X-MEN:
THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE
A Screenplay
(hence the different format that unfortunately, fanfic cannot handle. Sorry for any inconvenience in ease of reading)
Based on the X-Men Comic Book series
From Marvel Comics
First draft
FADE IN:
INT. SOUTHWESTERN HOSPITAL -NIGHT
The sounds of MOANING, CRYING, and URGENT VOICES fill the small hospital. On stretchers, benches and makeshift beds, Native Americans line the hallways, their faces etched with suffering; all the rooms are filled. The medical personnel are overwhelmed and trying to help as many people as they physically can.
In one corner of this hallway is a sickly, older, NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN lying on a stretcher. Holding her hand is WINDSONG, her daughter. Windsong is a fit woman in her late twenties. Her brown hair is long and loosely tied back, but stray hairs surround her face. A face now marred by her expression of helplessness and sorrow at the scene around her.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
Windsong...
WINDSONG
I'm here, mom.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
You're well?
WINDSONG (nods)
But I don't understand.
Her mother weakly takes off a beaded bracelet from her own wrist and places it in Windsong's hand. Windsong looks at her mother sadly and her mother closes Windsong's hand over the bracelet.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
Don't forget.
Suddenly, Windsong's mother CRIES OUT in pain holding one arm. Alarmed, Windsong looks at her mother's arm, which has a bandage. Windsong lifts up the bandage to reveal a bleeding sore.
WINDSONG
I hate what did this.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
It's no one's fault.
Trying in vain to be calm, Windsong looks down the hallway for help, but cannot see anyone available.
WINDSONG
Don't worry; I'll be right back.
Windsong touches her mother's hand gently and walks down the hallway, absently brushing a hair away from her face. This leaves a streak of her mother's blood upon her cheek. She doesn't notice and then passes a sink that has a sign over the faucet saying:
DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER!!!
A NURSE rounds the corner briskly. Windsong steps in front of her.
WINDSONG
Where can I get clean bandages?
NURSE
There's a supply closet down the hall on the left.
Windsong nods and starts to walk away, but the nurse turns to her curiously.
NURSE (cont)
You're from the reservation, aren't you?
WINDSONG
Why?
NURSE
I just came in two days ago, but I'm sure I was told that there wasn't a single person on the reservation that didn't get sick. How did they miss you?
Windsong starts to back away.
WINDSONG
I...I don't know.
NURSE
Well, are you the only one?
Windsong shrugs her shoulders, looking uncomfortable.
NURSE (cont)
Why don't you wait here while I get Dr. Trickle; I'm sure he'd like to talk to you.
WINDSONG
I have to go. My mother...
Windsong turns away before the nurse can question her further, walking quickly down the hallway. The nurse is too busy to pursue the matter, but ANOTHER NURSE, standing unseen by a doorway, watches Windsong go.
When Windsong turns back once, to see if she was followed, the second nurse, a strong looking woman with close-cropped hair, stares intently at the blood on Windsong's cheek.
EXT. SIDE ENTRANCE TO HOSPITAL
The door opens and Windsong rushes out to get some air. Alone, she walks along the side of the hospital. Leaning against the wall, she puts her head in her hands for a long moment before looking up and breathing deeply.
She turns to head back, but the door opens abruptly, and the second nurse walks out. Windsong walks to the door casually and attempts to go back into the hospital, but the nurse blocks her.
NURSE
Well, someone's playing I've got a secret.
WINDSONG
Excuse me.
NURSE
Look, you can drop the act. I know why you didn't get sick.
WINDSONG
I don't know what you're talking about.
NURSE
Yes, you do. You're a mutant...just like I am.
Windsong tenses and looks at the nurse warily.
WINDSONG
Why are you telling me?
NURSE
Someone wants to meet you. I was sent to bring you back with me.
WINDSONG
Back to where?
NURSE
A place with your own kind.
Windsong turns away from her.
WINDSONG
No thank you.
The Nurse puts out a hand firmly on Windsong's shoulder. Windsong looks at the hand and then at the nurse suspiciously.
NURSE
Are you going to hide your whole life, never fitting in, always afraid someone will find out your secret?
WINDSONG
I said, no thank you.
NURSE
We know what it is like to be alone and feared.
WINDSONG
Move your hand.
NURSE
I was sent to bring you back with me.
WINDSONG
Move your hand.
The nurse squeezes Windsong's shoulder painfully. Windsong's face remains impassive until without warning she spins and ducks down, punching the nurse soundly in the stomach. The nurse GRUNTS, but it's not quite the extent of damage Windsong was hoping for.
As she readies to kick the nurse, the nurse lunges forward, catching Windsong's foot in one hand and smashing her chest with the other. A burst of light EXPLODES on the impact and Windsong goes soaring through the air, landing with a loud THUD on the ground.
Cruelly amused, the nurse strides over to where Windsong lies seemingly stunned. When the nurse is close enough, Windsong kicks the nurse from the ground with both feet. The nurse is thrown onto the ground, but even as Windsong gets up, the nurse does too.
They meet again and Windsong attempts a punch, but the nurse blocks and hauls Windsong up with both hands and brings her face up close.
Windsong narrows her eyes, staring intently.
NURSE
Now as I was saying...
The nurse's voice fades away and her face slowly changes from one of intimidation to disorientation and fear. Her grip on Windsong falls away and the nurse brings her hands in protectively. She looks around with wide eyes.
Windsong steps back, but continues to focus on her.
The nurse notices Windsong.
NURSE (meekly)
Can...can you help me? I don't...I...
WINDSONG
Everything will be just fine. Why don't you just come and sit here with me?
The nurse nods, grateful for the direction. Windsong leads her to the wall of the hospital.
WINDSONG (cont)
Now, I need you to answer a few questions for me...
CUT TO
EXT: SOUTH WESTERN DESERT -MORNING
Insert: TWO MONTHS LATER
The desert is wide and empty save for the sand and plateaus in the distance. Although the sun has only just stretched over the horizon, its heat is felt. The silence is broken by the CRY of an eagle. It soars in the sky, alone on its hunt.
Windsong is standing at the foot of a grave. The desert wind blowing her hair goes unnoticed as she gazes sadly at the ground and then at the bracelet on her wrist. It is the same bracelet given to her by her dying mother. She sighs wearily and speaks toward the grave.
WINDSONG
Mom…It is someone's fault…but how can I do
this alone?
Windsong shakes her head and closes her eyes as tears start to fall. She puts her hand over her face, but quickly gives up trying to stifle her grief and frustration. Instead, Windsong falls to her knees and hugs herself. Her face turns up to the empty sky as she cries.
The skies may be empty, but she is being watched.
SLOWLY DISSOLVE TO
The same image of Windsong, but the sound has disappeared. Her surroundings have faded away leaving only her visible and now she seems to be within a veil of mist. She doesn't react or seem to notice. The reason becomes apparent.
INT. WESCHESTER, NEW YORK-SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED-UNDERGROUND X-MEN HEADQUARTERS-CEREBRO--SAME MOMENT
It is CHARLES XAVIER. He is a bald, older man, in a wheelchair. Do not be fooled; he is far from weak. He is the essence of intelligence, control and strength of character. Most call him PROFESSOR X, leader of the X-Men, a group of mutants with amazing powers that defend humans, the same people who fear them.
He is wearing a metallic, odd headpiece that connects to a computer device next to him within a large circular room. The room and device are called Cerebro. The Professor is watching Windsong with his amazing telepathic abilities, heightened within Cerebro.
After a moment, he opens his eyes and removes the headpiece that connects him to Cerebro. He has a tear sliding down one cheek. After he puts the headpiece aside, he places a finger on his cheek, catching the tear. He looks at the wetness on his finger curiously.
CUT TO
INT. WINSONG'S TRUCK-MOVING--LATER THAT DAY
Along a desert road, Windsong drives an old pick-up, while listening to the radio.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (VO)
...and the hearing will be scheduled for later this week.
(beat)
In national news, mutants
are in the spotlight again.
Windsong turns up the volume.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (cont)
At the scene of a raging industrial fire in upstate New York, fire fighters were waging what they, themselves, described as a losing battle, until several mutants, identified by eyewitnesses as members of the group called the X-Men,
Windsong glances at the radio.
stepped in to help extinguish the inferno. Many officials at the scene praised the mutants publicly for their help, but rumors persist that in private, those same officials were saying that they actually believed that mutants might have been the cause of the fire in the first place.
Windsong shakes her head as she turns the radio off.
INT. WINDSONG'S APARTMENT--A FEW MINUTES LATER
The door is closed on the inside of the apartment, but the JINGLING of keys in a lock is heard and the door opens. WINDSONG enters her apartment reading the headlines of a newspaper.
She sits down at a table near the door. The table doubles as a desk. Most things have multiple uses in this tiny apartment. Her telephone and answering machine battle her arms for space as she continues to read. The phone RINGS.
WINDSONG
Hello?
The man's voice on the other end is professional.
VOICE (VO)
Windsong? It's Vince.
WINDSONG
Is it finished?
VINCE
Yeah, the closing was yesterday on the house and your portion of the Chanke (pronounced chan-kay) land.
Windsong closes her eyes for a moment.
VINCE cont.
I used the power you gave me to sign for you.
(beat)
I mean, you know your rights to that land are gone, don't you? That you can't be a part of any future developments?
WINDSONG
Why would I want to be a part of that?
VINCE
But now you can't stop the
remaining Chanke from--
WINDSONG The Chanke are dead. There are only scavengers left.
VINCE
And you.
(beat)
Windsong...
WINDSONG (gently)
Just let it drop, Vince. I won't be needing your services anymore...and thank you.
Windsong hangs up the phone and stares at it for a moment before her attention is brought back to the newspaper. She turns to the next page and after a moment it is obvious that she is upset by whatever article she is reading.
WINDSONG
No, no!
Windsong quickly skims through the article and then stands up to leave the apartment in a hurry.
The newspaper is left on the table open to the offending article. The sounds of WINDSONG LEAVING are heard.
CU of article:
DISEASE RAMPAGES THROUGH
SMALL TOWN!
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SMALL TOWN HOSPITAL-LATER THAT DAY
Windsong races through the doors and stops cold. It is chaotic. The hospital is filled with people, sick and non-sick. The personnel are very busy and the media sent to cover the story are generally making a nuisance of themselves.
The scene is too much like the last time she was in a hospital. Windsong regains her composure and walks to the nurse's info desk where a KIND NURSE is working.
WINDSONG
I have important information about the
virus. Who can I speak to?
KIND NURSE
May I help you?
WINDSONG
It's in the water. You need to--
The nurse smiles a bit.
KIND NURSE
We know, thank you.
Windsong stops short for a moment and then breathes a sigh of relief.
KIND NURSE (cont)
The connection between this outbreak and
the one at the Chanke (she pronounces it
Shan-kee) reservation was already made.
WINDSONG
It's Chanke (chan- kay).
KIND NURSE
Oh, I apologize. Did you know someone
from there?
At this point A NEW NURSE comes into the picture and overhears the conversation.
WINDSONG
Listen, I need to know is there was anyone
who drank the water but didn't get sick?
KIND NURSE
Well, that's a hard question. If someone
didn't get sick, I'd guess it's because
they weren't exposed.
NEW NURSE
What about that kid?
KIND NURSE
What kid?
NEW NURSE
You remember: He was about fourteen or fifteen, sat there in the waiting lounge all by himself for half the day?
KIND NURSE
Oh...that's right. He came in with his parents, poor thing. He just sat there, thinking that his parents might live- just because they were in a hospital.
NEW NURSE
Yeah, and Dr. Pat did ask him if he'd been drinking the water like his parents.
She turns to Windsong
NEW NURSE (cont)
He nodded his head yes.
WINDSONG
I need to talk to him.
NEW NURSE
Oh, I'm sorry, he's not here anymore. Right after his parents died, our hospital administrator drove the boy to Weever City hospital, for some kind of
tests.
KIND NURSE (to new nurse)
His mother went last. They gave him a couple of minutes with her, and then they dragged him out the door. I felt so sorry for him.
The second nurse nods in agreement and then they look up to see Windsong going quickly out the door.
NEW NURSE
You're welcome.
CUT TO
INT. PROFESSOR X'S SCHOOL- HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF CEREBRO—AWHILE LATER
The formidable door to Cerebro is closed. Pacing in front of Cerebro is SCOTT SUMMERS, a confidant, young man with opaque red glasses that he never removes while awake. He is otherwise known as CYCLOPS.
JEAN GRAY (OS)
Scott, relax, Professor X will come out of Cerebro soon.
JEAN GRAY is a lithe, red-haired woman. She is leaning against the wall of the hallway they are in. She is relaxed, but very sure of herself and her abilities. She walks over to Scott.
SCOTT
It's not that. I should have gone to the
hospital with Orora.
JEAN
Why?
SCOTT
Alex just lost his parents.
He needs someone who knows what it's like to be an orphan.
JEAN
I think they'll be fine, but you're right,
at fourteen, Alex is very vulnerable. You can talk to him when he comes here.
SCOTT
But what if he doesn't want to come back with them, or--
The sound of CEREBRO'S DOOR OPENING cuts off Scott.
INT. CEREBRO
PROFESSOR X is inside the room, Cerebro. He takes off the headpiece and turns around to wheel over to the entrance where Jean and Scott are waiting.
INT. HALLWAY
The three are moving together at a quick pace.
SCOTT
Do they have Alex?
PROFESSOR X
No. Logan and Orora are inside, but have not made contact yet...and I have seen three other mutants headed to the hospital.
SCOTT
After Alex?
PROFF X
I can see mutants in Cerebro, but not
their intentions. Nevertheless, I have
a bad feeling about the two that are traveling together.
JEAN
And the other?
PROFF X
Possibly an ally. I've noticed her
before this.
They stop at an elevator.
PROFF cont.
Her name is Windsong. She has the
ability to alter other's emotions.
The elevator opens.
SCOTT
We need to contact Logan and Orora.
JEAN
They don't know what they're up against.
CUT TO
INT. WEEVER HOSPITAL--NIGHT
CU of a STUBBORN NURSE face. Her lips are pursed and eyes narrowed; she is not easily intimidated.
STUBBORN NURSE
No.
Pull back to reveal the nurse's station where ORORA MONROE is standing. African-American and poised, she stands out with her startlingly white hair. With the X-Men, she is known as STORM.
ORORA
We're from the School for the Gifted in New York, we only want to speak to Alex about his future.
The nurse looks in the, otherwise empty, waiting area, to see Orora's companion.
ANGLE ON
LOGAN is leaning against a wall. He is a well-built man with a wild appearance. His name as an X-MAN is WOLVERINE. Sensing her gaze, he looks up and glares.
STUBBORN NURSE
That's your P.R.?
STORM
Please, you don't understand-
STUBBORN NURSE
No, YOU don't seem to understand. Alex is in quarantine...his parents died of a very serious disease. Until the quarantine is over, no visitors.
The nurse looks down at her work on the desk.
STUBBORN NURSE (cont)
Please come back in three days.
Logan's POV:
He watches Orora turn away, frustrated, from the nurse's station. She approaches him and is about to say something, but a distinctive BEEPING is heard.
Orora pulls out a small video communicator.
CU on the screen reveals the face of PROFESSOR X.
PROFESSOR X
Orora, you and Logan need to act fast...
Logan SENSES something. Instead of listening to Prof X, he turns to the entrance of the hospital and can't look away.
Windsong has entered the hospital. She walks up to the nurse's station. Immediately the nurse starts to smile like an idiot.
CU on Logan's ear as he uses his sensitive hearing to eavesdrop.
POV of LOGAN:
The nurse is like a puppy with Windsong.
STUBBORN NURSE
Can I do anything at all for you?
WINDSONG is focused intently on the nurse.
WINDSONG
I need to see Alex.
STUBBORN NURSE (agitated)
I can't. He's in quarantine. I'm so sorry.
WINDSONG
No, look at me. This is a very special situation. I need to see Alex right now.
The nurse's face brightens.
STUBBORN NURSE
Yes, of course! You'll have to wear a mask.
Back to Logan, who turns to Orora. She is putting the video communicator away.
LOGAN
We've got trouble.
Orora, thinking he's referring to the conversation with Professor X, nods.
ORORA
Luckily, we're the first ones here.
Logan turns her to face the elevator.
Windsong and the nurse are waiting for the elevator.
LOGAN
There's somethin' weird about that woman.
ORORA
She must be the other mutant Prof X-
LOGAN
She's goin' to see Alex.
Logan and Orora race to the elevator, moments too late. Orora looks to her left, and then to her right.
ORORA
Stairs.
INT. HOSPITAL, FOURTH FLOOR HALLWAY-QUARENTINE
The nurse and Windsong have just entered the quarantine area. This hallway has electronically locked doors on either end. One set of doors closes behind them automatically. They walk silently by a set of windows and stop at a closed door.
Suddenly, they hear a BANG and turn to their right to see Logan charging through one set of doors followed by Orora. The nurse SCREAMS. But, as Logan and Orora near them a second BANG is heard from the left end of the hallway.
Two mutants, ARCLIGHT and BLOCKBUSTER, have smashed the other set of doors in. Arclight turns out to be the nurse that fought Windsong in the other hospital. The nurse's outfit has been replaced with a tight fitting bodysuit showing off this woman's brawn. Blockbuster is a bald, muscular brute.
Logan SNARLS and unsheathes his six-inch metal claws from his knuckles, SNIKT! It's obvious why he is called Wolverine. He and Orora rush to meet them.
Windsong and the nurse are caught in the middle of this impending battle.
WINDSONG
X-Men.
The nurse, wide-eyed at the terrors coming from both sides, escapes into a room across the hall; Windsong quickly following. The door they had been about to enter remains open--Alex's room.
Arclight reaches the room first.
ARCLIGHT
Blockbuster, take them while I get the boy.
Blockbuster turns to see Logan a foot away, and Blockbuster's bulk sends them both crashing into one of the walls. Logan recovers quickly and knocks his head against his opponent. A loud CLANG is heard on the impact.
Logan's skeleton is grafted with adamantium, the strongest known metal. Blockbuster is dazed for a moment, but not needing much thought, goes after Logan again.
The nurse peeks out from the room and runs SCREAMING down the hallway and out one of the broken entrances of quarantine.
INT. ALEX'S HOSPITAL ROOM
Arclight appears menacingly in the doorway.
ALEX, a skinny, 15-year-old boy, wearing hospital pajamas, is sitting up in bed. This is the mutant everyone is after; he looks as if he's going to wet his pants.
ARCLIGHT
Come with me now and you won't get hurt.
ORORA (VO)
Alex, don't!
Orora has entered the room and Arclight turns to her and punches Orora, giving off a flash of light. The strength of the blow sends her CRASHING into medical equipment on the other side of the room.
Arclight walks quickly over, but before she can attack again, Orora comes leaping out and kicks Arclight. Arclight staggers and Orora gives her another one, this time causing the big woman to fall.
Alex has gotten off the bed and is slowly inching toward the door, when Windsong appears in the doorway.
WINDSONG
Alex, come with me.
Alex, startled, replies by sending out a shot of light from his chest towards Windsong. The light hits her and she is thrown against the wall. Alex watches wide-eyed as she slumps to the floor.
He glances at the two women still fighting close-by in the room and he runs to the doorway.
INT. HALLWAY
Alex's head is seen peeking out of the door to his room and he becomes even more frightened by this scene.
Alex's POV shows Logan and Blockbuster GRUNTING and SNARLING at each other as they battle viciously.
Suddenly, other FOOTSTEPS are heard running down the hallway. Two security officers with guns drawn, stop several yards from the fight.
OFFICER
Hold it! Security!
Blockbuster turns to look and Logan takes the opportunity to backhand him against the wall.
BLAM! Logan is shot. He spins around to look at Alex, still in the doorway watching it all, and then collapses.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM
Orora turns, having heard the sound of the shot and Arclight SMASHES her. Orora stays on the ground in an unconscious heap.
Windsong, lying by the doorway, opens her eyes.
Blockbuster runs into room snatching up Alex on the way. Before the boy can even think of protesting, the brute smacks his head against the doorframe. Alex goes limp in his arms.
BLOCKBUSTER
I got him!
Arclight speaks to a communicator on her wrist.
ARCLIGHT
Let's go! Let's go!
INT HALLWAY
The two Marauders, carrying Alex, run down the hallway. Arclight rushes the officers, taking them by surprise. One SHOOTS, but misses. She punches both and sends them flying back with a BURST of light. Her blows are seismic.
The CHOPPING of helicopter blades is heard and when Arclight takes out the hallway windows and part of the wall with a loud SMASH, the HELICOPTER SOUND is even louder.
Two black ropes are seen hanging outside the hole in the wall, apparently leading up to the helicopter. Arclight and Blockbuster, carrying the unconscious Alex in one hand, jump out the window and grab on to the ropes. They are quickly brought up and out of sight.
Logan stands up, watching them furiously as they escape. He doesn't even glance at the wound on his shoulder, which heals amazingly before our eyes. He rolls his shoulder back once and looks to see Orora coming out of the room.
LOGAN
We've got to leave now. I don't want to waste time fighting our way out of here.
Windsong walks out of the room and stands uncertainly near the X-Men.
WINDSONG
They're gone, though. The Marauders took Alex.
LOGAN
I was talking about the police.
ORORA (to Windsong)
The Marauders?
WINDSONG
That's the group those two mutants a
part of.
The sounds of FOOTSTEPS and VOICES echo down the hallway. Logan and Orora look around.
WINDSONG (cont)
Let me come with you. I know what's
going on.
LOGAN
We'll have to jump.
Orora looks at the large hole in the window caused by the marauders forced exit. Windsong follows their gaze.
WINDSONG
You're not serious. It's four floors up!
LOGAN
If you want to come, you'll have to trust us.
The police come quickly from the stairwell YELLING and brandishing their weapons when they spot the mutants.
The three run quickly to the window and jump.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF HOSPITAL
SLOW MOTION,
Logan, Orora and Windsong are seen hurtling through space, falling out the window. They are followed by a BURST of gunfire.
END SM
CU of Orora shows her eyes have gone all white as she uses her mutant power to control the weather.
A huge windstorm whips up around them. The wind slows their descent, though they still land hard on the pavement below.
INT. HALLWAY OF HOSPITAL—SAME MOMENT
A dozen police officers are staring with their mouths agape through the broken window. In disbelief, they watch the three mutants escape four floors below them.
CUT TO
EXT.BACK STREETS NEAR HOSPITAL—DAY-A FEW MINUTES LATER
Logan, Orora and Windsong are running. They reach a deserted alley and Logan turns into it and stops, the other two following.
ORORA
So who are these Marauders?
WINDSONG
A mutant group led by someone they call Sinister. The two that just took Alex from the hospital were Arclight and Blockbuster.
LOGAN
How do you know? Were you one of them?
WINDSONG
Never. I was approached by Arclight to join, but I refused and convinced her to give me information.
Logan raises his eyebrows at the word, "convinced" and then looks around the corner to see if they're being followed. He shakes his head at Orora who then gives Windsong a reassuring smile.
ORORA
You're Windsong, right?
Windsong looks at her cautiously and nods.
ORORA (cont)
Our leader, Professor X told us you would be here.
WINDSONG
How did he know?
ORORA
Why don't you ask him?
CUT TO
EXT. WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK--PROFESSOR CHARLES XAVIER'S SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED--DUSK
An elegant mansion adorns the well-kept grounds. A stately forest encloses the entire estate. An owl swoops soundlessly, watching.
INT. THE SCHOOL--PROFESSOR X (CHARLES XAVIER)'S OFFICE
CU of Prof X's serious face.
PROF X
An experiment?
VIEW OPENS to show Prof X in his wheelchair near a window in a tastefully furnished, comfortable room. Across from him, sitting in a chair, is Windsong.
She nods.
WINDSONG
The Marauders were testing to see if their
virus worked the way they wanted it to.
To the right of the Professor is Orora, leaning on a desk.
PROF X
To only kill humans, sparing all mutants.
Backed by a wall, arms crossed, is Logan. Directly across from Logan is Jean Gray, seated. Behind her, Scott is standing with his hand casually resting on Jean's shoulder.
CU of Scott's hand as it squeezes her affectionately.
ANGLE ON Logan, painfully aware of it, who closes his eyes and looks away.
ORORA
Were there other experiments?
WINDSONG
Two. The first failed, but the second was a "success"...for the marauders.
JEAN
The first failed. You mean the virus didn't kill anyone?
WINDSONG
No. Everyone died, even the mutants.
SCOTT
That's sick.
LOGAN
Where was this?
WINDSONG
A Missouri state prison.
JEAN (to Prof X)
Were you aware of this?
PROFF X
Mutants die everyday of many causes.
I certainly didn't make any connection.
SCOTT
We never read or heard anything about it.
LOGAN
The media doesn't care about inmates.
WINSONG
Because the public doesn't care.
PROF X
And the second experiment was on your reservation?
WINDSONG
I was the only survivor of that outbreak... and it didn't make the headlines either.
The mood becomes subdued in the room.
PROF X
I'm so sorry, Windsong.
Windsong touches her bracelet absently.
WINDSONG
After finding out about the Marauders,
I tried to figure out where their
next target would be for the virus.
(beat)
But, there were no clues to find, no
trail to follow. I had no idea Alex's
town would be next. As soon as I found
out about Alex, I tried to get to him,
but...
SCOTT
Now he's with the marauders.
PROF X
Do you have any idea where they have
him?
WINDSONG
The leader of the Marauders is a man
named Sinister. He has a research
laboratory outside of St.Louis.
JEAN
What kind of research?
WINDSONG
Genetics.
LOGAN
So now what? We're not gunna just sit
around, waiting for the next outbreak.
PROFF X
They know the virus is effective, the
possibility exists that the experiments
are over.
WINDSONG
I thought of that too.
ORORA
Then what's next?
WINDSONG
A nationwide epidemic.
JEAN
If enough of the virus is cultured, they
could infect several cities at once.
SCOTT
How soon could they do that?
Windsong rubs her temple with one hand for a moment. Prof X notices.
PROFF X
Why don't we continue this tomorrow?
Windsong, would you like a tour of the
school in the morning?
WINDSONG
Sure.
PROF X
Good.
WINDSONG
But I need to know what our next step is.
PROF X
Well, we should find out more about the
virus.
JEAN
I'd like to study it. I don't see how it
could be from the water people drank.
WINDSONG
Why not? Turning off the water was how
the disease was finally controlled.
JEAN
A virus needs a host. And even if it did
travel through water, human stomach acids
could kill it.
WINDSONG
Obviously, this virus is different.
PROF X
Jean, I'd like you to do some research
on where we could obtain a sample.
Jean nods and Prof X turns to Orora.
PROF X
Orora, you showed Windsong her room
before, could you take her--
Windsong stands up.
WINDSONG
I remember.
PROF X
Then I will see you tomorrow.
Windsong leaves the room alone. The X-Men look to Prof X for a moment.
LOGAN
Can we trust her?
PROFF X
I can see that she's not lying.
ORORA
We could use her help.
SCOTT
And we still need to find Alex.
Professor X looks at each of them in turn.
PROFF X
Good. I'll use Cerebro to check on Alex.
We'll meet again tomorrow.
INT. HALLWAY OF PROFF X SCHOOL-a few minutes later.
Jean and Scott are walking together.
JEAN
Scott, I want to see Alex away from the
Marauders too, but you seem a bit more
anxious about him.
SCOTT
I can't explain why, but I'm really
worried about this kid.
Jean takes his hand as they walk.
CUT TO
EXT. OUTSIDE OF ST.LOUIS, MISSOURI-SINISTER'S RESEARCH INTSTITUTE- MARAUDER'S HEADQUARTERS--DUSK
A large concrete building juts out of the horizon on an otherwise beautiful landscape of gently rolling hills. Several trees dot the view.
The sound of CAWING is heard. Several crows fly down to the road near the building. The CAWING rises in volume and we see the crows landing and fighting over a piece of carrion.
INT.SINISTER'S LABORATORY
SLAM! Blockbuster is thrown violently against a wall and held up by his throat from an unseen force. As he struggles for breath, a calm, but very angry voice is heard.
SINISTER (OS)
You idiot.
The view swings around to show the speaker. A DARKLY ATTRACTIVE MAN holds his fist clenched in front of himself. Using his power to intimidate Blockbuster, the man's face reflects his own name.
SINISTER (cont)
Does any other thought, besides putting one fist in front of the other, ever enter your mind?
He unclenches his hand and Blockbuster falls heavily to the floor.
SINISTER (cont)
You're lucky the boy only had a mild
concussion.
Blockbuster stays on the floor for a moment rubbing his throat.
BLOCKBUSTER
Sorry, Sinister.
Sinister walks away from him, finished. This is his laboratory.
A large, airless room, devoid of windows, filled with computers and top of- the-line equipment; all to accomplish his personal goals. Sinister stands behind a SMALL, KOREAN MAN, who is typing on a computer.
SINISTER
Scrambler.
SCRAMBLER finishes his latest entry quickly and spins around.
SCRAMBLER
It's not finished, yet.
SINISTER
I was going to ask if you had noticed any similarities between the data from the last two experiments yet.
Scrambler nods and turns back to the screen to type.
SCRAMBLER
Many. So far, the only difference I've found has been incubation periods.
SINISTER
We'll be ready for the next step soon.
SCRAMBLER
Which is?
SINISTER
Continue your work.
Sinister walks away from Scrambler and strides to the door.
He passes by Blockbuster, who is standing now, without a glance and walks out.
Scrambler is wearing an unattractive smirk.
SCRAMBLER
How many times can you screw up?
BLOCKBUSTER
Shut-up, you little know-it-all, or I'll-
Spins around on his chair for the challenge.
SCRAMBLER
Or you'll what? Go ahead, touch me.
Scrambler LAUGHS at Blockbuster's obvious frustration. Blockbuster turns to leave and Scrambler turns back to the computer.
SCRAMBLER
So, do you think we'll get to see Arclight's maternal side, now that the boy is here?
BLOCKBUSTER
She doesn't have one.
Scrambler smirks again as Blockbuster leaves the room.
CUT TO
INT. PROFF X'S SCHOOL-SCOTT AND JEAN'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Jean and Scott are asleep in their bed. Scott is wearing a black cloth band around his head to cover his eyes. He is having a troubled dream, tossing and turning.
DREAM SEQUENCE
All the images and sound are slightly distorted.
It is dark, but light peeks though some cracks. A young boy's voice is heard.
BOY
One, two, three...peek-a-boo!
The darkness was from hands in front of the speaker's eyes, our POV, which have now flung away at the "peek-a-boo!" to reveal a giggling baby in front of him...
DISSOLVE TO
An anxious woman is staring right at us yelling through lots of background noise, "Don't let go of him!"...
DISSOLVE TO
It is dark, but not pitch black. A blindfold is over the eyes, our POV. The same boy's voice from before cries out in panic...
BOY
Alex! Where is he? What have you done to him? Alex! Alex!
END SEQUENCE
Scott bolts upright in bed, breathing heavily. Jean wakes up immediately and sits up next to him, putting her hands on his bare shoulder.
JEAN
Scott! What is it?
SCOTT
I...a dream.
Jean puts her hands by his head and closes her eyes. She opens them, confused, after a few seconds.
JEAN
You as a boy...a baby...you knew someone named Alex? Who was he?
Scott rips off the band. Keeping his eyes closed, he reaches over to a nearby table and grabs his ruby glasses. He puts them on and turns to Jean.
SCOTT
You tell me, you're the telepath.
He throws the covers off and gets out of bed to walk over towards the window, staring out for a few moments.
SCOTT
I'm sorry, Jean. I just...I can't
remember who Alex is. I don't even know
if it's a memory or just a weird dream
...I don't know.
Jean watches him.
JEAN
Maybe you're remembering something from
before the orphanage.
SCOTT
I never have before. Why now?
(beat)
JEAN
Alex is the name of the boy the marauders
have, maybe that triggered something.
SCOTT
Maybe.
(beat)
I'll come back to bed soon.
JEAN
You're sure you're all right?
SCOTT
Yeah.
She lies back down. Scott stares out at the night.
EXT. PROFF X'S SCHOOL--SUNRISE
The sun breaks over the mansion.
INT. ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL
Windsong and Prof X enter the school, the large oak doors closing by themselves behind them. The Professor uses controls with his hands to move his electric wheelchair.
WINDSONG
It's beautiful.
PROF X
Thank you.
WINDSONG
And your students seem genuinely happy.
PROF X
No one is an outcast here. It's a special place for these kids.
WINDSONG
But, I wonder if they'll be prepared
for what it's like for mutants in the
real world?
PROF X
Most of the students have experienced the prejudice and fear before they came here. I just hope to get them early enough so that they don't hate humans
forever.
They turn a corner of the hallway.
INT. WEIGHT ROOM
A dozen or so mutants from the school are using the equipment. Windsong and Prof X have just entered and are now standing off to the side, watching.
PROFF X
You, of course, are welcome to use any equipment while you are here.
WINDSONG
Thank you, but I doubt I'll have much time
for it.
PROF X
We'll all be working on this.
WINDSONG
I know.
PROFF X
But you don't trust us yet.
WINSONG
I didn't say that.
Professor X smiles and taps his head.
PROF X
You didn't have to.
Windsong nods unsmiling, understanding his use of telepathy.
WINDSONG
Then you must also know how important it
is for me to defeat this virus.
PROF X
And the marauders.
WINDSONG
Yes.
PROF X
You're willing to work with us, even with
doubts.
(beat)
We share the same goals, Windsong.
WINDSONG
Do we?
PROFF X
If you could read minds, there would be
no doubt that you could trust us.
WINDSONG
We can't choose our powers.
PROFF X
No, but we do choose how to use them.
Windsong looks as if she'll respond, but turns instead to look at the people working out.
WINDSONG
I suppose all of the x-men came here young.
He nods, but then looks across the room where Logan is doing a series of overhead presses facing away from them.
PROF X
Most, but not all. Logan, for example,
joined the X-Men after years of living
alone.
Windsong looks to Logan. She studies him for a moment.
WINDSONG
Why did he stay?
PROFF X
He was tired of being alone, wandering, having no real purpose.
WINDSONG
He told you that?
PROFF X
He didn't have to.
Windsong's gaze returns to Logan.
INT. HALLWAY IN LOWER LEVELS OF SCHOOL
Windsong and Prof X come out of one room and continue down the hallway.
WINDSONG
I'm amazed that this part of your school
has never been searched by the government.
PROF X
Why would they, if they don't know it exists?
They stop at a door that opens at Prof X's COMMAND.
INT. X-MEN TRAINING ROOM
A shiny, black surface covers the walls, ceiling and floor of this room. It is completely empty. Windsong's steps ECHO as she and the Professor enter.
WINDSONG
What is this used for?
PROF X
It's a training room for the X-Men. Alone or with a partner, it's a place where they can use their powers with little restraint.
Windsong walks to a wall and runs her fingers on it, walking slowly around the room.
WINDSONG
I know you can see mutants by using
Cerebro. But how much do you know about
them?
PROF X
With Cerebro I can see where a mutant is, but not what they're thinking. Not unless they are close by.
(beat)
Though there was one time that I felt another's emotions, not just knew what they were, but experienced them.
WINDSONG
While in Cerebro?
He nods and she slowly walks back to him.
PROFF X
You were by your mother's grave that day. I think you used your powers to
broadcast your sadness, not knowing
that anyone was around to feel it.
She walks towards the door.
WINDSONG
So I wasn't alone after all.
INT.X-MEN LABORATORY--LATER THAT DAY
Prof X, Scott and Windsong are behind Jean, who is seated in front of a computer, typing.
JEAN
This is what I've found. There were
several teams of doctors at Alex's town,
but only two of them were also present
at Windsong's reservation. One of those
teams is with the Centers for Disease
Control in Atlanta. My bet would be that
they are the ones who have a sample of
this virus.
PROF X
Good work. Scott, I'd like you, Orora
and Logan to go.
SCOTT
Actually, I'd like to stay here.
Jean and Prof X look at him.
SCOTT cont
In case you get any more information on
Alex.
PROF X
I've been having trouble seeing him,
Scott. I suspect he's within some
sort of shield from my power. We should
focus on defeating this virus-
SCOTT
We can't just abandon him to the
marauders!
PROF X
The marauders are also responsible for
this virus, one may lead to the other.
SCOTT
Still…
WINDSONG
I'll go.
Prof X turns to Scott, who looks away, and then at Windsong. He nods.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF LABORATORY
Scott is walking away when Prof X comes out of the room and sees him.
PROF X
Scott.
Scott turns around.
SCOTT
I'm sorry.
PROF X
For what?
Scott gives a self-depreciating laugh.
SCOTT
For getting so crazy every time Alex is mentioned.
PROF X
You're usually the one to bring him up.
Scott SIGHS.
PROF X cont
Do you want to talk about it?
Scott begins to pace.
SCOTT
What's to say? I can't get Alex out of my mind. I have to find him...and I don't even know him!
PROF X
I can help you sort things out.
SCOTT
I know.
Scott stops pacing to look at Prof X.
SCOTT (cont)
Not now.
Prof X watches him walk away.
CUT TO
INT. A HALLWAY IN SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
CU of a photograph. It is Alex with a man and a woman, their arms around him, all smiles.
OPEN UP to see Alex leaning on a wall by a window, staring at the photo.
SINISTER (OS)
May I?
Alex, startled, turns around to find Sinister watching him, holding his hand out. Alex is reluctant, but gives over the photo to him.
ALEX
Sure.
Sinister looks at it briefly before giving it back. Alex quickly pockets it.
SINISTER
I see no resemblance.
ALEX
No, uh..I was adopted as a baby.
Sinister nods.
SINISTER
Come with me, Alex.
Sinister begins to walk down the hallway, Alex follows.
SINISTER
We all have a past. It's what makes us
who we are today. But the future should
be our focus.
ALEX
Yeah, the future.
SINISTER
What do you imagine for the future, Alex?
ALEX
Oh...I don't know.
SINISTER
I can see the future.
ALEX
You can?
SINISTER
For humanity; it's evolving.
ALEX
Right. You mean genetic stuff?
SINISTER
What do you know about genetics?
ALEX
Just stuff from school, you know, DNA,
genes...
SINISTER
Tell me.
ALEX
Well, our bodies are made up of cells
and in each cell is our DNA. The DNA is
made up of genes and the genes tell about
each part of us. Is that right?
SINISTER
In a matter of speaking. Do you suppose
there is a gene for your mutant power?
ALEX
I guess there must be.
SINISTER
There is. Now do you suppose the gene
is the same for all mutants?
ALEX
I don't know.
They come to the laboratory door.
SINISTER
I asked myself that question.
He opens the door.
INT. SINISTER'S LAB
Sinister and Alex walk into the lab. Sinister walks over to a computer and types in commands. The screen starts to show the letters "G","A","C", and "T" in various sequences. The letters fill the screen.
ALEX
The mutant gene?
SINISTER
The future.
CUT TO
INT. X-JET--NIGHT
Orora is flying the sleek, X-Men fighter jet with Logan beside her. Windsong is in the seat behind Orora. They are in the middle of a conversation.
ORORA
So then how are mutants protected from it?
LOGAN
Natural immunity?
WINDSONG
I don't think the Marauders were just lucky to find a virus that only kills humans.
LOGAN
So someone made it.
ORORA
They would have to find something common
in all mutants and then make a virus that recognizes it.
LOGAN
How do we fight that?
Not that any of them had an answer anyway, but right then Orora looks to their location screen.
ORORA
There it is.
EXT. CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL--NIGHT
A brick wall with a sign illuminated by a single light above it.
NATIONAL CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
Atlanta, Georgia
INT. THE CENTER--HALLWAY
A scientist, wearing a lab coat and a prominent ID, is walking down the hallway. She turns to a door and enters a code on a side panel and a small tray slides out. The scientist places her entire palm on the panel and waits until a beep is heard and the door clicks open.
The scientist removes her hand, the panel slides back and she is about to enter the door when someone else's hand grabs her shoulder. The scientist turns around, startled, and sees Logan, inches away, not looking friendly at all.
INT. INSIDE THE ROOM--SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
A small darkened room with computers. One light is on in the corner over the desk where Windsong is seated, typing away.
WINDSONG
They couldn't find it.
Logan turns to her. He is standing by the door.
LOGAN
The virus isn't here?
WINDSONG
No, it is, but...hold on.
She gets more information from the computer.
WINDSONG
They have a sample from one of the
patients, but they never found it in
the water.
LOGAN
So where are they holding the sample?
WINDSONG
We should take some samples of the water
they collected, too. Why wouldn't it be
there?
INT. THE CENTER--DIFFERENT HALLWAY--SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
Orora, dressed in a lab coat, nametag, dosimeter badge(detects radiation) and facemask, is in a secluded corner talking quietly into her communicator.
ORORA
Which door?
INT. VIRAL DATABASE ROOM---SAME MOMENT
Windsong is at a computer. She has found the location of the samples in one of the laboratories and is now accessing the door command security systems. Logan is behind her, glancing at the door.
WINDSONG (to herself)
It's biosafety level four…
(to the communicator)
Are you on the second floor yet?
Orora's voice comes from the communicator lying on the table near Windsong.
ORORA (vo)
Yes.
WINDSONG
It should be the third door on your right.
INT. SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY--SAME MOMENT
Orora walks cautiously down the hall. She stops at a door.
ORORA
Can you open it?
WINDSONG (VO from communicator)
Give me a second.
A small click is heard and the door opens.
INT. VIRAL DATABASE ROOM---SAME MOMENT
ANGLE ON the communicator.
ORORA (vo)
I'm in. I'll meet up with you later.
Windsong types in a few commands and the screen on the computer she was working on goes blank.
Finished, she stands and Logan is looking at her, impressed.
She looks right back.
CUT TO
EXT.SINISTER'S OFFICE
Sinister is seated calmly at his desk, talking to Blockbuster through a small device lying there.
SINISTER
Have you found it yet?
Blockbuster's voice comes from the device.
BLOCKBUSTER (VO)
No. I can't see a thing.
SINISTER
Obviously, it's hidden. It should be right in front of you. Just walk until you hit it.
THUD.
Sinister SIGHS.
BLOCKBUSTER
Now what?
SINISTER
Put it under the right wing.
CUT TO
INT. THE CENTER--FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY--MINUTES LATER
Windsong and Logan hurry down the hall towards the door. Suddenly a guard rounds the corner. They all stop short.
GAURD
Where are your ID's?
LOGAN
We weren't given any.
Logan starts to turn away, but the guard steps close.
GUARD
Hold it. It's after hours, what
are you doing here?
Logan starts to tense, Windsong notices.
GUARD
I'll have to take you two down to
the office.
Logan takes a step towards the guard menacingly and Windsong grabs a hold of Logan's hand, focusing quickly on the guard.
WINDSONG
You hate your job, don't you?
GUARD
What?
The man is confused for a moment and then gets a depressed look on his face.
WINDSONG
It must be so hard.
The man is almost in tears.
GAURD
I'm never appreciated, you know? And then--
WINDSONG
Why don't you go on home.
He nods and walks off, sniffling. Logan turns to Windsong with an amused expression. She slowly smiles back and then he looks down, noticing that she has not let go of his hand. She quickly drops it.
WINDSONG
Orora's waiting.
EXT. PLANE--A SHORT WHILE LATER--NIGHT
Windsong and Logan are waiting by the plane, which is barely visible. They are about fifty feet away from it. Logan looks around.
LOGAN
Something's not right.
They see someone approach...its Orora.
WINDSONG
You've got the sample?
Orora takes out a small case from her pocket. She opens it to reveal three vials.
She snaps it closed and looks up triumphantly, then her look changes to concern.
ORORA
Logan, what's wrong?
LOGAN
I sense something, but...
WINDSONG
We need to leave.
LOGAN
You two stay here. I'll go in the plane
and look around first.
Windsong is impatient to leave.
INT. PLANE
Logan stands near the door looking around, senses heightened. He doesn't know what the danger is, but he knows there is one. He cocks his head to one side listening.
CU on Logan's ear. Faint TICKING is heard.
His eyes widen.
EXT. PLANE
Windsong and Orora are waiting for Logan.
ORORA
I've come to trust his instincts--
They hear Logan SHOUT and turn to see him jump from the plane door just as the plane EXPLODES behind him.
Windsong and Orora are thrown to the ground and fire lights up the scene.
Windsong rolls over, bruised, to see the carnage burning that was the x- men's plane.
Orora GROANS, a few feet away. Windsong turns to her.
WINDSONG
The virus!
Orora quickly gets out the case and opens it to see the vial undamaged. They both are relieved.
ORORA
Logan!
They both stand up, amid the CRACKLE of flames, trying to see where Logan landed.
WINDSONG
There!
They run to a figure lying on the ground, far away from the wreckage.
Logan is on his stomach and Orora and Windsong roll him over to reveal his bloody, slightly burnt face.
Windsong GASPS.
ORORA
It looks bad, but with him, he'll be fine soon enough.
WINDSONG
How?
Right then, as she looks at his face, the wounds begin to heal. Windsong's eyes widen.
Logan opens his eyes and GROANS.
LOGAN
A bomb...under the right wing.
ORORA
Thanks for the warning.
Logan continues to heal rapidly, his mutant power.
WINDSONG
The Marauders.
ORORA
How could they find it?
LOGAN
I don't know, but Scott's gunna be pissed.
ORORA
You've never been worried about that.
LOGAN (smiles)
I'm not worried. I just don't want to
miss it.
CUT TO
INT. SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED--PROF X'S OFFICE
Professor X, Jean Gray and Scott are watching a screen with Logan's face on it. This is Professor X's communicator.
They are all shocked at the news, but Scott is furious, the plane was his baby.
SCOTT
What! How could they possibly find it?
LOGAN
Who knows? How are we getting back?
PROF X
If you find your way to the airport I will
have tickets waiting at Gettaway Air.
LOGAN
An airline?
SCOTT
Should we hire a private jet for you?
Logan glowers.
PROF X
It's the fastest way. We don't want to
risk the sample.
LOGAN
Fine.
The screen goes blank. Scott turns away angrily.
SCOTT
I made it virtually invisible. How could
they find it?
He shakes his head.
JEAN
Scott, haven't you been working on another
plane?
SCOTT
It's not finished.
PROF X
I suggest you work on it.
CUT TO
INT. AIRPLANE-(26,000) FEET UP-FIRST CLASS-DAY
Windsong has her eyes closed. The seat next to her is empty. Behind her Logan and Orora are seated together. Orora is reading from her palm size, electronic notebook by the window. Logan is shifting in his seat, trying to get comfortable, when he stops and looks slowly to his left.
TWO LADIES are staring at him with a mixture of fascination and fear.
Logan regards them for a moment and then stone-faced, winks.
The ladies GASP and turn away whispering.
Logan turns towards Orora who is also looking at him, but with annoyance.
ORORA
Do you always have to attract
attention?
LOGAN
It's a gift.
She shakes her head and turns back to her notebook. Logan tries in vain to get comfortable, gives up and just stares out the window.
In another set of seats are A MAN and A WOMAN talking in whispers, agitated.
WOMAN
We're 30,000 feet up, what would they possible do?
MAN
I don't know, but I paid good money to be up here and I don't want to be bothered by some mutant freaks.
He gets up and walks to a stewardess who is near the cockpit. Her back is turned.
MAN (cont)
Excuse me.
She turns...its Arclight.
ARCLIGHT
May I help you?
Windsong is watching the conversation between the "stewardess" and man. She can only see the man's face.
Back to the conversation.
ARCLIGHT
Don't worry, I'll take care of everything.
MAN
Good. Too many damn mutants around.
He returns to his seat and Arclight's false smile fades away quickly. She glares at his back then turns and enters the cockpit.
INT. COCKPIT
Arclight enters.
ARCLIGHT
It's time.
The PILOT turns around.
PILOT
Time for what?
Arclight quickly goes up to him and knocks him out. He falls to the ground unconscious. The co-pilot turns, it's Scrambler. He nods to Arclight and places his hands flat upon the control panel.
INT. FIRST-CLASS
Logan turns to Orora, alarmed.
LOGAN
Something's wrong.
ORORA
Not another bomb?
LOGAN
I don't know--
Suddenly the plane lurches to one side and goes into a nose-dive. CRASHES and SCREAMING are heard all around them as Logan and Orora stand up.
The Man sees them.
MAN
It's their fault, they're mutants!
Windsong jumps up, furious.
WINDSONG
That's ridiculous! Who would crash
a plane they're on?
A real stewardess comes into the aisle desperately trying to keep her balance as the plane continues it's deadly fall.
STEWARDESS
Everyone calm down!
INT. COCKPIT
Scrambler still has his hands on the controls.
ARCLIGHT
Now?
SCRAMBLER
Almost low enough.
INT. FIRST-CLASS
STEWARDESS
Everyone please stay seated!
Arclight and Scrambler come out of the cockpit.
STEWARDESS (to them)
What's going on?
They don't answer, but open a small closet and take out parachutes.
The X-MEN and Windsong see them. Logan vaults over the seats to reach them. Arclight turns and as he comes flying at her, she BLASTS him with a punch that, with white light, throws him back into the aisle. More SCREAMING.
Scrambler opens the emergency exit with a smirk.
STEWARDESS
What are you doing?!
ARCLIGHT
So long.
Arclight and Scrambler jump out of the exit door with the parachutes quickly as Logan stands back up. The stewardess SCREAMS as she loses her balance in the still rapidly descending plane and starts to fall out of the open door.
His hand grabs her just in time and Logan pulls her back into Orora's arms. Then Logan reaches back outside the plane, fighting against the phenomenal winds, to grab the door.
Below him, he sees the two parachutes of Arclight and Scrambler open.
He slowly brings the door back and closes it.
Windsong is by the cockpit door.
WINDSONG
I can't fly it! Orora, quick!
Orora jumps up and enters the cockpit.
Windsong looks back at the passengers who are all frightened, out of their seats, and SCREAMING.
She slows her breathing amongst all this chaos and concentrates.
Logan looks at the passengers as they get quieter. One by one, the passengers sit, the current of fear has lessened.
He then turns to watch Windsong, straining with the effort of using her power on so many people. He gets up to stand behind her and offers his hand. She grabs it, steadying herself.
INT. COCKPIT
Orora is struggling herself. The controls won't respond.
ORORA
Come on! Come on!
She looks out the window as the land rapidly approaches. She gives up on the controls and her eyes turn white. The wind starts to HOWL.
INT. AIRTRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
A controller is looking at his screen and sees a blip that isn't right. He glances out the tower window and sees the airplane the X-Men are on coming in fast.
His eyes widen.
EXT. RUNWAY-DAY
An airplane buffeted by high winds comes in fast for a landing.
INT. FIRST-CLASS
Logan is still by Windsong who is about to collapse. He looks out the window to see the plane about to land.
LOGAN
We're almost there.
They are thrown to the ground with the heavy landing and as soon as Windsong's power has released its hold, the people, once more, freak out.
Thankfully, the plane comes to a stop. WHOOPS and CHEERS are heard throughout the plane.
Windsong, worn out, looks at Logan beside her and sighs with relief.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. AIRPORT WAITING AREA—ONE HOUR LATER
There is a crowd of people standing and sitting waiting for a new flight. Many people are talking about what just happened to them; many are on cell phones telling their loves ones they are all right, and others are crying or in shock from the ordeal.
Logan, Orora and Windsong are off to one side.
ANNOUNCER (VO)
Gettaway Air flight 260 to Kennedy, now boarding at gate three..
LOGAN
Finally.
They are about to walk over when a police officer approaches them.
OFFICER
Would the three of you please come with me?
ORORA
What's going on?
OFFICER
I'm here to escort you to a different flight.
WINDSONG
Why?
OFFICER
Gettaway Air believes you will be more comfortable somewhere else.
LOGAN
We're fine.
The officer swallows, nervously.
OFFICER
Well…actually some of the other passengers strongly object to you being on board.
WINDSONG
We just saved their lives.
OFFICER
I'm sorry, but we don't want any more
trouble.
Logan stands close to the officer.
LOGAN
You realize you can't make us do anything.
Orora turns to see a group of officers walking towards them.
ORORA
Logan…
LOGAN
Don't worry. I'm not gunna attract any attention. I just want him to know who's
making the decision.
Windsong watches the other passengers start to board the flight. One man is watching them with satisfaction. It's the man that accused them on the plane.
ORORA
We'll use a different airline.
The three of them turn away; much to the officer's relief. He signals the other officers that everything is fine.
Windsong watches the man as she, Orora and Logan walk away. She can see him say something towards them, even though she's too far away to hear.
MAN
Damn mutants.
Logan's head spins to glare at him. The man smirks, but Logan keeps walking.
Windsong narrows her eyes, looking at the man.
Logan stares straight ahead, jaw clenched.
LOGAN
Windsong, could you—
WINDSONG
I already am.
They suddenly hear the man SCREAM behind them, but keep walking.
What they don't watch is the man, now looking wildly around, eyes wide. His wife, confused, tries to take his hand, but he jerks away.
MAN
NO! GET AWAY FROM ME! You could be a
mutant, you could ALL be mutants. NO!
GET AWAY! GET AWAY!…
CUT TO
INT. PROFESSOR X'S STUDY--HOURS LATER
They are all in the room. Logan, Orora and Windsong are not in pleasant moods.
PROF X
I'm so sorry. Adding mutants to the Anti- Discrimination Act has been very difficult.
(beat)
JEAN
You did get the samples.
Orora takes out her case and hands it to Prof X.
WINDSONG
We got a sample of the virus and the
water from the town. The virus was never
found in the water.
SCOTT
So where did they get infected?
WINDSONG
It has to be the water.
JEAN
That doesn't make sense. Maybe it was
an animal or something.
WINDSONG
No. They know that a person drinking the
water would get sick. It's directly related,
they just can't find the virus there.
Logan is watching Windsong, but then finds his gaze turning to Jean.
Jean is about to say something.
PROF X
We'll look into it.
EXT. SCHOOL--NIGHT
A peaceful silence surrounds the old bricks that make up the mansion. An owl's HOOT is heard in the distance.
INT. WINDSONG'S BEDROOM--NIGHT
Windsong is in her bed, wide-awake and upset. She turns to the window to her right. She sits up and glances down to her arm where the bracelet is. She takes it off and holds it with both hands.
About to start crying, she instead gets angry, her hands tightening on the bracelet. She finally relents and gets out of bed.
INT. WEIGHT ROOM--A FEW MINUTES LATER
Windsong walks in briskly. She turns a light on and squints for a moment in the sudden brightness. She surveys the room's equipment and settles on a punching bag in the corner.
Windsong walks over to it, and after a moment starts to kick and punch letting her anger have a release. THUDS ECHO in the room.
LOGAN (OS)
Good evening.
Startled, Windsong turns to find Logan in the doorway watching her.
WINDSONG
Oh...I didn't think anyone would be here
this late.
LOGAN
Neither did I.
They regard each other for a moment until Windsong turns back to the punching bag.
Logan walks over to the bench press. Windsong's GRUNTS are heard as he places a bar over the bench.
Windsong quickly forgets Logan's presence and focuses on beating up the bag in front of her. Her blows fall faster and harder as her anger and frustration build.
Logan selects weights from a rack and with a CLINK, slides them onto the bar.
Windsong gets caught up in her rage and with a sudden YELL she kicks the bag so hard is SNAPS off the hook from the ceiling and is thrown against the wall with a loud THUD.
Logan turns sharply to see Windsong breathing heavily.
Her arms come up to wrap around herself and a sob escapes her.
WINDSONG (softly)
My sister would have been ten today.
She turns to Logan.
WINDSONG (cont)
Do you know what it's like to have your people, ` your history, taken away from you?
Not expecting him to answer, she is taken aback when he does.
LOGAN
Yes.
WINDSONG
What?
LOGAN
I have few memories of my past and what I do have, I can't trust. I have no history.
WINDSONG
I'm...
They look at each other and then Windsong turns. Logan watches her leave.
INT. HALLWAY
Windsong walks down the hallway and passes a door.
INT. SCOTT AND JEAN'S BEDROOM--SAME TIME
Once more, Scott is having a troubled dream.
After a few moments, he sits up quickly in the bed, breathing rapidly. He replaces the band over his eyes with his glasses.
He looks over at Jean and sees that she is still sound asleep. Scott runs his fingers through his hair, thinking.
INT. PROF X'S STUDY
Scott appears in the doorway. A single light is on. Prof X is turned away from him.
PROF X
Come in.
Scott enters the room.
SCOTT
I want you to look in my mind.
PROF X
I know. Come lie down.
Scott walks to the couch in the room and lies down. Prof X places his hands over Scott's head and closes his eyes.
PROF X (cont)
Relax.
SEQUENCE INSIDE SCOTT'S MIND
There is no sound.
Professor X is standing in the backyard of a house. He sees a little baby boy learning how to walk.
His mother and older brother are close by, cheering the baby on.
Professor X looks closely at the older brother, about eight years old, it's Scott.
DISSOLVE TO
Suddenly Prof X is in an airplane. Everything is shaking.
The mother from the previous memory is there, frantically getting a parachute onto the older brother, who is crying. She shouts something to the pilot, the boys' father. He shakes his head, yelling back.
She opens the door to the plane, the boy yells, and tears streaming down his face. The mother hands him his baby brother, trying to buckle him in with the older boy.
Suddenly, the plane jerks and they open their mouths in screams.
END SEQUENCE
Professor X removes his hand, thoughtful. Scott slowly sits up.
SCOTT
I had a younger brother.
PROF X
So it would seem.
SCOTT
I was told my parents died in a plane
crash, but no one said anything about my
brother.
PROF X
I don't think the orphanage knew about
him either.
SCOTT
His name was Alex.
(beat)
Do you think the boy the marauders have..?
PROF X
Let's not jump to conclusions. What we
can do is check out Alex's history and
then we'll see.
Scott looks at the Professor.
SCOTT
Ok.
CUT TO
INT. MARAUDER'S COMPOUND—PRACTICE ROOM-NEXT DAY
The light is dim. A faint humming sound is heard, as if a hoard of insects is getting ready to swarm. Suddenly, the humming grows in volume as a small ball of light speeds through the air.
ANGLE ON
Alex spins around just in time to see the ball. Blue light BURSTS from his chest destroying it. A second ball flies toward him and he ducks beneath it.
SINISTER (OS)
You missed one.
Sinister is pacing slowly around Alex in the room. Alex is in the middle looking up and turning this way and that. Above him hovers dozens of the small balls of light, humming dangerously.
ALEX
But I didn't get hit.
SINISTER
If you have the chance to destroy
something, do it.
Another ball hurtles down.
ZUMMM…
Alex quickly BLASTS it.
SINSITER (CONT)
You will need a new, mutant name soon.
ALEX
Oh…I already have one.
SINISTER
You do?
Alex turns quickly, thinking he heard something, but the balls hang innocently in space.
ALEX
Yeah. When I realized that I was
a mutant, I thought I might join…
a group or something.
SINISTER
You mean the X-Men.
Three balls ZOOM toward Alex who sees them just in time.
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
ALEX
Yeah.
Another ball ZOOMS down and Alex instinctively ducks.
He quickly looks over at Sinister.
SINISTER
Be glad you are not with them.
ALEX
What do you mean?
SINISTER
They protect the same people who
want to destroy mutants.
ALEX
Why would they do that?
BUZZ… Alex turns to his left and BLASTS two balls.
SINSITER
Because they are narrow-minded
fools.
Alex turns to look at him.
ZOOM! A ball speeds down. Alex turns aside, but still gets hit on his arm.
He YELLS in pain, holding his arm.
SINISTER (CONT)
Don't be distracted again.
Alex quickly swallows the pain and again looks up at the BUZZING balls of light above him, wondering where the next strike will come from.
SINISTER (CONT)
So what is this new name?
ALEX
Havok.
CUT TO
LABORATORY SEQUENCE
INT. PROFESSOR X'S SCHOOL—NEXT DAY
Through a series of windows, passed by rather quickly, the sun is seen low on the horizon.
Professor X is moving down the hallway in his wheelchair and enters an elevator.
INT. LOWER LEVEL OF SCHOOL--A MINUTE LATER
The professor moves down the hallway, entering a room.
INT. X-MEN LAB
Professor X enters the laboratory where Jean is at work.
PROF X
Any progress yet?
Jean looks up and smiles.
JEAN
Good morning.
He comes over to where she is working. She is looking through an electron microscope. This is no tabletop microscope, but is it's own table. It is located in a corner away from other equipment that might vibrate the microscope. Jean can see the image through a small TV like screen coming out from it.
JEAN (cont)
Well, it's definitely synthetic. It's
similar to the herpes virus, but it's
hard to tell with all the manipulations.
The complexity is amazing. Whoever made
this is...
PROF X
Dangerous.
Jean looks at him and then back to the microscope.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SINISTER'S LABORATORY
Another microscope, this one is compound and on a tabletop.
It is being used by Sinister. He looks up from it angrily.
SINISTER
What happened?
Scrambler is behind him, biting his nail.
SCRAMBLER
I don't know. I followed the protocol
exactly like you said, but...
SINISTER
I'll do it. I don't have time for
incompetence.
Sinister reaches to take the plate (a palm size, clear, plastic dish with sealed cover) from the microscope.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. X-MEN LAB
A plate is being carried by Windsong over to where Jean is.
WINDSONG
Than how is it transmitted?
Jean is nearby working under a hood (a metal box with a sliding glass front that allows a scientist to work with dangerous chemicals without being exposed. Only the hands enter the hood).
JEAN
I don't know, but the virus is not in the
water.
WINDSONG
Maybe it's just not in the samples they
collected.
JEAN
No. That kind of virus can't live in
the water.
WINDSONG
We know it's not transmitted person to
person.
JEAN
I know.
WINDSONG
So there was nothing in the water samples?
JEAN
There was other stuff, just no virus.
WINDSONG
What other stuff?
JEAN
Nothing important. I think we should
concentrate on creating a vaccine from
the viral sample we have.
WINDSONG
Can you do it?
JEAN
I don't know.
She turns back to her work.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SINISTER'S LAB
Arclight's hands are working under a hood.
Sinister strides into the room. Scrambler is there as well at the computer.
SINISTER
Is the final culture complete?
ARCLIGHT
Almost. Are you sure this is tested
enough?
SCRAMBLER
Worried, Arclight?
ARCLIGHT
I was at the hospital, I saw what this
does to people.
SINISTER
You're safe. All mutants have the blood
mark.
ARCLIGHT
Blood mark?
SINSINTER
Did you ever go to Sunday school?
Scrambler stifles a laugh.
SINISTER (cont)
Never mind. In the Old Testament, there
were ten plagues of Egypt. The
last plague was an angel of death that
would kill the first born of every house,
unless there was a blood mark upon the
door. Upon seeing this mark, the angel
of death would pass over the house.
Arclight stares at him.
SCRAMBLER
Oh, I've always wanted to be an angel of
death.
He starts to type again.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. X-MEN LAB
Windsong is typing at a computer.
WINDSONG
It doesn't match.
JEAN (OS)
Damn.
Jean is standing by Windsong. Professor X is nearby.
PROF X
If we can't purify this virus, the
vaccine will never be made.
WINDSONG
There must be another way.
JEAN
There are only a few alternatives in
creating...
WINSONG
No, not a vaccine.
JEAN
What else can we do? This is it. We
just have to keep at it.
WINDSONG
There's no time. Who knows when the
marauders will be ready to launch their
attack?
PROF X
Did you have anything in mind, Windsong?
WINDSONG
Maybe there's something we're overlooking.
They look at each other.
WINDSONG
What about the water?
JEAN
There's nothing there.
WINDSONG
You said there was other stuff in it,
besides the virus, what exactly?
JEAN
Mostly minerals...there's always a small
amount of bacteria.
PROF X
Nothing unusual.
JEAN
There was a lot of this one parasite.
PROF X
Is it harmful to people?
JEAN
No, it's in our gut, normally. I was
just surprised to see so much of it.
WINDSONG
You said a virus needs a host, right?
JEAN
Yeah.
WINDSONG
Could a parasite be a host?
Jean looks incredulous.
PROF X
I've never heard of a virus being passed
from a parasite to a human.
WINDSONG
This virus isn't natural, it won't
follow the rules.
Professor X looks to Jean.
PROF X
Let's take a look.
Jean gets up and passes by a centrifuge.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SINSISTER'S LAB
A centrifuge is on a lab table. Scrambler walks by it and out of the lab, the lights go out.
INT. SINISTER'S OFFICE
Sinister is looking out the window of the darkened room.
Scrambler appears in the doorway.
SCRAMBLER
It's finished. We have the amount of the
virus you wanted.
Does not turn around.
SINISTER
Contact our members at the drop off
points.
Scrambler leaves.
SINISTER (cont)
The eleventh plague begins.
END SEQUENCE
CUT TO
INT. SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED—PROFESSOR X'S OFFICE-DAY
Professor X is behind his desk when Logan walks in.
LOGAN
You wanted to see me?
PROF X
Yes, I'd like you to do something
for me.
Logan waits for him to continue.
PROF X (CONT)
I don't know what unforeseen problems
may arise and I need to know who I
can count on.
LOGAN
You know I—
PROF X
I wasn't talking about you, but
Windsong.
LOGAN
I thought you trusted her.
PROF X
I do, and I know she has powerful
mutant powers, but I don't know her
physical abilities.
Logan furrows his brow.
LOGAN
You want me to fight her?
PROF X
I want you to spar with her, test
her abilities and then let me know
your opinion. I need to know if
she'll need help in an attack. I
don't doubt that we'll meet up with
the Marauders at some point.
LOGAN
Soon? I thought—
PROF X
There is nothing planned. It's just
a precaution.
Logan nods.
INT. HALLWAY OF SCHOOL--LATER THAT DAY
Windsong is walking. Logan rounds the corner a few feet away. They both stop.
WINDSONG
Logan.
Logan nods a hello. Windsong turns to go.
LOGAN
Hey.
She looks at him.
LOGAN (CONT)
I was going to the weight room, but...
Are you up to sparring in one of the
lower rooms?
WINDSONG
I doubt our plan will call for much
fighting.
LOGAN
It's funny how things don't always follow
the plan. We should be ready for
anything.
(beat)
But if you're afraid to fight me...
He shrugs and turns to go.
Windsong puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
WINDSONG
I'm not afraid of you.
CU on Logan's face.
INT. BLACK-WALLED FIGHTING ROOM
Windsong and Logan are ready, but unmoving in the center of the room. They watch each other closely for a moment and then Windsong starts the fight.
He easily blocks her and the next several attacks.
LOGAN
After seeing you with that punching bag,
I thought you might be a challenge, but...
She levels her gaze and steps up the fight. He responds easily, enjoying himself.
The fight goes on for a short while.
She starts to get frustrated because he effortlessly defends everything she tries.
Finally she shoots him an intense look and Logan staggers back a bit, looking around slowly.
LOGAN (CONT)
Where is...? What...?
Windsong takes the opportunity her power gave her to kick him squarely in the chest.
He's knocked flat, but springs back up with a focused look.
Windsong has a small smile.
LOGAN (CONT)
That's how you fight?
WINDSONG
Anything's fair.
With that, Logan raises his eyebrows. Then with a SNIKT, he unsheathes his claws.
Windsong's eyes widen.
LOGAN
Anything's fair?
Without waiting for her to answer, he starts an attack. She fights for all she's worth to keep away from his claws.
He's powerful, she's quick, and they enjoy testing each other's skills.
After a time, Logan overpowers her, pinning her hair against the wall with his claws.
She gasps and he smiles.
Then her eyes narrow and he quickly lets her go with a mortified expression on his face.
LOGAN
I'm so sorry! I, I didn't...
Logan grabs his head and with a roar, throws his arms wide, glaring at Windsong.
Windsong's jaw drops.
WINDSONG
I didn't stop using my power on you!
How did you do that?
He's not so sure himself.
LOGAN
I...just threw it off.
Logan and Windsong look at each other and then he gets a triumphant look on his face, retracts his claws and starts the sparring again.
INT. SAME PLACE--An HOUR LATER
Drenched in sweat, they are still fighting. They are in synch, anticipating each other's moves, eyes locked, absorbed in the dance.
Then Windsong puts up her hands to signal a break. They both stop, breathing heavily.
WINDSONG
Why did you stay?
LOGAN
Where?
WINDSONG
Here, at the school.
LOGAN
Roof over my head.
WINDSONG
You could have that anywhere, why here?
LOGAN
Oooh, you want to be one of the X-Men?
WINDSONG
You didn't answer my question.
LOGAN
Neither did you.
They regard each other and then almost simultaneously start sparring again. They quickly get into the rhythm.
Then Windsong throws an unexpected kick at Logan. He ducks, but is thrown off balance. She takes the advantage to knock him to the ground, landing on top of him, with her arm on his throat.
Logan lets her enjoy the moment briefly before flipping her over with his arm now on her throat.
He looks triumphant, she annoyed, but then they both become serious, noticing their lips are only inches apart.
Neither of them moves, breathing heavily, staring at each other...
And then Logan snaps his eyes shut and looks away.
LOGAN
You can stop using your power now.
He opens his eyes to look at her accusingly, but she is confused.
WINDSONG
I'm not doing anything.
Logan jumps up as if she's a hot coal and walks quickly towards the door. Windsong scrambles to get up.
WINDSONG (CONT)
Logan! Wait!
He keeps walking, but calls over his shoulder.
LOGAN
You were right. You're not afraid.
Windsong watches him leave.
INT. LOGAN'S BATHROOM--A SHORT WHILE LATER
Logan steps out of the shower and stares at himself in the small, slightly fogged mirror above the sink.
A BEEPING is heard nearby. Logan looks to the wall outside the bathroom, which has a small speaker. A light it flashing on it.
LOGAN
Yeah?
The voice comes from the speaker.
PROF X (vo)
So, what's your opinion?
LOGAN
She can handle herself.
PROF X
Good. Please come to my office soon.
The light goes out on the speaker and Logan turns back to himself in the mirror. After a moment, he shakes his head and moves away.
INT. PROF X OFFICE
Windsong is seated, looking pensive.
All the X-Men are gathered around the room.
JEAN
So a vaccine is impossible.
SCOTT
You said you've come up with something
different, though.
PROF X
The parasites that were found in the water
are carriers of the virus.
ORORA
The people would drink the water with the
parasites and then become infected with
the virus?
JEAN
Exactly.
WINDSONG
So we know that. But how can we stop it?
JEAN
Filter out the parasites.
SCOTT
We wouldn't have to deal with the virus
itself at all.
LOGAN
Did you make a filter?
JEAN
Not yet.
WINDSONG
How long?
JEAN
I don't know.
WINDSONG
It's not good enough.
SCOTT
Good enough? It'll work!
WINDSONG
Don't you understand? We don't have time
for this! I know the Marauders are ready
now.
PROF X
How do you know?
WINDSONG
It has nothing to do with powers, I just
feel it. We have to act now.
JEAN
And do what?
WINDSONG
Destroy them.
JEAN
Too risky.
WINDSONG
Giving the Marauders a chance to infect
the country is too risky.
LOGAN
I'm with Windsong.
Jean turns to Logan and he can't quite meet her eyes.
JEAN
What?
He looks to Windsong.
LOGAN
If we stop the Marauders from launching
the virus in the first place, we won't
need the filter anyway.
ORORA
I agree.
SCOTT
I think we should go.
JEAN
It's Alex, isn't it.
SCOTT
Yes, but...I have something to tell
everyone.
He looks up at all of them.
SCOTT
Most of you already know that my parents
died in a plane crash when I was eight.
The orphanage told me that because
I had no memories of it or anything before
the crash. Recently, I found out
that I wasn't the only one to survive.
SCOTT (CONT)
I have a brother. He was a baby at the
time and his name was Alex.
ORORA
No one at the orphanage told you?
SCOTT
I don't understand it either. Maybe they
didn't know or thought it would be too
traumatic for me. I was in a coma for a
year after the crash.
JEAN
Scott...
SCOTT
There's more. I found out that Alex,
the boy the marauders have, was adopted
as a baby the same year as the plane crash.
JEAN
That's not complete proof that he's your
brother.
SCOTT
I don't need any more proof.
Scott glances at Windsong.
SCOTT (CONT)
I just know it.
After a moment, Jean gives Scott a reassuring smile.
JEAN
We can try to stop the Marauders first.
If that fails, we can still make the
filter.
She looks to Professor X.
PROF X
Alright.
The tension eases.
ORORA
Wait! We don't have a plane.
PROF X
Scott?
INT. UNDERGROUND OF SCHOOL--OUTSIDE OF LARGE ROOM.
The group is standing by a huge set of double doors. Scott in the lead.
SCOTT
I've been doing a little more besides
just checking on my family history.
INT. THE ROOM
The doors open, the sound echoing in the huge room. The group walks in slowly, staring in awe. Their POV shows an amazing fighter jet.
SCOTT
I haven't finished everything, but it'll fly.
It's about double the speed of our last one.
They walk near it. Scott watches their reactions.
PROF X
Good work, Scott.
LOGAN
You said she's twice as fast?
SCOTT
Yeah.
Logan nods, impressed.
ORORA
I assume you'll be flying?
Scott smiles at her.
SCOTT
I don't want this one to blow up.
She smiles back.
MONTAGE SEQUENCE
The X-Men prepare to leave for the battle with the Marauders.
Different parts of the X-Men outfits are seen zipped up, pulled on, and slipped in as they each get dressed and geared up.
Faces determined, they are ready.
The new X-Men fighter jet lifts up like a helicopter through a secret opening on the grounds of the school, then TEARS through the night sky.
END SEQUENCE
INT. X-MEN JET--JUST BEFORE DAWN
The interior of the sleek jet is dark. The lights of the control panel give off the only illumination.
Scott is at the controls. Jean, Windsong, Orora and Logan are all seated.
Logan is looking at Windsong, who seems preoccupied. He watches her for a minute before gazing at Jean, who is near to Scott.
Orora, close to Logan, notices. She leans over so only he hears.
ORORA
It's a lot easier to pine for someone
out of your reach than to risk your
heart in a real relationship.
He doesn't even turn to look at her.
LOGAN
I don't pine.
She rolls her eyes and moves back.
Windsong is looking out the window at the city lighted up below.
WINDSONG
Is that St.Louis?
SCOTT
Yeah, we're almost there.
JEAN (to Windsong)
Are you ready for this?
WINDSONG
I was about to ask you the same
question.
EXT. FIELD OUTSIDE OF ST.LOUIS--ALMOST DAWN
The X-Men are shadows moving together. They approach a slight rise in the land and before them is Sinister's Genetics Lab. The cold steel and concrete structure wholly out of place in this serene environment.
As dawn breaks, a SCREECH is heard. The X-Men turn to see two eagles soaring together over the landscape. They dip and glide, interweaving with each other in a dance.
Windsong follows the path of the birds with her eyes and a gentle smile eases its way onto her mouth. She is beautiful.
Logan is unable to take his eyes off of her.
Then the CHOPPING of helicopter blades cuts the mood, grabbing their attention.
SCOTT
Get down!
They all drop to their bellies and watch a helicopter getting ready for lift-off at the Research Institute. A figure, Arclight, is carrying a large container, walking towards the helicopter.
WINDSONG
We can't let them leave! They could be
carrying the virus!
SCOTT
Orora! You hold them down and give us
cover as we go in.
Orora's eyes turn white and a major thunderstorm kicks up.
ANGLE ON
Arclight, the wind WHIPPING around her, signals a "no go"
to the pilot, Scrambler. She rushes back into the building carrying the container with her.
The helicopter BLADES SLOW to a stop and Scrambler jumps out, immediately getting drenched in the downpour. He struggles back to the building, passes the security system, opens the door and goes in.
The door start to close, but a foot stops it.
CUT TO
INT. SINISTER'S OFFICE--MINUTES LATER
Arclight rushes in. Sinister looks at her, noticing her disheveled appearance.
SINISTER
Why are you still here?
ARCLIGHT
A storm came out of nowhere, there's no
way we can get off the ground.
Sinister narrows his eyes.
INT. BUILDING HALLWAY—MINUTES LATER
Logan and Windsong are walking warily.
With a YELL, Arclight and Blockbuster burst in, attacking them. Windsong and Logan are instantly on defense, back to back.
Loud and ferocious, the fight begins.
Too soon, Windsong goes down. She uses her powers to keep Arclight away.
Scrambler sneaks in and grabs Windsong around the neck.
Logan, claws glinting, SMACKS Scrambler away from her. Scrambler is thrown against the wall, with a bloody lip, but a smile on his face.
SCRAMBLER
You touched me.
Arclight quickly knocks Windsong unconscious and Blockbuster grabs Logan and throws him against the wall. Logan hits his head and expecting to heal quickly, he gets right back up...but he staggers back, holding his head in his hands.
Scrambler LAUGHS and walks over to him, punching Logan in the face. Logan is knocked down and Scrambler continues to gleefully kick him while Logan is helpless.
ARCLIGHT
Scrambler! Knock it off! We have to
take them to the lab, not the morgue.
Scrambler gives Logan one last kick and Logan MOANS in pain, eyes closed. His claws retract, leaving his knuckles bleeding where they cut his skin.
CUT TO
INT. SINISTER'S LAB
Jean and Scott move quickly inside. It is dimly lit as they look around.
SCOTT
Where do you think the virus is stored?
JEAN
It could be in any number of---
The door SLAMS shut and HISSING is heard as gas fills the room.
JEAN
Quick, Scott, blast open the door! Scott!
He looks as if in a trance, staring into the corner. Jean looks over, COUGHING from the gas, and sees Sinister, smiling cruelly.
SINISTER
It's been a long time...
She looks back to Scott, who seems frozen, and then pulls out her communicator.
JEAN
Orora! We're trapped--
She falls to her knees, COUGHING. Scott starts to COUGH and fall as well, but never takes his gaze away from Sinister.
JEAN (cont)
Scott...
She falls unconscious and Scott starts to fade as well, falling to the ground.
CUT TO
FLASH BACK
Inside Scott's memories, we see someone putting ruby glasses on him. The world is a fuzzy shade of red. He can barely make out the figure of the person in front of him, but his vision clears rapidly.
PERSON
Always remember who gave you your first
pair of glasses.
Scott's vision improves and the person comes into focus. It's Sinister.
END FLASHBACK
Scott's face is pressed to the floor. Unconscious, he doesn't notice Sinister's foot walk next to him.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE--MORNING
The storm has calmed. Orora is huddled by a set of rocks that gave her some protection from the storm and keeps her hidden from the Marauders. Although some of the morning sun comes through, shadows dominate.
She is dripping wet, but isn't bothered by it. She looks worried and is staring at the communicator in her hand.
ORORA
It's too risky. I can't do it.
The POV shifts to show us who's on screen. It's Professor X, looking concerned.
PROF X
There's no other way for me to make
contact. Once we know the situation,
we can see how to proceed.
ORORA
You don't think they're…
PROF X
No, but we need to know if they have
destroyed the virus.
ORORA
We need to get them out of there!
The virus can't hurt us. Are the
lives of the X-Men worth risking
for this?
PROF X
We are dedicated to protecting those
who are defenseless.
Orora closes her eyes for a moment.
PROF X
This is what we train for, Orora.
She finally nods.
ORORA
I'll give them a few more minutes
before I do anything.
PROF X
I'll be waiting in Cerebro.
The screen goes blank.
CUT TO
INT. SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED--HALLWAY TO CEREBRO—MOMENTS LATER
Prof X wheels himself down the silent, darkened hallway to the door of Cerebro.
The computer scans his eyes and opens the door. It closes like a jail cell behind him.
CUT TO
INT. SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE--THE LAB
CU of Windsong's face. She is unconscious and looking pretty beat up. Traveling down her body we see that she is laying on a table, bound hand and foot with metal clamps.
Someone starts to tie a thick rubber band around her upper arm. Windsong jerks awake and starts to struggle. She can't move.
WINDSONG
What are you doing to me?!
Sinister stares down at her, unconcerned with her question and begins drawing her blood into a vial with a syringe he is holding.
Windsong glares at him as he continues to fill the vial. She furrows her brow and she stares intently at Sinister. He doesn't notice when she gets wide-eyed at her inability to affect him with her power.
WINDSONG
What did you do to me, Sinister?
He finishes up the procedure.
SINISTER
If you mean drawing blood, I thought
that was quite obvious.
He unwraps the band around her arm.
SINISTER (cont)
If you mean problems with your
mutant powers, consider yourself
Scrambled.
Sinister leaves the shocked Windsong and places her vial of blood in a small metal case on a nearby bench top. He takes out an empty vial and walks over to his next subject.
Windsong finally notices that she is not alone in this capture. She turns to her left and GASPS.
Logan is strapped to a table next to her looking like he was run over by a truck. Bruised, bleeding and still unconscious, he doesn't notice Sinister start drawing his blood.
WINDSONG
Logan! Wake up! Logan!
Sinister is amused by her concern.
Logan slowly opens his eyes and MOANS in pain. He looks at Sinister and tries to struggle, but can't even manage that.
SINISTER
As I informed your friend, one of my
Marauders has an interesting touch.
He can either alter another mutant's
power or take it away altogether,
as in your case.
Logan watches as the vial fills with his blood.
LOGAN
Why are you doing this?
SINISTER
Personal research.
WINDSONG
He'll die if he doesn't get help.
Sinister finishes up with Logan and puts the vial in his case.
SINISTER
Oh, it's not so dire as that.
Scrambler's effects don't last too
long.
He walks by Windsong.
LOGAN (growls)
Don't touch her.
Sinister stares at Logan incredulously.
SINISTER
Or you'll what? Give me another
stern look of disapproval?
He picks up his equipment and walks to the other side of the room. Windsong sees Jean and Scott bound to tables; they are awake, but helpless as well.
She realizes the hopelessness of their situation.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Jean watches Sinister approach.
JEAN
He's coming.
Scott turns his head, but can't see since his eyes are tied shut with a cloth band. Sinister stops and looks down at Scott.
SCOTT
Sinister.
Sinister places a hand on Scott's eyes. Scott jerks his head away.
SINISTER
I always knew you'd come back to me.
JEAN
Scott, what's going on?
SINISTER
Your boyfriend and I have a history.
SCOTT
What did you do with Alex?
SINISTER
What makes you think I did anything to
him? It was you I wanted.
JEAN
Scott?
SCOTT
I remember everyone now. I wasn't in a
coma after the plane crash.
Sinister took me and made me his personal
guinea pig of mutants before taking me
to the orphanage a year later.
SINISTER
I tried to teach you control!
SCOTT
You tried to control me!
SINISTER
I should have taken your brother.
SCOTT
I know you have him now.
Sinister smiles and takes out an empty vial.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
Logan GROANS.
WINDSONG
Now you know how everyone else always
feels.
Windsong turns to him and then stares at him strangely.
LOGAN
What?
WINDSONG
I don't think Scrambler took away my
powers, he changed them.
(beat)
I can see what you're feeling.
LOGAN
Pain?
WINDSONG
You care for me, but...
Logan watches uncomfortably as she turns to look at Jean.
Windsong pov
Sinister is finishing up getting blood from Jean.
Windsong looks back to Logan.
WINDSONG
She'll never love you the way you want
her to.
Logan turns away.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Scott struggles.
SCOTT
Where is he?
SINISTER
Closer than you might think.
SCOTT
Jean?
Jean looks around the room as best she can from the table. She sees Scrambler working on a computer with someone…its Alex.
JEAN
He's here.
SCOTT
Alex!
ANGLE ON
Alex turns and looks cautiously over to Jean and Scott, and then he looks to Sinister.
SINISTER (to Alex)
Keep working.
Alex turns away.
BACK TO
SCOTT
Did you tell him you killed his
adoptive parents?
SINISTER
Why upset the boy?
JEAN
You monster.
SINISTER
"Sinister" will do just fine.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
Windsong looks over to watch Sinister.
Her eyes widen. She turns to Logan, but before she can speak, an EXPLOSION rocks the room. A huge beam comes CRASHING down across the middle of the room, effectively cutting off one side from the other.
CUT TO
INT. UNDERGROUND X-MEN HEADQUARTERS—CEREBRO
Professor X has the Cerebro headpiece on and, eyes closed, "sees" the mutant world.
INSIDE PROFESSOR X'S MIND
Moving through a silent, gray fog, we can see mutants from all walks of life, streaming past. Professor X is looking for the X-Men.
Suddenly, there is a burst of light to one side and he streams over to see all the X-Men and Marauders, though not Sinister. They are in a panic. Professor X focuses in on Jean, still strapped to the table.
BACK IN CEREBRO
His eyes are still closed as he speaks fast.
PROF X
Orora has punched a hole through
the building with lightening. It
might collapse.
CUT TO
INT. MAURADER's HEADQUARTER'S—SAME MOMENT
CU on Jean. She nods her head.
The building shakes and another CRASH is heard. Someone SCREAMS. Jean is sent crashing to the floor, still bound to the table, which lands on its side, her hanging off it.
On impact, the left hand clasp brakes open. Jean jerks her hand loose and looks around.
SCOTT
Jean, what's happening?!
She turns to see Scott; the legs on his table have collapsed dropping him, still bound, to floor level. She can touch his hand.
JEAN
The building is coming down, we have
to get out of here.
SCOTT
How?
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
The two of them are still on their tables, but with all the shaking, Logan CRIES OUT in pain.
Windsong looks over to him in alarm and then sees Blockbuster rush into the room. She looks at him and narrows her eyes.
Blockbuster looks around, trying to keep his balance and not get knocked over by falling debris.
BLOCKBUSTER
Sinis—
He falls silent and turns to look at Windsong, getting a serious look on his big face. He rushes over to her and touches her hand reverently.
WINDSONG
Free us.
EXT. SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The immense storm clouds have suffocated the morning light. Only the lightening brings in an eerie light to the landscape.
Orora is Storm. Eyes completely white she stands with her hands outstretched, pelted by the rain. Her white hair whips around her as she revels in her power.
INT. THE INSTITUTE—THE LAB
Sinister is typing furiously on a computer next to Scrambler and Alex. Scrambler jumps as a piece of the ceiling falls next to him.
SCRAMBLER
There's no time to save it all!
Sinister pauses and looks up in annoyance.
SINISTER
Alex, when Arclight comes,
get out of here.
SCRAMBLER
What about me?
Sinister is already at the door as Scrambler glares at him.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
Blockbuster has just finished freeing them both. Windsong goes over to Logan who is unsteady. He looks at her.
LOGAN
You don't look so great, either.
Then he straightens up and looks at his hands.
LOGAN (cont)
I think it's wearing off.
Sure enough, the wounds on his knuckles begin to heal.
Windsong looks at his face and the bruises start to disappear.
ARCLIGHT (os)
Blockbuster! What are you doing?
Arclight has entered the room. Blockbuster, still under Windsong's powers, moves to protect the two X-Men.
Arclight focuses on Windsong.
She hurls herself at Windsong, but Blockbuster jumps in front of Windsong, knocking Arclight aside.
Arclight jumps up.
ARCLIGHT
Idiot! She's controlling you!
Blockbuster stands in front of Windsong protectively.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Jean tries to free her other hand, but it's locked tight. She then looks around for anything that might help.
Several feet away a table CRASHES down with the next shaking of the building. She watches it fall and sees that Scott's glasses were on it. They spin on the ground.
Angle on Windsong and Logan.
The room shakes again and more debris falls around them. A CRASH of lightning is heard and the lights go out. Immediately emergency lights come on. They are dim and red, casting a strange glow to the scene.
Logan turns to Blockbuster.
LOGAN
Take her out of here.
WINDSONG
I can take care of myse—
LOGAN
Go!
WINDSONG
I have to find Sinister!
She runs out of the room, Blockbuster faithfully following.
LOGAN
Windsong!
Logan spins his head quickly to see Arclight fling herself at him for an attack.
ANGLE ON Scrambler.
He is by the computers still. He looks at the blank screen for a moment and then stands up.
Alex stares at him.
ALEX
Where are you going?
SCRAMBLER
Don't follow me.
Alex looks at the retreating figure and swallows nervously.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Scott is lying on the ground with his eyes squeezed shut, the band around his eyes gone.
Jean stretches out her hand and Scott's glasses, a few feet away, fly to her. She quickly puts them onto Scott's eyes.
He immediately looks down at the metal binds on his hands and BLASTS them away. He then BLASTS the ones on his ankles and Jean's, freeing them both.
The stand up and turn to each other.
SCOTT
Alex.
ANGLE ON Logan and Arclight.
Logan is thrown violently against a wall. Debris rains down on him and Arclight as he kicks back at her.
His claws are unsheathed and as she stumbles, he swipes her arm. She GASPS and grabs herself, bleeding.
With her good arm she punches him with a BUSRT of light from her seismic blows. This sends him crashing into lab equipment.
She rushes to finish him up, but as soon as she comes close to him, he jumps up and impales her with his claws.
She GAGS, staring at him and then down at her stomach, incredulously.
He removes his claws from her and she falls to the ground.
SHINKT! His claws retract and he runs off.
INT. ANOTHER LAB IN THE BUILDING—SAME TIME
Sinister is in a walk-in freezer with a flashlight in one hand and his small metal case in the other. He looks over many vials and tubes, ignoring the BOOMS and CRASHES within the building.
Finally, he finds what he is looking for. It's a set of capped tubes on a shelf. He takes one out and is about to open his case, when another CRASH is heard and the freezer shakes. He just holds the tube in one hand, the case in the other and runs out.
INT. FIRST LAB
Alex is still standing by the dark computers, jumping every time LIGHTENING or a CRASH is heard.
He makes a decision and starts to walk, glancing to his right and left every few seconds.
Alex stumbles over something and YELLS as he looks down at it.
It's Arclight's body.
He jumps away and then spins when he hears a SOUND close by.
ALEX
Who's there?!
A figure comes out of the shadows.
ALEX (CONT)
Stop or I'll, I'll use my powers on
you!
Scott walks slowly closer to him.
SCOTT
Alex, I know we don't know each other
very well, but I'm really your
brother and—
Alex lets loose a blue BLAST from his chest. Scott
ducks, looking surprised.
ALEX
My name is Havok! I can go stronger
if I want!
SCOTT
Alex-Havok, listen to me! Whatever
Sinister told you about me or the
X-Men is not—
The building shakes again.
Alex bolts, Scott running quickly after him.
INT. HALLWAY
Alex is running and jumping over fallen parts of the walls and ceiling of the building. Scott is not far behind.
SCOTT
Alex!
Alex turns and BLASTS at Scott. It misses him and CRASHES a part of the wall down. Scott looks at it and then looks to Alex running away again.
Scott BLASTS a red beam from his eyes ahead of Alex. The wall it hits comes down trapping Alex.
The boy spins around.
Scott puts his hands up, palms out.
SCOTT (cont)
Just listen—
Alex BLASTS Scott, this time hitting him.
Scott cringes, but then slowly stands up, realizing he's not hurt.
Alex's mouth drops open for a moment and then he BLASTS Scott again. This time Scott doesn't even flinch.
Scott then sends out a BLAST of his own at Alex. The boy tries to duck, but gets hit.
He, too, is unhurt.
ALEX
What?…
SCOTT
We're brothers. I guess our powers
don't work on each other.
ALEX
My brother? You're with the X-Men.
SCOTT
Yes, and I'd like to take you back
with me.
ALEX
Never! You guys want to get rid
of mutants!
SCOTT
Is that what he told you? Look,
The X-Men aren't the bad guys here.
Another BOOM rocks the hallway, sending Scott to his knees. Alex runs toward him and speeds past.
Scott gets up and runs after him.
EXT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE
Jean is running through the storm. The wind HOWLS around her.
JEAN
Orora!
Suddenly, two hands land on her shoulders from behind.
She spins around to see the smirk on Scrambler's face.
Then she starts to shake and her eyes roll to the back of her head as she collapses to the ground.
Scrambler runs off.
INT. ANOTHER HALLWAY
Windsong and Blockbuster are running when they see Sinister come out of a room close by. He turns and is surprised, but doesn't run away.
They stop a few yards away from Sinister.
SINISTER
Windsong, how nice to see you again.
Glad to see you got out of your
bonds, I may have use for you in
the future.
Windsong is seething.
Sinister looks up at Blockbuster and is confused as to why Blockbuster is not beating up Windsong. Then Sinister looks back at Windsong, realizing.
SINISTER
Ah…
Before Blockbuster can blink, Sinister flies up and grabs the huge man by the throat. Sinister SLAMS Blockbuster's head with his other hand.
Blockbuster's jaw goes slack and he falls to the floor, not moving again.
Windsong stares at the sudden violence.
SINISTER (cont)
I must be off.
He turns to leave.
WINDSONG
No. You're not going anywhere.
He turns slowly around to look at her with raised eyebrows.
A RUMBLE shakes the hallway.
Sinister quickly closes the distance between them and back- hands her across the face.
She is sent CRASHING into the wall.
He goes up to her and she springs up, kicking him squarely in the chest. He staggers back, surprised.
WINDSONG
You murdered my family, my friends
my whole tribe…
She follows and punches him twice in the face.
He then grabs her head and pushes her face first against the wall. He whispers into her ear.
SINISTER (cont)
You should have taken your chance
to run. I'm not usually so lenient.
INT. A ROOM IN SINISTER'S INSTITUTE.
It's hard to tell what this room was used for because of all the debris everywhere. Half of a wall has collapsed.
Alex runs in and quickly tries to run out, seeing there's no exit, but Scott blocks his path.
Alex tries to punch him, but Scott easily blocks. Alex kicks him. Scott winces and then grabs the boy's hand and pushes him up against a wall so they are face to face.
SCOTT
Stop!
ALEX
How come my power doesn't work on
you?
SCOTT
I told you, we're brothers.
ALEX
That's impossible.
Alex tries to get free, but Scott holds him tight.
SCOTT
Would you just listen! There was a
plane crash when you were just a
baby. Our mother gave me the only
parachute and tied you to me.
Alex stops struggling to listen.
SCOTT (cont)
They died, but we didn't.
Unfortunately, Sinister got to us
first. He found people to adopt you,
but took me back to his laboratory
for a year and then to an orphanage.
ALEX
Why are you with the X-Men?
SCOTT
I found a home with them. We aren't
trying to get rid of mutants, we
protect the humans who are helpless
against dangerous mutants…like the Marauders.
Alex looks up, confused.
SCOTT
Who do you think killed your adoptive parents?
ALEX
They died of a virus.
SCOTT
Made by Sinister.
Alex looks away, you can almost hear his mind spinning, then thrusts Scott away.
ALEX
I can't trust you!
SCOTT
Alex, you're my brother. Sinister
took you away from me once, don't let
him do it again.
They look at each other.
EXT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE
The door BURSTS open and Scott and Alex run out into the continuing storm.
They both hear something and turn to look as a helicopter on the side of the building is trying to get up in spite of the weather conditions.
INT. HELICOPTER
Scrambler struggles with the controls.
Behind him is the only cargo, the box containing the cultured virus.
EXT.IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING
Scott and Alex start to run, but lighting CRASHES and in the brief flash of light Scott sees Jean lying on the ground, unconscious.
He drops down beside her.
ALEX
The helicopter!
Scott looks up and sees that the helicopter has succeeded in getting off the ground and is hovering in the air.
BLAM! BLAM!
Shots are fired from guns located on the helicopter. Alex dives to the ground and Scott covers Jean's body with his own.
The two brothers look at each other and then both stand up, facing the helicopter.
It starts over towards them and then BLAST! BLAST! Scott fires from his eyes, Alex from his chest. The two beams blend into a single purple light that SLAMS the helicopter.
It EXLPODES in the air.
Scott and Alex look away at the burst of the light and then look back to see they reduced the helicopter and its contents into dust, being blown away by the strong wind.
INT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE—HALLWAY
Sinister has Windsong against the wall.
Then a GROWL is heard behind them.
Sinister, still holding Windsong, turns slowly to see Logan glaring at him, a few feet away.
SNIKT! Logan, Wolverine, unsheathes his claws.
In a flash they both attack, SMASHING into each other.
They land on the ground together and begin a ferocious battle. Throughout it all, Sinister keeps a tight hold on the single vial, still in his hand.
Finally, Sinister is knocked down by yet another shake from the building and as Logan prepares to strike with his claws, Sinister sees a metal beam has fallen into the hallway. Its end has been split and is now like a long sharp knife sticking out, a few yards away.
He holds his one hand out and Logan is frozen in mid-strike. Then, smiling, Sinister thrusts out his hand.
Logan is sent flying back and is impaled on the beam.
He goes limp, eyes closed.
Windsong lets out an SCREAM and Sinister turns, enjoying the moment.
She fixes an intense gaze on him, chest heaving. The smile starts to fade from his face. With a CRY of anguish, he falls to his knees.
WINDSONG
NOW. YOU. KNOW.
MONTAGE
While Sinister holds his head in his hands, sobbing, we see flashes of other images from Windsong's memories.
Images of the dying people in the hospital, her mother's face, the bracelet she wears, her crying to the sky at her mother's grave, her pounding the punching bag in the X-Men weight room, Logan being impaled… All images that show the emotions that she is thrusting into Sinister's mind.
We also hear and see her speaking to him.
WINDSONG
This is how I felt when my sister
died, this is how I felt when
my mother died, and this is how I
feel now. This is my pain that you
have caused.
END MONTAGE
SLOW MOTION
Sinister, face distraught, opens his hand wide. The vial falls to the ground and SHATTERS, spilling the liquid inside.
END SLOW MOTION
Logan's eyes snap open. Gritting his teeth he grabs a hold of the other part of the beam nearby and wrenches himself free with a YELL. He stands there a moment holding the wound on his stomach until it heals.
He looks over to see Sinister on the ground and Windsong standing close by.
Then there is a huge CRASH. Logan dives away as part of the ceiling collapses.
Windsong is thrown to the ground. Rain pelts her face as she looks up to see the hole in the ceiling.
She looks back, but Sinister is gone. She looks around, but can't see where he went.
She starts to run to find him.
LOGAN
Windsong! Quickly, let's go!
Windsong turns and stares at Logan. Then turns to keep going.
LOGAN (cont)
No!
She turns back to him.
WINDSONG
I have to find him.
LOGAN
That's suicide!
Almost in response another part of the ceiling CRASHES down behind them.
WINDSONG
I…No, just go!
LOGAN
You're not alone anymore. I'm not
leaving you.
Windsong is undecided. Logan looks around, not sure how much time they have left to escape.
LOGAN (cont)
Windsong…please.
He holds his hand out to her. She looks into his eyes.
Finally, she takes his hand.
CUT TO
EXT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE
The storm is over and the clouds are slowly retreating.
Alex, Storm, Jean and Scott are standing together watching the crumbling building from a nearby hill.
Suddenly, Orora points.
ORORA
There!
They watch as two figures run out of the structure.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan
They run as quickly as they can and get a short distance away when a THUNDEROUS ROAR throws them to the ground.
The building completely collapses on itself.
As the dust settles, the clouds have dissipated and the sun comes out.
Logan and Windsong pick themselves up and look at each other, amazed they made it.
Windsong looks down and then back up to Logan, serious.
WINDSONG
You stayed with the X-Men because of
Jean.
Logan doesn't drop her gaze.
LOGAN
But I've made my choice now.
After a moment, a smile slowly spreads onto her face. She steps close to him and touches his cheek with her hand.
WINDSONG
So have I.
Logan touches the back of his hand to her hand on his cheek and lightly traces the length of her arm. When he reaches her shoulder, he buries his fingers into her hair bringing her close. They kiss deeply.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. PROFESSOR X'S SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED—PROF X'S OFFICE-A FEW DAYS LATER
PROF X is staring out the window.
ORORA(os)
Aren't you coming?
He turns around, not smiling, to see Orora at the doorway.
ORORA
Charles?
PROF X
I keep thinking about Sinister. The
more I know, the more questions I
have.
He wheels over to her.
PROF X
When Scrambler disrupted Windsong's
powers, she could read people's
emotions.
ORORA
What did she see in Sinister? Pure
evil?
PROF X
Worse, nothing.
After a moment he smiles.
PROF X
There will be time to think on this
later. Now, we have a welcoming
celebration to go to.
CUT TO
INT. GATHERING ROOM OF THE SCHOOL
The X-Men are together at a party with many students from the school as well. There is music, dancing and smiling everywhere.
Alex and Jean are seated next to each other chatting.
JEAN
You know, Scott hasn't stopped smiling
since we came back.
Alex smiles shyly.
JEAN (cont)
Neither have you.
Scott walks over with a grin and puts out a hand to Jean, but looks at Alex.
SCOTT
Mind if I steal her away?
ALEX
Not at all.
Jean LAUGHS as Scott pulls her to the dance floor. Alex settles back, at ease.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan
They are leaning on a wall next to each other. Logan's arm around her waist.
WINDSONG
Come dance with me.
LOGAN
I don't dance.
WINDSONG
Even with me?
LOGAN
No.
Windsong looks to the dance floor and then back at him with a smile.
WINDSONG
So what can you do?
Logan looks at her from the corner of his eye with a smile. Windsong LAUGHS.
ANGLE ON the doorway
Professor X and Orora come into the room. He wheels right up to the center of the dance floor and everyone gives him space.
PROF X
I wanted to call attention to why we
are celebrating.
The music stops for the moment.
PROF X
Today we are welcoming our newest to
this school.
Everyone claps.
ANGLE ON Alex.
Scott comes right over and throws his arm around him proudly.
ANGLE ON Windsong
She smiles and looks to Logan.
ANGLE ON Prof X
PROF X
We are not just a school or team,
together because we have no place
to go. We choose to be here because
this is our home, our family… we are
X-Men.
CUT TO
EXT. THE SCHOOL
As the sun sets over the beautiful mansion, a flock of birds rise up over the trees, flying in perfect formation.
FADE OUT
THE END
THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE
A Screenplay
(hence the different format that unfortunately, fanfic cannot handle. Sorry for any inconvenience in ease of reading)
Based on the X-Men Comic Book series
From Marvel Comics
First draft
FADE IN:
INT. SOUTHWESTERN HOSPITAL -NIGHT
The sounds of MOANING, CRYING, and URGENT VOICES fill the small hospital. On stretchers, benches and makeshift beds, Native Americans line the hallways, their faces etched with suffering; all the rooms are filled. The medical personnel are overwhelmed and trying to help as many people as they physically can.
In one corner of this hallway is a sickly, older, NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN lying on a stretcher. Holding her hand is WINDSONG, her daughter. Windsong is a fit woman in her late twenties. Her brown hair is long and loosely tied back, but stray hairs surround her face. A face now marred by her expression of helplessness and sorrow at the scene around her.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
Windsong...
WINDSONG
I'm here, mom.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
You're well?
WINDSONG (nods)
But I don't understand.
Her mother weakly takes off a beaded bracelet from her own wrist and places it in Windsong's hand. Windsong looks at her mother sadly and her mother closes Windsong's hand over the bracelet.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
Don't forget.
Suddenly, Windsong's mother CRIES OUT in pain holding one arm. Alarmed, Windsong looks at her mother's arm, which has a bandage. Windsong lifts up the bandage to reveal a bleeding sore.
WINDSONG
I hate what did this.
WINDSONG'S MOTHER
It's no one's fault.
Trying in vain to be calm, Windsong looks down the hallway for help, but cannot see anyone available.
WINDSONG
Don't worry; I'll be right back.
Windsong touches her mother's hand gently and walks down the hallway, absently brushing a hair away from her face. This leaves a streak of her mother's blood upon her cheek. She doesn't notice and then passes a sink that has a sign over the faucet saying:
DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER!!!
A NURSE rounds the corner briskly. Windsong steps in front of her.
WINDSONG
Where can I get clean bandages?
NURSE
There's a supply closet down the hall on the left.
Windsong nods and starts to walk away, but the nurse turns to her curiously.
NURSE (cont)
You're from the reservation, aren't you?
WINDSONG
Why?
NURSE
I just came in two days ago, but I'm sure I was told that there wasn't a single person on the reservation that didn't get sick. How did they miss you?
Windsong starts to back away.
WINDSONG
I...I don't know.
NURSE
Well, are you the only one?
Windsong shrugs her shoulders, looking uncomfortable.
NURSE (cont)
Why don't you wait here while I get Dr. Trickle; I'm sure he'd like to talk to you.
WINDSONG
I have to go. My mother...
Windsong turns away before the nurse can question her further, walking quickly down the hallway. The nurse is too busy to pursue the matter, but ANOTHER NURSE, standing unseen by a doorway, watches Windsong go.
When Windsong turns back once, to see if she was followed, the second nurse, a strong looking woman with close-cropped hair, stares intently at the blood on Windsong's cheek.
EXT. SIDE ENTRANCE TO HOSPITAL
The door opens and Windsong rushes out to get some air. Alone, she walks along the side of the hospital. Leaning against the wall, she puts her head in her hands for a long moment before looking up and breathing deeply.
She turns to head back, but the door opens abruptly, and the second nurse walks out. Windsong walks to the door casually and attempts to go back into the hospital, but the nurse blocks her.
NURSE
Well, someone's playing I've got a secret.
WINDSONG
Excuse me.
NURSE
Look, you can drop the act. I know why you didn't get sick.
WINDSONG
I don't know what you're talking about.
NURSE
Yes, you do. You're a mutant...just like I am.
Windsong tenses and looks at the nurse warily.
WINDSONG
Why are you telling me?
NURSE
Someone wants to meet you. I was sent to bring you back with me.
WINDSONG
Back to where?
NURSE
A place with your own kind.
Windsong turns away from her.
WINDSONG
No thank you.
The Nurse puts out a hand firmly on Windsong's shoulder. Windsong looks at the hand and then at the nurse suspiciously.
NURSE
Are you going to hide your whole life, never fitting in, always afraid someone will find out your secret?
WINDSONG
I said, no thank you.
NURSE
We know what it is like to be alone and feared.
WINDSONG
Move your hand.
NURSE
I was sent to bring you back with me.
WINDSONG
Move your hand.
The nurse squeezes Windsong's shoulder painfully. Windsong's face remains impassive until without warning she spins and ducks down, punching the nurse soundly in the stomach. The nurse GRUNTS, but it's not quite the extent of damage Windsong was hoping for.
As she readies to kick the nurse, the nurse lunges forward, catching Windsong's foot in one hand and smashing her chest with the other. A burst of light EXPLODES on the impact and Windsong goes soaring through the air, landing with a loud THUD on the ground.
Cruelly amused, the nurse strides over to where Windsong lies seemingly stunned. When the nurse is close enough, Windsong kicks the nurse from the ground with both feet. The nurse is thrown onto the ground, but even as Windsong gets up, the nurse does too.
They meet again and Windsong attempts a punch, but the nurse blocks and hauls Windsong up with both hands and brings her face up close.
Windsong narrows her eyes, staring intently.
NURSE
Now as I was saying...
The nurse's voice fades away and her face slowly changes from one of intimidation to disorientation and fear. Her grip on Windsong falls away and the nurse brings her hands in protectively. She looks around with wide eyes.
Windsong steps back, but continues to focus on her.
The nurse notices Windsong.
NURSE (meekly)
Can...can you help me? I don't...I...
WINDSONG
Everything will be just fine. Why don't you just come and sit here with me?
The nurse nods, grateful for the direction. Windsong leads her to the wall of the hospital.
WINDSONG (cont)
Now, I need you to answer a few questions for me...
CUT TO
EXT: SOUTH WESTERN DESERT -MORNING
Insert: TWO MONTHS LATER
The desert is wide and empty save for the sand and plateaus in the distance. Although the sun has only just stretched over the horizon, its heat is felt. The silence is broken by the CRY of an eagle. It soars in the sky, alone on its hunt.
Windsong is standing at the foot of a grave. The desert wind blowing her hair goes unnoticed as she gazes sadly at the ground and then at the bracelet on her wrist. It is the same bracelet given to her by her dying mother. She sighs wearily and speaks toward the grave.
WINDSONG
Mom…It is someone's fault…but how can I do
this alone?
Windsong shakes her head and closes her eyes as tears start to fall. She puts her hand over her face, but quickly gives up trying to stifle her grief and frustration. Instead, Windsong falls to her knees and hugs herself. Her face turns up to the empty sky as she cries.
The skies may be empty, but she is being watched.
SLOWLY DISSOLVE TO
The same image of Windsong, but the sound has disappeared. Her surroundings have faded away leaving only her visible and now she seems to be within a veil of mist. She doesn't react or seem to notice. The reason becomes apparent.
INT. WESCHESTER, NEW YORK-SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED-UNDERGROUND X-MEN HEADQUARTERS-CEREBRO--SAME MOMENT
It is CHARLES XAVIER. He is a bald, older man, in a wheelchair. Do not be fooled; he is far from weak. He is the essence of intelligence, control and strength of character. Most call him PROFESSOR X, leader of the X-Men, a group of mutants with amazing powers that defend humans, the same people who fear them.
He is wearing a metallic, odd headpiece that connects to a computer device next to him within a large circular room. The room and device are called Cerebro. The Professor is watching Windsong with his amazing telepathic abilities, heightened within Cerebro.
After a moment, he opens his eyes and removes the headpiece that connects him to Cerebro. He has a tear sliding down one cheek. After he puts the headpiece aside, he places a finger on his cheek, catching the tear. He looks at the wetness on his finger curiously.
CUT TO
INT. WINSONG'S TRUCK-MOVING--LATER THAT DAY
Along a desert road, Windsong drives an old pick-up, while listening to the radio.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (VO)
...and the hearing will be scheduled for later this week.
(beat)
In national news, mutants
are in the spotlight again.
Windsong turns up the volume.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (cont)
At the scene of a raging industrial fire in upstate New York, fire fighters were waging what they, themselves, described as a losing battle, until several mutants, identified by eyewitnesses as members of the group called the X-Men,
Windsong glances at the radio.
stepped in to help extinguish the inferno. Many officials at the scene praised the mutants publicly for their help, but rumors persist that in private, those same officials were saying that they actually believed that mutants might have been the cause of the fire in the first place.
Windsong shakes her head as she turns the radio off.
INT. WINDSONG'S APARTMENT--A FEW MINUTES LATER
The door is closed on the inside of the apartment, but the JINGLING of keys in a lock is heard and the door opens. WINDSONG enters her apartment reading the headlines of a newspaper.
She sits down at a table near the door. The table doubles as a desk. Most things have multiple uses in this tiny apartment. Her telephone and answering machine battle her arms for space as she continues to read. The phone RINGS.
WINDSONG
Hello?
The man's voice on the other end is professional.
VOICE (VO)
Windsong? It's Vince.
WINDSONG
Is it finished?
VINCE
Yeah, the closing was yesterday on the house and your portion of the Chanke (pronounced chan-kay) land.
Windsong closes her eyes for a moment.
VINCE cont.
I used the power you gave me to sign for you.
(beat)
I mean, you know your rights to that land are gone, don't you? That you can't be a part of any future developments?
WINDSONG
Why would I want to be a part of that?
VINCE
But now you can't stop the
remaining Chanke from--
WINDSONG The Chanke are dead. There are only scavengers left.
VINCE
And you.
(beat)
Windsong...
WINDSONG (gently)
Just let it drop, Vince. I won't be needing your services anymore...and thank you.
Windsong hangs up the phone and stares at it for a moment before her attention is brought back to the newspaper. She turns to the next page and after a moment it is obvious that she is upset by whatever article she is reading.
WINDSONG
No, no!
Windsong quickly skims through the article and then stands up to leave the apartment in a hurry.
The newspaper is left on the table open to the offending article. The sounds of WINDSONG LEAVING are heard.
CU of article:
DISEASE RAMPAGES THROUGH
SMALL TOWN!
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SMALL TOWN HOSPITAL-LATER THAT DAY
Windsong races through the doors and stops cold. It is chaotic. The hospital is filled with people, sick and non-sick. The personnel are very busy and the media sent to cover the story are generally making a nuisance of themselves.
The scene is too much like the last time she was in a hospital. Windsong regains her composure and walks to the nurse's info desk where a KIND NURSE is working.
WINDSONG
I have important information about the
virus. Who can I speak to?
KIND NURSE
May I help you?
WINDSONG
It's in the water. You need to--
The nurse smiles a bit.
KIND NURSE
We know, thank you.
Windsong stops short for a moment and then breathes a sigh of relief.
KIND NURSE (cont)
The connection between this outbreak and
the one at the Chanke (she pronounces it
Shan-kee) reservation was already made.
WINDSONG
It's Chanke (chan- kay).
KIND NURSE
Oh, I apologize. Did you know someone
from there?
At this point A NEW NURSE comes into the picture and overhears the conversation.
WINDSONG
Listen, I need to know is there was anyone
who drank the water but didn't get sick?
KIND NURSE
Well, that's a hard question. If someone
didn't get sick, I'd guess it's because
they weren't exposed.
NEW NURSE
What about that kid?
KIND NURSE
What kid?
NEW NURSE
You remember: He was about fourteen or fifteen, sat there in the waiting lounge all by himself for half the day?
KIND NURSE
Oh...that's right. He came in with his parents, poor thing. He just sat there, thinking that his parents might live- just because they were in a hospital.
NEW NURSE
Yeah, and Dr. Pat did ask him if he'd been drinking the water like his parents.
She turns to Windsong
NEW NURSE (cont)
He nodded his head yes.
WINDSONG
I need to talk to him.
NEW NURSE
Oh, I'm sorry, he's not here anymore. Right after his parents died, our hospital administrator drove the boy to Weever City hospital, for some kind of
tests.
KIND NURSE (to new nurse)
His mother went last. They gave him a couple of minutes with her, and then they dragged him out the door. I felt so sorry for him.
The second nurse nods in agreement and then they look up to see Windsong going quickly out the door.
NEW NURSE
You're welcome.
CUT TO
INT. PROFESSOR X'S SCHOOL- HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF CEREBRO—AWHILE LATER
The formidable door to Cerebro is closed. Pacing in front of Cerebro is SCOTT SUMMERS, a confidant, young man with opaque red glasses that he never removes while awake. He is otherwise known as CYCLOPS.
JEAN GRAY (OS)
Scott, relax, Professor X will come out of Cerebro soon.
JEAN GRAY is a lithe, red-haired woman. She is leaning against the wall of the hallway they are in. She is relaxed, but very sure of herself and her abilities. She walks over to Scott.
SCOTT
It's not that. I should have gone to the
hospital with Orora.
JEAN
Why?
SCOTT
Alex just lost his parents.
He needs someone who knows what it's like to be an orphan.
JEAN
I think they'll be fine, but you're right,
at fourteen, Alex is very vulnerable. You can talk to him when he comes here.
SCOTT
But what if he doesn't want to come back with them, or--
The sound of CEREBRO'S DOOR OPENING cuts off Scott.
INT. CEREBRO
PROFESSOR X is inside the room, Cerebro. He takes off the headpiece and turns around to wheel over to the entrance where Jean and Scott are waiting.
INT. HALLWAY
The three are moving together at a quick pace.
SCOTT
Do they have Alex?
PROFESSOR X
No. Logan and Orora are inside, but have not made contact yet...and I have seen three other mutants headed to the hospital.
SCOTT
After Alex?
PROFF X
I can see mutants in Cerebro, but not
their intentions. Nevertheless, I have
a bad feeling about the two that are traveling together.
JEAN
And the other?
PROFF X
Possibly an ally. I've noticed her
before this.
They stop at an elevator.
PROFF cont.
Her name is Windsong. She has the
ability to alter other's emotions.
The elevator opens.
SCOTT
We need to contact Logan and Orora.
JEAN
They don't know what they're up against.
CUT TO
INT. WEEVER HOSPITAL--NIGHT
CU of a STUBBORN NURSE face. Her lips are pursed and eyes narrowed; she is not easily intimidated.
STUBBORN NURSE
No.
Pull back to reveal the nurse's station where ORORA MONROE is standing. African-American and poised, she stands out with her startlingly white hair. With the X-Men, she is known as STORM.
ORORA
We're from the School for the Gifted in New York, we only want to speak to Alex about his future.
The nurse looks in the, otherwise empty, waiting area, to see Orora's companion.
ANGLE ON
LOGAN is leaning against a wall. He is a well-built man with a wild appearance. His name as an X-MAN is WOLVERINE. Sensing her gaze, he looks up and glares.
STUBBORN NURSE
That's your P.R.?
STORM
Please, you don't understand-
STUBBORN NURSE
No, YOU don't seem to understand. Alex is in quarantine...his parents died of a very serious disease. Until the quarantine is over, no visitors.
The nurse looks down at her work on the desk.
STUBBORN NURSE (cont)
Please come back in three days.
Logan's POV:
He watches Orora turn away, frustrated, from the nurse's station. She approaches him and is about to say something, but a distinctive BEEPING is heard.
Orora pulls out a small video communicator.
CU on the screen reveals the face of PROFESSOR X.
PROFESSOR X
Orora, you and Logan need to act fast...
Logan SENSES something. Instead of listening to Prof X, he turns to the entrance of the hospital and can't look away.
Windsong has entered the hospital. She walks up to the nurse's station. Immediately the nurse starts to smile like an idiot.
CU on Logan's ear as he uses his sensitive hearing to eavesdrop.
POV of LOGAN:
The nurse is like a puppy with Windsong.
STUBBORN NURSE
Can I do anything at all for you?
WINDSONG is focused intently on the nurse.
WINDSONG
I need to see Alex.
STUBBORN NURSE (agitated)
I can't. He's in quarantine. I'm so sorry.
WINDSONG
No, look at me. This is a very special situation. I need to see Alex right now.
The nurse's face brightens.
STUBBORN NURSE
Yes, of course! You'll have to wear a mask.
Back to Logan, who turns to Orora. She is putting the video communicator away.
LOGAN
We've got trouble.
Orora, thinking he's referring to the conversation with Professor X, nods.
ORORA
Luckily, we're the first ones here.
Logan turns her to face the elevator.
Windsong and the nurse are waiting for the elevator.
LOGAN
There's somethin' weird about that woman.
ORORA
She must be the other mutant Prof X-
LOGAN
She's goin' to see Alex.
Logan and Orora race to the elevator, moments too late. Orora looks to her left, and then to her right.
ORORA
Stairs.
INT. HOSPITAL, FOURTH FLOOR HALLWAY-QUARENTINE
The nurse and Windsong have just entered the quarantine area. This hallway has electronically locked doors on either end. One set of doors closes behind them automatically. They walk silently by a set of windows and stop at a closed door.
Suddenly, they hear a BANG and turn to their right to see Logan charging through one set of doors followed by Orora. The nurse SCREAMS. But, as Logan and Orora near them a second BANG is heard from the left end of the hallway.
Two mutants, ARCLIGHT and BLOCKBUSTER, have smashed the other set of doors in. Arclight turns out to be the nurse that fought Windsong in the other hospital. The nurse's outfit has been replaced with a tight fitting bodysuit showing off this woman's brawn. Blockbuster is a bald, muscular brute.
Logan SNARLS and unsheathes his six-inch metal claws from his knuckles, SNIKT! It's obvious why he is called Wolverine. He and Orora rush to meet them.
Windsong and the nurse are caught in the middle of this impending battle.
WINDSONG
X-Men.
The nurse, wide-eyed at the terrors coming from both sides, escapes into a room across the hall; Windsong quickly following. The door they had been about to enter remains open--Alex's room.
Arclight reaches the room first.
ARCLIGHT
Blockbuster, take them while I get the boy.
Blockbuster turns to see Logan a foot away, and Blockbuster's bulk sends them both crashing into one of the walls. Logan recovers quickly and knocks his head against his opponent. A loud CLANG is heard on the impact.
Logan's skeleton is grafted with adamantium, the strongest known metal. Blockbuster is dazed for a moment, but not needing much thought, goes after Logan again.
The nurse peeks out from the room and runs SCREAMING down the hallway and out one of the broken entrances of quarantine.
INT. ALEX'S HOSPITAL ROOM
Arclight appears menacingly in the doorway.
ALEX, a skinny, 15-year-old boy, wearing hospital pajamas, is sitting up in bed. This is the mutant everyone is after; he looks as if he's going to wet his pants.
ARCLIGHT
Come with me now and you won't get hurt.
ORORA (VO)
Alex, don't!
Orora has entered the room and Arclight turns to her and punches Orora, giving off a flash of light. The strength of the blow sends her CRASHING into medical equipment on the other side of the room.
Arclight walks quickly over, but before she can attack again, Orora comes leaping out and kicks Arclight. Arclight staggers and Orora gives her another one, this time causing the big woman to fall.
Alex has gotten off the bed and is slowly inching toward the door, when Windsong appears in the doorway.
WINDSONG
Alex, come with me.
Alex, startled, replies by sending out a shot of light from his chest towards Windsong. The light hits her and she is thrown against the wall. Alex watches wide-eyed as she slumps to the floor.
He glances at the two women still fighting close-by in the room and he runs to the doorway.
INT. HALLWAY
Alex's head is seen peeking out of the door to his room and he becomes even more frightened by this scene.
Alex's POV shows Logan and Blockbuster GRUNTING and SNARLING at each other as they battle viciously.
Suddenly, other FOOTSTEPS are heard running down the hallway. Two security officers with guns drawn, stop several yards from the fight.
OFFICER
Hold it! Security!
Blockbuster turns to look and Logan takes the opportunity to backhand him against the wall.
BLAM! Logan is shot. He spins around to look at Alex, still in the doorway watching it all, and then collapses.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM
Orora turns, having heard the sound of the shot and Arclight SMASHES her. Orora stays on the ground in an unconscious heap.
Windsong, lying by the doorway, opens her eyes.
Blockbuster runs into room snatching up Alex on the way. Before the boy can even think of protesting, the brute smacks his head against the doorframe. Alex goes limp in his arms.
BLOCKBUSTER
I got him!
Arclight speaks to a communicator on her wrist.
ARCLIGHT
Let's go! Let's go!
INT HALLWAY
The two Marauders, carrying Alex, run down the hallway. Arclight rushes the officers, taking them by surprise. One SHOOTS, but misses. She punches both and sends them flying back with a BURST of light. Her blows are seismic.
The CHOPPING of helicopter blades is heard and when Arclight takes out the hallway windows and part of the wall with a loud SMASH, the HELICOPTER SOUND is even louder.
Two black ropes are seen hanging outside the hole in the wall, apparently leading up to the helicopter. Arclight and Blockbuster, carrying the unconscious Alex in one hand, jump out the window and grab on to the ropes. They are quickly brought up and out of sight.
Logan stands up, watching them furiously as they escape. He doesn't even glance at the wound on his shoulder, which heals amazingly before our eyes. He rolls his shoulder back once and looks to see Orora coming out of the room.
LOGAN
We've got to leave now. I don't want to waste time fighting our way out of here.
Windsong walks out of the room and stands uncertainly near the X-Men.
WINDSONG
They're gone, though. The Marauders took Alex.
LOGAN
I was talking about the police.
ORORA (to Windsong)
The Marauders?
WINDSONG
That's the group those two mutants a
part of.
The sounds of FOOTSTEPS and VOICES echo down the hallway. Logan and Orora look around.
WINDSONG (cont)
Let me come with you. I know what's
going on.
LOGAN
We'll have to jump.
Orora looks at the large hole in the window caused by the marauders forced exit. Windsong follows their gaze.
WINDSONG
You're not serious. It's four floors up!
LOGAN
If you want to come, you'll have to trust us.
The police come quickly from the stairwell YELLING and brandishing their weapons when they spot the mutants.
The three run quickly to the window and jump.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF HOSPITAL
SLOW MOTION,
Logan, Orora and Windsong are seen hurtling through space, falling out the window. They are followed by a BURST of gunfire.
END SM
CU of Orora shows her eyes have gone all white as she uses her mutant power to control the weather.
A huge windstorm whips up around them. The wind slows their descent, though they still land hard on the pavement below.
INT. HALLWAY OF HOSPITAL—SAME MOMENT
A dozen police officers are staring with their mouths agape through the broken window. In disbelief, they watch the three mutants escape four floors below them.
CUT TO
EXT.BACK STREETS NEAR HOSPITAL—DAY-A FEW MINUTES LATER
Logan, Orora and Windsong are running. They reach a deserted alley and Logan turns into it and stops, the other two following.
ORORA
So who are these Marauders?
WINDSONG
A mutant group led by someone they call Sinister. The two that just took Alex from the hospital were Arclight and Blockbuster.
LOGAN
How do you know? Were you one of them?
WINDSONG
Never. I was approached by Arclight to join, but I refused and convinced her to give me information.
Logan raises his eyebrows at the word, "convinced" and then looks around the corner to see if they're being followed. He shakes his head at Orora who then gives Windsong a reassuring smile.
ORORA
You're Windsong, right?
Windsong looks at her cautiously and nods.
ORORA (cont)
Our leader, Professor X told us you would be here.
WINDSONG
How did he know?
ORORA
Why don't you ask him?
CUT TO
EXT. WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK--PROFESSOR CHARLES XAVIER'S SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED--DUSK
An elegant mansion adorns the well-kept grounds. A stately forest encloses the entire estate. An owl swoops soundlessly, watching.
INT. THE SCHOOL--PROFESSOR X (CHARLES XAVIER)'S OFFICE
CU of Prof X's serious face.
PROF X
An experiment?
VIEW OPENS to show Prof X in his wheelchair near a window in a tastefully furnished, comfortable room. Across from him, sitting in a chair, is Windsong.
She nods.
WINDSONG
The Marauders were testing to see if their
virus worked the way they wanted it to.
To the right of the Professor is Orora, leaning on a desk.
PROF X
To only kill humans, sparing all mutants.
Backed by a wall, arms crossed, is Logan. Directly across from Logan is Jean Gray, seated. Behind her, Scott is standing with his hand casually resting on Jean's shoulder.
CU of Scott's hand as it squeezes her affectionately.
ANGLE ON Logan, painfully aware of it, who closes his eyes and looks away.
ORORA
Were there other experiments?
WINDSONG
Two. The first failed, but the second was a "success"...for the marauders.
JEAN
The first failed. You mean the virus didn't kill anyone?
WINDSONG
No. Everyone died, even the mutants.
SCOTT
That's sick.
LOGAN
Where was this?
WINDSONG
A Missouri state prison.
JEAN (to Prof X)
Were you aware of this?
PROFF X
Mutants die everyday of many causes.
I certainly didn't make any connection.
SCOTT
We never read or heard anything about it.
LOGAN
The media doesn't care about inmates.
WINSONG
Because the public doesn't care.
PROF X
And the second experiment was on your reservation?
WINDSONG
I was the only survivor of that outbreak... and it didn't make the headlines either.
The mood becomes subdued in the room.
PROF X
I'm so sorry, Windsong.
Windsong touches her bracelet absently.
WINDSONG
After finding out about the Marauders,
I tried to figure out where their
next target would be for the virus.
(beat)
But, there were no clues to find, no
trail to follow. I had no idea Alex's
town would be next. As soon as I found
out about Alex, I tried to get to him,
but...
SCOTT
Now he's with the marauders.
PROF X
Do you have any idea where they have
him?
WINDSONG
The leader of the Marauders is a man
named Sinister. He has a research
laboratory outside of St.Louis.
JEAN
What kind of research?
WINDSONG
Genetics.
LOGAN
So now what? We're not gunna just sit
around, waiting for the next outbreak.
PROFF X
They know the virus is effective, the
possibility exists that the experiments
are over.
WINDSONG
I thought of that too.
ORORA
Then what's next?
WINDSONG
A nationwide epidemic.
JEAN
If enough of the virus is cultured, they
could infect several cities at once.
SCOTT
How soon could they do that?
Windsong rubs her temple with one hand for a moment. Prof X notices.
PROFF X
Why don't we continue this tomorrow?
Windsong, would you like a tour of the
school in the morning?
WINDSONG
Sure.
PROF X
Good.
WINDSONG
But I need to know what our next step is.
PROF X
Well, we should find out more about the
virus.
JEAN
I'd like to study it. I don't see how it
could be from the water people drank.
WINDSONG
Why not? Turning off the water was how
the disease was finally controlled.
JEAN
A virus needs a host. And even if it did
travel through water, human stomach acids
could kill it.
WINDSONG
Obviously, this virus is different.
PROF X
Jean, I'd like you to do some research
on where we could obtain a sample.
Jean nods and Prof X turns to Orora.
PROF X
Orora, you showed Windsong her room
before, could you take her--
Windsong stands up.
WINDSONG
I remember.
PROF X
Then I will see you tomorrow.
Windsong leaves the room alone. The X-Men look to Prof X for a moment.
LOGAN
Can we trust her?
PROFF X
I can see that she's not lying.
ORORA
We could use her help.
SCOTT
And we still need to find Alex.
Professor X looks at each of them in turn.
PROFF X
Good. I'll use Cerebro to check on Alex.
We'll meet again tomorrow.
INT. HALLWAY OF PROFF X SCHOOL-a few minutes later.
Jean and Scott are walking together.
JEAN
Scott, I want to see Alex away from the
Marauders too, but you seem a bit more
anxious about him.
SCOTT
I can't explain why, but I'm really
worried about this kid.
Jean takes his hand as they walk.
CUT TO
EXT. OUTSIDE OF ST.LOUIS, MISSOURI-SINISTER'S RESEARCH INTSTITUTE- MARAUDER'S HEADQUARTERS--DUSK
A large concrete building juts out of the horizon on an otherwise beautiful landscape of gently rolling hills. Several trees dot the view.
The sound of CAWING is heard. Several crows fly down to the road near the building. The CAWING rises in volume and we see the crows landing and fighting over a piece of carrion.
INT.SINISTER'S LABORATORY
SLAM! Blockbuster is thrown violently against a wall and held up by his throat from an unseen force. As he struggles for breath, a calm, but very angry voice is heard.
SINISTER (OS)
You idiot.
The view swings around to show the speaker. A DARKLY ATTRACTIVE MAN holds his fist clenched in front of himself. Using his power to intimidate Blockbuster, the man's face reflects his own name.
SINISTER (cont)
Does any other thought, besides putting one fist in front of the other, ever enter your mind?
He unclenches his hand and Blockbuster falls heavily to the floor.
SINISTER (cont)
You're lucky the boy only had a mild
concussion.
Blockbuster stays on the floor for a moment rubbing his throat.
BLOCKBUSTER
Sorry, Sinister.
Sinister walks away from him, finished. This is his laboratory.
A large, airless room, devoid of windows, filled with computers and top of- the-line equipment; all to accomplish his personal goals. Sinister stands behind a SMALL, KOREAN MAN, who is typing on a computer.
SINISTER
Scrambler.
SCRAMBLER finishes his latest entry quickly and spins around.
SCRAMBLER
It's not finished, yet.
SINISTER
I was going to ask if you had noticed any similarities between the data from the last two experiments yet.
Scrambler nods and turns back to the screen to type.
SCRAMBLER
Many. So far, the only difference I've found has been incubation periods.
SINISTER
We'll be ready for the next step soon.
SCRAMBLER
Which is?
SINISTER
Continue your work.
Sinister walks away from Scrambler and strides to the door.
He passes by Blockbuster, who is standing now, without a glance and walks out.
Scrambler is wearing an unattractive smirk.
SCRAMBLER
How many times can you screw up?
BLOCKBUSTER
Shut-up, you little know-it-all, or I'll-
Spins around on his chair for the challenge.
SCRAMBLER
Or you'll what? Go ahead, touch me.
Scrambler LAUGHS at Blockbuster's obvious frustration. Blockbuster turns to leave and Scrambler turns back to the computer.
SCRAMBLER
So, do you think we'll get to see Arclight's maternal side, now that the boy is here?
BLOCKBUSTER
She doesn't have one.
Scrambler smirks again as Blockbuster leaves the room.
CUT TO
INT. PROFF X'S SCHOOL-SCOTT AND JEAN'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
Jean and Scott are asleep in their bed. Scott is wearing a black cloth band around his head to cover his eyes. He is having a troubled dream, tossing and turning.
DREAM SEQUENCE
All the images and sound are slightly distorted.
It is dark, but light peeks though some cracks. A young boy's voice is heard.
BOY
One, two, three...peek-a-boo!
The darkness was from hands in front of the speaker's eyes, our POV, which have now flung away at the "peek-a-boo!" to reveal a giggling baby in front of him...
DISSOLVE TO
An anxious woman is staring right at us yelling through lots of background noise, "Don't let go of him!"...
DISSOLVE TO
It is dark, but not pitch black. A blindfold is over the eyes, our POV. The same boy's voice from before cries out in panic...
BOY
Alex! Where is he? What have you done to him? Alex! Alex!
END SEQUENCE
Scott bolts upright in bed, breathing heavily. Jean wakes up immediately and sits up next to him, putting her hands on his bare shoulder.
JEAN
Scott! What is it?
SCOTT
I...a dream.
Jean puts her hands by his head and closes her eyes. She opens them, confused, after a few seconds.
JEAN
You as a boy...a baby...you knew someone named Alex? Who was he?
Scott rips off the band. Keeping his eyes closed, he reaches over to a nearby table and grabs his ruby glasses. He puts them on and turns to Jean.
SCOTT
You tell me, you're the telepath.
He throws the covers off and gets out of bed to walk over towards the window, staring out for a few moments.
SCOTT
I'm sorry, Jean. I just...I can't
remember who Alex is. I don't even know
if it's a memory or just a weird dream
...I don't know.
Jean watches him.
JEAN
Maybe you're remembering something from
before the orphanage.
SCOTT
I never have before. Why now?
(beat)
JEAN
Alex is the name of the boy the marauders
have, maybe that triggered something.
SCOTT
Maybe.
(beat)
I'll come back to bed soon.
JEAN
You're sure you're all right?
SCOTT
Yeah.
She lies back down. Scott stares out at the night.
EXT. PROFF X'S SCHOOL--SUNRISE
The sun breaks over the mansion.
INT. ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL
Windsong and Prof X enter the school, the large oak doors closing by themselves behind them. The Professor uses controls with his hands to move his electric wheelchair.
WINDSONG
It's beautiful.
PROF X
Thank you.
WINDSONG
And your students seem genuinely happy.
PROF X
No one is an outcast here. It's a special place for these kids.
WINDSONG
But, I wonder if they'll be prepared
for what it's like for mutants in the
real world?
PROF X
Most of the students have experienced the prejudice and fear before they came here. I just hope to get them early enough so that they don't hate humans
forever.
They turn a corner of the hallway.
INT. WEIGHT ROOM
A dozen or so mutants from the school are using the equipment. Windsong and Prof X have just entered and are now standing off to the side, watching.
PROFF X
You, of course, are welcome to use any equipment while you are here.
WINDSONG
Thank you, but I doubt I'll have much time
for it.
PROF X
We'll all be working on this.
WINDSONG
I know.
PROFF X
But you don't trust us yet.
WINSONG
I didn't say that.
Professor X smiles and taps his head.
PROF X
You didn't have to.
Windsong nods unsmiling, understanding his use of telepathy.
WINDSONG
Then you must also know how important it
is for me to defeat this virus.
PROF X
And the marauders.
WINDSONG
Yes.
PROF X
You're willing to work with us, even with
doubts.
(beat)
We share the same goals, Windsong.
WINDSONG
Do we?
PROFF X
If you could read minds, there would be
no doubt that you could trust us.
WINDSONG
We can't choose our powers.
PROFF X
No, but we do choose how to use them.
Windsong looks as if she'll respond, but turns instead to look at the people working out.
WINDSONG
I suppose all of the x-men came here young.
He nods, but then looks across the room where Logan is doing a series of overhead presses facing away from them.
PROF X
Most, but not all. Logan, for example,
joined the X-Men after years of living
alone.
Windsong looks to Logan. She studies him for a moment.
WINDSONG
Why did he stay?
PROFF X
He was tired of being alone, wandering, having no real purpose.
WINDSONG
He told you that?
PROFF X
He didn't have to.
Windsong's gaze returns to Logan.
INT. HALLWAY IN LOWER LEVELS OF SCHOOL
Windsong and Prof X come out of one room and continue down the hallway.
WINDSONG
I'm amazed that this part of your school
has never been searched by the government.
PROF X
Why would they, if they don't know it exists?
They stop at a door that opens at Prof X's COMMAND.
INT. X-MEN TRAINING ROOM
A shiny, black surface covers the walls, ceiling and floor of this room. It is completely empty. Windsong's steps ECHO as she and the Professor enter.
WINDSONG
What is this used for?
PROF X
It's a training room for the X-Men. Alone or with a partner, it's a place where they can use their powers with little restraint.
Windsong walks to a wall and runs her fingers on it, walking slowly around the room.
WINDSONG
I know you can see mutants by using
Cerebro. But how much do you know about
them?
PROF X
With Cerebro I can see where a mutant is, but not what they're thinking. Not unless they are close by.
(beat)
Though there was one time that I felt another's emotions, not just knew what they were, but experienced them.
WINDSONG
While in Cerebro?
He nods and she slowly walks back to him.
PROFF X
You were by your mother's grave that day. I think you used your powers to
broadcast your sadness, not knowing
that anyone was around to feel it.
She walks towards the door.
WINDSONG
So I wasn't alone after all.
INT.X-MEN LABORATORY--LATER THAT DAY
Prof X, Scott and Windsong are behind Jean, who is seated in front of a computer, typing.
JEAN
This is what I've found. There were
several teams of doctors at Alex's town,
but only two of them were also present
at Windsong's reservation. One of those
teams is with the Centers for Disease
Control in Atlanta. My bet would be that
they are the ones who have a sample of
this virus.
PROF X
Good work. Scott, I'd like you, Orora
and Logan to go.
SCOTT
Actually, I'd like to stay here.
Jean and Prof X look at him.
SCOTT cont
In case you get any more information on
Alex.
PROF X
I've been having trouble seeing him,
Scott. I suspect he's within some
sort of shield from my power. We should
focus on defeating this virus-
SCOTT
We can't just abandon him to the
marauders!
PROF X
The marauders are also responsible for
this virus, one may lead to the other.
SCOTT
Still…
WINDSONG
I'll go.
Prof X turns to Scott, who looks away, and then at Windsong. He nods.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF LABORATORY
Scott is walking away when Prof X comes out of the room and sees him.
PROF X
Scott.
Scott turns around.
SCOTT
I'm sorry.
PROF X
For what?
Scott gives a self-depreciating laugh.
SCOTT
For getting so crazy every time Alex is mentioned.
PROF X
You're usually the one to bring him up.
Scott SIGHS.
PROF X cont
Do you want to talk about it?
Scott begins to pace.
SCOTT
What's to say? I can't get Alex out of my mind. I have to find him...and I don't even know him!
PROF X
I can help you sort things out.
SCOTT
I know.
Scott stops pacing to look at Prof X.
SCOTT (cont)
Not now.
Prof X watches him walk away.
CUT TO
INT. A HALLWAY IN SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
CU of a photograph. It is Alex with a man and a woman, their arms around him, all smiles.
OPEN UP to see Alex leaning on a wall by a window, staring at the photo.
SINISTER (OS)
May I?
Alex, startled, turns around to find Sinister watching him, holding his hand out. Alex is reluctant, but gives over the photo to him.
ALEX
Sure.
Sinister looks at it briefly before giving it back. Alex quickly pockets it.
SINISTER
I see no resemblance.
ALEX
No, uh..I was adopted as a baby.
Sinister nods.
SINISTER
Come with me, Alex.
Sinister begins to walk down the hallway, Alex follows.
SINISTER
We all have a past. It's what makes us
who we are today. But the future should
be our focus.
ALEX
Yeah, the future.
SINISTER
What do you imagine for the future, Alex?
ALEX
Oh...I don't know.
SINISTER
I can see the future.
ALEX
You can?
SINISTER
For humanity; it's evolving.
ALEX
Right. You mean genetic stuff?
SINISTER
What do you know about genetics?
ALEX
Just stuff from school, you know, DNA,
genes...
SINISTER
Tell me.
ALEX
Well, our bodies are made up of cells
and in each cell is our DNA. The DNA is
made up of genes and the genes tell about
each part of us. Is that right?
SINISTER
In a matter of speaking. Do you suppose
there is a gene for your mutant power?
ALEX
I guess there must be.
SINISTER
There is. Now do you suppose the gene
is the same for all mutants?
ALEX
I don't know.
They come to the laboratory door.
SINISTER
I asked myself that question.
He opens the door.
INT. SINISTER'S LAB
Sinister and Alex walk into the lab. Sinister walks over to a computer and types in commands. The screen starts to show the letters "G","A","C", and "T" in various sequences. The letters fill the screen.
ALEX
The mutant gene?
SINISTER
The future.
CUT TO
INT. X-JET--NIGHT
Orora is flying the sleek, X-Men fighter jet with Logan beside her. Windsong is in the seat behind Orora. They are in the middle of a conversation.
ORORA
So then how are mutants protected from it?
LOGAN
Natural immunity?
WINDSONG
I don't think the Marauders were just lucky to find a virus that only kills humans.
LOGAN
So someone made it.
ORORA
They would have to find something common
in all mutants and then make a virus that recognizes it.
LOGAN
How do we fight that?
Not that any of them had an answer anyway, but right then Orora looks to their location screen.
ORORA
There it is.
EXT. CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL--NIGHT
A brick wall with a sign illuminated by a single light above it.
NATIONAL CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
Atlanta, Georgia
INT. THE CENTER--HALLWAY
A scientist, wearing a lab coat and a prominent ID, is walking down the hallway. She turns to a door and enters a code on a side panel and a small tray slides out. The scientist places her entire palm on the panel and waits until a beep is heard and the door clicks open.
The scientist removes her hand, the panel slides back and she is about to enter the door when someone else's hand grabs her shoulder. The scientist turns around, startled, and sees Logan, inches away, not looking friendly at all.
INT. INSIDE THE ROOM--SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
A small darkened room with computers. One light is on in the corner over the desk where Windsong is seated, typing away.
WINDSONG
They couldn't find it.
Logan turns to her. He is standing by the door.
LOGAN
The virus isn't here?
WINDSONG
No, it is, but...hold on.
She gets more information from the computer.
WINDSONG
They have a sample from one of the
patients, but they never found it in
the water.
LOGAN
So where are they holding the sample?
WINDSONG
We should take some samples of the water
they collected, too. Why wouldn't it be
there?
INT. THE CENTER--DIFFERENT HALLWAY--SEVERAL MINUTES LATER
Orora, dressed in a lab coat, nametag, dosimeter badge(detects radiation) and facemask, is in a secluded corner talking quietly into her communicator.
ORORA
Which door?
INT. VIRAL DATABASE ROOM---SAME MOMENT
Windsong is at a computer. She has found the location of the samples in one of the laboratories and is now accessing the door command security systems. Logan is behind her, glancing at the door.
WINDSONG (to herself)
It's biosafety level four…
(to the communicator)
Are you on the second floor yet?
Orora's voice comes from the communicator lying on the table near Windsong.
ORORA (vo)
Yes.
WINDSONG
It should be the third door on your right.
INT. SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY--SAME MOMENT
Orora walks cautiously down the hall. She stops at a door.
ORORA
Can you open it?
WINDSONG (VO from communicator)
Give me a second.
A small click is heard and the door opens.
INT. VIRAL DATABASE ROOM---SAME MOMENT
ANGLE ON the communicator.
ORORA (vo)
I'm in. I'll meet up with you later.
Windsong types in a few commands and the screen on the computer she was working on goes blank.
Finished, she stands and Logan is looking at her, impressed.
She looks right back.
CUT TO
EXT.SINISTER'S OFFICE
Sinister is seated calmly at his desk, talking to Blockbuster through a small device lying there.
SINISTER
Have you found it yet?
Blockbuster's voice comes from the device.
BLOCKBUSTER (VO)
No. I can't see a thing.
SINISTER
Obviously, it's hidden. It should be right in front of you. Just walk until you hit it.
THUD.
Sinister SIGHS.
BLOCKBUSTER
Now what?
SINISTER
Put it under the right wing.
CUT TO
INT. THE CENTER--FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY--MINUTES LATER
Windsong and Logan hurry down the hall towards the door. Suddenly a guard rounds the corner. They all stop short.
GAURD
Where are your ID's?
LOGAN
We weren't given any.
Logan starts to turn away, but the guard steps close.
GUARD
Hold it. It's after hours, what
are you doing here?
Logan starts to tense, Windsong notices.
GUARD
I'll have to take you two down to
the office.
Logan takes a step towards the guard menacingly and Windsong grabs a hold of Logan's hand, focusing quickly on the guard.
WINDSONG
You hate your job, don't you?
GUARD
What?
The man is confused for a moment and then gets a depressed look on his face.
WINDSONG
It must be so hard.
The man is almost in tears.
GAURD
I'm never appreciated, you know? And then--
WINDSONG
Why don't you go on home.
He nods and walks off, sniffling. Logan turns to Windsong with an amused expression. She slowly smiles back and then he looks down, noticing that she has not let go of his hand. She quickly drops it.
WINDSONG
Orora's waiting.
EXT. PLANE--A SHORT WHILE LATER--NIGHT
Windsong and Logan are waiting by the plane, which is barely visible. They are about fifty feet away from it. Logan looks around.
LOGAN
Something's not right.
They see someone approach...its Orora.
WINDSONG
You've got the sample?
Orora takes out a small case from her pocket. She opens it to reveal three vials.
She snaps it closed and looks up triumphantly, then her look changes to concern.
ORORA
Logan, what's wrong?
LOGAN
I sense something, but...
WINDSONG
We need to leave.
LOGAN
You two stay here. I'll go in the plane
and look around first.
Windsong is impatient to leave.
INT. PLANE
Logan stands near the door looking around, senses heightened. He doesn't know what the danger is, but he knows there is one. He cocks his head to one side listening.
CU on Logan's ear. Faint TICKING is heard.
His eyes widen.
EXT. PLANE
Windsong and Orora are waiting for Logan.
ORORA
I've come to trust his instincts--
They hear Logan SHOUT and turn to see him jump from the plane door just as the plane EXPLODES behind him.
Windsong and Orora are thrown to the ground and fire lights up the scene.
Windsong rolls over, bruised, to see the carnage burning that was the x- men's plane.
Orora GROANS, a few feet away. Windsong turns to her.
WINDSONG
The virus!
Orora quickly gets out the case and opens it to see the vial undamaged. They both are relieved.
ORORA
Logan!
They both stand up, amid the CRACKLE of flames, trying to see where Logan landed.
WINDSONG
There!
They run to a figure lying on the ground, far away from the wreckage.
Logan is on his stomach and Orora and Windsong roll him over to reveal his bloody, slightly burnt face.
Windsong GASPS.
ORORA
It looks bad, but with him, he'll be fine soon enough.
WINDSONG
How?
Right then, as she looks at his face, the wounds begin to heal. Windsong's eyes widen.
Logan opens his eyes and GROANS.
LOGAN
A bomb...under the right wing.
ORORA
Thanks for the warning.
Logan continues to heal rapidly, his mutant power.
WINDSONG
The Marauders.
ORORA
How could they find it?
LOGAN
I don't know, but Scott's gunna be pissed.
ORORA
You've never been worried about that.
LOGAN (smiles)
I'm not worried. I just don't want to
miss it.
CUT TO
INT. SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED--PROF X'S OFFICE
Professor X, Jean Gray and Scott are watching a screen with Logan's face on it. This is Professor X's communicator.
They are all shocked at the news, but Scott is furious, the plane was his baby.
SCOTT
What! How could they possibly find it?
LOGAN
Who knows? How are we getting back?
PROF X
If you find your way to the airport I will
have tickets waiting at Gettaway Air.
LOGAN
An airline?
SCOTT
Should we hire a private jet for you?
Logan glowers.
PROF X
It's the fastest way. We don't want to
risk the sample.
LOGAN
Fine.
The screen goes blank. Scott turns away angrily.
SCOTT
I made it virtually invisible. How could
they find it?
He shakes his head.
JEAN
Scott, haven't you been working on another
plane?
SCOTT
It's not finished.
PROF X
I suggest you work on it.
CUT TO
INT. AIRPLANE-(26,000) FEET UP-FIRST CLASS-DAY
Windsong has her eyes closed. The seat next to her is empty. Behind her Logan and Orora are seated together. Orora is reading from her palm size, electronic notebook by the window. Logan is shifting in his seat, trying to get comfortable, when he stops and looks slowly to his left.
TWO LADIES are staring at him with a mixture of fascination and fear.
Logan regards them for a moment and then stone-faced, winks.
The ladies GASP and turn away whispering.
Logan turns towards Orora who is also looking at him, but with annoyance.
ORORA
Do you always have to attract
attention?
LOGAN
It's a gift.
She shakes her head and turns back to her notebook. Logan tries in vain to get comfortable, gives up and just stares out the window.
In another set of seats are A MAN and A WOMAN talking in whispers, agitated.
WOMAN
We're 30,000 feet up, what would they possible do?
MAN
I don't know, but I paid good money to be up here and I don't want to be bothered by some mutant freaks.
He gets up and walks to a stewardess who is near the cockpit. Her back is turned.
MAN (cont)
Excuse me.
She turns...its Arclight.
ARCLIGHT
May I help you?
Windsong is watching the conversation between the "stewardess" and man. She can only see the man's face.
Back to the conversation.
ARCLIGHT
Don't worry, I'll take care of everything.
MAN
Good. Too many damn mutants around.
He returns to his seat and Arclight's false smile fades away quickly. She glares at his back then turns and enters the cockpit.
INT. COCKPIT
Arclight enters.
ARCLIGHT
It's time.
The PILOT turns around.
PILOT
Time for what?
Arclight quickly goes up to him and knocks him out. He falls to the ground unconscious. The co-pilot turns, it's Scrambler. He nods to Arclight and places his hands flat upon the control panel.
INT. FIRST-CLASS
Logan turns to Orora, alarmed.
LOGAN
Something's wrong.
ORORA
Not another bomb?
LOGAN
I don't know--
Suddenly the plane lurches to one side and goes into a nose-dive. CRASHES and SCREAMING are heard all around them as Logan and Orora stand up.
The Man sees them.
MAN
It's their fault, they're mutants!
Windsong jumps up, furious.
WINDSONG
That's ridiculous! Who would crash
a plane they're on?
A real stewardess comes into the aisle desperately trying to keep her balance as the plane continues it's deadly fall.
STEWARDESS
Everyone calm down!
INT. COCKPIT
Scrambler still has his hands on the controls.
ARCLIGHT
Now?
SCRAMBLER
Almost low enough.
INT. FIRST-CLASS
STEWARDESS
Everyone please stay seated!
Arclight and Scrambler come out of the cockpit.
STEWARDESS (to them)
What's going on?
They don't answer, but open a small closet and take out parachutes.
The X-MEN and Windsong see them. Logan vaults over the seats to reach them. Arclight turns and as he comes flying at her, she BLASTS him with a punch that, with white light, throws him back into the aisle. More SCREAMING.
Scrambler opens the emergency exit with a smirk.
STEWARDESS
What are you doing?!
ARCLIGHT
So long.
Arclight and Scrambler jump out of the exit door with the parachutes quickly as Logan stands back up. The stewardess SCREAMS as she loses her balance in the still rapidly descending plane and starts to fall out of the open door.
His hand grabs her just in time and Logan pulls her back into Orora's arms. Then Logan reaches back outside the plane, fighting against the phenomenal winds, to grab the door.
Below him, he sees the two parachutes of Arclight and Scrambler open.
He slowly brings the door back and closes it.
Windsong is by the cockpit door.
WINDSONG
I can't fly it! Orora, quick!
Orora jumps up and enters the cockpit.
Windsong looks back at the passengers who are all frightened, out of their seats, and SCREAMING.
She slows her breathing amongst all this chaos and concentrates.
Logan looks at the passengers as they get quieter. One by one, the passengers sit, the current of fear has lessened.
He then turns to watch Windsong, straining with the effort of using her power on so many people. He gets up to stand behind her and offers his hand. She grabs it, steadying herself.
INT. COCKPIT
Orora is struggling herself. The controls won't respond.
ORORA
Come on! Come on!
She looks out the window as the land rapidly approaches. She gives up on the controls and her eyes turn white. The wind starts to HOWL.
INT. AIRTRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
A controller is looking at his screen and sees a blip that isn't right. He glances out the tower window and sees the airplane the X-Men are on coming in fast.
His eyes widen.
EXT. RUNWAY-DAY
An airplane buffeted by high winds comes in fast for a landing.
INT. FIRST-CLASS
Logan is still by Windsong who is about to collapse. He looks out the window to see the plane about to land.
LOGAN
We're almost there.
They are thrown to the ground with the heavy landing and as soon as Windsong's power has released its hold, the people, once more, freak out.
Thankfully, the plane comes to a stop. WHOOPS and CHEERS are heard throughout the plane.
Windsong, worn out, looks at Logan beside her and sighs with relief.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. AIRPORT WAITING AREA—ONE HOUR LATER
There is a crowd of people standing and sitting waiting for a new flight. Many people are talking about what just happened to them; many are on cell phones telling their loves ones they are all right, and others are crying or in shock from the ordeal.
Logan, Orora and Windsong are off to one side.
ANNOUNCER (VO)
Gettaway Air flight 260 to Kennedy, now boarding at gate three..
LOGAN
Finally.
They are about to walk over when a police officer approaches them.
OFFICER
Would the three of you please come with me?
ORORA
What's going on?
OFFICER
I'm here to escort you to a different flight.
WINDSONG
Why?
OFFICER
Gettaway Air believes you will be more comfortable somewhere else.
LOGAN
We're fine.
The officer swallows, nervously.
OFFICER
Well…actually some of the other passengers strongly object to you being on board.
WINDSONG
We just saved their lives.
OFFICER
I'm sorry, but we don't want any more
trouble.
Logan stands close to the officer.
LOGAN
You realize you can't make us do anything.
Orora turns to see a group of officers walking towards them.
ORORA
Logan…
LOGAN
Don't worry. I'm not gunna attract any attention. I just want him to know who's
making the decision.
Windsong watches the other passengers start to board the flight. One man is watching them with satisfaction. It's the man that accused them on the plane.
ORORA
We'll use a different airline.
The three of them turn away; much to the officer's relief. He signals the other officers that everything is fine.
Windsong watches the man as she, Orora and Logan walk away. She can see him say something towards them, even though she's too far away to hear.
MAN
Damn mutants.
Logan's head spins to glare at him. The man smirks, but Logan keeps walking.
Windsong narrows her eyes, looking at the man.
Logan stares straight ahead, jaw clenched.
LOGAN
Windsong, could you—
WINDSONG
I already am.
They suddenly hear the man SCREAM behind them, but keep walking.
What they don't watch is the man, now looking wildly around, eyes wide. His wife, confused, tries to take his hand, but he jerks away.
MAN
NO! GET AWAY FROM ME! You could be a
mutant, you could ALL be mutants. NO!
GET AWAY! GET AWAY!…
CUT TO
INT. PROFESSOR X'S STUDY--HOURS LATER
They are all in the room. Logan, Orora and Windsong are not in pleasant moods.
PROF X
I'm so sorry. Adding mutants to the Anti- Discrimination Act has been very difficult.
(beat)
JEAN
You did get the samples.
Orora takes out her case and hands it to Prof X.
WINDSONG
We got a sample of the virus and the
water from the town. The virus was never
found in the water.
SCOTT
So where did they get infected?
WINDSONG
It has to be the water.
JEAN
That doesn't make sense. Maybe it was
an animal or something.
WINDSONG
No. They know that a person drinking the
water would get sick. It's directly related,
they just can't find the virus there.
Logan is watching Windsong, but then finds his gaze turning to Jean.
Jean is about to say something.
PROF X
We'll look into it.
EXT. SCHOOL--NIGHT
A peaceful silence surrounds the old bricks that make up the mansion. An owl's HOOT is heard in the distance.
INT. WINDSONG'S BEDROOM--NIGHT
Windsong is in her bed, wide-awake and upset. She turns to the window to her right. She sits up and glances down to her arm where the bracelet is. She takes it off and holds it with both hands.
About to start crying, she instead gets angry, her hands tightening on the bracelet. She finally relents and gets out of bed.
INT. WEIGHT ROOM--A FEW MINUTES LATER
Windsong walks in briskly. She turns a light on and squints for a moment in the sudden brightness. She surveys the room's equipment and settles on a punching bag in the corner.
Windsong walks over to it, and after a moment starts to kick and punch letting her anger have a release. THUDS ECHO in the room.
LOGAN (OS)
Good evening.
Startled, Windsong turns to find Logan in the doorway watching her.
WINDSONG
Oh...I didn't think anyone would be here
this late.
LOGAN
Neither did I.
They regard each other for a moment until Windsong turns back to the punching bag.
Logan walks over to the bench press. Windsong's GRUNTS are heard as he places a bar over the bench.
Windsong quickly forgets Logan's presence and focuses on beating up the bag in front of her. Her blows fall faster and harder as her anger and frustration build.
Logan selects weights from a rack and with a CLINK, slides them onto the bar.
Windsong gets caught up in her rage and with a sudden YELL she kicks the bag so hard is SNAPS off the hook from the ceiling and is thrown against the wall with a loud THUD.
Logan turns sharply to see Windsong breathing heavily.
Her arms come up to wrap around herself and a sob escapes her.
WINDSONG (softly)
My sister would have been ten today.
She turns to Logan.
WINDSONG (cont)
Do you know what it's like to have your people, ` your history, taken away from you?
Not expecting him to answer, she is taken aback when he does.
LOGAN
Yes.
WINDSONG
What?
LOGAN
I have few memories of my past and what I do have, I can't trust. I have no history.
WINDSONG
I'm...
They look at each other and then Windsong turns. Logan watches her leave.
INT. HALLWAY
Windsong walks down the hallway and passes a door.
INT. SCOTT AND JEAN'S BEDROOM--SAME TIME
Once more, Scott is having a troubled dream.
After a few moments, he sits up quickly in the bed, breathing rapidly. He replaces the band over his eyes with his glasses.
He looks over at Jean and sees that she is still sound asleep. Scott runs his fingers through his hair, thinking.
INT. PROF X'S STUDY
Scott appears in the doorway. A single light is on. Prof X is turned away from him.
PROF X
Come in.
Scott enters the room.
SCOTT
I want you to look in my mind.
PROF X
I know. Come lie down.
Scott walks to the couch in the room and lies down. Prof X places his hands over Scott's head and closes his eyes.
PROF X (cont)
Relax.
SEQUENCE INSIDE SCOTT'S MIND
There is no sound.
Professor X is standing in the backyard of a house. He sees a little baby boy learning how to walk.
His mother and older brother are close by, cheering the baby on.
Professor X looks closely at the older brother, about eight years old, it's Scott.
DISSOLVE TO
Suddenly Prof X is in an airplane. Everything is shaking.
The mother from the previous memory is there, frantically getting a parachute onto the older brother, who is crying. She shouts something to the pilot, the boys' father. He shakes his head, yelling back.
She opens the door to the plane, the boy yells, and tears streaming down his face. The mother hands him his baby brother, trying to buckle him in with the older boy.
Suddenly, the plane jerks and they open their mouths in screams.
END SEQUENCE
Professor X removes his hand, thoughtful. Scott slowly sits up.
SCOTT
I had a younger brother.
PROF X
So it would seem.
SCOTT
I was told my parents died in a plane
crash, but no one said anything about my
brother.
PROF X
I don't think the orphanage knew about
him either.
SCOTT
His name was Alex.
(beat)
Do you think the boy the marauders have..?
PROF X
Let's not jump to conclusions. What we
can do is check out Alex's history and
then we'll see.
Scott looks at the Professor.
SCOTT
Ok.
CUT TO
INT. MARAUDER'S COMPOUND—PRACTICE ROOM-NEXT DAY
The light is dim. A faint humming sound is heard, as if a hoard of insects is getting ready to swarm. Suddenly, the humming grows in volume as a small ball of light speeds through the air.
ANGLE ON
Alex spins around just in time to see the ball. Blue light BURSTS from his chest destroying it. A second ball flies toward him and he ducks beneath it.
SINISTER (OS)
You missed one.
Sinister is pacing slowly around Alex in the room. Alex is in the middle looking up and turning this way and that. Above him hovers dozens of the small balls of light, humming dangerously.
ALEX
But I didn't get hit.
SINISTER
If you have the chance to destroy
something, do it.
Another ball hurtles down.
ZUMMM…
Alex quickly BLASTS it.
SINSITER (CONT)
You will need a new, mutant name soon.
ALEX
Oh…I already have one.
SINISTER
You do?
Alex turns quickly, thinking he heard something, but the balls hang innocently in space.
ALEX
Yeah. When I realized that I was
a mutant, I thought I might join…
a group or something.
SINISTER
You mean the X-Men.
Three balls ZOOM toward Alex who sees them just in time.
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
ALEX
Yeah.
Another ball ZOOMS down and Alex instinctively ducks.
He quickly looks over at Sinister.
SINISTER
Be glad you are not with them.
ALEX
What do you mean?
SINISTER
They protect the same people who
want to destroy mutants.
ALEX
Why would they do that?
BUZZ… Alex turns to his left and BLASTS two balls.
SINSITER
Because they are narrow-minded
fools.
Alex turns to look at him.
ZOOM! A ball speeds down. Alex turns aside, but still gets hit on his arm.
He YELLS in pain, holding his arm.
SINISTER (CONT)
Don't be distracted again.
Alex quickly swallows the pain and again looks up at the BUZZING balls of light above him, wondering where the next strike will come from.
SINISTER (CONT)
So what is this new name?
ALEX
Havok.
CUT TO
LABORATORY SEQUENCE
INT. PROFESSOR X'S SCHOOL—NEXT DAY
Through a series of windows, passed by rather quickly, the sun is seen low on the horizon.
Professor X is moving down the hallway in his wheelchair and enters an elevator.
INT. LOWER LEVEL OF SCHOOL--A MINUTE LATER
The professor moves down the hallway, entering a room.
INT. X-MEN LAB
Professor X enters the laboratory where Jean is at work.
PROF X
Any progress yet?
Jean looks up and smiles.
JEAN
Good morning.
He comes over to where she is working. She is looking through an electron microscope. This is no tabletop microscope, but is it's own table. It is located in a corner away from other equipment that might vibrate the microscope. Jean can see the image through a small TV like screen coming out from it.
JEAN (cont)
Well, it's definitely synthetic. It's
similar to the herpes virus, but it's
hard to tell with all the manipulations.
The complexity is amazing. Whoever made
this is...
PROF X
Dangerous.
Jean looks at him and then back to the microscope.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SINISTER'S LABORATORY
Another microscope, this one is compound and on a tabletop.
It is being used by Sinister. He looks up from it angrily.
SINISTER
What happened?
Scrambler is behind him, biting his nail.
SCRAMBLER
I don't know. I followed the protocol
exactly like you said, but...
SINISTER
I'll do it. I don't have time for
incompetence.
Sinister reaches to take the plate (a palm size, clear, plastic dish with sealed cover) from the microscope.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. X-MEN LAB
A plate is being carried by Windsong over to where Jean is.
WINDSONG
Than how is it transmitted?
Jean is nearby working under a hood (a metal box with a sliding glass front that allows a scientist to work with dangerous chemicals without being exposed. Only the hands enter the hood).
JEAN
I don't know, but the virus is not in the
water.
WINDSONG
Maybe it's just not in the samples they
collected.
JEAN
No. That kind of virus can't live in
the water.
WINDSONG
We know it's not transmitted person to
person.
JEAN
I know.
WINDSONG
So there was nothing in the water samples?
JEAN
There was other stuff, just no virus.
WINDSONG
What other stuff?
JEAN
Nothing important. I think we should
concentrate on creating a vaccine from
the viral sample we have.
WINDSONG
Can you do it?
JEAN
I don't know.
She turns back to her work.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SINISTER'S LAB
Arclight's hands are working under a hood.
Sinister strides into the room. Scrambler is there as well at the computer.
SINISTER
Is the final culture complete?
ARCLIGHT
Almost. Are you sure this is tested
enough?
SCRAMBLER
Worried, Arclight?
ARCLIGHT
I was at the hospital, I saw what this
does to people.
SINISTER
You're safe. All mutants have the blood
mark.
ARCLIGHT
Blood mark?
SINSINTER
Did you ever go to Sunday school?
Scrambler stifles a laugh.
SINISTER (cont)
Never mind. In the Old Testament, there
were ten plagues of Egypt. The
last plague was an angel of death that
would kill the first born of every house,
unless there was a blood mark upon the
door. Upon seeing this mark, the angel
of death would pass over the house.
Arclight stares at him.
SCRAMBLER
Oh, I've always wanted to be an angel of
death.
He starts to type again.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. X-MEN LAB
Windsong is typing at a computer.
WINDSONG
It doesn't match.
JEAN (OS)
Damn.
Jean is standing by Windsong. Professor X is nearby.
PROF X
If we can't purify this virus, the
vaccine will never be made.
WINDSONG
There must be another way.
JEAN
There are only a few alternatives in
creating...
WINSONG
No, not a vaccine.
JEAN
What else can we do? This is it. We
just have to keep at it.
WINDSONG
There's no time. Who knows when the
marauders will be ready to launch their
attack?
PROF X
Did you have anything in mind, Windsong?
WINDSONG
Maybe there's something we're overlooking.
They look at each other.
WINDSONG
What about the water?
JEAN
There's nothing there.
WINDSONG
You said there was other stuff in it,
besides the virus, what exactly?
JEAN
Mostly minerals...there's always a small
amount of bacteria.
PROF X
Nothing unusual.
JEAN
There was a lot of this one parasite.
PROF X
Is it harmful to people?
JEAN
No, it's in our gut, normally. I was
just surprised to see so much of it.
WINDSONG
You said a virus needs a host, right?
JEAN
Yeah.
WINDSONG
Could a parasite be a host?
Jean looks incredulous.
PROF X
I've never heard of a virus being passed
from a parasite to a human.
WINDSONG
This virus isn't natural, it won't
follow the rules.
Professor X looks to Jean.
PROF X
Let's take a look.
Jean gets up and passes by a centrifuge.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. SINSISTER'S LAB
A centrifuge is on a lab table. Scrambler walks by it and out of the lab, the lights go out.
INT. SINISTER'S OFFICE
Sinister is looking out the window of the darkened room.
Scrambler appears in the doorway.
SCRAMBLER
It's finished. We have the amount of the
virus you wanted.
Does not turn around.
SINISTER
Contact our members at the drop off
points.
Scrambler leaves.
SINISTER (cont)
The eleventh plague begins.
END SEQUENCE
CUT TO
INT. SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED—PROFESSOR X'S OFFICE-DAY
Professor X is behind his desk when Logan walks in.
LOGAN
You wanted to see me?
PROF X
Yes, I'd like you to do something
for me.
Logan waits for him to continue.
PROF X (CONT)
I don't know what unforeseen problems
may arise and I need to know who I
can count on.
LOGAN
You know I—
PROF X
I wasn't talking about you, but
Windsong.
LOGAN
I thought you trusted her.
PROF X
I do, and I know she has powerful
mutant powers, but I don't know her
physical abilities.
Logan furrows his brow.
LOGAN
You want me to fight her?
PROF X
I want you to spar with her, test
her abilities and then let me know
your opinion. I need to know if
she'll need help in an attack. I
don't doubt that we'll meet up with
the Marauders at some point.
LOGAN
Soon? I thought—
PROF X
There is nothing planned. It's just
a precaution.
Logan nods.
INT. HALLWAY OF SCHOOL--LATER THAT DAY
Windsong is walking. Logan rounds the corner a few feet away. They both stop.
WINDSONG
Logan.
Logan nods a hello. Windsong turns to go.
LOGAN
Hey.
She looks at him.
LOGAN (CONT)
I was going to the weight room, but...
Are you up to sparring in one of the
lower rooms?
WINDSONG
I doubt our plan will call for much
fighting.
LOGAN
It's funny how things don't always follow
the plan. We should be ready for
anything.
(beat)
But if you're afraid to fight me...
He shrugs and turns to go.
Windsong puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
WINDSONG
I'm not afraid of you.
CU on Logan's face.
INT. BLACK-WALLED FIGHTING ROOM
Windsong and Logan are ready, but unmoving in the center of the room. They watch each other closely for a moment and then Windsong starts the fight.
He easily blocks her and the next several attacks.
LOGAN
After seeing you with that punching bag,
I thought you might be a challenge, but...
She levels her gaze and steps up the fight. He responds easily, enjoying himself.
The fight goes on for a short while.
She starts to get frustrated because he effortlessly defends everything she tries.
Finally she shoots him an intense look and Logan staggers back a bit, looking around slowly.
LOGAN (CONT)
Where is...? What...?
Windsong takes the opportunity her power gave her to kick him squarely in the chest.
He's knocked flat, but springs back up with a focused look.
Windsong has a small smile.
LOGAN (CONT)
That's how you fight?
WINDSONG
Anything's fair.
With that, Logan raises his eyebrows. Then with a SNIKT, he unsheathes his claws.
Windsong's eyes widen.
LOGAN
Anything's fair?
Without waiting for her to answer, he starts an attack. She fights for all she's worth to keep away from his claws.
He's powerful, she's quick, and they enjoy testing each other's skills.
After a time, Logan overpowers her, pinning her hair against the wall with his claws.
She gasps and he smiles.
Then her eyes narrow and he quickly lets her go with a mortified expression on his face.
LOGAN
I'm so sorry! I, I didn't...
Logan grabs his head and with a roar, throws his arms wide, glaring at Windsong.
Windsong's jaw drops.
WINDSONG
I didn't stop using my power on you!
How did you do that?
He's not so sure himself.
LOGAN
I...just threw it off.
Logan and Windsong look at each other and then he gets a triumphant look on his face, retracts his claws and starts the sparring again.
INT. SAME PLACE--An HOUR LATER
Drenched in sweat, they are still fighting. They are in synch, anticipating each other's moves, eyes locked, absorbed in the dance.
Then Windsong puts up her hands to signal a break. They both stop, breathing heavily.
WINDSONG
Why did you stay?
LOGAN
Where?
WINDSONG
Here, at the school.
LOGAN
Roof over my head.
WINDSONG
You could have that anywhere, why here?
LOGAN
Oooh, you want to be one of the X-Men?
WINDSONG
You didn't answer my question.
LOGAN
Neither did you.
They regard each other and then almost simultaneously start sparring again. They quickly get into the rhythm.
Then Windsong throws an unexpected kick at Logan. He ducks, but is thrown off balance. She takes the advantage to knock him to the ground, landing on top of him, with her arm on his throat.
Logan lets her enjoy the moment briefly before flipping her over with his arm now on her throat.
He looks triumphant, she annoyed, but then they both become serious, noticing their lips are only inches apart.
Neither of them moves, breathing heavily, staring at each other...
And then Logan snaps his eyes shut and looks away.
LOGAN
You can stop using your power now.
He opens his eyes to look at her accusingly, but she is confused.
WINDSONG
I'm not doing anything.
Logan jumps up as if she's a hot coal and walks quickly towards the door. Windsong scrambles to get up.
WINDSONG (CONT)
Logan! Wait!
He keeps walking, but calls over his shoulder.
LOGAN
You were right. You're not afraid.
Windsong watches him leave.
INT. LOGAN'S BATHROOM--A SHORT WHILE LATER
Logan steps out of the shower and stares at himself in the small, slightly fogged mirror above the sink.
A BEEPING is heard nearby. Logan looks to the wall outside the bathroom, which has a small speaker. A light it flashing on it.
LOGAN
Yeah?
The voice comes from the speaker.
PROF X (vo)
So, what's your opinion?
LOGAN
She can handle herself.
PROF X
Good. Please come to my office soon.
The light goes out on the speaker and Logan turns back to himself in the mirror. After a moment, he shakes his head and moves away.
INT. PROF X OFFICE
Windsong is seated, looking pensive.
All the X-Men are gathered around the room.
JEAN
So a vaccine is impossible.
SCOTT
You said you've come up with something
different, though.
PROF X
The parasites that were found in the water
are carriers of the virus.
ORORA
The people would drink the water with the
parasites and then become infected with
the virus?
JEAN
Exactly.
WINDSONG
So we know that. But how can we stop it?
JEAN
Filter out the parasites.
SCOTT
We wouldn't have to deal with the virus
itself at all.
LOGAN
Did you make a filter?
JEAN
Not yet.
WINDSONG
How long?
JEAN
I don't know.
WINDSONG
It's not good enough.
SCOTT
Good enough? It'll work!
WINDSONG
Don't you understand? We don't have time
for this! I know the Marauders are ready
now.
PROF X
How do you know?
WINDSONG
It has nothing to do with powers, I just
feel it. We have to act now.
JEAN
And do what?
WINDSONG
Destroy them.
JEAN
Too risky.
WINDSONG
Giving the Marauders a chance to infect
the country is too risky.
LOGAN
I'm with Windsong.
Jean turns to Logan and he can't quite meet her eyes.
JEAN
What?
He looks to Windsong.
LOGAN
If we stop the Marauders from launching
the virus in the first place, we won't
need the filter anyway.
ORORA
I agree.
SCOTT
I think we should go.
JEAN
It's Alex, isn't it.
SCOTT
Yes, but...I have something to tell
everyone.
He looks up at all of them.
SCOTT
Most of you already know that my parents
died in a plane crash when I was eight.
The orphanage told me that because
I had no memories of it or anything before
the crash. Recently, I found out
that I wasn't the only one to survive.
SCOTT (CONT)
I have a brother. He was a baby at the
time and his name was Alex.
ORORA
No one at the orphanage told you?
SCOTT
I don't understand it either. Maybe they
didn't know or thought it would be too
traumatic for me. I was in a coma for a
year after the crash.
JEAN
Scott...
SCOTT
There's more. I found out that Alex,
the boy the marauders have, was adopted
as a baby the same year as the plane crash.
JEAN
That's not complete proof that he's your
brother.
SCOTT
I don't need any more proof.
Scott glances at Windsong.
SCOTT (CONT)
I just know it.
After a moment, Jean gives Scott a reassuring smile.
JEAN
We can try to stop the Marauders first.
If that fails, we can still make the
filter.
She looks to Professor X.
PROF X
Alright.
The tension eases.
ORORA
Wait! We don't have a plane.
PROF X
Scott?
INT. UNDERGROUND OF SCHOOL--OUTSIDE OF LARGE ROOM.
The group is standing by a huge set of double doors. Scott in the lead.
SCOTT
I've been doing a little more besides
just checking on my family history.
INT. THE ROOM
The doors open, the sound echoing in the huge room. The group walks in slowly, staring in awe. Their POV shows an amazing fighter jet.
SCOTT
I haven't finished everything, but it'll fly.
It's about double the speed of our last one.
They walk near it. Scott watches their reactions.
PROF X
Good work, Scott.
LOGAN
You said she's twice as fast?
SCOTT
Yeah.
Logan nods, impressed.
ORORA
I assume you'll be flying?
Scott smiles at her.
SCOTT
I don't want this one to blow up.
She smiles back.
MONTAGE SEQUENCE
The X-Men prepare to leave for the battle with the Marauders.
Different parts of the X-Men outfits are seen zipped up, pulled on, and slipped in as they each get dressed and geared up.
Faces determined, they are ready.
The new X-Men fighter jet lifts up like a helicopter through a secret opening on the grounds of the school, then TEARS through the night sky.
END SEQUENCE
INT. X-MEN JET--JUST BEFORE DAWN
The interior of the sleek jet is dark. The lights of the control panel give off the only illumination.
Scott is at the controls. Jean, Windsong, Orora and Logan are all seated.
Logan is looking at Windsong, who seems preoccupied. He watches her for a minute before gazing at Jean, who is near to Scott.
Orora, close to Logan, notices. She leans over so only he hears.
ORORA
It's a lot easier to pine for someone
out of your reach than to risk your
heart in a real relationship.
He doesn't even turn to look at her.
LOGAN
I don't pine.
She rolls her eyes and moves back.
Windsong is looking out the window at the city lighted up below.
WINDSONG
Is that St.Louis?
SCOTT
Yeah, we're almost there.
JEAN (to Windsong)
Are you ready for this?
WINDSONG
I was about to ask you the same
question.
EXT. FIELD OUTSIDE OF ST.LOUIS--ALMOST DAWN
The X-Men are shadows moving together. They approach a slight rise in the land and before them is Sinister's Genetics Lab. The cold steel and concrete structure wholly out of place in this serene environment.
As dawn breaks, a SCREECH is heard. The X-Men turn to see two eagles soaring together over the landscape. They dip and glide, interweaving with each other in a dance.
Windsong follows the path of the birds with her eyes and a gentle smile eases its way onto her mouth. She is beautiful.
Logan is unable to take his eyes off of her.
Then the CHOPPING of helicopter blades cuts the mood, grabbing their attention.
SCOTT
Get down!
They all drop to their bellies and watch a helicopter getting ready for lift-off at the Research Institute. A figure, Arclight, is carrying a large container, walking towards the helicopter.
WINDSONG
We can't let them leave! They could be
carrying the virus!
SCOTT
Orora! You hold them down and give us
cover as we go in.
Orora's eyes turn white and a major thunderstorm kicks up.
ANGLE ON
Arclight, the wind WHIPPING around her, signals a "no go"
to the pilot, Scrambler. She rushes back into the building carrying the container with her.
The helicopter BLADES SLOW to a stop and Scrambler jumps out, immediately getting drenched in the downpour. He struggles back to the building, passes the security system, opens the door and goes in.
The door start to close, but a foot stops it.
CUT TO
INT. SINISTER'S OFFICE--MINUTES LATER
Arclight rushes in. Sinister looks at her, noticing her disheveled appearance.
SINISTER
Why are you still here?
ARCLIGHT
A storm came out of nowhere, there's no
way we can get off the ground.
Sinister narrows his eyes.
INT. BUILDING HALLWAY—MINUTES LATER
Logan and Windsong are walking warily.
With a YELL, Arclight and Blockbuster burst in, attacking them. Windsong and Logan are instantly on defense, back to back.
Loud and ferocious, the fight begins.
Too soon, Windsong goes down. She uses her powers to keep Arclight away.
Scrambler sneaks in and grabs Windsong around the neck.
Logan, claws glinting, SMACKS Scrambler away from her. Scrambler is thrown against the wall, with a bloody lip, but a smile on his face.
SCRAMBLER
You touched me.
Arclight quickly knocks Windsong unconscious and Blockbuster grabs Logan and throws him against the wall. Logan hits his head and expecting to heal quickly, he gets right back up...but he staggers back, holding his head in his hands.
Scrambler LAUGHS and walks over to him, punching Logan in the face. Logan is knocked down and Scrambler continues to gleefully kick him while Logan is helpless.
ARCLIGHT
Scrambler! Knock it off! We have to
take them to the lab, not the morgue.
Scrambler gives Logan one last kick and Logan MOANS in pain, eyes closed. His claws retract, leaving his knuckles bleeding where they cut his skin.
CUT TO
INT. SINISTER'S LAB
Jean and Scott move quickly inside. It is dimly lit as they look around.
SCOTT
Where do you think the virus is stored?
JEAN
It could be in any number of---
The door SLAMS shut and HISSING is heard as gas fills the room.
JEAN
Quick, Scott, blast open the door! Scott!
He looks as if in a trance, staring into the corner. Jean looks over, COUGHING from the gas, and sees Sinister, smiling cruelly.
SINISTER
It's been a long time...
She looks back to Scott, who seems frozen, and then pulls out her communicator.
JEAN
Orora! We're trapped--
She falls to her knees, COUGHING. Scott starts to COUGH and fall as well, but never takes his gaze away from Sinister.
JEAN (cont)
Scott...
She falls unconscious and Scott starts to fade as well, falling to the ground.
CUT TO
FLASH BACK
Inside Scott's memories, we see someone putting ruby glasses on him. The world is a fuzzy shade of red. He can barely make out the figure of the person in front of him, but his vision clears rapidly.
PERSON
Always remember who gave you your first
pair of glasses.
Scott's vision improves and the person comes into focus. It's Sinister.
END FLASHBACK
Scott's face is pressed to the floor. Unconscious, he doesn't notice Sinister's foot walk next to him.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE--MORNING
The storm has calmed. Orora is huddled by a set of rocks that gave her some protection from the storm and keeps her hidden from the Marauders. Although some of the morning sun comes through, shadows dominate.
She is dripping wet, but isn't bothered by it. She looks worried and is staring at the communicator in her hand.
ORORA
It's too risky. I can't do it.
The POV shifts to show us who's on screen. It's Professor X, looking concerned.
PROF X
There's no other way for me to make
contact. Once we know the situation,
we can see how to proceed.
ORORA
You don't think they're…
PROF X
No, but we need to know if they have
destroyed the virus.
ORORA
We need to get them out of there!
The virus can't hurt us. Are the
lives of the X-Men worth risking
for this?
PROF X
We are dedicated to protecting those
who are defenseless.
Orora closes her eyes for a moment.
PROF X
This is what we train for, Orora.
She finally nods.
ORORA
I'll give them a few more minutes
before I do anything.
PROF X
I'll be waiting in Cerebro.
The screen goes blank.
CUT TO
INT. SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED--HALLWAY TO CEREBRO—MOMENTS LATER
Prof X wheels himself down the silent, darkened hallway to the door of Cerebro.
The computer scans his eyes and opens the door. It closes like a jail cell behind him.
CUT TO
INT. SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE--THE LAB
CU of Windsong's face. She is unconscious and looking pretty beat up. Traveling down her body we see that she is laying on a table, bound hand and foot with metal clamps.
Someone starts to tie a thick rubber band around her upper arm. Windsong jerks awake and starts to struggle. She can't move.
WINDSONG
What are you doing to me?!
Sinister stares down at her, unconcerned with her question and begins drawing her blood into a vial with a syringe he is holding.
Windsong glares at him as he continues to fill the vial. She furrows her brow and she stares intently at Sinister. He doesn't notice when she gets wide-eyed at her inability to affect him with her power.
WINDSONG
What did you do to me, Sinister?
He finishes up the procedure.
SINISTER
If you mean drawing blood, I thought
that was quite obvious.
He unwraps the band around her arm.
SINISTER (cont)
If you mean problems with your
mutant powers, consider yourself
Scrambled.
Sinister leaves the shocked Windsong and places her vial of blood in a small metal case on a nearby bench top. He takes out an empty vial and walks over to his next subject.
Windsong finally notices that she is not alone in this capture. She turns to her left and GASPS.
Logan is strapped to a table next to her looking like he was run over by a truck. Bruised, bleeding and still unconscious, he doesn't notice Sinister start drawing his blood.
WINDSONG
Logan! Wake up! Logan!
Sinister is amused by her concern.
Logan slowly opens his eyes and MOANS in pain. He looks at Sinister and tries to struggle, but can't even manage that.
SINISTER
As I informed your friend, one of my
Marauders has an interesting touch.
He can either alter another mutant's
power or take it away altogether,
as in your case.
Logan watches as the vial fills with his blood.
LOGAN
Why are you doing this?
SINISTER
Personal research.
WINDSONG
He'll die if he doesn't get help.
Sinister finishes up with Logan and puts the vial in his case.
SINISTER
Oh, it's not so dire as that.
Scrambler's effects don't last too
long.
He walks by Windsong.
LOGAN (growls)
Don't touch her.
Sinister stares at Logan incredulously.
SINISTER
Or you'll what? Give me another
stern look of disapproval?
He picks up his equipment and walks to the other side of the room. Windsong sees Jean and Scott bound to tables; they are awake, but helpless as well.
She realizes the hopelessness of their situation.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Jean watches Sinister approach.
JEAN
He's coming.
Scott turns his head, but can't see since his eyes are tied shut with a cloth band. Sinister stops and looks down at Scott.
SCOTT
Sinister.
Sinister places a hand on Scott's eyes. Scott jerks his head away.
SINISTER
I always knew you'd come back to me.
JEAN
Scott, what's going on?
SINISTER
Your boyfriend and I have a history.
SCOTT
What did you do with Alex?
SINISTER
What makes you think I did anything to
him? It was you I wanted.
JEAN
Scott?
SCOTT
I remember everyone now. I wasn't in a
coma after the plane crash.
Sinister took me and made me his personal
guinea pig of mutants before taking me
to the orphanage a year later.
SINISTER
I tried to teach you control!
SCOTT
You tried to control me!
SINISTER
I should have taken your brother.
SCOTT
I know you have him now.
Sinister smiles and takes out an empty vial.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
Logan GROANS.
WINDSONG
Now you know how everyone else always
feels.
Windsong turns to him and then stares at him strangely.
LOGAN
What?
WINDSONG
I don't think Scrambler took away my
powers, he changed them.
(beat)
I can see what you're feeling.
LOGAN
Pain?
WINDSONG
You care for me, but...
Logan watches uncomfortably as she turns to look at Jean.
Windsong pov
Sinister is finishing up getting blood from Jean.
Windsong looks back to Logan.
WINDSONG
She'll never love you the way you want
her to.
Logan turns away.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Scott struggles.
SCOTT
Where is he?
SINISTER
Closer than you might think.
SCOTT
Jean?
Jean looks around the room as best she can from the table. She sees Scrambler working on a computer with someone…its Alex.
JEAN
He's here.
SCOTT
Alex!
ANGLE ON
Alex turns and looks cautiously over to Jean and Scott, and then he looks to Sinister.
SINISTER (to Alex)
Keep working.
Alex turns away.
BACK TO
SCOTT
Did you tell him you killed his
adoptive parents?
SINISTER
Why upset the boy?
JEAN
You monster.
SINISTER
"Sinister" will do just fine.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
Windsong looks over to watch Sinister.
Her eyes widen. She turns to Logan, but before she can speak, an EXPLOSION rocks the room. A huge beam comes CRASHING down across the middle of the room, effectively cutting off one side from the other.
CUT TO
INT. UNDERGROUND X-MEN HEADQUARTERS—CEREBRO
Professor X has the Cerebro headpiece on and, eyes closed, "sees" the mutant world.
INSIDE PROFESSOR X'S MIND
Moving through a silent, gray fog, we can see mutants from all walks of life, streaming past. Professor X is looking for the X-Men.
Suddenly, there is a burst of light to one side and he streams over to see all the X-Men and Marauders, though not Sinister. They are in a panic. Professor X focuses in on Jean, still strapped to the table.
BACK IN CEREBRO
His eyes are still closed as he speaks fast.
PROF X
Orora has punched a hole through
the building with lightening. It
might collapse.
CUT TO
INT. MAURADER's HEADQUARTER'S—SAME MOMENT
CU on Jean. She nods her head.
The building shakes and another CRASH is heard. Someone SCREAMS. Jean is sent crashing to the floor, still bound to the table, which lands on its side, her hanging off it.
On impact, the left hand clasp brakes open. Jean jerks her hand loose and looks around.
SCOTT
Jean, what's happening?!
She turns to see Scott; the legs on his table have collapsed dropping him, still bound, to floor level. She can touch his hand.
JEAN
The building is coming down, we have
to get out of here.
SCOTT
How?
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
The two of them are still on their tables, but with all the shaking, Logan CRIES OUT in pain.
Windsong looks over to him in alarm and then sees Blockbuster rush into the room. She looks at him and narrows her eyes.
Blockbuster looks around, trying to keep his balance and not get knocked over by falling debris.
BLOCKBUSTER
Sinis—
He falls silent and turns to look at Windsong, getting a serious look on his big face. He rushes over to her and touches her hand reverently.
WINDSONG
Free us.
EXT. SINISTER'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The immense storm clouds have suffocated the morning light. Only the lightening brings in an eerie light to the landscape.
Orora is Storm. Eyes completely white she stands with her hands outstretched, pelted by the rain. Her white hair whips around her as she revels in her power.
INT. THE INSTITUTE—THE LAB
Sinister is typing furiously on a computer next to Scrambler and Alex. Scrambler jumps as a piece of the ceiling falls next to him.
SCRAMBLER
There's no time to save it all!
Sinister pauses and looks up in annoyance.
SINISTER
Alex, when Arclight comes,
get out of here.
SCRAMBLER
What about me?
Sinister is already at the door as Scrambler glares at him.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan.
Blockbuster has just finished freeing them both. Windsong goes over to Logan who is unsteady. He looks at her.
LOGAN
You don't look so great, either.
Then he straightens up and looks at his hands.
LOGAN (cont)
I think it's wearing off.
Sure enough, the wounds on his knuckles begin to heal.
Windsong looks at his face and the bruises start to disappear.
ARCLIGHT (os)
Blockbuster! What are you doing?
Arclight has entered the room. Blockbuster, still under Windsong's powers, moves to protect the two X-Men.
Arclight focuses on Windsong.
She hurls herself at Windsong, but Blockbuster jumps in front of Windsong, knocking Arclight aside.
Arclight jumps up.
ARCLIGHT
Idiot! She's controlling you!
Blockbuster stands in front of Windsong protectively.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Jean tries to free her other hand, but it's locked tight. She then looks around for anything that might help.
Several feet away a table CRASHES down with the next shaking of the building. She watches it fall and sees that Scott's glasses were on it. They spin on the ground.
Angle on Windsong and Logan.
The room shakes again and more debris falls around them. A CRASH of lightning is heard and the lights go out. Immediately emergency lights come on. They are dim and red, casting a strange glow to the scene.
Logan turns to Blockbuster.
LOGAN
Take her out of here.
WINDSONG
I can take care of myse—
LOGAN
Go!
WINDSONG
I have to find Sinister!
She runs out of the room, Blockbuster faithfully following.
LOGAN
Windsong!
Logan spins his head quickly to see Arclight fling herself at him for an attack.
ANGLE ON Scrambler.
He is by the computers still. He looks at the blank screen for a moment and then stands up.
Alex stares at him.
ALEX
Where are you going?
SCRAMBLER
Don't follow me.
Alex looks at the retreating figure and swallows nervously.
ANGLE ON Scott and Jean.
Scott is lying on the ground with his eyes squeezed shut, the band around his eyes gone.
Jean stretches out her hand and Scott's glasses, a few feet away, fly to her. She quickly puts them onto Scott's eyes.
He immediately looks down at the metal binds on his hands and BLASTS them away. He then BLASTS the ones on his ankles and Jean's, freeing them both.
The stand up and turn to each other.
SCOTT
Alex.
ANGLE ON Logan and Arclight.
Logan is thrown violently against a wall. Debris rains down on him and Arclight as he kicks back at her.
His claws are unsheathed and as she stumbles, he swipes her arm. She GASPS and grabs herself, bleeding.
With her good arm she punches him with a BUSRT of light from her seismic blows. This sends him crashing into lab equipment.
She rushes to finish him up, but as soon as she comes close to him, he jumps up and impales her with his claws.
She GAGS, staring at him and then down at her stomach, incredulously.
He removes his claws from her and she falls to the ground.
SHINKT! His claws retract and he runs off.
INT. ANOTHER LAB IN THE BUILDING—SAME TIME
Sinister is in a walk-in freezer with a flashlight in one hand and his small metal case in the other. He looks over many vials and tubes, ignoring the BOOMS and CRASHES within the building.
Finally, he finds what he is looking for. It's a set of capped tubes on a shelf. He takes one out and is about to open his case, when another CRASH is heard and the freezer shakes. He just holds the tube in one hand, the case in the other and runs out.
INT. FIRST LAB
Alex is still standing by the dark computers, jumping every time LIGHTENING or a CRASH is heard.
He makes a decision and starts to walk, glancing to his right and left every few seconds.
Alex stumbles over something and YELLS as he looks down at it.
It's Arclight's body.
He jumps away and then spins when he hears a SOUND close by.
ALEX
Who's there?!
A figure comes out of the shadows.
ALEX (CONT)
Stop or I'll, I'll use my powers on
you!
Scott walks slowly closer to him.
SCOTT
Alex, I know we don't know each other
very well, but I'm really your
brother and—
Alex lets loose a blue BLAST from his chest. Scott
ducks, looking surprised.
ALEX
My name is Havok! I can go stronger
if I want!
SCOTT
Alex-Havok, listen to me! Whatever
Sinister told you about me or the
X-Men is not—
The building shakes again.
Alex bolts, Scott running quickly after him.
INT. HALLWAY
Alex is running and jumping over fallen parts of the walls and ceiling of the building. Scott is not far behind.
SCOTT
Alex!
Alex turns and BLASTS at Scott. It misses him and CRASHES a part of the wall down. Scott looks at it and then looks to Alex running away again.
Scott BLASTS a red beam from his eyes ahead of Alex. The wall it hits comes down trapping Alex.
The boy spins around.
Scott puts his hands up, palms out.
SCOTT (cont)
Just listen—
Alex BLASTS Scott, this time hitting him.
Scott cringes, but then slowly stands up, realizing he's not hurt.
Alex's mouth drops open for a moment and then he BLASTS Scott again. This time Scott doesn't even flinch.
Scott then sends out a BLAST of his own at Alex. The boy tries to duck, but gets hit.
He, too, is unhurt.
ALEX
What?…
SCOTT
We're brothers. I guess our powers
don't work on each other.
ALEX
My brother? You're with the X-Men.
SCOTT
Yes, and I'd like to take you back
with me.
ALEX
Never! You guys want to get rid
of mutants!
SCOTT
Is that what he told you? Look,
The X-Men aren't the bad guys here.
Another BOOM rocks the hallway, sending Scott to his knees. Alex runs toward him and speeds past.
Scott gets up and runs after him.
EXT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE
Jean is running through the storm. The wind HOWLS around her.
JEAN
Orora!
Suddenly, two hands land on her shoulders from behind.
She spins around to see the smirk on Scrambler's face.
Then she starts to shake and her eyes roll to the back of her head as she collapses to the ground.
Scrambler runs off.
INT. ANOTHER HALLWAY
Windsong and Blockbuster are running when they see Sinister come out of a room close by. He turns and is surprised, but doesn't run away.
They stop a few yards away from Sinister.
SINISTER
Windsong, how nice to see you again.
Glad to see you got out of your
bonds, I may have use for you in
the future.
Windsong is seething.
Sinister looks up at Blockbuster and is confused as to why Blockbuster is not beating up Windsong. Then Sinister looks back at Windsong, realizing.
SINISTER
Ah…
Before Blockbuster can blink, Sinister flies up and grabs the huge man by the throat. Sinister SLAMS Blockbuster's head with his other hand.
Blockbuster's jaw goes slack and he falls to the floor, not moving again.
Windsong stares at the sudden violence.
SINISTER (cont)
I must be off.
He turns to leave.
WINDSONG
No. You're not going anywhere.
He turns slowly around to look at her with raised eyebrows.
A RUMBLE shakes the hallway.
Sinister quickly closes the distance between them and back- hands her across the face.
She is sent CRASHING into the wall.
He goes up to her and she springs up, kicking him squarely in the chest. He staggers back, surprised.
WINDSONG
You murdered my family, my friends
my whole tribe…
She follows and punches him twice in the face.
He then grabs her head and pushes her face first against the wall. He whispers into her ear.
SINISTER (cont)
You should have taken your chance
to run. I'm not usually so lenient.
INT. A ROOM IN SINISTER'S INSTITUTE.
It's hard to tell what this room was used for because of all the debris everywhere. Half of a wall has collapsed.
Alex runs in and quickly tries to run out, seeing there's no exit, but Scott blocks his path.
Alex tries to punch him, but Scott easily blocks. Alex kicks him. Scott winces and then grabs the boy's hand and pushes him up against a wall so they are face to face.
SCOTT
Stop!
ALEX
How come my power doesn't work on
you?
SCOTT
I told you, we're brothers.
ALEX
That's impossible.
Alex tries to get free, but Scott holds him tight.
SCOTT
Would you just listen! There was a
plane crash when you were just a
baby. Our mother gave me the only
parachute and tied you to me.
Alex stops struggling to listen.
SCOTT (cont)
They died, but we didn't.
Unfortunately, Sinister got to us
first. He found people to adopt you,
but took me back to his laboratory
for a year and then to an orphanage.
ALEX
Why are you with the X-Men?
SCOTT
I found a home with them. We aren't
trying to get rid of mutants, we
protect the humans who are helpless
against dangerous mutants…like the Marauders.
Alex looks up, confused.
SCOTT
Who do you think killed your adoptive parents?
ALEX
They died of a virus.
SCOTT
Made by Sinister.
Alex looks away, you can almost hear his mind spinning, then thrusts Scott away.
ALEX
I can't trust you!
SCOTT
Alex, you're my brother. Sinister
took you away from me once, don't let
him do it again.
They look at each other.
EXT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE
The door BURSTS open and Scott and Alex run out into the continuing storm.
They both hear something and turn to look as a helicopter on the side of the building is trying to get up in spite of the weather conditions.
INT. HELICOPTER
Scrambler struggles with the controls.
Behind him is the only cargo, the box containing the cultured virus.
EXT.IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING
Scott and Alex start to run, but lighting CRASHES and in the brief flash of light Scott sees Jean lying on the ground, unconscious.
He drops down beside her.
ALEX
The helicopter!
Scott looks up and sees that the helicopter has succeeded in getting off the ground and is hovering in the air.
BLAM! BLAM!
Shots are fired from guns located on the helicopter. Alex dives to the ground and Scott covers Jean's body with his own.
The two brothers look at each other and then both stand up, facing the helicopter.
It starts over towards them and then BLAST! BLAST! Scott fires from his eyes, Alex from his chest. The two beams blend into a single purple light that SLAMS the helicopter.
It EXLPODES in the air.
Scott and Alex look away at the burst of the light and then look back to see they reduced the helicopter and its contents into dust, being blown away by the strong wind.
INT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE—HALLWAY
Sinister has Windsong against the wall.
Then a GROWL is heard behind them.
Sinister, still holding Windsong, turns slowly to see Logan glaring at him, a few feet away.
SNIKT! Logan, Wolverine, unsheathes his claws.
In a flash they both attack, SMASHING into each other.
They land on the ground together and begin a ferocious battle. Throughout it all, Sinister keeps a tight hold on the single vial, still in his hand.
Finally, Sinister is knocked down by yet another shake from the building and as Logan prepares to strike with his claws, Sinister sees a metal beam has fallen into the hallway. Its end has been split and is now like a long sharp knife sticking out, a few yards away.
He holds his one hand out and Logan is frozen in mid-strike. Then, smiling, Sinister thrusts out his hand.
Logan is sent flying back and is impaled on the beam.
He goes limp, eyes closed.
Windsong lets out an SCREAM and Sinister turns, enjoying the moment.
She fixes an intense gaze on him, chest heaving. The smile starts to fade from his face. With a CRY of anguish, he falls to his knees.
WINDSONG
NOW. YOU. KNOW.
MONTAGE
While Sinister holds his head in his hands, sobbing, we see flashes of other images from Windsong's memories.
Images of the dying people in the hospital, her mother's face, the bracelet she wears, her crying to the sky at her mother's grave, her pounding the punching bag in the X-Men weight room, Logan being impaled… All images that show the emotions that she is thrusting into Sinister's mind.
We also hear and see her speaking to him.
WINDSONG
This is how I felt when my sister
died, this is how I felt when
my mother died, and this is how I
feel now. This is my pain that you
have caused.
END MONTAGE
SLOW MOTION
Sinister, face distraught, opens his hand wide. The vial falls to the ground and SHATTERS, spilling the liquid inside.
END SLOW MOTION
Logan's eyes snap open. Gritting his teeth he grabs a hold of the other part of the beam nearby and wrenches himself free with a YELL. He stands there a moment holding the wound on his stomach until it heals.
He looks over to see Sinister on the ground and Windsong standing close by.
Then there is a huge CRASH. Logan dives away as part of the ceiling collapses.
Windsong is thrown to the ground. Rain pelts her face as she looks up to see the hole in the ceiling.
She looks back, but Sinister is gone. She looks around, but can't see where he went.
She starts to run to find him.
LOGAN
Windsong! Quickly, let's go!
Windsong turns and stares at Logan. Then turns to keep going.
LOGAN (cont)
No!
She turns back to him.
WINDSONG
I have to find him.
LOGAN
That's suicide!
Almost in response another part of the ceiling CRASHES down behind them.
WINDSONG
I…No, just go!
LOGAN
You're not alone anymore. I'm not
leaving you.
Windsong is undecided. Logan looks around, not sure how much time they have left to escape.
LOGAN (cont)
Windsong…please.
He holds his hand out to her. She looks into his eyes.
Finally, she takes his hand.
CUT TO
EXT. SINISTER'S INSTITUTE
The storm is over and the clouds are slowly retreating.
Alex, Storm, Jean and Scott are standing together watching the crumbling building from a nearby hill.
Suddenly, Orora points.
ORORA
There!
They watch as two figures run out of the structure.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan
They run as quickly as they can and get a short distance away when a THUNDEROUS ROAR throws them to the ground.
The building completely collapses on itself.
As the dust settles, the clouds have dissipated and the sun comes out.
Logan and Windsong pick themselves up and look at each other, amazed they made it.
Windsong looks down and then back up to Logan, serious.
WINDSONG
You stayed with the X-Men because of
Jean.
Logan doesn't drop her gaze.
LOGAN
But I've made my choice now.
After a moment, a smile slowly spreads onto her face. She steps close to him and touches his cheek with her hand.
WINDSONG
So have I.
Logan touches the back of his hand to her hand on his cheek and lightly traces the length of her arm. When he reaches her shoulder, he buries his fingers into her hair bringing her close. They kiss deeply.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. PROFESSOR X'S SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED—PROF X'S OFFICE-A FEW DAYS LATER
PROF X is staring out the window.
ORORA(os)
Aren't you coming?
He turns around, not smiling, to see Orora at the doorway.
ORORA
Charles?
PROF X
I keep thinking about Sinister. The
more I know, the more questions I
have.
He wheels over to her.
PROF X
When Scrambler disrupted Windsong's
powers, she could read people's
emotions.
ORORA
What did she see in Sinister? Pure
evil?
PROF X
Worse, nothing.
After a moment he smiles.
PROF X
There will be time to think on this
later. Now, we have a welcoming
celebration to go to.
CUT TO
INT. GATHERING ROOM OF THE SCHOOL
The X-Men are together at a party with many students from the school as well. There is music, dancing and smiling everywhere.
Alex and Jean are seated next to each other chatting.
JEAN
You know, Scott hasn't stopped smiling
since we came back.
Alex smiles shyly.
JEAN (cont)
Neither have you.
Scott walks over with a grin and puts out a hand to Jean, but looks at Alex.
SCOTT
Mind if I steal her away?
ALEX
Not at all.
Jean LAUGHS as Scott pulls her to the dance floor. Alex settles back, at ease.
ANGLE ON Windsong and Logan
They are leaning on a wall next to each other. Logan's arm around her waist.
WINDSONG
Come dance with me.
LOGAN
I don't dance.
WINDSONG
Even with me?
LOGAN
No.
Windsong looks to the dance floor and then back at him with a smile.
WINDSONG
So what can you do?
Logan looks at her from the corner of his eye with a smile. Windsong LAUGHS.
ANGLE ON the doorway
Professor X and Orora come into the room. He wheels right up to the center of the dance floor and everyone gives him space.
PROF X
I wanted to call attention to why we
are celebrating.
The music stops for the moment.
PROF X
Today we are welcoming our newest to
this school.
Everyone claps.
ANGLE ON Alex.
Scott comes right over and throws his arm around him proudly.
ANGLE ON Windsong
She smiles and looks to Logan.
ANGLE ON Prof X
PROF X
We are not just a school or team,
together because we have no place
to go. We choose to be here because
this is our home, our family… we are
X-Men.
CUT TO
EXT. THE SCHOOL
As the sun sets over the beautiful mansion, a flock of birds rise up over the trees, flying in perfect formation.
FADE OUT
THE END
