ROSWELL
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN


Episode 117
Damage Control


Story By
Erica Cavin and Joan Pickering

Written By
Erica Cavin and Joan Pickering



Posted 04/27/02



 
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  ROSWELL: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN - "Damage Control" - TEASER - 04/20/02

TEASER

  1 INT. MAX EVANS'S BEDROOM - MORNING

The story begins shortly after Sexual Healing ends. Max and Isabel are in Max's room before school. They are looking at something on Max's desk. Michael appears at the window and climbs in.

MICHAEL
Hey.

MAX
Hey.

MICHAEL
So?

Max points towards the orb.

MAX
This is it. I wanted you to know right away.

Isabel picks up the orb and hands it to Michael. Michael holds it through the rest of the scene.

MICHAEL
(a bit loudly)
How did you find it?

ISABEL
(very quietly)
Will you lower your voice, Michael!? Or maybe you could go knock on our parents' door and tell them Max is breaking their rules already. It would be quicker.

MICHAEL
(in a quieter voice)
I just can't believe that Saint Maxwell is grounded.

Max looks uncomfortable and shrugs.

MICHAEL (cont'd)
So, how did you find it?

MAX
Liz had a vision while we were ... When we were at your apartment. It was of soldiers and something being buried by the old radio tower off Highway 42. We went out there last night, and dug this up. Isabel and I have been trying to figure out what it could be since I got home.

Michael turns the orb over a couple of times.

MICHAEL
Any luck?

ISABEL
No. Nothing about it seems familiar, except the Whirlwind symbol.

MICHAEL
(contemplative)
Whirlwind ... It seems strange to finally have a name and symbol for our galaxy.

Michael studies the orb for a moment.

ISABEL
How about you, does anything jog your memory?

MICHAEL
(shaking his head)
No ... nothing.
(beat)
So, since you found the orb, why didn't you come right home? Why did you spend the night in the desert?
(slight pause)
Did you and Liz ... you know?

Isabel waits on his answer with concern and anticipation.

MAX
No--

ISABEL
(interrupts Max with an emphatic)
Thank God!
(expelled as a sigh of relief)

Max raises a quizzical eyebrow at her, surprised by her reaction.

MAX
Weren't you part of the cheering squad?

ISABEL
Yes ... but I was wrong. I realized later that we have no idea what could happen to us if we have sex with humans. What if it disrupts our balance, like the sweat did to Michael? I don't want anything like that to happen to you ... to any of us. Please, promise me you won't have sex with Liz, until we know more about ourselves, and we know what could happen.

Silence from Max.

ISABEL (cont'd)
(concerned and slightly irritated)
You're not promising me.

Max has difficulty looking at her in the eye.

MAX
I can't make that promise. We have no idea how long that might take; it could be years. I can't promise to wait years to be with Liz. Not if Liz feels the same way.
(beat)
I will promise that when we do, we will be careful, we will take precautions. As you two should, when that time comes for you.

Looks at both of them alternately.

MAX (cont'd)
Are we agreed?

ISABEL
Agreed.

Michael's silence causes Max and Isabel to look at him sternly.

MICHAEL
(caving in)
Agreed! Agreed!
(pause)
So, why did you spend the night in the desert?

MAX
A light ... maybe a signal, came out of that thing ...

Cut to:

  2 INT. CRASHDOWN - MORNING

Liz and Maria are at the coffee maker.

LIZ
... and we thought that someone might answer it, so we waited.

MARIA
And fell asleep. That's what happened, right? You just slept, as in eyes closed and dreaming happy dreams.

LIZ
Yes, Maria, that's all that happened.

MARIA
I wouldn't call that "all." Lying side by side, under the stars; I'd call that pretty romantic.

LIZ
Yeah, you try explaining that to our parents.

Jeff enters from the back room. Liz and Maria stop talking. Liz stiffens when she sees her father.

JEFF
Have the customers at table 3 been served yet?

LIZ
Yes.

JEFF
And the sugars, have you filled--

LIZ
Yes.
(There's an awkward pause.)
I'm going to the back, to work on the schedule.

Turns to her father.

LIZ (cont'd)
That is if I have permission to leave the room.

JEFF
(slightly angry now)
Well, you'll need to know about our new waitress if you're going to make up a schedule.

He pushes the door open and calls out.

JEFF (cont'd)
Can you come in here, please?

Jennifer enters the room, dressed in a waitress uniform.

JEFF (cont'd)
You remember Jennifer Kattler-Trilling.

Camera focuses on Liz and Maria's surprised looks, as we cut to commercial.


END OF TEASER


  ROSWELL: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN - "Damage Control" - ACT I - 04/20/02

ACT I

  3 INT. ROSWELL SHERIFF'S DEPT., SHERIFF VALENTI'S OFFICE - MORNING

Valenti is at his desk, which is covered with papers. There's a knock at the door.

VALENTI
(crossly)
What?

Deputy Blackwood comes in holding a file. Valenti struggles to close an overstuffed file that he is working on.

VALENTI
Owen, find a dictionary and tell Hanson I order him to look up the meaning of the word "concise."

OWEN
Before or after I let this guy into your office? He'd really like to speak with you.

VALENTI
Could you be a little more specific? I know a lot of "guys".

OWEN
It's that tourist, Larry Trilling, who witnessed the Crashdown shooting back in September. You remember, the one who thought this ...

Owen produces a blurred picture of a fake alien from the file he is holding and hands it to Valenti.

OWEN (cont'd)
...was important evidence.
(He tries to keep a straight face but fails.)

Valenti smiles slightly. He glances at the paperwork on his desk.

VALENTI
I don't have time for him, can't you handle it?

OWEN
He asked for you specifically.

VALENTI
(smiles at Owen's ribbing, then, reluctantly)
Okay, show him in.
(Valenti's smile disappears as he waits for Larry.)

Cut to:

  4 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

Several students are milling about the hallways, at their lockers, etc. in between classes. Kyle sees Isabel and approaches.

KYLE
Ms. Evans, you're looking particularly fine today. How are you doing?

ISABEL
(surprised and suspicious)
What do you want?

KYLE
(feigning hurt)
What!? I need to be after something to compliment you?

ISABEL
You need to be after something just to speak to me.

KYLE
Have you missed my not talking to you?

ISABEL
No.

KYLE
(facetiously)
Ouch! I'm wounded ... You've cut me to the quick.
(beat)
Well, I'd like to change that. I swear, I'm just being nice ... and truthful.

Kyle gives her a charming, and genuine, smile. Isabel smiles back, then her attention is caught by a couple going into the eraser room.

ISABEL
(surprised and curious)
I didn't know Tommy and Pam were an item.

KYLE
Oh, yeah. They hooked up in a grief counseling session. They each lost someone close to them, and they found strength in each other.
(wistfully)
It's really kind of sweet, in a way.

ISABEL
(incredulous)
"Kind of sweet?" Did I actually hear Kyle Valenti say, "kind of sweet?"

KYLE
(feigning hurt)
Hey! I do have a sensitive side, you know.

ISABEL
Kyle Valenti, man of many facets.
(beat)
Interesting.

Hold on Kyle's smile as we cut to Isabel entering an empty classroom.

  5 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM - MOMENTS LATER

The classroom is empty except for the rest of the gang who are already there. Max is leaning against the teacher's desk, his arms around Liz, who is leaning against his chest. Michael is sitting in one of the student chairs, Maria is sitting on the attached desk; in close proximity to one another but not as openly affectionate as Max and Liz. Alex is sitting in a student chair not far from Michael and Maria.

MICHAEL
Well, Maxwell, if you had messed up more often maybe your parents wouldn't have freaked this time and grounded you.

MAX
Are you planning on dropping this anytime soon? You're not the one who's grounded.

MICHAEL
No, I'm the one who has to be at a meeting at lunch time instead of ... doing other things.

ISABEL
(teasing)
Sorry, Michael, the eraser room was occupied anyway.

The others turn to look at Isabel. Alex looks stunned.

ISABEL
(quickly)
I saw Pam Troy and Tommy Hilligan going in on my way here.

MARIA
(musing)
Maybe there should be a sign-up sheet.

ISABEL
So, what did I miss?

ALEX
Max was filling us in about the orb.

LIZ
Maria and I also have some news.

All eyes turn towards Liz.

LIZ (cont'd)
Jennifer Kattler is back in town, and working at the Crashdown.

MICHAEL
(concerned)
Is Larry with her?

LIZ
I didn't get a chance to talk to her; my dad was training her. But Larry is probably in Roswell too. They were planning on getting married, my dad introduced her as Jennifer Kattler-Trilling, not Jennifer Kattler, and she was wearing a wedding ring.
(beat)
He could be a problem.

ISABEL
You don't think Jennifer is a problem?

LIZ
Not really. We talked quite a bit when she and Larry were here for the Convention. She was fed up with his obsession over aliens.

ISABEL
His own girlfriend thought he was obsessed? Great. He's trouble.

ALEX
Maybe not. I knew you guys
(looks at the aliens)
for years, and never suspected a thing. As long as he doesn't see you use your powers, what can he do?

ISABEL
But, Alex, he saw Max heal Liz.

MICHAEL
Not really. I mostly was able to keep people away.

ISABEL
"Mostly" isn't good enough, Michael.

LIZ
Wait, we're the only people who know for sure what happened that day. Even if Larry--

ISABEL
And Valenti.

LIZ
If Larry and Valenti susp--

MICHAEL
And the FBI.

MAX
Let her finish.

LIZ
Larry, Valenti, and the FBI might suspect something, but there's no solid proof.

(pause)

MAX
If they had any proof, I wouldn't still be walking around.

Liz puts her hand in Max's as everyone reacts to this.

MAX (cont'd)
Alex is right, we have to make sure there's nothing for anyone to see.

MICHAEL
(to Max)
So we should crawl into our shells again and do nothing? Is that your plan?

MAX
I think we shouldn't panic and make things worse. Maybe Larry will get tired of this and leave. Besides, who'd take him seriously after getting thrown out of the UFO Convention?

Cut to:

  6 INT. UFO CENTER COMPUTER ROOM - DAY

Larry is doing a search at the computer. As the camera pulls back we see he's at the UFO Center. Milton enters the room. Larry changes the screen to a main menu.

MILTON
Ah, doing research already?

LARRY
You said that employees could use--

MILTON
No need to apologize. I recognize the fervor in your eyes; we are kindred spirits, seekers of knowledge.

LARRY
(nods)
I just want to thank you again, for giving me this opportunity.

MILTON
Well, I did have my reservations, considering what happened at the Convention. But I also understand what it's like to experience unusual side effects to medications.

LARRY
I told the doctor over and over the new allergy medicine made me feel strange.

MILTON
Doctors!
(shakes his head in disgust)
So certain they know everything. So unwilling to listen to those who differ with them.

Milton starts to turn to go, then stops.

MILTON
Oh, one thing I'd like to make clear: there can be no trouble between you and Max. Evans is my best employee.

Milton leaves.

LARRY
Yeah. I guess he would be.

Larry returns to his original page on the computer.

Cut to:

  7 INT. MAX EVANS'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Max is lying on the bed listening to a "Counting Crows" CD; the song, "Amy Hit the Atmosphere" has finished playing and "Four Days" is starting. Isabel bursts into the room.

ISABEL
(grabs the CD case)
Max, you're my brother and I love you but if you play this CD one more time, Amy is going to hit the atmosphere.

Max sits up and turns off the CD player.

ISABEL
Thank you!

She sits on the edge of the bed.

ISABEL (cont'd)
Max, I know you're upset about being away from Liz; I do understand.

Max looks surprised.

ISABEL (cont'd)
What? I do go out.

MAX
(hesitantly)
I know. It's just that you tend to be pretty ... casual ... about the guys you see. You've said it yourself; it's never anything serious.

ISABEL
You think I've never had strong feelings about a guy?

MAX
No ... I--
(beat)
Wait a minute. Is there something going on I should know about?

ISABEL
Of course not.

She gets up and starts to leave the room.

MAX
Did something happen between you and Alex?

Isabel stops, and responds with her back to Max.

ISABEL
Not really.

MAX
(not believing her)
Not "really"?

Isabel turns around and looks defiantly at Max.

ISABEL
I kissed him. But it was not what you think... It was to help you and Liz.

MAX
(with amusement in his voice)
How does you kissing Alex help me and Liz?

ISABEL
(slightly uncomfortable)
You and Liz were missing. When you and Liz kissed, she had flashes, got information from you. I thought that if Alex and I kissed ... we could figure out where you were.

MAX
So, because Liz got flashes from me about our trip to Earth, you thought kissing Alex would let him see where Liz and I were in Roswell? That's why you kissed him?

ISABEL
(flustered)
Yes.

She leaves the room. Max smiles for a moment, then gets up and walks to his desk. He flips up his calendar to reveal the month of March, which has a wallet size picture of Liz replacing the square for March 8th: Two weeks from the 23rd of February, when their grounding began. Max reaches out and gently touches Liz's picture, sighing deeply. Then he returns to his bed, lies down, reaches over to his CD player and turns it on. He turns down the volume, so as not to disturb Isabel.

Cut to commercial.

END OF ACT I


  ROSWELL: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN - "Damage Control" - ACT II - 04/20/02

ACT II

  8 EXT. LIZ'S BALCONY - SAME

Liz is sitting in her lounge chair, writing in her journal.

LIZ (VO)
I can't believe how close I came to having sex with Max; it was like I was someone else, but still me. A me that was totally out of control. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I like being in control of what happens to me, but at the same time, it was very freeing to not care; to let my emotions lead the way. At first I thought it was just the orb and the flashes that were causing these incredible sensations going through my body, but today, just being near Max brought it all on again. I feel so empty, being apart from him, that I don't think I can last two weeks of separation, even with occasional reprieves at school.

Liz closes her journal, climbs through her window, and places the journal behind the loose brick in her bedroom wall. There is a knock on her bedroom door.

LIZ
Come in.

Liz walks over to the wall calendar by her desk and checks off another day, until her grounding is over. She lifts the calendar page to reveal the month of March. March 8th is enclosed in a heart with the word Max in the middle. Nancy comes in, holding some papers, and sees her checking off the days.

NANCY
Hi Honey. Can we talk?

Liz remains in her desk chair, Nancy sits on the bed.

NANCY (cont'd)
I want you to do some thinking while you are grounded, so that you and Max don't just pick up where you left off. I went on the Internet and printed off some information about teen pregnancies and AIDS--

LIZ
Mom!

Nancy tries to hand her the papers.

NANCY
Just look over the information.

LIZ
Mom, we haven't even slept together! I swear, we just fell asleep.

NANCY
That's good to hear, but I just ... I want you to slow down and be careful. I don't want you to do anything you'll regret.

LIZ
I'm not going to have any regrets. Not with the way I feel about Max. I ... It's just too hard to explain; you won't understand.

NANCY
What won't I understand? That the mere touch of his hand can send sensations through your body that you never dreamed existed? That you spend every waking moment thinking of him, wishing that you could spend every waking moment with him? That when you are apart, every fiber of your being aches to be with him? Is that what I won't understand?
(beat)
Liz, what you are going through is normal.

Nancy raises her hand to stop Liz from interrupting.

NANCY (cont'd)
I'm not saying that what you feel for Max is not special, because I know it is; I had those same feelings for your father. But, as you know, your body is going through many changes right now. Raging hormones may be a cliched expression but it does, pretty much, describe what is happening. Sure, you've heard and understand all the lectures about the perils of unsafe sex and how just one mistake can ruin the rest of your life, but there will be times when your hormones are in charge of your brain and rational thought will desert you. The question is, how will you handle it? Or maybe I should say, how are you handling it?

Liz has gone through a myriad of emotions during her mother's narration, which register on her face and in her body language: shock (my mother has such feelings!?), suspicion (has she been reading my journal?), interest (she's never talked about her feelings for Dad before) and finally the realization that her mother is right. She needs to be careful; she can't let her hormones guide her decisions.

LIZ
Um ... well ... as I said, we haven't done anything yet.

NANCY
"Yet" being the key word here.

(pause)

LIZ
How did you handle it?

NANCY
I'm not gonna kid you, it's not easy. But, whenever I was tempted to throw caution to the wind, I tried to stop, take a breath, and ask myself "How will this effect all the plans I have for myself?"

Liz nods knowingly.

Cut to:

  9 INT. CRASHDOWN - EARLY MORNING

Jeff is preparing an order of pastries and muffins for delivery.

LIZ
Good morning. Do you want some help with those?

JEFF
(startled)
No, I've got this under control.

LIZ
Okay, then I'll start the coffee.

JEFF
Uh, thanks.

Liz sees Jennifer through the window to the back room.

LIZ
Oh, and Dad?

JEFF
Yes?

LIZ
When Jennifer is ready, do you want me to continue training her?

JEFF
Sure, that would be a big help, Lizzie.

Jennifer comes in and we see scenes of Liz pointing out various things behind the counter. Jennifer is asking questions and Liz is answering them but we don't hear the dialogue. Instead we hear this.

LIZ (VO)
Last night I made a decision. I'm going to follow my parents' rules and just ride out this grounding; it's the most logical choice. Thirteen more days feels like forever but I can stay in control that long. Then things will be back to normal. Well, normal for Roswell, at least.

Maria comes in as the voice-over ends. She takes a tiny bottle out of her apron pocket and starts to hand it to Liz.

MARIA
(to Liz)
Here, I brought this for you. It helps with anger.

Jeff walks toward the back with supplies for the order. Liz goes over and opens the door for him.

LIZ
Let me get that for you.

Maria looks at the bottle.

MARIA
Usually you have to sniff it first.

JEN
Are you interested in aromatherapy?

MARIA
Absolutely. Some people don't believe in it but I know it works.

JEN
Me too. I wouldn't have made it through my wedding day without cypress oil.

MARIA
I have to take you to my Mom's shop. She has the best supplies in Roswell.

JEN
That would be great.

MARIA
So, where have you been for the past month?

LIZ
Yeah. You were gone for so long I thought you might have changed your minds about settling in Roswell.

JEN
(brightens)
Oh, we did some travelling after the wedding, which was wonderful, by the way. Larry's really changed. He only wanted to go to a few UFO-related places.

LIZ
Oh.

JEN
He's still into investigating though, gathering information. He's so interested in Roswell; he says that it's full of untold stories.

MARIA
And he wants to tell them?

JEN
(nods)
He has some notes to show a reporter at the local paper.

Liz and Maria speak almost simultaneously.

MARIA
Notes?

LIZ
What's the story about?

JEN
I don't know. He doesn't want me to see it until it's in the paper. I think it's great that after all that time on the road he's so focused on our new home.

Liz looks at Maria nervously.

LIZ
Yeah, really great.

Jeff comes in from the kitchen.

JEFF
Maria, since Liz is training Jennifer, I'll need you to come with me to deliver these to the First National Bank for their breakfast meeting.
(to Liz)
Don't worry, we should be back before the morning rush.

Jeff and Maria leave for the errand. Liz goes behind the counter to get some cleaning rags. She hands one to Jen, who moves to the tables in the middle of the Café and starts wiping one of them down. Liz starts cleaning the counter.

LIZ
(hesitantly)
You know, Jen, Roswell's really like this ordinary place. When you've lived here a while you'll see the truth--

Liz stops in mid-sentence when Valenti comes in. He approaches Liz.

VALENTI
Could you fill my thermos, please?

LIZ
Sure thing, Sheriff.

Valenti looks around while Liz is getting his coffee and spots Jennifer.

VALENTI
(to Jen)
You're new here, aren't you? But you look familiar. Oh, I remember, you were here with Larry Trilling, the day of the shooting. I just saw Larry yesterday.

Cut to Liz's concerned look when she learns Larry has been talking to the Sheriff.

VALENTI (cont'd)
So, you two have moved here?

JEN
Yeah, Larry was finally ready to settle down, and this is where he wants to be. I would have liked some place less connected to his old alien obsession, but ... I'll take what I can get.

Valenti wanders over to the area where Liz was shot. Liz nervously watches him out of the corner of her eye. He looks around and we flashback to Larry asking Valenti about the bullet (from the Pilot).

VALENTI
So, you think he's lost interest in ... what happened here?

Valenti is being purposely vague, but Liz can read between his lines; she knows he and Larry didn't talk about the weather and she is chomping at the bit to tell Max, already calculating how she can get out of the Café. Jen is less aware.

JEN
You mean the shooting? Oh yeah, that's ancient history. Besides, everyone here has been so nice to me, I'm not gonna let him keep bothering them about that.

Jen turns and smiles at Liz, who forces herself to smile back.

LIZ
Here's your coffee, Sheriff.

Valenti takes the thermos.

VALENTI
Thank you. Just put it on my tab, please. You two have a nice day now.

The Sheriff leaves. Liz spots an envelope by the cash register and gets an idea.

LIZ
Jen, I just remembered, I have to mail this check before the morning pick-up. Do you think you'll be okay alone here for a few minutes?

JEN
(pleased that she trusts her so soon)
Sure, no problem.
(beat)
You'll be back before the crowds are due, right?

LIZ
Promise!

Cut to:

  10 INT. UFO CENTER MAIN EXHIBIT AREA - A FEW MINUTES LATER

Liz sees Milton and approaches him.

LIZ
I'm looking for ...

Milton points to an exhibit toward the back.

MILTON
Max. He's over there.

LIZ
Thanks.

Liz rushes over to Max. Max looks surprised to see her and smiles.

MAX
Hey. On the lam already?

LIZ
Can we talk somewhere more private?

MAX
(with a touch of laughter in his voice)
You're not gonna tell me you lost your journal again, are you?

LIZ
No.

Max stops smiling at the look on her face and tone in her voice.

MAX
Okay, let's go to the supply room.

Cut to:

  11 INT. UFO CENTER SUPPLY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

MAX
So, what's wrong. Did something happen with your parents?

LIZ
No, that's under control. It's Larry. And Valenti. Max, Larry is investigating something and he went to talk to Valenti about it.

MAX
The shooting?

LIZ
I don't know. Jen told Maria and me that Larry was investigating something in Roswell and that he had a reporter interested. Then the Sheriff came in and made a point of saying he'd talked to Larry.

Max is silent for a moment as this sinks in.

MAX
It'll be okay, Liz. We'll figure out what to do.

Max holds Liz. Liz reluctantly pulls away.

LIZ
Max, I'm sorry, I have to go before my father gets back.

Max watches, with a wistful look in his eye, as Liz opens the supply room door and exits.

Cut to:

  12 INT. CRASHDOWN - A FEW MINUTES LATER

Liz enters the Crashdown and finds her father standing there.

JEFF
I don't believe this. I trusted you, Liz. Were you just playing games before?

LIZ
(sounding miserable)
No, I wasn't.

JEFF
Where have you been!? How could you be so irresponsible to leave Jen here, all alone, when it's just her second day? Not to mention that you are grounded, so you are not allowed to leave for personal errands.

LIZ
But it wasn't personal. I saw the check for the paper goods supplier by the register, and I knew you wanted to get it into this morning's pick-up, so I took it before it was too late. Jen said she would be okay, and I was back before it got too busy.

JEFF
I didn't need to get it in this morning's mail, just today's mail.

LIZ
(looks truly sorry)
Oh. I'm sorry, I misunderstood.

JEFF
That's okay, Honey. You meant well. No harm, no foul. Let's get back to work before the rush.

Jeff heads for the back. Liz breathes a sigh of relief, walks over to Maria, pulls the envelope out of her pocket, and surreptitiously hands it to her.

LIZ
(quietly)
Maria, can you make sure this gets in the mail today?

MARIA
Sure, and you'll fill me in on what really made you take off, right?

LIZ
Right.

Liz turns at the sound of the front door opening, as the morning regulars start to pour in.

Cut to:

  13 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY

Another empty classroom at school. Max is sitting on the teacher's desk; Liz is sitting beside him, leaning against him. Michael is sitting in one of the student chairs, Maria is sitting on the attached desk; Isabel is sitting in a student chair across from Michael and Maria. Alex enters and heads for the desk next to Isabel, trying to make it look casual, although the desk on the other side of Michael and Maria would have been closer.

ALEX
I'm having definite déjà vu feelings. What's today's crisis?

MARIA
Larry, Valenti, and a reporter separately and together. Take your pick.

ALEX
(seriously)
None of the above.

ISABEL
I don't believe this. How did a reporter get involved?

LIZ
Larry is looking into something--Jen didn't know what--and has notes for a reporter. He's also talked to Valenti.

MICHAEL
It has to be the shooting. He's always been stuck on that.

ISABEL
How did he get anyone to listen to him?

MAX
I don't know about the others but he convinced Milton to hire him by saying he wasn't himself at the Convention.

MICHAEL
What do you mean? Did he tell your weird boss he'd been abducted by an alien?

MAX
No, he said that he had a bad reaction to allergy medicine. Made him act crazy.

MICHAEL
Damn. I gave him an excuse.

ALEX
Huh?

MAX
Larry was about to publicly accuse me of being an alien. Michael touched him and made him ... very itchy. He looked pretty foolish.

ALEX
(to Michael)
Remind me not to get you annoyed.

Michael half smiles.

LIZ
We can't do anything about what happened there.

MAX
Right. We need to find out what Larry knows now.

ALEX
Well, if you have any special powers for that, this would be a good time to share.

Michael, Max, and Isabel look at each other.

ISABEL
I could dreamwalk Larry.

ALEX
Dreamwalk?

ISABEL
I can visit people in their dreams, to see how they feel about things.

ALEX
(slightly suspicious)
Really?

MAX
I don't think that will tell us enough. We need to know what he intends to tell this reporter, not how he feels about it.

MICHAEL
Guess we'll just have to do it the old-fashioned way.

Everyone looks at him quizzically.

MICHAEL (cont'd)
Breaking and entering.

ALEX
Getting to know you guys has been so educational.

(pause)

MAX
We should do this as soon as possible.

LIZ
Yeah, from what Jen said, Larry's almost ready to hand over his notes.

ALEX
We need to make sure their place is empty.

ISABEL
(to Liz and Max)
Are Jen and Larry working tonight?

LIZ
No.

Isabel turns to Max, who shakes his head.

MARIA
We can ask them to come out--

MICHAEL
Ask them to leave so we can search the place? Great plan.

MARIA
(sighs)
No, Michael, ask them out to dinner. You know the whole welcome to Roswell thing. Being friendly to newcomers.

MICHAEL
Oh.

ISABEL
Well, it'd have to be you, since Liz and Max are grounded and I don't know them at all. Alex?

ALEX
Met Jen once.

MARIA
Fine. I'll say ... that Liz can't make it, but in the spirit of being co-workers and ... and ... waitressly camaraderie, I really want to do this.

(She ends triumphantly.)

MICHAEL
"Waitressly camaraderie?"

MARIA
(glares)
Do you have a better idea?

MICHAEL
No. That should work. Just take them somewhere where the service sucks, so we have enough time to search the place.

Maria exchanges glances with Liz and Isabel.

LIZ
Um, Michael, you're not going to be searching Larry and Jen's apartment. You'll be at the restaurant with them and Maria.

MICHAEL
What? Why do I have to come!?

MARIA
Michael, we're a couple, they're a couple. Couples do that kind of thing.

MICHAEL
Who says?

Maria looks at Isabel.

ISABEL
It's how things work, Michael. You have to be there.

Michael looks at Alex and Max for support. First Alex, then Max, nod in agreement with the others.

MICHAEL
No way.

Cut to commercial.

END OF ACT II


  ROSWELL: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN - "Damage Control" - ACT III - 04/20/02

ACT III

  14 INT. SENOR CHOW'S BOOTH - NIGHT

MICHAEL
I can't believe I'm stuck here at this crummy restaurant when we need more bodies searching at the apartment.

MARIA
(in a voice that says they've been over this a few dozen times, but she's still trying to be patient)
No, I need your body here, helping me keep Jen and Larry away from the search.

Michael slouches in his seat, looking sulky and angry.

MARIA
(out of patience)
Michael, you're here, okay? Just behave.

Michael sinks lower in his seat.

MARIA (cont'd)
(glaring)
... better.

Maria sees Jennifer and Larry enter the restaurant. She waves at them and they approach their booth.

JEN
Hi. Larry, you remember Maria and Michael.

LARRY
I definitely remember Michael. He made a distinct impression.

Jen gives Larry a worried look. Larry and Jen sit.

JEN
Thanks so much for asking us here.

MARIA
(nervously looking at Michael)
It's our pleasure.

JEN
We don't know many people in Roswell yet, do we, Larry?

LARRY
This is a great opportunity to find out about the people who make Roswell ... unique.

He stares at Michael with a slight smirk. Michael stares back.

Cut to:

  15 INT. EVANS KITCHEN - SAME

Phillip and Diane are preparing dinner. Phillip goes to set the table and takes out three plates.

DIANE
Don't set a place for Max. He had dinner earlier, with Isabel, so he could spend the night studying for a big test.

PHILLIP
(skeptical)
Are you sure he's studying and not brooding about Liz?

Diane gives him a knowing look.

DIANE
I'm sure there's a little of that too.

(pause)

PHILLIP
So what did you think of Isabel's date tonight?

DIANE
Alex Whitman? He seemed nice. Definitely different than most of her other dates.

PHILLIP
I'll say! He didn't really seem her type--not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'm just surprised ... pleased, but surprised.

DIANE
I know what you mean. Perhaps her taste in guys is maturing. I'm just glad Isabel is finally seeing someone with ... substance. Some of her other dates just seemed so ... superficial.

PHILLIP
Yes, and others, a bit on the wild side. It's nice to know she's out with someone like Alex. This way I can relax, and enjoy my evening, instead of spending it worrying about what kind of trouble Isabel might be getting into.

Cut to:

  16 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE LARRY AND JEN'S APARTMENT - SAME

Max, Liz, Alex and Isabel are seated in the Jeep. Liz's cell phone rings; she answers it.

LIZ
(into phone)
Yes ... Okay ... Bye.

Liz puts the cell phone back into her jacket pocket.

LIZ (cont'd)
(to the others)
Larry and Jen are at the restaurant.

ISABEL
Good.

They leave the Jeep and head to Jen and Larry's apartment door.

ALEX
So, aren't you two afraid your parents will find you missing?

LIZ
Oh, we took care of that. I told mine I was having dinner in my room, while studying for a big test tomorrow.

MAX
And I told mine something similar. Isabel and I had dinner early so she could go to the "movies" with you, and I could spend the night studying. Our parents never bother us when we're studying.

They reach the door. Max uses his powers to open the lock, and they all enter.

  17 INT. JEN AND LARRY'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS

They step into the entryway.

MAX
Good, they left the lights on; it will make our job easier.

ALEX
(solemnly)
Don't you just love the irony of that?

LIZ
The irony?

ALEX
Yeah, they probably left them on to prevent a break-in.

Liz sighs and nods, saddened that circumstances force them to take such measures. Max scans the apartment. Straight ahead is the kitchen and dining area. To his left is a hallway, presumably leading to the bedroom and bath. To his right is the living room, which has a sofa, reclining chair, an entertainment unit holding a large-screen TV, a stereo system, CDs, videos, etc, and in the corner is a desk, chair and computer setup.

MAX
Alex, you take the computer. The rest of us should spread out and check every room, in case he's hidden his notes elsewhere.

Alex heads straight for the computer and sits down at the desk. His back is to the wall, and he is facing the interior of the living room. He turns on the computer. Liz heads towards the kitchen and Isabel towards the bedroom and bath. Max starts searching the desk.

Cut to:

  18 INT. SENOR CHOW'S LADIES' ROOM - SAME

Maria is putting her phone back in her purse. She leaves the ladies' room, spots their waiter, out of earshot of their booth, and walks over to him.

MARIA
Could I ask you a favor? My boyfriend and I are having a special dinner with some old friends and we would really like to be able to catch up on old times, so if you could just take your time ... you know, be a little less attentive, give us some time and space to talk ... it would be great.

She hands him a bill and smiles.

WAITER
No problem.

As Maria turns to head back to the booth, she notices that Larry is talking to Michael and Michael is ignoring him by pretending to read the menu. She picks up her pace to rescue them.

JEN
(desperate to find something to talk about)
So, what's good here?

Michael remains silent, continuing to look at the menu, but Maria arrives at that moment.

MARIA
The sweet and sour tortillas are a real treat!

She slides into the booth next to Michael and glares at him. He notices out of the corner of his eye.

LARRY
(determined to get Michael involved in the conversation)
What do you recommend, Michael?

MICHAEL
(under his breath, so softly that only Maria can hear)
You getting out of Roswell, and never coming back.

Michael jerks slightly, as Maria kicks him under the table.

MICHAEL (cont'd)
(out loud from behind the menu)
Reading the menu.

Maria does one of her "Why do I bother" looks and shakes her head; Jen laughs nervously.

LARRY
Right.

Larry and Jen pick up their menus. Maria picks up her water and starts to drink. Out of the corner of her eye, she notices Michael wave his hand over his menu. Jen and Larry are engrossed in their menus and do not notice. Maria glances at Michael's menu and sees that he has added a cartoon spaceship to it, along with a cartoon alien abducting a cartoon Larry, who looks terrified. Maria starts to laugh and chokes on the water. Jen and Larry look up from their menus, concerned.

JEN
Are you all right?

Maria nods, as she hides her smile with her napkin.

MARIA
(hoarsely)
Yeah, my water just went down the wrong way.

Jen and Larry go back to reading their menus and Maria looks back at Michael's. Michael waves his hand again and the alien spaceship starts to beam up both the alien and Larry, whose speech balloon says "Help me, help me!" Maria bites her lip, then brings her napkin back up to her mouth in an attempt to stifle her laughter. Larry looks up and eyes them suspiciously. He reaches out and grips the top of Michael's menu.

During the following exchange, they have a minor tug of war with the menu. Jen and Maria, embarrassed by their companions' behavior, quickly look to see that no one else in the restaurant is paying attention.

LARRY
May I see your menu?

MICHAEL
Why? What's wrong with yours?

LARRY
It doesn't seem as fascinating as yours.

MICHAEL
They're all the same.

Larry leans in.

LARRY
What are you trying to hide, Michael?

(pause)

MICHAEL
Nothing.

Michael releases his grip on the menu and Larry takes it, but not before Michael surreptitiously waves his hand and removes all traces of his artwork. Larry glances at the menu and frowns when he finds nothing unusual. Jen gives Larry a puzzled look and turns her attention back to her menu, relieved that this battle is over.

JEN
What's mole sauce?

Jen looks up from her menu and makes eye contact with Maria.

JEN (cont'd)
(joking, trying to lighten the mood)
It's not made from little rodents, is it?

MARIA
(laughs openly this time)
No. It's pronounced molay. It's a Mexican sauce--a mixture of chocolate, spices, and chilies.

JEN
(aghast)
Chocolate, spices, and chilies ... on a cheese enchilada!?

MICHAEL
It's good. I recommend it.

Jen and Larry exchange disgusted looks.

JEN
(to Larry)
Ewwwww!

Jen turns to Michael and shakes her head.

JEN (cont'd)
I don't think so.

Michael scowls; perturbed that his suggestion was ridiculed. He opens his mouth to say something, but Maria jumps in before he can respond.

MARIA
It's an acquired taste.

LARRY
And ... unique.
(beat, smiles)
Like Roswell.
(pause)
So, how long have you lived in Roswell?

MARIA
(sighs, then unenthusiastically)
All my life.

LARRY
What about you, Michael?

MICHAEL
(abruptly, still perturbed)
Too long.

LARRY
Anxious to leave?

MICHAEL
Isn't everyone?

LARRY
No. Jen and I just got here, so we want to stick around and see what Roswell has to offer.

MICHAEL
Then it should be a short stay.
(under his breath)
Hopefully.

LARRY
I don't think so. Roswell has a rich history. Very often, people don't appreciate what they have in their own backyards. There's lots to discover here.

MICHAEL
Like?

LARRY
Like who might be living among you. Come on, Michael, haven't you ever wondered if someone you met here might be ... an alien?

MICHAEL
(matter-of-factly)
I don't have to wonder, I know. I've met several.

Larry and Jen look shocked at Michael's admission. Maria glances nervously at Michael.

MICHAEL (cont'd)
We're not that far from the Mexican border, you know.

LARRY
(disappointed)
Very funny.

Not waiting for a segue, Maria decides to steer the conversation into a different direction.

MARIA
So, are you two all settled in your new apartment? How are you decorating it?

JEN
Well, we're using all the artifacts we collected in our travels and on our honeymoon ...

Cut to:

  19 INT. LARRY AND JEN'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Isabel is standing by the entertainment unit, holding an alien figurine bud vase, with a look of disgust on her face. She puts it back on the shelf, wiping her hand distastefully, and looks around, with the same look of disgust, like she can't believe all the crap they have. Alex is still at the computer, Max and Liz are peering over his shoulder, having completed their search.

ALEX
Good news! I found something and it has nothing to do with Liz getting shot at the Crashdown.

Isabel rushes over to him; Max and Liz lean in closer.

ALEX (cont'd)
It's about the death of some guy named Hubble.

MAX
Oh my God!

Cut to:

  20 INT. SENOR CHOW'S BOOTH - MOMENTS LATER

JEN
... and that's why we decided to get married in an Elvis chapel.

Maria smiles, then glances at Michael. Michael and Larry seem to be engaged in a staring contest.

MARIA
(sighs)
Do you have any pictures, Jen?

Cut to a picture on the computer screen in the apartment.

  21 INT. LARRY AND JEN'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

The picture is fuzzy at first but as Liz speaks we see the person in the picture clearly. Max looks stricken.

LIZ
Max, are you all right?

No immediate response from Max, who continues to stare at Hubble's picture.

LIZ (cont'd)
Who's this Hubble guy? Why are you so upset?

MAX
He is--was, an alien hunter. He thought an alien killed his wife and he spent his life hunting him down. Valenti told him about the hand print Kyle saw on you, and so Hubble suspected that I was the shapeshifting alien who killed his wife. He had every intention of killing me. If Michael and Valenti hadn't shown up when they did ... Anyway, Valenti had to shoot him, to keep him from shooting me.

Liz puts her arms around Max, holding him like she never wants to let go. She can't believe she almost lost him.

LIZ
Why didn't you tell me this before?

MAX
I didn't want to worry you.

LIZ
I'd rather worry about you than not know who your enemies are. Please don't keep me in the dark like that again.

Liz pauses and relaxes from her embrace enough to look at him.

LIZ (cont'd)
Wait a minute. Why wasn't any of this in the papers? If Hubble attacked you, and Valenti was there, how come this never came out?

MAX
I don't know. Valenti told Michael and me to leave. "You were never here," he said. I assumed that meant he was going to keep us out of it somehow, and I guess he did.

ALEX
You're right, he did. And actually it was in the paper, tucked away in the police blotter section. Larry scanned a copy into his computer. It says that Hubble was found by Valenti at the old abandoned Pepper's Cafe, shooting at empty spaces and ranting about killing every alien on Earth. He took a shot at Valenti and Valenti returned fire, killing him. It goes on to say that he was a former resident, who became renowned in UFO circles as an alien hunter. Larry even has a copy of the State Police investigation of the shooting.

ISABEL
The State Police! He drove all the way to Santa Fe, looking for information on this?
(looks at Max with concern)
Max, this guy is serious.
(sighs in frustration)
Why can't Larry get a life of his own and leave us out of it?
(pause)
So, what does the report say?

ALEX
Pretty much the same as the newspaper account, but it gives a little more detail about how Valenti was on his way to Bitter Lake when he heard the shooting and went to investigate. Their investigation cleared him, and it has been classified as a clean shoot.

MAX
Alex, would you scroll down, I think I recognize something.

Alex scrolls down and we see the information on the Silo Murder that Max found previously on the Internet.

MAX (cont'd)
It seems our boy has been busy with more than trips to Santa Fe. Looks like he found the story on the Silo Murder that Hubble was involved with in 1972.

Alex scrolls down a little further.

ALEX
He also dug up information about a Sheila Hubble's murder; that must be the wife. Based on his notes here, Larry knew you left with Hubble and figured out there was a cover up. He also mentions how upset Michael was that you were with Hubble.
(pause)
I think his evidence is just circumstantial, but it might be enough to get a reporter interested.

MAX
(to Alex)
Has he sent this?

Alex types on the keyboard.

ALEX
Yes. A couple of hours ago.

(pause)

ISABEL
I can't believe we were that close. If we got here earlier ...

LIZ
Wait. A couple of hours would mean it was after 5:00. Maybe the reporter hasn't seen it yet. Alex, is there any response?

ALEX
No. There's no return receipt either. That's no guarantee that he didn't get it, or hasn't opened it yet, but it's a hopeful sign.

LIZ
So there's still a chance.

ALEX
You mean if we erase the file here ...

LIZ
... and on the reporter's computer. Exactly.

ISABEL
But, if it just disappears, won't Larry get suspicious?

ALEX
(thoughtfully)
Well, instead of deleting the file, we could corrupt it, like a virus.

MAX
I wouldn't want to infect his computer with a virus, I think that's going too far.

ALEX
No, not actually insert a virus, just make it look like there might have been one that damaged a few files.

MAX
Would he be able to prove that we, or anyone else, tampered with his computer?

ALEX
I doubt it. Based on how he's set things up on his computer, I can tell he's not a total beginner, but he's not really knowledgeable either. Let me put it this way: I don't think Valenti needs to worry about Larry hacking into police records.

LIZ
(smiles)
Or FBI files?

Alex smiles.

Cut to:

  22 INT. SENOR CHOW'S BOOTH - MOMENTS LATER

The food has arrived and Michael and Larry are eating without talking. Maria pulls a bottle of cypress oil from her purse surreptitiously, sighs, then openly sniffs it. She offers it to Jen, who takes it gratefully.

Cut to:

  23 INT. LARRY AND JEN'S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Alex turns away from the computer.

ALEX
Okay, the file is corrupted but we might have a problem.

MAX
What?

ALEX
He's bound to have made a back-up copy, but I can't find it among his disks and CDs.

MAX
Did either of you notice a disk or CD when you were searching for his notes?

Liz and Isabel shake their heads.

MAX
Damn! Where could he have put it?

Liz notices Larry's collection of music CDs.

LIZ
(smiling)
Where's the best place to hide something?

MAX
(noticing her smile, smiles back)
OK, I give ... where?

LIZ
In plain sight!

Liz points to Larry's music CDs.

LIZ (cont'd)
What better place to hide a CD, than among CDs?

Max is disheartened as he looks at Larry's vast collection of music CDs.

MAX
That's a lot of CDs to go through. It will take forever.

ISABEL
(almost disdainfully)
No, it won't.

Isabel waves her hand over the CDs, playing each one briefly, until she gets to one that doesn't play. She holds it up triumphantly; it's the soundtrack for the TV series "Secret Agent Man."

MAX
Well done!

ISABEL (cont'd)
See, it does pay to use your powers recreationally.

Cut to commercial

END OF ACT III


  ROSWELL: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN - "Damage Control" - ACT IV - 04/20/02

ACT IV

  24 EXT. STREETS OF DOWNTOWN ROSWELL - 15 MINUTES LATER

Max, Liz, Isabel and Alex are in the Jeep heading for the Roswell Weekly Record. Max drives past the office.

MAX
I'm going to park a block away. I don't want to attract attention by having a vehicle parked in front of a closed building.

He parks the Jeep and they all get out and walk back towards the office, approaching it from the back. Max spots the alarm system and heads for it.

MAX
I'll disable the alarm system. Isabel, on my signal, open the back door.

Max uses his powers to disable the alarm and nods to Isabel, who uses her powers to open the lock.

  25 INT. ROSWELL WEEKLY RECORD NEWSPAPER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

They enter the building, which is in total darkness.

ALEX
Um ... did anyone remember to bring a flashlight?

MAX
We don't need a flashlight.

Max cups his hands and uses his powers to create a small beam of light (as he did in River Dog); Isabel does the same.

ALEX
Nice.
(beat)
We are looking for the desk of Ross Gold.

Max and Isabel spread out, checking the name plates on the desks. Liz heads for the front window.

LIZ
I'll keep a lookout.

ISABEL
Found it!

Alex rushes over to the desk Isabel is standing at, and turns on the computer and monitor. Isabel and Max each extinguish their lights. The login dialogue box pops up on the monitor.

MAX
Do you think this will take long? It won't be as easy as Larry's. I'm sure Gold used a password.

LIZ
But nothing you can't handle, right? I mean, if you can get into Topolsky's laptop, this should be a piece of cake.

Alex is typing on the keyboard.

ALEX
We'll know in a minute.

Alex watches the monitor. A smile spreads across his face as the hour glass disappears and Gold's desktop appears.

ALEX (cont'd)
(very pleased with himself)
I've still got the magic touch! We're in!

ISABEL
How did you get in so quickly?

ALEX
(teasing)
Sorry, I don't give away trade secrets.

Alex turns back to the monitor and clicks on the e-mail icon.

ALEX (cont'd)
Here it is and, luckily, he hasn't opened it yet. I'll just open it then delete it.

LIZ
Why not just delete it?

ALEX
Because some return receipt programs indicate if something was deleted without being read. That would look too suspicious.

MAX
Instead of deleting it, why not make it look like a virus is attached, so he won't want to accept anything from Larry again.

ALEX
Okay, but that will take longer.

MAX
See what you can do.

Cut to:

  26 INT. SENOR CHOW'S BOOTH - MOMENTS LATER

The waiter brings them their check and places it on the table.

WAITER
I hope everything was to your liking. Please come again.

The waiter leaves.

LARRY
Man, look at the time! Thanks for the dinner, and conversation, but we have to get going. Oh, and if I were you, I wouldn't leave a tip; the service sucked--could he have been any slower!?

JEN
Yeah, thanks a lot for the dinner. Next time it will be our treat, and if it doesn't take as long as it did this time, maybe you can show us those other night spots you mentioned.

LARRY & JEN
(as they leave)
Good night!

Michael is shocked and ticked off.

MICHAEL
It's not bad enough I had to come to this thing, but now I have to pay for them too!? I'm already in hock to Max and Isabel's parents for first and last month's rent on my apartment, and I don't even start my job at the Crashdown until next week. I can't afford this! What did you say to them to make them think we were paying!?

MARIA
I just invited them to dinner.

Flashback to a scene in the Crashdown.

MARIA
Michael and I would like you and Larry to join us tonight for dinner at Senor Chow's. We can fill you in on Roswell's night life; show you the local hang-outs, if you like.

JEN
I like!

Back to scene.

MICHAEL
(sarcastically)
Oh, they would never confuse that with a Dutch treat dinner.

MARIA
I'm sorry! Maybe we can get the others to chip in.

MICHAEL
Never mind, I'll take care of it.

Michael takes a $1 bill from his wallet, waves his hand over it and changes it into a $50 bill.

MARIA
(hissing to keep from being overheard)
What are you doing!?

MICHAEL
Solving our problem.

MARIA
Michael! That's counterfeiting--a federal offense. If you made even one tiny mistake, you could get caught, be arrested and go to jail!

MICHAEL
Stop getting all bent out of shape; it's just a little creative financing. And I know what I'm doing.

MARIA
(sarcastically)
Right, because you're so good at using your powers.
(beat)
Michael, it's wrong! Now, get rid of that thing and swear to me you'll never do it again.

Silence from Michael.

MARIA
(glaring--if looks could kill)
Michael!

MICHAEL
All right, all right! Gheeze, don't get your panties all in a bunch.

MARIA
You leave my panties out of this. And, if you break your word, don't expect me to visit you in Sing Sing.

MICHAEL
Sing Sing is a state prison in New York. La Tuna in El Paso is the closest minimum security federal prison.

MARIA
(sarcastically)
Why am I not surprised that you know that?

Camera focuses on Michael, who is at a loss for a comeback line, and we cut to:

  27 EXT. NEWSPAPER OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

Deputy Blackwood is patrolling the area. He notices a flicker of movement in the newspaper office and decides to investigate.

Cut to:

  28 INT. NEWSPAPER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Liz spots the cruiser approaching.

LIZ
We've got trouble! Deputy Blackwood is headed this way.

Alex turns off the monitor and they all find a desk to hide under. Blackwood looks through the front window, doesn't see anything but heads for the front door anyway. We see him standing outside the glass door and the handle moving; cut to the terrified looks on the kids' faces.

ISABEL
(hissing at Max)
I thought you disabled the alarm!

MAX
(hissing back)
I did!

Cut to:

  29 EXT. NEWSPAPER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Suddenly Blackwood's radio crackles.

RADIO
Code 7 in progress, at 223 Citrus Street. Respond Code 3.

OWEN
Adam 1 responding. ETA 2 minutes.

Deputy Blackwood rushes back to his cruiser and peels off, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

Cut to:

  30 INT. NEWSPAPER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

The kids all expel their breath, as if they had been holding it forever, and climb out from under the desks.

ISABEL
(a little shaken up)
That was too close for comfort. I can't go to jail-- I look terrible in orange.

The others look at her as though they are not sure if she is joking or not.

ISABEL (cont'd)
Alex, forget about the virus, just delete it. I want to get out of here!

ALEX
I'm almost done. I just need a few more minutes. I have to cover our tracks that we opened it and create a new back up copy.

ISABEL
Well, just hurry, okay?

ALEX
You bet!

Alex returns to Gold's computer and turns the monitor back on. He begins to type on the keyboard. Max joins Liz by the window and puts his arm around her.

Cut to:

  31 INT. MICHAEL'S APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATERS

Michael is looking out the window. Maria is sitting on the sofa, looking at her watch.

MARIA
Do you see them yet?

MICHAEL
No.

He turns away from the window and faces Maria.

MARIA
It's been a long time. Do you think it's been too long?

MICHAEL
(abruptly)
How should I know? Do you think my "criminal tendencies" make me some kind of expert?

MARIA
(seriously)
No.

Maria gets up and walks over to a clock. She compares the time on the clock to her watch.

MARIA (cont'd)
I should call Liz again.

Michael rolls his eyes in exasperation, leaves the window and approaches Maria.

MICHAEL
You can't call Liz again. Remember? She said they were turning off their phones while they were in the newspaper office.

MARIA
I just hate this waiting, and not knowing. Anything could have hap--

Michael interrupts Maria in mid-sentence by enfolding her in his arms and kissing her soundly.

MARIA
(slightly breathless)
Was that to calm me down?

MICHAEL
No, to distract you.

MARIA
(smiles; then flirtatiously)
I ... think I need ... a little more distraction.

They kiss again, a little more passionately as we cut to:

  32 INT. NEWSPAPER OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

Isabel is pacing back and forth in front of Gold's desk, anxious to leave.

ALEX (cont'd)
Done!

ISABEL
Thank God! Let's get out of here.

ALEX
(teasing)
Something tells me you're not cut out for the world of espionage.

ISABEL
No? Does that mean I should give up my dream of being a CIA operative?

Max starts to laugh, tries to cover it up, but then Isabel and the others join in. They hush each other as they all head out the back door.

Cut to:

  33 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE MICHAEL'S APARTMENT - 15 MINUTES LATER

As Max, Liz, Isabel, and Alex drive up to Michael's building, they notice the lights on in Michael's apartment.

MAX
(to Isabel and Alex)
You'll fill in Michael and Maria? I have to get Liz back.

ISABEL
Sure.

Alex and Isabel get out of the Jeep. Max and Liz drive off. Isabel starts walking toward the building. Alex takes her arm to stop her.

ISABEL
What?

ALEX
Before we go in ...

ISABEL
Michael and Maria are waiting.

ALEX
I know. It's just ... something happened.

ISABEL
What!? Did you remember something about the computers?

ALEX
No, the computers are fine.
(under his breath)
Computers I can deal with.
(out loud)
Isabel, yesterday we kissed. You know, for the first time. And I know you said it was just to figure out where Max and Liz were but ...

He stops and looks at Isabel's face as if trying to figure out what she's thinking. She looks serious and attentive, but a little nervous.

ALEX (cont'd)
Maybe you're right. Michael and Maria must want to know what happened.

ISABEL
What did you want to say, Alex?

(pause)

ALEX
It meant something to me.

ISABEL
(quietly)
It did to me too.

Isabel takes a step toward Alex and kisses him lightly on the lips. They look at each other, then hear a loud noise from the building. Michael is banging on the window. They go into the apartment.

Cut to:

  34 EXT. THE ALLEY BELOW LIZ'S BALCONY - 10 MINUTES LATER

Max and Liz climb the ladder. Max goes first and takes Liz's hand to help her up.

  35 EXT. LIZ'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS

They stand face to face on the balcony, still holding hands.

MAX
I should go. My parents ...

LIZ
Think you're studying.

MAX
But we were gone a long time.

LIZ
Yeah, you're right.

(beat)

MAX
Thank you.

LIZ
For what?

MAX
For tonight.

LIZ
Max, you know I'd do anything for you, I mean, for us, all of us.

MAX
I really should go home. But feeling your hand in mine ... it just feels ... right ... perfect. As if everything in the world is in place. And if I let go ... everything will shatter.

He takes her hand and kisses it gently.

MAX (cont'd)
You know, we assumed that the orb was the reason we were experiencing ... everything we were experiencing ... but since we found it, and it turned off, I still can't not touch you. I've been wondering if my strong feelings for you are what set it off in the first place.

He leans in closer to her and they kiss as though they are the only two people in their world. Lost in their kiss, they have no warning as Jeff comes barreling through her bedroom doorway. Just as he reaches the open window, Nancy turns on the light. Max and Liz are startled, and turn towards the light, seeing Jeff's angry face staring at them from the window.

JEFF
Just what do you think you are up to, young lady!

LIZ
(to Max)
I think you better leave now.

Max turns and heads for the ladder.

PHILLIP (OS)
You're not going anywhere!

Max freezes in his tracks at the sound of his father's voice, turns back towards the window and blanches at the sight of his parents in Liz's bedroom. He walks back to Liz. They reach out to take each other's hand, ready to face the music together, but they both jump apart when Jeff yells.

JEFF
Get in here! Now!

Cut to:

  36 INT. LARRY AND JEN'S LIVING ROOM - MORNING

Larry is on the phone with Ross Gold.

GOLD (VO)
What are you trying to pull here!? I opened your attachment and got nothing but Computer Greek! If you infected my computer with a virus, so help me ...

LARRY
I would never do that! I don't know what you are talking about. The document I sent you last night was fine. Let me resend it to you.

GOLD (VO)
No way! I'm not opening anything you send to me by e-mail. If you've got something, print it out and deliver me the hard copy. You have six hours to get it to me by my deadline, and if you can't deliver, don't bother me again!

There is a click on the other end of the phone. Larry turns to his computer and tries to open the file on the computer. He gets a page of boxes and mathematical symbols.

LARRY
No. This can't be happening.

Tries again; same result.

LARRY (cont'd)
Nooo ...
(starts to panic)
Noooo ....
(remembers something)
My back up CD. Thank God I made a back up copy!

Larry gets the CD from among his music CDs, puts in it in the CD drive; receives the same garbage.

LARRY (cont'd)
(screaming)
Noooo!!!!!

Jen rushes in, holding a cleaning rag in her hand.

JEN
What is it!? What's the matter?

LARRY
(looks up from computer, grief stricken)
It's gone ... it's all gone ...

JEN
(concerned but unsure what he is talking about)
What's gone?

LARRY
All my work! Everything I collected on Hubble ... it's all corrupted.
(pauses; starts talking to himself, forgetting Jen is there)
No, not corrupted ... sabotaged! They were here ... last night. Michael and Maria were decoys, to lure us out so they could come here and destroy my notes.

JEN
Lured!? Sabotaged!? Larry, what are you talking about!? What could Maria and Michael possibly have to do with your investigation of this Hubble person? This doesn't have anything to do with Max, does it? Because you promised me you were through with hunting "aliens". You promised, no more obsessions!

LARRY
(squirming)
Um ... no. No. Nothing to do with Max. I'm just, uh ... I'm just being paranoid. It's probably just a computer virus. You're always warning me about opening attachments from people I don't know. I'm sure that's all it is.

Larry checks a few files.

LARRY (cont'd)
Yeah, that's what it must be, there are other corrupted files as well. Damn! Now what am I gonna do? Gold needs the information in six hours. There's no way I can recreate all my information by then. He'll never trust me again, if I can't deliver.

JEN
Who is this Gold guy and why do you only have six hours?

LARRY
He's a reporter with the Roswell Weekly Record. He has a deadline to meet, so he needs the information before the deadline.

JEN
Can't it wait until next week's paper?

LARRY
Probably, but I think he's mad at me--he thinks I infected his computer with a virus.

JEN
Oh.
(softening)
Well, he's not the only reporter in town. I'm sure you'll find someone else who will be interested in your story. Don't get discouraged. And next time, be more careful with your computer.
(beat)
Now, I'm gonna get back to dusting; this place needs a thorough cleaning!

Jen leaves the room.

LARRY
(quietly, with fear in his voice)
Careful, right. I've got to be more careful. I definitely will not underestimate Max Evans again.

Cut to:

  37 INT. LIZ'S BEDROOM - SAME

Liz is lying on her bed, wearing the same clothes as last night; clearly she has been crying most of the night. She gets up slowly, walks to the calendar, takes it down from the wall and tears it up while we hear Jeff's voice-over.

JEFF (VO)
We trusted you and you violated our trust over and over. You looked us in the eyes and lied to us because of Max. We can't trust you with him. Not now, not ever. You are not to see Max while you are grounded. You are not to see him after the grounding is over. Don't make the mistake of ignoring us again. We can, and will, take stronger measures.

Liz looks down at the pieces of cardboard that were once her calendar; she takes a deep breath then walks slowly to her dresser. She opens a drawer and pulls out a shirt, uncovering something that had been hidden there. Distracted, she lets the shirt fall and pulls out the picture Max had altered when he was drunk. It brings a brief smile to her lips, but then a new flood of tears. She carries the picture with her to her bed and lies down, in a fetal position, clutching the picture to her chest.

play "Donegal Rain" by Andy M. Stewart (streaming audio):
Real Player           MP3

My darling, do not break your heart
Though I leave this Irish shore
Though their cruel laws may force us to part
Fate may join we two once more

Take this farewell kiss as a token
Of my love while far I stray
For true love will never be broken
Let me kiss your tears away

Like the rain, like the rain
When he turned his back to Donegal
Her tears fell like the rain

Don't let your eyes fill with sorrow, love
Don't wet your pretty cheeks with tears
There will come a bright new tomorrow, love
There will come an end to fears

Dark may seem our lives' December
Time will bring to us the May
Love will guide me back, remember
Let me kiss your tears away

Like the rain, like the rain
When he turned his back to Donegal
Her tears fell like the rain

Take this jewelled ring to wear, my love
While I am o'er the wave
Next my heart you know I will wear, my love
This lock of hair you gave

Kiss me once before we sever
For my safety, say you'll pray
You will be my dearest, forever, love
Let me kiss your tears away.

Like the rain, just falling like the rain
When he turned his back to Donegal
Her tears fell like the rain

Like the rain, like the rain
When he turned his back to Donegal
His tears fell like the rain

"Donegal Rain" Andy M. Stewart
Lyrics: A.M. Stewart / Traditional

Fade out.

Roll Credits


Technical Advisors:
Tom C.
Lt. Snyder, Chavez County Sheriff's Department
Larry Stark

Beta Testers:
Carol000
Fran
Lisa Gansky
Gloria
JC
LA
Bob Lapinsky
Linda
Mel
Pam
Phae
TeeJay

Music Supplied By:
Counting Crows: This Desert Life
Andy M. Stewart: Donegal Rain


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Original contents copyright (C) 2002 by Roswell: What Might Have Been