ACT FOUR - PART 2
SCENE 16: INT. DARK SIDE MINE MIDDLE LEVEL CHAMBER TWO
Riddick manages to stop himself from the dodgy slide a measly few inches from the edge of an outcrop. He turns around and looks over the ledge and sees a short drop of a few meters down that expands into a large chamber – ten times larger than the one he just came from. Through his enhanced light sensitive eyes, Riddick examines the dark chamber.
The floor is lined with the smaller creatures and one or two larger ones. He doesn't see Candice anywhere. Even if they caught her, there should be signs of blood. Guessing that he's got nothing to lose, Riddick calls out in a soft but audible tone and is almost not too surprised to hear a reply. He knew there was something different about her.
RIDDICK
Where are you?
CANDICE
I'm down here, I'm okay, I'm coming up.
Riddick tries to look but still doesn't see her and strangely, he notices that there is a small dark patch in the herd that's moving towards him. The creatures don't seem to notice it much. He strains his eyes and can make out it's a figure and almost can't believe his eyes.
RIDDICK
What the hell!? Why aren't they attacking you?
CANDICE
Don't know, don't care … could we possibly talk about this later?
She begins to climb up the face of the ledge while Riddick reaches down to help her. Just as he begins to pull her up, one of the smaller creatures jumps after her and grabs her foot with his tail. Apparently he wants to play.
RIDDICK
Did you just suddenly pick up weight?
CANDICE
Damn it, just give me a sec…
She waits for the young male to look up at her then harshly kicks it in the face causing it to drop back down. The commotion is noticed by the crowd and they suddenly become restless. Riddick also notices the stir among the herd and can see them looking up towards him.
RIDDICK
I think you pissed them off. You weren't playing nice.
He hoists her up and shoves her into the tunnel and follows quickly as the creatures begin a casual pursuit.
SCENE 17: INT. DARK SIDE MINE CHAMBER OF TUNNELS
They climb out and Riddick looks right into Skrul's lamp which sends a piecing pain through his head. With Riddick disabled, Candice acts quickly and grabs the lamp from Skrul shining it into the tunnel. The few creatures that managed to catch up with them cry in agony as the light meets their arrival. They quickly retreat back down the small tunnel and for a time anyway, the men can relax.
RIDDICK
Thanks.
As Candice helps Riddick to his feet, Marty steps forward and pretends to be happy, when in fact, he was almost rid of her. It might have been sooner than he planned but it would have saved him the trouble.
MARTY
Gee Candice, for a minute there I thought you were a goner.
CANDICE
Screw you Marty. I know you'd love to see me dead. Scared that I'll tell all
your dirty little secrets or that I'll stab you in the back while you're sleeping
for being less of a man than a filthy worm.
MARTY
Don't go there Candice. It's only going to hurt you.
CANDICE
Oh, now you're suddenly so concerned.
Henry barges in between them and holds his hands up in protest. There's no time for sibling rivalry.
HENRY
Enough! We're running out of time.
Candice and Marty take a time out while the others assess the situation. Suddenly things are looking worse as they are puzzled as to what the next move will be.
CANDICE
We should head east, down that tunnel.
She points to an obvious tunnel which happens to be directly opposite the one that led them into the chamber.
MAT
And what makes you the expert?
CANDICE
So Marty didn't tell you why he brought me along? Figures.
Mat and the others look confused. They didn't know much come to think of it. Marty just told them to trust him and they have before, so why not now. Fargo was the only one who knew more than them, aside from Marty of course. It was going to be his task to kill her after using her to test the minerals.
Candice is the beacon. Whenever she is near the ore, she gets ill. This is how Marty knows that the stuff is genuine. He's never really questioned why this happens but figures it has something to do with her past. The only problem is, he needs to get this done before her collar expires. After that, he looses control and is essentially putting himself and his crew in danger. He was hoping Riddick would help them if the situation ever arose but if he had to guess, he doubts it very much.
MARTY
Riddick? What do you think?
RIDDICK
I think she's right. When we were down there, I noticed a tunnel off to the left,
it was guarded by those larger kind.
SKRUL
You mean they get bigger? Aw man, aw man, aw man.
Riddick ignores Skrul and quickly continues before the urge arises to shut him up for good.
RIDDICK (continues)
That's where I think the mineral is. As she said earlier, they are probably
breading by the ore and there is nothing of value to them except their young.
MARTY
Then it's settled, let's move.
Riddick is first into the tunnel followed by Marty, Skrul, Candice, Mat and Henry who have practically drowned themselves in lamps, flash lights and flares. Riddick and Candice seem to be the only two left in the dark. They run through the tunnel to the best of their abilities as there's not much room to maneuver. As they progress, the creatures back off but at the same time, they begin to follow from behind.
Henry's lamp flickers and he brings it in front of him to see what the problem is. This just leaves him open to a long tail suddenly pierced through his chest. Henry, unable to grab his weapon from pure shock, gets dragged back causing his lamp to shatter when it hits a rock along the mine wall. Mat turns around to face the horror. The others also stop when they hear Mat's cry.
MAT
Dear god! Henry!
Candice holds Mat back as Henry disappears into the blackness of the damp mine tunnel. Marty squeezes past to get to Mat. He realises what has happened and tries to put a comforting hands on his shoulder.
MARTY
I'm sorry Mat.
MAT
Damn it Marty! Is this ore more important than lives? I'm going back. We must
go back!
MARTY
Mat, Mat! You know there's always a risk. Henry knew there were risks and he
signed on anyway.
Candice releases Mat and joins Riddick in the front away from Marty and the emotional Henry. She says nothing as she silently mourns another loss. Riddick keeps his focus on the tunnel in front but is aware of Candice's presence. She can feel that they are near as her head begins to feel rather dizzy. In truth, she would rather not have Marty find the mineral.
CANDICE
We can't go back. That chamber is probably filled with those things by now and
we have less light than when we started. Out best bet is to find another way out.
MARTY
We're not giving up! It's down here I know it.
RIDDICK
I think I found something.
Riddick's eyes catch a faint green glow emanating from a small crack on the side of the tunnel. Candice steps back and leans against the tunnel wall, almost overcome with the dizziness.
RIDDICK (continued)
You okay.
CANDICE
Fine, it's just that ore, the closer we get the worse I feel.
CANDICE (continued to Marty)
It's not worth it Marty, you'll never get near it. You never predicted the mine
to be filled with these things, it's time to count your losses and get the hell out of here.
SKRUL
I'm with her, man.
MAT
Well I'm not. I have a little score to settle with those things.
RIDDICK
It doesn't matter who wants what. We can't go back and this tunnel is getting
too narrow to continue so we're going to have to work through the breading chamber
to get to that other tunnel in the corner. So who ever wants the stuff, grab
some on the way but I thinks we've overstayed our welcome.
SKRUL
Hey man, that stuff needs to be drilled. It's too hard to break off.
Candice steps forward and looks through the crack. Riddick is right, there is another tunnel in the corner and it might just be a way out. Conveniently, the ill tempered breeding habits of the creatures have caused many fragments to break off the larger stalactites.
CANDICE
You won't need to drill, there are pieces on the ground. They've been broken off.
MARTY
Then it's settled. We'll break through to the chamber, dash through the middle
and distract the things while Candice gathers the pieces.
RIDDICK
That's madness, you're sending her on a suicide mission.
MARTY
I didn't hire you to think. In case you haven't noticed, she's not like us.
They won't even see her. Now put on your shades 'cause you're running with us.
Mat takes out a small explosive device and places it on the crack. They quickly back away as far as the narrow tunnel would allow and wait for the small blast. The dust from the explosion clears but the crack is still too small for them to pass through. Riddick know that the longer Candice is exposed to this environment, the more ill she might get. He's too impatient to wait for another detonation so he decides to kick the hole bigger. He is successful and Marty is rather impressed.
MARTY
Okay, on my count…three…two…NOW!
SCENE 18: INT. DARK SIDE MINE LOWER LEVEL BREADING CHAMBER
They walk at a fast pace through the middle of the chamber. The smaller creatures scatter and sound the alarm alerting the larger species about the intruders. A large creature waddles through to them but keeps his distance like the smaller ones.
Meanwhile Candice slips into the chamber unnoticed and makes her way to the ore. Riddick tries to keep an eye on her and manages to follow her silhouette moving towards the ore, only for a short time however before being forced to return his attention to the group.
As she picks up the pieces, she gets tired and weak, it's really is making her sick. When they reach the approximate centre, Mat calls fro the group to halt.
MAT
Stop, stop, stop!
MARTY
What now Mat?
MAT
Just want to leave our friends here a little going away gift.
He removes a large explosive device from his backpack, places it on the ground and keys in its activation code. Riddick turns away from the lights for a second and lifts his goggles to check up on Candice. He sees some minerals fall to the ground and can barely make out Candice's presence. She too has fallen to the ground and is too weak to stand up.
RIDDICK
Something's wrong. I'm going back for her. We'll meet you at the tunnel.
Before anyone can say otherwise, Riddick removes his goggles completely, places his lamp on his back and runs off towards Candice. Mat covers the bomb with dirt making it less noticeable although Skrul doubts that they'll notice seeing as all their attention is focused on them. They continue to move briskly towards the exit.
Riddick dodges the creatures that are focused on the main group but can't see her anywhere. Then he hears a faint cough and barely spots her as the light from his lamp reflects off a smooth rock surface and catches the tip of her shoe. Being careful not to be noticed, he makes his way to her.
CANDICE
It's this damn ore *cough*, there's just too much in here.
RIDDICK
Here, give it to me.
He takes the small radiation shielded pouch from her and fills it with as many pieces as he can manage. He also makes a point of taking a piece for himself, places it in a separate pouch and hides it in his pocket, before helping her up.
CANDICE
Earlier you called me Kat.
RIDDICK
What?
CANDICE
How did you know?
RIDDICK
Can we get into this later?
CANDICE
*cough* Sure, I can see this is not a good time.
They begin to make their way to the entrance keeping a sharp eye on the creatures who are tracking their movements. They don't seem to threatened by Candice but are skeptical about Riddick. Every now and again, one of them tries to take a nip out of him but luckily they are unsuccessful, more playful than anything else. Once they reach the others, Marty wastes no time asking after the ore. As for Candice, it doesn't matter much anymore, if she got the goods.
MARTY
Did you get it?
RIDDICK
Here's your precious jewels just keep them away from her, this bag's not one
hundred percent shielded and they're making her sick. We can't afford to have
someone lagging behind and slowing us down.
MAT
Wait! I forgot to arm the bomb, I'm going back.
MARTY
Leave it Mat.
MAT
No! They will pay for what they did to Henry and Fargo.
Mat runs off with a lamp almost fearless in his quest for revenge. He reaches the bomb and activates it. As he turns to head back his lamp flickers and goes out. We see through Riddick's eyes as the creatures instantaneously engulf Mat and tear him to bits.
RIDDICK
Hurry, while they're distracted.
Riddick lets the others go first so that he has their backs covered. He once again puts on his goggles and they race through the new tunnel as fast as they can move in this new confined space. Candice seems to be regaining her strength the further away the get from the main breeding chamber.
CANDICE
How long do you think we have!?
MARTY
He never sets under ten minutes!
SKRUL
Guys, let's get the hell out of here!
The deeper they go into the oddly shaped tunnel, the more muddy and soft the sand seems to get. Between the screeches, they can also make out a strange humming noise that is getting closer. The tunnel should have led them back to the main chamber.
MARTY
This must lead back to the entrance chamber. We should be able to make it.
But instead, the ground below them suddenly gives way and they slide vigorously down a make-shift mud and dirt chute. Marty is the first to go down and then the others uncontrollably follow as if the ground was giving way one by one.
SCENE 19: INT. DARK SIDE MINE LOWER LEVEL RIVER CHAMBER
Suddenly the group are spat out from a tunnel on the side. They drop at least ten meters before splashing into icy cold water. Riddick soon realises that they are moving with a current and establishes that it's a huge underground river. The water is strangely creating it's own faint luminosity which makes it difficult for Riddick to not use his goggles. The water must be almost below zero in temperature which is making it hard to swim when your limbs feel like they are freezing up. Riddick also notices the roof of the chamber and how it is littered with openings. The only support the ceiling seems to have are the large mixture of ice and rock columns.
CANDICE
Get out the water! Try and make it to the side and get out!
Unfortunately, they did not travel along down the shaft. A few small creatures managed to follow them and are now comfortably leaping into the water after them. It's not long before there calls invite more creatures from the other openings to join in the playful hunt. They are surprisingly good swimmers and seem very agile in the water. Skrul is struggling more than the others because he is a weak swimmer, and can't stay above water. Riddick swims to him and helps him to the side knowing that they are vulnerable seeing as his lamp broke during the slide down and Skrul's lamp has become flooded. Riddick quickly reaches into Skruls backpack and lights a flare just in time as two creatures exit the water and surround them.
RIDDICK
Kat! Where the hell are you!
Skrul shivers from the extreme cold and points further down the river. Candice has gone after Marty.
SKRUL
Look man, s-she's insane.
Riddick watches her shadow just below the water's surface. In close pursuit is a small creature who is under the impression that she's one of them. As it reaches up behind her, she places her feet on its head and uses it to thrust her forward towards Marty. Candice then grabs him and uses her own enhanced strength and speed together with the motion of the creature, to jump out of the water with Marty firmly clenched in her grasp. As they sail through the air just short of a nearby ledge, Candice removes the blade she hid earlier and digs it into the icy column of the ledge.
In the process she uses her speed and agility to free her hands by dropping Marty and catching him again with her legs. This is a big strain for her but it would have been impossible for an ordinary person. Riddick grabs Skrul and they head in her direction sticking close together with just the one flare. Candice and Marty hang helpless in the dark.
CANDICE
Damn Marty, wake up!
RIDDICK
Look out above you!
Shouts Riddick who is able to see above the ledge where Candice cannot. Just then Marty comes to and quickly lights a flare holding it up high to keep the creature at bay. Candice grips the blade's handle with both hands as Marty climbs up her to the top of the column. Riddick and Skrul watch from below making sure to keep an eye out for themselves as well. Luckily, the dull glow coming from the water makes the creatures' senses so much worse. Marty waves the flare about causing the creature to flee from tiny surface.
MARTY
Gee, thanks little sis but I think this is where you get off.
CANDICE
I don't think so.
Riddick and Skrul are helpless to do anything as the events unfold between Marty and Candice. Marty can see that the blade will not support her for much longer. As she tries to grab the slippery ice ledge, he kicks her hand away making her relay totally on the strength of the blade. Persistence allows her to hook her leg over the edge and at the same time, grabs Marty's foot and pulls it from under him. He falls, caught off guard, on his back dropping the flare near the edge. Candice hoists herself up and punches Marty as he tries to get up. He then rolls over and kicks her legs from under her and she too falls back and almost off the rim. He then leaps on top of her and tries to strangle her knowing that she is stronger but uses her tiredness against her.
Candice forces her leg under him and essentially kicks him hard backwards and conveniently off the ledge, not forgetting to grab the pouch along the way. The forgotten flare rolls off the edge before Candice has a chance to catch it. Candice watches the flare follow Marty into the water and is overcome with zero emotion. A pack of waiting creatures scatter from the water when the flare finally lands. It's a light weight object and drifts faster down the river then Marty who is to slow and cold to grab it. As it gets further from him the creatures get closer, until eventually, they pull him under.
RIDDICK
Here, catch this and climb down.
Riddick tosses her his knife and she removes her blade from the column. Candice in return tosses Riddick the pouch before using the two sharp blades to dig into the ice and climbs down to Riddick and Skrul. Riddick points to a tunnel behind them.
RIDDICK
This is the way out.
SKRUL
How the hell do you know!?
CANDICE
Because there is a draft which means it leads either to the chamber of tunnels
or directly to the surface.
Candice is rather surprised that Riddick's not bothered by her little display, after all, he should be. She hands him back his knife and takes the pouch from his hand, handing it to Skrul.
RIDDICK
What, don't you trust me?
CANDICE
Not if my life depended on it.
RIDDICK
Ouch.
SKRUL
Can we like, get the hell out of here, now!? In case you forgot, there's a bomb
that's about to blow and (whimperish) I don't want to freak'en die!
Riddick hands Skrul the flare before taking point and removing his goggles. They head into the dark damp tunnel keeping Skrul between them. The corridor twists upward and certain sections need to be climbed. They can tell that it is not used often by the creatures.
SCENE 20: INT. DARK SIDE MINE EXIT TUNNEL
The three survivors continue to climb and weave their way through the deformed tunnel. The thin breeze is their only life rope out. By now they are all very bruised, crapped, dirty and cold, but none of that matter as time is of the essence.
SCENE 21: INT. DARK SIDE MINE CHAMBER OF TUNNELS
Finally back in the chamber of tunnels, the gang emerges from a hole in the middle of the chamber. He surveys the area for any nasties and surprisingly, there are none. He helps the others out of the opening and ponders that lack of activity.
RIDDICK
That's strange.
SKRUL
What is?
RIDDICK
It's too quiet.
CADNICE
Guys, it's been more than ten minutes. Either that bomb is a dud, or it could
go any second now. Let's not frown upon good fortune.
SKRUL (excitingly)
But wait, it's set on twenty minutes, we have time man, we have time!
Both Candice and Riddick give him a cold stare and feel the need to just leave him behind as chow, but Candice has seen enough death today, and Riddick is more concerned a hasty exit to worry about how he's going to take care of Skrul. Candice tries not to roll her eyes and Riddick avoids clenches his teeth too hard.
SKRUL (continued)
What? I saw him punch it in myself. Jeez, excuse me for being scared shitless
and forgetting a small detail.
RIDDICK
Why you little idiot!
CANDICE
Well, that means we have at least another five minutes. Let's not waste them
calling names.
They hurry to leave through the tunnel from where they first entered, oddly finding no need to clear a path.
SCENE 22: INT. DARK SIDE MINE BREEDING CHAMBER
Unknown to the lucky three, back in the breeding chamber where the bomb was set, almost all the creatures have gathered here to brawl over who gets to mate with the large queen. The presence of the bomb does not affect the proceedings as we ZOOM up to it and FADE OUT.
Continue to Act 5...