M I L L E N N I U M IT... HAS... BEGUN... NOTHING IS FORSAKEN... Virtual Season Episode #407. "The First Prophet" written by: Dan Owen TEASER BLACK. Silence for a few seconds... before a CRACK of light EXPLODES in the center of screen! A PICKAXE has forced its way through a CAVE WALL. The unseen digger on the other side retracts the implement, before SLAMMING it into the stone again! The CRACK spills sunlight into the black passageway. FRENCH VOICES are heard on the other side, speaking excitedly. CUT TO: EXT. ARDECHE COUNTRYSIDE - DAY A sunny vista of cliffs and gorges, with the beautiful Ardèche River snaking between them. Legend INDICATES: Ardèche Gorges South-Eastern France Birds SING, but the tranquility is abruptly shattered by an ENGINE O.C. With great speed an old-fashioned military jeep ROARS PAST CAMERA. From he vehicle's rear, a SWASTIKA FLAG billows in the wind. The legends ADDS: 1943 HARD CUT TO: INT. MILITARY JEEP - DAY Colonel HANS BÄUMER, a stern-looking German in his mid-30's, is seated in the passenger seat. His DRIVER is speeding along the French country lanes. In the backseat, two German OFFICERS are sitting silently in dignified superiority. BÄUMER Beeilung! Ich möchte dort sein wenn sie es öffnen! (subtitles) Hurry! I want to be there as they open it! EXT. MILITARY JEEP - DAY The jeep speeds onwards with determined speed. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - DAY The cave's entrance is down through a small passageway. A dozen FRENCH PEASANTS, dirty and holding pickaxes, are standing outside the cave, eager to see inside the small crevice which they have hacked into the rock's floor. Four GERMAN SOLDIERS are keeping guard. Bäumer's jeep nears and SCREECHES to a halt. Bäumer leaps down and marches up to a nearby SOLDIER. BÄUMER (saluting) Heil, Hitler! SOLDIER (saluting) Heil, Hitler! Bäumer looks around at the GERMAN SOLDIERS and the FRENCH PEASANTS present. BÄUMER Wo ist Herr Heinrich? (subtitles) Where is Herr Heinrich? The soldier looks suddenly alarmed. SOLDIER Er ist bereits heruntergegangen, Herr Oberst. (subtitles) He has gone down already, Colonel. Bäumer's face clouds with rage. BÄUMER WAS??! Ihnen wurde doch befohlen nach der Öffnung *niemanden* hereinzulassen! (subtitles) WHAT??! You were told *nobody* was to enter after the opening! SOLDIER Ich... Ich wurde nicht informiert Herr General (subtitles) I... I was not informed, General. BÄUMER IDIOT!! Bäumer pushes the soldier out of the way and rushes over to the cave entrance. He picks up a small flashlight and clambers down. INT. CAVE PASSAGEWAY Bäumer marches down the cave, the flashlight making shadows along the walls. We notice he has his HANDGUN ready by his side... Bäumer passes something. CAMERA FOCUSES on a drawing on the cave wall: a rhinoceros, two antelope and a mammoth. Exquisite examples of Paleolithic art. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - DAY The German Soldiers are waiting patiently outside the entrance. The French diggers are silent but exchange worried glances with each other. INT. CAVE PASSAGEWAY - DAY FAINT GERMAN VOICES can be heard up ahead in the gloom as Bäumer makes his way through the cave's tunnels. The voices stop talking suddenly. Bäumer continues. Suddenly, Bäumer's flashlight shines on the face of HARALD HEINREICH (40's), who is hurrying in the opposite direction with a flashlight. Bäumer quickly grabs Heinreich by the collar, taking him by surprise, and SLAMS him against a cave wall! BÄUMER Der Fnhrer wird von dieser UnverschSmtheit erfahren! (subtitles) The Führer will hear of this impudence! Heinreich cowers in fright, scared witless. HEINREICH Aber wir haben sie gefunden Herr Oberst! Genau wie es vorhergesagt wurde! Die Galerie ist da... intakt (subtitles) But we found it, Colonel! Just as was predicted! The Gallery is there... intact. BÄUMER Haben sie sie gesehen? (subtitles) Did you see them? Heinreich's eyes glaze over in wonder. HEINREICH Ja... es ist wahr was sie sagen (subtitles) Yes.... it's true what they say. With lightning speed, Bäumer raises his gun to Heinreich's head and FIRES! Heinreich's body collapses onto the cave floor, as red blood spills down the ancient stone wall. Bäumer grits his teeth in frustration. GERMAN VOICES (O.C) Heinrich!? Was ist passiert!? Two GERMAN SPELEOLOGISTS rush up - Heinreich's men. Bäumer turns and SHOOTS them both effortlessly. They collapse to the floor like rag dolls. Angrily, Bäumer turns back the way he came... then stops to look the way he was heading... wondering, curious... but he manages to gather self-control... and heads back to the entrance. INT. CAVE ENTRANCE Bäumer nears the narrow crack to the outside world. He holsters his gun and turns off his flashlight. Darkness. EXT. CAVE ENTRANCE - DAY Brilliant sunshine. Bäumer struggles out through the shaft, dropping his flashlight as he does so. It rolls a few inches before TAPPING against a strange brown box. Bäumer frowns, confused. It's a case of dynamite. He quickly looks up to see: THE FRENCH RESISTANCE - eight members, all with pistols aimed at him. Bäumer's German Soldiers lay dead on the floor. The two German officers and Driver of his jeep have been shot dead in their seats. BÄUMER Was ist das?! The Resistance Leader, MARC LE SAUX, is holding a metal handle, which is connected to many coiled wires that link up to four dynamite boxes places around the cave entrance... and Bäumer. MARC (in French) Le futur devrait rester secret. Comme il est censT l'Otre. (subtitles) The Future should be kept secret. As it is meant to be. (a beat) Vivè le France! He plunges the metal handle! The four dynamite boxes EXPLODE in huge fireballs! The Resistance shield their eyes, ducking for cover! In a few short seconds piles of rubble have sealed the cave entrance. As the dust clears... Marc turns to face his fellow members. MARC (in French) Le futur est sauf. Pour l'instant. (subtitles) The Future is safe. For now. HOLD ON Marc's enigmatic expression of accomplishment, before we: FADE OUT. ACT ONE BLACK. "You can never plan the future by the past." -- Edmund Burke FADE IN: INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - DAY FRANK BLACK is sat on the sofa, casually reading through the morning's newspaper. JORDAN BLACK is lying on the floor, drawing pictures in a large book. Frank glances at his watch. FRANK Ten to nine, kiddo. Jordan wrinkles her nose, SIGHING. She obviously wants to finish her drawing. Frank notices and closes his paper... FRANK You can finish that tonight. JORDAN But I won't remember it then... Frank tosses his newspaper on the coffee table as he stands, then moves over to Jordan. He stands over his daughter. She tenses - knowing what's coming next... Frank grabs her under the arms and hauls her upwards. Jordan SHRIEKS in delight, kicking a little. FRANK What would Ms. Parker think of me if I let you be late? Jordan looks solemn in her father's arms. Frank smiles. FRANK Go on, get your bag. He places her down, and ushers her to collect her school things. Jordan leaves, with Frank following. As Frank grabs his coat in the b.g., we ZOOM IN ON JORDAN'S DRAWING BOOK to see she's drawn four animals: a rhinoceros, two antelopes and what seems to be a "brown elephant". EXT. CITY INTERSECTION - DAY Frank's jeep stops at a red light, together with the rest of the nine o'clock traffic. INT. FRANK'S JEEP - DAY Jordan is seated in the back, drawing something on the passenger window with her finger. Frank taps his steering wheel, waiting for the lights to change. Jordan stops drawing. JORDAN Can I choose what I want to be when I grow up? Frank is a little stunned at the question. He turns in his seat to face Jordan. FRANK Sure you can. But you're only little... (chuckles) ... there's plenty of time to make up your mind. JORDAN I want to be a drawer. FRANK An artist? (smiles) That's a new one. JORDAN (not listening) Just like the man was. FRANK Who? JORDAN The painter. FRANK So you want to be a world-famous painter? Jordan nods. FRANK Well, at least I know what to buy you for your birthday next year. A car HONKS their horn O.C.! Frank turns back, cursing slightly under his breath, as he puts the jeep in gear. EXT. CITY INTERSECTION - DAY As cars HONK their frustration, Frank's jeep moves off... EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - PARKING LOT - DAY Frank's jeep pulls to a stop in the school's parking lot. The whole area is crammed with cars, children, parents and a few school busses. Frank gets out and opens the backseat. Jordan hops out. EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ENTRANCE - DAY CHILDREN are being led inside by their PARENTS. Frank walks up to the main door with Jordan, and stops outside. FRANK Okay, gimme a hug. Jordan hugs her father quickly: a well-known routine. FRANK Never too old for hugs. Frank tugs Jordan's coat collar straight, then twiddles her nose. FRANK (CONT'D) Have a good day at school, okay? JORDAN You too. Frank LAUGHS, then hugs her again. Jordan smiles, not really understanding what made her father laugh. INT. FRANK'S JEEP - DAY It's raining. Frank is driving carefully. FRANK'S CELL PHONE is resting on the passenger seat. It begins to RING. Frank GRUNTS in annoyance. The phone continues to RING. Frank quickly grabs it, hits a button, then presses it to his ear. FRANK Yeah. CAMERA MOVES CLOSE TO Frank's ear; listening to the call: FRENCH VOICE (V.O) I recommend "La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc", by Jean-Marie Chauvet, Eliette Brunel-Deschamps and Christian Hillaire. A fine read. FRANK Sorry, I think you have the wrong num-- DIAL TONE. Frank hangs up and tosses the phone to one side - returning his concentration to the slippery roads. EXT. BLACK RESIDENCE - DAY Frank's jeep is parked in the driveway. Frank SLAMS his door shut and locks it. He's about to head for the house, when he notices something... ... and stares at the backseat window. The condensation caused by the rain has revealed a MARKING ON THE GLASS PANE which shows an OWL; clawed feet, bulbous eyes, and hooked beak. Frank frowns, shaking his head. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - DAY Frank enters the house, and takes off his jacket - hanging it on a peg. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - DAY In the f.g., Jordan's drawing book lies open at her drawing... while in the b.g. Frank wanders into the room. He stops before the book. Frank bends down and picks it up, looking at the childish picture of the rhinoceros, antelopes and strange elephant Jordan drew earlier. He neatly closes the book and places it on the coffee table next to his newspaper. Frank YAWNS, then checks his watch again. INT. TOM'S STUDY - DAY Frank makes his way into his brother's study room, and turns the computer on. It WHIRRS into life. He finds his own glasses on the answering machine. He grabs them and puts them on. The computer screen has loaded. Frank double-clicks a MODEM icon and the computer begins connecting to the internet. As the modem DIALS, a different icon begins BLINKING. It's marked 'FAX'. Frank double-clicks it. THE FAX MACHINE a few meters away on a small table, begins to BUZZ into life. In the b.g. Frank waits patiently at the computer. In the f.g. the fax machine slowly ejects a single sheet of paper. Frank notices the fax machine has stopped, and gets up to investigate. He walks across to the machine and snatches the paper. THE SHEET OF PAPER is almost blank, except for a few lines of printed text: "La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc", by Jean-Marie Chauvet, Eliette Brunel-Deschamps and Christian Hillaire. Frank looks confused. Then he remembers: FRENCH VOICE (V.O) "La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc" ... a fine read. In suspicion, Frank takes the paper over to his workstation. The computer screen now displays an internet search engine's screen. Frank, glancing at the fax paper for spelling, types in: La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. And hits RETURN. A few seconds later the screen gives a list of matches. Frank quickly clicks one. The screen soon shows a web-page called "SWISSKY'S BOOKSTORE", detailing a non-fiction book entitled "La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc" by said authors. Frank is confused, the relevance lost on him. INT. LIBRARY - DAY CAMERA TRACKS along the aisles of books, before resting on Frank as he pulls out a book from the shelf. Turning it over in his hand, the title reads "La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc". As he turns a page, a FIGURE steps up beside him. Frank turns to see a tall man - ALEXANDER LE SAUX - wearing a long trench coat, with a visible SCAR running from his right eyebrow to his ear. LE SAUX (French-accent) Monsieur Black. Frank says nothing. LE SAUX My name is Le Saux. Alexander Le Saux. Le Saux looks down at Frank's book. LE SAUX Hmm, "La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. A fine read. Frank is stunned, recognizing the phrase "a fine read". FRANK What do you want? LE SAUX Your assistance, Monsieur Black. Frank closes his book, turning to face Le Saux head-on. FRANK I'm not interested. He walks away, leaving the book behind on a shelf. LE SAUX But what I have to say influences the fate of all mankind. Frank stops walking. We see him close his eyes... then SIGH wearily. He slowly turns back to face Le Saux. FRANK Doesn't everything? Le Saux smiles. LE SAUX Very astute. Cause and effect, that's right. With every action we're in fact sealing our eventual fate. Every action has a consequence... everything is triggered by a series of smaller happenings... FRANK Really, you're wasting your breath. I'm *not* interested. LE SAUX What if you knew effect before the cause - what may that be called? Frank chews his tongue, but answers beside himself. FRANK Prophecy. LE SAUX Exactly. A dangerous and corruptible phenomenon. FRANK I know what prophecy is... I've been there. He slowly turns round to leave-- LE SAUX As has your daughter. --but stops dead. He turns back to face Le Saux again slowly; anger brewing behind his stony expression. LE SAUX (CONT'D) Jordan is it? Le Saux watches Frank's expression turn cold. LE SAUX (CONT'D) She knows. But doesn't understand. However, she's a fast learner I heard. Le Saux picks up the book Frank left on a shelf... LE SAUX (CONT'D) Page thirty-four. ... and tosses it to Frank - who catches it. Frank is unsure if he should open it. LE SAUX (CONT'D) Open it. Frank slowly opens it, and advances to page 34. He opens at the correct page to see a color illustration of a cave painting; showing a rhinoceros, two antelopes and a mammoth. A more elaborate version of Jordan's art book drawing. LE SAUX Recognize the painting? Frank slaps the book closed. LE SAUX I want you to travel to France. Tonight, at nine-thirty. I can pay you for your services, and have already taken the liberty of booking you hotel reservation, and seat on the plane. Page sixty, merci... Le Saux indicates the book again. Frank, bewildered but actually half-amused, opens the book to page 60. Tucked between the pages is a return plane ticket for one person; leaving at 9:30 PM, and a business card for a French hotel. FRANK What's this all about? LE SAUX I can't explain here. You understand. "Walls have ears" and all that. Besides... where's the fun? Le Saux walks past Frank... LE SAUX Enjoy the book, Monsieur Black. ... leaving him alone in the reading area. EXT. LIBRARY - CITY STREET - DAY Frank gets inside his parked jeep, which is opposite the library. He's carrying the book "La Grotte Chauvet a Vallon-Pont-d'Arc." INT. FRANK'S JEEP - DAY Frank slumps inside, placing the book on the dashboard. He picks up his cell phone and dials a number. FRANK (a beat) Hi, Helen? Listen, I've been asked to consult on a murder investigation in France, would you be able to watch Jordan for a few days without me? (a beat) Okay, I'll call her school and let them know her your picking her up tonight. You have my number, right? (a beat) That's it. Okay, bye. Frank hangs up. He SIGHS, realizing he's lied to his family again. His guilty gaze falls on THE BOOK, reflected in the windshield glass. A mystery to be solved... too great to resist. EXT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - NIGHT A THUNDEROUS ROAR of turbine engines as a passenger jet glides up into the night sky. Legend INDICATES: Washington International Airport 9:36 PM INT. PASSENGER JET (FLIGHT 180) - NIGHT A quiet atmosphere. Obviously a few hours into the trip, with most passengers asleep. An AIR STEWARD pushes a drinks trolley towards Frank Black, who is sitting in a window seat reading his book. AIR STEWARD Would you care for a drink, sir? Frank looks up. FRANK No, thank you. The air steward smiles, and continues down the aisle. Frank settles back into his book, but finds he can't concentrate. He absently stares out of the plane window. A circle of pure blackness greets his sight; thus meaning only his own reflection can be seen... As Frank watches, his reflection suddenly alters to that of a prehistoric CRO-MAGNON MAN; a small chin, slightly extended forehead, sandy-hair, matted beard - basically a very normal, but disheveled appearance. Frank jerks back from the sight! He stares again at the window's glass... but the vision has gone. Only wisps of cloud flit past at speed. INT. ARDECHE CAVE - NIGHT Darkness. Silence. CAMERA TILTS down to reveal a large PUDDLE OF WATER on the cave floor, caused by melted ice water. FIRELIGHT glistens along the liquid, as the face of a bearded CRO-MAGNON MAN hovers into view; his features reflected in the water... staring into the shimmering pool. With a GRUNT, Cro-Magnon jumps back! Frightened at what he has seen in the reflection. We can now see he is very much like modern man in appearance, and dressed in wrap around clothes. Legend INDICATES: Ardèche Cave, France 31,000 Years Ago The fire torch he is carrying BILLOWS with every movement he makes. Cro-Magnon is scared of something he saw in the water... but curious... His curiosity soon wills him back to the puddle... and with bent legs, ready to run at the first sign of trouble, Cro-Magnon leans over the puddle again... ... and quickly flicks the water with his fingers! He gets ready to run - but nothing happens... it's just cold water. Nothing to be scared of. Feeling more relaxed now, the ancient man inserts his hand into the water... and begins stirring it gently. The ripples of the stirring icy water-- MATCH CUT TO: INT. PASSENGER JET (FLIGHT 180) - NIGHT CLOSE ON - A STYROFOAM CUP which is also being stirred, but with a teaspoon held by a MALE HAND. The warm COFFEE is lifted to the lips of Alexander Le Saux. WIDER The mysterious Frenchman is sitting a few rows back from Frank Black. Le Saux glances over his cup in the direction of Frank. Thinking... EXT. ARDECHE GORGE - EARLY EVENING The sun is setting over the French cliffs. The Ardèche River is quiet and tranquil in the eerie atmosphere. A group of SIX SPELEOLOGISTS are crowded in a crack at the top of one of the cliffs. CLOSER They all have backpacks, helmet-lights, mountaineering equipment and other devices. All talk in French-accents, and are concentrating on the task at hand. One speleologist (PIERRE) is harnessed to strong ropes around his body. He backs over the gorge slowly. His accomplices are holding his ropes, which in turn are fastened to a metal peg stuck in the cliff rock behind them. PIERRE Doucement...doucement... Pierre is lowered gradually. CLIFF-FACE Pierre swings gently in the wind rushing up from the Ardèche River far below. He eventually touches down on a ledge. PIERRE (in French) Okay, je suis la! (subtitled) Okay, I'm there! THE SPELEOLOGISTS stop their work, and begin securing Pierre's line. THE LEDGE Pierre hammers a METAL PEG into the cliff to provide him with safety, making sure to loop a rope through. Ahead of him... the ledge is actually quite long, and ends in a narrow horizontal slit in the cliff. PIERRE (in French) Je le vois ! Plus lentement! (subtitles) I see it! More slack! Pierre is excited by the sense of adventure. He moves forward and enters the cracked cliff side. INT. CLIFF CAVE - NIGHT A FLASHLIGHT shines on Pierre's helmet. He makes his way inside the cave... his light shining on the dripping STALAGMITES all around him. EXT. ARDECHE GORGE - NIGHT The speleologists are reeling out rope enabling Pierre to enter the cave still harnessed to his gear. INT. CLIFF CAVE - NIGHT Pierre's helmet-light shines up against a long cave wall. Pierre steps forward and caresses the stone... looking... searching... His face wrinkles in annoyance. PIERRE (in French) Bon sang! INT. ARDECHE GORGE - NIGHT The speleologists are waiting, craning over the cliff down the gorge. SPELEOLOGIST #1 You think this is the one? SPELEOLOGIST #2 I don't know. It's got to be here somewhere. PIERRE (O.C) (in French) Hey! Remonte-moi!! Speleologist #2 turns to the others. SPELEOLOGIST #2 Do as he says! Quickly! (in French) Vite! The men start pulling on Pierre's line... tugging him back up the cliff at a steady pace. After a few seconds Pierre appears over the edge, his face dirtied and looking exhausted. SPELEOLOGIST #1 (in French) Qu'avez-vous vu ? C'Ttait la ? (subtitles) What did you see? Was it there?? Pierre shakes his head. PIERRE Non. It was not there. But it must be close. The speleologists are clearly annoyed. Their expectations were high for success. Pierre struggles back onto solid ground and stands, scraping the dust off his overalls. SPELEOLOGIST #1 There's disillusion amongst Roosters in the Millennium Group. They have believed the time is near, but are now not so certain... of a biblical doomsday at least. SPELEOLOGIST #2 They may already know the future... they now *know* they are wrong. SPELEOLOGIST #1 I hope not. A Group faction in power, but without hope, is a dangerous one. Self-fulfillment of their beliefs may seem their only option, as The Owls have said. PIERRE What now? SPELEOLOGIST #2 The search continues. Tomorrow, same time. If the Nazi's could find it in '44... and The Roosters in '99... it can't be that difficult. The speleologists nod their agreement. A group of men still determined, unwavering, and focused on their beliefs... FADE OUT. ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - NIGHT Frank Black stands in the middle of the terminal. He carries a small travel bag in his right hand. He stares around, waiting. Legend INDICATES: Marseilles Airport 10:03 PM GMT LE SAUX (O.C) Bonjour. Frank turns to see Le Saux grinning at him a few meters away. Le Saux walks up to him, still smiling. LE SAUX I trust you had a good trip. Shame you didn't take advantage of the drinks trolley. Frank's ears prick up. FRANK You were on the flight? LE SAUX Oui. We could have talked then, but I prefer things more private... and wouldn't have wanted to disturb the others passengers... or your reading. FRANK I've flown thousands of miles to Europe, all on the basis of a book about a prehistoric cave. I think you'd better explain. Now. LE SAUX (nodding) There's a very good cafe across the lobby. Walk with me. Frank nods, as Le Saux leads the way. INT. AIRPORT CAFE - NIGHT A WAITRESS leaves a small circular table, revealing Frank and Le Saux; both seated with coffee. Le Saux has a frothy cappuccino, which he stirs with a teaspoon. FRANK I'm still waiting. Le Saux eyes Frank, then taps his teaspoon on his cup, and places it on the saucer. LE SAUX On December 14, 1994 a team of dedicated speleologists... INT. CHAUVET CAVE - PASSAGEWAY - (1994) Three speleologists (CHAUVET, BRUNEL-DESCHAMPS and HILLAIRE) are making their way down a dark, stony passageway... LE SAUX (V.O., CONT'D) ... Jean-Marie Chauvet, Eliette Brunel-Deschamps and Christian Hillaire - discovered a cave at the foot of the Ardèche Gorges... INT. AIRPORT CAFE - NIGHT LE SAUX (CONT'D) ... here in France. INT. CHAUVET CAVE - CHAMBER - (1994) Chauvet is examining a magnificent cave painting of prehistoric animals and birds... FRANK (nodding) Inside were ancient cave paintings, dating back 31,000 years. INT. AIRPORT CAFE - NIGHT LE SAUX Excellent. Very good, yes. A Cro-Magnon Man painted wondrous images inside of prehistoric nature in that cave. Hundreds, in fact. Each one exquisite, given the comparatively mundane offerings from similar caves: Lascaux, Cosquer... FRANK (interrupting) So why do you need a crime consultant to do the work of an archaeologist? LE SAUX I don't need a crime consultant, Monsieur Black. I need *you*. I need you for your skills... your ability. Frank SIGHS, taking a drink from his cappuccino. FRANK Why? LE SAUX What the French Ministry of Culture will never reveal to the public... is that the team who discovered The Chauvet Cave actually gave credence to a 55 year old wartime legend. FRANK A legend. LE SAUX Known to very few. (a beat) The story went that the Ardèche Gorge is home to "The Gallery of The First Prophet". Frank sits back in his chair, quite unastounded. LE SAUX (CONT'D) The work of a prehistoric man who was blessed with the ability to see the future of his species. EXT. CAVE DWELLING - NIGHT (31,000 YEARS AGO) A FAMILY OF CRO-MAGNON HUMANS sit round a flickering campfire. Their surroundings are covered in ice and snow... their children are wrapped in warm furs... eating the winnings of a recent hunt... LE SAUX (CONT'D) You see, Cro-Magnon people were physiologically extremely similar to us. Same brain size, for example, but their minds were obviously unaffected by today's social prejudices, religious beliefs, and scientific bias. It's logical that they were more open to their spiritual and psychic sides. INT. AIRPORT CAFE - NIGHT Frank leans forward. FRANK So The Chauvet Cave is actually a "prophetic temple" built by cavemen? LE SAUX Oh no! Like I said, The Chauvet Cave was just the *catalyst* for the resurgence of interest in this World War II legend. (a beat) The actual Gallery is on another site. A different cave, but still in the Ardèche region. FRANK I think you have the wrong person, and this is a wasted journey. My "ability" doesn't work like this. I can't make it work to your favor... to go finding caves... LE SAUX Are you sure? Just three years ago your gift allowed you to only see into the minds of criminals. Yet less than a year later you were prone to experiencing more "outlandish" images, weren't you? FRANK I can't find hidden caves for you, Mister Le Saux. LE SAUX (laughs) The cave has already been found, Monsieur Black. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - DAY Jordan is seated at the kitchen table, eating a bowl of cereal. Her drawing book and a collection of pens have been pushed to one side. In the b.g. HELEN BLACK, is cooking her own meal. The portable phone starts to RING. Helen puts down her frying pan and picks up the receiver. HELEN Black Residence. CUT TO: INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY Frank is seated on the end of a single bed, in a quite luxurious room; large TV, drinks cabinet, adjoining bathroom, etc. FRANK Hi, Helen, it's Frank. INTERCUT BETWEEN SCENES: Helen cups her hand over the receiver: HELEN (whispers, to Jordan) It's your dad. Jordan smiles. HELEN (CONT'D) Did you want to speak with Jordan? FRANK In a second. I'm just ringing to say I won't be back till Tuesday at the earliest. HELEN I see. Well, don't worry. Everything's fine here. FRANK Okay, thanks. Can you put Jordan on, please? HELEN Sure. Helen cups the receiver again, and calls to Jordan: HELEN (CONT'D) Jordan, it's for you. Jordan happily clambers off her stool and takes the receiver from her aunt. JORDAN Daddy? FRANK (smiles) Hi, honey, having a good weekend? JORDAN Yeah. Uncle Tom's taking us to the zoo today! FRANK Hey, that's great! JORDAN I want to see the hairy elephants. FRANK Hairy elephants? JORDAN Yeah. Uncle Tom says we can even see tigers, lions, giraffes... FRANK That's great, Jordan. There's a KNOCK at Frank's door. FRANK Sorry, I have to go now, okay? Say bye to Helen for me. JORDAN 'Kay. Byeee! Frank's door KNOCKS again. Frank, still smiling from his call, hangs up. FRANK'S ROOM DOOR is opened to reveal JEAN-PAUL, a white-haired man in dark shades. JEAN-PAUL Monsieur Noir? FRANK It's Black. Jean-Paul frowns slightly, then holds up a white card, which he reads from: JEAN-PAUL (reading) Monsieur Le Saux requests Monsieur Noir's attendance. You are to come with me to Ardèche Gorges. We go by helicopter. FRANK Do I need to pack? Jean-Paul looks blankly at Frank, then down at the white card again. JEAN-PAUL (reading) We go by helicopter. HARD CUT TO: EXT. FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY A BLACK HELICOPTER thunders overhead, heading out across the green expanse of the French countryside. Legend INDICATES: Ardèche Region 12:02 PM GMT INT. HELICOPTER - DAY Frank is seated in the back, wearing headphones. Jean-Paul is piloting. Frank stares down at the view below. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - DAY The helicopter is now hovering above a cliff top. The wind from the rotors kick up sandy dust. The chopper touches down on the cliff, and two MEN run up to the rear door. They pop it open and Frank steps out. He is rushed to one side... as the helicopter takes off and leaves. The DRONE of the helicopter slowly dies down as at it flies away. Frank is hurried a few more meters, before the two men stop. Frank looks up to see Alexander Le Saux. LE SAUX I'm glad you didn't try and leave the country last night. I see I've intrigued you. FRANK Actually, I forgot my Visa. Le Saux smirks. LE SAUX Walk with me. Le Saux turns and begins a slow walk along the cliff top. Frank follows. FRANK Now that I'm here... what do I do? LE SAUX Find the Gallery of the First Prophet. It should be easy enough since we know it's around here somewhere. FRANK You said it had already been found. LE SAUX Find it for *me*. The people who have found it are dangerous. They will abuse the revelation it contains unless it matches their own belief - which isn't something I'd be happy about either. Frank stops walking; exasperated. FRANK I still don't understand how I can find it; with or without my... ability. LE SAUX Many of my men had fathers who fought in the French Resistance, working against the German occupation. Their fathers knew about The First Prophet thanks to a secret organization developed by British Intelligence - "Branch 16". They were top secret psychic spies; the first in a radical new method of espionage pioneered by Winston Churchill. A method still employed by the C.I.A. today. Branch 16's agents learned of Hitler's interest in the gorges two weeks before Colonel Hans Bäumer was assigned to the region to oversee their dig. The French Resistance were alerted by Branch 16 and both Britain and France agreed... neither the Nazis, or the Allies, should have knowledge of the future. If it existed. Frank is listening, intrigued... LE SAUX (CONT'D) Today we know Hitler used Nostradamus's quatrains as propaganda for his cause... so could you imagine the importance the Gallery held for him? It had the power to disprove *everything* his regime stood for... and if it did, then he could alter his plans to try and cheat fate. (a beat) But if it *proved* him right? He would have been an unstoppable force, with fate and destiny on his side. Overwhelmingly confident of success. Le Saux shakes his head in anguish... LE SAUX (CONT'D) So the Resistance sabotaged Bäumer's excavation... and sealed the cave. FRANK But now people have opened it again... people who knew of the legend. Hoping to learn the future. LE SAUX In a sense it's a modern-day Pandora's Box. Only a far more deadly force could be unleashed... divine knowledge. Le Saux turns to stare out across the gorges. LE SAUX A magnificent sight, aren't they. Frank nods, not really caring. Le Saux notices. LE SAUX Non, Monsieur Black. Look... Frank looks across the gorges, to satisfy Le Saux's insistence. As Frank stares... FRANK'S INTERNAL POV An abrupt series of images flash through his mind: -- Intense darkness, as a crack of LIGHT appears! -- A view of 1944's excavation site... -- HEINREICH stepping inside a narrow passageway... -- The BEAM of a flashlight on a WALL... -- Indecipherable images of CAVE PAINTINGS... -- FRENCH PEASANTS knelt around a crack in a cliff top... -- A NAZI SWASTIKA on a jeep's flag, flapping! Frank is staring vacantly across the gorges, entranced. LE SAUX (O.C) You see? Frank snaps "awake", and turns to Le Saux - but he's gone. Frank wheels round to see that Le Saux has walked a short distance away, without Frank's knowing. FRANK I saw a man - an explorer, maybe. People... and a Nazi banner. LE SAUX You experience the Divine. You share a kinship with The First Prophet; a bond that surpasses Space and Time. Use it. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - NIGHT A series of lights have been hung along the cave's walls, all reaching off down various passageways. The cave is still gloomy, but actually quite enticing. We notice a security camera has been connected to the wall... it HUMS as it turns to view the area, almost signaling the arrival of British archaeologist LINDA CROFT. Linda is a tall and elegant woman, but today dressed in baggy overalls, and wearing a helmet-light. Linda walks down a corridor. CAMERA TRACKS along with her journey... and she soon reaches... A LARGE CHAMBER which is a massive dome-shaped structure. The chamber is crammed with cave paintings, which spiral around the dome - strangely only starting five meters off the ground. Three more passageways lead off into unknown areas. Linda stops and surveys the area: There are five tall ladders propped up against the walls. Five CLEANERS are stood at the top of the ladders. They have delicate instruments and seem to be testing the stone, and cleaning it gently. LINDA How's it going? CLEANER The preservation is incredible here. LINDA (smiles) Excellent. As Linda marvels at the chamber's paintings, the CAMERA TWISTS UP TO A HIGH ANGLE where one of the ancient pictographs comes into view closer... A LARGE OUROBOROS not as finely drawn as we're accustomed. But a definite slit-eyed serpent swallowing its own tail... MATCH CUT TO: INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY CLOSE ON - AN OUROBOROS (the modern-version) painted on a huge canvas, and hung on a wood-paneled wall. CAMERA PANS LEFT to reveal we're in an ornately decorated room, filled with antique paintings, suits of armor, swords, etc. Legend INDICATES: Washington, D.C. 5:43 AM EST Eleven MILLENNIUM GROUP MEMBERS are seated at a long conference table - five on each side, including BLAYLOCK, ALBRECHT and TITUS, with THE ELDER at the head. The Elder is staring at a black laptop in front of him. THE ELDER Reconnaissance in the Ardèche region, from the dispatched team of International Roosters, have reported evidence that The Owls know of our discovery. An unknown team have been seen digging around the Ardèche - under the guise of The French Ministry of Culture. TITUS Why keep it secret from The Owls? We've always been open with our findings before: the Spear of Destiny, the Crucifixion Cross... THE ELDER (interrupting) This is different. If we are proven wrong about the millennial disaster by our own efforts, The Owls could assume control earlier than 2000 by default. (a beat) The Owls were founded during The Renaissance, and their arguments during the 16th century gained them control of The Group in 1851. The Roosters only regained control in 1900 because our date for the apocalypse was closer. The Owls agreed a century of Rooster control, but as 2000 nears... BLAYLOCK (finishing sentence) ... The Owls fear we will manufacture our own doomsday. They think that if the Gallery proves we are wrong, we will try and create Armageddon. ALBRECHT We believe The Owls are even using Frank Black to locate the Gallery. He left Washington last night, possibly with his contact. The Elder nods slowly... TITUS I have no record of an Owl member flying the nest. Who told him? BLAYLOCK The Owls have likely gone underground, using aliases and personal jets to fly to Europe. It's impossible to tell which member approached Black. ALBRECHT (to The Elder) If you found out... would such a member be punished? THE ELDER Of course not. All we can do is make sure our Roosters keep the Cave safe from prying eyes. Linda Croft, our best archaeologist, has flown out from London. She's leading our excavation. BLAYLOCK And what if the First Prophet's Gallery reveals the Owls are correct... that 2000 is *not* the time. THE ELDER You don't honestly believe that will happen, do you..? Blaylock falls silent, almost embarrassed. THE ELDER (CONT'D) I'm sure the First Prophet will corroborate our belief, that there are just 126 days remaining... The Elder revolves his laptop computer to face The Roosters; a computer graphic shows a spinning ouroboros, with a green digital time display in its center. With every rotation the time display is decreasing by one second... 126:18:09:20 and counting down... The Roosters exchange glances, all still united in their belief... but scared one of the prophecies they take great comfort in will prove them wrong... FADE OUT. ACT THREE FADE IN: INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - DAY Jordan enters the house, followed by Helen who's carrying CHARLIE. Following behind them is TOM BLACK, who closes the door. TOM Well, it's been years since I last went to the zoo, that's for sure. Guess I'd better get used to it again when Charlie gets a bit older. Tom looks downhearted. Jordan doesn't notice... JORDAN Can we go again soon, Uncle Tom? HELEN (laughs) Maybe some other weekend. In a few months, or so. JORDAN Do you think they'll have hairy elephants next time? Tom bends lows to Jordan, smiling. TOM What is it with these, brown, hairy elephants of yours? JORDAN (smiles) I like them. HELEN (to Tom) She enjoys drawing them in her books. Tom looks from Helen to Jordan with a smile... TOM Quite an imagination... JORDAN I hope dad finds his bones soon. HELEN Bones? Helen looks at Tom for help, quite taken back by Jordan's remark. TOM What did you say? JORDAN The man's bones. Dirty ones in the ground. HELEN Your father's not looking for... for bones, Jordan. He's just working far away right now. In Europe. You know that. Jordan nods, not really believing that for a second. Helen and Tom can tell. TOM Well, speaking of dirty, time to wash those hands of yours. Jordan nods again and leaves, taking off her coat. Tom turns to face Helen. Both swap blank looks. TOM He doesn't talk to her about... what he does. Does he? HELEN (quickly) No! She's just confused, that's all. Tom half-accepts this. Uncomfortable silence between the pair. EXT. CLIFF FOOT - NIGHT CLOSE ON - A BRUSH which is lightly flicking away sand and dirt, slowly revealing white bone. WIDER The brush is being held by a PALEONTOLOGIST, who has a small team doing similar work at the foot of the Ardèche cliff. Frank and Le Saux stand together watching. LE SAUX Cro-Magnon Man. Perhaps even The Prophet himself. FRANK What will you do when you find the Gallery? LE SAUX Study it... learn from it... FRANK To know the future for yourself? LE SAUX No. To keep it from human eyes, even our own. Frank isn't so sure Le Saux means what he says. He turns to watch Le Saux's men slowly digging the remains of an ancient body out of the ground... as his cell phone RINGS. FRANK (to Le Saux) Excuse me. Frank walks off to one side, taking his phone out and hitting RECEIVE. FRANK Frank Black. INT. FRANK'S KITCHEN - DAY Helen is holding the phone... HELEN Hi, Frank, it's Helen. INTERCUT BETWEEN SCENES: FRANK Is something wrong? HELEN No, no, nothing. Look, I'm sorry to disturb what you're doing, but... it's Jordan. FRANK Is she all right? HELEN Yes, yes, she's fine. It's... well... she keeps mentioning things. Things that seem a little... strange to us. Frank's brow wrinkles. FRANK Like what? HELEN Well, hairy elephants for one... and she draws some very unusual things in her books. There are dozens of, I don't know... bulls, or something? And she keeps mentioning bones. Frank is listening intently; realizing connections to his work as she speaks. FRANK Helen... it's like I keep saying... Jordan's not like other children, you know? She's special. Gifted. HELEN I know. It's silly but she's drawing places I've never seen before. All kinds of green fields, with black helicopters in the sky. Frank chews his tongue. Helen picks up a piece of paper from the kitchen table... HELEN There is one more thing. Something I think you should see yourself... ANGLE - A PIECE OF PAPER one of Jordan's drawings. A childish crayon-drawing of green hills and brown gorges. Above one crag is drawn a brown rooster... with black helicopters in the sky around it... EXT. EXCAVATION SITE - NIGHT Tents have been erected around a small campsite. But nobody sleeps. Strong lights have been set-up around the area... so a team of Le Saux's archaeologists can chisel away at the hard sediment encasing the skeleton... CAMERA FINDS Frank Black seated on a stool. He has his laptop propped open and connected to his cell phone. ANGLE - COMPUTER SCREEN The screen shows a LOGIN field, followed by a PASSWORD field. Frank types: frank_black followed by his password, which only appears as '*********'. He is quickly greeted by a flashing E-MAIL icon. He clicks it with his mouse and an image starts downloading... Frank glances up, making sure nobody is around watching. The coast is clear, and the COMPUTER IMAGE has downloaded. It's Jordan's landscape drawing Helen had in her hand - scanned and sent via e-mail. Frank stares at the familiar picture... intrigued by the black helicopters and the rooster image above a small crag. Frank's brain works a second, he grows agitated... CAMPFIRE Le Saux sits, massaging his face and thinking. He stares out across the French Ardèche... the SOUNDS of workmen digging up skeletal remains O.C. Frank appears, walking quickly to Le Saux in anger. FRANK It's the Millennium Group, isn't it! Le Saux stands quickly, turning to see Frank; his face a storm of fury. LE SAUX What?? FRANK The Gallery has been found by The Group! The Rooster faction. LE SAUX Roosters?? FRANK (shaking head) You don't have to lie to me now. I should have known... (a beat) The Roosters have found something that has The Owls scared; despite your "so-called" scientific understandings. Le Saux's face clouds, the wall of lies collapsing... LE SAUX You're wrong. I'm not with Millennium. But The Roosters are the ones who found the Gallery, you're right. Frank SIGHS, rubbing the bridge of his nose... FRANK Who are you then? LE SAUX Just a friend. FRANK Friends don't lie... they don't delude people. I flew thousands of miles just because I was interested, that's all! LE SAUX You came thousands of miles because you *had* to. You *wanted* to! No matter how much you preach against them, The Group have your interest. You want answers... just as they do. Just as I do. FRANK Why me?? What is it with *me*?! LE SAUX You're less important than you sometimes believe you are. But you *are* important. Special to any organization worried about the millennium... the evils of the world. Frank calms himself down... letting Le Saux's words sink in. FRANK Okay... so you just want to stop them learning the future. LE SAUX (nods) Oui. FRANK So where are The Owls? Are they so certain the Gallery won't reveal anything? LE SAUX No. They're not certain. If the Gallery depicts an Apocalypse before 2062... chances are everyone dies. No matter what either faction believes. FRANK And if it shows The Owls are right. That the date *isn't* 2000... LE SAUX The Owls are worried The Roosters will create their Armageddon anyway. Frank LAUGHS out loud, but it was meant to be a personal laugh. He's almost embarrassed at this. FRANK It's like children with toys! LE SAUX You're right. Whatever The First Prophet drew doesn't matter! Premonition can be wrongly interpreted, distorted, or discounted altogether! The future *isn't* written in stone. Who cares what a prehistoric man painted?? It doesn't matter! The End *is* coming, it's just a question of when. Both men are silent. The sea of words still filtering through their minds. Eventually... LE SAUX I'm not an Owl. Why would an Owl believe in your ability to find the cave? Owls only trust in science. Frank's expression accepts this. The he realizes something: FRANK My daughter drew an owl yesterday. On the window of my car. LE SAUX (nods) She sees. Many children do. Like Cro-Magnon people, their minds aren't clouded. FRANK I know where the Gallery is. Le Saux's ears prick up, intensely interested. Both men consider each other... an agreement reached through trust and truth. FADE OUT. ACT FOUR FADE IN: EXT. BLACK RESIDENCE - DAY Afternoon. Quiet. We notice the Black's car parked outside in the drive. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - DAY CLOSE ON - A NEWSPAPER which is lying on the coffee table. It's the issue Frank was reading yesterday morning. A FEMALE HAND picks it up to read... it's Helen. She studies the front cover, then tucks it under her arm. She's been busy tidying the room, as a vacuum in the background can confirm. She notices Jordan's drawing book on the coffee table. She takes it and opens it up. We see the familiar drawing of the rhinoceros, the antelope and the brown elephant (woolly mammoth). Helen shakes her head, still at a loss to explain her granddaughter's artistry. JORDAN'S DRAWING BOOK the page is turned and we see TWO CRUDELY DRAWN MEN, holding spears into the air. Hunters. Helen is surprised as she turns the pages: a horizon of TALL CLIFFS... an ICE PLAIN... a CAMPFIRE with people gathered around it (again with spears)... more ANIMALS... then a horrifying symbol: a full-page black outline of a NAZI SWASTIKA! She snaps the book shut. Quite alarmed. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - BATHROOM - DAY Jordan is washing her hands and face in the sink. Reflected in a small mirror we see the bathroom door open. Helen appears in the doorway. HELEN Jordan? Jordan stops washing, noticing the reflection, before turning to face her aunt. Helen holds up Jordan's drawing book. HELEN (CONT'D) Tell me how you imagine all these drawings. Jordan hesitates. HELEN (CONT'D) I'd just like to know. JORDAN They're not real. Just pictures. HELEN Do you imagine them? JORDAN I dream them. HELEN Don't you think little girls should be dreaming of Barbies, and things? Jordan shrugs her shoulders. Helen cracks a resigned smile. HELEN (CONT'D) Your dinner's nearly ready. JORDAN Okay. Helen turns and leaves, closing the door. Jordan turns back and empties the water from the sink. As she watches the WATER spin down the plughole, we... MATCH CUT TO: INT. ARDECHE CAVE - DAY CLOSE ON - A PUDDLE OF WATER which is the same one Cro-Magnon stared into earlier. This time the water is being spun round and round by the Cro-Magnon Man. His face appears, reflected in the cold water. CAVE WALL Cro-Magnon stands before the surface. The stone has been chiseled smooth; creating a "canvas". The ancient man places a finger onto the stone, which has been covered in brown mud. His finger begins to sketch out an image... ... and as Cro-Magnon works, CAMERA PULLS WIDER to reveal the rest of the cave. He's stood at the end of a passageway, which he has already covered in dozens of other drawings. CLOSE ON - CRO-MAGNON'S FINGER as it draws a curved line onto the stone... MATCH CUT TO: INT. FRANK'S BATHROOM - DAY CLOSE ON - JORDAN'S FINGER which is tracing a similar curve onto the condensation of the bathroom mirror... Jordan smiles as she draws, enjoying herself... WIDER Jordan stops drawing, turns and leaves. The door closes O.C. Then CAMERA ZOOMS IN ON the MIRROR DRAWING which shows three circles; decreasing in size from left to right. The first very large, the second much smaller, and the third almost a dot. INT. ARDECHE GORGES - DAY A familiar landscape across the cliff tops. Frank's HAND raises a color printout of Jordan's landscape into FRAME. It's almost an exact match. The rooster on the drawing matches a real-life location along the gorges. LE SAUX (O.C) An exact match. Frank and Le Saux are stood together on the other side of the gorges, looking across the large expanse. FRANK And the rooster marks the spot. Le Saux breathes a SIGH of relief. LE SAUX At last. (to Frank) I always knew your gift would prevail, Monsieur Black. Frank nods; he's obviously concealed the fact Jordan drew the landscape. FRANK Now what? You can't expect them to just give it up. LE SAUX That's *exactly* what I expect. The Roosters won't be armed. We will be. Le Saux takes out a handgun and checks the chamber. FRANK I don't want blood on my hands. LE SAUX Don't worry. It's just for display. Come. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - EAST SIDE - DAY Le Saux and Frank are leading the Frenchman's entire archaeological team: approximately ten men, all with weapons and backpacks. Le Saux stops and stares around the area... searching for an entrance. We now realize it's the same area Bäumer and his men were killed in by the French Resistance. LE SAUX It should be here somewhere. Frank joins the search. Le Saux's team also scan around for an opening. Nothing. LE SAUX It won't be obvious. They've had time to camouflage it well. Frank's gaze drifts around, before... FRANK'S INTERNAL POV ... a barrage of images flow through his mind: -- A PICKAXE breaking darkness! -- Heinreich walking down a passageway! -- Cave paintings illuminated by flashlights! Frank is staring at a patch of ground, surrounded by rubble. He walks off on his own. Nobody notices. After a few paces, Frank notices something, he bends down to the ground. Le Saux and his men are now close behind. Frank wipes a layer of sand away to reveal a thin metal plate - like a sewer lid. The sand is cleared. Le Saux is kneeling next to him. Both men put their fingers into a set of two holes and twist clockwise. LE SAUX (smiling) Open Sesame. The lid SCREECHES round and comes off with a CLUNK. Both men stare down at a metallic tube entrance, leading down into darkness, but sufficiently lit by electric bulbs. A metal ladder has been bolted to the inside. FRANK You first. LE SAUX You follow last. Stay well away from any danger while your down there. Frank nods, as Le Saux stands to address his men. LE SAUX (CONT'D) Okay, this is it. We've been through the procedure a million times, but just remember... nobody gets hurt. The men nod quickly and obediently. Ready for action. Le Saux turns and nods to Frank. Time to go. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGEWAY CAMERA MOVES along the walls of the cave. For the first time we get a clear indication of the First Prophet's power - many recognizable symbols/depictions in a timeline of the 20th century: amongst them, a Nazi swastika, a nuclear bomb's mushroom cloud, a peace symbol, etc... The symbols ends against a massive wall of stone; a collapsed wall. We HEAR the labored breath of men, and CAMERA FINDS four workers hacking away at the wall of stone. The passageway is being held up by huge wooden beams... and they load pieces of rock into small mine carts, which are being pushed away when loaded. Linda Croft walks into FRAME. LINDA How far have we got? One of the workers turns to Linda. WORKER #1 It seems to end in the mid-80's. The last symbol was of a mushroom cloud with a Russian flag in its center. LINDA Chernobyl. WORKER #1 (nods) Sonar detects an extra 30 yards beyond this collapsed passage. That would mean an extra... 14 drawings? 14 years. LINDA *If* this is the last passage. WORKER #1 Of course. Linda nods, studying the rubble and their progress. LINDA Good. Keep working. The Group Committee are watching... and they expect results soon. Linda gestures towards a small camera, bolted to the passageway ceiling between two wooden beams. A small cable runs off down the wall. LINDA (O.C., CONT'D) The Owls must be close to finding us. WORKER #1 We expect breakthrough within the hour. Linda nods gratefully. Suddenly, SHOUTS are hear behind. Linda reacts in shock. A GUNSHOT is fired O.C! LINDA (to the workers) Stay here! Keep digging! And with that he runs off down the passageway, leaving the fearful and concerned workers to continue. CUT TO: INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY A GROUP MEMBER is lying on the floor, nursing a bleeding shin and MOANING with pain. CAMERA TILTS UP to reveal Le Saux holding a gun over him. His men also have their weapons drawn, and trained on other Group Members, who have their hands up in surrender. LE SAUX Everybody, hands on their heads! Stop working or you *will* be shot! In the b.g. Frank steps down from a metal ladder, joining Le Saux's men. The surrendered Roosters watch him carefully. Frank notices the injured man on the floor. He says nothing, though... the atmosphere is tense. INT. CAVE PASSAGEWAY Three of Le Saux's men run down the passage, their handguns ready. A few Roosters appear, and immediately surrender after a few shouts from the invading team. Le Saux's men bark orders for them to lie on the floor. They do so quickly. Then, Linda appears up ahead. LE SAUX'S MEN Freeze, hands up! NOW! Linda raises her hands. LINDA I'm in charge of this dig. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY Frank is watching as Le Saux stands with his men, their weapons still raised. Waiting. SHOUTING from Le Saux's men can be heard down the passageways. Then, Linda Croft is pushed forward by Le Saux' men, her arms raised. HENCHMAN This one says she's the team leader. LE SAUX Who are you? LINDA Linda Croft. Who are you? LE SAUX That doesn't matter. LINDA You're an Owl, aren't you? Why even try and deny it. Nobody else would know about the Gallery. The Owls weren't even supposed to know about it. LE SAUX I'm not an Owl, but they do know about this place. My men's father's remember the stories. The legend. The truth, it turns out. Linda notices Frank. LINDA (courteously) Mr. Black. Frank furrows his brow, intrigued that she knows his name. LE SAUX Okay, enough pleasantries! I want everyone back on the surface. LINDA Why? LE SAUX Just do it! Le Saux looks to his main henchman. LE SAUX (CONT'D) Is that everyone? HENCHMAN A team of twenty-two, all accounted for. Nobody's left underground. Le Saux nods. LE SAUX Okay, everyone out! Le Saux moves out of the way, as some Roosters are pushed to the metal ladder by guns in their backs. Linda smirks as she passes Le Saux and Frank. FRANK (to Le Saux) How did she know who I am? Le Saux doesn't answer. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - EAST SIDE - DAY Le Saux's team are evacuating the Roosters from the cave. They are led off at gunpoint as they step out of the entrance. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY A BACKPACK is unzipped and a collection of devices are unpacked; coiled wires, conductive jelly, sticks of dynamite, grenades, gasoline, etc. Le Saux and Frank are watching the men set-up the destructive devices. FRANK What are you doing? I thought you said you'd study this place. LE SAUX Temptation is too great for all men... even me... and this is one fruit tree that won't be picked. The snake won't whisper its lies. A HENCHMAN slaps a portion of conductive jelly onto a wall crevice, connecting some wires. FRANK But... the work that must have gone into this place... the legacy. LE SAUX It doesn't matter. The future shouldn't be experienced with foresight. Frank can do nothing. Work is already in progress. Le Saux watches the last Rooster disappear up the metal ladder. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - BATHROOM - DAY Jordan is staring at herself in the mirror... INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGEWAY As the hustle and bustle of Le Saux's men increases, Le Saux and Frank walk into view... studying the 20th century timeline on the wall. LE SAUX The First World War... the rise of the Nazi party, Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima... (a beat) Of course, many images would simply have been totally out of The Prophet's understanding... Le Saux stops before a Nazi swastika. LE SAUX (CONT'D) ... but evil remains a potent image, whatever the time. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY The Elder is sat alone at the head of the conference table. He's staring blankly at his laptop monitor screen. Silent. Passive. INT. ARDECHE GORGES - EAST SIDE - DAY The Roosters are exchanging concerned glances as they are lined up by Le Saux's men. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - CHAMBER The dome-shaped chamber with the tall ladders - now all vacant. Le Saux's men rush inside with their equipment and begin SLOSHING gasoline all over the walls. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGEWAY Frank is feeling the fallen rubble at the end of the passage. LE SAUX (O.C) Behind that wall lies the answer. The end of mankind... as envisioned my a man who lived during its beginning. Frank turns to see Le Saux, stood a few meters back and marveling at the collapsed rock. FRANK'S POV he notices something above Le Saux's right shoulder... A SECURITY CAMERA bolted to the cave ceiling. Watching their every move... INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY A view of the passageway is displayed on a laptop monitor. A perfect view of Frank Black and Alexander Le Saux inside. CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal THE ELDER is sat watching them on the screen. He has various other camera angles displayed on his computer; each covering different areas of the cave. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - BATHROOM - DAY Jordan is still staring. She closes her eyes in expectation. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGEWAY CAMERA TRACKS along the passageway and we... MATCH CUT TO: INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGEWAY (31,000 YEARS AGO) ... but now in prehistoric times. The floor is covered in ice, and it's much, much darker. A FLAMING TORCH hangs where the modern-day camera was placed. CAMERA CONTINUES TO TRACK along, until we see the Cro-Magnon man painting at the far end of the passageway... a long way past where the modern-day ceiling collapse is... INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGEWAY (PRESENT DAY) Le Saux is SLOSHING gasoline along the passageway and up against the fallen ceiling. Frank watches helplessly. Events already in motion. Le Saux finished begins making a trail of gasoline along the floor, leading away from the collapse. LE SAUX Come on! We have to go now! Frank follows Le Saux... INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY The Elder's screen shows Le Saux soaking the passageway in fuel. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY Le Saux drops the empty gas can at the end of the passage. Behind him, his men are returning to the exit. Now all without their backpacks, some still drenching the surroundings in gasoline. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - HALLWAY - DAY Helen Black walks quickly to the bottom of the stairs. She calls out to Jordan: HELEN Jordan, honey, dinner's on the table! INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - BATHROOM - DAY Jordan, still with her eyes closed facing the mirror, remains silent and concentrated. HELEN (V.O) Are you up there!? EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - EAST SIDE - DAY Le Saux's men are keeping an eye on the twenty-two evacuated Roosters. More men pour out of the small entrance in the ground. HENCHMAN Okay, go, go! Take cover! Le Saux's party begin marching the Roosters away from the entrance. Le Saux and Frank both clamber out of the hole to the surface. FRANK (to Le Saux) Are you sure you want to do this? Le Saux nods. LE SAUX It has to be done. Le Saux digs in his pocket and takes out a distress flare. Both men study it a second, before Le Saux takes out a cigarette lighter. FLICK! The lighter produces a flame, and Le Saux sets the flare alight. FZZZZZTTTTT! The bright sparks of the flare: MATCH CUT TO: INT. PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGE (31,000 YEARS AGO) CLOSE ON - THE FLAMING TORCH of the Cro-Magnon Man, as he walks out of the passage. His feet step into a puddle, causing it to ripple. CAMERA ZOOMS IN to see a familiar face reflected in the water... Jordan Black, with her eyes closed. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - EAST SIDE - DAY - THE FLARE is tossed down the entrance hole, as Le Saux and Frank run for cover. INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - THE FLARE CLATTERS down the metal stairs and lands on the floor. It burns for a few seconds before, a puddle of gasoline slips up to its flickering end... and IGNITES! WIDER a RUSH OF FLAMES as the floor and walls of the cave ignite in a THUNDEROUS BLAZE! INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - CHAMBER The dome-shaped room is quickly ENGULFED in flames! The rungs of the tall ladders flicker and burn. CLOSE ON - THE OUROBOROS SYMBOL painted on the wall... being licked by flame. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - EAST SIDE - DAY A HAND twists a detonator control box! INT. THE PROPHET'S GALLERY - PASSAGEWAY The plastic explosives EXPLODE! Rubble and rocks collapse to the floor, as the gasoline on the walls also ignites. The very vision of an underground Hell. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY The Elder's monitor is showing the various security camera viewpoints around the cave. One by one, The Elder's internet cameras are destroyed. Small windows of static begin to appear on his laptop screen... as every camera is obliterated by fire. As the laptop reaches a crescendo of HISSING static... ... CAMERA TRACKS ROUND to see The Elder; head in his hands, not even able to look at the static screen. Lost hope. EXT. ARDECHE GORGES - EAST SIDE - DAY The entrance hole BLOWS up a plume of fire! WIDER The Roosters are watching; all blank-faced and upset. Le Saux's men watch almost melancholy. Le Saux stares proudly. Frank watches with interest and sadness. LE SAUX (to himself) The Future is safe. Forever. FRANK Did we do the right thing? Maybe the Prophet only drew a *possible* future. Something we could change. LE SAUX It wasn't worth the risk. FRANK Weren't you even curious what his last drawing was? LE SAUX Of course. I wouldn't be human if I wasn't curious. That is why the Gallery had to be destroyed. Curiosity and temptation are close friends. This way... nobody will know the last prophecy... and it's the way it should be. Frank considers this. It makes sense. It all makes sense now. INT. BLACK RESIDENCE - BATHROOM - DAY Helen opens the door, and peers inside. HELEN Jordan, did you hear me? Your dinner's getting cold. Jordan snaps out of her trance. She turns to Helen and smiles. JORDAN Sorry. I'm ready now. Jordan skips happily out of the bathroom and heads downstairs. Helen watches her go, before turning to the mirror she was staring into. THE MIRROR which still shows the three circles drawn into the surfaces condensation: one very large, one smaller, and one dot-sized. A portent. Helen notices the marks, quickly rinses a flannel under a faucet O.C... and wipes the mirror clean. Erasing the circles. FADE OUT. THE END