KILLER CARGO - Act 1

0:00Speaker 1:Okay, one, two, three.

0:02Speaker 2:Table read, Killer Cargo.

0:06Speaker 3:Yeah, that was excellent.

0:07Speaker 4:Thank God.

0:09Speaker 1:Let's do it.

0:12Speaker 5:Killer Cargo, written by Heather Foster. After a luxury jet's secret cargo turns out to be a murderous alien, a trampy flight attendant must destroy it before it devours the world. Interior, Gulfstream 650ER Cockpit Night. Super, Springfield, Missouri. Kevin Powers, 35, cock of a walk wannabe, rests in the co-pilot seat. State-of-the-art flat screens blaze across his douchey face. He gazes at the lights illuminating the runway against the inky black sky.

0:46Speaker 5:Kevin loves this job, mostly because he feels it makes him better than everyone else. He does dig the view, though. Right outside the door, Anita Fitzgerald, 28, hardworking, poised with a sprinkle of daddy issues... bends over, buffing a minuscule smudge out of the hand-carved mahogany wood. Kevin twists around to watch her work. This view's pretty terrific, too.

1:08Speaker 3:Hey, Anita. Did you have a chance to think about that charity dinner?

1:13Speaker 5:She straightens, turns, and challenges his ogling.

1:16Speaker 6:I believe I'm busy that night.

1:18Speaker 3:I didn't say what night it was.

1:19Speaker 5:Anita's way out of his league, but Kevin's the only one who doesn't seem to know this. She shoots him a, you poor thing, smirk.

1:28Speaker 1:Kevin.

1:29Speaker 6:I said I'm busy.

1:30Speaker 5:The sound of footsteps pulls her attention to the main door. Her eyes crinkle into a genuine smile.

1:36Speaker 6:Oh, good evening, Captain.

1:38Speaker 5:Charles Song, 53, Silver Fox, steps in, removes his cap, and gallantly nods to her.

1:44Speaker 1:Good evening, Anita. And Merry Christmas.

1:48Speaker 6:Merry Christmas, sir.

1:50Speaker 5:He presses by. She inhales him as he pauses.

1:54Speaker 4:Smells good.

1:56Speaker 5:Captain Charles enters the cockpit and places his leather travel bag into his cubbyhole Merry Christmas, Kevin.

2:03Speaker 3:Merry Christmas, Captain Pre-flight is complete.

2:06Speaker 5:Charles takes his seat in the captain's chair Thank you He proceeds to check Kevin's work.

2:12Speaker 1:Ah, Christmas Eve And here we are At least it's a short flight Well, I'll be back home nestled in with Mrs. Claus before I know it Are you going to your folks tomorrow?

2:25Speaker 5:A flicker of hesitation crosses Kevin's face. He was planning on getting drunk all day.

2:29Speaker 3:Alone.

2:31Speaker 4:Uh, yeah, Mom's, uh, making a ham.

2:34Speaker 5:Good.

2:35Speaker 1:You're smart to enjoy your folks while they're still here. I miss mine every day.

2:42Speaker 4:I plan on it, sir.

2:43Speaker 5:Desperate to stop this Norman Rockwell bullshit.

2:45Speaker 3:Why do you think it's so important that we're flying tonight?

2:48Speaker 1:Our job is to fly the plane, not ask questions.

2:52Speaker 5:You know that.

2:53Speaker 4:Of course. And Kevin? Yes, sir?

2:56Speaker 1:I smell cigarettes on you again. Please refrain from smoking before we fly.

3:03Speaker 4:Yes, sir. It won't happen again.

3:04Speaker 1:See that it doesn't.

3:06Speaker 5:Thanks to the dark of night, Captain Charles misses Kevin's eye roll. Exterior, Gulfstream, 650ER, night. The sleek jet glistens on the twinkling airstrip. Parked at the base of its stairs, a six-foot-by-three-foot frosted fiberglass sarcophagus rests on a gurney. Frowning, Cliff Krantz, 42, a giant man in a $ 6, 000 Brunello Cuccinelli suit, the heavy, gives an unimpressed nod.

3:33Speaker 4:That's it?

3:35Speaker 5:If Idris Elba had an exact opposite, Idris Bowman, 49, would be it.

3:40Speaker 4:Yes.

3:46Speaker 1:Perfect.

3:47Speaker 5:Wiping sweat off his brow, Idris peers at his Apple Watch and then back at the man-sized container.

3:53Speaker 2:We really need to get this plugged back in.

3:57Speaker 4:No one's stopping you.

3:58Speaker 5:Arnie Heim, 27, a gangly, goofy fucker in a cheap velour tracksuit waves.

4:03Speaker 1:Hi, I'm Arnie.

4:04Speaker 4:Don't care.

4:06Speaker 5:Soliciting Cliff for help with the pod.

4:09Speaker 4:Would you mind? You made it this far. I'm only here to make sure you don't fuck up.

4:14Speaker 2:It's a bit heavy.

4:15Speaker 4:Use your legs.

4:16Speaker 2:Right.

4:18Speaker 5:Idris looks at Arnie.

4:19Speaker 3:Okay, on three.

4:24Speaker 2:One, two, three.

4:29Speaker 5:Arnie lifts his end with ease. Idris lifts up and the container thuds to the ground.

4:34Speaker 4:What the fuck?

4:36Speaker 3:Sorry, I lost my grip. I told you, it's heavy.

4:41Speaker 5:Move. He pushes Idris away, searching the end of the vessel.

4:46Speaker 4:All your brilliant minds and nobody made a handle?

4:49Speaker 2:It wasn't created to be moved.

4:56Speaker 5:Cliff heaves the container up. Underneath the pod, we see a tiny, tiny hole.

5:03Speaker 4:Let's go.

5:04Speaker 5:Arnie and Cliff wedge the pod into the plane. Idris hurries after them. Interior, Gulfstream, 650 ER, main cabin, night. Anita greets the passengers with her work smile.

5:16Speaker 6:Welcome, gentlemen. We've prepared a place in the back. Follow me, please.

5:22Speaker 5:Rich woodwork gleams in soft, low light. Rows of buttery leather. Cream-colored seats beckon over exotic animal print rugs. Large oval windows line the craft's walls. With a ceiling tall enough that the two big guys don't have to hunch over, and a width of nearly nine feet, maneuvering the container is much easier here than up the stairs.

5:43Speaker 6:There are two lavatories, one here and one aft.

5:46Speaker 2:Aft?

5:47Speaker 3:Back.

5:49Speaker 6:We don't say back on a plane.

5:52Speaker 4:Is it bad luck or something?

5:55Speaker 6:Um, it's taken from sailing. From ships.

6:00Speaker 4:Oh, what's in there?

6:03Speaker 5:He points to a small room next to the cockpit.

6:05Speaker 6:Crew quarters. Anyway, the other restroom is in the plane's aft through the galley.

6:12Speaker 5:She gestures to a well-stocked restroom complete with a huge picture window. Arnie stops to gawk and then whistles.

6:21Speaker 1:What a view to take a dump.

6:23Speaker 4:It's a bathroom, you fucking moron. Keep moving.

6:29Speaker 5:They continue their trek through the jet. Interior, Gulfstream 650 ER, living room slash bedroom, night. A plush sofa faces a 60-inch flat screen. An old-fashioned popcorn machine stands tethered in the corner. Once again, Arnie pauses to take it in.

6:46Speaker 4:Nice. Go! Jeez.

6:50Speaker 2:Cliff's right, Arnie. Time is of the essence.

6:53Speaker 5:Idris wrings his sweaty hands, his face carrying the word expression of an expectant father. They keep moving. Interior, Gulfstream 650ER, cockpit, night. Through the windscreen, runway lights outline their path as Captain Charles and Kevin prepare for takeoff.

7:10Speaker 1:Left and right.

7:11Speaker 4:Clear.

7:12Speaker 5:Gulfstream 255, Tango, Yankee, runway 25, clear for takeoff.

7:16Speaker 1:Runway 25 clear for takeoff, Gulfstream 255 Tango Yankee.

7:21Speaker 5:With a cheesy wink to Kevin.

7:24Speaker 1:Here's mud in your eye.

7:27Speaker 5:Charles pushes the throttle. Interior, Gulfstream 650 ER galley. A few minutes later, a pulsing hum radiates from the pod. Idris double-checks the milky sarcophagus. Everything seems to be working. Cliff towers in the doorway.

7:43Speaker 4:Where did this thing come from? Not here.

7:47Speaker 5:Idris slides past him. Cliff grimaces at the strange container and follows the quirky little man, leaving the pod alone. A hiss seethes under the noise of the jet engine. Air oozes into that tiny hole in the bottom. Interior Gulfstream 650ER main cabin night. A nervous silence hangs over the men. Arnie's knees bounce, freeing boyish energy. He springs up and paces the aisle. Arnie inspects a handsome wooden console, roots inside it.

8:25Speaker 4:Score.

8:26Speaker 5:It's a liquor cabinet, stocked with rows and rows of spiritus polish vodka. He holds up a bottle.

8:32Speaker 4:Hey, is this stuff any good?

8:34Speaker 5:Reading the label.

8:35Speaker 3:Damn, 190 proof?

8:38Speaker 4:Put it back, you aren't guests. Bro. Do it, bro.

8:43Speaker 5:Arnie sets the bottle on the console.

8:44Speaker 3:Chill.

8:45Speaker 5:Cliff rises.

8:47Speaker 4:When I get back, I want to hear nothing but quiet.

8:50Speaker 5:Cliff moves towards the interior galley night. From the doorway, Cliff glares at the pod. Something about it gives him the creeps. He scurries around it like a kid afraid of a closet monster into the laboratory and slides the door closed. The door's lock clicks. Unattended, the container purrs in the galley. And then, From within. Interior hallway next to the cockpit, night. Anita knuckles a tap on the door before entering. The interior, cockpit, night. She peeks her head in.

9:27Speaker 2:Gentlemen, need anything?

9:29Speaker 4:Nothing for me, hon.

9:31Speaker 5:She rubs the bridge of her nose with her middle finger.

9:33Speaker 1:Do we have any more of that Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee?

9:39Speaker 6:Oh, of course. However, it'll take a little bit longer. I need to grind some beans.

9:45Speaker 5:I'd love some. Anita leaves the room. Interior galley night. The bathroom door creeps open and Cliff's broad face pokes out. Did he hear something? He stares down at the container in front of him. and peers into its milky plexiglass. Guess not. Shuddering from a heebie-jeebie attack, Cliff bolts out of the room. The pod sits alone again. Through its cloudy cover, a vague shadow ripples. Interior Cockpit Night. Charles glances at his watch.

10:22Speaker 1:I'm gonna see a man about a horse. Betty's in your control.

10:26Speaker 4:My control.

10:27Speaker 5:Charles moves out. As soon as he's out of sight, Kevin mocks him.

10:31Speaker 4:I'm gonna see a man about a horse.

10:33Speaker 3:What a fucking douchebag.

10:38Speaker 5:Interior galley, night. A few minutes later, the gurgle of the coffee pot. Anita stares off, her mind a million miles away. Behind her, a stem in the color of mildewed clay finds a small hole in the pond's latch. It pokes through, pulsing at its tiny tip. Interior, main cabin, night. Captain Charles strides by the seated men, barely acknowledging them. Interior, galley, night. Charles shuts the door behind him, towering over Anita. The stem snaps back into the.

11:13Speaker 2:Pond, unseen.

11:15Speaker 1:May I be of service?

11:17Speaker 5:She doesn't turn around.

11:18Speaker 6:Took you long enough.

11:24Speaker 5:He spins her, pulling her into him. No time to waste. He ravishes her breasts while she works his manhood. This isn't the first time they've fucked in this kitchen. Interior, pod, night. Seen through the frosted pane, Captain Charles flips Anita around, taking her from behind. He breathes into her ear.

11:51Speaker 1:Let me grind that bean. Sweet Jesus.

11:57Speaker 5:In the pod. From an alien POV, golden trails of energy spurt off the lover's grinding bodies. This energy-filled light floats into the pod. Whatever is in there slurps its approval. Interior galley night. Unbeknownst to the screwing couple, the gray-green fiber stretches out of the pod lock again, a throbbing knob now at its tip. Interior cockpit night. Kevin checks his watch. He mutters.

12:33Speaker 3:Prostate issues, Grandpa?

12:35Speaker 5:Interior galley night. Charles and Anita mash away, locked in a grunting rhythm.

12:41Speaker 4:God, this feels good!

12:47Speaker 5:Behind them, the foreign organ rocks from side to side, growing longer and longer. The lovers whisper.

12:57Speaker 6:Tell me how much.

13:00Speaker 5:Baby, you know.

13:01Speaker 3:No, no, no, tell me.

13:04Speaker 5:This is all I think about.

13:07Speaker 6:Tell me you love me.

13:10Speaker 1:Sure, yeah.

13:11Speaker 3:Tell me.

13:13Speaker 5:I love you.

13:16Speaker 6:I love you, too. I can't wait for us to be together.

13:27Speaker 2:Good morning. Interior, main cabin, night.

13:33Speaker 5:Three men in different stages of boredom. Arnie whines.

13:36Speaker 4:I can't believe you guys won't let me at least play Candy Crush. You were never here. You can go without your phone for an hour, God.

13:45Speaker 5:Defeated, Arnie takes a deep breath.

13:48Speaker 3:That coffee smells good. And I don't even like coffee.

13:52Speaker 5:Idris inhales.

13:54Speaker 4:It sure does.

13:55Speaker 3:Do you think I could get a Coke?

13:57Speaker 4:Will it make you shut up?

13:58Speaker 3:Yeah!

13:59Speaker 5:Arnie rockets up.

14:01Speaker 2:Would you mind getting me a coffee, Arnie?

14:03Speaker 3:Sure thing, Idris.

14:04Speaker 5:Interior, living room slash bedroom, night. Arnie revels in the trappings of the billionaire rich. He sniffs out the flat screen's remote and clicks it on. Thousands of movies at his disposal. He selects the old Steve McQueen movie, The Blob. The melodramatic score covers Anita and Charles banging away on the other side of the door.

14:25Speaker 3:Classic.

14:29Speaker 5:Stretching out on the sofa, the light of the horror flick washes over his simple face. Artie jumps up to investigate the street vendor popcorn machine in the corner. His sleuthing uncovers oil and kernels in a nearby cabinet. He pours them into the kettle, very satisfied with himself, and switches it on. Interior cockpit night. Kevin checks his watch again.

14:51Speaker 3:What is taking that geezer so long?

14:54Speaker 5:Interior galley night. Charles plows into Anita. What? Nearly there, driving, thrusting. Behind the lovers, the strange tendril pushes at the latch. Anita moans.

15:08Speaker 6:Tell me, tell me.

15:09Speaker 5:Pulsing in time with them, the stem reaches.

15:12Speaker 4:I love you.

15:15Speaker 3:Stretching.

15:17Speaker 4:Almost there.

15:19Speaker 2:Say, Olivia.

15:21Speaker 5:Charles moans in ecstasy. So close.

15:25Speaker 4:Almost there.

15:28Speaker 2:Almost. Say it.

15:30Speaker 1:Come on, baby.

15:31Speaker 3:Say it.

15:35Speaker 1:I can't yet.

15:36Speaker 2:No.

15:37Speaker 5:Oh, Reed. Anita has her pants up in one cat-like mood.

15:42Speaker 1:Oh, come on.

15:44Speaker 5:Don't be like that.

15:45Speaker 3:I can't leave her now.

15:47Speaker 6:You're never going to leave her.

15:49Speaker 5:She huffs out, slamming the door behind her. Charles bellows a half-hearted plea, but doesn't follow her.

15:55Speaker 4:It's Christmas!

15:58Speaker 5:A tentacle slides around Charles' throat and pulls with such strength that his head tears away from his body. A volcano of blood.

16:06Speaker 3:Rushes into his.

16:09Speaker 4:Neck.

16:09Speaker 1:I don't know.

16:10Speaker 3:Sure.

16:10Speaker 1:Yeah.

16:11Speaker 2:Interior, living room slash bedroom, night.

16:23Speaker 5:Anita storms in, cheeks flushed from sex and rage. Her eyes land on the cheesy horror film on the screen.

16:31Speaker 2:What are you doing?

16:32Speaker 5:Arnie clicks the TV off.

16:33Speaker 2:Nothing, sorry.

16:35Speaker 5:She continues through the cabin.

16:37Speaker 3:Can I get a Coke?

16:42Speaker 6:Will you give me a moment? My apologies.

16:45Speaker 3:Oh, sure, I'll just get it myself.

16:47Speaker 5:She waves but keeps moving. The waterworks are on their way and she doesn't want the knuckle-dragger to see her cry. Pop, pop, pop. Popcorn kernel bursts in the kettle. Now for that coke. Whistling, Arnie glides the galley door open. Interior, front, nose, laboratory, night. Anita throws her heartbroken self inside, finally alone. The tears come, glaring at herself in the mirror.

17:18Speaker 6:You dumbass!

17:20Speaker 5:Spits at her reflection, and then quickly wipes it off.

17:24Speaker 3:Another holiday alone.

17:26Speaker 5:Dabbing a little water on her face, she inhales a deep, cleansing breath.

17:33Speaker 2:You're a walking cliché.

17:34Speaker 5:Knock, knock.

17:36Speaker 3:If you think you can just say you're sorry.

17:38Speaker 5:She jerks the door open. Kevin.

17:41Speaker 3:Great.

17:42Speaker 5:Oh.

17:43Speaker 3:Sorry for what?

17:45Speaker 4:Nothing.

17:46Speaker 3:Bad time of the month?

17:47Speaker 5:She spews a disgusted sigh.

17:49Speaker 6:What do you want?

17:52Speaker 5:Where's Charleston?

17:53Speaker 6:How would I know?

17:54Speaker 2:And who's flying the plane?

17:55Speaker 3:It's fine. I turned on George. I need to use the can.

17:59Speaker 2:What are you, five?

18:00Speaker 6:You can't hold your bladder for an hour?

18:03Speaker 3:Maybe it's not my bladder.

18:05Speaker 4:Ugh, gross.

18:07Speaker 3:You forgot your license, right?

18:09Speaker 6:I'm short a few hours, but.

18:10Speaker 3:Well, here's your chance to get some time.

18:15Speaker 5:Fine. They trade places.

18:18Speaker 2:Excuse me.

18:20Speaker 5:Interior, galley, night. Arnie slides the door open to absolute carnage. Gore on every surface. It's even dripping off the ceiling. Arnie has seen a lot in his young life, but nothing like a small green blob about the size of an iPhone sprawls on Charles' chest. Rippling out of the creature are hundreds of stems. They roll and lurch into every hole of the captain's body. Arnie's jaw unhinges to release a full-throated scream.

19:00Speaker 1:The little whippers just killed me.

19:06Speaker 5:Interior cockpit night. Anita in Charles' seat. Cry singing.

19:11Speaker 6:Blue Christmas without you.

19:21Speaker 5:Interior hallway next to the cockpit. Night. Kevin grimaces on the other side of the door.

19:27Speaker 4:Cringe.

19:39Speaker 5:This chick is definitely going through some shit. Interior cockpit night. Kevin sticks his head in.

19:48Speaker 4:Wow, you are a terrorist.

19:50Speaker 1:Singer.

19:51Speaker 5:Anita wipes her wet face.

19:54Speaker 6:How was your little potty break?

19:56Speaker 3:Well, it all worked out in the end.

19:58Speaker 4:Ew!

19:59Speaker 5:He grins.

20:01Speaker 3:You are extra cranky tonight.

20:03Speaker 4:You mean bitchy? You said it, not me.

20:05Speaker 3:I thought you wanted to fly.

20:08Speaker 4:I do, but.

20:09Speaker 3:But what?

20:10Speaker 1:Nothing.

20:11Speaker 5:They sit in stony silence.

20:14Speaker 3:This whole night's been weird, don't you think? I'm ready for a drink.

20:18Speaker 2:What's new?

20:20Speaker 3:What does that mean?

20:21Speaker 5:Her condescending hand pats his shoulder.

20:24Speaker 6:I'll go check on Charles.

20:26Speaker 5:He waits until she's gone.

20:28Speaker 3:It's definitely that time of the month.

20:36Speaker 5:Interior main cabin night. Arnie's muffled scream pierces the closed door. Cliff and Idris lock eyes.

20:48Speaker 4:Idris!

20:50Speaker 5:Cliff jumps up, but Idris holds out his arm, shaking his head no. Don't move.

20:54Speaker 2:He got out!

20:55Speaker 6:Idris, he got out!

20:58Speaker 5:Idris creeps to the doorway and whispers through it.

21:01Speaker 2:Arnie, listen to me. Be quiet. You are only attracting attention to yourself.

21:11Speaker 3:Okay, Tristan.

21:13Speaker 2:Find a place to hide and stay still.

21:19Speaker 4:We have to land the plane. What?

21:21Speaker 2:You heard me.

21:23Speaker 4:No.

21:23Speaker 3:You have to deliver.

21:25Speaker 4:That was the deal.

21:28Speaker 2:Then we're all going to die.

21:32Speaker 5:Interior Galley Knight. The smooth, faceless organism turns, and for a split second, it takes on Charles' features. It beholds Arnie with a crooked grin. Alien POV. Golden energy swirls around the man-boy's stupefied face. Interior living room slash bedroom.

21:53Speaker 4:Night.

21:54Speaker 5:Pop. Pop.

21:56Speaker 4:Pop.

21:57Speaker 5:The kettle brims with popcorn. Arnie dies behind the machine and makes himself as small as he can. Eyes squeeze tight.

22:06Speaker 2:Squish.

22:08Speaker 5:The creature snakes to the top of the machine. The heat from the glass sizzles its skin. The creature releases a yip and slithers away. The machine starts to smoke. Interior, main cabin, night. Anita smooths herself down, donning her professional persona. She notices Cliff and Idra standing. Their attention fixed on the closed bedroom door.

22:34Speaker 2:Is there a problem, gentlemen?

22:36Speaker 5:Cliff puts his finger to his lips.

22:40Speaker 2:What's going on?

22:41Speaker 5:Shut up, she heartens.

22:44Speaker 2:Charles is back there.

22:46Speaker 5:Idris meets Cliff's gaze, but they don't look at her. That's all she needs to know. She flies to the door, opens it. Interior, living room slash bedroom, night. Night. Through the haze, Charles's crumpled, headless body.

23:04Speaker 4:Charles!

23:06Speaker 5:Something snakes to the side of her. Arnie jumps out from behind the popcorn machine.

23:10Speaker 6:Get out of here!

23:14Speaker 5:And shoves her back into the main cabin. He's right behind her when, thwack! An alien limb rips through Arnie's stomach. His wide eyes fix on Idris.

23:27Speaker 2:Idris!

23:29Speaker 5:The appendage wraps around his body, wrenching it back. And then Arnie is gone. Cliff slams the door shut. Interior, main cabin, night. Scoops up the hysterical Anita. She kicks and punches him to no avail.

23:47Speaker 4:Charles! Charles!

23:49Speaker 6:Put me down!

23:51Speaker 5:Cliff marches her into the interior flight crew quarters, night, and tosses her into the chairs.

23:57Speaker 4:Stay here.

23:58Speaker 1:What is that thing?

23:59Speaker 4:Oh, my God.

24:01Speaker 3:Charles!

24:02Speaker 4:I don't know.

24:03Speaker 5:She wails.

24:05Speaker 2:Look at me.

24:08Speaker 4:I'm on it.

24:10Speaker 1:Cliff!

24:11Speaker 6:What is that thing?

24:13Speaker 4:I don't know. But you need to get your shit together.

24:16Speaker 2:Crick it off.

24:17Speaker 6:Okay.

24:19Speaker 5:She manages a nod.

24:20Speaker 4:And wipe that snot off your face.

24:22Speaker 5:She flips him off.

24:24Speaker 4:That's my girl.

24:27Speaker 5:Oh. Interior, main cabin, night. Cliff returns to find Idris, frozen, staring at the door. An awful slurping noise at the other side. Slurping, slurping, slurping.

24:43Speaker 2:Arnie, what are you doing? I shouldn't have agreed to do this. This is all my fault.

24:49Speaker 4:Well, get it under control. Tell me what to do to stop it. I don't know.

24:54Speaker 2:What do you mean? What do you mean you don't know? I don't know how to stop it.

24:59Speaker 4:How did you ever have it under control?

25:02Speaker 2:It came to us this way. The vacuum of space served as a sort of sedation, and it was always contained.

25:12Speaker 5:He glowers at Idris.

25:14Speaker 4:You short-sighted fucker.

25:18Speaker 2:I don't know.

25:23Speaker 5:Interior, cockpit, night. An endless ebony night extends beyond Kevin's silhouette.

25:29Speaker 4:Oh, I should have asked for coffee.

25:31Speaker 5:He stretches, cracks his neck, yawns. Interior, flight crew quarters, night. Anita's shaky hands fumble her phone. She manages to dial Miss Jagoda. She presses the phone to her ear and waits. Two rings. Interior, hospital room, night. Super, Kansas City, Missouri. A girl, seven-ish, wearing a headscarf and too many IVs, sits up in her bed. She cradles an exquisitely gift-wrapped box.

26:06Speaker 3:For me?

26:08Speaker 5:Daria Jagoda, 32, halfway through her Christmas charity work, smiles at the sweet girl.

26:14Speaker 4:Happy holidays.

26:16Speaker 5:The little one lifts the lid, and her innocent face breaks into a giant grin.

26:21Speaker 4:How did you know?

26:23Speaker 5:I have my ways. Daria's phone buzzes in her $ 1, 200 cashmere hoodie's pocket. She slides it out. Anita.

26:33Speaker 2:I'll be right back, dear.

26:35Speaker 5:Beaming, the girl holds up a gorgeous pink dress against her frail body. Daria throws her a kiss and exits.

26:42Speaker 1:Is that why you're wearing pink today, too?

26:43Speaker 5:Yes. That's awesome. Interior hospital hallway night. Three oversized bodyguards in dark suits hover around the doorway. One of them holds a red and white Santa bag brimming with holiday-themed treasures. Daria strides past them, taking the call.

27:02Speaker 4:Anita! Hello, my darling.

27:05Speaker 5:Hi, Daria. Sorry to bother you.

27:08Speaker 6:We have an issue.

27:12Speaker 2:Issue?

27:13Speaker 5:Interior in flight crew quarters night. Anita swallows her terror and collects herself.

27:18Speaker 1:With a Shipment?

27:21Speaker 5:Inner cut. Daria lowers her voice, very concerned.

27:25Speaker 4:What happened?

27:26Speaker 2:There was some thing in that pod.

27:28Speaker 5:It was some kind of creature.

27:30Speaker 6:And it got out.

27:33Speaker 5:Daria lets out a long, troubled breath.

27:37Speaker 4:Oh, sweetie. First and foremost, is everyone okay?

27:41Speaker 5:Anita shakes her head, forgetting that Daria can't see her.

27:47Speaker 1:Anita?

27:49Speaker 5:Dearest. Daria snaps at one of the suits, motioning for him to distribute the rest of the presents. She returns to the call. Anita's face breaks.

27:58Speaker 6:No, no, everyone's not okay.

28:02Speaker 5:Charles, he... Daria's hand goes to her mouth.

28:05Speaker 2:Oh no, you poor thing. What a nightmare.

28:08Speaker 5:Anita quietly sobs.

28:11Speaker 6:What is that thing?

28:13Speaker 5:Daria's eyes narrow.

28:15Speaker 4:Listen to me.

28:16Speaker 5:Have Kevin land immediately.

28:19Speaker 4:I'll track you, but confirm your location as soon as you land.

28:22Speaker 5:Anita nods her head.

28:24Speaker 2:Copy that.

28:25Speaker 5:Daria strains to hear. Hello? On the other end, Anita's eyes dart around the room.

28:33Speaker 3:Anita!

28:34Speaker 6:Yeah, yeah, sorry.

28:35Speaker 4:Yes, yes.

28:36Speaker 6:Copy that.

28:37Speaker 5:Daria's voice drips with concern.

28:39Speaker 2:It's going to be okay.

28:41Speaker 5:I'm holding the intention that everything will be fine.

28:44Speaker 2:Let's say it together.

28:46Speaker 5:Anita glances around, slightly embarrassed. Everything will be fine.

28:53Speaker 3:Good, good.

28:54Speaker 4:I'll be with you soon.

28:56Speaker 5:Anita?

28:57Speaker 2:Yes?

28:59Speaker 5:Don't forget your Ujjayi breathing. It's very calming in high-stress situations. Daria hands her phone to a bodyguard. Anita frowns at the phone before stuffing it into her pants pocket and sneaking out. She ducks into the interior cockpit night, off her rattled face. What's going on?

29:18Speaker 6:Um, I spoke to Ms.

29:19Speaker 5:Tagoda.

29:20Speaker 6:She said we need to land the plane.

29:22Speaker 3:We're only 40 minutes out.

29:24Speaker 4:Now.

29:25Speaker 5:She checks a map screen.

29:27Speaker 6:We could land at BBG. It's almost underneath us.

29:29Speaker 3:There's nothing there. It's Branson, Missouri.

29:33Speaker 6:Our cargo, it got out.

29:36Speaker 3:What is it, like a tiger or something? I don't know what it is. I don't know.

29:40Speaker 6:I hope i'm asleep and this is the most fucked up nightmare i've ever had but charles is.

29:46Speaker 5:She shrieks.

29:50Speaker 3:Take us down or i will okay okay okay we'll land in bbg into his headset This is Gulfstream 25 Tango Yankee. We need emergency clearance to land at ETA four minutes.

30:04Speaker 4:I saw that.

30:06Speaker 2:I was hoping no one else would notice. It's one more five.

30:11Speaker 1:Okay.

30:14Speaker 3:This is Gulfstream 255 Tango Yankee. We need emergency clearance to land ETA four minutes.

30:19Speaker 5:He waits.

30:21Speaker 3:Repeat, this is Gulfstream 255 Tango Yankee.

30:24Speaker 4:We need to land now.

30:26Speaker 3:Hello, is anyone there?

30:28Speaker 5:Kevin checks his watch. It's 11.13 p.m.

30:31Speaker 3:The tower's probably closed.

30:32Speaker 6:We're coming anyway.

30:34Speaker 5:He shrugs and presses the yoke forward. Interior, main cabin, night. Haze from the burning popcorn rolls under the door.

30:42Speaker 4:Fucking hell.

30:44Speaker 5:Hundreds of tiny tentacles explore the sides of the door. Looking for a way out, they feel around. taking hold.

30:52Speaker 4:Crack!

30:53Speaker 5:It rips the door off its track. The door disappears into the bedroom, revealing a room shrouded in fog. Cliff slides a Ruger SR-22 from his shoulder holster. He peers into the room. Across the sofa sprawls Arnie's mangled, husked body. Idris staggers back, terrified. He never takes his eyes off the dark lump that was Arnie.

31:17Speaker 4:He moans. I failed him. We don't have time for that bullshit. Shove it deep down, Doc.

31:25Speaker 5:Cliff creeps backwards, away from the bodies, scanning for anything that moves. Nothing. Then, he sees it. Hiding in the smoke. Something... Something... Hiding in the smoke. Something resembling a translucent disease spider. Slithers across the ceiling, pulled along by hundreds of legs. Alien POV. View from above. A crying man in a chair. Energy crackles throughout the room. But bold lines float from the man's head. Main cabin. The creature warms towards Idris.

32:08Speaker 5:Cliff's mouth falls open, terrified. He whispers.

32:12Speaker 4:It's coming at you.

32:13Speaker 5:Idris doesn't move. Idris! It slinks closer.

32:19Speaker 4:Closer.

32:20Speaker 3:Get up!

32:21Speaker 5:Idris weeps.

32:24Speaker 4:Idris!

32:25Speaker 5:The creature dangles from above, and then. Plop. It falls on him.

32:33Speaker 2:Is there something on my head?

32:41Speaker 5:Cliff nods in horror. Idris doesn't fight back as the alien glob slurps and sucks and pulls and rips. The skin from Idris's scalp dissolves in batches, pieces of his skull exposed. Appendages burrow into Idris's slumped body, draining every bit of life force from him.

33:02Speaker 3:Womp, womp, womp.

33:05Speaker 5:The fire alarm bleats out. Oxygen masks fall from the ceiling. The bouncing, flailing tubing moves like the horrible creature's limbs. The alien scurries away. Interior, cockpit, night. A master warning light flares. An oxygen mask jangles in front of Kevin's concerned face.

33:26Speaker 3:A fire? Jeez, what the hell's going on?

33:29Speaker 5:Anita ignores him. She's trying to dissociate, but it's really hard with the alarm and Kevin's yammering.

33:35Speaker 3:Anita, I need you to check it out.

33:37Speaker 5:He snaps in front of her face.

33:39Speaker 3:Hey, get up and go see what's going on.

33:42Speaker 6:You want me to go out there?

33:43Speaker 3:Yeah, I'm the pilot and I'm ordering you.

33:46Speaker 1:But.

33:46Speaker 2:Oh, but what?

33:47Speaker 4:But what, huh? You can't because you're a girl?

33:49Speaker 3:Is that what you were going to say? No.

33:53Speaker 4:It was.

33:55Speaker 3:Get up and do your fucking job.

33:57Speaker 6:You haven't seen it. You don't know what.

33:59Speaker 2:It's a fire on a plane!

34:02Speaker 5:Fine! Rising, her shaky legs plead with her not to do this. Interior, main cabin, night. Cliff backs up. Where is that fucker?

34:14Speaker 4:Mwah, mwah, mwah.

34:17Speaker 5:The fire alarm rattles his skull. He tiptoes back. One step at a time.

34:27Speaker 4:Mwah.

34:29Speaker 5:Interior, flight crew quarters, night.

34:32Speaker 4:Made it.

34:36Speaker 5:Sliding in, Cliff shuts the door and looks down at his piss-soaked pants.

34:41Speaker 4:Calm down, pussy.

34:46Speaker 5:He presses his ear against the door. All he can hear is that damn alarm. Interior, main cabin, night. Anita stalks through the smoke.

34:56Speaker 3:Womp, womp, womp.

35:00Speaker 5:Idris's... Idris's caved-in head slumps back on his shoulders. His dead, open eyes stare at her. The plane, making its quick descent, lurches Idris's body at her. She slaps her hand over her mouth to keep from screaming. She calms herself before taking two more steps. When? Something grabs her from behind. It's Cliff. He forces her into the tiny room. Interior. Flight crew quarters. Night. Cliff wheels around and shoves Anita into the chair.

35:43Speaker 4:What are you doing?

35:44Speaker 6:Kevin made me check on the fire.

35:46Speaker 4:Stay here. You don't need to be walking around with that thing out there.

35:49Speaker 5:This is exactly what she wanted to hear.

35:52Speaker 6:Thank you.

35:56Speaker 5:She motions for him to leave.

35:58Speaker 6:I'll open the door when you get back.

36:00Speaker 4:I'm not going out there.

36:01Speaker 6:Cliff, it's a fire on a plane.

36:04Speaker 4:Yeah, it's just smoke from that stupid popcorn machine.

36:07Speaker 6:You don't know that.

36:09Speaker 4:We'll be down soon. Try to relax. But... I said shut up.

36:13Speaker 3:No, you didn't.

36:14Speaker 6:You said relax. I.

36:17Speaker 5:He points his gun at her.

36:18Speaker 4:I said shut up.

36:21Speaker 5:Okay. Interior cockpit night. Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, the faint lights of Branson Airport, BBG, emerge. Kevin wipes his brow and checks his watch.

36:35Speaker 3:What is taking so long?

36:36Speaker 5:He grabs a handset. Interior, main cabin, night. Through the PA system, Kevin's voice fills the smoky plane.

36:45Speaker 4:Flight crew, prepare for landing.

36:47Speaker 5:Interior, flight crew quarters, night. Over the speaker.

36:50Speaker 3:Anita, come to the cockpit.

36:52Speaker 5:Anita rolls her eyes.

36:53Speaker 6:Oh, now he wants me to come to the cockpit.

36:56Speaker 5:She rises from her seat, but Cliff pushes her down again.

37:00Speaker 4:Day put.

37:01Speaker 6:Am I a prisoner?

37:02Speaker 4:I'm trying to keep you alive, dumbass.

37:05Speaker 5:Interior, cockpit, night. The jet touches down in a flawless landing.

37:10Speaker 2:Ladies and gentlemen, I give you.

37:12Speaker 5:With a flourish of his arm.

37:14Speaker 4:Perfection!

37:17Speaker 5:Exterior, Branson Airport, BBG.

37:19Speaker 4:Ramp, night.

37:21Speaker 5:Gleaming and pristine, the Gulfstream's sleek exterior belies the bloodbath inside. Interior, cockpit, night. Kevin scrambles out of his seat. On second thought, he grabs the handset again. Interior, flight crew quarters, night. Over the loudspeaker.

37:39Speaker 2:Okay, we're here.

37:40Speaker 3:I'm going to check out on the fire and open the exits.

37:42Speaker 5:Cliff shakes his head.

37:44Speaker 4:Great. Another moron.

37:46Speaker 5:He holds up his gun, opens the door, steps out. Interior, outside the cockpit door, night. Cliff presses his face against the door. The faintest whisper.

38:00Speaker 4:Kevin, can you hear me? Yeah, man, what the fuck is going on?

38:08Speaker 5:Interior, cockpit, night. Kevin opens the door. The bellowing of the fire alarm follows Cliff in. Cliff slams the door shut behind him, muffling the assault of ringing.

38:19Speaker 3:Where's Anita? Is the fire in the galley?

38:22Speaker 5:Cliff sighs. He numbers off on his fingers.

38:25Speaker 4:One, don't care about the fire. Two, that thing is loose. Three, everyone but Anita, you, and me is dead.

38:32Speaker 5:Kevin hesitates before offering his brilliant response.

38:37Speaker 2:Shit.

38:42Speaker 4:I'm going to pick up Anita, and we're going to get off the plane. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

38:46Speaker 5:Kevin scans the cockpit for a possible weapon. Nothing but the fire extinguisher. He clutches it to his chest.

38:53Speaker 4:You don't need that.

38:55Speaker 3:It's something.

38:56Speaker 5:Cliff relents.

38:57Speaker 4:Whatever.

38:58Speaker 5:And puts a meaty paw on Kevin's shoulder.

39:01Speaker 4:Let me go first.

39:03Speaker 5:With a series of sacking up breaths, Cliff's out the door. Interior hallway next to the cockpit, night. Kevin cowers behind the massive man. Cliff lightly taps on the crew door with the gun.

39:16Speaker 4:We're leaving.

39:18Speaker 5:Anita appears, ready, purse on her shoulder. a thump to the right of Cliff. He spins, wielding the.

39:25Speaker 2:22.

39:25Speaker 5:The incessant bleeding of the fire alarm makes it impossible to hear anything else. Kevin peeks out from behind Cliff's giant back. Everything seems fine. Rich woodwork. Leather. Blood. Pieces of Idris's head. Shh! To release the exit door, they need to press the button at the top right. It's only a few feet away, but it might as well be miles. The creature crawls out of Idris's chest. Now the size of a Labrador retriever.

40:02Speaker 4:Oh, fuck.

40:04Speaker 5:The creature snaps a melty Idris face his way. Kevin doesn't move. He contemplates fainting. Anita's screams bring him back.

40:13Speaker 1:One scream.

40:17Speaker 5:Anita's scream brings him back. Cliff, seeing an opportunity, nabs Anita by her hair.

40:28Speaker 4:Kevin, all distracted. You grab the door.

40:30Speaker 5:Wait, wait, what?

40:31Speaker 4:Distracted? Yeah.

40:32Speaker 5:He grins down at Anita.

40:34Speaker 4:Come on, gorgeous. You know what it's like to be a piece of meat, don't you?

40:38Speaker 5:Cliff directs her body towards the creature.

40:40Speaker 3:What are you doing?

40:41Speaker 5:Let go of me! She slaps at his giant arm, trying to break free.

40:45Speaker 4:Let go of her, man! Don't worry about her. She's busy serving dinner. Get the door.

40:51Speaker 2:Cliff, stop it!

40:53Speaker 4:On the count of three, hit the door.

40:55Speaker 5:Anita thrashes, desperate.

40:57Speaker 1:One.

40:57Speaker 2:No, let go of me!

40:59Speaker 4:Two.

41:00Speaker 5:Kevin stands frozen. Come on, nod if you're with me. Kevin slowly nods. Decision made.

41:06Speaker 4:Three.

41:07Speaker 5:Kevin smashes the fire extinguisher into Cliff's skull.

41:10Speaker 4:Oh, what the fuck?

41:12Speaker 5:Cliff releases Anita, bringing his hand to the back of his head. Blood rushing from his scalp. He staggers, desperately trying to stay upright. Kevin kicks him on top of the monster.

41:25Speaker 1:Ah!

41:26Speaker 5:Cliff clambers backward in sheer panic. Kevin smacks the exit door pad. The door whirs in response. Cliff empties his weapon into the creature. The alien's body absorbs the bullets, immediately shrinking to the size of a large house cat. Out of ammo, Cliff throws the useless gun at the monster. What? What? What? What? What?

41:56Speaker 2:What?

42:24Speaker 5:Before Cliff's mouth can release its little yowl. The creature plunges another appendage down his throat. The door and exit stairs finish their automated unfurling. Kevin reaches for Anita.

42:37Speaker 4:Come on!

42:38Speaker 5:She grabs his hand, and he yanks her out the door and down the stairs. End of part one. Excellent job. I got a couple things.