REFUGEE FROM ROSWELL

 

By Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

              FADE IN:

 

              EXT. OUTDOOR CAFE - DAY

 

              People fill tables at an outdoor cafe in the city on a

              beautiful spring afternoon.

 

              At a table sit JOE and TRICIA, a handsome couple in their

              20s. Tricia wears a designer jogging outfit; Joe is dressed

              casually in slacks and sportcoat.

 

              Tricia is visibly agitated, while Joe sits calmly, sipping an

              espresso.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                                    I can't believe you're doing this -

                                    especially now.  We were going to

                                    Washington next week.

 

                                                          JOE

                                    We can still do that.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                                    What's the point? A final fling

                                    before you leave?

 

                                                          JOE

                                    I told you six months ago I'd

                                    probably be moving.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                                    I thought you'd change your mind

                                    since everything's been so good.  Or

                                    so I thought.

 

              Several tables away, watching the couple closely, sit HELEN,

              60s, and AMY, 40s.

 

                                                          HELEN

                                    I bet he's telling her that he told

                                    her six months ago he'd be leaving.

                                    That's what he told me.

 

                                                          AMY

                                    And to pay closer attention.

 

              At the other table:

 

                                                          JOE

                                    You have to pay closer attention to

                                    what I'm really saying, not what you

                                    want to hear.  I've never lied to

                                    you, Tricia.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                                    I just can't believe you can do this

                                    so goddamn easily!

 

              She gets up from the table, throwing down her napkin.

 

              Watching the scene:

 

                                                          HELEN

                                    "I've never lied to you."  I bet

                                    that's the line that gets her.

 

                                                          AMY

                                    That line was the last straw for me,

                                    too.

 

              At the table, Joe gets to his feet while Tricia is moving

              off.  He MOUTHS the very words that Helen is expecting and

              repeating to Amy.

 

                                                          HELEN (O.S.)

                                    "I never lied to you!"

 

              Then he calls after her:

 

                                                          JOE

                                    Tricia!

 

              He sits back down, looking more resigned to the inevitable

              than upset.

 

              At the other table, Amy leans forward to confide something,

              as Tricia stomps by the women's table in a huff.

 

                                                          AMY

                                    It was summer, in 1976, the

                                    Bicentennial.  I can remember it like

                                    it was yesterday.  I loved that man

                                    so much.  I was only 19.

 

                                                          HELEN

                                    Spring of '55 for me, dear.  But we

                                    don't want to lose her, do we?

 

              Helen gets up, Amy quickly behind her, and they take off

              after Tricia.

 

              Also overlooking this scene from another table has been

              GEORGE, 30s, who now moves to sit down across the table from

              Joe.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                                    I bring you greetings from home.

 

              He makes an unusual gesture with his hands, like sign

              language, and a LIGHT GLOWS in the palm of his hand.

 

              Joe's eyes widen.

 

                                                          JOE

                                    You're . . . ?

 

              George nods, yes.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                                    Don't react.  Do you have a domicile

                                    where we can talk?

 

                                                          JOE

                                    Of course.  They call it an apartment

                                    here.

 

              George takes a small foreign language dictionary out of his

              coat pocket.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                                    Apartment?  I don't recall learning

                                    the word.

 

                                                          JOE

                                    It's only a few blocks from here.

 

              EXT. CITY - STREET - DAY

 

              Helen and Amy catch up with Tricia on the city street.

 

                                   

                      HELEN

                                    Excuse me.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                                    Yes?

 

                                                          HELEN

                                    We'd like to talk to you.

 

                                                          AMY

                                    We couldn't help but see the fight

                                    you had with your boyfriend.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                                    What are you, spying on me?

 

                                                          AMY

                                    For weeks now.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                                    You're not serious.

 

                                                          AMY

                                    "I've always told you my plans."

 

                                                          HELEN

                                    "You have to listen to what I'm

                                    saying, not what you want to hear."

 

                                                         AMY

                                    "I've never lied to you."

 

              These last three lines have a visible affect on Tricia, who

              looks like she needs to sit down.

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    Who the hell are you?

 

                                  HELEN

                        Your predecessors.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        What's that supposed to mean?

 

                                                          AMY

                        He dumped us, too, dear.  Me in the

                                    70s, Helen in the 50s.

 

           

                                              HELEN

                        You look like you need to sit down.

 

              INT. JOE'S APT - DAY

 

              George is looking around Joe's apartment with great

              curiosity. The small one-bedroom is tastefully decorated

              without being ostentatious, in a somewhat bohemian style.

 

              George finds a basket of laundry with a bra on top.  He picks

              it up, as if he were lifting the specimen of a snake.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        You live alone?

 

              Joe ignores the question.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Maybe we should do this somewhere

                                    else.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Do what?

 

              The question takes Joe by surprise.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Wait a minute.  I thought you were--

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I am.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Then you're here for my report,

                                    aren't you?

 

              George looks at him like a General looking at an enlisted man.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I could have let you send your

                                    report, as always.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Then why are you here?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        To see for myself.

 

           

                                              JOE

                        See what?

 

              George flips Joe a superior smile.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        So many obvious questions.  Is this

                                    the style of the natives you've

                        adapted?  Now you have me doing it.

                                    What do I call you anyway?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Joe.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        This body was named George.

 

                                                          JOE

                        If you're not here to get my report,

                                    then what are you here for?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Joe, I'm here to see for myself.

                                    You've had some extraordinary things

                        to say about the natives here.  I

                                    want to make sure your reports are

                        accurate.

 

              INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

              Tricia sips her drink, takes a deep breath and prepares to

              speak.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Let me see if I have this straight.

                                    You lived with Joe for several years

                        in the 1950s--

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Correct.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        --and you did the same thing in the

                                    70s.

 

                                                          AMY

                        I was very much in love with him.

                                    Just like you.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        And like I was.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        You sit there with a straight face

                                    and tell me this.  I don't get it.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Don't get what, dear?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Joe wasn't even born in the 1950s -

                                    and was just a child in the 70s.  Now

                        what's this really about?

 

              Amy turns to Helen, deferring to the older woman to continue.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        You don't understand.  The man

                                    doesn't age.  We believe he's, well,

                                    not from here.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        I already know that. He was a Navy

                                    brat.  Born in Norfolk and attended

                                    a dozen schools before he reached

                        high school.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        We believe he's from another planet.

 

              Tricia isn't sure what to make of this.  Finally she has to

              laugh.

 

                                                          AMY

                        He has an incision scar inside his

                                    right thigh.

           

                                                          HELEN

                        Another on his left buttock.

 

              Tricia's expression tells us they are right.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Do you have some specific planet in

                                    mind?

 

                                                          HELEN

                        We think he survived the flying

                                    saucer crash at Roswell.

 

                                                          AMY

                        The summer of 1947, dear.  Long

                                    before you were born.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        He's a refugee from Roswell.

 

              Tricia is speechless.

 

              EXT. JOE'S APT - DAY

 

              George follows Joe out of the apartment.  A DOORMAN, 60s,

              greets him.

 

                                                          DOORMAN

                        Good morning.

 

              Joe ignores him.  He is in a huff, moving quickly down the

              sidewalk, with George right on his heels.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I deserve medals, not censor.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Why are you angry?  You're acting

                                    like a native.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Who has done better research than me?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I believe the correct grammar is I.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Nobody here says I.  It's a giveaway.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        They don't follow their own rules of

                                    grammar?

 

                                                          JOE

                        I've been sending you invaluable data

                                    about these people for fifty years.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I'm not criticizing you.  I just want

                                    to see for myself before the

                                    committee arrives.

 

              Joe finally stops walking.  He turns and confronts George.

 

                                  JOE

                                    What committee?

 

              George ignores the question.

 

                                  GEORGE

                                    How about the grand tour?  We could

                        start with this children's game

                                    played by millionaires.  Basket . . .?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Basketball.  What committee?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Basketball, yes.  A children's game,

                                    you wrote, in which they throw a ball

                                    through a hoop - and according to

                        your reports, for this they get

                                    rewarded far beyond the reward given

                        to teachers or nurses or parents. We

                                    sure got a laugh out of that!  And

                                    you wonder why I'm here?

 

                                  JOE

                                    Yes, that's the way it is. I can

                        prove it to you.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I hope so!  I'm on your side here.

                                    I want the committee to see that

                                    everything you've reported is true.

                        My plan depends on it.

 

                                                          JOE

                        What plan?  What committee?

 

              INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

              Helen and Amy both hand photographs to Tricia.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        We realize how hard this must be for

                                    you to understand.

 

           

                                              AMY

                        I was just as disbelieving at first.

 

              Tricia looks at the FIRST PHOTOGRAPH:

 

              it shows Joe, physically looking exactly as he looks today,

              posed informally with Helen as a young woman, whose peddle

              pushers and hair style date the era as the fifties.

 

              In the SECOND PHOTOGRAPH, Amy is sitting on the lap of Joe,

              again who looks the same, at a party.  A backdrop banner

              reads "Happy Bicentennial 1976!!"

 

              Tricia tosses down the photographs.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        You made these with a computer.

 

              EXT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

              Tricia comes out of the bar, moving quickly down the street.

 

              Helen and Amy come out behind her.  They watch her go.

 

                                                          AMY

                        She doesn't believe us.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Would you have?

 

                                                          AMY

                        No.  What now?

 

                                                          HELEN

                        We count on her curiosity.

 

              INT. PUBLIC LIBRARY - RESEARCH AREA - DAY

 

              Tricia sits at a microfilm machine in the public library.

 

              She brings up a headline about the flying saucer crash in

              Roswell, New Mexico.  It's the July 8, 1947, edition of the

              newspaper.

 

              The headline reads:  "Roswell Army Airfield Captures Flying

              Saucer On Ranch".

 

              INT. PUBLIC LIBRARY - CHECK OUT DESK - DAY

 

              Tricia is checking out a book about the Roswell incident.

 

                                                          CHECK OUT CLERK

                        I read this.  You'll love it.  Did

                                    you see the alien autopsy on

                                    television?

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    The alien autopsy?

 

                                  CHECK OUT CLERK

                                    The government filmed it.  They've

                        been covering it up for years.

 

              INT. GYM - POOL - DAY

 

              Tricia stands on a diving board, ready to dive into a pool.

 

              Poolside is her coach, BI JINGJING, a middle-aged Chinese

              woman.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        Reverse somersault tuck.

 

              Tricia takes a deep breath and dives: she over-extends her

              rotation, a very poor dive.

 

              She swims to the edge of the pool and climbs out.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        Where is your mind today?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Joe's moving to Seattle.  We're

                                    splitting up.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        I'm sorry.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Me, too.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        Do you want to call it quits for the

                                    day?  I'm not focusing too well

                                    myself.  I think I'm nervous about

                        meeting the President.

 

           

                                              TRICIA

                        No!  I want to dive.

 

              She goes to the board for another dive.  She takes a deep

              breath, trying to get her concentration back.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        Again: reverse somersault tuck.

 

              Tricia dives - better but by no means up to her usual

              standard.  Bi's face tells us this.

 

              INT. SUSAN'S APT - NIGHT

 

              Tricia's girlfriend, SUSAN, 20s, opens the door to find

              Tricia standing there.  The look on Tricia's face tells Susan

              everything.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Oh my God.  It finally happened.

 

              Tricia breaks into tears.

 

              INT. SUSAN'S APT - WET BAR - NIGHT

 

              Tricia and Susan sit at a wet bar, drinking coffee.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        I think I have an explanation.

                                    Mental hospital refugees.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        That's too easy.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Every time you pick up the paper,

                                    some mental ward is closing.  They

                                    just dump these people on the streets.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        They went to all the trouble to make

                                    the photographs.  And where did they

                                    get a picture of Joe to work with?

                        How did they know about the scars?

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        You've convinced me.  He's a Martian.

                                    That's why he always looks so damn

                                    good.  He doesn't age, they're right

                        about that. He hasn't aged a day in

                                    the three years I've known him.

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    They're crazy, or he's an alien.

                        Great choice we have here.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        I guess you're just going to have to

                                    ask him.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Maybe he put them up to it.  Some

                                    weird idea to make it easier on me.

                                    He's moving to Seattle.

 

                                  SUSAN

                                    Oh, Trish . . .

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    Just what I need right now.

 

                                  SUSAN

                                    How could he, with the trials coming

                        up?  Wasn't he going to Washington

                                    with you?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        We were going to see Bi get her

                                    award, and then he'd stay for the

                                    trials.  But the thing is, I had my

                        own surprise - I was going to tell

                                    him this was my last meet, I was

                                    retiring from competition so I could

                        . . .

 

              She is fighting to hold back the tears.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I'm pregnant.

 

              Susan moves to put her arms around Tricia, and Tricia finally

              lets the tears come.

 

              EXT. JOE'S APT - DAY

 

              Tricia's car pulls into the lot and parks.  She gets out and

              heads for the apartment building.

 

                                                          DOORMAN

                        And how are you this lovely day?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I've been better, Mr. Wells.

 

                                                          DOORMAN

                        At least you have your youth!

 

              Tricia hurries inside, ignoring the remark.

 

              INT. JOE'S APT - DAY

 

              The door opens and Tricia steps inside.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Joe?  It's me!

 

              She finds a blanket on the divan, evidence that someone slept

              there last night.  She looks surprised.

 

              She goes to the bedroom and peeks inside.  The room is empty,

              the bed unmade.

 

              She goes to the closet and starts taking out her clothes.

 

              INT. OUTDOOR CAFE - DAY

 

              Joe and George are at the outdoor cafe, having coffee.

 

              George makes a face after a sip.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        How long did it take you to get used

                                    to this?

 

                                                          JOE

                        I liked it immediately.

 

              George makes a face.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        You do have an affinity. So what's in

                                    store for today?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Nothing until you tell me what's

                                    going on.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I want to see these millionaires who

                                    play children's games.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I want to know about the committee.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        The committee has to make the final

                                    approval of the plan.  If what you've

                                    sent us is true, there's no question

                        that they will.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Approval for what?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Making this a destination planet.  If

                                    the natives are as primitive as you

                                    report, it's perfect.

 

                                  JOE

                                    I'm not sure I understand.

 

              George is thumbing through his dictionary.

 

                                  GEORGE

                                    I saw the word for it this morning.

                        Turning this planet into . . . here

                                    it is: a zoo, a planetary zoo.

                                    Where civilized people can come to

                        visit and marvel at the exotic habits

                                    of the primitive natives.

 

                                                          JOE

                        You want to turn Earth into a zoo?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        They have zoos for monkeys - and

                                    we'll have zoos for them!  Every

                                    species in its rightful place.

 

              George grins.

 

              INT. JOE'S APT - DAY

 

              Tricia brings two suitcases into the living room from the

              bedroom, setting them onto the floor.

 

              She goes to a small desk and prepares to write Joe a note.

              As she's thinking how to begin, the door opens, and Joe and

              George step in.

 

              Tricia gets quickly to her feet.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        I was just writing you a note.  I'll

                                    be staying with Susan for a while.

                                    I don't want to get in the way while

                        you're packing.

 

              When Joe doesn't reply, she thrusts her hand forward at

              George.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I don't think we've met.  I'm Tricia.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I'm sorry, this is-- . . .

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        George.

 

                                                          JOE

                        George!  Meet Tricia; Tricia, George.

 

              There's an awkward silence.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Can we speak in the hallway a minute?

 

              She picks up the suitcases.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Let me help you with that.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I can manage.

 

              She takes the bags into the hallway.  Joe gives a shrug to

              George and follows her.

 

              INT. JOE'S APT - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              Tricia sets down the heavy suitcases again.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I want to ask you something.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Anything.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Joe, are you-- . . .

 

                                                          JOE

                        Am I what?

 

              Tricia frowns, the question suddenly too absurd for her to

              ask.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Are you comfortable with me going to

                                    Susan's?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Seems like the logical place to go.

                                    She's your best friend.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        The logical place to go.  Great.

 

              She picks up the suitcases and storms off.  Joe calls after

              her:

 

                                                          JOE

                        Tricia!

 

              George steps into the hallway.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        To an outsider, the natives have a

                                    very primitive emotional life.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Tell me about it.

 

              INT. SUSAN'S APT - NIGHT

 

              Tricia is stretched out on the divan, reading the Roswell

              book, when Susan enters.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Sorry I'm late.  Did you manage

                                    dinner for yourself?

 

           

                                              TRICIA

                        No problem.

 

              Susan stands over Tricia, waiting for her to go on.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Well?  Did Joe call?

 

              Tricia shakes her head and continues to read.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Are you going to tell him?

 

              Tricia ignores the question.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        How's the book?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Fascinating.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        So is he an alien?

 

              Tricia gives her a dirty look.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        If he is, Trish, what about the baby?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        What about it?

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        It might not be . . . ?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Human.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Well, yes.  Have you thought about

                                    that?

 

              Tricia slams her book down and gets up.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Of course I've thought about it!

                                    I've thought about nothing else.

 

              Tricia is shaking, and Susan steps forward to embrace her.

              Tricia melts in her arms, crying.

 

              INT. HEALTH CLUB - TRICIA'S OFFICE - DAY

 

              Tricia, dressed casually, comes into her office at a health

              club, moving past the SECRETARY, a woman in her 40s.

 

                                                          SECRETARY

                        Your mother's waiting for you.

 

              This stops Tricia.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        My mother's dead.

 

                                                          SECRETARY

                        Oh dear . . .

 

              The secretary stands up from her desk.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I'll take care of it.

 

              Tricia walks into her office to find Helen seated across the

              desk.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        If you don't leave voluntarily, I'm

                                    calling security.

 

              She's stopped by an old newspaper on her desk.  The headline

              reads: "Flying Saucer Crashes On Roswell Ranch".

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Turn to page five.

 

              Tricia starts to say something but doesn't.  She turns to

              page five - and immediately she gasps.

 

              She's looking down at a PHOTO OF JOE in the 1947 Roswell

              newspaper, looking exactly as he looks today.  A headline

              describes the young man's death in an automobile accident.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        The young man died in a car crash in

                                    Roswell the same day as the flying

                                    saucer crash.

 

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    And you're claiming that . . . ?

 

                                  HELEN

                                    Joe survived the crash and took over

                        the young man's body, and he hasn't

                                    aged a day since then.

 

              Tricia thinks a moment, then buzzes her secretary on the

              intercom.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Cancel my appointments.  I'll be tied

                                    up the rest of the day.

 

              INT. HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              Tricia sits at a table in a hotel suite, going through a

              scrapbook showing scenes of Joe with Helen or Amy through the

              years.

 

              There's a knock on the door.  Amy goes to answer it.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        There's someone we want you to meet.

 

              Amy brings BRAD MCCALL, 30s, into the room.  Mccall is an

              investigative reporter.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        You must be the latest.  Brad Mccall.

 

              He offers his hand.  Tricia just stares at him.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        She still has doubts.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        Who can blame her?  Miss . . .?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Who are you?

 

                                                          BRAD

                        I write for Time Magazine, and I was

                                    a skeptic for months.  But not any

                                    more.

 

           

                      TRICIA

                                    What do you people want from me?

 

                                  AMY

                                    Your help in stopping him from going

                        on with this.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Going on with what?

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Whatever it is he's up to, dear.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        I'd like your cooperation.  This is

                                    the story of the century.  Of any

                                    century.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        I think I should talk to Joe first.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        He moved this morning.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        He wouldn't leave without saying

                                    goodbye.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        He has to move every four or five

                                    years or people will notice he never

                                    ages.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        He can't have moved already.

 

              INT. JOE'S APT - DAY

 

              Tricia is walking through Joe's apartment as Helen, Amy and

              Brad watch.  Only Tricia's things that she left behind

              remain, Joe having packed and gone.

 

              Finally Tricia accepts that Joe has, in fact, moved out.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        What can I do to help?

 

              INT. GYM - POOL - DAY

 

              Tricia springs off the board, doing a front dive with a half

              twist pike.  Not bad.

 

              She gets out of the pool, where her coach is waiting for her.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        Much better today.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I have to go to Seattle for a few

                                    days.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        Really?  Do you think you can afford

                                    a break in training?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I don't have a choice.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        The trials are only-- . . .

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I know when they are!  I'm sorry.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        You're seeing Joe in Seattle?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Yes.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        Bad timing.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I know.  I'll try to dive every day

                                    while I'm there.

 

                                                          BI JINGJING

                        You still plan to come early to

                                    Washington?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I wouldn't miss it for the world.

                                    I'll be there - with or without Joe.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - NIGHT

 

              Joe and George are sharing a suite at the Hilton in Seattle.

 

              Joe is combing his hair at the mirror.  George sits at a

              table, reading over something.  He reads aloud:

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Here it is:  "Earthlings who play

                                    sports professionally earn millions

                        of dollars, much more than teachers,

                                    nurses, social workers, police,

                                    fireman, parents, or many others who

                        contribute essential work to the

                                    society.  Here Leisure and Escape are

                                    more important than Education and

                        Social Welfare."  The committee got

                                    a good laugh from that.  Then I

                                    thought, if this is actually true,

                        what a fantastic opportunity for a

                                    vacation retreat!  Primitive life

                                    forms are so fascinating.

 

                                  JOE

                        I don't like the idea of turning this

                                    planet into a zoo.  These people are

                                    more complex than you think.

             

                                                          GEORGE

                        That's why you're the scientist, and

                                    I'm the businessman, isn't it?

 

              INT. BASKETBALL ARENA - NIGHT

 

              A professional basketball game is in progress, the Seattle

              Sonics at home.

 

              INT. ARENA - STANDS - NIGHT

 

              Joe and George sit in the stands, watching the game.  Joe has

              become something of a fan, but George is totally bewildered.

 

              George looks around the stands in amazement, never having

              seen anything like this before.

 

              Joe notices his disbelief.

 

                                  JOE

                                    You'll get used to it.

 

                                  GEORGE

                        Who ARE these people?  This is

                                    wonderful!

 

              INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

              Joe and George are having pie and coffee after the game.

              George inspects every bite, as if he were eating sweetened

              insects.

 

                                  GEORGE

                        These basketball players and teachers

                                    you interviewed - can I talk to them?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Of course.  They'll tell you the same

                                    thing they told me.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        And they talk to you openly?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Once they trust me.  I tell them I'm

                                    writing a book.

 

              INT. JOE'S APT - DAY

 

              Susan is watching Tricia pack.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Even if it's true, following him to

                                    Seattle is dangerous.  He could zap

                                    you into a pile of ashes.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        This isn't Star Trek.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Then what is it?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I don't know.  But something is - I

                                    don't even know the word for it.

                                    Very strange.

 

                                  SUSAN

                        This stuff scares the bejesus out of

                                    me, Trish.  Why can't you just drop

                                    it?

 

           

                      TRICIA

                                    Because I love him.  And I don't

                        believe he would hurt me.  No matter

                                    where he's from.

 

              INT. SCHOOL - DAY

 

              Joe and George wait outside a classroom.  The bell rings, and

              students pour out.  Many are dressed in the wild attire of

              the times, which George looks at with wide-eyed amazement.

 

              TOM BRADLEY, 30s, a teacher, steps out into the hallway.

 

                                                          TOM

                        I only have twenty minutes.

 

              INT. SCHOOL - FACULTY LUNCH ROOM - DAY

 

              Joe and George sit with Tom at a corner table in the faculty

              lunchroom.

 

                                                          TOM

                        George, as I told Joe earlier, the

                                    way I figure it, in this society,

                        where we are free to choose, we get

                                    exactly the kind of culture we

                                    deserve.  If the American people

                        think that watching a bunch of seven-

                                    foot freaks, with mediocre educations

                        at best, is more important than

                                    giving the men and women who educate

                        their children a living wage - well,

                                    what can I say?  You get the society

                                    you deserve.  So here we are.  It's

                        the pits, isn't it?

 

              George just looks at him.

 

                                                          TOM

                        That's just my opinion, of course.

 

              EXT. OUTDOOR CAFE - DAY

 

              Joe and George are having espresso.  George still isn't sure

              whether he likes it or not.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        This is extraordinary. Evolution has

                                    proven that the care and education of

                                    the children are the foundation of

                        species stability - and look what

                                    they do.  If we left them to their

                                    own devices, they'd be extinct within

                        a century.

 

              Joe doesn't look pleased as his line of thought.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        We'll be doing them a favor.

 

              INT. AIRPORT - SEATTLE - DAY

 

              Tricia walks through the airport.

 

              EXT. AIRPORT - SEATTLE - DAY

 

              She comes out and hails a cab.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              Tricia is on the phone with Susan.

 

              Intercut phone conversation:

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        He's staying at the Hilton.

 

                                                          SUSAN

                        Now there's a needle in a haystack.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        He's been doing research for his book

                                    in Seattle and always stays at the

                                    Hilton.  He's a creature of habit.

 

                                  SUSAN

                                    Please don't use the word "creature."

                        And be careful!

 

              EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - NIGHT

 

              A police car moves down a city street.

 

              INT. POLICE CAR - NIGHT

 

              Sitting in back are Joe and George.  Two POLICEMEN sit up

              front.

 

                                                          POLICEMAN DRIVING

                        So how's the book coming?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Oh, it's coming right along.  I was

                                    telling my assistant here what you

                                    told me earlier about how many guns

                        are on the street.

 

              The policeman in the passenger seat turns back to them.

 

                                                          OTHER POLICEMAN

                        There are more goddamn guns than

                                    people out there.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        More guns than people?  Surely that's

                                    an exaggeration.

 

                                                          OTHER POLICEMAN

                        Believe it.

 

              Suddenly a CALL comes over the radio.  The driver swerves to

              the curb.

 

                                                          POLICEMAN DRIVING

                        I don't think you want to be a part

                                    of this.

 

              Joe and George get out.

 

              EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - NIGHT

 

              They watch the police car speed away.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        More guns than people?

 

                                                          JOE

                        And their policemen don't get paid

                                    any more than their teachers do.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Extraordinary.  The committee will

                                    love this.

 

              EXT. HILTON - NIGHT

 

 

              A cab pulls in front of the Hilton, and Joe and George get

              out.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I have some business to take care of.

                                    What you've shown me is perfect.  I'm

                                    recommending you for an accommodation.

 

                                  JOE

                        You have your key?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Yes.  But I don't need a key, and

                                    neither do you.

 

              George starts wandering off down the street.

 

                                                          JOE

                        You do if you want to keep your

                                    cover.  Goodnight.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - NIGHT

 

              Joe opens the door and comes in. He turns on the light.

 

              Tricia is sitting in a chair, waiting for him.

 

                                                          JOE

                        How did you find me?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        It wasn't very hard.

 

              Tricia gets up, fetches a newspaper that is sitting on the

              table, and approaches Joe.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        The bellboy let me in.  I said I was

                                    your wife.

 

              She hands him the paper.

 

              The paper is turned to the 1947 PHOTO OF "JOE" after the

              automobile accident.  Joe looks at it without reacting.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Where did you get this?

 

           

                                              TRICIA

                        You'd be surprised.

 

              Tricia's voice breaks.  This isn't easy for her.

 

                                                          JOE

                        This guy looks a lot like me.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        He looks exactly like you, Joe.  Why

                                    didn't you tell me about Helen and

                                    Amy?

 

              Joe clears his throat.

 

                                  JOE

                                    Who are Helen and Amy?

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    Goddamn it, I love you so much . . .

 

              Tricia is very close to losing it now.  She moves away,

              trying to gain control over her emotions.

 

              Joe looks helpless and trapped.

 

              Tricia gets ahold of herself and turns to face him.

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    Please tell me the truth.

 

              Joe considers this.

 

                                  JOE

                                    You'd better sit down.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

              Helen, Amy and Brad are waiting in a hotel room when the door

              opens and Tricia enters.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        He'll agree to an interview.

 

              Brad gets to his feet.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        Fantastic!

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        There are conditions.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        I thought so.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        He needs a couple weeks to finish up

                                    his research.

 

              Brad looks at Helen and Amy to get their reaction to this.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        I wouldn't trust him.

 

                                                          AMY

                        Me neither.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I do.

 

                                                          AMY

                        Lord knows how much more evil he can

                                    do in two weeks.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        We don't know he's doing anything

                                    "evil" here.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Where do you think AIDS comes from,

                                    dear?

 

                                                          BRAD

                        You think it's an alien virus?

 

                                                          AMY

                        Do you have a better explanation?

 

                                                          HELEN

                        A few weeks more is out of the

                                    question.  I say we tell the world

                                    what we know.

 

                                  AMY

                                    And go to the police.

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    I promised him no police.

 

                                  AMY

                                    That wasn't wise, dear.

 

                                  HELEN

                                    What else did you promise him?

 

                                  TRICIA

                        After the interview, he can go back

                                    to where he came from.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        You sound like you're on his side.

           

                                                          TRICIA

                        I didn't know there were sides here.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Tricia, he's an impostor.  He's an

                                    alien.  He's been studying us like

                                    bugs, infecting us with strange

                        diseases to see how we respond, Lord

                                    knows what else.

 

                                                          AMY

                        He has to be stopped, not pampered.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        Ladies, I think we're getting ahead

                                    of ourselves.  Tricia, is there any

                                    way I could have a brief interview

                        right away?  Just to set the ground

                                    rules?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I could ask.  But not tonight.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        Of course.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I'll talk to him in the morning.  If

                                    you'll excuse me, I'm exhausted.

 

              She turns and leaves.

 

                                                          AMY

                        She's still in love with him, poor

                                    dear.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - TRICIA'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

              Tricia comes into her room.  She plops down on the bed.

 

              She stares up at the ceiling until the tears come.

 

              INT. HILTON - DINING ROOM - DAY

 

              Joe and George are having breakfast.  They are having Eggs

              Benedict, and George inspects each bite carefully before

              putting it into his mouth.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Like it?

           

                                                          GEORGE

                        I'm not sure.

 

              They eat some more.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I think we have a problem.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Pardon me?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Tricia knows.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Tricia knows what?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Who I am.

 

              George looks at him with interest and concern.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Not the details, of course.  It's

                                    actually pretty complicated, the way

                                    she explained it, but she knows I'm

                        not from here.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        How could she possibly know?

 

                                                          JOE

                        She's not the only one.  Helen, the

                                    woman I lived with over 40 years

                                    ago - and Amy, that I lived with 20

                        years ago.  And unfortunately there's

                                    a magazine reporter involved, too.

 

              George gets up from the table.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Don't tell me this here!

 

              He hurries off, as Joe scrambles to follow him.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - DAY

 

              George is very upset at what Joe has told him.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        You've jeopardized the entire

                                    development plan!

 

                                                          JOE

                        If that's true, then I'm glad.  I

                                    don't approve of it.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Which is insubordination - and cause

                                    enough to relieve you of your duties

                                    here.

 

                                  JOE

                                    Being discovered was bound to happen

                        sooner or later.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I'm taking over your assignment.

                                    You'll be returning to Alpha as soon

                                    as I can arrange it.

 

              Joe's jaw drops.  This is the last thing he expected to hear

              and the last thing he wants to happen.

 

                                  JOE

                                    That's not fair.

 

                                  GEORGE

                                    Tonight, if possible.

 

                                  JOE

                                    Who made this decision to turn Earth

                        into a zoo?  There was no talk of

                                    that when I left.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        You left a long time ago.  I was

                                    hoping you'd cooperate in the

                                    transition, but since you won't, you

                        leave me no choice.

 

                                                          JOE

                        You need me. I know more about

                                    Earthlings than anyone.

 

              George thinks a moment.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        This reporter - who is he?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Brad Mccall. He writes for Time.

           

                                                          GEORGE

                        Time as in eternity?

 

                                                          JOE

                        It's the name of a magazine.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        And he's also in town?

 

                                                          JOE

                        They're all staying at the Roosevelt

                                    Hotel.

 

              George turns and starts to leave.

 

                                                          JOE

                        There must be a compromise we can

                                    work out.  Let me talk to the

                                    committee.

 

              George exits without responding.  Joe takes a deep breath.

 

              EXT. HILTON - DAY

 

              A cab pulls up in front of the Hilton.  Tricia gets out.

 

              As she does, George comes out of the hotel and turns up the

              street.  Tricia sees him - but he doesn't notice her.

 

              Tricia enters the hotel.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - DAY

 

              Joe opens the door to find Tricia.  He lets her in.

 

                                  JOE

                        I was just going to go looking for

                                    you.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Really?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Something's come up.  I may have to

                                    leave sooner than I thought.

 

              Tricia looks at him, waiting for more.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I'm being called home.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        When?  And why?

 

                                                          JOE

                        Maybe tonight.  It's complicated.

           

              The news slaps Tricia in the face, and her expression is

              flushed with shock.  Suddenly, spontaneously, she is in his

              arms, holding him, kissing him . . .

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Joe . . .

 

              . . . and slowly Joe begins to respond, kissing her back,

              until their growing passion moves them toward the bedroom.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              Helen, Amy and Brad sit around a table playing cards when

              there is a knock on the door.

 

              Brad is the first to get up.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        I'll get it.

 

              He opens the door to find George.

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        Brad McCall?

 

                                  BRAD

                                    Yes.

 

                                  GEORGE

                                    There's a message for you at the desk

                        downstairs.

 

              He turns to call to the women inside.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        I'll be right back.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              Brad follows George down the hallway toward the elevator.

 

                                                          BRAD

                        You know what it's about?

 

                                                          GEORGE

                        I just work here, sir.

 

              They get to the elevator, and George presses the button.

              There's an awkward silence as they wait.

 

              Then the door opens, and they step inside.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ELEVATOR - DAY

 

              They are alone in the elevator.

 

              Suddenly George grabs Brad by the head, his hands pressing

              the writer's forehead as if he were squeezing a melon.

              George's grip is incredibly strong, putting Brad in great

              pain.

 

              Then a GLOWING LIGHT surrounds Brad's head.

 

              George has his eyes closed, in great concentration.

 

              Both suddenly TWITCH, dramatically, as if they have been

              shocked by an electric current.

 

              When George speaks now, it is from Brad's body and in the

              VOICE of Brad. George has managed to exchange the host bodies

              for their individual energy systems.

 

              In other words, George now looks like and talks like Brad,

              and Brad looks like and talks like George.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        Sorry about that.

 

                                                          BRAD (AS GEORGE)

                        What the hell is this?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        And sorry about this, too.

 

              He sprays Brad with a small canister, and Brad passes out.

 

              George punches an elevator button.  The elevator stops, and

              the door opens.

 

              George drags the body of Brad out into the hallway, leaving

              it there and getting back into the elevator.

 

              He punches a button again.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              The elevator opens as George (as Brad) gets out.  He hurries

              to the door of the women's room.  He tries it - but it's

              locked.

 

              He knocks.

 

              Helen answers the door.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        I've just been put on a major story.

                                    I'm leaving town.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        But what about your interview?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        Sorry, no time.  I have a plane to

                                    catch.  Anyway, I think this is all

                                    a hoax.

 

                                  HELEN

                                    What?

 

                                  GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                                    I think you should both go back home.

                        This entire affair is a hoax.

 

              He hurries off, leaving Helen staring at him, dumbfounded.

 

              She goes back into the room.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              Amy notices her confused expression.

 

                                                          AMY

                        What was that about?

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Brad's leaving.  He thinks this is a

                                    hoax.

 

              Amy is as surprised by the news as Helen.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - BEDROOM - DAY

 

              Joe and Tricia are cuddling after lovemaking when they hear

              the door open outside.

 

                                                          JOE

                        It must be George.

 

              He slips out of bed.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        He's also . . .?

 

              Joe nods and goes into the main area.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - DAY

 

              Joe enters, seeing a complete stranger (George looking like

              Brad) in the room.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I beg your pardon.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        You'll be leaving at midnight.

 

           

                                              JOE

                        Who are you?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        It is I, George.  I mean me, George.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Why did you take a new body?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        It's a long story.

 

              Tricia comes into the room, wearing one of Joe's bathrobes.

 

              George is beside himself, seeing her.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Brad?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        Get her out of here!

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        What are you doing here.

 

                                                          JOE

                        This is George.  He took a new body.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        But it's Brad's body.

 

                                                          JOE

                        George, what's going on here?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        Too many people are snooping around.

                                    You haven't been very careful, have

                                    you?

 

                                  JOE

                                    We can trust Tricia.

 

                                  GEORGE

                                    We can trust nobody!

 

              He turns and heads for the door.

 

                                  TRICIA

                        I have something to say here!

 

              At the door, George turns and stares at Joe.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        I'm sending you home.  I'll phone

                                    with details.

 

              And he's gone.

 

              Tricia goes to Joe, and they embrace.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Joe, I don't like this.  What

                                    happened to Brad?

 

                                                          JOE

                        He's fine.  He just looks like George

                                    looked before.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I don't understand.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I can't explain it right now.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Joe, I-- . . .

 

                                                          JOE

                        I said, I can't explain it!  I'm

                                    sorry.  Trish, I don't want to leave

                                    like this.  I need to contact my

                        people.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Can I help?

 

                                                          JOE

                        I need to be alone for a while.

 

              This visibly hurts Tricia.  Joe turns away, avoiding her.

 

              EXT. HILTON - DAY

 

              Tricia comes out of the hotel and hails a cab.

 

              As she gets into it, George (as Brad) appears from out of a

              doorway and gets into the cab behind Tricia's.

 

              EXT. SEATTLE STREETS - DAY

 

              George's cab follows Tricia's cab through the streets of the

              city.

 

              EXT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - DAY

 

              The first cab stops, and Tricia gets out, going into the

              hotel.

 

              A moment later, the second cab stops, and George (as Brad)

              goes into the hotel.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              An elevator door opens, and Tricia comes out.  She moves down

              the hallway.

 

              The second elevator door opens.  George (as Brad) gets out

              and follows her.

 

              Tricia comes to a door and knocks on it.  Helen opens the

              door, and Tricia enters the room.

 

              George carefully approaches the door.  He glances around,

              measuring his next move, when he spots a bellboy coming down

              the hallway.

 

              George walks to the bellboy.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        There seems to be a problem on the

                                    stairway.

 

                                                          BELLBOY

                        What kind of problem, sir?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BRAD)

                        I'll show you.

 

              George leads the way to the door leading to the stairs.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - DAY

 

                                                          AMY

                        It all happened so suddenly.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Brad said this was all a hoax, he had

                                    another story to do - and that's that.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        It's not a hoax.  And it wasn't Brad.

                                    That's George in Brad's body.

 

              Helen and Amy exchange a glance of surprise.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Who's George?

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - STAIRWELL - DAY

 

              As soon as George (as Brad) and the bellboy are in the

              stairwell, George turns and, using the same grip as before,

              drops the bellboy to his knees, a GLOWING LIGHT surrounding

              his forehead.

 

              Then both TWITCH, and their energy systems exchange bodies.

 

                                                          BELLBOY (AS BRAD)

                        What the hell?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BELLBOY)

                        Sorry to have to do this.

 

              He sprays the bellboy with the canister, knocking him out.

 

              George, as the bellboy, leaves the stairwell.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              There's a knock on the door, and Helen answers.  George

              (bellboy) is at the door.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BELLBOY)

                        There's a message at the desk for the

                                    young lady.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Tricia?

 

              Tricia comes forward.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Yes?

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BELLBOY)

                        You have a message at the desk.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I'm not expecting a message.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BELLBOY)

                        A family emergency.  Something about

                                    your mother, I believe.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I'll be right down.

 

              She quickly closes the door, then gestures to Helen and Amy

              to keep quiet.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              George (as bellboy) faces the closed door.  He waits

              patiently for Tricia to come out.  He puts his ear to the

              door.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              Tricia leads Helen and Amy away from the door, then speaks to

              them quietly.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        He said it was a family emergency.

                                    Both my parents are dead.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              George is waiting for Tricia to come out when the door to the

              stairwell opens, and the bellboy (as Brad) moves slowly into

              the hallway, still dizzy.  He sees "himself" down the hallway.

 

                                                          BELLBOY (AS BRAD)

                        Hey, you!

 

              There is an inter-hotel phone on the wall and the bellboy

              moves quickly to it.

 

              Seeing this, George (as bellboy) hurries down the hallway.

 

              The bellboy (as Brad) is on the phone.

 

                                                          BELLBOY (AS BRAD)

                        Jane, this is Tim. . . . Of course it

                                    is. Call the police. . . . Dammit,

                                    it's me!  I need the police and a

                        doctor!

 

              He slams down the phone, exasperated (i.e. Jane on the other

              end hears "Brad's voice," not her co-worker's).

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              Tricia, Helen and Amy carefully open the door and peer out.

              The coast is clear.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              The three women move into the hallway - and see "Brad" moving

              toward them.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        Brad?

 

              Tricia grabs Helen and Amy and moves them back into the hotel

              room.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

              Tricia slams the door and puts on the safety chain.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        That's George in Brad's body.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        I'm calling the police.

 

              She heads for the phone but Tricia intercepts her.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        Wait.

 

                                                          AMY

                        He saw us!  Helen, call the police.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        I promised no police.  We're just

                                    going to sit tight.

 

              The three women stare at the door, as if waiting for it to

              explode open at any moment.

 

              INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

 

              Brad (as George) is in a hospital bed, on the telephone.

 

                                                          BRAD (AS GEORGE)

                        I don't care what I sound like, it's

                                    Brad!

 

              The voice on the other end isn't convinced, and Brad slams

              down the receiver.  He gets up and starts to dress.

 

              A NURSE enters the room.

 

                                                          BRAD (AS GEORGE)

                        Lady, don't say it.  I'm rapidly

                                    becoming irrational and dangerous.

 

              The nurse considers this, then backs out of the room.

 

              INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              The door opens and Tricia peers into the hallway.  It's safe.

 

              She gestures, and Helen and Amy follow her out into the

              hallway.  They hurry to the elevator.

 

              EXT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - DAY

 

              Outside the hotel, Tricia hails a cab.  The ladies get in.

 

                                                          CABBY

                        Where to, ladies?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        The Hilton.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - DAY

 

              Joe is at a table, sitting in front of an open briefcase,

              which houses a complex electronic signaling system.  He's

              trying to contact home - but without luck.

 

              INT. HILTON - HALLWAY - DAY

 

              A HILTON BELLBOY is unlocking the door, letting in Tricia,

              Helen and Amy.

 

                                                          HILTON BELLBOY

                        You've got to quit locking yourself

                                    out.

 

           

                                              TRICIA

                        I know, I'm terrible.  My husband

                                    says I have a mind like a sieve.

                                    Thank you so much for your help.

 

              The three women enter the room.

 

              INT. HILTON - SUITE - DAY

 

              Joe is still at the electronic device when the women enter.

              He looks up and sees them.

 

                                  HELEN

                                    Don't try anything. The police know

                        we're here!

 

              Joe gets to his feet.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Trish?

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        There's no police.

 

              Helen gives Tricia a dirty look.

 

                                                          AMY

                        But the desk clerk knows we're here.

                                    He'll come looking for us if we don't

                                    return safely.

 

                                  JOE

                                    Who are you?

 

              Joe studies them, remembering.

 

                                  JOE

                                    Helen?  Amy?  You've changed so much.

 

                                  HELEN

                                    We get old here, Joe.

 

                                  JOE

                                    I know.

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    What can we do to help?

 

              Helen and Amy react to this.

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    I'll help, even if they won't.

 

                                  JOE

                                    Actually I do need your help.

 

                                  HELEN

                                    Don't trust him, Tricia.

 

                                  AMY

                                    He's still Mr. Smooth-Tongue.

 

                                  JOE

                                    How could I have stayed with you,

                        since you grow old and I don't?  I've

                                    meant no one any harm.  But now -

                                    there's been a change.  I don't

                        understand it, but I have to try and

                                    stop it.  I can't do it alone.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        What kind of change?

           

                                                          JOE

                        My people plan to turn Earth into a

                                    kind of zoo, a destination for

                                    tourists.  They think you're

                        primitive and cute.

 

              The women regard one another, letting this sink in.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        How can I help?

 

              The phone rings.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Excuse me.

 

              He answers the phone.

 

                                                          JOE

                        Hello? . . . You sound different. .

                                    . . . I know where it is.

 

              He hangs up.

 

           

                                              JOE

                        I'm supposed to go home tonight.  I

                                    think I may be able to change his

                                    mind - but there's no point if I

                        can't stop them.

 

                                                          HELEN

                        I'm calling the police right now.

 

              She starts away but Tricia stops her.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        How can we beat them that way?  They

                                    obviously have superior technology.

 

                                                          JOE

                        She's right.  The only way is to

                                    convince my people that you

                                    Earthlings aren't as primitive and

                        exotic as you appear to be.

 

              There's a silence, as the larger meaning and challenge of

              this sinks in.

 

              EXT. HILTON - DAY

 

              The women come out and get into a cab.

 

              EXT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL - DAY

 

              The women get out of the cab in front of the Roosevelt Hotel.

              Brad (as George) comes out of a doorway to them.

 

                                                          BRAD (AS GEORGE)

                        Where the hell have you been?  It's

                                    Brad.

 

              INT. COCKTAIL LOUNGE - DAY

 

              Brad and the women sit around a corner table, speaking in

              hushed tones.

 

                                                          BRAD (AS GEORGE)

                        I can't get my editor to believe it's

                                    me.  But I'm writing this story, even

                                    if I have to give it to the Inquirer.

                        Unfortunately, I'm going to need more

                                    evidence than I have.

 

                                                          TRICIA

                        If we help Joe, maybe he'll give you

                                    an interview - and help you get your

                                    body back.

 

                                  AMY

                                    Can we trust him?

 

                                  TRICIA

                                    I don't think we have a choice.

 

              The truth of this sinks in, all around the table.

 

              EXT. SPACE NEEDLE - NIGHT

 

              Joe is standing near the space needle, waiting.  He looks at

              his watch.

 

              From out of nowhere, George (as bellboy) appears.

 

                                  GEORGE (AS BELLBOY)

                        It's me.  I have a cab waiting.

 

                                                          JOE

                        I think there's more things you need

                                    to see before I go.  You really don't

                                    understand how primitive these people

                        are.  They have former teachers and

                                    nurses living on the streets.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BELLBOY)

                        What do you mean?

 

                                                          JOE

                        They get fired and can't find jobs.

                                    They lose their homes.  They have no

                                    money.  They live on the streets and

                        sleep in alleys and doorways, like

                                    stray dogs.

 

                                                          GEORGE (AS BELLBOY)

                        You expect me to believe that?