December 8, 1982
FADE IN:
EXT.OUTPOST 18
On the horizon, Outpost #18 can be seen. It is not that
big, but not too small. There are eleven men who are stationed at this
outpost. All military men.
Ross North is regular private stationed at Outpost #18 in
case of emergency. He’s a good guy, not to bad of an ass. Can be a
disease, so don’t screw around with. 27.
Marc Specter was a specialist in the U.S. Army for three
years, most of his assignments were in Africa. All are classified. Because
of his name, he is partial to the comic book Moon Knight, who’s secret
identity is Marc Spector. 33.
Jimmy Vasser is the radio and telegraph operator. Before
being stationed in Antarctica, he worked with his father and three brothers
in an electric appliance repair shop. Vasser has a vast knowledge of
electronics. 31.
Pike Stoneman is another regular soldier shipped out from
Philadelphia. He had just gotten back from Vietnam, but still hoping every
morning he’d wake up back in the jungle. Feels like Captain Willard from Apocalypse
Now. 32.
Captain Jim A. Kopland leads this small brigade. He
served in Vietnam and WWII. Loved it their but hates it here. His men can
piss him off easily. A little anger can push him over the edge. 38
Corporal Kerry Permind is a good ‘ol boy. From Alabama,
but left his accent behind. His roots may be back at home, but his shotgun
isn’t. 45.
Corporal Ted Riles is a man who sticks to his thoughts.
You can’t change his mind, and sometimes he won’t even change his own.
One real tough-ass. 35
Stanley Arnold is the only black man at Outpost #18. He
doesn’t seem to mind, neither does anyone else. His music is the only
thing that bothers the guys. 32.
Lieutenant Ryan Stolis is second-in-command. He thinks
Kopland is pretty cool, but he doesn’t know Kopland hates him. A good man.
34.
Sergeant Peter Cadwell is the man that keeps the place
running. Without him, the outpost doesn’t do anything. He makes sure the
plates are washed and the beds are made. 40
Sergeant Donald Becker is an old timer. Sixty-three and
still in the army. He has always loved his job, and despite the cold, he
likes his job even in Antarctica. 63.
Silas Hansen is just a guy who has nothing better to do.
Just a moron who loves to waste time. Good guy, though, tries to keep the
peace. 30.
The station is a dark one at times. Right now, the men
are bored out of their mind. Their purpose here is to make sure the two
parallel stations, Outpost #31 and Outpost #16 are in order.
Both parallel stations are research facilities and only
about an hour away. Even Outpost #18 is used for scientific reasons every
now and then.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.CORRIDOR
Kopland is walking down the hallway. It is like any other
day, early morning now. He is making sure everyone is up. One by one he
checks the bunks.
Becker, up.
Cadwell, up.
Stolis, up.
Stoneman, up.
Vasser, up.
Specter, up.
Permind, up.
Arnold, believe it or not, up.
Riles, up.
North, up.
Silas… asleep.
KOPLAND
Damn it, Silas, every morning.
Kopland takes his whistle and bends down to Silas’
level. Then, he blows the whistle.
TWEET!
Silas nearly jumps out of his skin. NOW he is up.
SILAS
Jim! You’re gonna kill me doing that! You gotta
knock it off!
KOPLAND
Maybe you could be like everyone else here and get up
on time!
SILAS
You’re right, Jim. I need to get up early to do the
regular nothing that I do every fucking day!
KOPLAND
Yeah, Silas, that’s about right. (laughs to
himself)
Exit Kopland. Silas rolls his eyes and puts his head back
down.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.KITCHEN
Becker is cooking something on the stove. Stoneman looks
at it. It is a strange yellowish-green color.
STONEMAN
What is that?
BECKER
Scrambled eggs.
STONEMAN
Oh… Why is it all… Green?
BECKER
I’ll have you know these scrambled eggs won first
place at the egg festival!
STONEMAN
At what festival? The Dr. Suess Green Eggs and Ham
festival?
BECKER
No, the annual Philadelphia eggs competition.
STONEMAN
Ah ha, and are these the same eggs? That would
explain why they’re green.
BECKER
Stoneman, someday I’m gonna kick your ass.
Becker goes to the refrigerator. Stoneman takes a fork
and pokes the eggs.
STONEMAN
Hell’s eggs, I swear.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.GARAGE
Riles is watching Cadwell trying to fix the one
snowmobile. Riles sips his coffee as Cadwell shouts obscenities.
RILES
Come on, Cadwell, some guys could do this on their
lunch break.
CADWELL
Damn it! This fucking belt is pissing me off!
RILES
Really? I couldn’t tell.
Cadwell comes out from underneath the snowmobile.
CADWELL
You wanna do this?
Riles doesn’t respond.
CADWELL
Then just shut the fuck up.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.ARMORY
Arnold is putting every gun and magazine in order, neatly
in shelves. When he finishes, he stands back and admires his work.
ARNOLD
Ha ha! Beautiful!
Enter North.
NORTH
Wow, good job Arnold!
North goes to reach for a flare gun.
ARNOLD
I know. Took me all night, but it was worth it.
North trips into a shelf, creating a domino effect,
knocking over every shelf. When North recovers, he looks at Arnold, who is
in disbelief.
NORTH
Heh… Uh… Guess this would make a good story, huh,
Arnold?
Arnold looks at North.
ARNOLD
North, some day, I will kill you.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.RADIO ROOM
A FEW HOURS LATER
Vasser is screwing with the radio, not sure of what he’s
doing. Wearing headphones. Enter Stolis.
STOLIS
The hell are you doing?
VASSER
Trying to find a weather station. I want to know what’s
going on. Some clouds out there.
Stolis nods.
VASSER
Hmm… Think I found something. Wait… Got it… Oh,
shit. Just what we need.
STOLIS
What’s that, Vasser?
VASSER
Says a big snowstorm’s gonna hit here, it’ll hit
Outpost #16 and #31, too.
STOLIS
Great.
CUT TO:
EXT.OUTPOST 18.GATE COMPOUND
A big storm is about to move in as the night portion of
the year starts. It is already getting dark fast, and the winds are already
up.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.GATE COMPOUND ENTRANCE
Cadwell is standing outside near the outpost gates. The
lights to the compound come on. Cadwell looks to the lights; snow is
starting.
Stolis comes up behind him.
STOLIS
Vasser says the report from the radio is one hell of
a storm. Maybe we should send someone to the other two outposts and make
sure they’re all right.
CADWELL
Nah. You can ask Kopland, but I think they’ll be
fine. Besides, it’s so damn dark out here I’d be afraid that our
guys would get lost.
STOLIS
Not like you to care whether our guys live or die.
Cadwell’s head snaps toward Stolis.
CADWELL
The hell is that supposed to mean?
STOLIS
Just kidding, Pete, calm down.
As they look into the darkness, ruffling is heard behind
them. It is the sound of someone running through the snow.
It is Vasser, moving as fast as he can holding some
papers.
VASSER
Lieutenant! I’ve just received these communications
from Outpost #31!
He pushes the papers in Stolis’ face.
STOLIS
Okay, okay! Vasser, take it easy, let’s just have a
look at this.
TRANSMISSION #238
MAYDAY------MAYDAY------THIS IS OUTPOST
31------MAYDAY-----MAYDAY
Stolis gives a puzzled look then turns to Cadwell.
Cadwell takes the papers. He sees the initial transmission then turns the
page. The rest is a list of all other transmissions from Outpost #31.
CADWELL
Any messages from Outpost #16?
VASSER
No, sir, just Outpost #31.
STOLIS
Maybe the weather is screwing up the transmissions.
VASSER
That’s what I thought at first, but I’m certain
it’s from Outpost #31!
STOLIS
Hmm. Okay. Let’s take this to Jim, he’ll know
what to do.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.CORRIDOR
As the three head down the corridor to Jim’s office, a
noise is heard from the radio room. Vasser breaks off but Cadwell and Stolis
still head for Jim.
In the radio room, the noise is coming from the walkie
talkie that Stoneman has in the tower. The tower is the post from which both
parallel outposts can be seen.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.RADIO ROOM
STONEMAN
Vasser! Vasser, are you there?!
Vasser picks up the walkie talkie.
VASSER
Yeah, Stoneman, I’m here, what’s the problem?
STONEMAN
I may be seeing things, but it looks as if the power’s
gone out at Outpost #31!
Vasser pauses.
VASSER
I don’t think you’re seeing things, Stoneman.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.OFFICE
Cadwell and Stolis arrive at Jim’s office. Stolis taps
on the door. Inside, Jim is polishing his Colt 45. When he hears the taps,
his head perks up. Jim slowly turns his attention back to his gun.
KOPLAND
Come in.
Cadwell and Stolis enter. They salute Jim and stand at
ease.
STOLIS
Jim, we have a situation. A few moments ago Vasser
received a transmission coming from Outpost #31. The radio man there-
KOPLAND
Windows.
STOLIS
Sir?
KOPLAND
The radio man at Outpost #31, his name, Windows.
Stolis looks at the transmission paper.
KOPLAND
Continue.
STOLIS
There are several statements here quoting
"MAYDAY." They seem to be in trouble, sir.
Jim lifts his hand and his shoulders.
STOLIS
We want to know if we can send someone there to check
out the site and see if the crew is all right.
Jim shrugs. He bites his lip.
KOPLAND
No. It’s too dangerous out there. Wait until the
storm passes.
Vasser enters. He sees they are in the middle of a
conversation. He clears his throat.
VASSER
Umm, Sergeant, I need to tell you something.
KOPLAND
You can say it here, Vasser, it’s okay.
VASSER
Stoneman has just reported that the electricity has
gone out at Outpost #31.
Jim slams his hand on the desk. He stands up. Jim puts
his hands on his hips and eyes his revolver.
KOPLAND
Cadwell, get everyone in here, we’re gonna have to
figure out what to do.
Exit Cadwell.
Jim signals for Vasser to go back to his post. Exit
Vasser. Stolis and Jim are now in the office.
STOLIS
Sir, I can’t think of anything else to do except to
send someone out there. North and Stoneman could handle it. Maybe you
could send Specter, too.
Jim throws his hands up.
STOLIS
Sir, I can’t help but think you’re overreacting.
Jim looks at Stolis.
Enter Riles, Permind, and Becker.
RILES
Sergeant Cadwell told us to report to your office,
sir. Is everything all right?
KOPLAND
Corporal, I’m not going to lie to you. We have
quite a situation over at Outpost #31.
Stolis snaps his attention to Jim.
STOLIS
Sir, we’re not fully aware of-
Jim glares at Stolis. Stolis is quiet.
Enter Arnold and North. Both are silent.
KOPLAND
Our radio man, Vasser, has relayed to us that Outpost
#31 has been sending messages that repeat the word, "Mayday."
I have also learned that Stoneman has witnessed that Outpost #31 has
lost power. We are now pending the decision to send anyone there to
check it out.
Becker and Riles look at each other for a second. Riles
takes a step back and looks up and down the hallway. Stoneman and Specter
are approaching.
BECKER
Well, I think the storm is going to keep us at bay.
RILES
I don’t know, Becker, they seemed as if they were
in a lot of trouble. We really need to send someone over there.
Enter Stoneman and Specter.
KOPLAND
Stoneman, what exactly did you see?
STONEMAN
I was at my post, looking back at forth at both
outposts. I turned around just in time to see Outpost #31… Next thing…
the lights were out. I couldn’t see the place anymore.
Kopland sits down. He signals for Stoneman to go back to
his post. Exit Stoneman. Enter Permind, Cadwell, and Silas.
KOPLAND
I trust the sergeant has explained our situation to
you?
Permind and Silas nod.
KOPLAND
Good. I’ve come to my decision. North and Arnold
will go and investigate. Bring any survivors back here.
STOLIS BECKER CADWELL
Survivors? What are you talking What?!
About?
KOPLAND
Questions later. North, Arnold, pack up your gear and
move out.
Exit North and Arnold. Kopland stands up and turns
around. Exit Specter and Silas. Stolis and Cadwell stand, stunned. Kopland
still stands with his back to the men. Exit Stolis, Cadwell, Riles, and
Becker.
FADE TO:
INT.OUPOST 18.GUARD TOWER
Stoneman is leaning against the railing. He looks around
the small guard tower. This job is boring to him. Stoneman sighs then looks
at Outpost #31.
STONEMAN
If I could see it, I’d shoot at it.
FOCUS ON OUTPOST #31
The outpost explodes. Stoneman snaps to attention. The
flames rage out of control
CLOSEUP: STONEMAN’S EYES
They rush back and forth trying to figure out what has
happened.
FOCUS ON OUTPOST #31
Another explosion.
Stoneman stumbles at first, but grabs the walkie talkie.
The batteries are dead. He rushes for the ladder and quickly descends. As he
climbs down the ladder, he can see a snowmobile heading for Outpost #31.
STONEMAN
Shit! They can’t see the outpost at ground level!
He starts to climb down again. He finally reaches the
bottom.
CAMERA STATIONARY ON LADDER
Stoneman runs for the compound.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.RADIO ROOM
Vasser is sitting in his chair with his feet up on the
desk and sunglasses on. He is wearing headphones attached to a radio. He is
humming to some rock song and sipping a beer. Enter Stoneman. He is in a
flurry. Vasser does not notice him. Stoneman pushes Vasser out of the way.
Vasser and his chair flip and land on the ground. Vasser’s beer spills all
over him. Stoneman grabs a radio speaker.
STONEMAN VASSER
Hey! Hey! Anyone What the hell is
There?! The matter with you?!
Vasser stumbles to get up as he rips off his sunglasses.
Stoneman continues to try and find the right radio speaker.
STONEMAN
Vasser! Which one of these is in contact with that
snowmobile?!
VASSER
(pointing)
This one.
CLOSEUP ON RADIO SPEAKER
Stoneman lunges for the speaker. He picks it up.
STONEMAN
Hey! Hey! Anyone there !? Hey!
VASSER
Stoneman, calm down, they may have their radio turned
off.
STONEMAN
Who was in that snowmobile?
VASSER
North and Arnold. What the hell is going on?
STONEMAN
The outpost! It blew up!
VASSER
(puzzled)
Blew up?
STONEMAN
Yes! That motherfucking outpost just blew sky high!
Vasser still gives a puzzled look.
STONEMAN
I’ll show you! Let’s go to the camera room!
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.CAMERA ROOM
Stoneman and Vasser run in. Stoneman scans the
televisions up and down until he finds the camera stationed on the guard
tower.
STONEMAN
(pointing)
There!
CLOSEUP ON SCREEN
Vasser stares at the screen. In the background, you can
see that the outpost has indeed blown up. Vasser takes a step back. The two
look at each other. Both exit.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.OFFICE
Jim is sitting at his desk, looking at his revolver. He
is thinking of possible suicide. He looks to his right. On the wall, there
is a picture of him and his old crew stationed at Outpost #31. The picture
contains Jim, Macready, Garry, Bennings, Windows, and Blair. Others are
pictured, but none that are recognizable. Jim sighs.
Enter Vasser and Stoneman. They salute Jim.
KOPLAND
(standing up)
Why aren’t you at your post?
STONEMAN
Sir, Outpost #31 has just blown up.
Unlike Vasser, Jim completely understands. He looks back
at the picture. Jim then focuses on his gun. He picks up the gun and puts it
in his holster.
KOPLAND
(looking at Stoneman)
Get Specter and Riles. They’re coming with me to
Outpost #31.
STONEMAN
Sir, North and Arnold are already on their way.
KOPLAND
We’re going by helicopter.
Vasser and Stoneman look at each other.
CUT TO:
EXT.OUTPOST 18.COMPOUND
The entire crew is watching from inside as the helicopter
takes off. The storm is really picking up now. By the looks on their faces,
the crew wonders whether their captain will return. As soon as the
helicopter is out of sight, the men go to the rec room.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.REC ROOM
Silas and Stoneman play poole. Becker, Permind, Cadwell,
and Stolis play cards. Vasser reads a magazine.
PERMIND
You think they’re coming back?
BECKER
Damn it, Permind, we have to keep ourselves
confident. I’m sure the boys will be fine.
CADWELL
You say that now, but have you seen how strange Jim
has been acting lately?
Vasser puts his magazine down.
VASSER
Yeah. When me and Stoneman told him that the outpost
blew up, he acted as if he was expecting it.
BECKER
He’s just doing his job. The commanding officer is
never supposed to lose his wits. He’s got to stay alert, calm; that’s
the way we did it in WWII.
Cadwell rolls his eyes.
PERMIND
Becker, you know as well as I do that Jim is losing
it. Didn’t you hear what Vasser just said? Shit, Becker, you’ve been
in the army a long time. You’ve seen men crack up. Especially
commanding officers. Didn’t you ever see Apocalypse Now?
BECKER
Yeah, yeah, I know. Kurtz goes insane and Willard has
to kill him. But still-
PERMIND
(throwing his cards down)
But nothing! I think we need to discuss what we
should do when Jim gets back. We should probably try to calm him down,
keep him still-
CADWELL
Permind, you’re taking this too far. Yeah, Jim is a
little strange. He’s always been that way. Why don’t we just wait
till he gets back. I’m sure everything will be fine.
Permind sighs and picks up his cards.
CADWELL
Gin.
Becker, Permind, and Stolis throw their cards in the air.
CUT TO:
INT.SNOWMOBILE
North and Arnold sit in the snowmobile as it inches
closer to the outpost. They still cannot see it.
NORTH
We’ll be here till Christmas. Maybe we should just
turn around.
ARNOLD
And piss off Jim? I don’t think so. You can get out
and walk home if you want to.
North shrugs and continues to drive towards the outpost.
Over the loud roaring of the diesel engine, the sound of helicopter
propellers can be heard. Both Arnold and North look at the roof of the
snowmobile.
NORTH
Is that what I think it is?
Suddenly, a helicopter shoots past them.
CLOSEUP ON SIDE OF HELICOPTOR.
It reads "OUT.18.US"
North and Arnold are barely able to see this, but they
do.
NORTH
Huh? What the hell are they doing?
CUT TO:
INT.HELICOPTER
Specter is piloting while Jim explains the plan to Riles.
Jim has a map of Outpost #31 and is pointing out various locations.
KOPLAND
This is where the generator is-
(pulls out another map containing the underground layer)
(points)
Most likely this is where the explosion came from. I
would guess that something at the camp went wrong and they had to blow
the camp.
RILES
(confused)
What? Why in the hell would they blow up the camp.
Listen, the generator got something caught in it, that’s why the power
went out. The generator backed up and finally exploded. It’s that
simple!
Jim nods at Riles. Riles looks out the window. Jim then
shakes his head. It is now known that Jim knows something.
SPECTER
Camp is about an hour away, sir.
KOPLAND
Good… Keep going…
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.CORRIDOR
Permind is walking down the hall (camera in front,
backing up as he walks) heading towards the garage. He arrives at the garage
and walks in. It is dark. Permind searches the wall and finds a series of
switches. He flips them all upward. Dozens of lights come on. Permind then
hits another switch that opens the garage door leading to the outside. The
door is big, loud, and slow. Permind heads for the door and ducks under it
as it still rises. He heads for the small snowplow piece that was left
outside. He finds it and starts to pick it up. It is obviously too heavy.
Permind stands up straight and puts his hands on his hips. He looks out into
the snow. There is some sort of creature crawling toward him. It suddenly
stops and falls in the snow. Permind goes back into the garage and gets a
tow line. He ties it to the plow and goes out into the cold. When he finds
the creature, it is totally black and disfigured. It is amazing how he was
able to see it. He bends down and picks it up. Permind carries it back to
the garage. He closes the door. Camera stationary outside garage watching
the door close. The door shuts.
FADE TO:
EXT.PLAIN.ANTARCTICA
On a barren and deserted place on Antarctica, we can hear
the helicopter heading towards the camera. It suddenly shoots past as the
camera turns to face Outpost #31.
CUT TO:
INT.HELICOPTER
Riles is asleep. Specter still piloting. Jim is now
writing in a journal that he has had since he was stationed at Outpost #31.
SPECTER
There it is, sir.
KOPLAND
(looking up)
Good. Don’t land to close to the flames.
CUT TO:
EXT.OUTPOST 31.HELICOPTER
Specter starts to land. In the background, a figure can
be seen getting up and running away. The helicopter touches the ground and
Specter kills the engine. The propellers finally slow to a stop. Jim, Riles,
and Specter climb out and start to search. The fire has died down
considerably, but is still out of control.
Riles and Specter find a flamethrower on the ground. A
few feet away, a body. It is a tall, African American man. In his hand is an
empty whiskey bottle. Specter flips the body around.
SPECTER
No entry wounds. Maybe he froze.
RILES
No, these flames are keeping this place too warm to
freeze. (picks up the bottle) Probably drank the whole fucking thing. That’ll
knock you out.
SPECTER
(picks up his hand)
Dead.
Riles stands up and looks for Jim. He is wandering around
the camp.
RILES
What the hell are you doing?
Kopland notices that Riles is speaking to him. Just then,
Kopland notices that a figure is moving around the camp. Jim looks around,
the figure is moving towards him. Jim whips out his Colt 45.
KOPLAND
Don’t move, damn it.
The figure stops and raises his hands in the air. Jim
sees that the figure has a gun in his hand.
KOPLAND
If you want to live, you’ll drop that gun.
The figure slowly starts to let go, but then re-grasps
it.
FIGURE
Who are you? Where’d you come from?
KOPLAND
Captain Jim A. Kopland, Outpost #18.
FIGURE
Jim…?
KOPLAND
Who are you?
FIGURE
(steps forward, showing his face)
R.J. Macready… You remember me, Jim?
KOPLAND
Mac? Mac, what the hell happened here?
Macready puts his hands down and looks at Jim. Specter
and Riles enter.
RILES
What’s going on around here? You, (points to Mac)
what happened here?
Mac looks at Jim. Jim looks at the ground.
MACREADY
Maybe it’ll be easier to explain in the helicopter.
Jim nods, but Riles is looking for a no from Jim. The
four head for the helicopter.
FADE TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.GARAGE
The crew is gathered around the creature that Permind has
found outside. All are cautious. The men are muttering to themselves and
trying to not vomit, the creature smells terrible.
BECKER
…And you just found this thing lying outside?
PERMIND
Yeah. Damn thing was crawling then just collapsed. I
have no clue what the hell it could be.
STOLIS
Be a good idea to torch the thing. Looks kinda
dangerous.
SILAS
I would think Jim would get angry if you didn’t
tell him about it.
PERMIND
Besides, it’s dead.
STOLIS
(angrily)
Oh, really? Have you ever seen anything like this?
You sit here for awhile and tell me if it’s dead or not.
PERMIND
Calm down, Stolis, we’ll burn it. All right,
everybody, let’s go back to the rec room. Silas, get the flamethrower.
(looks at Stolis) Mr. Stolis here wants to burn it.
For a few moments, Stolis and Permind glare at each
other.
CUT TO:
INT.HELICOPTER
Specter is piloting, Mac explaining what happened to
Riles and Jim.
MACREADY
…And this… Thing… we found it at the Norwegian
base nearby. Me and Copper. (looks around) Total body count at Outpost
#31 was eleven: Bennings, Windows, Garry, Nauls, Copper, Clark, Fuchs,
Childs, Norris, Blair, and Palmer. Four of ‘em infected: Palmer,
Norris, Blair, and Bennings. Windows got killed by Palmer, Copper by
Norris, Garry and Nauls by Blair, Fuchs, well, we don’t know about
Fuchs.
RILES
…And the other two?
MACREADY
I killed them.
Riles and Specter are now frightened. Jim doesn’t seem
to care.
SPECTER
Did you have a reason to kill them?
MACREADY
Clark tried to kill me… And I thought Childs was
the thing… He wasn’t, though.
SPECTER
I still don’t understand. This… Thing, it
assimilates you? How? A mere touch?
MACREADY
No, I don’t think so. Most likely it has to
penetrate the skin. The Thing attacked Copper, ripped his hands off,
even, but didn’t infect him. Probably because it was too obvious.
RILES
Say this thing got to a populated city. Atlanta, for
instance. How quickly can this thing spread?
KOPLAND
Entire Earth population infected 27,000 hours from first contact.
All attention turns to Kopland. Camera slowly moves in on his face.
KOPLAND
When I was stationed at Outpost #31 a few years ago,
I was sent out to get some more fresh water from a nearby British camp.
I got the water, but on my way back, I saw confusion and chaos coming
from a Swedish camp. This, thing, it was transforming… It attacked a
few of the Swedes, turned them into things. Then some guy came out,
burned the things, then burned himself. I knew I needed to check it out,
but I just went back to base. Never told anyone. I kept a journal on
everything I researched about it. Could have infected a million
different life forms on a million different planets. Now the damn thing
is back in action.
RILES
I knew you knew what was going on. Ever since
Stoneman reported the blackout at Outpost #31 you’ve been acting
weird.
MACREADY
We’d just better hope that thing hasn’t gotten to
your base. That could be a motherfucking disaster.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.GARAGE
Permind watches the thing. It doesn’t move. Enter
Silas. He is equipped with a flamethrower. Permind notices Silas and signals
for him to give him the flamethrower. Silas dismounts. The sound of a
helicopter is heard. Silas exits. Permind puts the flamethrower down.
PERMIND
I can’t burn this, it’s a freakin’ alien
species, make me fuckin’ rich!
CUT TO:
EXT.OUTPOST 18.COMPOUND
The helicopter lands slowly as the crew enters one by one
to find out what had happened.
Riles exits first, followed by Kopland. Next is Macready.
The rest of the men are questioning who he is and what he wants. Specter
exits the helicopter as the propellers come to a halt.
CADWELL
Who the hell is this?
KOPLAND
This is R.J. Macready, the only survivor of Outpost
#31.
BECKER
Only survivor? How many other people were stationed
there?
MACREADY
Eleven others.
Silence.
STOLIS
Well, Jim, I’ve got some bad news. Permind found
something in the snow. The thing is really strange looking.
Macready freezes.
MACREADY
What did you just say?
STOLIS
One of our corporals, Permind, found something.
MACREADY
Where?
STOLIS
In the garage. What’s the big deal?
Jim, Mac, Specter, and Riles rush past the rest of the men and sprint for
the garage. The men stand around looking at each other, puzzled.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.CORRIDOR
They are running through the corridor. Jim first, then Jim, Specter, and
Riles.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.GARAGE
The four men burst through the door and find Permind just looking at the
thing. Macready pulls out his gun and points it at Permind. Permind shoots
his hands into the air.
MACREADY
What the hell is the matter with you?! You should
have burned this thing!
PERMIND
(scared)
Hey, man, take it easy! I was going to burn it!
Honest!
MACREADY
I’ll bet.
Macready doesn’t take his eyes off Permind. Jim tries
to get Mac to put the gun down, but Mac won’t respond.
MACREADY
He could be one of them… One of those Things! We
need to tie him up, everyone else, too. I’ll prepare a test. I can
find out who’s who.
Mac doesn’t notice, but the rest of the crew is behind
him.
CADWELL
(placing his gun to Mac’s head)
You’re not tying anyone up, bud.
KOPLAND
It’s okay. Mac, Cadwell, put the guns down, all
right? We need to stay calm. (he turns) Everyone go to the infirmary. I’ll
be with you in a few minutes. And no jazz before then, I want everyone
to be nice and quiet.
All start to exit.
FADE TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.INFIRMARY
There is a lot of talking as the men stand around the
infirmary trying to figure out what is going on. Mac and Jim enter with
Petri dishes and knives. The room quiets.
KOPLAND
Okay, boys, this is what I need. Everyone take a
knife and a Petri dish. I want you to cut your finger and drop the blood
in the dish. I don’t want any questions, just do what I ask. (he looks
at the men) Becker, get the flamethrower.
Exit Becker. The men take their dishes and knives and do
as they’re told. Jim and Mac cut themselves, too, to reassure the men they
know what they’re doing.
KOPLAND
When you’re done, place your dish on this counter.
One bye one the men put their dishes on the table. Enter
Becker with the flamethrower. He hands it to Jim.
MACREADY
This is how we tested ourselves back at Outpost #31.
Mac takes a needle and heats it with the flamethrower.
MACREADY
Now, I’ll bet you’re wondering what the hell is
going on. I’ll explain. That thing that was found in the snow is no
ordinary animal. It’s a shape shifter, taking form of any organism it
can. It can even take the place of humans. That’s what happened at
Outpost #31. Copper and I found some strange alien at a nearby Norwegian
base. We brought it back without a thought. The thing attacked Bennings.
So, we burned him. It also got to Palmer, Norris, and Blair. This thing
will attacked when it feels it is a strategically good move or when it
is discovered. Someone here ain’t what he appears to be.
Mac hands the flamethrower to Jim.
MACREADY
Blood from a human when touched with a hot needle
will make a small hissing noise. Blood from one of you things will try
and stay alive. It’ll think the needle is attacking it. I suggest you
all sit down and get ready to move.
All the men are still weary of the idea. Many are
frightened by Mac and Jim.
STONEMAN
Sorry, Mac, but I’m confused. How the fuck does
this thing get into you?
MACREADY
It’ll penetrate your skin, then spread and absorb
your cells.
The men are still confused.
MACREADY
Unfortunately, you’ll find out what I’m talking
about in a second.
Mac picks up his own dish first. He puts the needle on
the blood.
Nothing.
He picks up Jim’s dish and puts the needle in.
Nothing.
MACREADY
Everyone convinced with that? We’re human.
The men feel a little bit safer, but are still cautious
of each other.
Mac picks up Cadwell’s dish.
CLOSEUP ON CADWELL’S DISH.
Mac puts the needle in. Just the harmless hissing noise.
Mac smiles as Cadwell takes a sigh of relief. Mac now reheats the needle and
picks up Becker’s dish. The needle is inserted, nothing. Mac takes Silas’
dish. He puts the needle in. Nothing. Silas sighs and smiles. He gets up
from the couch and stands clear of the untested men.
STOLIS
How do we know this will solve anything?
Mac picks up Vasser’s dish.
MACREADY
Hopefully you won’t have to find out.
Mac puts the needle in the dish.
Nothing.
Vasser quickly gets up and moves away. Mac reheats the
needle.
CADWELL
This is ridiculous. Nothing’s happening.
Mac picks up Specter’s dish. He inserts the needle.
Nothing. Becker scoffs.
Mac now takes Riles’ dish and inserts the needle.
Nothing. The men are now rolling their eyes. Mac takes Permind’s dish and
inserts the needle.
SCCCCRRRRRRIIIIIIINNNNNGGGG!!!!!
The blood from the dish jumps out of the dish onto the
floor and tries to get away. The men quickly jump away from Permind as they
realize that it is finally happening. Permind’s face starts to explode as
his eyes pop out and spikes and tendrils emerge. Jim aims the flamethrower
for Permind as the Permind-thing continues to mutate.
CLOSEUP ON FLAMETHROWER BARREL
Fire spits out and douses Permind who is now rolling all
over the couch. Permind finally stops moving as Silas enters with a fire
extinguisher. When the fire clears, Permind’s smoked body lies on the
couch. Jim and Mac move to look at Permind to make sure he is dead. The rest
of the men run in horror. Only Specter and Riles stay.
FADE TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.OFFICE
Jim is seen writing in his journal. His writings can be
heard as his voice.
STATUS REPORT A
By Captain Jim A. Kopland
Lieutenant Ryan Stolis: Rec room, alive
Sergeant Peter Cadwell: Rec room, alive
Sergeant Donald Becker: Infirmary, alive
Corporal Ted Riles: Infirmary, alive
Corporal Kerry Permind: Infirmary, deceased
Specialist Marc Specter: Bunks, alive
Private Ross North: Snowmobile, alive?
Private Pike Stoneman: Radio room, alive
Private Jimmy Vasser: Radio room, alive
Private Stanley Arnold: Snowmobile, alive?
Private Silas Hansen: Infirmary, alive
R.J. Macready: Office, alive
I have found that Permind had been infected by the thing.
Not a real surprise to me. We burned the thing in the garage, now we just
have to figure out if Stoneman, Stolis, Arnold, and North are things or not.
I wonder if North and Arnold are even alive. Possible that they’re dead.
Mac scared the hell out of everyone with his test. I want him to explain
everything that had happened. The functioning of the thing, these poor guys
have no idea what’s going on. Hopefully they’ll understand.
MACREADY
I think it’s time I explain what the hell is going
on. That idiot Permind has no idea what he’s done. Now the fucker is
dead and the thing is probably inside one of those men. He sealed our
fate, we’re all gonna die.
Jim stops writing and puts his pencil down. He stands up
and signals for Mac to follow. They are heading to the infirmary to explain
the entire thing.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.INFIRMARY
Once again the men are crowded into the infirmary. No one
touches anyone, everyone trying to keep their distance. We can see Stolis
has just been tested, and that he is okay. Now Stoneman’s blood is being
tested. Mac dips the needle in the blood.
Nothing.
MACREADY
I figured it’s time to tell you the story. I’m
R.J. Macready, head pilot from Outpost #31. (looks around) Why don’t
you guys tell me who you are?
The men glance at each other.
STOLIS
I’m Lieutenant Stolis.
SILAS
Silas Hansen.
VASSER
Jimmy Vasser.
CADWELL
Sergeant Cadwell.
STONEMAN
Pike Stoneman.
BECKER
Corporal Becker.
SPECTER
Marc Specter.
MACREADY
Good, now I at least know you. Let me cut to the
chase. Your friend Permind just dragged an alien species that imitates
anything into this camp. Right now it could be imitating anyone.
SPECTER
But we were all tested! Are you saying that some of
us could be that?! (points to Permind’s body)
MACREADY
It’s possible.
CADWELL
Great, Mac, you’re telling me that this thing is
just romping around the camp like one of us, and that there’s no way
to tell who might be infected?
MACREADY
The only thing left to do is search the camp and see
if it’s still here. I doubt, however, that Permind and the one in the
garage are the only things here.
STONEMAN
So you’re admitting that your test may not have
worked.
Mac is silent. Cadwell throws his hands in the air
and walks in a circle.
MACREADY
That test is the best thing I could think of! If that
doesn’t work-
SPECTER
There are plenty of reasons why it wouldn’t work!
What if the thing can prepare itself for pain, and make sure that it
doesn’t try to attack, huh? What if it goes and imitates human blood
perfectly?
Mac is once again silent.
CADWELL
Well, that’s it! That’s it. I’m going to my
bunk and locking the door. If anyone tries to get in…(looks around) I’ll
kill him.
BECKER
That’s what I’m doing.
SILAS
Me, too.
VASSER
And me.
KOPLAND
Damn it, men, we can’t do that! We have to stick
together!
CADWELL
Why so desperate, Jim? Stay together so you can
infect us all? You can shove that idea. I’m not taking orders from you
anymore.
Exit Cadwell. Silas, Vasser, and Becker follow. Only Mac,
Jim, Specter, Stoneman, Riles, and Stolis remain.
KOPLAND
All right, guys, you know what we have to do.
Specter, you come with me and Stolis. Stoneman, Riles, you’re with
Mac. And Mac, have Stoneman show you the armory, there’s another
flamethrower there.
Jim picks up the one flamethrower and puts it on.
KOPLAND
We meet here in one hour. If you’re late, we’ll
assume you’re infected and we’ll kill you. (looks at Mac) No
exceptions.
Jim leaves with Stolis and Specter behind him with their
KA-47’s. Stoneman starts to lead Mac to the armory.
FADE TO:
EXT.OUTPOST 18.SUPPLY SHED
Jim is seen standing outside a supply shed with the
flamethrower. Stolis is on the other side of the entrance to the shed, and
Specter is heard searching for anything in the shed. Specter finally emerges
from the shed.
SPECTER
Nothing. Damn it, Jim, I can’t find anything.
KOPLAND
Damn. Maybe the bunker has more in store for us.
STOLIS
I doubt it, sir. The bunker is smaller than this
shed. Maybe Mac was wrong, maybe there’s nothing here.
KOPLAND
I don’t know if I could agree with that.
The men march to the bunker, which is about fifty feet
away. The storm is getting worse, so the men have to use a tow cable to get
from building to building. Jim is the first one to reach the bunker. He hits
the switch to open the door.
The door opens and the three stumble inside. Jim flicks a
few switches turning on the lights. The bunker is very small, but very
clean. It has two pairs of bunk beds and a pantry with plenty of crappy
tasting survival food. The floor is tiled.
STOLIS
Not much to search here.
Stolis looks under the bunks. Nothing. Specter opens the pantry. Nothing.
The bunker seems deserted.
SPECTER
Maybe we should go back to the main compound.
All of a sudden, there is a strange scratching noise. All
three look around, trying to figure out what is going on.
KOPLAND
I’m not the only one hearing that, am I?
STOLIS
I hear it, too. I can’t figure out where it’s
coming from, though.
SPECTER
Shh!
Specter slowly crouches to the floor. He then puts his
weapon down and puts his ear to the floor. CLOSEUP on Specter’s face. In
one swift movement, he gets up.
SPECTER
It’s coming from beneath the floor.
KOPLAND
Beneath the floor? That doesn’t make sense!
SPECTER
I don’t know what to tell you, sir, that’s where
the noise is coming from.
STOLIS
He’s right, it’s coming from underneath!
Specter takes the butt of his gun and hits the tiles
intensely. They crack. He continues to hit the tiles until it breaks through
the floor. Kopland and Stolis kick a few tiles in to make the hole big
enough to climb down through. Stolis gets on the floor and jumps in. Kopland
is next.
KOPLAND
Stand guard, Specter.
Stolis is a few steps ahead of Kopland. Kopland catches
up. The underground layer is huge. It is an endless hall of rooms. It is
poorly constructed, though, mostly dirt and bricks. It is lit by many
flares.
They take a few steps forward and inspect the first room.
Nothing. The second room, and the third. They are empty. Stolis turns
around, trying to figure out what had been making that scratching noise. He
sees at the hole entrance that a clothes hanger had been making the noise.
Odd.
KOPLAND
Stolis! Come look at this!
Kopland is a few rooms down peering into a doorway.
Stolis runs up behind him. Inside the room is an astounding amount of food
similar to the food found in the bunker. Many packages are opened and
finished. On the other side of the room is a fleet of water bottles, many
finished and strewn about.
KOPLAND
There’s somebody down here.
Stolis gulps.
They move forward, inspecting every room. They are all
empty except for the metal beds. Room after room is empty. Finally, they
reach the end of the hallway. Kopland pokes his head in. In one corner, a
man is heavily dressed, sitting with one leg down, one knee up. One hand is
touching the ground while the other arm is resting on the knee. His face is
covered with ski masks and goggles. He does not respond to Kopland’s
staring. Kopland finally walks in. In the opposite corner, a man is dressed
in snow pants and a jacket, curled up in the fetal position rocking back and
forth mumbling to himself. Stolis enters the room.
KOPLAND
What the hell is going on? Are you two all right?
The heavily dressed man looks up at Kopland. He slowly
stands up. The other man rocks quicker and starts to mumble faster.
KOPLAND
(raises his flamethrower)
I’ll do it, pal. Back off.
The heavily dressed man stands there.
STOLIS
(whispering)
They’ve both lost it, Jim. Burn them both.
The heavily dressed man lifts one hand in the air. The
other man is now mumbling to an extreme. Jim is cautious.
The heavily dressed man pulls off his goggles. He looks
at Kopland, then Stolis.
KOPLAND
All right, pal, what the hell is going on?
FIRST MAN
I presume you are from the army?
Kopland looks at Stolis.
KOPLAND
Yes, we’re stationed here. Who are you?
FIRST MAN
I’m from the local Norwegian base. The men there
tried to kill me. Luckily I escaped to here.
Kopland once again looks at Stolis. Stolis is a little
nervous. The other man stops mumbling.
KOPLAND
And who is he?
FIRST MAN
This is my friend, Mr. Vance. Say "Hello"
to the nice gentlemen, Mr. Vance.
The man is silent. He doesn’t look at Stolis or
Kopland.
FIRST MAN
He’s a bit shy(chuckles).
Kopland glares.
KOPLAND
Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on?
FIRST MAN
It’s the truth.
KOPLAND
Then do you mind telling me where you learned to
speak English so well?
The man is silent for a second. He looks at Stolis, then
back to Kopland.
FIRST MAN
Hmm… You caught me. I really should be more careful
when I talk.
STOLIS
What the hell are you talking about?
FIRST MAN
I wasn’t even thinking. I told you I’m Norwegian
and then started speaking English. Maybe next time I’ll be more
careful! (puts his hands on his hips and chuckles)
KOPLAND
There isn’t going to be a next time, pal.
The man stops laughing backs up. Kopland puts his finger
on the trigger. The man’s eyes begin to bleed. Kopland pulls the trigger.
The man jumps and grabs the ceiling. His head splits into two and a set of
teeth and a giant tongue emerge. The man sprouts four extra legs and starts
crawling around on the ceiling. Stolis backs out into the hallway and starts
running towards the hole. The thing follows Stolis. Kopland runs out after
the thing. Stolis looks behind him and sees the thing on the ceiling,
gaining on him.
STOLIS
Close the hole, Specter! Close the hole!
We see Specter trying to find something to put in the way
of the hole.
Stolis reaches the end of the hall. The thing jumps off
the ceiling and stands on two feet. It slowly walks towards Stolis.
Stolis aims his KA-47 and fires at the thing.
STOLIS
Stay away from me, you freak!
The thing crouches, ready to jump. Suddenly, a small
explosive lands in the thing’s mouth. It is confused at first, but then
realizes what it is. Stolis braces himself.
The explosion is not big, but big enough to engulf the
thing in flames. It screeches horribly and falls to the ground. It continue
to burns as Stolis looks up. Kopland is standing behind the thing.
KOPLAND
Strange as hell, these things.
CUT TO:
INT.OUTPOST 18.RADIO ROOM
Stoneman, Riles, and Mac search the small radio room.
There is nothing here. They move out into the corridor and start walking
down the hall.
STONEMAN
Think Jim found anything?
MACREADY
I don’t know. Maybe. They’ve been gone long
enough.
Silence
STONEMAN
(frightened)
D-do you think this thing is gonna kill us all?
Mac keeps walking.
MACREADY
If you think like that… Yes. You just have to keep yourself
confident. I know, sounds like a shit idea. It’s the only good one,
though.
RILES
You expect us to believe a lot, Macready.
MACREADY
You don’t have to believe a shred of it. But then-
RILES
(interrupting)
But then I’d be digging my own grave.
Mac looks at Riles, then focuses ahead.
RILES
It had to happen here, didn’t it? Things like this
are supposed to happen in New York or Tokyo, not fucking Antarctica.
MACREADY
Trust me, you’ll be glad it didn’t happen in New
York.
The sound of a snowmobile is heard. Both Mac and Stoneman stop. Mac looks
out the window. It is in fact, a snowmobile.
MACREADY
Who in the hell could that be?
STONEMAN
… That’s North and Arnold! They’re back.
The men start to head for the compound.
CUT TO:
EXT.OUTPOST 18.COMPOUND
Mac, Riles, and Stoneman emerge from the outpost and
witness the snowmobile heading straight for them. It turns to their left and
North jumps out. Mac notices that the windshield is cracked. North stumbles,
but then runs for Mac.
STONEMAN
North, what’s wrong?
NORTH
Stoneman! Riles! Thank God! Arnold… There’s
something wrong with Arnold!
STONEMAN
Is he sick? Where is he?
NORTH
No! I don’t know! He’s-he’s turned into this…
this-
MACREADY
(looking for Arnold)
… Thing.
North looks at Mac.
NORTH
Who the hell is he?
STONEMAN
Don’t worry, North, we’ll explain everything
later. Right now we have to worry about Arnold. Do you see him, Mac?
Mac steps forward. He shakes his head.
MACREADY
No. He could be miles away.
NORTH
No, no he was right behind me all the way!
Mac turns and faces North. He turns around and starts
walking out in the snow. CLOSEUP on Mac’s face as he walks further.
Mac stops and looks out into the snow. He turns back
around and starts walking to North and Stoneman. Then there is a strange
screech. Mac turns around and ducks right in time as the Arnold-thing jumps
over him.
CLOSEUP on Arnold-thing.
It has four legs, two regular human legs and stretched
human arms. His head is missing, and in place are two heads, one similar to
Blair’s, and one to Nauls’. His chest is a giant swarm of talons,
tendrils, and teeth.
It lunges at Mac again, but Mac is able to jump back in
time. He tries to burn it, but the flamethrower stalls. The Arnold-thing
hooks Mac’s legs and knocks him down. Luckily, it has not penetrated his
skin. Stoneman opens fire to distract the thing. It lets go of Mac who is
able to crawl free.
Mac stands up and lets loose the flames of death. The
Arnold-thing burns to death. Mac stands and watches as Stoneman, Riles, and
North approach the thing. All four look at each other.
CUT TO:
INT.UNKNOWN SECTOR
In the room, Kopland and Stolis try to calm the man down.
He has stopped the mumbling, but is now staring at the wall. Stolis is
standing while Kopland crouches.
KOPLAND
Come on, man, what’s going on here, who are you?
The man continues to stare at the wall.
KOPLAND
Are you from the Norwegian base? How about Outpost
#31? Outpost #16?
The man continues to stare at the wall. Stolis bites his
lip and frowns.
STOLIS
He’s just a friggin’ nutcase, Jim. Let’s get
out of here.
KOPLAND
And what, leave him here?
STOLIS
No, burn him.
Kopland looks at Stolis and then at the man. Stolis exits
the room. Kopland sighs and stands up. He starts to leave.
SECOND MAN
This isn’t the end.
Kopland freezes then turns around.
KOPLAND
What did you just say?
SECOND MAN
This isn’t the end.
KOPLAND
Isn’t the end of what?
SECOND MAN
The world. It’ll keep turning. No one is getting
out of here alive.
KOPLAND
Are you threatening me?
Stolis enters.
