DISCLAIMER: None of this belongs to me, but I wish to thank the copyright
holders who created that which inspired this fic. I thank you.
AUTHOR NOTE:
Well friends, here is the final chapter. I've had some fun, and your reviews not only bolstered my confidence, but prompted Runaway Train 2, the first chapter of which is already complete.
Here, for your enjoyment, is the final chapter of Runaway Train. Sit back, relax, and let the show commence.
525 INT. CENTRAL
It's just Frank, MacDonald and Noin left. Frank has shut his terminal down and sits in the centre of the room in his chair looking at his knees, unable to watch.
Neither can MacDonald, who faces away from the board stringing paperclips together, or Noin, who quietly looks at the photos of her lover, and her adopted daughter.
The three people look very alone, the only one's left to whether the final storm.
All of the amassed technology of the control room, the powerful computers, the map board that sees and shows all, suddenly looks very small and weak, mere plastic and microchips.
What chance did they ever stand against the relentless beast of steel?
As we watch these hopeless few the voice of a TV announcer can be heard.
ANCHORMAN (VO): ...Treize Kushrenada himself travelled to outer space today to preside over the grand ceremony celebrating the completion of colony L3-X18999...
Frank turns to get his coffee and looks through the glass wall into the reception area where the TV is mounted. It currently shows a shot of a colony turning slowly in space.
Still staring at the screen Frank puts forward the question that's been prying on his mind for the past few minutes.
FRANK: (devastated, his whole world torn down around him) I still don't understand...How did this happen...Why couldn't we stop it...With all this junk...
526 INT. FRANK'S POV - TV SCREEN
With a blast of Vernier engine's Treize's personal shuttle blasts into the air, to the space, the stars and beyond.
FRANK (VO): I mean with all this high technology...
527 CUT TO MACDONALD.
He continues to string paperclips together into a massive chain, not looking at Frank as he answers.
MACDONALD: (absently) Some things can't be explained.
He pulls on his chain which splits apart, like a breaking leash...
528 CUT TO NOIN
She still stares at the photographs, her mind possibly a million miles away, or with Zechs at Stonehaven.
529 CUT TO FRANK
Behind them the control panel, the false god of technology continues to beep and flash, trying to draw their attention back to it. The three just carry on ignoring it.
SLOWLY PUSH IN ON FRANK
He is red-faced, sweaty and bewildered, his face showing his struggle to understand anything.
As the camera zooms in on him we hear a sound begin to build in the background as the soundtrack begins to swell.
As Frank's eyes go wide, we recognise this continuous, drumming heartbeat.
530 EXT. DETAIL - TRAIN WHEELS
The sound continues into this shot as the wheels of the train try to drum the rails to powder. The pace is faster quicker, as the train releases all of it's saved energy for this final, spectacular run.
The soundtrack continues to built, and just before it reaches it's climax we...
531 RAPID CUT TO.
EXT. HELICOPTER SHOT - THE RUNAWAY TRAIN
There it is, far ahead and below us, and as the orchestra cuts loose with a clash of cymbals and horns, we gasp in awe.
The snow has halted, allowing us this single, panoramic shot, which will be the signature image of the film. The railroad strides ahead of us, straight and true for at least two miles, across tundra, river and through forest, to the feet of the mountains, the foundations of stone.
For the first time ever, the train, which has seemed to us so great and powerful, is dwarfed by the sheer scale of the works of Nature. It is a pinprick on the landscape.
But as we push in on these four speeding monsters, we can feel once again their immense, brooding presence; a deep malignant power.
They strike ahead of the camera, relentless and unstoppable as we slowly catch up and swoop overhead. This shot is the opening curtain for the film's final act, and it is suitably impressive and climatic.
532 EXT. DETAIL - WRECKAGE
We are perched on the roof of the lead engine looking down on the ruins of the Eastbound 12, which are grotesque yet beautiful, and we hear the powerful thrum of the leader's diesel engine, a pounding, racing pulse of energy, vigour, and deadly speed.
533 EXT. RUNAWAY
The camera is fixed at rail level, racing just ahead of the train.
The lead engine bounds after us, chasing us - it's prey. The engine rocks and leaps on it's suspension, and as it leans into a curve the three trailing units sinuate after it like the tail of a snake.
It is power, fear, death and terrible glory incarnate.
It is the Runaway Train.
534 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Seen from another helicopter Une's machine heads for the train.
Alex is on the side of the helicopter, perched on the port landing skid.
535 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
The three huddle pitifully together.
536 EXT. HELICOPTER
Alex stoops to open a box on the skid and a long rope ladder drops out. It's about fifty feet in length. He begins to scramble down, hand over hand.
537 EXT. CLOSEUP - ALEX
Alex looks down at the train, terrified.
538 EXT. RUNAWAY - ALEX'S POV
It's a long way down.
539 EXT. HELICOPTER - POV FROM TRAIN ROOF
It swoops very low towards us, heading for the lead engine. Alex swings like a pendulum underneath while the pilot tries to keep in line with the speeding runaway.
540 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde looks up for the briefest of seconds and starts.
541 EXT. HILDE'S POV
Alex is almost on the lead engine, about twenty feet above it.
542 BACK TO HILDE
As she jumps up in sudden shock, hope rekindled.
HILDE: Look!
She points and Heero and Duo look up. Duo automatically leaps to her side, but Heero drags behind, moving like he was drugged; movements sluggish and suppressed.
543 EXT. HELICOPTER - POV FROM TRAIN ROOF
Looking forward this time. Alex is almost down, bathed in smoke from the leader's exhaust fans.
544 EXT. HELICOPTER - UNE
Une hangs out the door, watching and yelling instructions to the pilot.
545 EXT. RUNAWAY - UNE'S POV
Looking straight down we see Alex hanging over the gap between the first and second engines.
546 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
All three are glued to the windows. Hilde stares up, hanging on the control console, with hope in her eyes. Duo and Heero share a look, realising that it's a prison helicopter.
547 EXT. ALEX - THEIR POV
Alex is almost on the lead engine. Suddenly the helicopter drops lower and his feet land on the high bonnet of the lead engine near the end. He's down!
Suddenly the helicopter drops back by about a meter, dragging him with it. His feet trip on the rear exhaust vent and he balances precariously right on the end of the engine!
548 EXT. CLOSE-UP - ALEX
Alex waves his hands wildly, trying to regain his balance. Screaming, he falls out of shot.
549 EXT. ALEX - POV FROM 2ND CAB
Alex falls from the lead engine, bounces up off the second unit's nose, then flies straight into the windscreen of its cab.
550 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Sharp reflexes in action Duo grabs Hilde and turns her to the back wall as the glass shatters. Heero doesn't move except to close his eyes and the shards break around him like waves on a rock.
Duo and Hilde turn back, horrified.
551 EXT. THEIR POV - ALEX
The windscreen his smashed and only blood-stained shards remain.
Alex is half in, half out. Face frozen in shock he scrabbles for a handhold but slides off the nose.
DUO (VO): Holy shit!
552 EXT. 2ND UNIT - COWCATCHER
Alex drops down and gets caught in the gap between the cowcatcher and the railbed.
His body tries to squeeze through the three-inch gap, fails and is thrown aside by the cowcatcher, dyeing the snow pink.
Gruesome.
553 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde and Duo are in shock, staring in horror at the blood-splattered windsheild, oblivious to the howling wind that's blowing snow through the broken pane of glass.
Heero stares, then a strange smile appears on his face - he explodes in laughter.
Hilde and Duo stare at him like a man demented as he steps up to the windsheild..
HEERO: You see that Une! You see that!
554 INT. HELICOPTER
Une looks down through the open door of the helicopter and smiles.
555 EXT. RUNAWAY - 2ND ENGINE
Heero is leaning out of the window, waving a fist at Une and yelling at her.
556 INT. HELICOPTER
Une laughs and slams the door shut, pulling off her radio headset and dragging on her gloves and headgear. Nichol watches her like she's insane. The pilot stares straight ahead, wearing his goggles and baseball cap.
NICHOL: You're crazy! They're gonna crash! They're dead.
UNE: I want him alive! Remember what I said. It's no fun unless you kill them yourself.
557 EXT. RUNAWAY
Below the engines rumble, challenging Une down, down to Heero.
558 INT. HELICOPTER
Une throws the door open and starts edging out onto the skid.
559 EXT. RUNAWAY
We pull ahead to reveal the lead engine in all of its distorted glory. The terrain is changing, growing up from flat tundra to rocky hillsides. The train is now running on a ledge high above a river gorge.
560 EXT. HELICOPTER
Une squats on the skid and pulls herself underneath the copter's cockpit to the ladder.
561 INT. HELICOPTER
Just as Une gets on the ladder, the pilot points ahead. Nichol (now in Une's seat) turns and screams.
562 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Looking back we see the helicopter suddenly pull up and away from the train.
563 EXT. CLOSEUP - UNE
The sudden movement throws her and she nearly falls! Grabbing hold she twists her head and her mouth drops open.
564 EXT. UNE'S POV
Ahead the railroad and river dive into a narrow mountain pass. As the train reaches the canyon mouth it swings left across the river on a steel bridge.
565 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
Looking forward from the lead engine at rail level a tunnel suddenly rushes up after the bridge and it's blackness smothers us.
566 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNWAY
Looking down we see the helicopter swerve to avoid the cliff the runaway engines have vanished into and swings along the knife-edged valley. Une underneath barely misses slamming into a rock promontory.
567 EXT. TUNNEL MOUTH
The very second the last engine is swallowed by the short tunnel the lead engine powers out the other end with a scream and a roar, like a beast escaping from Hades.
568 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The pilot can't climb out of the narrow valley without killing Une, so is forced to fly parallel to the train on its shelf above the creek.
569 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Heero lets out a sneering scream at Une.
HEERO: See! I've broken free - You'll never take me alive bitch!
570 EXT. HEERO'S POV
Une's helicopter hangs back as the train is consumed by another tunnel, the second of six along this next mile of track.
HEERO (VO): What's the matter Une, you got no guts!
571 INT.2ND ENGINE - CAB
It's pitch black in the tunnel. Suddenly light fills it as the engines burst back into day
Heero is practically dancing round the cab, constantly adjusting his position to get the best view of Une.
HEERO: You'll never stop this train! Never! I told you! I told you I'd break free!
Hilde and Duo keep well away from this exploding powder keg!
HEERO: I've done it! I've done it for Zechs and all the rest. Here I am right in your face!
He starts jumping up and down like a maniac.
HEERO: I've won! I've won! You don't like that Une? Then come on down! Come on down with your big gun bitch. See - I'm alive!
572 EXT. RUNAWAY
Racing now for the finish line the engines ram on through into the third tunnel, refusing to give up the fight or lose to the helicopter as it tries to draw ahead.
573 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
The effect is stroboscopic as the engines drive into the third tunnel and straight out. The fourth looms ahead.
HEERO (VO) You hear me - you'll never get me!
574 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Heero's burning with energy now, screaming and cursing at Une who parallels him.
HEERO: You'll never stop this train! Never you understand!
575 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
As the machines drive into the fourth tunnel Heero's screams echo off the walls of the canyon.
HEERO'S VOICE: (echoing) I've won! I've won! I've won!
576 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
We burst back into daylight and instantly into the fifth tunnel.
We can't see anything. Suddenly the engines hit a curve and ahead is the exit, then its behind us.
The camera bounces and flies along the rails as we sweep into the next curve. Above us loom towering cliffs of stone, some actually overhanging the track.
With a roar that is suddenly muted the runaway enters the sixth and final tunnel.
577 EXT. WHEELS
Daylight suddenly bursts upon us and we focus on the wheels spinning and thundering inches from our face.
Suddenly a screaming sound fills our ears and the ground beneath spins dizzyingly.
578 EXT. SWITCHTRACK
The engines swing off the line to Lyons with a sickening lurch, narrowly missing the camera.
579 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
The change in direction throws Heero, Hilde and Duo across the cabin and they slam into the walls.
580 EXT. WHITE FIELD
The runaway is speeding away from the main track that's hardly visible in the distance. The rails of this new, disused spur are covered with inches of snow.
Behind, Une follows, hanging from the helicopter.
581 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
The sudden lurch has brought Heero back down to planet earth. He gazes at Hilde, who's looking out the window.
HEERO: What was that!
Hilde turns back into the cab, her face a mask of horror. Slowly she sinks to the floor.
HEERO: What happened?
Heero and Duo look to her for an explanation.
HILDE: (weakly) They gave up on us...They switched us off the main track onto...
Duo probes her, not wanting to hear the answer.
DUO: Onto what?
Hilde looks at him, tears in the corners of her eyes.
HILDE: Onto a dead end.
She closes her eyes to pray. Duo shakes his head.
DUO: Oh no...
He looks at Hilde and shakes her by the shoulders.
DUO; How long do we have. Two minutes? Ten? One?
HILDE: (shattered) All the time in the world. Eternity.
582 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The helicopter swings round in an arc back to the train which rumbles onto a steel bridge.
583 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
As the bridge falls behind we can barely make out the buried rails. The train is seemingly running on the snow.
584 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde weeping on the floor pulls Duo in with her.
HILDE: Hold me...I don't want to die alone.
Heero, still by the window, sneers at her. He seems confidant, like he has a plan.
HEERO: (scorning) We all die alone.
He yells back out at Une.
585 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The train is now below the mountains in a narrow, pristine valley. Heero's voice is amplified by the confined space. Even Une can hear him from underneath the helicopter, which gradually comes lower.
HEERO: Come on Une! Come on down! Just try! You never stop this train you hear me!
586 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
We now have some faint idea as to what Heero's plan is. He's smashing the remaining shards of glass out of the shattered window with Duo's wrench, still screaming vague obscenities at Une.
He's gonna jump.
Duo, who has been hugging and comforting Hilde looks up at him, shaking his head.
DUO: You can't get across Heero.
Heero turns back, grinning slightly as he pulls his hat and clothing back on. The bottle of bourbon is in his hand.
HEERO: You've still gotta learn Maxwell. It's all up here...
He taps his head with the bottle.
HEERO: I'll cross this thing!
He pours the last millilitres of bourbon over his wounded hand, numbing the pain.
HEERO: (with resolve) I'll cross it! I'll cross it!
He throws the bottle aside and it smashes out of one of the windows. Breathing heavily he spins to Duo, fire in his eyes.
HEERO: (somewhere between fury and euphoria) Watch me!
As the soundtrack kicks up again Heero gets one foot on the engineers seat and boosts his way out of the window. Duo shakes his head. Hilde pulls him in.
HILDE: If he wants to dies under the wheels, let him...
Duo keeps his eyes on the window, not refusing to give up on Heero.
Heero drags himself out the window without looking back.
587 EXT. 2ND ENGINE - NOSE
Heero, with his back against the windshield hangs onto the roof handrails and struggles to get a foothold on the slick nose.
588 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Heero can be clearly seen on the nose of the engine. Une motions to the pilot to go for the drop.
589 EXT. 2ND ENGINE - NOSE
Heero bends his knees and pushes forward, managing to get to his feet. He braces himself, looks down.
590 EXT. HEERO'S POV - COUPLING
Below him the coupling shakes and rattles in its sockets.
591 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
From inside, Heero looks like he's crucified on the empty frame of the windshield. He tenses, then throws himself forward into the void, disappearing out of sight.
Hilde hugs Duo as he curls up into her, hope gone. They hold each other tightly.
The two lock eyes, then kiss passionately, releasing their pent-up emotions.
592 EXT. HELICOPTER
Une, who saw the whole affair stares.
593 EXT. UNE'S POV - 1ST / 2ND ENGINES
Heero's dropped into the gap between the two engines.
He's gone.
594 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The helicopter swirls overhead as Une tries to make up her mind to try and save the train or give up. There is no sign or trace of Heero on the second engine.
595 EXT. RUNAWAY - LOOKING ALONG ROOF
The engines continue to thunder towards their doom. Hold for a few seconds...Then pan along the train and down to...
596 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINE - COUPLING
...A single bloody hand hooked on the coupling shaft.
597 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINE
Heero hangs from beneath the coupling with his injured hand, slipping down. He gets his good hand on the other coupling and tries to get his feet up.
Suddenly his feet slip and drop back down, almost touching the rails. One foot grazes the ground and is deflected aside by the scrape. Heero, grunts, the veins in his neck bulging as he tries to pulls himself up.
598 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINE - COUPLING
Heero manages to pull himself up and wraps both arms around the coupling, which violently strains and shakes with a piercing banging and screeching.
Heero struggles to get a better handhold and his wounded hand slips into the small gap between the two claws of the coupling.
With a massive bang, the train hits a curve and the coupling closes around his hand like a vice, crushing it with the weight of the two engines. Blood sprays out and splashes over his face.
For the first time, Heero screams.
He yanks it out and nearly falls, but manages to get his arms around the railing supports. His feet drop and he hangs by his shoulders, his body straining against the metal.
Heero pulls, the muscles in his arms knotting as he drags himself back onto the deck.
His feet finally find a purchase on the coupling and he pushes himself up, inch by inch.
599 EXT. RUNAWAY
From above Heero is clearly visible. The Helicopter enters shot and we see Une begin to make her way down the ladder.
600 EXT. 1ST ENGINE - REAR CATWALK
Heero starts dragging himself along the snow covered deck, so spent he can barely stand. He rubs his blood off his face with his sleeve, the hand a bloody mess.
601 EXT. CLOSE-UP - UNE
Une, who was about to climb back up to the bubble, gestures wildly for the pilot to go down faster and faster as she points towards Heero, nearly at the door.
The helicopter drops with reckless speed.
602 EXT. 1ST ENGINE
Heero reaches the door and pulls himself up, pulling the door open and falling inside.
603 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
Une is about ten feet above the engine's rear bonnet.
604 INT. HELICOPTER
Nichol is hanging out the door.
605 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
Une's about to make the drop when suddenly...
606 INT. HELICOPTER
...The pilot throws the helicopter sideways. Nichol is thrown back through the door, landing in his seat haphazardly.
616 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
Uncontrolled Une flies from side to side, hanging by just one arm, swinging out over first snow then back across.
617 INT. HELICOPTER
Nichol glares at the pilot.
NICHOL: (maddened) What the f**k was that for.
The pilot whips off his cap and goggles. Long brown bangs fall out.
It's Trowa.
TROWA: Doing my bit for some comrades.
618 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
As Une swings back over the roof she lets go and flies. She hits the top of the cab and slides almost over the edge, but grabs hold of the horn assembly and pulls herself back onto the roof.
Drawing her gun she crawls to the back of the roof and sweeps for Heero on the catwalks. Nothing.
619 INT. HELICOPTER
Trowa and Nichol are at a stalemate. Nichol's pulled his gun and Trowa has his hand poised over the engine shutdown switch.
Nichol suddenly puts two and two together.
NICHOL: You! You're Gundam pilot 03!
Trowa nods. Nichol is suddenly livid.
NICHOL: You tried to kill me! You killed Alex!
He pulls the trigger. On reflex Trowa throws himself forward and a bullet appears in the plexiglas where his head was.
Trowa's weight throws the control pedestal forward.
620 EXT. HELICOPTER
It dives suddenly, cutting across the train's path and barely missing it.
621 INT. HELICOPTER:
Nichol screams at Trowa, who struggles to regain control.
NICHOL: Take us up! Now!
Trowa hits the power and the helicopter surges forward, throwing Nichol back in his seat.
622 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
It's spectacular.
The train races along the valley, the helicopter trailing behind and above, still shaking violently.
As the helicopter rushes along the train a mountain peak suddenly obscures the view of the helicopter mounted camera.
623 EXT. 1ST ENGINE - REAR DECK
Une scrambles down the ladder at the rear of the engine's bonnet, gun pulled, briefly looking over her shoulder at engine two.
With a suddenly roar the helicopter overtakes the lead engine and she looks up in surprise.
624 INT. HELICOPTER
As Nichol recovers Trowa swings the control column hard left, banking the chopper over the train.
Nichol, not strapped to his seat is thrown against the door, which barely holds his weight. The gun clatters out of his hand.
Trowa raises a booted foot and kicks Nichol in the gut.
The door gives way beneath the force and Nichol falls out.
625 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Screaming, Nichol tumbles and catches on the edge of the second engine, which causes him to spin wildly before he punches a hole through a frozen river below the train. The helicopter drops back and Trowa waits.
626 EXT. 1ST ENGINE
Une cautiously makes her way along the side of the engine, gun drawn. She reaches the door.
627 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Une leaps inside, spinning around to cover herself with the Desert Eagle.
No sign of anyone.
Une looks over her shoulder at the shutdown button, then slowly edges her way around the control stand.
Suddenly, Heero leaps out from behind the panel, clutching the cab's fire extinguisher. He pulls the trigger before Une can react and she is coated in foam. She fires, but the shot goes wide.
Heero empties the small canister and flings it at Une, catching her in the gut. She reels back against the window but recovers and springs for the shutdown button.
Heero's bloody hand intercepts hers and he grabs her from behind.
Une strains with every once of strength to push the innocent red button. She's quite strong, but no match for even the wounded perfect soldier. Her fingers come just short.
The effect is like a psychedelic strobe as the train speeds through a series of short cuttings, the light playing on the weirdly distorted cab.
Heero rams Une towards the front of the cab and the woman grabs a smashed pipe off the floor and swings it at Heero. It gets him in the arm, but he slugs it off, relentlessly advancing on her.
HEERO: (fiercely) Is Zechs alive?
He spins her round and pulls a pair of handcuffs from her belt.
HEERO: (with more venom) Is Zechs alive?
UNE: (choking slightly) Yes...Yes!
Heero wraps her arms around the wreckage protruding through the windshield and cuffs her wrists together. Heaving, he slumps against the back wall, his head mere inches from the cut-off button.
HEERO: (smiling) That's good, he'll be glad.
628 INT. CLOSEUP - UNE
She blinks and comes back to reality.
629 INT. DETAIL - HANDCUFFS
The chains clink against the pipe they're wrapped around as she tests them and she realises her position.
630 BACK TO UNE...
As she lunges forward, trying to snap them, only to be held back. She tries again, growling like an animal.
631 CUT TO HEERO...
...As he watches this with a detached curiosity, a thin smile on his lips.
632 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
The trees and telegraph poles fly by as the train hurtles down a long straight avenue through a forest.
633 INT. IST ENGINE - CAB
Une has collapsed back against the wreckage but still looks dangerous. She smiles wildly.
UNE: (certain of herself) Don't do it Yuy. You'll burn for it...You know you will.
Heero smiles back.
HEERO: Only God can judge me.
Une's grin drops slightly.
UNE: Push the button...We're on a dead end - We're gonna crash in five minutes.
Heero, bruised and bloody looks at the button slowly, still grinning madly. He shakes his head and takes residence of the engineer's seat.
HEERO: (knows he's in control) Then we'll have a nice five minute ride together. You, me...
He rests his hand on the power throttle.
HEERO: ...And my friend here...
UNE: (sardonic sense of humour kicking in) Your friend?
She shakes her head and laughs.
UNE: You're pathetic...You're even worse than that Noin bitch...
Heero looks up. He knows that name.
UNE: (taunting) We're both gonna die so I guess it can come out. She ain't dead...In fact, she's only a few miles from here...Waiting for dear old Zechs to come home...
Heero's back on his feet now, fire in his eyes.
HEERO: (cold) She's alive...
He suddenly lets it fly.
HEERO: (furious) You let Zechs think she was dead! You took away the only person he cared for!
Une's on a roll now.
UNE: Yeah, and guess what? She's taking care of that Darlain girl...Got her living with her. How pathetic can you get...I never knew such a wet blanket as that pink-obsessed pacifist...
Heero looks like he's gonna let her have it, fury burning in his eyes...
...He suddenly sits back down.
HEERO: ...She's better than either of us...
He fishes a large crowbar out of an exploded toolbox on the floor and tries it's weight, slowly tapping it against the window.
HEERO: ...And if this Noin's caring for her...She's a better woman than even Zechs made me believe.
They hold each other's gaze for a few seconds. Une cracks first.
UNE: (spitting at him) You're right in one way...You're scum Yuy.
Heero spins the seat and gazes absently out of the remaining section of the windscreen.
HEERO: We're both scum...
He looks and grins cruelly at Une.
HEERO: ...Sister.
Une can't reply. Heero spins back and stares out of the window.
634 EXT. HEERO'S POV - RAILROAD AHEAD
The train still races along invisible rails between snow encrusted pines, but the end to this dead straight corridor can be seen...
...A sheer mountain, which the track must dead-end at the base of.
635 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Heero grins, liking what he sees.
HEERO: (to Une) Guess this is the end.
Une's eyes go wide.
636 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
The trees peel back and a bank of snow - the end of the line rushes straight at the camera. We flinch, awaiting the spectacular end.
637 EXT. RUNAWAY
The lead engine ploughs into the bank with a roar, driving it's way deep into the snow, which flies everywhere...
638 INT. TUNNEL
...The train powers through the snow-slide which has buried the mouth of this disused tunnel.
639 EXT. TUNNEL GATES
Everything looks peaceful and serene at the other end. Snow bats against a massive wooden gate fastened over this end of the tunnel to keep the snow out.
We hear a sudden rumble...
...and the gate is torn to shreds as the lead engine barrels out the other end! Massive chunks of wood fly everywhere.
The train has a few more minutes to run yet.
640 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Heero leans back in his seat, briefly disappointed. He grins at Une, relishing his triumph.
HEERO: Guess I was wrong.
Terror is now flooding Une's face as she struggles against her bonds.
641 INT. UNE'S POV
The fuel cut-off is only a few feet from her, tantalisingly near.
642 BACK TO UNE
UNE: (trying to exert some power over Heero) You are going to push that button, and stop this train! We've only got a few minutes!
643 CUT TO HEERO
He pulls his cap off slowly, pushing a hand through his hair.
HEERO: (bizarrely calm) We've got all the time in the world.
UNE: You'll die, bastard.
HEERO: (shrugs) You'll die with me...
There's a moment of silence, just the rattle of the train's wheels. Une suddenly smiles dangerously.
UNE: F**k you. You're as afraid to die as anyone else...And I'll never let you go free!
Heero shakes his head.
HEERO: (determined) I am free Une...
He savours this moment of bliss.
HEERO: I am free.
UNE: You think you've won...I know how to die too.
Heero laughs, contemplative.
HEERO: Win, loose...In my case there's no difference...
Une is on the verge of total collapse. She suddenly leans forward.
UNE: (clutching at straws) What about that punk...and that girl?
Heero slowly straightens up and comes within inches of her face.
HEERO: Oh no! It's just us three.
He staggers out of shot and we hear the door open. Une slowly turns to watch, and we see her in profile, bathed in the chilling light that seeps in through the windows.
Quietly, the soundtrack begins to build, swelling towards a victory.
644 EXT. 1ST ENGINE
The crowbar in hand, Heero staggers down the catwalk along the side of the engine as the train speeds through the void.
He clutches the railing with his hand, slipping and sliding towards the rear.
645 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde and Duo have their heavier clothes off and hug each other in simple jeans and T-shirts, sharing warmth, comforting each other silently.
646 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINES
Heero comes round the corner of the engine, nearly falling down the ladder to the trackside.
He sinks to his chest, hanging over the coupling.
647 EXT. CLOSEUP - COUPLERS
The huge steel bar crashes against the coupling, shredding it of ice, loosening the frozen locking bar.
Heero gets both arms under the thick bars and struggles to lift it. Straining, we hear a clunk, and the bar slips out an inch.
BACK TO HEERO...
...As he sighs, satisfied...
Arms still under the bar, he looks up.
HEERO: (yelling) Duo!
648 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Duo and Hilde are in the midst of another passionate kiss when Heero's voice suddenly drifts in. Duo starts in surprise and darts forwards down the stairs, landing on his knees.
649 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINES
Duo's face appears through the half opened doors and he stares.
DUO: Heero!
Heero looks up.
HEERO: Let Zechs know...There's a good woman waiting for him...
Duo's eyes pop open as he realises what Heero's gonna do. He screams.
DUO: Don't do it!
Heero suddenly reaches up with his good arm and grabs Duo's one free hand in a final embrace.
HEERO: Thanks Duo. You're a good kid. Take care of Hilde...You'll be happy together...
DUO: No!
Heero holds eyes with him for a second and suddenly lunges back with all his strength.
650 EXT. DETAIL - COUPLERS
The bar lifts the locking pin out and the two steel fists separate with a loud groaning. The second engine tries to keep pace with the first but the two dead machines drag it back.
As the lead engine pulls away, the chains and electric cables strung between the engines come taught, strain and pull apart with a series of snaps.
651 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
As the diesel motor dies Duo and Hilde scramble to the shattered window.
652 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV - HEERO
Heero, lying across the rear deck slowly pulls himself to his feet. The lead engine, free of it's heavy burden leaps ahead.
DUO (VO): Heero! Shut it down!
653 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
Hilde shakes her head in amazement and wonder. Duo screams in anguish, tears streaming down his face.
DUO: Heero, damn it! Shut it down Heero!
654 EXT. CLOSEUP - HEERO
Face joyous, Heero salutes Duo, showing his respect then waves farewell. Duo's screams begin to fade as the engine moves out of earshot.
DUO (VO): Shut it down! That's all you gotta do.
656 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
Duo's face shows his torment.
DUO: Heero! Heero!
He tries to climb out the window in a futile attempt to reach the distant engine. Hilde drags him back.
HILDE: (restraining him) He knows what he wants to do!
657 EXT. CLOSEUP - HEERO
Heero continues to wave to his friends as Duo's screams are finally drowned out. The soundtrack has built to it's triumphant summit, a haunting, memorable melody.
Slowly, Heero turns and grabs the ladder mounted on the rear of the engine.
INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
Duo continues to scream, but it is hopeless.
DUO: Shut it down!
658 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV - FIRST ENGINE
The lead engine draws ahead. Heero is just a dot of colour on a grey wall of metal as he climbs the ladder.
DUO (VO): That's all you gotta do! Heero! Please! Please...
As Duo's final desperate cries tail off, Heero reaches the top of the engine's bonnet.
659 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
The two are locked together in a bear-hug, sharing the pain, easing the agony. Duo wipes tears away and gasps.
DUO: He did it...He...did it!
660 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV - FIRST ENGINE
As the three dead engines roll to a halt the wheels seize in their bearings with a high-pitched squeal, finally stopped, beaten by human will. It's over.
As the runaway engine begins to fade into the haze of snow, Trowa's helicopter cuts across frame, coming in to land.
661 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
The two are torn between mourning for Heero's loss and celebrating his victory. Duo smiles slightly and shakes his head. Tears now of joy trickle from Hilde's eyes as she looks at him..
HILDE: He won. He saved us...
The two embrace tightly and look for one last time.
662 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV
The Runaway Train, and Heero, are just shadows disappearing into the white infinity.
663 EXT. WHITE FEILD
From afar, we see the lead engine begin to cut across the screen, Heero poised on top, drinking the air and we pan with them as they continue to gain speed.
664 FADE INTO...
INT. CENTRAL...
Frank, Noin and MacDonald stare at a point just beyond the camera as we pan along their faces, registering their emotion.
Behind them, the door opens and a beautiful young woman enters and hugs Noin. Relena.
665 EXT. RUNAWAY TRAIN
Heero steadies himself on the roof as the train comes parallel to the panning camera.
666 FADE INTO...
EXT. LYONS...
The railroad workers sit by or around the derailed engine, contemplative.
667 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Une stares towards the camera, struggling silently with the handcuffs, destroyed by her hatred.
668 FADE INTO...
INT. HELICOPTER
Trowa has landed the machine beside the three engines and waits for his passengers, staring towards the vanished train.
669 EXT. LEAD ENGINE CABSIDE
The rails fly by beneath us as the face-like shard of metal shakes back and forth.
FADE INTO...
670 INT. STONEHAVEN CELLS
Pan along a row of cells as the prisoners stare silently. We recognise a few familiar faces.
671 EXT. RUNAWAY TRAIN
The train is now speeding away from us, almost out of shot.
672 FADE INTO...
INT. STONEHAVEN HOSPITAL WING
Zechs is still wrapped in bandages, body near broken but spirit still strong. Slowly, he smiles.
673 EXT. CLOSEUP - HEERO
Heero grits his teeth and struggles against the wind which tries to drive him back, but stands firm.
674 EXT. RUNAWAY TRAIN
The single body of man and machine hurtles on. Not long to go now.
The camera stops tracking and the Runaway Train surges on into the distance, slowly fading from view.
SUBTITLE FADES UP: (red italic script) "No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity. But I know none, and therefore am no beast." Richard III - William Shakespeare
SUBTITLE FADES OUT...
...Just as the racing black shadow vanishes out of frame. Heero and the train are at last...Free.
FADE OUT...
THE END
RUNAWAY TRAIN
Developed by
RHYS DAVIES
Inspired by
GUNDAM WING & RUNAWAY TRAIN
Co-developed by
RHODRI DAVIES
*
CAST
HEERO YUY
DUO MAXWELL
HILDE SCHBEIKER
Frank Barstow
KYLE. T. HEFFNER
ANNE UNE
TROWA BARTON
Eddie MacDonald
KENNETH McMILLIAN
LUCREZIA NOIN
CLARK NICHOL & ALEX BAXTER
ZECHS MARQUISE
Al Turner
REID CRUICKSHANKS
Prison Boxer
DANNY TREJO
Hank
ISAIAH WASHINGTON
Sam
RON ELDARD
Pulasky
LARRY JOHN MEYERS
Cassidy
DON McLAUGHLIN
Holley
DAVID KAYE
Nova
RHODRI DAVIES
Rodgers
WILLIAM TREGOE
Lyons Stationmaster
C. H. DAVIES
Soloman
DUEY TOMASICK
Eastbound 12 Engineer
OBIE WEEKS
Signal Maintainer
CARMEN FILPI
Drag Prisoner
NORMAN ALEXANDER GIBBS
Lyons Crewmen
ANTHONY RAY PARKER, MARK HILDRETH, SCOTT McNEIL, KIRBY MORROW, BRAD SWAILE,
TED COLE & BRIAN DRUMMOND
*
SCRIPT
Original Story
AKIRA KUROSAWA
HIDEO OGUNI
RYUZO KIKUSHIMA
1985 Script
DJORDJE MILICEVIC
PAUL ZINDEL
EDWARD BUNKER
AC Draft
RHYS DAVIES
*
Based on a film by
ANDREI KONCALOVSKY
*
The Authors wish to thank
THE ALASKA RAILROAD
RARUS RAILWAY
SUNRISE STUDIOS
CANNON FILMS
JOHN'S ALASKA RAILROAD WEBPAGE
THE CAST & CREW OF THE ORIGINAL FILM
&
FANFICTION.NET
*
Dedicated to the memory of RICK HOLLEY
Died 9th March 1985 during filming.
A GUNDAM GROUP FILM
RUNAWAY TRAIN
With heartfelt thanks to my first reviewers CHIBIS UNLEASHED, BEKAH & DUO'S
BROTHER.
Coming soon,
RUNAWAY TRAIN II
AUTHOR NOTE:
Well friends, here is the final chapter. I've had some fun, and your reviews not only bolstered my confidence, but prompted Runaway Train 2, the first chapter of which is already complete.
Here, for your enjoyment, is the final chapter of Runaway Train. Sit back, relax, and let the show commence.
525 INT. CENTRAL
It's just Frank, MacDonald and Noin left. Frank has shut his terminal down and sits in the centre of the room in his chair looking at his knees, unable to watch.
Neither can MacDonald, who faces away from the board stringing paperclips together, or Noin, who quietly looks at the photos of her lover, and her adopted daughter.
The three people look very alone, the only one's left to whether the final storm.
All of the amassed technology of the control room, the powerful computers, the map board that sees and shows all, suddenly looks very small and weak, mere plastic and microchips.
What chance did they ever stand against the relentless beast of steel?
As we watch these hopeless few the voice of a TV announcer can be heard.
ANCHORMAN (VO): ...Treize Kushrenada himself travelled to outer space today to preside over the grand ceremony celebrating the completion of colony L3-X18999...
Frank turns to get his coffee and looks through the glass wall into the reception area where the TV is mounted. It currently shows a shot of a colony turning slowly in space.
Still staring at the screen Frank puts forward the question that's been prying on his mind for the past few minutes.
FRANK: (devastated, his whole world torn down around him) I still don't understand...How did this happen...Why couldn't we stop it...With all this junk...
526 INT. FRANK'S POV - TV SCREEN
With a blast of Vernier engine's Treize's personal shuttle blasts into the air, to the space, the stars and beyond.
FRANK (VO): I mean with all this high technology...
527 CUT TO MACDONALD.
He continues to string paperclips together into a massive chain, not looking at Frank as he answers.
MACDONALD: (absently) Some things can't be explained.
He pulls on his chain which splits apart, like a breaking leash...
528 CUT TO NOIN
She still stares at the photographs, her mind possibly a million miles away, or with Zechs at Stonehaven.
529 CUT TO FRANK
Behind them the control panel, the false god of technology continues to beep and flash, trying to draw their attention back to it. The three just carry on ignoring it.
SLOWLY PUSH IN ON FRANK
He is red-faced, sweaty and bewildered, his face showing his struggle to understand anything.
As the camera zooms in on him we hear a sound begin to build in the background as the soundtrack begins to swell.
As Frank's eyes go wide, we recognise this continuous, drumming heartbeat.
530 EXT. DETAIL - TRAIN WHEELS
The sound continues into this shot as the wheels of the train try to drum the rails to powder. The pace is faster quicker, as the train releases all of it's saved energy for this final, spectacular run.
The soundtrack continues to built, and just before it reaches it's climax we...
531 RAPID CUT TO.
EXT. HELICOPTER SHOT - THE RUNAWAY TRAIN
There it is, far ahead and below us, and as the orchestra cuts loose with a clash of cymbals and horns, we gasp in awe.
The snow has halted, allowing us this single, panoramic shot, which will be the signature image of the film. The railroad strides ahead of us, straight and true for at least two miles, across tundra, river and through forest, to the feet of the mountains, the foundations of stone.
For the first time ever, the train, which has seemed to us so great and powerful, is dwarfed by the sheer scale of the works of Nature. It is a pinprick on the landscape.
But as we push in on these four speeding monsters, we can feel once again their immense, brooding presence; a deep malignant power.
They strike ahead of the camera, relentless and unstoppable as we slowly catch up and swoop overhead. This shot is the opening curtain for the film's final act, and it is suitably impressive and climatic.
532 EXT. DETAIL - WRECKAGE
We are perched on the roof of the lead engine looking down on the ruins of the Eastbound 12, which are grotesque yet beautiful, and we hear the powerful thrum of the leader's diesel engine, a pounding, racing pulse of energy, vigour, and deadly speed.
533 EXT. RUNAWAY
The camera is fixed at rail level, racing just ahead of the train.
The lead engine bounds after us, chasing us - it's prey. The engine rocks and leaps on it's suspension, and as it leans into a curve the three trailing units sinuate after it like the tail of a snake.
It is power, fear, death and terrible glory incarnate.
It is the Runaway Train.
534 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Seen from another helicopter Une's machine heads for the train.
Alex is on the side of the helicopter, perched on the port landing skid.
535 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
The three huddle pitifully together.
536 EXT. HELICOPTER
Alex stoops to open a box on the skid and a long rope ladder drops out. It's about fifty feet in length. He begins to scramble down, hand over hand.
537 EXT. CLOSEUP - ALEX
Alex looks down at the train, terrified.
538 EXT. RUNAWAY - ALEX'S POV
It's a long way down.
539 EXT. HELICOPTER - POV FROM TRAIN ROOF
It swoops very low towards us, heading for the lead engine. Alex swings like a pendulum underneath while the pilot tries to keep in line with the speeding runaway.
540 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde looks up for the briefest of seconds and starts.
541 EXT. HILDE'S POV
Alex is almost on the lead engine, about twenty feet above it.
542 BACK TO HILDE
As she jumps up in sudden shock, hope rekindled.
HILDE: Look!
She points and Heero and Duo look up. Duo automatically leaps to her side, but Heero drags behind, moving like he was drugged; movements sluggish and suppressed.
543 EXT. HELICOPTER - POV FROM TRAIN ROOF
Looking forward this time. Alex is almost down, bathed in smoke from the leader's exhaust fans.
544 EXT. HELICOPTER - UNE
Une hangs out the door, watching and yelling instructions to the pilot.
545 EXT. RUNAWAY - UNE'S POV
Looking straight down we see Alex hanging over the gap between the first and second engines.
546 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
All three are glued to the windows. Hilde stares up, hanging on the control console, with hope in her eyes. Duo and Heero share a look, realising that it's a prison helicopter.
547 EXT. ALEX - THEIR POV
Alex is almost on the lead engine. Suddenly the helicopter drops lower and his feet land on the high bonnet of the lead engine near the end. He's down!
Suddenly the helicopter drops back by about a meter, dragging him with it. His feet trip on the rear exhaust vent and he balances precariously right on the end of the engine!
548 EXT. CLOSE-UP - ALEX
Alex waves his hands wildly, trying to regain his balance. Screaming, he falls out of shot.
549 EXT. ALEX - POV FROM 2ND CAB
Alex falls from the lead engine, bounces up off the second unit's nose, then flies straight into the windscreen of its cab.
550 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Sharp reflexes in action Duo grabs Hilde and turns her to the back wall as the glass shatters. Heero doesn't move except to close his eyes and the shards break around him like waves on a rock.
Duo and Hilde turn back, horrified.
551 EXT. THEIR POV - ALEX
The windscreen his smashed and only blood-stained shards remain.
Alex is half in, half out. Face frozen in shock he scrabbles for a handhold but slides off the nose.
DUO (VO): Holy shit!
552 EXT. 2ND UNIT - COWCATCHER
Alex drops down and gets caught in the gap between the cowcatcher and the railbed.
His body tries to squeeze through the three-inch gap, fails and is thrown aside by the cowcatcher, dyeing the snow pink.
Gruesome.
553 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde and Duo are in shock, staring in horror at the blood-splattered windsheild, oblivious to the howling wind that's blowing snow through the broken pane of glass.
Heero stares, then a strange smile appears on his face - he explodes in laughter.
Hilde and Duo stare at him like a man demented as he steps up to the windsheild..
HEERO: You see that Une! You see that!
554 INT. HELICOPTER
Une looks down through the open door of the helicopter and smiles.
555 EXT. RUNAWAY - 2ND ENGINE
Heero is leaning out of the window, waving a fist at Une and yelling at her.
556 INT. HELICOPTER
Une laughs and slams the door shut, pulling off her radio headset and dragging on her gloves and headgear. Nichol watches her like she's insane. The pilot stares straight ahead, wearing his goggles and baseball cap.
NICHOL: You're crazy! They're gonna crash! They're dead.
UNE: I want him alive! Remember what I said. It's no fun unless you kill them yourself.
557 EXT. RUNAWAY
Below the engines rumble, challenging Une down, down to Heero.
558 INT. HELICOPTER
Une throws the door open and starts edging out onto the skid.
559 EXT. RUNAWAY
We pull ahead to reveal the lead engine in all of its distorted glory. The terrain is changing, growing up from flat tundra to rocky hillsides. The train is now running on a ledge high above a river gorge.
560 EXT. HELICOPTER
Une squats on the skid and pulls herself underneath the copter's cockpit to the ladder.
561 INT. HELICOPTER
Just as Une gets on the ladder, the pilot points ahead. Nichol (now in Une's seat) turns and screams.
562 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Looking back we see the helicopter suddenly pull up and away from the train.
563 EXT. CLOSEUP - UNE
The sudden movement throws her and she nearly falls! Grabbing hold she twists her head and her mouth drops open.
564 EXT. UNE'S POV
Ahead the railroad and river dive into a narrow mountain pass. As the train reaches the canyon mouth it swings left across the river on a steel bridge.
565 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
Looking forward from the lead engine at rail level a tunnel suddenly rushes up after the bridge and it's blackness smothers us.
566 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNWAY
Looking down we see the helicopter swerve to avoid the cliff the runaway engines have vanished into and swings along the knife-edged valley. Une underneath barely misses slamming into a rock promontory.
567 EXT. TUNNEL MOUTH
The very second the last engine is swallowed by the short tunnel the lead engine powers out the other end with a scream and a roar, like a beast escaping from Hades.
568 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The pilot can't climb out of the narrow valley without killing Une, so is forced to fly parallel to the train on its shelf above the creek.
569 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Heero lets out a sneering scream at Une.
HEERO: See! I've broken free - You'll never take me alive bitch!
570 EXT. HEERO'S POV
Une's helicopter hangs back as the train is consumed by another tunnel, the second of six along this next mile of track.
HEERO (VO): What's the matter Une, you got no guts!
571 INT.2ND ENGINE - CAB
It's pitch black in the tunnel. Suddenly light fills it as the engines burst back into day
Heero is practically dancing round the cab, constantly adjusting his position to get the best view of Une.
HEERO: You'll never stop this train! Never! I told you! I told you I'd break free!
Hilde and Duo keep well away from this exploding powder keg!
HEERO: I've done it! I've done it for Zechs and all the rest. Here I am right in your face!
He starts jumping up and down like a maniac.
HEERO: I've won! I've won! You don't like that Une? Then come on down! Come on down with your big gun bitch. See - I'm alive!
572 EXT. RUNAWAY
Racing now for the finish line the engines ram on through into the third tunnel, refusing to give up the fight or lose to the helicopter as it tries to draw ahead.
573 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
The effect is stroboscopic as the engines drive into the third tunnel and straight out. The fourth looms ahead.
HEERO (VO) You hear me - you'll never get me!
574 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Heero's burning with energy now, screaming and cursing at Une who parallels him.
HEERO: You'll never stop this train! Never you understand!
575 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
As the machines drive into the fourth tunnel Heero's screams echo off the walls of the canyon.
HEERO'S VOICE: (echoing) I've won! I've won! I've won!
576 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
We burst back into daylight and instantly into the fifth tunnel.
We can't see anything. Suddenly the engines hit a curve and ahead is the exit, then its behind us.
The camera bounces and flies along the rails as we sweep into the next curve. Above us loom towering cliffs of stone, some actually overhanging the track.
With a roar that is suddenly muted the runaway enters the sixth and final tunnel.
577 EXT. WHEELS
Daylight suddenly bursts upon us and we focus on the wheels spinning and thundering inches from our face.
Suddenly a screaming sound fills our ears and the ground beneath spins dizzyingly.
578 EXT. SWITCHTRACK
The engines swing off the line to Lyons with a sickening lurch, narrowly missing the camera.
579 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
The change in direction throws Heero, Hilde and Duo across the cabin and they slam into the walls.
580 EXT. WHITE FIELD
The runaway is speeding away from the main track that's hardly visible in the distance. The rails of this new, disused spur are covered with inches of snow.
Behind, Une follows, hanging from the helicopter.
581 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
The sudden lurch has brought Heero back down to planet earth. He gazes at Hilde, who's looking out the window.
HEERO: What was that!
Hilde turns back into the cab, her face a mask of horror. Slowly she sinks to the floor.
HEERO: What happened?
Heero and Duo look to her for an explanation.
HILDE: (weakly) They gave up on us...They switched us off the main track onto...
Duo probes her, not wanting to hear the answer.
DUO: Onto what?
Hilde looks at him, tears in the corners of her eyes.
HILDE: Onto a dead end.
She closes her eyes to pray. Duo shakes his head.
DUO: Oh no...
He looks at Hilde and shakes her by the shoulders.
DUO; How long do we have. Two minutes? Ten? One?
HILDE: (shattered) All the time in the world. Eternity.
582 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The helicopter swings round in an arc back to the train which rumbles onto a steel bridge.
583 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
As the bridge falls behind we can barely make out the buried rails. The train is seemingly running on the snow.
584 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde weeping on the floor pulls Duo in with her.
HILDE: Hold me...I don't want to die alone.
Heero, still by the window, sneers at her. He seems confidant, like he has a plan.
HEERO: (scorning) We all die alone.
He yells back out at Une.
585 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The train is now below the mountains in a narrow, pristine valley. Heero's voice is amplified by the confined space. Even Une can hear him from underneath the helicopter, which gradually comes lower.
HEERO: Come on Une! Come on down! Just try! You never stop this train you hear me!
586 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
We now have some faint idea as to what Heero's plan is. He's smashing the remaining shards of glass out of the shattered window with Duo's wrench, still screaming vague obscenities at Une.
He's gonna jump.
Duo, who has been hugging and comforting Hilde looks up at him, shaking his head.
DUO: You can't get across Heero.
Heero turns back, grinning slightly as he pulls his hat and clothing back on. The bottle of bourbon is in his hand.
HEERO: You've still gotta learn Maxwell. It's all up here...
He taps his head with the bottle.
HEERO: I'll cross this thing!
He pours the last millilitres of bourbon over his wounded hand, numbing the pain.
HEERO: (with resolve) I'll cross it! I'll cross it!
He throws the bottle aside and it smashes out of one of the windows. Breathing heavily he spins to Duo, fire in his eyes.
HEERO: (somewhere between fury and euphoria) Watch me!
As the soundtrack kicks up again Heero gets one foot on the engineers seat and boosts his way out of the window. Duo shakes his head. Hilde pulls him in.
HILDE: If he wants to dies under the wheels, let him...
Duo keeps his eyes on the window, not refusing to give up on Heero.
Heero drags himself out the window without looking back.
587 EXT. 2ND ENGINE - NOSE
Heero, with his back against the windshield hangs onto the roof handrails and struggles to get a foothold on the slick nose.
588 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Heero can be clearly seen on the nose of the engine. Une motions to the pilot to go for the drop.
589 EXT. 2ND ENGINE - NOSE
Heero bends his knees and pushes forward, managing to get to his feet. He braces himself, looks down.
590 EXT. HEERO'S POV - COUPLING
Below him the coupling shakes and rattles in its sockets.
591 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
From inside, Heero looks like he's crucified on the empty frame of the windshield. He tenses, then throws himself forward into the void, disappearing out of sight.
Hilde hugs Duo as he curls up into her, hope gone. They hold each other tightly.
The two lock eyes, then kiss passionately, releasing their pent-up emotions.
592 EXT. HELICOPTER
Une, who saw the whole affair stares.
593 EXT. UNE'S POV - 1ST / 2ND ENGINES
Heero's dropped into the gap between the two engines.
He's gone.
594 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
The helicopter swirls overhead as Une tries to make up her mind to try and save the train or give up. There is no sign or trace of Heero on the second engine.
595 EXT. RUNAWAY - LOOKING ALONG ROOF
The engines continue to thunder towards their doom. Hold for a few seconds...Then pan along the train and down to...
596 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINE - COUPLING
...A single bloody hand hooked on the coupling shaft.
597 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINE
Heero hangs from beneath the coupling with his injured hand, slipping down. He gets his good hand on the other coupling and tries to get his feet up.
Suddenly his feet slip and drop back down, almost touching the rails. One foot grazes the ground and is deflected aside by the scrape. Heero, grunts, the veins in his neck bulging as he tries to pulls himself up.
598 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINE - COUPLING
Heero manages to pull himself up and wraps both arms around the coupling, which violently strains and shakes with a piercing banging and screeching.
Heero struggles to get a better handhold and his wounded hand slips into the small gap between the two claws of the coupling.
With a massive bang, the train hits a curve and the coupling closes around his hand like a vice, crushing it with the weight of the two engines. Blood sprays out and splashes over his face.
For the first time, Heero screams.
He yanks it out and nearly falls, but manages to get his arms around the railing supports. His feet drop and he hangs by his shoulders, his body straining against the metal.
Heero pulls, the muscles in his arms knotting as he drags himself back onto the deck.
His feet finally find a purchase on the coupling and he pushes himself up, inch by inch.
599 EXT. RUNAWAY
From above Heero is clearly visible. The Helicopter enters shot and we see Une begin to make her way down the ladder.
600 EXT. 1ST ENGINE - REAR CATWALK
Heero starts dragging himself along the snow covered deck, so spent he can barely stand. He rubs his blood off his face with his sleeve, the hand a bloody mess.
601 EXT. CLOSE-UP - UNE
Une, who was about to climb back up to the bubble, gestures wildly for the pilot to go down faster and faster as she points towards Heero, nearly at the door.
The helicopter drops with reckless speed.
602 EXT. 1ST ENGINE
Heero reaches the door and pulls himself up, pulling the door open and falling inside.
603 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
Une is about ten feet above the engine's rear bonnet.
604 INT. HELICOPTER
Nichol is hanging out the door.
605 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
Une's about to make the drop when suddenly...
606 INT. HELICOPTER
...The pilot throws the helicopter sideways. Nichol is thrown back through the door, landing in his seat haphazardly.
616 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
Uncontrolled Une flies from side to side, hanging by just one arm, swinging out over first snow then back across.
617 INT. HELICOPTER
Nichol glares at the pilot.
NICHOL: (maddened) What the f**k was that for.
The pilot whips off his cap and goggles. Long brown bangs fall out.
It's Trowa.
TROWA: Doing my bit for some comrades.
618 EXT. 1ST ENGINE ROOF
As Une swings back over the roof she lets go and flies. She hits the top of the cab and slides almost over the edge, but grabs hold of the horn assembly and pulls herself back onto the roof.
Drawing her gun she crawls to the back of the roof and sweeps for Heero on the catwalks. Nothing.
619 INT. HELICOPTER
Trowa and Nichol are at a stalemate. Nichol's pulled his gun and Trowa has his hand poised over the engine shutdown switch.
Nichol suddenly puts two and two together.
NICHOL: You! You're Gundam pilot 03!
Trowa nods. Nichol is suddenly livid.
NICHOL: You tried to kill me! You killed Alex!
He pulls the trigger. On reflex Trowa throws himself forward and a bullet appears in the plexiglas where his head was.
Trowa's weight throws the control pedestal forward.
620 EXT. HELICOPTER
It dives suddenly, cutting across the train's path and barely missing it.
621 INT. HELICOPTER:
Nichol screams at Trowa, who struggles to regain control.
NICHOL: Take us up! Now!
Trowa hits the power and the helicopter surges forward, throwing Nichol back in his seat.
622 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
It's spectacular.
The train races along the valley, the helicopter trailing behind and above, still shaking violently.
As the helicopter rushes along the train a mountain peak suddenly obscures the view of the helicopter mounted camera.
623 EXT. 1ST ENGINE - REAR DECK
Une scrambles down the ladder at the rear of the engine's bonnet, gun pulled, briefly looking over her shoulder at engine two.
With a suddenly roar the helicopter overtakes the lead engine and she looks up in surprise.
624 INT. HELICOPTER
As Nichol recovers Trowa swings the control column hard left, banking the chopper over the train.
Nichol, not strapped to his seat is thrown against the door, which barely holds his weight. The gun clatters out of his hand.
Trowa raises a booted foot and kicks Nichol in the gut.
The door gives way beneath the force and Nichol falls out.
625 EXT. HELICOPTER / RUNAWAY
Screaming, Nichol tumbles and catches on the edge of the second engine, which causes him to spin wildly before he punches a hole through a frozen river below the train. The helicopter drops back and Trowa waits.
626 EXT. 1ST ENGINE
Une cautiously makes her way along the side of the engine, gun drawn. She reaches the door.
627 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Une leaps inside, spinning around to cover herself with the Desert Eagle.
No sign of anyone.
Une looks over her shoulder at the shutdown button, then slowly edges her way around the control stand.
Suddenly, Heero leaps out from behind the panel, clutching the cab's fire extinguisher. He pulls the trigger before Une can react and she is coated in foam. She fires, but the shot goes wide.
Heero empties the small canister and flings it at Une, catching her in the gut. She reels back against the window but recovers and springs for the shutdown button.
Heero's bloody hand intercepts hers and he grabs her from behind.
Une strains with every once of strength to push the innocent red button. She's quite strong, but no match for even the wounded perfect soldier. Her fingers come just short.
The effect is like a psychedelic strobe as the train speeds through a series of short cuttings, the light playing on the weirdly distorted cab.
Heero rams Une towards the front of the cab and the woman grabs a smashed pipe off the floor and swings it at Heero. It gets him in the arm, but he slugs it off, relentlessly advancing on her.
HEERO: (fiercely) Is Zechs alive?
He spins her round and pulls a pair of handcuffs from her belt.
HEERO: (with more venom) Is Zechs alive?
UNE: (choking slightly) Yes...Yes!
Heero wraps her arms around the wreckage protruding through the windshield and cuffs her wrists together. Heaving, he slumps against the back wall, his head mere inches from the cut-off button.
HEERO: (smiling) That's good, he'll be glad.
628 INT. CLOSEUP - UNE
She blinks and comes back to reality.
629 INT. DETAIL - HANDCUFFS
The chains clink against the pipe they're wrapped around as she tests them and she realises her position.
630 BACK TO UNE...
As she lunges forward, trying to snap them, only to be held back. She tries again, growling like an animal.
631 CUT TO HEERO...
...As he watches this with a detached curiosity, a thin smile on his lips.
632 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
The trees and telegraph poles fly by as the train hurtles down a long straight avenue through a forest.
633 INT. IST ENGINE - CAB
Une has collapsed back against the wreckage but still looks dangerous. She smiles wildly.
UNE: (certain of herself) Don't do it Yuy. You'll burn for it...You know you will.
Heero smiles back.
HEERO: Only God can judge me.
Une's grin drops slightly.
UNE: Push the button...We're on a dead end - We're gonna crash in five minutes.
Heero, bruised and bloody looks at the button slowly, still grinning madly. He shakes his head and takes residence of the engineer's seat.
HEERO: (knows he's in control) Then we'll have a nice five minute ride together. You, me...
He rests his hand on the power throttle.
HEERO: ...And my friend here...
UNE: (sardonic sense of humour kicking in) Your friend?
She shakes her head and laughs.
UNE: You're pathetic...You're even worse than that Noin bitch...
Heero looks up. He knows that name.
UNE: (taunting) We're both gonna die so I guess it can come out. She ain't dead...In fact, she's only a few miles from here...Waiting for dear old Zechs to come home...
Heero's back on his feet now, fire in his eyes.
HEERO: (cold) She's alive...
He suddenly lets it fly.
HEERO: (furious) You let Zechs think she was dead! You took away the only person he cared for!
Une's on a roll now.
UNE: Yeah, and guess what? She's taking care of that Darlain girl...Got her living with her. How pathetic can you get...I never knew such a wet blanket as that pink-obsessed pacifist...
Heero looks like he's gonna let her have it, fury burning in his eyes...
...He suddenly sits back down.
HEERO: ...She's better than either of us...
He fishes a large crowbar out of an exploded toolbox on the floor and tries it's weight, slowly tapping it against the window.
HEERO: ...And if this Noin's caring for her...She's a better woman than even Zechs made me believe.
They hold each other's gaze for a few seconds. Une cracks first.
UNE: (spitting at him) You're right in one way...You're scum Yuy.
Heero spins the seat and gazes absently out of the remaining section of the windscreen.
HEERO: We're both scum...
He looks and grins cruelly at Une.
HEERO: ...Sister.
Une can't reply. Heero spins back and stares out of the window.
634 EXT. HEERO'S POV - RAILROAD AHEAD
The train still races along invisible rails between snow encrusted pines, but the end to this dead straight corridor can be seen...
...A sheer mountain, which the track must dead-end at the base of.
635 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Heero grins, liking what he sees.
HEERO: (to Une) Guess this is the end.
Une's eyes go wide.
636 EXT. RAILROAD AHEAD
The trees peel back and a bank of snow - the end of the line rushes straight at the camera. We flinch, awaiting the spectacular end.
637 EXT. RUNAWAY
The lead engine ploughs into the bank with a roar, driving it's way deep into the snow, which flies everywhere...
638 INT. TUNNEL
...The train powers through the snow-slide which has buried the mouth of this disused tunnel.
639 EXT. TUNNEL GATES
Everything looks peaceful and serene at the other end. Snow bats against a massive wooden gate fastened over this end of the tunnel to keep the snow out.
We hear a sudden rumble...
...and the gate is torn to shreds as the lead engine barrels out the other end! Massive chunks of wood fly everywhere.
The train has a few more minutes to run yet.
640 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Heero leans back in his seat, briefly disappointed. He grins at Une, relishing his triumph.
HEERO: Guess I was wrong.
Terror is now flooding Une's face as she struggles against her bonds.
641 INT. UNE'S POV
The fuel cut-off is only a few feet from her, tantalisingly near.
642 BACK TO UNE
UNE: (trying to exert some power over Heero) You are going to push that button, and stop this train! We've only got a few minutes!
643 CUT TO HEERO
He pulls his cap off slowly, pushing a hand through his hair.
HEERO: (bizarrely calm) We've got all the time in the world.
UNE: You'll die, bastard.
HEERO: (shrugs) You'll die with me...
There's a moment of silence, just the rattle of the train's wheels. Une suddenly smiles dangerously.
UNE: F**k you. You're as afraid to die as anyone else...And I'll never let you go free!
Heero shakes his head.
HEERO: (determined) I am free Une...
He savours this moment of bliss.
HEERO: I am free.
UNE: You think you've won...I know how to die too.
Heero laughs, contemplative.
HEERO: Win, loose...In my case there's no difference...
Une is on the verge of total collapse. She suddenly leans forward.
UNE: (clutching at straws) What about that punk...and that girl?
Heero slowly straightens up and comes within inches of her face.
HEERO: Oh no! It's just us three.
He staggers out of shot and we hear the door open. Une slowly turns to watch, and we see her in profile, bathed in the chilling light that seeps in through the windows.
Quietly, the soundtrack begins to build, swelling towards a victory.
644 EXT. 1ST ENGINE
The crowbar in hand, Heero staggers down the catwalk along the side of the engine as the train speeds through the void.
He clutches the railing with his hand, slipping and sliding towards the rear.
645 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Hilde and Duo have their heavier clothes off and hug each other in simple jeans and T-shirts, sharing warmth, comforting each other silently.
646 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINES
Heero comes round the corner of the engine, nearly falling down the ladder to the trackside.
He sinks to his chest, hanging over the coupling.
647 EXT. CLOSEUP - COUPLERS
The huge steel bar crashes against the coupling, shredding it of ice, loosening the frozen locking bar.
Heero gets both arms under the thick bars and struggles to lift it. Straining, we hear a clunk, and the bar slips out an inch.
BACK TO HEERO...
...As he sighs, satisfied...
Arms still under the bar, he looks up.
HEERO: (yelling) Duo!
648 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
Duo and Hilde are in the midst of another passionate kiss when Heero's voice suddenly drifts in. Duo starts in surprise and darts forwards down the stairs, landing on his knees.
649 EXT. 1ST / 2ND ENGINES
Duo's face appears through the half opened doors and he stares.
DUO: Heero!
Heero looks up.
HEERO: Let Zechs know...There's a good woman waiting for him...
Duo's eyes pop open as he realises what Heero's gonna do. He screams.
DUO: Don't do it!
Heero suddenly reaches up with his good arm and grabs Duo's one free hand in a final embrace.
HEERO: Thanks Duo. You're a good kid. Take care of Hilde...You'll be happy together...
DUO: No!
Heero holds eyes with him for a second and suddenly lunges back with all his strength.
650 EXT. DETAIL - COUPLERS
The bar lifts the locking pin out and the two steel fists separate with a loud groaning. The second engine tries to keep pace with the first but the two dead machines drag it back.
As the lead engine pulls away, the chains and electric cables strung between the engines come taught, strain and pull apart with a series of snaps.
651 INT. 2ND ENGINE - CAB
As the diesel motor dies Duo and Hilde scramble to the shattered window.
652 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV - HEERO
Heero, lying across the rear deck slowly pulls himself to his feet. The lead engine, free of it's heavy burden leaps ahead.
DUO (VO): Heero! Shut it down!
653 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
Hilde shakes her head in amazement and wonder. Duo screams in anguish, tears streaming down his face.
DUO: Heero, damn it! Shut it down Heero!
654 EXT. CLOSEUP - HEERO
Face joyous, Heero salutes Duo, showing his respect then waves farewell. Duo's screams begin to fade as the engine moves out of earshot.
DUO (VO): Shut it down! That's all you gotta do.
656 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
Duo's face shows his torment.
DUO: Heero! Heero!
He tries to climb out the window in a futile attempt to reach the distant engine. Hilde drags him back.
HILDE: (restraining him) He knows what he wants to do!
657 EXT. CLOSEUP - HEERO
Heero continues to wave to his friends as Duo's screams are finally drowned out. The soundtrack has built to it's triumphant summit, a haunting, memorable melody.
Slowly, Heero turns and grabs the ladder mounted on the rear of the engine.
INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
Duo continues to scream, but it is hopeless.
DUO: Shut it down!
658 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV - FIRST ENGINE
The lead engine draws ahead. Heero is just a dot of colour on a grey wall of metal as he climbs the ladder.
DUO (VO): That's all you gotta do! Heero! Please! Please...
As Duo's final desperate cries tail off, Heero reaches the top of the engine's bonnet.
659 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
The two are locked together in a bear-hug, sharing the pain, easing the agony. Duo wipes tears away and gasps.
DUO: He did it...He...did it!
660 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV - FIRST ENGINE
As the three dead engines roll to a halt the wheels seize in their bearings with a high-pitched squeal, finally stopped, beaten by human will. It's over.
As the runaway engine begins to fade into the haze of snow, Trowa's helicopter cuts across frame, coming in to land.
661 INT. CLOSEUP - DUO / HILDE
The two are torn between mourning for Heero's loss and celebrating his victory. Duo smiles slightly and shakes his head. Tears now of joy trickle from Hilde's eyes as she looks at him..
HILDE: He won. He saved us...
The two embrace tightly and look for one last time.
662 EXT. DUO / HILDE'S POV
The Runaway Train, and Heero, are just shadows disappearing into the white infinity.
663 EXT. WHITE FEILD
From afar, we see the lead engine begin to cut across the screen, Heero poised on top, drinking the air and we pan with them as they continue to gain speed.
664 FADE INTO...
INT. CENTRAL...
Frank, Noin and MacDonald stare at a point just beyond the camera as we pan along their faces, registering their emotion.
Behind them, the door opens and a beautiful young woman enters and hugs Noin. Relena.
665 EXT. RUNAWAY TRAIN
Heero steadies himself on the roof as the train comes parallel to the panning camera.
666 FADE INTO...
EXT. LYONS...
The railroad workers sit by or around the derailed engine, contemplative.
667 INT. 1ST ENGINE - CAB
Une stares towards the camera, struggling silently with the handcuffs, destroyed by her hatred.
668 FADE INTO...
INT. HELICOPTER
Trowa has landed the machine beside the three engines and waits for his passengers, staring towards the vanished train.
669 EXT. LEAD ENGINE CABSIDE
The rails fly by beneath us as the face-like shard of metal shakes back and forth.
FADE INTO...
670 INT. STONEHAVEN CELLS
Pan along a row of cells as the prisoners stare silently. We recognise a few familiar faces.
671 EXT. RUNAWAY TRAIN
The train is now speeding away from us, almost out of shot.
672 FADE INTO...
INT. STONEHAVEN HOSPITAL WING
Zechs is still wrapped in bandages, body near broken but spirit still strong. Slowly, he smiles.
673 EXT. CLOSEUP - HEERO
Heero grits his teeth and struggles against the wind which tries to drive him back, but stands firm.
674 EXT. RUNAWAY TRAIN
The single body of man and machine hurtles on. Not long to go now.
The camera stops tracking and the Runaway Train surges on into the distance, slowly fading from view.
SUBTITLE FADES UP: (red italic script) "No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity. But I know none, and therefore am no beast." Richard III - William Shakespeare
SUBTITLE FADES OUT...
...Just as the racing black shadow vanishes out of frame. Heero and the train are at last...Free.
FADE OUT...
THE END
RUNAWAY TRAIN
Developed by
RHYS DAVIES
Inspired by
GUNDAM WING & RUNAWAY TRAIN
Co-developed by
RHODRI DAVIES
*
CAST
HEERO YUY
DUO MAXWELL
HILDE SCHBEIKER
Frank Barstow
KYLE. T. HEFFNER
ANNE UNE
TROWA BARTON
Eddie MacDonald
KENNETH McMILLIAN
LUCREZIA NOIN
CLARK NICHOL & ALEX BAXTER
ZECHS MARQUISE
Al Turner
REID CRUICKSHANKS
Prison Boxer
DANNY TREJO
Hank
ISAIAH WASHINGTON
Sam
RON ELDARD
Pulasky
LARRY JOHN MEYERS
Cassidy
DON McLAUGHLIN
Holley
DAVID KAYE
Nova
RHODRI DAVIES
Rodgers
WILLIAM TREGOE
Lyons Stationmaster
C. H. DAVIES
Soloman
DUEY TOMASICK
Eastbound 12 Engineer
OBIE WEEKS
Signal Maintainer
CARMEN FILPI
Drag Prisoner
NORMAN ALEXANDER GIBBS
Lyons Crewmen
ANTHONY RAY PARKER, MARK HILDRETH, SCOTT McNEIL, KIRBY MORROW, BRAD SWAILE,
TED COLE & BRIAN DRUMMOND
*
SCRIPT
Original Story
AKIRA KUROSAWA
HIDEO OGUNI
RYUZO KIKUSHIMA
1985 Script
DJORDJE MILICEVIC
PAUL ZINDEL
EDWARD BUNKER
AC Draft
RHYS DAVIES
*
Based on a film by
ANDREI KONCALOVSKY
*
The Authors wish to thank
THE ALASKA RAILROAD
RARUS RAILWAY
SUNRISE STUDIOS
CANNON FILMS
JOHN'S ALASKA RAILROAD WEBPAGE
THE CAST & CREW OF THE ORIGINAL FILM
&
FANFICTION.NET
*
Dedicated to the memory of RICK HOLLEY
Died 9th March 1985 during filming.
A GUNDAM GROUP FILM
RUNAWAY TRAIN
With heartfelt thanks to my first reviewers CHIBIS UNLEASHED, BEKAH & DUO'S
BROTHER.
Coming soon,
RUNAWAY TRAIN II
