New -- 21 April 2006  

Humanki -- Episode Two

Sand is blowing across a desert landscape. Coming into view is a river, meandering through the desert landscape and flanked by lush fields of irrigated crops. Then a Sumerian ziggurat -- a pyramid like structure with four distinct levels and a temple at its peak -- comes into view.

In the ziggurat’s upper structure, DAWN finds herself in a luxurious, empty bedroom, with feminine trappings. She approaches a bed where GIL's body is lying, bloodied and slashed, with bits and pieces of an automobile's wreckage scattered about. GIL appears at peace -- almost smiling. DAWN turns to her right to see ANNA, again in her full goddess regalia, standing and watching her. Looking at DAWN, ANNA raises her hand and points toward the bed. DAWN turns to see a man she's never seen [ALEX], casually sitting on the bed watching DAWN. ALEX has a well trimmed beard and the armor of an ancient soldier. He is smiling at DAWN with wry grin.

The scene abruptly shifts to DAWN’S private room at the YWCA, as she awakes to find herself wrapped and twisted in the sheets. The sounds of late morning traffic can be heard. She attempts to sit up, only to fall back, her arms caught in the sheets. She struggles to free herself and sit upright on the bed, her feet dangling off to one side, with one of them still draped within the twisted sheets. Her eyes are puffy and bloodshot. Slowly, she stands up and walks over to the mirror. Seeing herself in the mirror, she involuntarily steps back. She glances at her make-up, shakes her head, and then slowly, she begins to repair the damage.

Later, looking plain and unnoticeable, and wearing an oversized sweatshirt, DAWN makes a glass of grape juice from the defrosted concentrate grape juice container using a single, traditional barrel shaped glass. She takes the drink to the bed, where she sits -- her purse, briefcase, overnight bag and purple grocery bag spread out before her. Going through her purse she counts out $230, and then looks at one of several credit cards. She discards the cards, and looks again at the cash, frowning at the sight. Pulling out her keys from her purse, she shucks them as well. Turning to the briefcase, she pulls out two airline tickets and looks at them.

DAWN

Mr. and Mrs. Lancie? Who in the world...? Two tickets to Mexico City...?

Still holding the airline tickets, she reaches into her purse, pulls out the package from Ed Theve. Opening the package, she finds forged passports with the names, George and Gracie Lancie, but with photos of GIL and herself. She breathes a heavy sigh. She smiles and then turns to the briefcase, where she begins going through the contents. She reads the titles aloud.

DAWN

Microclusters, "small aggregates of atoms constituting a distinct phase of matter". Hmmmm. Superconductivity. Lovely. Zeropoint energy, living systems... Very strange, Mr. Lewis. Very strange.

DAWN shakes her head and picks up three small paperbacks: Myths of Mesopotamia, Tapping the Zero-Point, and The Egyptian Book of the Dead.

DAWN

Mythologies, I can understand. Even science. But why keep the books in a safe?

DAWN frowns, before pulling out a set of postcards with crop circles.

DAWN

Mr. Lewis was interested in crop circles. But why? And that Anna woman...

DAWN stares for a moment at the postcards, the papers, and then the passports. Then she shrugs her shoulders and puts everything back into the briefcase. Turning to the purple grocery bag, she pulls out one of the freezer wrapped packages.

DAWN

So, little formerly frozen cod... Why don't you stink?

Taking one of the packages, she begins to unwrap it. Abruptly, she finds her hands filled with American Eagle gold coins -- 36 in the package. She claps her hand in glee.

DAWN

My God! There must be $20,000 here! No! $20,000 per package!

DAWN releases a very heavy sigh and for a moment simply smiles, her whole body showing signs of relaxing. After a moment, she takes a heavy breath and picks up the brown envelope.

DAWN

Oh yes. The mysterious Doctor Alexander Dukas.

The scene shifts to Kurt’s office in Denver, where he is at his desk watching a computer screen. ANNA walks in, a broad smile on her face.

ANNA

Good morning! Found your little runaway yet?

KURT

(looking up and frowning)

All we found were her shoes on the Dallas flight -- with the implant in one heel.

ANNA

(casually taking a seat)

I'm impressed.

KURT

I'm not.

(leaning back in his chair)

Exactly why are you here?

ANNA

I'm on my way to Thalmacas.

KURT

Another pilgrimage?

ANNA

The Mother is still very important to the others, but no, she’s away. My interests are more with her keeper of secrets.

KURT stares at ANNA for a moment, saying nothing. Then he dismisses her with his eyes, turns slightly to one side and returns to studying the computer screen on one side of his desk.

ANNA

So what about your runaway?

KURT

Later. It's matter of priorities.

(turning to face ANNA obliquely)

We've just discovered the identity of the man who tried to sell the rhodium. And we’re finding out where he lives!

ANNA

(surprised and sobered)

Interesting. What are your plans?

KURT

What plans!? A quick debriefing and an equally quick elimination. What else?

ANNA

Did Nathan authorize this man's death?

KURT

Nathan only thinks he's in command of this planet! The reality is that he’s not!

ANNA

But this man slated for elimination, he might be valuable later on.

KURT

I rather doubt it. He’s obviously a fool. He was willing to sell the rhodium for a mere $3,500 an ounce. That does not suggest some intellectual giant whose brain power we could later utilize to our advantage.

ANNA

Do we know his source for the Rhodium?

KURT

Not yet. We do know he’s been frequenting certain university and corporate laboratories -- those with the required testing apparatus. Apparently, he doesn't believe what he has.

ANNA

What are you talking about?

KURT

He’s been dealing with mono-atomic rhodium.

KURT watches ANNA, as she takes a sudden intake of breath. Grimly, he continues.

KURT

The man is obviously dabbling in technologies which would make the rarity of precious metals a thing of the past. And since a major portion of our revenues depends on such rarity, clearly he cannot be allowed to continue to threaten the control of our most lucrative market.

ANNA

You're worried about the market? It's a great deal more than that!

KURT comes out his chair, replies in a controlled shout, and then begins to walk away.

KURT

I know what it is! It's the very life blood of the father! But the underlings don't know that! And soon we will no longer have to wait and hide like frightened rabbits! Soon, we will be able to dispense with the insidious Humanki in open warfare!

ANNA

(speaking to KURT’s back)

Tell me, Uncle Kurt: Why are you always so eager for open warfare? What's the appeal?

KURT turns slowly, again under control. His tone is cynical, as if calmly instructing a child.

KURT

It has the rather nice feature of eliminating large numbers of the masses.

(becoming more forceful)

Those who would violate His covenants, who would rebel against His authority -- they must be disciplined and punished. The masses must be controlled!

Abruptly, KURT turns and begins to move about the room.

KURT

A single person is easy to deal with; always has been. But when they breed like flies in an uncontrolled population explosion, then they become truly dangerous. That was the problem from the outset, when they first learned to breed, when they first fell from grace. There are just too many of them -- even for a god to deal with.

ANNA

What’s the man's name? The expendable one?

KURT

Alexander Dukas. A Ph.D., former professor and very naive entrepreneur.

The scene shifts to a combination service and bus station in Fort Collins, Colorado just as a bus pulls up to the depot. DAWN steps off the bus, wearing a brand new dress, albeit one some distance from current fashions. The dress effectively hides her figure and gives her a home town country look. Her hair is covered with a blonde wig and her make up is the washed out version of "down home in Iowa". For a moment she turns around and surveys her surroundings. Across the way is a small sign advertising "Fort Collins" and close to it a local cab where the driver is apparently sleeping. DAWN approaches the cab and taps on the window, rousing the driver.

A few minutes later, the taxi is driving through the city streets and eventually making its way to the western outskirts, begins climbing a long ridge at an angle -- affording an excellent view of the city and the eastern plains of Colorado. The taxi continues into the mountains, past Horsetooth Reservoir, and then turns into a redstone canyon (cleverly named “Redstone Canyon”). Now on a dirt road, the taxi passes a number of "No Trespassing" signs and locked gates. Finally, coming to a small sign marked, "20884", the taxi turns off the main road onto a less-improved one, leading further into the trees and to an open, automatic gate. On the gate are the signs: "20884" and "No Trespassing -- Survivors Will Be Prosecuted to the Fullest Extent of the Law."

DAWN frowns at the signs, while the taxi driver ignores them and follows a winding road into the evergreen trees. Coming around a curve the taxi begins to climb up a hill and enters an open area. Near the top of the rise, flanked by rocky cliffs on one side, and a hillside of trees on the other, is a moderate sized but attractive and unique home.

The taxi pulls into a paved parking area in front of a three car garage. An older VW bug is parked in front of the furthest garage door, and looks strangely out of place. DAWN gets out of the taxi as it stops. She first looks at the house, quietly appraising it. The TAXI DRIVER unloads her luggage and places it on the raised concrete curb. Then smiling a bored smile, he holds out his hand to DAWN.

TAXI DRIVER

Thirty-one dollars and fifty cents.

DAWN gives him two twenties. The TAXI DRIVER raises his eyebrows at the tip.

TAXI DRIVER

What if nobody's home? Want me to wait?

DAWN

No thanks. I'm staying. One way or the other.

DAWN watches the TAXI DRIVER as he gets back into the taxi and leaves. She continues to watch as he drives down the hill and out of sight. Then, she takes a deep breath and approaches the front door, where she rings the bell. The door opens to reveal BARB, a pretty young woman.

DAWN

Hello. I’m here to see Doctor Dukas.

BARB

Really? I mean, do you have an appointment?

DAWN

Yes, I do. Are you his secretary?

BARB

No, I'm not. I'm the Pop-in Maid.

(when DAWN looks surprised)

I work for a cleaning service. I pop in, clean the house, and then pop out. It's what I do.

DAWN

Oh.

BARB

But I'm surprised he's not here to meet you.

DAWN

It's very important I see him. May I come in?

BARB

Well yes, I suppose so.

DAWN

Thank you.

BARB steps back, and DAWN enters into the house.

The main living area of ALEX's home is a large, hexagonal shaped room. Within the room itself, a formal dining table is to the immediate right, a kitchen area just beyond that, a fireplace across the room and the living area to the left. The living room includes a view of the other side of Horsetooth Rock and the intervening valley. Polished hardwood floors predominate with the living room furniture comfortable and comparatively sparse. The entire area could be a ballroom with all the comforts of home at an easy distance. DAWN looks around appraisingly, and smiles while BARB hesitates, looking around uncertainly.

BARB

I guess you can sit down, while I try to call him.

DAWN

(off-handedly as she looks around)

Good idea. Thanks.

BARB then goes to the kitchen and picks up the telephone. Still carrying her backpack purse and GIL's briefcase, DAWN begins to check out the room. She sheds her backpack from her shoulders, but holds on to it, letting it swing slightly as she wanders. In the process, she saunters over to the fireplace where she reads what is carved into the mantle.

DAWN

"The ornaments of a home are the guests who frequent it."

DAWN smiles. Then she turns at BARB’s raised voice.

BARB

He's on his way. Should be here shortly.

DAWN

Great. And thank you.

BARB returns to the last stages of her cleaning of the kitchen. DAWN resumes her walk about the room, clearly enjoying the feeling of the space. When BARB exits through the kitchen door, DAWN stops, looks around, and then slips off her shoes. Gingerly, she begins to test the floor with her toes, sliding them back and forth. She smiles, and begins sliding her feet about the room. Slowly her movements become dance-like and she begins to twirl and pivot. The purse and briefcase are still in her hands and in fact help her to twirl. DAWN slips into a moment of ecstatic dance. ALEX enters the room, but DAWN is unaware of him. At the same moment, at the height of one spin, the purse (filled with gold coins) hits an Easter cactus, and sends the plant flying across the room, scattering dirt, chunks of plant stalk and flowers in all directions. The bulk of the plant ends up at the feet of ALEX, who has been silently approaching DAWN from the front door. His expression is one of amazement, as he looks down at the cactus.

ALEX

My Easter cactus.

(then looking back up at DAWN)

You don't like plants?

DAWN stands frozen, gaping at ALEX. ALEX’s appearance is precisely the same as the man in her dreams the night before. He has the same wry smile as well; one which mesmerizes DAWN.

ALEX

Maybe it's just cactus, you don't like?

DAWN

Have we met before?

ALEX

Not that I know of. And I think I would have remembered you. If I had survived. Who are you?

DAWN

Dawn Riordan. I work for...

ALEX

Of course. You’re Dawn!

DAWN

Yes. And you must be Doctor Dukas.

ALEX

(looking down at the mess)

That explains it.

DAWN

Sorry about that. I'm a maladroit, and this...

ALEX

Yes, I know. I just didn't fully believe the extent... Until your demonstration.

DAWN

I’ve brought a letter for you. From Mr. Lewis.

(opening the briefcase)

I suspect it's very important.

ALEX

I'm sure it is. But I’m surprised. I would have expected Gil to deliver it himself.

DAWN

He couldn't... He was seriously injured in an automobile accident.

ALEX

What!?

DAWN

I saw him at the hospital. He...

ALEX

Where is he now?

DAWN

(pulling the letter out of the briefcase)

I don’t really know. A private ambulance took him from the hospital...

ALEX

You don’t know where he is? Didn’t you bother to check? Maybe follow the ambulance?

DAWN

No. He gave me very specific instructions...

ALEX

Do you happen to know if he’s alive or dead?

DAWN

No, I don’t. He gave me a code...

ALEX

What exactly did he say?

DAWN

Alas Babylon.

(as ALEX's expression hardens)

I take it you know what that means.

ALEX

All too well. Damn! It's too soon!

DAWN

(offering the letter to ALEX)

Maybe you'd better read the letter.

ALEX takes the letter and then takes a good look at DAWN.

ALEX

Are they after you?

DAWN

Yes.

ALEX looks at DAWN, and then becomes pensive.

ALEX

Which probably means they’re after me as well.

Turning away, ALEX opens the letter and begins urgently reading it, slowly moving toward the kitchen table. DAWN follows as she offers the briefcase.

DAWN

There are some technical papers and several books in here that might also be important.

ALEX takes the briefcase as well, and sets it on the table. He opens the briefcase and glances thru the contents, and returns to reading the letter. DAWN continues to stand, watching him. Abruptly ALEX rises and goes to the kitchen telephone. He slides open a small panel to reveal a TV monitor showing his front gate. Flipping a switch, ALEX closes the remote control gate. He watches the gate close and then turns to DAWN, studying her for her reaction.

ALEX

We won’t be able to stay here. But I have to cover our tracks before we can leave.

DAWN

I understand. How can I help?

The scene shifts to ALEX’s office, where he is deleting and copying computer files, while DAWN stuffs papers into a backpack.

DAWN

Do you know who it is that’s after me?

ALEX

Probably the Patrons.

DAWN

Anna mentioned them. Who are they?

ALEX

(his eyes focused on the computer monitor)

The shadow government. The ones who pull the strings. Conservative extremists. The ones into control at any cost.

DAWN

But what would they want with me?

ALEX

Probably to eliminate you.

DAWN

Excuse me...

ALEX

(glancing up at DAWN)

The Patrons don't have a lot of respect for human life. If you're the slightest threat...

(turning back to the computer)

Why should they take a chance?

DAWN

But to just kill me...?

(when ALEX shrugs his shoulders)

Doesn’t that assume they’re pretty sure they can get away with it?

ALEX

Fewer than 20% of homicides actually result in someone being convicted. There are a lot of killers getting away with it these days.

DAWN

I still don’t see how I could be a threat.

ALEX

Because of Gil. What he might have told you.

DAWN

Like what?

ALEX

The truth. The relevant scientific connections...

DAWN

You mean, the connections between microclusters, superconductivity, zero-point energy, living systems...

ALEX stops working on the computer, clasps his hands, and turns to talk directly to DAWN.

ALEX

There's a group of elements, known as the Precious Metals. Gold, rhodium and six others. These precious elements are not only metals, but also exist in nature in a mono-atomic state and in much greater quantities than the metals. In other words, there is a lot more mono-atomic gold than the yellow stuff.

DAWN

Which implies...?

ALEX

(turning back to the console)

That the so-called precious metals are much less rare than generally suspected.

DAWN

Making the prices artificially high?

ALEX

You’ve got it!

(leaning back and turning to DAWN)

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It's the physical and other properties of the mono-atomic elements that really matters. When we take an element, such as rhodium or gold, to the mono-atomic state, then we're dealing with virtually a new phase of matter. Under certain circumstances, we can even achieve superconductivity at room temperatures!

(ignoring DAWN’s momentary gasp and look of disbelief)

Then, there is the scientific evidence that the human cell, when exposed to these precious elements in their mono-atomic state; the cells themselves becomes superconducting! In effect, the electrons of the atoms within the cell are literally converted to light! So that if a body absorbs enough of these mono-atomic elements, superconducting light can flow through the cells and literally, clear out every tumor, every damaged cell, every biological flaw in the body. These mono-atomic elements can be the ultimate cure.

DAWN

Has anybody tried this?

ALEX stands up and turns off the computer, taking a CD out and adding it to several others. The whole batch he then stuffs into the packpack DAWN is holding for him.

ALEX

To some degree. But we have to be very careful. We have to know how to ingest these elements, so that the body can properly absorb them.

DAWN

But that sounds pretty straight forward.

ALEX

It would be, except that the ability to cure all manner of disease and imperfection is only a portion of the really incredible properties.

DAWN

You’re kidding! You mean there's more?

ALEX

(looking directly at DAWN)

There's always more..

ALEX smiles and leads DAWN out of the room.

The scene shifts to KURT in a limosene, where he is watching a computer console. He is sitting in the back seat of the vehicle driven by LAWRENCE, with ARES riding shotgun. The console is displaying background information on ALEX. Then KURT glances out at the view -- the same view along Horsetooth Reservoir Road of the city of Fort Collins and the eastern plains of Colorado.

Still at ALEX’s house, ALEX and DAWN cross the floor, carrying the backpack and DAWN’s overnight bag. The briefcase remains on the table. They talk as they go into the garage and load a Jeep Cherokee.

ALEX

Ever heard of junk DNA?

DAWN

I don't think so.

ALEX

There are thirty pieces of human DNA that nobody in mainstream science can figure out what they're there for. They have no apparent use. In other words, they're junk. In addition, human beings use only about 15% of their brain -- another fact well recognized by mainstream science.

(stopping to address DAWN directly)

But then we have to ask ourselves: What's the other 85% of the brain there for? What's the purpose of the junk DNA? Did we evolve a brain we don't use!? Did we evolve junk DNA that is just junk!?

(turning back to loading the Jeep)

The only answer that makes sense is that we had at one time a higher state of enlightenment. In other words, we used to use all of the brain and all of the DNA. But somewhere along the road we degraded to the state we exist in now.

DAWN

(pausing to think intently)

That would make sense. There would’ve been no survival advantage to having evolved a brain or DNA we don't use.

ALEX

(turning to her and smiling mischievously)

Or else, more evolved DNA was bred into man, initially. Either we’ve never used the extra DNA, or since then, we've fallen from grace!

ALEX, still smiling, leads a skeptical DAWN back into the kitchen area.

DAWN

You're setting me up, right?

ALEX

Only a little bit. There's a book called The Egyptian Book of the Dead, The Papyrus of Ani.

ALEX picks up the book from GIL’s briefcase, and shows it to DAWN.

ALEX

This is the oldest book of the dead, and dates from Old Kingdom Egypt, roughly 2300 years B.C. In the book at one point, it says: "I am purified of all imperfections. What is it? I ascend like the golden hawk of Horus. What is it? I pass by the immortals without dying. What is it? I come before my Father in Heaven. What is it?" It goes on and on like this -- always asking: "What is it?"

DAWN

Okay. What is it?

ALEX

(with a twinkle in his eye)

It's Manna.

DAWN

The biblical Manna?

ALEX

If you look up “manna” in the dictionary, the literal translation is "what is it?"

DAWN

Are you telling me you've found this manna?

ALEX

Yeah. We think it’s the superconducting mono-atomic precious elements which purify and cleanse the body, and which act as a spiritual sustenance. Ingesting these elements may be able to return us to a state of enlightenment.

DAWN

So why aren't you all taking this Manna?

ALEX

The simplest answer is to think of the Manna as the contents of the Ark of the Covenant. No one opens the Ark, or for that matter, even approaches it, unless they’re properly prepared spiritually. We can’t take the Manna unless we know exactly how.

DAWN

And if you finally learn how?

ALEX

According to a wide variety of ancient texts, one can be totally regenerated, purified, and cleansed of every imperfection. Each cell taken back to the way it’s supposed to be -- with light flowing in the body until the light body exceeds the physical body.

DAWN

And when we're sufficiently lightened up?

ALEX

According to the ancients, incredible powers will be available to us: Telepathy, levitation, bilocation, psychokinesis. The ability to sense evil when it's in the room with you.

A buzzer sounds. ALEX suddenly stands up and looks over at the TV monitor on the gate where it shows ARES attempting to open it by force. ALEX stiffens as DAWN joins him and looks at the monitor. She immediately recognizes ARES.

DAWN

Oh my God!

ALEX takes one look at DAWN’s expression, turns and grabs the briefcase and heads for the kitchen door on the run.

ALEX

That’s it! We're out of here!

DAWN

But how in the world did they find me?

ALEX

It might not be you they're after. Come on!

DAWN

I have to get my purse!

ALEX

There's no time! We have to leave now!

DAWN ignores him and dashes across the room. ALEX throws up his hands, and then exits via the kitchen door, heading for the garage. DAWN follows behind him as quickly as she can.

At ALEX’S gate, ARES is blowing the lock on the gate with his gun, and then manhandling the gate to shove it aside. KURT's car comes through, stopping just long enough for ARES to get in. The car then accelerates rapidly, leaving a cloud of dust.

ALEX enters his garage on the run, carrying the briefcase and a large athletic bag. He hits the automatic door opener, and as the garage door begins to open, throws the luggage into the back seat of the Jeep Cherokee. DAWN enters running, as ALEX turns to her and tosses her a set of keys.

ALEX

You take the jeep. Follow me until we get to the back gate. Then you take the lead. But keep me in sight. When you see my lights go off, stop and wait for me. Understand?

DAWN

Got it!

DAWN leaps into the Jeep as ALEX jumps into his full sized truck. ALEX accelerates rapidly out of the garage, hits the brakes, and then turns around and heads down a backroad (opposite the road to the front gate). DAWN follows as close behind him as she can.

KURT, from the interior of his car and looking forward as it comes up the hill toward the house, sees DAWN’s Jeep just as it turns and heads in the opposite direction.

Approaching a barbed wire gate, ALEX guns the engine and slams through the gate. Then he hits the brakes and pulls to one side of the road, bumping heavily as he traverses an open meadow. DAWN in the Jeep roars by him and ALEX immediately turns back onto the road to follow her. DAWN leads the other two vehicles around several curves on an increasingly steeply sloping mountain. KURT's vehicle is at some distance and is only marginally keeping ALEX's truck in sight. At the same time, there is only one road and no turn outs or side roads. Then, rounding another bend, ALEX turns off his lights. DAWN sees the action in her rear view mirror, and slows down by hitting her brakes. ALEX smiles as he also slows. Abruptly he swerves the truck, so that the front end of the vehicle skids sideways into the side of the mountain and a tree on the side of the road. At the same time, the rear end swings around to hit another tree on the opposite side of the road (where the ground falls off rapidly). The result is the truck wedged against both trees and blocking the road. ALEX then throws open his door (which is now pointing toward DAWN's Jeep) and bolts from the truck. DAWN, watching the events in her rearview, comes to a full stop, and starts to back up. At the same time, she hits the button to open the rear hatch. It is very nearly up, when ALEX at a full run dives into the back of the Jeep. DAWN accelerates as soon as ALEX hits the interior -- the sudden acceleration causing the back hatch to come down, but not lock. ALEX grabs on to a backseat seat belt to prevent himself from falling out.

KURT's car turns a corner just in time for LAWRENCE, the driver, to see the truck blocking the road. With no place to swerve, he can only slam on the brakes. The car skids on the gravel and dirt road and slams into the truck. Everyone in the car is thrown forward, but no one is seriously hurt. KURT crawls back into his seat, and tries to survey the situation. ARES forces his way out through the buckled door, but there's nothing but dust to see up ahead. LAWRENCE leans over his steering wheel, breathing hard at having managed to avoid killing himself. KURT, his rage obvious, coldly picks up his mobile telephone.

Having glimpsed the success of their roadblock, ALEX and DAWN smile and laugh excitedly. ALEX crawls into the front seat.

ALEX

Unbelievable! It actually worked!

DAWN

There was any doubt in your mind?

The two begin to smile and breathe deeply. As they reach a public road, DAWN turns onto it.

DAWN

You know, if they have a mobile telephone...

ALEX

We’ll have to switch vehicles. Turn left at the paved road up ahead. I have a friend there.

The scene shifts to DAWN and ALEX now in an old blue firebird, on a highway exiting the mountains, and entering the outskirts of Fort Collins.

DAWN

Now what?

ALEX

Mexico.

DAWN

You’re kidding!

ALEX

Nope.

DAWN

(looking slightly dazed)

I'm trying to imagine my reaction if someone this weekend had told me that I was about to go on the run with a total stranger. I suppose Kelly might appreciate the situation, but...

ALEX

(glancing in DAWN’s direction)

Rebellion against authority does make strange bedfellows.

As DAWN reacts with a raised eyebrow, ALEX smiles. DAWN watches ALEX for a moment and then returns the smile. Turning back to face forward, her demeanor becomes serious.

DAWN

You mentioned something earlier about a “White Lady” in connection with the Humanki?

ALEX

She’s called the Mother, and she might be able to tell us about the Humanki -- who they are, what their agenda is, and so forth. She might also be able to tell us about the Manna.

DAWN

So where do we find her?

ALEX

According to Gil, the best guess is Thalmacas, a small village near Mexico City’s volcanoes:

DAWN

Volcanoes...?

ALEX

They’re called “Popo” and the “White Lady”.

DAWN

Why volcanoes?

ALEX

The primary source of the mono-atomic elements is the deep earth. Volcanoes...

DAWN

Would be a primary source, I know. It’s just that my gut instinct is to avoid volcanoes...

ALEX

You know the saying: “Some like it hot.”