EXT MEADOW DUSK
SUPER: EARTH POPULATION [SPINS DOWN TO] 10 MILLION
Asteroid chunks drift peacefully in the night sky. Stars. Complete darkness over the landscape except, smoke rises from the chimney of an old hillbilly shack with an attached shed. Flickering lamp light streams out. HAMMERING METAL.
INT STANNER SHED DUSK
Dirt floor. It could be Abe Lincoln’s childhood cabin. A greasy hand reaches out from under something covered in canvas, resting on…wide tires. A GRAVEL voice.
JOHN STANNER
Five eights.
CHARLIE, a dirty, disheveled eight-year-old boy, grabs the correct wrench. Places it in the worn and scarred hand, wide-eyed.
CHARLIE
Can I help?
JOHN
You are helping.
CHARLIE
Are we close?
John slides out from under the car. He’s rough. Scars. Mid 40s. Sees his boys face.
JOHN
Question is, what would your old man do if we ever finished?
CHARLIE
We can do anything!
JOHN
Don’t ever forget it.
DISTANT GUNFIRE, EXPLOSIONS. John blows out the oil lantern and Charlie dashes instinctively. This is routine. His father dusts off slowly. Charlie returns with a rifle and pistol belt, handing them to his father.
CHARLIE
Take me with you. I can help!
JOHN
This is my job.
CHARLIE
…I can count your shots! Hand you ammo!
JOHN
There’s something more important for you to do. You’ll get your chance. Now, you hide.
Charlie Nods. EXPLOSIONS in the distance. The sound of SCREAMING craft flying overhead. John looks up.
JOHN
Really in a tizzy this time.
Rushes through the shack. Charlie follows.
EXT STANNER SHACK DUSK
John bursts out the front door. Men in rough camo uniforms wait.
RESISTANCE FIGHTER
They found you John.
The man nods toward Charlie
RESISTANCE FIGHTER
Better take the fight to them.
John looks over his shoulder at his Son.
JOHN
Follow your instincts Charlie. Do your part.
John turns to men and leaves.
CHARLIE
Dad?
Charlie watches his father go.