THE RIDER

By
Reinhard Cate

WGA REGISTRATION #1709233

REINHARD CATE
1311 WEBSTER ST. APT #E315
ALAMEDA, CA 94501
510-610-9454
REINHARDCATE@GMAIL.COM

FADE IN:
EXT NORTHERN NEVADA DESERT - DAY
A motorcycle speeds across the empty landscape. Dust kicks
up behind the bike.
EMILY (V.O.)
I guess I dont remember when things
werent this simple.
We see THE RIDER closer now. No helmet, just a beaten up
old ball cap and goggles. A scarf covers the riders mouth
and nose.
EMILY (V.O.)
They say people worried about the little
things. Food was always there, shelter,
protection.
The Rider passes two wrecked cars. Bodies lie decomposing
next to them.
EMILY (V.O.)
Things called status updates, emails, and
text messages.
He stops the bike and pulls a dusty AR-15 assault rifle
from a holster near his seat. He approaches the wreck.
The wind blows the Riders brown duster open - revealing a
Glock in a holster on his hip. A compact and
technologically advanced gas mask hangs from his belt.
EMILY (V.O.)
They say most people didnt know what to
do when the inversion started. Its why so
many died.
He peeks into one of the vehicles and then rolls one of the
bodies over with his foot. Its badly decomposed. A U.S.
Marshal badge is pinned to the mans shirt.
EMILY (V.O)
Whats left of the government now, tries
to keep order. Some states did better than
others. The rest just became territories
2

the frontier.
The Rider notices a gold watch on the corpses wrist.
Clouds begin to form in the distance.
A loud beep starts to go off in his coat distracting him.
He pulls a cell phone sized device from his pocket, glances
at it and then puts his gas mask on.
EMILY (V.O.)
Its simple now - when the inversion
comes, if you cant adapt, theres no
learning curve. Its just how we live.
The Rider speeds away from the wreck. The watch is on his
wrist.
CUT TO:
INT NEWS ROOM - DAY
We see news reports flash from Salt Lake City, Denver,
Kansas City, Baltimore. INVERSION FORCES PEOPLE INSIDE.
CUT TO:
EXT WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
People walk the streets of Washington D.C. wearing gas
surgical masks.
EMILY (V.O.)
Pop says the inversion was ignored at
first, rubbed off as a nuisance a mix of
smog and pollution only bad for the very
sick.
CUT TO:
INT WHITE HOUSE PRESS ROOM - DAY
We see the White House Press Secretary answering questions,
to room packed full of reporters.
REPORTER 1
Is this the same type of pollution storms
that weve seen in China?

REPORTER 2
There are stories from sources that its
been killing people and that the Chinese
government is covering it up.
PRESS SECRETARY
As far as we know, we have no reports of
anyone dying thats been exposed. A
minimal exposure to the inversion, even
without a mask has shown no serious
harmful side affects.
EMILY (V.O.)
Then it started killing people a lot of
people.
CUT TO:
EXT I-290 CHICAGO SUBURBS - DAY
Chaos - people running carrying only what they can hold and
abandoned cars clogging the freeway.
A dark cloud of dust and smog settles over downtown
Chicago.
EMILY (V.O.)
St. Patricks Day 2024 was the turning
point. My dad says everyone remembers
where they were that day.
CUT TO:
EXT CHICAGO RIVER DAY
People lie where they fell after being exposed to the
inversion.
The street and bridges are littered with bodies, wrecked
vehicles, and parade floats.
EMILY (V.O.)
The Chicago River: 600,000 people dead.
The inversion doesnt discriminate business
professionals, police, revelers, all lie side-by-side,
blood coming from their eyes, nose and mouth.
4

EMILY (V.O.)
It wasnt long after that before things
started falling apart.
CUT TO:
EXT NEW YORK CITY - DAY
Rioters in gas masks break the glass in front of a grocery
store. National guard troops fire into a crowd.
EMILY (V.O.)
Entire cities were wiped out before anyone
could come up with a solution.
Smoke rises over the Manhattan skyline. Lines of cars
fleeing the tri-state area cram the New Jersey turnpike.
Crops and animals are dead or dying in fields from the
inversion. A farmer sits in his tractor also dead.
EMILY (V.O.)
Millions died before the government came
up with an answer. By then the United
States no longer looked like its former
self.
CUT TO:
EXT WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
Government soldiers in high tech looking gas masks patrol
the National Mall. The streets are empty.
CUT TO:
EXT NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAY
Cattle graze inside a massive green house sealed from the
outside environment.
The exits are pressurized as scientists monitor the
animals vitals.
EMILY (V.O.)
The government then focused on saving who
5

was left. And what was left. Crops,

animals, food it all had to be brought
inside.
Soldiers in gas masks patrol a street while people watch
from inside a Caf.
A pressurized chamber has replaced the door in and out
the caf is completely sealed off from the outside
environment.
EMILY (V.O.)
It worked I guess, Im still here. But in
the process we lost whole parts of the
country. Life changed in a matter of
weeks.
We see fly by scenes of various towns and cities in the
Midwest in disarray.
Abandoned cars sit where they stopped, buildings burnt to
the ground or simply decaying, and crops dead.
CUT TO:
EXT NEVADA DESERT DAY
The Rider drives across the desert on his bike. Gas mask
still on.
He pulls up to an intersection of a two-lane highway the
Interstate 80.
EMILY (V.O.)
They say the frontier is unforgiving
country, but its all I know. Its
governed by no one and filled with
opportunity for those who know where to
look for it.
The Rider stops the bike, reaches into the pocket of his
duster, and pulls out a dusty map.
The town of Lovelock is circled on it.
CUT TO:
TITLE OVER: THE RIDER
FADE OUT:
6

CUT TO:
EXT DAMIENS RANCH LATE AFTERNOON
Behind the ruins of an old wooden fence, large green houses
sit near an old barn and ranch house.
Cattle and various farm animals fill them - an artificial
environment protecting from the harsh landscape.
EMILY, 14 years old, kneels next to a disabled generator
outside a green house.
She fiddles with a pump and then types away on a touch
screen panel on the generator.
DAMIEN, her uncle, watches from the seat of an ATV.
DAMIEN
Girl, you better be sure that damn thing
keeps runnin. We cant lose any more
cattle.
EMILY
It will. The pump was jammed. One second
Damien takes off his hat to scratch his head.
DAMIEN
We aint got time for this Em. If the
generators down when the inversion comes
in, thats it.
Emily finishes typing on the panel, and then hits the side
of the generator with an open palm it starts up. Emily
turns to Damien, a big grin on her face.
EMILY
Told ya.
Before Damien can respond, the sound of a convoy of
vehicles interrupts him.
Several dirt bikes and two pick up trucks approach the
ranch on a dirt road.

DAMIEN
Youre lucky youre my brothers only
child. What I should do is make you regret
given me that lip. Get your ass inside!
Emily scowls and then walks over to the ranch house. Damien
starts up his ATV and then drives toward the approaching
convoy.
CUT TO:
EXT MAIN GATE DAMIENS RANCH LATE AFTERNOON
Riders get off their bikes, unslinging various rifles from
their backs. Most wear gas masks or scarves over their
faces.
Damien stands by his ATV under the entrance sign of the
ranch. The sign reads WEEPING PINES RANCH.
DOC steps out of the lead truck. He glares at Damien
through old-fashioned reading glasses with circular lenses
and walks toward Damien.
WACO, Docs right hand man, follows closely behind.
DOC
Youre late.
Damien is nervous. Doc is someone you dont anger.
DAMIEN
We had some problems with our generators.
We lost cattle. But Ive Ive fixed it. I
can pay you this week once we make a sale
in town.
DOC
Waco, what day is it?
WACO
Its Saturday, Doc.
DOC
Its not Friday then?

WACO
No, Doc. Its definitely Saturday.
Doc scratches his head with one hand, his other fiddles
with the holster holding his 1911 pistol. He nods to Waco.
DOC
Alright then Waco.
Waco smiles and then draws a Beretta pistol from a drop leg
holster on his khaki cargo pants.
He shoots Damien in both knees, puts the gun back in its
holster, and then turns to the other men from the convoy.
WACO
Boys!
Two men run over to Damien with a thick rope. He struggles,
but its no use.
A noose is tied around Damiens neck and the other end of
the rope is thrown over the ranchs sign and then tied to
the back of the ATV.
One of the men starts it up and drives forward pulling
Damien up.
DAMIEN
Wait! Wait
Doc signals to Waco who whistles to the men to stop.
Damien, in agony, breathing heavily tries to bargain one
last time.
DAMIEN
My niece Shes down there just dont
hurt her Take the cattle, my ranch just
Waco and the others look over at the Doc. He smiles at
Damien then looks over at Waco.
DOC
Why now isnt that a nice offer, Waco?
But, as we discussed earlier with our
friend Damien here, today is what day now?
9

WACO
Its still Saturday, Doc.
Doc shrugs and then looks at Damien.
DOC
Youre late Damien. Im not a savage. All
I asked for was for you to be punctual.
Did you pay me on time?
DAMIEN
The inversion I had no control
DOC
We live in a harsh world my friend. All
weve got left is our obligations. You had
one and that was to pay me On fucking
time! On fucking Friday!
Doc pauses. He pulls a handkerchief from his pocket and
wipes sweat off his brow.
DOC
Its the principle of the matter really.
Waco, am I a man of principle?
WACO
Yes, sir.
Doc looks at his fingernails with one hand and signals Waco
with the other.
Waco nods to the man on the ATV. He begins to drive forward
slowly pulling Damien up. Damien is gagging and choking.
Doc waits for Damien to be pulled up on his knees by the
rope before signaling the men to stop again.
He walks over to Damien and squats next to him.
DOC
I wouldnt care if you had all the gold
from Fort Knox down there. But still,
thank you. You should know well put your
niece to good use.
10

Doc stands up and signals the man on the ATV. Damien is

yanked up dangling under the ranch sign.
Waco laughs as Damien struggles briefly before he
suffocates.
DOC
Take the girl to the office, burn the
rest.
CUT TO:
EXT DAMIENS RANCH SUNSET
The Ranch house and barn have been set a lite. Waco carries
Emily over his shoulder.
Shes kicking and screaming. He throws her into the back of
one of the trucks.
The convoy pulls away under the ranchs sign.
Emily stares in horror out the window at Damiens body
dangling from the rope.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK, NEVADA NIGHT
The Rider pulls in and parks his bike. Cracked dusty
pavement and decaying buildings dominate the main street.
He pulls his rifle and a pack off his bike and walks into a
rundown old hotel.
Drunks wander the street while gunshots go off here and
there.
CUT TO:
INT HOTEL LOVELOCK NIGHT
The Rider passes through an airlock chamber as he enters
the run down hotel.
Inside the dingy front desk is protected by bulletproof
glass. The TV show the Rifleman plays on a small flat
screen TV on the wall behind the desk.
The attendee looks up from the pages of an old book. The
rider puts several gold pieces down on the desk.
11

THE RIDER
One week. No questions. No problems.
The attendee puts on a cracked pair of glasses and looks at
the gold. He smiles and slides the Rider a key card.
HOTEL ATTENDEE
Top floor. Room 18.
The Rider takes the key card, nods his hat at the attendee
and heads up stairs.
CUT TO:
INT DOCS OFFICE NIGHT
Doc sits at a large wooden desk, facing Emily. Theres a
large window behind him.
A framed dental certificate hangs on a nearby wall.
He looks at a ledger from behind his glasses. Waco stands
by the door.
DOC
Can you read and write kid?
EMILY
You killed my uncle you bastard!
Doc stops looking at the ledger, takes off his glasses and
looks menacingly at Emily.
DOC
I run a business and your Uncle had it
coming. Now you got two options here. One:
you can work here in the office for me. I
need a smart kid like you to help me keep
track of things. Or, two: Waco here can
take you over to the Mansion and get you
started early with the girls. And trust me
kid, thats not a place you want end up at
your ripe young age. Now Ill ask again,
can you read and write?
Emily wipes tears from her face and rubs her eyes.

12

EMILY
Yes. I can.
DOC
Good. Do your job and Ill take care of
you. You try any bullshit with me and
working with the girls at the mansion will
seem like a vacation compared to what Ill
have the boys do to you. Am I clear?
Emily nods.
DOC
I want to hear you say it, girl.
EMILY
Its clear, I understand.
DOC
Good. Waco, take her to Josie. Put her in
charge of her care.
Waco pulls Emily up. She slaps his hand on her shoulder.
Waco reaches back to slap her, but Doc stands and raises
his hand. Waco stops.
DOC
Thats enough, Waco.
Emily glares at Waco. Doc laughs.
DOC
Youre pissed kid, I get it. But I own you
now. That needs to sink in.
Doc sits back down and starts reading from a black book.
Waco pushes Emily out of the room.
Emily doesnt resist this time. Her head is down and her
arms are crossed in disgust.
CUT TO:
EXT THE MANSION NIGHT
13

The former city hall converted into a brothel. Girls wait

outside on the stone steps and wave to men on the street.
A bright neon sign that reads THE MANSION is mounted
above the door. Waco walks Emily up the steps inside.
PROSTITUTE
Shes a little young for the Mansion aint
she, Waco?

WACO
Shes Docs new mouse. Wheres Josie?
PROSTITUTE
Aw, poor little thing.
WACO
You better watch your fuckin mouth.
The girl now flustered, backs off.
PROSTITUTE
Sorry Waco. I meant nothing by that, dont
tell the Doc. She just seemed upset is
all.
WACO
Where the fuck is Josie?
PROSTITUTE
Her room. Up stairs.
Waco and Emily enter the building.
CUT TO:
INT JOSIES ROOM NIGHT
Carpet floor, a small couch and coffee table in the middle
of the room.
There are photos of beautiful tropical places on the walls.
JOSIE is the godmother of the Mansion. A former prostitute,
14

she runs business here for Doc. Shes pretty for her age.
Waco pushes Emily into the room.
WACO
Doc wants you to babysit. Shes gonna be
his little secretary or some shit.
Josie nods and Waco leaves.
JOSIE
Listen sweetheart, I dont know how you
got here, but Im gonna watch out for you
alright?
Emily nods.
JOSIE
Whats your name?
EMILY
Emily. But everyone calls me Em.
JOSIE
Ok Em lets show you to your room.
Josie walks Emily to a windowless back bedroom. Its small
with one lone bed and a desk.
Emily flops down on the bed and buries her head in the
pillow.
JOSIE
Ill be back in the morning to fetch you
darlin. Get some rest.
Emily turns and faces Josie.
EMILY
My Papa is coming! Hes gonna get me outta
here! Hes gonna kill every one of them!
Josie comes back into the room, closes the door and sits on
the bed with Emily.

15

JOSIE
Honey, the Doc is a very bad man. I sure
hope that youre right, that your Papa is
gonna snatch you away from here, but right
now you need to protect yourself. You do
as the Doc says and behave. And you keep
your mouth shut about anyone coming for
ya. Ok?
Emily in tears buries her face in the pillow again.
EMILY
They killed my uncle. Burned our ranch.
Why?! Why is this happening to me?!
Josie strokes Emilys hair gently.
JOSIE
I dont know sweetheart. But you need to
focus on surviving. I can watch out for
you until your Papa comes, but you need to
listen and do what the Doc says so nothing
bad happens to you.
Emily rolls and faces the wall, shes still crying softly.
Josie gets up and tucks the blanket over her.
She turns off the light and closes the door, locking it
behind her.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET DAY
Emily stands behind Doc and Waco as they walk down the
street. Four other members of Docs gang walk the street
ahead of them.
They stop outside a local grocer. The owner exits, hands
Doc money. Doc pats the man on the back and he leaves.
Doc counts it, and hands it to Waco who puts it in a black
briefcase. Emily takes notes in Docs little black book.
The group goes from business to business, each time Doc is
paid and Emily takes notes.
CUT TO:
16

EXT LONE MOUNTAIN CEMETARY DAY

While seated on his bike, the Rider examines a map and then
looks down at the badly kept graveyard.
He puts the map in his coat pocket and gets off the bike.
The Rider walks in between several rows of decaying
gravestones until he sees a large stone Guardian Angel.
A large empty hole in the ground sits where a body should
have been buried.
The words below the angel say JONATHAN GRANT JR.,
CHRISTINA GRANT, AND MARY GRANT, RESTING WITH ANGELS.
The Rider kneels at the grave and runs his fingers across
the stone on the words.
He presses his fingers on the words and notices the stone
seems loose and damaged at the word ANGELS.
The Rider fiddles with the stone and the word ANGELS
comes off into his hands.
On the back are a set of numbers 1026.
CUT TO:
INT DOCS OFFICE AFTERNOON
Waco puts the contents of the briefcase into the safe.
Emily hands Doc the black book she took notes in.
DOC
That wasnt too bad now was it girl?
EMILY
No, sir.
DOC
Good. You did good. Waco, see to it she
gets a good meal.
Waco nods and motions to Josie to follow him. Just as they
are about to leave they hear shouting and gunshots outside.
Doc looks through the blinds outside his window.
Down in the street several members of his gang push a man
17

down on his knees. They fire shots at his feet and in the
air.
CUT TO:
EXT DOCS OFFICE AFTERNOON
Doc walks out onto the front porch of his office. He leans
on the railing looking down at the man on his knees.
The SHERIFF is in his late 30s, his uniform dirty from
being knocked to the ground. He holds his cowboy hat in his
hands.
People from the town gather around to watch.
DOC
Why Sheriff, now aint it a pleasure.
The Sheriff has been disarmed and roughed up. His revolver
is handed to Waco by one of the Docs men. He gets to his
feet. Emily stares in disbelief, Doc even controls the law.
SHERIFF
Youve gone too far this time, Doc. Burned
down Damiens ranch? Killed all his hands.
DOC
Thats a nasty accusation.
SHERIFF
It true?
DOC
If it were, would you do anything about
it?
Docs men and Waco laugh.
SHERIFF
It aint about me, Doc. The feds wont let
this stand. Youll bring them down on the
whole town.
DOC
No one cares about this hodunk town, but
18

me Sheriff. The Feds dont. No one does.

Thats why youre the only lawman we got,
and youre hurting to find even a single
deputy.
Doc quickly draws his pistol, with the speed of a seasoned
gunslinger. He presses it against the Sheriffs head.
DOC
I could kill you right now in front of the
whole town, just be another drop in the
bucket.
Doc puts his pistol back in its holster.
DOC
But, I like you Sheriff. So I tell you
what, why dont you worry about keeping
drunks from shooting each other in the
street and let me worry about the business
I do. Thank you kindly.
Doc nods to Waco. Waco walks over to the Sheriff and
roughly hands him back his revolver. Docs men laugh.
CUT TO:
INT LOVELOCK SALOON NIGHT
The Rider walks through an automatic glass door into a
chamber at the entrance.
The door seals behind him as the air from outside is
filtered and cleared.
He then moves down a short hallway and through two oldfashioned saloon double doors. Old west meets high tech.
Inside the patronage is what youd expect: drunks, sketchy
gunslingers, and call girls.
The Rider approaches the bar and sits down. Some of the
Docs men eye him from a back table.
The bartender, a beautiful young brunette in a red corset
and jeans approaches the rider.
BARTENDER
What can I get you stranger?
19

THE RIDER
Whiskey.
She smiles and pours the drink.
One of the Docs goons walks over and sits down a few
stools away from the Rider.
The Rider pays no attention and sips his whiskey.
The man orders a beer from the bartender, eyeing her
creepily as she bends over into a cooler to get the bottle.
She hands it to him cautiously and IKE smiles.
IKE
Thank you, sweetheart.
He turns to the rider.
IKE
Now thats a nice fuckin jacket you got
there.
The Rider takes another sip from his drink.
THE RIDER
Its a duster.
IKE
Hell whatever is, that there belongs on a
man of finer tastes, stranger.
THE RIDER
Let me guess, that would be you?
IKE
It sure is. I reckon it would fit me too!
Ike laughs. The Rider pauses, hes still focused on his
drink. Ike moves closer, he sits next the Rider.
THE RIDER
It wouldnt look as good on a dead man.
Ike pivots in anger, beer still in hand.
20

IKE
The fuck you say to me, boy?
The rider sips his drink again. Eyes still forward.
THE RIDER
You heard every word.
Ike stands and opens his coat. A revolver is tucked in his
waste band.
IKE
You must not know who I am?! We run this
town, boy!
BARTENDER
Ike, please! We dont need trouble in here
tonight!
Ike turns and yells pointing at her angrily.
IKE
You shut your mouth whore! This dont
concern you!
Two of Ikes buddies sitting at another table stand up.
One brandishes a double-barreled shotgun underneath his
coat. The other puts his hand on a pistol in his waistband.
The Rider still sips his Whiskey, unmoved by the threats.
Ike gets closer putting his hand on the bar and then
reaching to grab the rider. He yells as he moves.
IKE
You listen here mother
Before Ike can finish, the Rider grabs Ikes arm and headbutts him. Ike is stunned, out cold on his feet.
In a flash the rider draws his Glock and shoots both of
Ikes buddies dead one shot to the head each. They
collapse onto their table.
Ike comes to and tries to go for his gun, but the rider
reaches it first and pulls the trigger - causing the gun to
21

go off in Ikes pants.

Ike collapses and screams in agony. Blood rushes from one
of his legs.
Two more of Ikes buddies get up from another table and a
third barges out of the bathroom, pistol in hand.
With his Glock and Ikes pistol, the Rider guns down the
two men at the table as they draw down on him.
He then kicks a stool at the bar into the third man causing
him to trip and misfire. The Rider then shoots that man,
now on the floor, dead.
His assailants all dead, the Rider sits back down, puts his
Glock in his holster, places the second gun on the bar, and
finishes his drink.
Moments later Doc and Waco enter the Saloon with several
more men behind them. Waco sees Ike on the floor and the
other casualties and starts to go for his gun, but Doc
stops him.
The Rider has already beaten them to it as they stare down
the barrels of the Glock and the pistol the Rider took from
Ike.
DOC
No need to be rude, Waco! Im sure this is
just a big misunderstanding is all.
Waco stops and follows Doc inside. The goons wait by the
door.
DOC
Aint that right?
Doc waits for a response from the Rider. The Rider holsters
his Glock and puts the other pistol on the bar again.
THE RIDER
Something like that.
Doc looks over at Ike moaning on the floor. He laughs then
looks back at his men waiting at the door.

22

DOC
Go sort Ike, out.
Two of his men run over to Ike and start trying to pick him
up.
Waco walks over and helps them lift Ike to his feet. He
glares at the Rider.
Doc smiles and then turns to the Rider.
DOC
Youre not from around here are you?
THE RIDER
Just passing through.
Doc motions to the Bartender.
DOC
Sweetie, get this man another drink. On my
tab.
She nods and pours the Rider another whiskey, sliding it
down the bar to him.
DOC
How long you in town for stranger?
THE RIDER
A few days.
The rider takes a sip of the drink. Doc takes a seat on a
stool next to the Rider.
The Rider takes out a cigar. Doc pulls out a lighter and
lights it for him.
DOC
Well Im impressed. What we have here is a
work of art. And you are a genuine
Picasso. You know who Picasso was son?
THE RIDER
Yeah.
23

DOC
You just continue to impress me. Look we
got a scholar on our hands. See for smart
men like you and me theres good money to
be had. You stick around and its yours
for the taking.
THE RIDER
Dont think your boys would be too happy
about that.
The Rider nods to Waco who is still glaring at him. Ike is
moaning at a table, blood dripping down his leg.
DOC
They do as theyre told.
THE RIDER
Ill think about it.
Doc laughs. He turns and looks at Waco.
DOC
I like this guy.
Doc turns back to the Rider still laughing.
DOC
I like you stranger. Fair enough. My place
is just down the street, big house, wood
railing. Come see me tomorrow.
Doc turns to the Bartender.
DOC
The rest of his drinks tonight are on my
tab. My boys will clean this mess up.
Doc gets up and motions for Waco to follow. Docs men carry
Ike out and start to collect the bodies of Ikes friends.
CUT TO:
INT BARTENDERS BEDROOM - NIGHT
A cozy, but small bedroom over the Saloon, a large round
24

window overlooks the street below.

The Rider is buttoning up his shirt looking down on the
street. He puts the holster back on his hip.
The Bartender watches from her bed naked. Shes only partly
under the covers.
BARTENDER
You dont have to leave you know?
THE RIDER
Yeah?
BARTENDER
No sir, plenty more for you to do right
here.
The Rider puts on his duster and then his hat.
THE RIDER
That is a certainty.
The Rider tips his hat as he starts to open the door.
BARTENDER
Youre here for Grants vault arent you?
The Rider stops and closes the door.
THE RIDER
And if I was?
BARTENDER
Just the only reason men like you ever
come through here. Most die trying.
The Rider smiles and then opens the door.
THE RIDER
Maam.
The door shuts behind him and the Bartender sighs and then
lies back down in bed.
CUT TO:
25

INT THE MANSION NIGHT

Emily stares out a big window with Josie and several other
girls. They see the Rider walking down the street.
PROSTITUTE
Thats him! He killed 5 of Docs men by
himself!

EMILY
Doc, didnt kill him?
JOSIE
No sweet pea. He offered him a job.
CUT TO:
INT DOCS OFFICE DAY
Doc sits at his desk. Hes reading.
Emily is writing in the black book. A large stack of money
and various pieces of gold sit in front of her.
EMILY
Im finished.
DOC
Good, Waco would you please.
Waco walks over and moves a large painting on the wall near
Docs desk.
Behind it, he opens a hidden wall safe and starts placing
the cash and gold into it. Emily memorizes the combination.
She sees a half rolled up map inside stacked next to gold
and various gems.
Waco notices her watching and she quickly looks away back
at her book.
He finishes loading the safe, closes it, and replaces the
painting.

26

DOC
Well for once it looks like everyone is on
time.
WACO
Thats too bad.
DOC
Waco my violent friend, life is not just
about blood and death.
Doc turns to Emily.
DOC
You can go now.
Emily gets up places the black book on the table and walks
out of the office.
Josie is waiting for her patiently on a chair in the
hallway.
Emily can hear Doc and Waco discussing things in the office
as Josie and her start walk out.
WACO
I aint so sure about this rider, Doc.
DOC
Good thing youre not paid to think. How
are things at the site?
WACO
Havent found anything. One of the ole
turbines collapsed though. Nearly crushed
one of the boys.
Doc starts to laugh. Josie hurries Emily along before she
can hear the rest of the conversation.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET DAY
The Rider walks up the street with a small pack over his
shoulder.
27

People whisper as he walks past. Docs goons eye him.

An alarm on the street sounds. Everyone either rushes
inside or puts on small gas masks.
The rider pulls his mask from his hip and puts it on.
He approaches the Lovelock trading post and walks inside.
Once again he passes through an airlock at the entrance.
CUT TO:
INT LOVELOCK TRADING POST DAY
Inside its a mix of grocery and hardware store. Everything
from mechanical equipment to fresh fruit is inside. Deer
mounts and bear pelts adorn the walls.
The Sheriff and the owner of the Trading post, GUS, are
talking at a small desk with an old fashioned cash register
on it.
The Rider looks around and then picks up a few things from
a shelf.
Gus is sitting down. Hes in his late 60s, wearing
overalls. The Sheriff is the first to notice the Rider.
SHERIFF
So youre the man everyone is talking
about?
THE RIDER
Maybe.
SHERIFF
Not everyone kills 5 of Docs men and is
still breathing, let alone walking
around town like they own the place.
THE RIDER
That ground for arrest, Sheriff?
SHERIFF
No. Frankly, youre doing the law a favor
by shooting his men. The less of them
there are the better this town would be.
28

Whats your game here stranger?

THE RIDER
Im just passing through.
SHERIFF
A man with skills like yours has always
got a reason for being somewhere. This
town needs help. I know it aint why
youre here, but it should be.
THE RIDER
Im no lawman.
Gus decides to speak up.
GUS
It aint about the law stranger. Its
about decency. Folks are suffering. That
man and his gang of thugs kill, steal and
rape as they see fit.
SHERIFF
They just massacred a whole Goddamn ranch.
GUS
Weeping Pines, Damien Stokes place. He
hung poor Damien from his own damn sign.
Killed all his farm hands and took his
niece. Hes got her working his office,
treating her like some damn pet. It aint
right.
SHERIFF
Poor bastards body is still hanging
there.
THE RIDER
Well Sheriff, it sounds like youve got a
job to do.
SHERIFF
Im an elected Sheriff. Ive got no
29

training. No deputies. There were

Marshals coming in, but theyve gone
missing.
THE RIDER
Therere not coming Sheriff.
SHERIFF
What?
THE RIDER
10 miles out, near the Salt flats. Came
across the wreck on my way in. Ambush.
The Sheriff takes off his hat. Gus shakes his head.
SHERIFF
When they didnt show I figured the worst.
But Christ, God help us.
GUS
Its clearer than day that this town needs
help, Stranger. And its strain you in
the face.
THE RIDER
Like I said before, Im just passing
through.
The Rider puts the supplies down on the table he wants to
buy, attempting to move on. Gus is offended.
GUS
Consider it on the house. You might as
well take what you want. You coming
through here and doing nothing is just
the same as you robin us blind anyway.
THE RIDER
I pay my own way, old-timer.
The Rider puts two gold coins down on the desk then leaves.
CUT TO:
30

EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET DAY

The Rider puts his mask on in the airlock and then walks
back into the street. His pack is over his shoulder.
Another siren goes off - all clear. People take off their
masks.
The Rider takes off his mask and clips it to his hip then
heads down the street toward the Docs office.
In the street, Waco approaches him flanked by two other
members of the gang.
WACO
Look what we got here boys. Its our
gunslinger. I bet he thinks hes real
fast.
THE RIDER
Wheres Doc?
WACO
You dont wanna play with me? You afraid?
The Rider looks Waco up and down. Waco then steps forward
closing the distance between the two of them.
The two goons with Waco ready themselves for a fight.
THE RIDER
You gonna keep talking? Or you gonna let
me see Doc?
WACO
Youll see him when I say you do.
THE RIDER
I dont want to ruin your day.
Waco draws his pistol, but the Rider catches Wacos wrist
with his left hand before Waco can point the pistol at him.
The Rider steps into Waco with his body weight thrusting
his shoulder into Wacos chest.
He then cocks back his right arm and elbows Waco in the
31

face while taking Wacos pistol with his other hand.

Waco lands on his back, nose broken, and with the Rider
pointing his Beretta at his face.
The other two goons look nervous, but still prepare to
draw. Doc interrupts before anything else can go down.
DOC
Now! Now! Boys! Aint this playground big
enough for all of us?!
The two goons stand down and Waco checks the blood on his
nose.
The Rider ejects the Berettas magazine and clears the
pistol before tossing it into Wacos lap.
Doc looks at Waco as he walks up to the group from his
porch.
DOC
Waco you got a funny way of welcoming a
new business partner into our midst. Get
yourself cleaned up!
Waco stands up, holsters his pistol and steps out of the
way of the Rider.
Doc motions the Rider to follow him inside.
CUT TO:
INT DOCS OFFICE DAY
Doc pours the Rider a glass of Whiskey at a small personal
bar on the first floor of his office.
Waco enters the room. He has tape on his nose and pieces of
tissue are stuffed in his nostrils to stop the bleeding.
Doc laughs at the sight of Waco, nearly spitting out his
drink.
The walls are mostly bare, there are no photos, but there
is a large framed dental school certificate framed sitting
on the bar.
An old photo of Doc in scrubs is slipped in front of the
frame.
32

DOC
You like that? Back before everything went
to hell I was quite the Doctor.
Doc is gloating. The Rider nods to Doc, sips his drink, and
eyes Waco.
DOC
Dont mind Waco. He knows his place. Waco,
get the man some ice.
Waco begrudgingly gets up and walks behind the bar.
He opens a small bucket and drops two pieces of ice in the
Riders drink.
DOC
See! Wacos a team player. Look, Im glad
you took my offer. Theres no sense in you
wasting your skills out in the badlands
somewhere. Lets get to it then. Some of
my boys are gonna hit a convoy heading to
the California Territory in the next few
days. If I can count on you to roll with
them and make sure theres no problems,
then youre one of us.
THE RIDER
Done.
DOC
Perfect. You get this done for me and
theres a lot more work and pay off
coming your way.
Doc motions to Waco and Waco makes him a drink. He finishes
and hands Doc the glass.
DOC
Come on now Waco. You better make yourself
one. You two are gonna be thick as thieves
before you know it.
Waco makes pours himself a glass.
33

DOC
Cheers.
The group toasts. The Rider and Waco stare each other down
as they sip their drinks.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET
Emily watches the Rider walk into the Saloon from across
the street.
Josie motions to one of her girls to follow the Rider and
then tugs on Emilys arm.
JOSIE
Its time to go, honey. Its getting late
and its dangerous to be on the street.
EMILY
I need to talk to him.
JOSIE
The Rider? Were sending him one of the
girls, courtesy of the Doc.
EMILY
Hell do it. I know it.
JOSIE
What nonsense are you talking about, girl?
EMILY
Hell kill Doc, Waco, all of them.
JOSIE
What did I tell you about talking about
that? Youre gonna get yourself killed.
EMILY
I dont care.
34

Emily takes off across the street to the Saloon. Josie

chases after her.
JOSIE
Em! Wait!
CUT TO:
INT LOVELOCK SALOON AFTERNOON
The Rider finishes his drink and the Bartender pours him
another.
The place is nearly empty. A few patrons have conversations
in the back. One man is passed out sitting at the bar.
Josies girl walks in and sits down next to the Rider.
PROSTITUTE #2
Hi handsome. How you doing?
THE RIDER
Just fine.
PROSTITUTE #2
Yeah? Well I bet I could make you feel a
lot better. Doc sent me to take care of
you.
Before the Rider can respond Emily barges into the Saloon.
Josie hurries behind her.
EMILY
You! Blondie! I need to talk to you!
The Prostitute turns surprised to hear Emily in the Saloon.
PROSTITUTE #2
Em? What you doin in here?
EMILY
I have business with him, from the Doc.
Josie follows behind nervously. Theres not stopping Emily,
she motions for the girl to come over to her.

35

Emily sits down on the stool next to the Rider where

Josies girl was sitting.
EMILY
Youre gonna work for me.
THE RIDER
Is that right kid?
EMILY
Im no kid. And I can make it worth your
while.
The Bartender walks over to the two.
BARTENDER
Whatll it be sugar?
EMILY
Whatever hes having.
She makes Emily the drink, straight whiskey, and puts it in
front of her.
Emily takes a sip and gags causing the Rider to smile.
THE RIDER
So whats the job, kid?
Emily puts the drink down and looks at the Rider solemnly.
EMILY
Youre gonna kill Doc, Waco, all of the
bastards for me.
THE RIDER
Is that right? Just like that.
EMILY
I know what youre here for. Youre like
all the rest. You want that missing
soldiers gold. Docs got a map for it, I
know where it is. You do this job its
yours.
36

THE RIDER
Sure kid, let me think about it.
EMILY
Youll think about it?! That bastard hung
my Uncle. Burned our ranch. They killed
all our hands too. Most werent one or
two years older than me. Aint no one else
around here that deserves it more! And you
can do it!
THE RIDER
Im sorry, but it aint that simple kid.
Get out of here before you get yourself
killed. I said Ill think about it and I
will. Go.
Emily looks over at Josie who is still speaking with the
girl she sent into the bar. Josie motions to Emily to go.
EMILY
Fine! Think hard!
Emily hurries off with Josie. Josies girl comes back over
and sits back down next to the Rider and smiles.
CUT TO:
EXT MAIN GATE DAMIENS RANCH NIGHT
Damiens body still hangs from the WEEPING PINES sign,
rotting slowly.
The Rider pulls up his bike. He puts down the kickstand and
walks over just below Damien.
He looks up at Damiens body and then down at the remains
of the ranch the burnt down greenhouses, ranch house, and
barn.
The skeletal remains of the ranch are still smoldering.
The rope holding Damien under the sign is tied to one of
the old fences posts.
The Rider cuts the rope with his knife and Damiens body
37

comes crashing to the ground.

As the sun comes up The Rider places the last large rock
over a pile covering Damiens body.
The Rider gets back on his bike and rides back to town.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAINSTREET DAY
Doc does his rounds with Waco and Emily. As he approaches
each business, the owner comes out, pays Doc, and then goes
back inside.
Several of Docs goons follow behind them in the street.
As the group moves down Main street people move out of the
way.
Doc reaches the Trading Post and Gus comes out. He hands
Doc a wad of cash.
GUS
Ive gotta say it, Doc. But you know
youve gone too far.
DOC
Oh, is that right?
DOC
You been taken from hard working people
for too long. And now what you did to
Damien, then taken his niece. It aint
right.
Doc looks at Waco.
DOC
You hear that Waco? You know what, bring
me that briefcase.
WACO
Doc?
DOC
You heard me, bring it here.
38

Waco walks over to Doc. He hands him the black briefcase

containing the protection money theyve taken from the town
that day.
Doc takes out a large wad of cash and hands it to Gus.
More people from the town have now gathered to watch.
The Rider arrives on his bike and parks in front of the
Saloon.
He lights up a cigar and watches the scene unfold alone,
leaning against a post in front of the Saloon.
DOC
Here, take it.
Gus awkwardly takes the money.
DOC
There ya go. Theres the money Ive
collected from the town today. You hand it
back to everyone Gus. Im putting you in
charge of it. You get it back to them.
Doc turns to Emily.
DOC
Girl! Get up here!
Emily walks forward to Doc. He shuttles her forward.
DOC
Go ahead, girl. Go with him.
Emily walks forward nervously.
DOC
There, Gus. Youre in charge. Take charge
of the girl too. Im not a bad man. Ive
just made some mistakes is all.
Gus motions for Emily to come to him. She walks over and
stands with him.
DOC
Ive seen the error of my ways! You hear
39

that Lovelock! Im turning up a new leaf!

Doc motions to Gus.
DOC
Go on now. Go! Take her somewhere safe.
Gus turns to the girl.
GUS
Alright sweetheart, lets get you outta
here.
Emily is in disbelief, they slowly begin to walk off the
street.
DOC
Hey Gus!
Emily closes her eyes when she hears Doc speak. She knows
whats coming next.
Gus and Emily turn around to face Doc.
Doc smiles, then draws his pistol in a flash and shoots Gus
in the stomach.
Emily puts her hands up to cover her face and Gus collapses
to the ground.
The money scatters into the air as Gus falls.
DOC
Who! The fuck! Are you?!
Gus holds his wound as he lies on the ground in pain. Blood
rushes through his fingers.
DOC
Do you think Im gonna let some nobody
hillbilly fuckin storeowner give me a
lecture on my morals?!
Doc turns to face everyone watching, imitating Gus.
DOC
It aint right! Theyre hard working
40

people!
Doc laughs, turns back to Gus, and levels his pistol at
him.
DOC
I dont give a fuck! I run this Goddamn
town! No one else! Me!
Doc turns to the crowd watching again.
DOC
Ive had it with you people and your
morals! Do what youre Goddamn told! Pay
me when youre supposed to and youll be
fine! Disrespect me?!
Doc turns and empties the rest of his 1911s magazine into
Gus.
Some people gasp. A few women scream.
Doc turns back to the gathered crowd.
DOC
You get the picture?! That clear enough
for you?!
Emily is sobbing in the street next to Guss body.
Doc turns to her and motions to her angrily.
DOC
Get your ass over there!
Emily walks back over toward Waco and he shoves her back
toward the group of Docs goons.
Doc holsters his pistol and nods to Waco and the rest of
his men.
They walk past Guss body down the street. Waco spits on
Guss body.
As they pass the Saloon, the Rider and Emilys eyes meet.
She looks at the Rider for a second and then back at the
ground as one of the goons shoves her forward.
41

The Rider still smoking his cigar watches the group walk
back to the Docs Office.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAINSTREET NIGHT
Josie walks Emily back to the Mansion. Near the Saloon
someone whistles to them from a dark alleyway. They cant
make out the figure in the dark.
The Rider lights a match for his cigar revealing his face.
He motions for Emily and Josie to join him.
Emily and Josie look to see no one is following them then
enter the alleyway.
CUT TO:
EXT SALOON ALLEYWAY NIGHT
The Rider leans against the wall puffing his cigar. Emily
stands watching him, waiting for him to say something.
Josie keeps looking back into the street nervously.
THE RIDER
Alright kid. Ill do it.
Emily tears in her eyes, breathes a sigh of relief.
EMILY
I can show you where the map is. I
promise. I just need
Emily pauses. She notices something on the Riders wrist.
EMILY
Where did you get that?
The Rider pauses for a second then moves his wrist
examining the watch. He turns it more for Emily to have a
better view.
Emily nearly collapses but the Rider caches her. She starts
sobbing and falls to her knees.
EMILY
Where did you get that?! Where?!
42

Josie kneels down next to Emily trying to console her, but

also trying to keep her quiet.
The Rider steps back and stands up. He watches Emily
sobbing on her knees.
JOSIE
Hush, child! Someone will see us!
EMILY
Did you kill him?! Why do you have it?

THE RIDER
What are you talking about, kid?
EMILY
Hes dead isnt he?! You have his watch.
Its my fathers watch!
The Rider takes a puff from his cigar and then rubs his
forehead.
THE RIDER
I didnt
about 10
ambushed
had that

kill him. But theres a wreck

miles out of town. Someone
a fed convoy. One of the Marshals
on him. Im sorry, kid.

Emily wails in agony hearing confirmation of what she

already knew. She puts her face in Josies lap.
She then sits up and turns angrily to the Rider.
EMILY
How do I know it wasnt you?! How can I
trust you?!
Josie interrupts before the Rider can respond.
JOSIE
A week before Doc took you. Before he
burnt your ranch. The Sheriff had told the
Feds that he needed help. Doc got word of
43

it.
Josie pauses and looks at the ground and then at Emily.
CUT TO:
EXT NORTHERN NEVADA DESERT SUNSET
Doc and Waco drive the Sherriffs truck through the desert.
Two federal vehicles follow behind.
Doc leans out the window and motions them forward as they
approach another set of parked vehicles.
JOSIE (V.O.)
They waited out in the flats for them,
posing as the Sheriff and his deputies.
Docs men wait behind the cars, most carry assault
rifles, one has an RPG.
JOSIE (V.O.)
Doc and Waco, they killed all of them.
They didnt stand a chance.
As Docs truck passes through the parked cars his
men immediately pop up and open fire on the Federal
Convoy.
The lead vehicle is hit with the RPG and flips over
the front end on fire.
CUT TO:
Doc and his men pull away from the smoking wrecks
and head back toward Lovelock. The Marshalls bodies
are left in the desert.
JOSIE (V.O.)
They came to the Mansion after to
celebrate. Im sorry.
CUT TO:
EXT SALOON ALLEYWAY NIGHT
Emily stands up. Shes angry, disgusted with Josie, and
filled with hatred for Doc. Hes taken everything from her.

44

EMILY
Im gonna kill him. Im gonna kill him,
Waco, all of them.
JOSIE
Em youll do no such thing. All youll do
is get yourself killed.
Emily shakes her head.

THE RIDER
Shes right. There aint a thing you can
do.
EMILY
Ill kill them!
THE RIDER
Youre right. They will, Kid. But, you
need to keep your mouth shut and your head
down. I will make it happen.
Emily pauses and looks at the Rider trying to read him.
EMILY
You promise me? Youll kill them all.
THE RIDER
A deal is a deal, kid. You have my word on
that. Just dont do anything stupid.
CUT TO:
EXT DOCS OFFICE MORNING
The Rider pulls up to a convoy of three gun trucks
preparing to leave Lovelock. About a half dozen of Docs
goons ready weapons.
Ike loads a machine gun mounted in the bed of the first
pick up truck. He eyes the Rider wearily as he approaches
the group.
Doc is reading a map with Waco waiting on him. He sees the
45

Rider approaching lowers his glasses and walks over to him

with Waco in tow.
Waco glares at the Rider.
DOC
Ah the man of the hour.
THE RIDER
Doc.

DOC
Youre already acquainted with Ike over
there. Hes leading the group. The word
is the Fed convoy shouldnt really be
decently armed. Still, just make sure it
goes off without any problems
The Rider nods in acknowledgement.
DOC
Like I said before, my friend. A lot more
work for you after you get this done.
Aint that right Waco?
Waco stares at the Rider for a moment then answers.
WACO
Just like you said, Doc.
Doc laughs and wraps his arms around both the Rider and
Waco.
DOC
Atta boy, Waco. Look at that team spirit.
Lets get this done.
The Rider takes the AR-15 rifle from his motorcycle and
gets in the front seat of the lead truck.
He sits next to Ike who is driving. Ike looks over at the
Rider nervously. The Rider smiles and winks at him.
CUT TO:
46

EXT MOUNTAIN SIDE DAY

The convoy stops on a mountainside looking down on the
desert. They disembark and the group scans the remains of
the Interstate 80 Freeway.
The Rider puffs on a cigar, his rifle slung casually in
front of him.
On the horizon, they see a medium sized convoy. A U.S.
government Humvee is the lead vehicle followed by a couple
RVs, jeeps, and station wagons.
A few other Humvees are mixed in with the civilian ones.
Ike signals the group. One of Docs men unloads a
futuristic looking recoilless rifle from a box in one of
the gun trucks.
They mount it on a tripod on the lead truck.
IKE
We gotta be fast boys! Them drones from
Reno got an 8-minute response time, tops.
That means we gotta time this right. If we
go in at the right time the inversion and
dust storm will cover enough Doc says to
even prevent them from flying.
CUT TO:
EXT NEVADA SALT FLATS DAY
The Riders convoy speeds across the salt flats toward the
military convoy.
As they approach, the lead Humvee from the military convoy
hails them on a loud speaker.
LOUDSPEAKER SOLDIER
Unknown vehicles! Stop or you will be
fired on! I repeat stop immediately!
Ike pats the top of the truck from outside his window as he
drives. The man on the recoilless rifle nods and then
begins firing the weapon.
The front of the lead Humvee erupts in flames and the
vehicle is tossed into the air.
47

The vehicles behind it come to a crashing halt.

The other two gun trucks from Docs convoy pull forward and
pass Ikes vehicle. The gunners open fire on the convoy.
Rounds tear into military and civilian vehicles alike.
People scream and try to take cover.
Some soldiers try to defend the convoy, but are cut down by
Docs gunners.
In the chaos, one of the Humvees tries to flee. It has a
trailer attached behind it. Ike notices it and yells to his
gunner.
IKE
Its that one there! Dont hit the
trailer!
The recoilless rifle fires twice. Neither round hits the
Humvee, but the driver panics, loses control, and flips the
vehicle.
Ike and the Riders vehicle stop near the front of the
flipped Humvee.
CUT TO:
EXT FED CONVOY - DAY
A few remaining wounded soldiers stand around the convoy
with their hands up, weapons on the ground.
Docs men execute them.
One of the gun trucks circles the convoy. The other pulls
up to next to the destroyed lead Humvee and men disembark.
Docs men grab the weapons the soldiers have tossed to the
ground.
CUT TO:
EXT HUMVEE TRAILER WRECK - DAY
Ike parks the gun truck next to the flipped Humvee and he
and the Rider disembark. Ike limps ahead.
The recoilless rifle gunner stays in the truck bed.
The trailer behind the Humvee has been smashed open 48

various military small arms lay about on the desert floor.

Wind and dust suddenly kick up. Dark clouds move quickly
toward them.
The Riders alarm goes off three minutes until the
inversion comes in.
Ike and the Rider put on their masks. The dust storm blows
in suddenly eliminating their visibility.
Despite being only 20 yards from the convoy, they cant see
it.
One SOLDIER crawls out of the flipped Humvee, bleeding and
coughing in the dust. He reaches for his mask, but Ike
steps on the mans wrist.
IKE
Not for you, boy.
The man standing in the bed of the truck on the recoilless
rifle laughs. Ike looks at the Rider.
IKE
You aint got no problem killing a few
feds, do ya?
The Rider walks over and points his AR-15 at the wounded
soldier.
IKE
Do it if you want. I say let the inversion
take the fuckin pig.
The Rider looks at the soldier. The soldier has given up,
expecting death, he spits on the ground at the Rider.
SOLDIER
Fuck you.
The Rider winks at the soldier.
In an instant, the Rider turns and fires a round into Ikes
other leg. Ike falls, dropping his rifle.
He then drops to a knee and fires two rounds into the chest
of the man manning the recoilless rifle. The man falls off
49

the truck, dead.

The Rider kicks away Ikes rifle. Ike goes for his pistol,
but now the Rider steps on his arm.
They can hear shouts of alarm from Docs men at the convoy
site, but neither group can see each other.
THE RIDER
If I recall, weve done this dance before.
The Rider reaches down and throws away the pistol.
IKE
You son of a bitch! Docs gonna fuckin
skin you alive!
The soldier crawls out of the Humvee. He puts his hands up
in the air.
The Rider puts the rifle barrel to Ikes head, pulls the
mask off of him, and tosses it to the soldier.
Ike begins to cough heavily. He is terrified.
THE RIDER
Youve got about a minute to get to one of
the other trucks.
Ike stumbles up. The new wound in his leg bleeds profusely.
Hes coughing already because of the dust.
The Rider points his AR-15 at him.
THE RIDER
Make it count.
Ike limps into the dust storm.
CUT TO:
EXT FED CONVOY - DAY
Docs men struggle to see in the dust. They see a figure
staggering toward them. The person falls to their knees.
Two of Docs men run forward to the figure guns drawn.
Ike is bleeding from his eyes, nose, and mouth. He falls
50

forward on his face, dead.

The two men look at each other and then shout back to the
others.
DOCS GOON 1
Its Ike!
DOCS GOON 2
Uh, he aint got no mask on!
Before the men at the convoy can respond, the Rider shoots
Goon 1 in the neck and head with his AR-15.
He moves like a ghost through the storm. Goon 2 fires a
couple shots in response, but the Rider is already gone.
Goon 2 struggles to see, looking desperately for the Rider.
Goon 2 is shot in the knee and he falls onto his side in
pain. A second shot hits him in the head killing him.
The Rider moves up to cover in between civilian vehicles.
A little girl looks at him through the window of an RV. Her
mother quickly grabs her and pulls her down.
The three remaining goons fan out looking for the Rider.
One of the Goons posts up next to the RV. He jumps out on
one side, gun drawn nothing, no one there.
The man hears a whistle and turns only to face the barrel
of the Riders Glock.
CUT TO:
The remaining two of Docs men hear the shot. They run
through the dust to the RV and find the mans body.
The Rider, standing on top of the RV, shoots them both dead
with his AR-15.
He jumps down and starts walking back over to the
recoilless rifle gun truck.
Some of the civilians start to disembark from their
vehicles to survey the damage.
Someone screams and people dash for cover. One of the
51

civilian cars explodes.

A small drone flies past the convoy at a low altitude. Its
a small and heavily armed plane the size of a large dog.
One rotating engine allows it to hover and propel itself
forward.
The Rider moves instinctively for cover and scans for the
threat.
The drone makes another pass another explosion, people
scream.
This time the Rider fires two shots at the drone winging it
slightly. It tries to correct itself but its no use the
drone slams into the desert floor and explodes.
Suddenly a blast knocks the Rider off his feet and into the
nearest vehicle. He slams against the car door and
collapses on the ground.
Another drone flies by. The Rider tries to reach for his
rifle, but everything goes black.
CUT TO:
EXT DOCS OFFICE AFTERNOON
Its nearing sunset. Doc paces impatiently in the street. A
small dune buggy with a machine gun mounted to it pulls up
to him.
One of Docs men, a SCOUT, jumps out of the passenger seat.
Hes got a baklava on and binoculars around his neck.
SCOUT
The drones wiped us out at the first
convoy.
DOC
As expected, were the Feds able to support
the second convoy?
SCOUT
No you were right, Doc. We took it.
Doc claps his hands happily. He then pats the Scout on the
back.
52

DOC
Well done, get the boys together once they
get it all unloaded. Its cause for a
celebration.
The Scout nods and gets back in the vehicle. It pulls away
heading back into the desert.
Doc hears shouting from inside his office. A few moments
later, Emily is shoved outside into the street by Waco. She
collapses in the dust, he lips bleeding from being slapped.
Jose follows behind trying to restrain Waco from hitting
Emily anymore.
Emily sits on her knees seemingly in defeat but hides a
small letter opener in her hand.
WACO
I found this little bitch fuckin around
with your safe, Doc.
Waco throws Doc the map. He takes it looks at it and then
puts in his coat.
Doc then looks at Emily, still on her knees with angry
tears streaming down her face.
He un-holsters his pistol and Waco laughs.
JOSIE
Doc! Wait! Please its my fault. Shes
upset about her family I knew she would do
something stupid!
Doc glares at Emily.
DOC
That true girl? You tell her that?
Emily hesitates, Doc motions at Emily with his pistol to
speak up.
Emily nods an acknowledgement. Doc turns and points his gun
at Josie.

53

EMILY
No!
Doc shoots Josie in the head and she collapses in the dust
near Emilys feet. Emily sobs over Josies body.
DOC
This is what happens when you fuck with
the order of things kid! You get people
killed! That there is on you! Waco!
Before Waco can grab Emily, she rushes at Doc with the
letter opener.
Doc reacts, stepping back, and as Emily lunges for him
misses her intended target and stabs him in the shoulder.
She pulls the opener out of Docs shoulder and tries to
finish the job, but the butt of Wacos pistol knocks her
down.
Emilys POV:
Shes lying on the dirt looking up at Doc and Waco. Doc
screams incoherently at Waco as he holds the wound in his
shoulder.
Someone starts dragging Emily away from them. Everything
fades to black.
CUT TO:
INT - DETENTION CENTER CELL, FORT RENO - NIGHT
A bucket of cold water slams into the Riders face and
chest. Hes forced awake. Before he can react hes punched
in the face.
The Rider is sitting in a chair in an empty cell, hands
cuffed behind him. His interrogator, a U.S. Army Sergeant,
stands over him.
Another smaller man, a Lieutenant watches as the Sergeant
prepares to hit the Rider again.
Hes struck again this time in the stomach.
LIEUTENANT
Whered they take the weapons?
54

THE RIDER
What?
The Rider is hit again in the face before he can respond.
LIEUTENANT
The weapons, where are they?
THE RIDER
What. Fucking. Weapons.
The Lieutenant signals the Sergeant again, once more the
Rider is struck.
The Lieutenant then gets in close to the Riders face. The
Rider is breathing heavy, recovering from the blows.
LIUETENANT
Your boys killed federal troops. Youre a
dead man, no reason to hold out on us.
The Rider looks at the Lieutenant and then head butts him.
The Lieutenant yells out and stumbles back, blood rushing
from a fresh gash on his eyebrow.
The Sergeant kicks the Rider in the chest knocking him over
onto his back and hands.
The big man stands above the Rider and grabs him by his
shirt collar, ready to pummel his face. The Rider laughs at
the threat.
The Sergeant looks over to the Lieutenant. The smaller man
nods to him in anger and the Sergeant rolls up his sleeves.
Without warning, the Rider kicks the man in the groin with
surprising force, flooring the Sergeant.
The Lieutenant scrambles over to the Rider to restrain him,
but the Rider pivots on the ground and kicks the mans feet
out from under him.
The Lieutenant crashes to the ground and the Rider swiftly
delivers another kick to the mans face, breaking his nose.
The Sergeant, now somewhat recovered leaps onto the Rider
striking him in the face, but before the fight can continue
a loud voice interrupts.
55

THE COLONEL
Thats enough! Stand down Sergeant!
The Lieutenant and the Sergeant both immediately stand at
attention, ignoring the Rider on the floor.
LIEUTENTANT/SERGEANT
Sir!
A grizzled older man, a full bird Colonel, thick mustache,
and unlit cigar in mouth, stands in the doorway.
A Captain follows the Colonel - its the man the Rider
saved at the convoy ambush.
The Colonel motions to the Rider, still on the floor.
COLONEL
Get him up.
CUT TO:
EXT COURTYARD, FORT RENO DETENTION CENTER - NIGHT
The Colonel walks ahead of the Rider with the Captain.
The Rider, still handcuffed is escorted behind them by a
clearly angry Sergeant and a bloody, but equally angry
Lieutenant.
Soldiers wearing small gas masks and carrying assault
rifles guard the entrances to buildings.
The Rider watches what looks like a Blackhawk helicopter,
but without a rotor, powered by what look like jet
thrusters touch down near the courtyard.
A gunner sits in an open bay door of the vehicle, gas mask
on.
Heavily armed soldiers hop on board the vehicle and it
takes off vertically.
The Rider is shoved down at a metal picnic table where the
Colonel and the Captain are already sitting.
COLONEL
Youre lucky.
56

THE RIDER
Whys that?
COLONEL
You saved my son.
The Rider looks over at the Captain then back at the
Colonel.
COLONEL
Involved in the killing of federal troops,
destruction of government property
including a drone, and then of course
responsible for the theft of government
property. All those crimes carry the death
penalty. No trial, I just leave you
outside here for the inversion. Saves me
ammo. But for you theres another option.
THE RIDER
Doesnt sound like an option, Colonel.
But, let me guess you want what was taken
from you.
The Colonel smiles.
COLONEL
Recovering government property is a key
priority, yes. But, we have something else
in mind for you. The Marshall service is
low on numbers. There is too much
territory to cover, not enough bodies.
THE RIDER
You want to make me a lawman? Youre
serious?
COLONEL
If you prefer the inversion, thats your
choice. We know you have the skill set.
Wed see it put to better use.
The Captain takes out a small box. He opens it revealing
57

what looks like a wristband.

CAPTAIN
Your wrist.
The Rider puts his cuffed hands forward and the Captain
puts the wristband on him. Its thicker than a watch and
has no buttons.
CAPTAIN
We can track you with this and you can
also use it to communicate with us and the
other Marshalls. GPS, Inversion sensor
built in. It even scans for heat
signatures. You also have access to
federal databases. Itll activate to your
voice through your DNA.
COLONEL
And if you thought about trying to get it
off and just disappearing, dont bother.
CAPTAIN
You tamper with it, we know. Theres a
kill switch. 10 seconds and a highly
concentrated dose of pentobarbital will
enter your system.
The Rider looks at the device and shakes his head.
THE RIDER
And how long is my government service
Colonel?
COLONEL
Id say you owe us the rest of your life.
Fort Reno is the gateway to California
territory. Do you have any idea how many
illegal migrants and criminals try to
cross over? Everyone wants to get to fresh
air.
The Colonel motions to the Sergeant and Lieutenant who are
standing by watching them.

58

COLONEL
Sergeant, un-cuff him.
The Sergeant and Lieutenant stand the rider up. The
Lieutenant warily takes off the handcuffs.
Seconds after his cuffs are removed, the Rider head-butts
the Lieutenant. The man screams out in pain, as the Rider
smashes his nose a third time.
The Sergeant grabs for a side arm on his belt, but the
Rider steps forward and punches the man in the throat.
The Sergeant falls to his knees with his hands on his
throat. The Rider turns to the Lieutenant who has started
to draw his own side arm.
The Lieutenant draws the gun and starts to point it at the
Rider but, the Rider steps forward grabbing the pistol by
the slide and the Lieutenants elbow.
The Rider rotates the Lieutenants arm and wrist while
pulling the gun from his hands. The force and direction
send the man from his feet.
The Rider then turns and points the pistol at the Colonel.
By now several soldiers in gasmasks have responded to the
scene and point their rifles at the Rider.
The Colonel laughs, claps his hands, and stands up.
THE RIDER
Get this shit off me.
COLONEL
You dont think we know you? I know
exactly who you are, Master Sergeant. Your
options havent changed.
THE RIDER
Is that right?
The Rider pulls back on the action of the Beretta pistol
with his thumb.

59

COLONEL
You want to shoot me? Go ahead. If the
band doesnt kill you first, theyll gun
you down. Be a real waste of talent.
The Rider de-cocks the pistol and places it on the picnic
table and sits back down.
The other soldiers help the Lieutenant and Sergeant up and
the Colonel motions to them to leave.
COLONEL
I know youre unhappy, son. But if it
helps, think of it as your patriotic duty.
A duty you neglected years ago.
The Rider looks at the Colonel unconvinced. The Colonel
smiles and lights his cigar.
COLONEL
Glad we got that cleared up. The Captain
here will get your gear sorted out.
CUT TO:
INT - ARMY DUST HOPPER NIGHT
The Rider watches out the open bay doors of the same
vehicle he saw take off earlier as it flies out of Fort
Reno. Its built from the hull of an old Blackhawk
helicopter salvaged with a mix of old school and high tech.
The Dust Hopper runs like a harrier, but more efficiently
and quietly.
The tail of the chopper has been removed and has been
replaced by engines that rotate to propel it forward as
well as allow it to take off and land vertically.
Stubby wings only used to house mounted weaponry for the
pilot extend slightly from the vehicles hull.
A gunner sits, strapped in, on a mounted heavy machine gun.
His feet dangle outside the vehicle as they fly low over
the outskirts of town.
The vehicle passes over wooden shacks, tent camps, and a
long line of burnt out vehicles on the I-80.
60

A line of campers and other

permanent military checkpoint.

vehicles

sit

parked

at

A large fortified wall dozens of feet high separates Reno

proper from the refuges outside and extends in both
directions for farther than the eye can see.
The Casinos that dot Renos skyline have been converted
into housing blocks for refugees but its not enough, as
evident by the tent camps lined up outside the city walls.
CUT TO:
EXT - DAMIENS RANCH EARLY MORNING
The Rider hops out of the Dust Hopper. He has his gear
back: duster, ball cap, his AR-15 slung over his shoulder,
and his Glock back in its holster on his hip.
He carries another duffel bag over his other shoulder - new
gear from Fort Reno.
As the Dust Hopper takes off, the Rider begins his walk
into town. He glimpses at the device on his wrist and then
back at the military vehicle as it disappears heading west
back to Fort Reno.
Ashe walks and the sunlight begins to color the landscape,
a new addition to his duster begins to glisten a badge
that reads FEDERAL MARSHALL.
CUT TO:
INT LOVELOCK MORNING
Emily wakes up in her room in the Mansion. She walks over
to the door and tries to open it its locked. She sits
back down on the bed.
Someone comes to the door and opens it. One of the other
girls comes in with a tray, a small breakfast. She doesnt
say a word and then walks out.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK - MORNING
Waco walks down the street from Docs office to the
Mansion. Hes groggy, hung over from the night before.
As he walks down the street he hears a whistle from a
61

narrow alley next to the Saloon.

WACO
Whos there?
Waco peers into the alley. He cant really see anything and
its dark and cold out so his patience is thin.
Hes about to continue on and then notices it - a gold coin
sitting by itself a little way into the alley.
He looks into the alley trying to see if he can see
anything else further down, then looks around on the
street, no one. He shrugs then walks over to the coin.
Waco picks up the coin and examines it. He cant read, so
the writing does nothing for him, but he looks intently at
the image of an eagle etched on the coin.
Suddenly someones hands grab him from behind and slam him
head first into one the wall. A knee then collides with his
face knocking him out cold.
The Rider looks around and then drags Waco deeper into the
dark alleyway.
INT LOVELOCK SALOON BASEMENT LATE MORNING
Waco comes to but hes hanging upside down, his tied hands
behind his back.
Wacos feet are tied and the rope is hung on an old meat
hook dangling from chains connected to the ceiling.
The Rider sits in a chair on the other side of the room
smoking a cigar. A small glass of whiskey sits near him on
an old end table.
Waco spits blood at the Rider as he dangles from the
ceiling.
WACO
Youre supposed to be dead!
THE RIDER
Something like that.

62

WACO
Dont worry motherfucker. Doc will fix
that for you.
THE RIDER
Doc set me up.
WACO
No shit! You thought you were so slick, so
fast on that gun didnt you?
THE RIDER
Whered the real heist go down?
Waco laughs.
WACO
You think cause you got me dangling here
that Im just gonna up and tell you
everything? Fuck you.
The Rider smiles and finishes his drink. He takes his time
putting the empty glass back on the end table and then
removes a suppressor from his jacket pocket.
He twists it into place and then puts it on the table.
The Rider then gets up and picks up the empty glass as he
walks over to Waco.
THE RIDER
I wouldnt move if I were you.
The Rider shoves the glass between Wacos legs forcing him
to bow his legs slightly as he dangles from the ceiling.
WACO
What the fuck?! What are you doing?!
The Rider sits back down, picks up the pistol and takes aim
with one hand.
THE RIDER
Hopefully the booze doesnt affect my aim.
At least for your sake.
63

WACO
Wait! Wait! Wait!
The Rider fires a shot. The glass shatters and showering
Waco in sharp shards. Waco screams out.
WACO
Fuck! What the Fuck!
THE RIDER
That aint half bad sitting down. Im a
little drunk too. What else do we got
around here?
The Rider picks up an empty beer bottle off the basement
floor.
He walks back over to Waco and shoves it between his legs
where the glass was before.
WACO
Ok hold on! Motherfucker, just wait!
The Rider sits down and takes aim again. He fires a shot.
The glass shatters again but Waco yells out in pain.
The shot grazed the inside of his thigh. The Rider laughs,
picks up a Whiskey bottle and takes a drink.
THE RIDER
I can do this all day. Lucky for you, I
didnt miss low.
WACO
Im gonna fucking kill you!
The Rider calms picks up another bottle. He walks over and
shoves it between Wacos legs.
He then sits back down and switches the pistol to his left
hand.
THE RIDER
Lets see if I can do this left handed.
WACO
64

Wait no! Wait!

The Rider fires, the round slams into the bottle but also
cuts deeply into Wacos thigh.
Waco screams out in pain.
WACO
The old Wind Turbines near the 396! The
Turbines!
The Rider fires two rounds into the ropes tied to Wacos
feet holding him to the meat hook.
The Rope snaps and Waco crashes to the ground.
The Rider walks over to Waco. He puts the still hot muzzle
of the suppressor into Wacos bloody thigh.
THE RIDER
Go on. Spit it out.
Waco is panting on the floor. Hes sweating profusely,
bleeding, in pain, and finally scared.
WACO
We got word of another convoy on the old
396 the one you hit was a decoy, knew the
drones would come You were supposed to be
collateral
THE RIDER
What did you take?
WACO
High speed gear some crazy looking
rifles and explosives. we got a dig at
the Old Wind Turbines Docs obsession it
was the perfect place to stash it all
The Rider pistol-whips Waco knocking him out cold.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET DAY
Waco limps down the street. He looks around at the roof
65

tops nothing. He continues to limp nervously toward Docs

office.
Waco gets to the front steps and two of Docs goons run
over to him. He waves them off.
WACO
Get Doc.
The men look at each other and then run inside. Waco waits
in the street.
Doc comes outside onto the porch, stops, and leans on one
of the pillars.
DOC
What the hell happened to you?
WACO
The Riders alive. He sent me here.
Doc takes his glasses off. He rubs them with a small cloth
he pulls from his pocket. He looks back up at Waco.
DOC
Ok
WACO
Says he wants the gear from the convoy,
tonight. He says it belongs to him.
DOC
Waco, my friend. How the hell is he even
breathing?
WACO
I dunno Doc, I just
A suppressed round cuts Waco down right in front of Doc.
Two more of Docs men are cut down.
Doc and the other men dive around for cover.
A third man on Docs roof falls down into the street hit
with another round.
66

DOC
Where the fuck is that coming from?!
Doc motions to two men who come running outside of his
office.
DOC
Find this goddamn sniper!
The two look at him, hesitant to run out into the
street. Doc points his pistol at them.
DOC
What the fuck do you think this is?! Do it
now!
The two men hesitate for a second and then run down into
the street toward one of the alleys.
Theyre both cut down before they reach cover. Doc yells to
his men taking cover inside the house.
DOC
Get the trucks! And get to the Mansion!
Get that fucking little girl out here!
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK CHURCH BELL TOWER DAY
The Rider watches Doc and the rest of his goons scramble in
the street trying to take cover.
He stands behind a high-powered suppressed rifle on a bipod
on the ledge of the tower.
He watches Doc motion from behind cover to his men. The
Rider fires another round into the pillar Doc is hiding
behind.
Doc dashes back inside clearly shaken from the shot.
Suddenly, high caliber rounds slam into the ledge hes
firing from tearing huge holes in the wood and sending wood
splinters flying.
A gun truck pulls forward toward the tower and the man on
the turret hammers the Tower.
67

The Rider ducks down and then puts the rifle down. He sets
a timer on his watch.
A second later he jumps over the other side of the ledge
and rappels down the tower on a fixed rope.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK CHURCH BELL TOWER DAY
Docs goons shred the church tower with the mounted machine
gun on the back of a gun truck.
Several of Docs men surround the church. Doc follows
cautiously behind the gun truck covering his ears as it
continues to fire.
They stop outside the church and Doc motions to his men to
go in.
The gun truck stops shooting and Doc looks up at the tower.
One of Docs men holds up the Riders sniper rifle.
Another of Docs goons now shoves Emily over to Doc. Her
hands are tied in front of her.
Doc smiles at her and then looks up at the tower as the man
holding the Riders rifle shouts down.
GOON
Aint nothin here but this rifle and his
backpack!
The Goon then lifts a ragged backpack up over the ledge of
the tower for Doc to see.
DOC
Fuck. Everyone down!
The backpack explodes destroying the tower sending debris
everywhere. Several of Docs men are killed. Dust clouds
everyones vision in the street.
The alarm for the inversion goes off as Doc and his men
start to recover from the explosion.
One of Docs men tries to force a mask over Emilys face.
She stops him briefly and smiles.
EMILY
68

Hes coming for me. Youre all dead men.

DOC
Shut the fuck up! Get the mask on her!
The goon obeys and quickly gets the mask on Emilys face.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCH MAIN STREET - DAY
The Rider walks down the street shielded by the dust storm
coming in with the inversion. His gas mask is on.
Despite the storm, the U.S. Marshalls badge on the Riders
duster glistens. His AR-15 is slung in front of him.
He drops to a knee and fires toward Doc and his men. Two of
Docs men fall to the ground.
As Doc and his men return fire, the Rider dashes into the
dust, seemingly disappearing.
Doc, pistol in hand, fires several rounds at the Riders
last position. He desperately puts his gas mask on.
DOC
Get out there and fucking find him!
Several more of Docs men run out into the storm. Doc grabs
Emily and puts his gun to her head and pulling her to
passenger door of the gun truck.
Doc shoves her inside and jumps in next to her.
DOC
Get us the fuck out of here!
The driver of the truck nods to Doc and starts the car up.
A round from the Riders rifle slams through the back
window into the drivers head killing him. The driver
slumps forward onto the wheel.
One of Docs men jumps into the bed of the truck, turns the
turret and starts firing wildly into the dust.
Doc pushes the dead driver out the door and then drives the
truck off the street.
69

CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET - DAY
The Rider taps the device the Colonel had attached to his
wrist from behind a parked car.
A heads up display appears in his vision, the device on his
wrist synching to his nervous system, with the Riders
thoughts controlling the actions and options.
Red dots blink behind and inside of buildings heat
signatures of Docs men.
The Rider moves into an alleyway and slips into the side
door of one of the shops on Main Street.
CUT TO:
INT LOVELOCK CANDLES MAIN STREET - DAY
Inside two older Lovelock citizens are huddled behind the
counter; their gas masks on, while two of Docs men look
out into the storm through the front window.
The shop is an older one not pressurized like most to
keep the inversion out.
The Rider winks at the older couple and then walks quietly
up behind the two men slinging his rifle behind him.
He pulls his Glock from his holster and a knife from his
pocket.
In a quick, fluid motion, the Rider plants his knife into
the chest of one of the men while shooting the other in the
head. The two men collapse to the floor of the shop.
The Rider turns to the couple.
THE RIDER
Sorry about the mess.
The Rider tips his hat to the older couple and dashes out
the front door, rifle at the ready.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET DAY
The Rider walks down the street in the open, his rifle up
70

scanning the street in front of him.

The dust storm from the inversion is beginning to clear as
the Church continues to burn.
The Rider moves quickly toward the gun truck Doc had been
driving its crashed into a street lamp 100 yards down the
street.
As he moves toward the truck, one of Docs men appears on a
rooftop across the street.
The Rider reacts quickly and fires two shots hitting the
man and knocking him off the roof.
Two other men run into position behind a car from an alley
and start shooting at the Rider.
The Rider, still moving switches targets. Bullets crack
near him but he calmly aims and fires.
The rounds from his AR-15 penetrate the car and kill both
of his attackers in four precise shots.
The Rider reaches the truck a man is slumped over in the
driver seat.
The Rider slings his rifle behind him and pulls his Glock
from his holster as he opens the door.
With his pistol at the ready, he pulls the body out into
the street its not Doc.
CUT TO:
EXT DIG SITE WIND TURBINES LATE AFTERNOON
Doc and Emily stop a Dune Buggy in the ruins of hundreds of
abandoned wind turbines nestled under a mountain ridge.
The Turbines are all 100s of feet high above the desert
floor.
Among the rocks and wreckage are several dark scars and
holes that cut deep into the hillside whats left from
dig sites built by Docs men.
Doc motions Emily with his pistol to move forward.
DOC
Walk.
71

He pulls the map from his safe from his pocket, glances at
it briefly and then puts it away.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAINSTREET DAY
The Rider is pinned down behind a building. The last of
Docs gun trucks and three of his men concentrate fire on
the Riders only cover.
The Rider checks the magazine of his rifle no rounds
left. He drops it to the floor and pulls his Glock.
The Rider fires from cover and then dashes forward to a car
in the street to close the distance between himself and
Docs men.
Its a desperate move hes out gunned and low on ammo.
Hes able to hit the man on the gun truck turret with one
of his shots, but the other three men open fire once again
pinning him down with little to no cover. The car doors
begin to shred and a bullet cuts a hole in the Riders
duster.
Suddenly, the sound of several shot gun and pistol blasts
silence the assault rifle fire coming from Docs men.
The Rider looks over to see the Sherriff and three other
Lovelock men standing over the bodies of Docs henchmen.
The Rider holsters his Glock and walks over to them.
SHERIFF
We figured you might need a little help.
The Rider nods to them in recognition. He lights a cigar
with a match. People from the town begin to come out into
the street and assess the damage.
THE RIDER
Cant complain about the timing, Sheriff.
A people few loot the bodies of Docs men, picking up their
weapons and checking them for any valuables.
The Riders motorcycle is still parked on the street near
the Saloon. He walks over to it and the Sherriff follows.
72

SHERIFF
This is all for nothing if you dont get
Doc. People are too afraid of him, they
think that hed just come back with more
men.
The Rider puffs his cigar and then looks at the Sherriff.
Before he can respond the Bartender from the Saloon walks
out and interrupts.
BARTENDER
Hes bound to be at the old Wind Farm,
theres nowhere else hed go. Hes had
half his men out there digging holes in
the ground for years. Its all they talk
about when they come to drink.
The Rider gets on his motorcycle and starts it up, cigar
still in his mouth. The Sherriff points to the Riders
badge.
SHERIFF
Gotta say Im surprised. Thought you were
just another lone gun looking for a pay
out. Didnt expect you to be a lawman.
THE RIDER
Thats funny Sheriff, I was thinking the
same thing.
The Rider revs the engine of his bike, tips his hat to the
Bartender, and drives off into the desert the Bartender,
Sheriff, and other people from the town watch him leave.
CUT TO:
EXT DIG SITE WIND TURBINES SUNSET
Doc sits down on a crate and wipes his forehead with a
handkerchief.
His gun is trained on Emily as she stands with arms crossed
under the shade of one of the abandoned wind turbines.
DOC
You know what they used these for before
73

the inversion?
Emily just stares at Doc.
DOC
These giants were supposed to harness new
renewable energy, prevent pollution, save
the environment. Whole groups of folks
dedicated to saving the earth. Some good
they did huh? Aint no earth left saving,
its like were on an inhabitable Martian
fuckin planet. And you know what the
irony is? That these big mothers here
theyre just waste now. More pollution,
more garbage, but these turbines will
probably outlast you and me. The inversion
dont bother em, theyre sturdy as hell
prolly last 100 years after you and I are
dead. Fuck, theyre practically bullet
proof.
Doc fires a round past Emilys head into the Turbine. She
cowers and crouches on the ground.
Doc gets up and walks over to her menacingly.
DOC
All I wanted kid was my little slice of
the pie. I kept order and if you didnt
abide, then I was the wrath of God. Life
aint complicated, time is running out for
all of us. I accept that. I just wanted to
ensure that the time Ive got left is
lived in comfort. But you, people like
you, your Uncle, that whole fuckin town,
youre all cockroaches. Surviving longer
than youre supposed to, living in
degradation, filth. Youre just there to
be stepped on, waiting for someone like me
to do the stepping!
Doc lunges forward and grabs Emily. He puts his gun to her
head and pulls her in front of him like a human shield.
He shouts out into the landscape his voice echoing among
the rotting wind turbines.

74

DOC
I know youre here! It aint that long of
a drive from that worthless town! Suppose
it woulda took a bit longer since you were
busy killing my men!
Doc turns his attention to Emily.
DOC
You see this Rider - hes a special kind
of cockroach. Seems like hes just too
quick to put your boot heel down on. You
stomp and swat, but he just scurries away.
Doc shouts out to the Rider again.
DOC
Aint that right?! Youre too quick! Too
fast for the heel aint ya?!
A gunshot rings out slamming into Docs leg.
He spins back and yells out in pain dropping his gun and
letting go of Emily in the process.
Emily dashes to the gun and picks it up and points it at
Doc.
The Rider walks into view his AR-15 slung in front of
him.
Emily cocks the action on Docs 1911. Doc laughs.
DOC
You think hes just gonna let you kill me?
He aint here for you.
Emily turns and looks at the Rider. He nods.
THE RIDER
Give me the gun, kid.
Defiant, Emily turns and tries to shoot Doc.
The Rider grabs her arm and moves the pistol forcing the
shot to go wide.

75

The Rider takes the pistol from Emilys hands and throws it
to the ground in front of Doc.
He then unslings his rifle and drops it on the ground as
well. Doc stands up confused.
THE RIDER
1026, that mean anything to you?
DOC
Ive got no idea. Enlighten me.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVE LOCK MAIN STREET
10 years prior - An AWOL U.S. Special Forces unit escorting
several civilian cars stops in front of the old City Hall.
The town is completely deserted.
The team disembarks wearing gas masks. CAPTAIN GRANT and
THE RIDER, both wearing unmarked military uniforms get out
of the lead vehicle.
The only insignia on their uniforms is a decorative patch
on their right arm ODA 1026.
A beautiful woman gets out of the civilian car behind them.
Two small children follow behind, all wearing masks.
Captain Grant takes off his mask. Hes tired, his face
covered in stubble. One of the children, a little boy runs
up to him.
JONATHAN GRANT JR.
Daddy! You cant take your mask off youll
get sick!
CAPTAIN GRANT
Dont worry, Johnny. its safe now.
JONATHAN GRANT JR.
But Daddy Im scared!
CAPTAIN GRANT
We cant be scared all the time. Its safe
76

now. You need to be brave for your little

sister.
JONATHAN GRANT JR.
Ok Daddy, I will.
The woman smiles and takes Jonathan Grant Jr.s hand. She
makes eye contact with the Rider and then turns and walks
away
MARY GRANT
Come on Johnny lets wait by the car,
Daddy has work to do.
Another Special Forces soldier comes out from the City Hall
Building.
SPECIAL FORCES SOLDIER
Its clear, sir. Could set up shop here if
you want.
CAPTAIN GRANT
Lets do it, good a place as any.
THE RIDER
It aint Colorado Springs.
CUT TO:
A year later Lovelock has become a trading center on the
remains of the interstate 80.
The soldiers have converted a few buildings to sealed
greenhouses for cattle and crops.
People walk the streets peacefully its not the
lawlessness Lovelock knows under Doc and his men.
Captain Grant has moved his family into a beautiful house
with a front porch on the north side of town Docs future
office.
The Rider now in the duster and ball cap we know him for is
prepping his motorcycle to leave town.
Captain Grant comes out on the porch to say goodbye.

77

CAPTAIN GRANT
Last chance I know. Come on look at what
weve done here. Dont leave.
THE RIDER
Youre all set up here. Had some contacts
out east I need to check out, sir. Loose
ends to tie up, sir.
Captain Grant pauses before he responds. He knows thats
not why the Rider is leaving.
CAPTAIN GRANT
Mary and the kids will be sad to see you
go.
THE RIDER
You got a handle on things, sir. Besides
you got half the team here ready to
babysit if you need it.
Captain Grant laughs and the two clasp hands warmly.
CAPTAIN GRANT
All right, I understand. Just stay safe.
THE RIDER
Keep that family of yours safe.
The Rider takes off into the desert.
Mary Grant watches him longingly from an upstairs window.
Shes crying softly.
CUT TO:
EXT LOVELOCK MAIN STREET NIGHT
Five years later. Docs men line up several of Captain
Grants men in the street in front of the Captains home.
The Captains men have been disarmed, hands bound behind
their backs - theyve lost the battle for the town.
Doc inspects the group of prisoners. Waco shoves out
Captain Grant - his hands are bound in front of him. Waco
78

pushes Grant to his knees.

DOC
You Army boys must not know the rules
around here. This is my territory, aint
that right Waco?
WACO
Yes sir, Doc.
DOC
Not only did you refuse to pay me what was
owed, but you had the audacity to try and
fight me. Im insulted. Waco show him what
happens when Im insulted.
Waco smiles and nods to the rest of Docs men. In seconds
they execute Captain Grants men in front of him.
DOC
I came here because I heard that you sir,
my good Captain had gold, lots of it. U.S.
government stamped American gold. And if
its in this fucking territory, it belongs
to me. Me! Where the fuck is it?!
Captain Grant laughs. He spits blood on the ground in front
of Doc.
DOC
Waco! Get him on his feet!
Waco grabs Captain Grant by his shoulder hoisting him up.
Suddenly grant is out of his bounds and has his hands on
Wacos pistol.
Doc is too fast he shoots Grant in the stomach and chest
several times. Grant falls to his knees.
DOC
Where?! Where the fuck is it?!
Captain Grant collapses on his chest and dies at Docs
feet.

79

CUT TO:
EXT DIG SITE WIND TURBINES SUNSET
Doc holds his thigh, warm blood drips across his fingers.
He stares nervously at the Rider he knows whats coming,
but he tries to play it off.
DOC
Youre here because of Grant? I dont have
any beef with you. Look I made some
mistakes in the past, but I got no fight
you
THE RIDER
No. You didnt just kill him.
Doc immediately changes his tone.
DOC
Fine! You know youre right though, we
killed every last one of those fuckin
soldiers! And you dont want to know what
we did to their families!
The Rider doesnt immediately respond, only meeting Docs
gaze intently.
THE RIDER
Go ahead. Pick it up.
Doc smiles. He walks to the pistol, kneels down picks it
up. He places it in holster.
DOC
You want me to finish the job then?! She
can watch you die! And when Im done with
her shell wish I shot her instead! You
hear me rider?!
The Rider circles him and Doc matches his pace.
DOC
That there is one fine mistake you just
made! Youll be with Grant soon, I
80

promise!
The Rider isnt phased by Docs taunts.
THE RIDER
Say when.
Doc goes for his pistol but the Rider is faster before
Doc can even draw he pulls his Glock and fires three shots.
Doc isnt able to fire a shot, his pistol never leaves the
holster, and fresh bullet wounds in his fore arm and
stomach.
Doc raises his left hand to plead for mercy.
DOC
Wait! Wait!
Without hesitation the Rider raises his Glock near point
blank with Docs forehead and fires.
Doc collapses dead in a heap on the ground.
EMILY
He has the map.
THE RIDER
I know, kid. I thought I told you not to
do anything stupid?
EMILY
I thought you were dead.
The Rider shakes his head and then reaches into Docs
pocket.
He pulls the map out and looks at it. Its a grid of the
Wind Turbine field.
Each turbine is given a number. He smiles.
THE RIDER
Of course Come on kid. Lets go.
EMILY

81

You were here. You set up the town before

Doc came
The Rider nods.
EMILY
Whyd you leave?
THE RIDER
I had my reasons at the time kid.
Emily gets in Docs Dune Buggy.
THE RIDER
Reno aint that far from here, kid. The
word is that theres clean air on the
other side of the mountains. No alarms,
masks. No inversion. I can help you get
there.
Emily shakes her head and crosses her arms.
EMILY
No way. Im staying here. The frontier is
my home.
Emily smiles.
EMILY
Thank you for coming for me, for saving
me.
THE RIDER
You got it, kid.
EMILY
You know where Grants Vault is dont you?
The Rider smiles and lights his cigar.
EMILY
Am I gonna see you again?
Emily shakes her head and starts the Dune Buggy.

82

EMILY
Well, I better.
Emily speeds off back toward Lovelock.
CUT TO:
EXT WIND TURBINE 1026 SUNSET
The Rider walks up to the turbine. A dusty padlock is on
the door to the service entrance.
He shoots the lock off with his rifle and the lock falls to
the desert floor.
Its dark and dusty inside. The light from the Riders
cigar is the only illumination in the room.
Below a stair well sit several boxes of gold bars. Various
guns and equipment are mounted on the walls.
A photo of the Riders team ODA 1026 in Afghanistan is
mounted on the wall above the boxes.
The Rider takes the photo down and looks at it.
The whole team poses in front of a Humvee.
The Rider is arm and arm with Captain Grant in the group
picture in the middle.
CUT TO:
EXT DIG SITE WIND TURBINE NIGHT
Two Dust Hoppers set down on the ground near the old wind
turbines and several soldiers disembark.
The Rider leans on an old pick up truck with a trailer
attached watching the soldiers approach.
He smokes a cigar as he waits for the Colonel.
The Colonel and Captain flanked by two heavily armed
soldiers approach.
COLONEL
This it?
The Rider nods.
83

COLONEL
Well done.
The Colonel motions to the soldiers and the Captain. They
walk over to the trailer, and begin to unload the stolen
gear.
The Rider begins to walk over to his bike to leave.
COLONEL
Theres a lot of rumor around these parts
about Captain Jonathan Grants ODA.
The Rider stops and turns to the Colonel, cigar in his
mouth.
COLONEL
Grants team was one of the units that
went missing when the inversion hit
Colorado Springs. Story goes theres a
vault of gold bars he stashed away before
he was killed.
THE RIDER
Sounds like a crazy story.
COLONEL
Yeah doesnt it. You wouldnt happen to
know anything about that now would you?
THE RIDER
No, sir.
The Colonel shakes his head unconvinced and smiles. One of
the Colonels men signals that the equipment is loaded up.
The Rider continues walking over to his bike.
The Colonel starts to jog over to his Dust Hopper with the
other soldiers and shouts back to the Rider.
COLONEL
Well be in touch!
The Rider waves his hand and gets on his bike.
84

As the Rider starts the bikes engine he watches the

Colonels Dust Hopper take off.
The Rider revs his engine and takes off into the desert.
CUT TO:
EXT DAMIENS RANCH MORNING
Emily wearing overalls and he gas mask goes through rubble
at her Uncles old ranch house.
She picks up an old burnt photo its too damaged to make
out whos in it.
Emily drops it frustrated. Theres not much to salvage.
She begins walking toward the Dune Buggy when she hears a
whistle.
EMILY
Hello?!
Emily looks for the Rider but doesnt see anyone else in
the ruins of the house.
She heads toward the direction of the whistle back toward
the old barn.
Sitting in front of the barn is a small crate. Theres a
rifle, a couple pistols, and ammunition sitting on top.
Emily smiles and slings the rifle over her shoulder. She
moves the pistols and ammo to the side and fiddles with the
crate.
She cant get it open with her hands so she hits the crate
with the butt of the rifle and it finally breaks open.
Shiny gold bars fall onto the dusty dirty ground at Emilys
feet.
CUT TO:
EXT NORTHERN NEVADA DESERT - DAY
The Rider speeds west across the desert on his motorcycle.
FADE TO BLACK
END CREDITS
85