INT. WASHINGTON D.C. NEWSROOM DAY

There is a Princess who works as a reporter for Channel 4 in Washington D.C. She is, also, a spy. Her father is a Persian King and an inventor; her mother is an Anglo Catholic with real blonde hair and a Master's in Political Science. In the newsroom where the Princess works it is Sunday. She sits at her desk. Her name is Heather Ahmid. She is one of four people working that day.

She is concentrating on completing a story about George Fenn. Against the far wall, satellite feeds from all over the world bleed through the TV monitors political candidates being prepped before an on-camera interview, news, weather, sports and analysis.

George, who looks like a young Abraham Lincoln is awfully confused. He thinks the Big Business Partnership between the media and politics is an evil thing. Evil. Like cutting down rain forests. In George's mind, even gasoline is bad. Heather met him at an anti-war rally. Now there are two parcels on her desk. She better look before continuing. She shuts down the PC. The first envelope contains an invitation from her boss, Colonel Alexander Rand. The second envelope contains a disc. She slips it into the Sony vid cam.

The long-bearded face of a man in his mid-20s stares back at her. It is George. His eyes glitter clear and bright.

Each time, deeper, seemingly nightmarish. I always know that I am out of sorts when I cannot bring myself to write or call you, and for this past month it has been difficult. In "difficult," I mean I find myself unable to explain myself, and the longer I wait, the greater this difficulty becomes. Finally, I have no choice but to send this to you.


Life here is very bitter. I often view myself as a kind of annoying character, an object of spite, and not by choice it seems. My "activity" is my way of reaching out to attack; as Berlin called it, "the dehumanizing machinery." I, like Berlin, protest against this global planning.


Thinking about it has certainly destroyed me.


Follow me.

George Fenn walks a few feet. His manner is reminiscent of a troubadour.

In the background, the Washington Monument soars into the night sky.

As you can see, Heather, I'm strapped in.


(He tugs at the explosives wrapped around his waist.)


Originally, I was going to take a few tourists with me. But Your remark the other afternoon got me to thinking. You're right. I wasn't made for this world.

George Fenn pulls a cord near his belt and explodes.

Heather stops the P.C. and moves away from her desk.

Two photos accompany the note. She slices open the envelope.

Dearest Heather,


The white man is Dave Anders and the Chinese gentleman is Ho Sin Mae. Anders will be your next assignment. If you're free this afternoon, you can drop by my place for the details.


Colonel Alexander Rand.

She returns to George exploding. She toys with the image- speeding it up and slowing it down. She shuts the P.C., opens a drawer, removes a single page of copy and with the disc, slides it into an envelope. She stands with her P.C., the envelope and walks across the near-empty newsroom. She stops in front of an old woman's desk. The old woman has her back to Heather.

Excuse me, Margaret.

Margaret turns and smiles.

Hello, darling. What's up?

Ned wanted to see this for possible inclusion on the evening news. He instructed me to have you peruse it.

All right, dear. You can count on it, as soon as I'm done here.


Did ya hear about the horse that came into Baker's the other night? Really? The bartender, you know Joey, he looks at the horse. He asks, "Why the long face?"

Heather smiles slightly.

Sorry, Margaret. It's been a weird day.

Toodle-lu, Kid.

Heather walks out of the building and into the D.C. sunshine. A cab waits at the curb.

She is silent during the ride to Colonel Rand's townhouse. The doorman tips his hat and she instructs the elevator man to the fourth floor.

Colonel Rand, a tall, gray-haired man of 55, waits for her in his apartment. He sits in a big, easy chair listening to a Stockhausen recording from 1959. Hearing the buzzer, he stands to let her in.

(opening the door)


Heather, what's the matter?

Fenn killed himself last night and recorded it with instructions to give me a copy of the video.

Here. Let me take this stuff from you. Don't let the turkey's get you down, Heather. He was a goner long before he met you.

(shaking her head)


You're right. You're right.

Becks?

Please. Just let me catch my breath. I'll be all right.

She slumps into his easy chair.

Colonel Rand comes back into the living room with two Becks and pulls up a chair to sit in front of her.

He hands her the bottle. She takes a swallow.

They clink bottles. He moves back into a chair. They each have a few more swallows.

I can't believe that prick did that to me. I was this close to a complete analysis.

Who's doing the psychological autopsy.

I don't know.

Colonel Rand reaches into his attache case and brings out a file on DAVE ANDERS, HO SIN MAE and JONATHAN CANNE.

COLONEL RAND

This is big, Heather. Your father will be proud you are assigned to this. Have you spoken to him recently?

HEATHER

Last week. He was in great shape.

Colonel Rand tosses their photos onto the coffee table.

COLONEL RAND

I've never seen such a devoted couple as these two. They have discovered a new energy source. We're introducing you to the younger one tomorrow at the White House reception. A few days later you'll fly to where this gentleman works and... you know the drill. We want you to get close to him. As close as you can get. We have to know what he's thinking.

HEATHER

Would you mind putting on another musician?

COLONEL RAND

Sorry honey. How about Ofra Haza?

HEATHER

Yes.

Colonel Rand stands and slides in the latest Ofra Haza Compact disc.

HEATHER (con't.)

Do I communicate with you?

COLONEL RAND

No. You stay on the ground. Close to him. That's all.

Colonel Rand sits and listens to Ofra Haza for a few moments.

Heather stands and stretches. She breathes a sigh of relief.

COLONEL RAND

Heather look at this. Dr. David Anders, mathematician/scientist, currently working for The Center of Exploration. The Center is a branch of the State Department near Palo Alto. He's regarded as the world's top bio-physicist specializing in bio-kinetic energy research since 1986. He's regarded as a true genius in scientific circles for his superior mathematics.

This is his teacher, Ho Sin Mae. He's China's premier mathematician/scientist. He taught at Stanford, where he and Dr. Anders became professional colleagues and best friends. We are sure he is close to the discovery. Three weeks ago, communication between them was disallowed for security reasons, but transmission between them has continued unofficially.

Dr. Jonathan Canne, Chief of Staff for The Center of Exploration. He is the main operative for the State Department. Considered a conscientious objector by U.S. officials. Close personal contact with Anders. He has contacts everywhere. Even with your father. We don't know who's he's backing at this point.

HEATHER

What's his relationship with my father?

COLONEL RAND

They worked on the carboat plane together. Dr. Cannes was one of the first pilots.

HEATHER

Oh. Do you mind if I go?

COLONEL RAND

Get some rest. I'll pick you up tomorrow at nine.

EXT. THE WHITE HOUSEEVENING

It's hot in D.C. The night wind is blowing, the trees are moving, stars are flashing in the sky. Small lights light up the flat stones of the walkways. Sounds of music come from the building to the left, mixed with laughter.

Guards are like human shades against the walls, here and there, under the trees, and close to the bushes. The large gate opens. Two human shades move to the left and one to the right. Two headlights appear. The limo enters through the gate.

INT. LIMOEVENING

The darkness of the limo is pierced with light. Colonel Rand sits next to Heather.

The door opens and the shoe of a man appears, and then the other. The man steps out. Heather's legs appear from inside the limo. Her hand reaches for the door. She starts to walk. Her high heels get stuck between the stones. She is falling. He grabs her. He wants to hold her, but she gets away with a polite "thank you."

EXT. WHITE HOUSE

Small ground lamps light the way to the great White House. Her hat covers her face as he leads her by the arm to the door.

He is dressed in a black tuxedo. She is dressed in a tight gray skirt and black vest to her waist. Her black hair is cut short. In the darkness, she is a mystery. The guard by the door smiles.

INT. WHITE HOUSE

The rooms are large and men in tuxedos and women in evening wear are scattered through the Great House.

As they walk inside, people are saying "hello." Waiters walk round with trays full of champagne.

Dancers move across the massive seal of the U.S. Eagle. The party, being led by a 30-piece band, is gracious and elegant.

Enter six men. Three are obvious shadows; the others are shadowed. One is the leader. The shadows stop at the door and the others continue: THE PRESIDENT of the United States, his Security Secretary, RUSS ELLIOT, and Head of the National Security Agency, JACK FOLLET.

The President finds his WIFE and kisses her on the cheek.

Hello, dear.

She looks in his eyes. She smiles.

Good evening, Mr. President.

Shall we dance?

Why not?

He takes her by the hand and they walk to the center of the floor.

His face is clean and shaved, with a touch of make-up. He breaks into a smile. The other couples stop and watch.

Colonel Rand acknowledges the Presidential couple as they dance by.

The first couple calls it quits. They pull apart, holding hands. They turn around towards the guests. Applause comes from everyone in the room. Slowly, the applause dies down.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to welcome you, on behalf of the President of the United States, to this final evening of the International Energy Conference. I think the President has a few words for you.

General applause as the President walks up, shakes the hand of the Announcer, and has a short laugh with him.

Hello. Well This time, I think we can safely say we've done it.


(laughs)

He looks once to the left and slowly, with a smile, turns his head to the right. He sees everyone in the room looking at him.


PRESIDENT

I would like to end this Conference by expressing my overwhelming gratitude to all of the individuals who compose this team. This has been the most exciting conference I've attended. Period.

Every person here tonight is very special to me, to my family, and to this country.

CUT TO:

Col. Rand notices DAVID ANDERS and HO SIN MAE standing at the bar. He nods to Heather and moves her face with his eyes.

Dr. Anders, dressed in a black suit and loose tie, is 33. He stands next to Ho Sin, with his head leaning to the left, trying to hear what Sin has to say. Ho Sin is a man in his 50s, 5'8" with a round, clear face, tall, gray haired and dressed in a dark gray, Chinese-style outfit. His dark eyes stare at Dave. Ten years ago Ho Sin Mae was Dave's teacher at Stanford.

PRESIDENT

(voice under)

And I believe that, together, we will remain. I want to thank every single one of you for all the service and all the understanding, for what it takes to continue as one party together and keep this country strong the main leading force in the world. So please enjoy this evening. Thank you and God bless you all.

HO SIN MAE

Well, Dave, I must be going soon. The gentlemen await.

Ho Sin bows to Dave.

I have neither rank nor possessions. Therefore I have devoted myself to magic.

Two Chinese diplomats watch them from the right corner.

You see what I see?

He points at Rand.

Ho slowly turns his eyes, then his head, toward the direction Anders is pointing.

The bait is in the trap.

Ho Sin stares at Rand. Across the room, by the main door, Rand's boss, JACK FOLLET, slides up to Col. Rand.

Between you and me, I'd kill him.

Rand raises his eyebrows.

That's an interesting point.

Follet turns and looks at him.

This is getting scary.

She reaches out to a passing waiter and snares a glass of champagne.

I thought you'd like that.

Rand watches as Ho Sin and the Chinese leave. Ho Sin stops at the door to say good-bye to DR. JONATHAN CANNE, head of the Center for Exploration, and PROF. KAPLIN, special advisor to the President. She smiles. She's sexy in a sadistic way.

Rand takes a deep breath.

They're all here. The hideous gang.

Follet looks across the room in the same direction as Rand.

She'll be fine.

Rand, with a dejected look on his face, turns to Follet.

Christ, I hope so.

Follet, not surprised by Rand's reaction, looks at his eyes and, with a shake of his head, points him toward PROFESSOR KAPLIN.

(to Rand)

Prof. Kaplin wants a word with you. Meet her over there.

Follet grabs Heather gently by the arm.

This is a very big deal, my dear. And I know with your way of doing things . . . Well, he's over there. Go to him now.

She has reacted to Follet's tone of voice. Heather tumbles forward like a sleepwalker.

Across the room, Anders stands idly by the buffet.

Anders looks around the room, then he looks at Heather. He smiles briefly. Slowly, he walks up to her and stops. He puts his hands into his pants pocket and looks at her.

That's where the danger liesin the bubbles.

Heather, holding her drink with her left hand and looking at her glass, then up to him. Her eyes sparkle, like two green, wide beams, looking into his eyes.

If bubbles were all the danger there was, I'd be one. Shall we sit?

Anders, with his chin hanging low and only his eyes moving all over her body, answers as if he just woke up.

And safety is important. My name's Dave.

Heather, takes another sip from her glass. Her red lipstick sticks to the glass. She wears light make-up around her eyes, behind thin Italian-style glasses.

I'm Heather Ahmid.

(pause)


So, are you one of us or them?

She laughs.

Which one are you?

A Saving Sanity Scientist.

Good. Then I'm one of you.

Really? What do you think of cold fusion?

Heather takes a moment.

I'm 100% for solar.

Really? What's your field?

Telekinetics and energy research.

Oh really! That's interesting. I'm the head man in that field. I mean energy research.

She raises her eyebrows.

The Center?

For Exploration and Research, Portola Valley.

Oh, that's even more interesting. I'm being transferred there.

This is interesting.


(sternly, then smiles)


Well, this is actually some good news. I'll be watched by you.

She looks up to him. Her self assurance lapses slightly.

Is that so?

Well, yes. That's da truth.

They laugh.

ACROSS THE ROOM

Dr. Canne looks up from his conversation to see Anders and Heather talking. Dr. Canne is Dave Anders' boss.







INT. THE SURVEILLANCE ROOM

Large TV screens and security monitors cover most of the walls. Security guards stand in front the screens. Some move around passing papers and informing each other. There is a big wooden table in the middle of the room, on top of which is a complete holographic model of the House and the grounds. Dr. Kaplin stands next to a heavy wooden seat. She looks uneasy. Thick carpet covers the floor. Colonel Rand stands next to Prof. Kaplin.

Dr. Kaplin looks at Rand. She is serious and direct.

The trade-off with the Chinese and the absence of Dr. Mae are going to backfire.

Rand looks down at his feet.

How so?

We gain nothing by giving him up, and we loose our trump cardin case Dr. Anders doesn't make it. I think we're going to miss the boat on this one.

That remains to be seen.

Dr. Kaplin turns and leaves the Surveillance Room.

INT. PARTY - NIGHT

Would you care to dance?

The thirty-piece band begins a song by Cowboy Junkies, "If I Were a Woman."

Testing the theory. Can scientists dance?

This is only a test, right? Not an actual emergency?

Oh, and even if it were ?

They walk to the dance floor and begin.

So, how do you like government intervention in your life?

She pulls back.

(pause)


They look at things under their magnifying glass until it catches fire and burns. I have heard a government official say, "We didn't imagine that would happen." Just like ducks, they wake up to a new world every day.

That's some dangerous ducks.

In the main hallway, people are moving in different directions. Dr. Kaplin is walking down the hall. She says hello to people who recognize her, and keeps walking. Dr. Canne is talking to a man and a woman. He sees Dr. Kaplin coming down the hall. As she approaches his group, Dr. Canne moves into position to get her attention.

Good evening, Dr. Canne.

Canne, blinded by her looks and intelligence

Ms. Kaplin. I was hoping you'd make it here to charm us all.

Well, I couldn't miss it, of course.

They shake hands. They smile.

Yes, of course. How is Washington treating you?

The time of my life. And Californiais it still shaking?

Stretching is the word I prefer to use. Always expanding its horizon.

INT. SURVEILLANCE ROOM

Colonel Rand stands behind an operative, watching the television monitors. He lights a cigarette. He stares into space as the music and conversations feed in. He looks at the screen showing Anders and Heather. Anders says something to Heather and they walk off the dance floor to the:

BALCONY

Vines are climbing by the side of the railing and the gardens look ghostly in the night. Heather walks out to the railing. She touches the railing with her hands and looks up to the sky, and takes deep breath. She turns around and lays her back against the railing. She looks up as he gets closer to her.

It's really nice to have someone to dance with.

She stops and turns her head and looks at the gardens.

Sometimes I get this feeling that I'm aiming too much to please. Yes, away, somewhere, alone. Or

She turns back and looks at him with a sad face.

INT. SURVEILLANCE ROOM

Rand is glued to the monitor. His mouth is closed but he is grinding his teeth.

Oh Christ, here it comes.

With his fist, he hits the monitor.

ON SCREEN MONITOR

Dr. Anders is close to Heather.

I was just thinking a friend of mine has been taken away but now I've found another.

Heather, responding to his stare

Scientists do dance. New evidence confirms theory.

INT. PARTY

Dr. Canne and Dr. Kaplin are parting. Dr. Canne looks around a little and wanders off toward the balcony.

Dr. Kaplin watches Dr. Canne as he walks away toward the balcony.

BALCONY

Well, there you are. And just like you to try to keep the most beautiful woman in the party to yourself.

Oh. Does the gentleman have a reputation?

Other than having a possessive nature and being an introvert, yes, probably.

There's more?

Yes. But it's all classified.

Canne looks at Anders.

Especially his good side only the trusted few see. I've read your resume. I'm pleased you are joining us. (pause) You have a very impressive background, Ms. Ahmid. Did you know our fathers knew one another?

Heather nods.

State Department . . . In the gory days.

One trusts where one can, right, Jonathan?

CANNE

Others will suggest the who, what, when and why for us, but I think we're in this one together.

Canne moves around. He turns to Anders.

And our ever-watchful companions.

Anders takes a couple steps back.

I go. Jonathan knows best.

Well, it was nice to meet you. A friendly face will be good to see.

Keep up the good . . . work.

Heather is trying to stay on top.

Oh, the tortured scientist. I'll be lucky if you look up from your work to say hello to me.

See you.

Good evening, Heather. See you at the fort.

INTERIOR PARTY

The band is in full swing with an elaborate jazz version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Colonel Rand strides across the dance floor onto the veranda. Heather has her back to him.

How did I do?

(moving to her side looking quietly into the distance)


As usual. You have a gift. Shall I drive you home?

Thank you, Colonel. You're very thoughtful.

Together they walk to the foyer and out into the night. Rand's limo emerges promptly from the shadows. They drive in silence through the city.

He's a good looking boy, isn't he?

I thought Ho Sin Mae was better looking.

Probably not for long.

Drawing up to the entrance to her apartment building, the limo stops.

Good luck.

Open it Lieutenant. I'll let myself in.

She bolts out of the limo and walks serenely into her building.

INTERIOR HEATHER'S APARTMENT

Her walls are painted beige and white. They are bare. There is an expensive stereo system, a couch and a chair in the living room. She flips a switch and the room is suffused in green light. She plays Indian music and sits in the lone chair in the middle of the room. After a few moments she begins to dance.

SOUND OVER

A Jumbo jet lands and blends with the hiss of London traffic as Russ Elliot emerges from a cab to stand in front of the world headquarters of British Petroleum. He walks quietly, as is his manner, into the imposing façade. The lobby HUMS with a cacophony of English voices. Mr. Elliot takes the elevator to THE PENTHOUSE floor. He is greeted by a phalanx of armed guards, then ushered into another elevator which takes him to the board room, when the SEVEN CONTROLLERS of the seven largest energy companies await his report. The man at the top of the conference table, FARROH AHMID, greets him.

FARROH AHMID

Welcome, Mr. Elliot

ELLIOT

It's real.

FARROH AHMID

Coffee?

ELLIOT

Yes.

EXT. THE CENTER FOR EXPLORATION, PORTOLA VALLEY DAY

The Center is a twenty acre estate made of red brick, wood and titanium steel. Heather drives up the long narrow road to the main house. She is met at the chateau by an uniformed guide.

My name is Jann. I'm going to show you around. Lucky the facility was finished last year. This place was so noisy that everyone worked at night. The days of the bats.

Heather acts as if surprised.

What's that?

That's the name the construction guys gave all the scientists here. Bats.

They enter her office. It is full of wisteria.

Am I going to get a tour?

Dr. Canne will be down to see you in a few moments.

IN ANOTHER PART OF THE CENTER

Dr. Jonathan Canne is walking through the hall at a steady pace.



INSIDE ANDERS' ROOM

Dave works at his computer. The console displays multi-symbolic formulae"biophysics." He moves his hand on his lap to another board and types equations. Looking between screens, comparing the two, he sits back.

On another screen next to the computer he sees Canne staring at the camera above the door.

Anders presses a button on the console.

Yes?

Canne, on screen

Taking visitors?

Anders presses another button and the door opens. Dr. Canne enters the room as Anders continues to work.

Canne looks around him. Bookshelves cover one section of the room. A long window overlooks the hills. Canne walks toward Anders and stops next to him. He looks at his computer.

Your specs on the new cable frequency worked. Kramer and Juke say it'll be ready at the end of the day.

Anders stops typing and turns toward Canne.

What? She's here.

Yes.

Anders turns back to his computer.

Oh, I'm just finishing the calculations on the storage capability.

His face is lit with the colors from the computer.

Dr. Canne puts one hand on Anders' chair, the other on the console, and bends closer to him.

The technicians will be working this weekend on finishing the installation. The reception of energy is only one small part.

Anders is still looking at his computer.

And the storage problems?

Canne moves back and puts his hands in his pockets. He turns and walks slowly toward the window.

Our guys are always going to push too hard, but they know the limitations you face, especially without Mae whom they took too quickly. (Pause) What a pity.

Anders stops, turns his seat around and crosses his hands on his lap.

The greatest teacher a man could have. And they've got him imprisoned like a homunculus in a jar.

You keep the faith Dave. You and Mae. You're the light and the tunnel.

Anders turns back to the computer.

And the train, too. They just want so much of us, and they really haven't a clue.

Canne moves close to him and he puts his hand over Dave's shoulder, and in a very soft voice

We're going to make this happen. I'm going to welcome her. Do you want to come?

Not now Jonathan. Can you have her meet me in the garden in a half an hour?

CANNE

I'll tell her.

Anders turns back to his console and continues his work, twirling numbers through virtual shapes in space.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM,BRITISH PETROLEUM-LONDON

Russ Elliot speaks quietly with Farroh Ahmid.

FARROH AHMID

I can count on him in case we decide.

RUSS ELLIOT

Completely.

EXT. CENTER FOR EXPLORATION GARDEN DAY

Heather stands amid the flowerbeds and trees as she tosses a set of keys in the air. Dave walks across the grass and stops in front of her.

HEATHER

Hello Doctor.

DAVE

I see you've been given the guest house.

HEATHER

Is there some place we can talk?

DAVE

Would you like to go for a ride?

HEATHER

Let me throw a few things together and look at this cottage. Pick me up in thirty minutes.

Dave looks at Heather as she walks away. He walks back to his office.

INT. OFFICE DAY

Dave sits at his computer and opens the Ho Sin Mae file.

EXT. TERRACED LANDSCAPE CHINA DAY

A simple but elegant white house sits upon a hilltop.

Ho Sin Mae and a tall Chinese man, LIN YEE, walk around the white house and through a garden of old roses.

LIN YEE

We had access to the Russian research years ago. We pointed you in that direction.

HO SIN MAE

I know. There is something unpredictable there. We can capture it, but we can't seem to contain it.

LIN YEE

Your mathematics indicates otherwise.

HO SIN MAE

As Descartes established the infinite as a fact using numbers, so have I created the possibility of containment by using numbers. None of us know if either proposition is true.

LIN YEE

We're sending you two of the finest minds to assist you. They should be ready to join you in three days.

HO SIN MAE

I see.

They continue to walk.

INT. HEATHER'S COTTAGE DAY

The walls are painted a rust color. The solid wood black doors make the cottage look very old. There is a straight back chair, twin bed, and a small couch.

Heather takes care of some paperwork at a small desk, which is next to a window overlooking The Center. All her movements are rushed. She gets up and walks down the hall and into the kitchen. She walks to the refrigerator and opens the door, picks up a can of soda and takes few sips. She puts the can on the counter top, and again she walks down the hall, into her bedroom to her closet. She dresses in jeans, leather boots, and a white T-shirt. She opens the door and gets a red T-shirt, takes off the white and puts on the red. She then walks across the room to a mirror. The buzzer rings. She walks to the door and opens it.

Hi. You're on time. Would you like to come in? I'll get my jacket.

Do you have gloves and a scarf?

Yes.

Bring them with you. It might get cool.

Heather walks to her closet.

You have a convertible?

Yes.

Heather gets a black jacket.



EXT. THE CENTER GROUNDS - DAY

Anders and Heather walk across the grass to a nearby parking garage. They walk by her car and up to a new BMW motorcycle.

The ultimate convertible.

He hands her the helmet. Anders jumps on the bike and starts it up. Heather puts on the helmet and hops on behind Anders.

He maneuvers out of The Center and takes a left. Heather holds onto Anders as they speed off up the winding road toward La Honda. Trees fly by as the BMW picks up speed. They head for the ocean.

OCEAN

Walking toward it, Heather looks out and stretches. Anders walks off toward the jutting rocks. She follows happily. The sky is clear and the sunlight reflects off the water.

I love this. This is my first chance to see the ocean since I arrived.

You know I'm glad they sent you. I tell you, I feel like I'm busting out of a cocoon.

Heather takes it in and then, watches Anders.

Heather walks closer to him.

Waves crash. They are sprayed. They scream with excitement.

You really like to get down with the forces, don't you?

He stands in front of her, drenched from head to toe. He smiles mischievously.

Afraid of who might be listening?

Part of the price

They move further up the beach. She crosses her legs yoga-style and takes a moment to look at the ocean.

Do you hate them?

He takes a good look at her as she stares at the ocean.

No. Hate would be too strong an emotion. Pity is more like it. A world of followers bothers me.

I'm surprised anything bothers you, especially that. I'd have thought you'd be amused.

Stays cool

Amused?

While some see others look.

And you?

She makes a face.

Huh?

See or look?

Both, I hope. As a media type, I've been tested for it continuously.

Do you work for them or with them?

I think scientists are supposed to be a little more specific in their procedures of evaluation. Who is it you're talking about?

I'm glad you cleared that up for me. I had hoped so.

Are you now answering for me? I don't like to have someone else put words into my mouth, thank you.

None of us does, it's the nature of the beast. Changing our minds, making up our answers, controlling our actions, reacting to what others think.

She smiles.

Putting on a pretty face.

Listen, hear me outA lot is involved with my work and me. I don't know if you know all there is or anything at all. The dangers of being with me or against me seem to be the same nowadays, depending on the day. I have to provoke an answer. It's a shared danger.

And do you feel I've answered your provocation?

Yes. I know you're not just a researcher, which is good. We all need to be more involved, and being here is part of your job. But being with you is part of mine. We are on the same side, just seems different at the moment.

And which side is that, at the moment?

The one in which everyone wins. It's the best game there is, just the rules are a little undefined.

You should function well, then. Why be vague about everything?

Can't read your mind.

You. I thought you could.

Some I can.

Heather is contemplating the discussion. They stare and go inside each other's eyes. He moves to kiss her. They kiss. It's one that really connects them.

(breaking away)


Not here. Let's go back to your place.





SOUND OVER The faint clicking of satellite surveillance.

INT. TERRACED LANDSCAPE IN CHINA DAY

A peasant walks up a hill with a basket on his back. Through a valley of fog we see a house on a hillside. Inside the house is a figure standing at a window watching the man struggle up the path. A voice inside calls to the man at the window.

Do you know the Americans are implementing the system in the hospital?

Ho Sin Mae is dressed in white.

They are behind schedule.

The agent, his hands crossed on his chest, turns his upper body and looks directly at Ho Sin Mae.

The energy is our future.

Ho Sin drinks from the cup, holding it with both hands.

The power of numbers. Our quantity cannot overcome the quality.

You are the genius. It was your mind that discovered it and you will complete it for the good of all. The Americans would have taken this from us.

Ho walks across the room.

Now I'm here and the experiment has not even been tested. Time must be taken.

You will solve all problems. As a son of China, for all the people, you will succeed. The machine you worked on will be ready in five days. Then the glory will be ours.

Ho stops and shakes his head.

Power and glory, such an unusual choice of wordsSo American.

You have a sharp ear. Be happy it is allowed to you so freely.

They nod and separate.

Ho watches him as he goes out the door. A football is perched ceremoniously on a writing desk. Ho picks it up.

No power, no glory; no glory, no power.

Ho Sin looks out the window as darkness follows the setting sun.

EXT. DAVE ANDERS' HOUSE - EARLY MORNING

It is cold and wet outside. The small cottage stands alone in the woods.



INT. DAVE ANDERS' HOUSE

Inside a fire rages. It is warm and cozy. Reflections of light against the walls, the clock on the computer screen shows 3:25&nbspa.m. Ghostly dolphins arch across the screen.

Dave and Heather are asleep. Anders' eyes open almost as if he were not asleep. He gets up and goes to his computer. Words appear on the screen. He reads the message. His cat, Esmerelda, sleeps on the keyboard.

The cat opens her eyes and looks at him. She blinks her eyes at him. He does the same and looks back at the screen.

Their lips encircle me. I caress their breasts. They beat with the cycle pulse of the moon.

On a note pad, Anders transposes the words into numbers.

Underneath I place my hands. From far above I slide my golden cock into her.

Anders raises his hand to his head in horror.

WASHINGTON, D.C. N.S.A.- JACK FOLLET'S OFFICE- DAY

Colonel Rand sits in Follet's office. Both are dressed in uniform.

The desk is located in the middle of the room. Two long windows light up the room. Follet sits facing Rand. Photos of the President and the First Lady hang on the wall next to the N.S.A. Seal.

Follet has gray hair, a round face and thick lips.

Her position with him is of the utmost importance; it cannot be put in jeopardy. I want no one to contact her outside of regular communications. Is that clear?

Colonel Rand is very serious, and words come from his mouth without moving.

Clear.

You surprise me sometimes, Colonel. Always the most difficult. In your field, you're the best, but you might be doing some injustice to yourself. You trained her. Now if she seems to be attached too quickly to him, and though this might upset you, you must remember we're racing.

Colonel Rand scratches his chin with his right hand.

The President seems to like the State Department on top in this one.

Then why are we even there?

Where would you like us to be at the verge of one of this century's greatest discoveries?

What's happening to us.

You know I think we're being superceded. Maybe we're not organic enough.

I'm worried.

I know.

The intercom flashes on his desk. He extends his heavy frame over the desk and reaches for the button.

Yes?

(Through the speaker)


Professor. Kaplin.

Thank you. Please let her in.

Professor. Kaplin enters the room. She is dressed in a white shirt, a black jacket and a skirt above her knees. In her hands she is holding a small briefcase. Follet and Rand watch. She sits next to Rand.

Well good to see you, Isabella. Thanks for coming over. I am glad that you are here.

There's no information yet on Dr. Mae's progress, but we expect the Chinese to finish within a week.

Well, our team should finish and have it in operation by Tuesday. Then all we have to do is let the thing run its course.

Rand's eyes are glued to Kaplin's .

Colonel Rand, do you have any further observations?

Rand recovers himself.

I've never felt so out of an operation. I think we should consider an alternative while we still have the chance.

Follet waves his hand.

The screen, Professor.

From his desk he retrieves an electronic device. He presses a button.

They all turn and look. A section in the middle of the bookshelves moves to the right, and a large screen appears. At the same time, dark drapes cover the windows and the room turns dark.

On screen, through an infrared lens, we see Anders' cottage. Follet taps a button and now we see a close-up of the house. The focus is the bathroom. Anders is urinating, flushing, then turning the light out. We follow him through the house into the bedroom. We see him kiss the woman in bed and leave the room with his clothes and shoes in hand.

Here, Anders stands in front of the computer reading the message while dressing. We see his back as he sits down and stares into the screen. Now the eye focuses on the screen, so we see the message.

The animal is outside.

I am permitted

disregard my surroundings

I have no real retreat

I am the hunter

watching the quail

shudder across the lake.

On top of the computer is a note: " Change code every day, the NSA never sleeps"



Anders ties his shoes and types back.

The ice is thin

in this cold air

Brittle, painful

Don't lose hope

FOLLET

Comments?

KAPLIN

They sound panicked.

FOLLET

Yeah. We've got the Cipher people on it.

Follet looks at his watch.

The intercom flashes.

FOLLET (con't)

(through intercom)

Yes.

SECRETARY

The President, sir.

FOLLET

Thank you.

The President enters Jack Follet's office followed by GENERAL FRANKER and Russ Elliot. Follet, Rand and Kaplin stand.

PRESIDENT

Good morning. Shall we get right to it.

Colonel Rand arranges five chairs around a table in the center of the room.

Professor Kaplin stands in front of one of the chairs and stares at the President.

KAPLIN

Mr. President, we are facing the dilemma of using human energy, so to speak-to build what could be the ultimate weapon.

She stops and looks to see if everyone is paying attention. The President reassures her.

PRESIDENT

Continue, Professor.

KAPLIN

We are dealing with a new type of fusion, that of a sub-element, the potential of which hasn't been determined until now. This new device has made possible the disintegration of an atom, no longer as a whole, but that of the so-called root particle. This is the basic, fundamental element scientists have been looking for since the first nuclear experiment. This idea goes back to Einstein's work in 1917, but no one has ever made this sizeable a leap.

PRESIDENT

Is Anders cooperating?

Dr. Kaplin takes a breath and holds her hands together in front of her.

KAPLIN

As far as we can tell. Certain equations are vague but we believe Anders has already figured out how to contain it. We have five platinum boxes at Stanford. We trap the energy as it leaves the body but it keeps escaping. That's what we are working on now containing it.

KAPLIN (con't.)

The fact that energy is released by humans at the time of death has long been a principal of ancient cultures- cultures in which sacrifices of the "soul" were used to satisfy their deities or gods. They believed that the emanation of the energy associated with death was ultimately powerful. This power was perceived as having the ability to render phenomenal supernatural status. The Egyptians classified it as a type of "spirit" that hung around the burial sights in the after-life. This spirit or "soul" was a permanent fixture in the world of the dead. Similar versions of this belief have been made by other cultures including Tibetans, Eskimos and Christians. We believe this is the power Ho Sin Mae and Dr. Anders have discovered.

General Franker leans forward.

GENERAL FRANKER

Are you saying that death is itself the ultimate energy source, the final power of future society.

Dr. Kaplin looks directly at General Franker.

GENERAL FRANKER (con't)

The technology that Anders is trying to develop could make all present forms of power obsolete.

KAPLIN

Yes, once containment is perfected, it could end the world's quest for resources. It might be a perpetual energy source.

RUSS ELLIOT

So far, Anders' work has remained covert. We have successfully maintained the highest level of security. Not even Moscow has questioned us about it, though they may be communicating with the Chinese about Ho Sin Mae.

PROF. KAPLIN

The discovery of an energy source derived from human emissions at the time of death will pose many problems for all world powers and their societies. Questions of the economic value will be raised. In the pursuit of expansion, the determining factor will be the volume of energy produced by the dead. Eventually this might even be promoted as the ultimate form of dying for one's country.

COLONEL RAND

It will be ones duty to be recycled.

ELLIOT

Of course any attempt at implementing the program is likely to cause problems with the religious communities. Undoubtedly Rome and Mecca will have the most powerful say on the use of the energy. The President received an official Vatican memo three days ago. Kind of an inquiry, wasn't it Mr. President?

Well, we can deal with that when the time comes. Right now, we must assure ourselves that Anders' work is completed and contained. We must provide him with the safest, most secure environment possible, if we're going to achieve our goals. We must have every assurance that Anders will remain in our custody. Colonel Rand is flying to California now to oversee the operation. (Pause) That is all.

THE CENTER FOR EXPLORATION - DAY

Anders walks through the halls then takes an elevator down to an underground level.

The door opens and Dave gets in. The elevator is a cylinder made of hard plexi-glass. Through the glass, he sees the open space around him. He gets to another floor. He gets off the elevator and walks into a large room with panels on the walls flashing smooth lighting. Computers dominate the room, and a few scientists, dressed in light-brown clothing, work on something that looks like a small satellite.

Dave looks around the room. He sees Dr. Canne and walks in his direction.

Jonathan Canne sits in a chair in the middle of the room. There is a model of the Tri-Delta, a car-boat-plane, on his desk. He stands up to greet Anders.

Canne reaches over the model and pats Dave's shoulder.

There was a meeting this morning in Washington; there's concern about your progress, Dave. They're afraid you might crack up.

Dave looks at him and nods his head in agreement.

Heather's worried, too. She's too compassionate. How does she even work for them?

He looks at the model on the table.

Canne, in a very simple way

In one way or another, we all do. Or

Dave raises his head.

Or we'll wish we did. Do unto others as they would you, something like that, right?

Do you think we can trust her in the long run?

I do believe we can.

Grinning, Anders sits in Canne's chair while Canne paces.

You guys are in love.

Anders does not reply.

They know we can tap the energy as it leaves the body. The corporations are pushing for completion, but I think the NSA will be patient. They'll wait `til it's finished and perfected to make any kind of move.

Anders looks at the model, takes a moment, then replies.

It may never be functional, you know.

Canne walks around the table in slow motion, dragging his hand over the table.

They want the bugs worked out before they continue their plans.

Bugs? They don't understand what we're talking about here, the enormity of what we're proposing. Weaponry powered by the energy released at death. The way they are behaving, I suppose there'll be a cartoon about it on Saturday morning, followed by sermons on Sunday.

Canne smiles.

Why do I always agree with you?

Shit, you know the reason. Here we are looking for a solution to the energy problems, for the right cause, and the pressure is building around us to energize the military. For Christ's sake. How can they expect us to work and concentrate on the energy?

Canne looks on as Anders continues.

The Public Relations people have already begun the groundwork. Imagine the ad campaign! You'll still be here after you're gone, giving `til eternity. Located wherever the dying congregate. Along freeways, in hospitals and in high crime areas.

(very calmly)


Listen, we both know the pressure you're under. That's why I'm worried about your safety. But you have to understand, the corporations know the potential of this and they are determined to beat the Chinese. The economic repercussions have made tensions very high.

I'm sure that if they plan something on that level. Heather will tell me.

If they tell her, of course.

Of course.

Come on, I have something to show you.

Anders and Canne leave the room and travel through the Center. They walk through an atrium that looks out onto the garden.

Canne and Anders continue to walk, they pass a gene-splicing lab, and into a stainless steel room off the hall.

Canne goes over to a desk and takes out what looks like an ordinary wristwatch. He hands it to Anders.

Anders takes the watch and straps it on.

Is it a homing device?

Yes, a transceiver. It has a 400-mile range and it tells time.

Canne holds out his arm and reveals a similar device.

Just between you and me. You better go. Jerome Clark is waiting for you in the gaming room.

CENTER FOR EXPLORATION GAMING ROOM

The door opens. Anders walks in. He looks like he is searching for something. His eyes look at the man standing by the wall next to a snooker table.

Hello, Dr. Anders. How've you been?

Fine, Congressman, just fine. And you?

Well, to be honest, Dave, I need some information and I think you can help me. That's why I asked Jonathan Canne to arrange this meeting for us.

(very careful, noncommittal)


Oh?

Yes, you see, it's about the project you're currently working on. I realize it's not public knowledge yet, but some of my constituents in&nbsp

He stops. Dave is watching him. Clark continues.

corporate community have asked me to find out where you're headed with this thing.

I'm really not at liberty to discuss that, sir. Besides, it would be completely premature at this point to even consider any practical sort of applications.

Clark wants a better answer.

ANDERS (con't.)


(beginning to sound desperate)


But it isn't even finished yet. We're way ahead of ourselves here. We can't control it. Hell, we can't even contain it. You think this is a substitute for nuclear power?


(shakes his head)


You could light a whole block of flats with the equivalent of one-thousandth of what we use to make a car run today. You could, but we haven't figured out how to break it down. There seems to be something irreducible there.

Clark leans forward and raises his voice

But all that is just a matter of time, Dave. You'll figure it out. We have the basic premise and that's all we really need, isn't it?

Anders turns and looks to the side, then turns back to Clark.

(angry)


No, it is not! My God, have you thought about it? Any of you? We have no idea what its effect will be, but the military is raring to go, to start marketing and selling it. First as a weapon, then to run the street lights.

Clark, more forcefully now

You know, David, we are reaching the end of politics. Soon, there will be no external control that can be exercised over any people. You can help me make that day energy-efficient by doing the ri