't go... so if you don't mind ...

He holds out his shackles. Leo surprises everyone by unlocking them.

daENA

You're letting him go?

The shackles fall -- Limbo sighs, rubs his wrists.

Leo

No. He'll ride with us.

LIMBO

There is no way...

ARI

(over)

And if you try to get away, I will tell Thade we bribed you to help us.

limbo

I'll deny it.

KRULL

A very large bribe.

Ari and Krull grin at him. Limbo explodes.

limbO

The whole thing's suicide. Ride through an army encampment? Only a human would think this could work.

lEO

Attitude is the first human freedom.

Leo reaches into the Messenger Box, takes out the FLARE GUN.

ext. ape encampment - night

close on an altar - inside a tent

kneeling on a small woven tapestry. Eyes closed. Ca