88.
A sudden movement: a minuscule animal, a DESERT MOUSE with
impressive huge ears, climbs a dune.
The mouse reaches the top of the dune where a faint evening
mist is blowing. It stands up in the wind, opening its ears
wide like sails: capturing moisture. Tiny beads of water
catch in the fine hairs and form droplets. The mouse drinks.
A MOVEMENT IN THE SAND nearby sends the mouse scurrying off.
Paul burrows up out of the sand with the compactor. Looks
around. Ten feet away, the desert mouse stands frozen. For a
moment they look at each other. The mouse hops away.
Paul climbs out. Reaches down into the hole again and pulls
out the Fremkit pack. Reaches down one more time and drags
Jessica out. She comes out drawing a trailing strap behind
her.
AN ORNITHOPTER approachs, fast and low. Nowhere to run.
The ornithopter flares its wings aerobatically and touches
down light as a feather. Paul bursts into a smile.
PAUL
That’s Duncan!
Idaho swings out of the pilot’s seat. His eyes wide with
astonishment and joy. He runs to them across the sand. Throws
his arms around them. His voice husky with emotion.
Tears rise in his eyes. He takes Paul by his shoulders.
IDAHO
Paul. I’m so sorry. Your father...
Duncan stiffens in realization. Drops to his knees.
IDAHO (CONT'D)
Sire. Milord Duke.
He presses his forehead to Paul’s hand, overwhelmed. Jessica
lays a loving hand on Duncan’s head.
101 INT. IDAHO’S ORNITHOPTER - NIGHT 101
Paul and Jessica clamber into the rear seats -- and find
Kynes sitting in the co-pilot’s seat.
Idaho passes a ration kit back to Paul and Jessica. They pull
out water flasks and ration bars, and drink thirstily as
Idaho takes the controls and lifts off.
88.
