27 EXT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - QUAD - NOON
Max, Michael, Isabel, Liz, Maria, and Alex are at one of the tables at the farthest edges of the quad, away from the crowds, having lunch. They are keeping their voices low so no one will overhear.
ALEX
(to Isabel)
I've been thinking. How do they know you are supposed to mate with Michael ...
(to Max)
… and you are supposed to mate with Tess? Did Ed know what you all were going to look like when you grew up?
ISABEL
No. He said we were genetically marked, so they would know how to group the different teams together; it causes an identical birthmark on our hips. We just compared birthmarks ...
MARIA
I just don't get how intimate contact can release ancestral memories ... and how come they don't come out all at once?
ALEX
I think it's probably like a compressed file in your brain and the intimate contact must be the WinZip program that unzips the compressed memories one file at a time, or maybe sometimes only portions of the file.
MARIA
I know what a lot of those words mean, but not when you put them together like that.
LIZ
So, we were right about the orb; it is a communicator, used to contact the mothership and each other when out of telepathic range—
ALEX
(interrupting)
Sort of like an alien cell phone.
LIZ
... but if the one we found was from the '47 crash, buried by one of the researchers when he thought he might be captured, where is Ed's. Do the military have it? Was he able to contact the mothership before he was captured.
MAX
He didn't say.
MARIA
Speaking of being captured, how did Ed end up with his healing stones and the Whirlwind necklace? Wouldn't the military have taken those?
MICHAEL
One of the mentors that stayed with the wreckage contacted him telepathically about being discovered, so Ed and the mentor with him buried what Antarian artifacts they had with them, in case they were captured.
ALEX
(contemplatively)
You know, it's interesting that—
(noticing someone passing close to their table)
That's a good solution ... and in Act II we should probably explain that the signal from that orb could be seen for thousands of miles by Antarians, but only a few miles by humans.
The others look at him strangely until they realize the reason for his subterfuge. They all start nodding at his "suggestion" and wait until the area is clear before continuing.
MICHAEL
(musing)
Superman has x-ray vision, Antarians got long distance vision.
(bummed out)
Well full Antarians do.
MARIA
(lowering her voice even more than before)
So if that's how Ed and Tess knew to come back to Roswell and you two ...
(points to Liz and Max)
... set off the first signal, accidentally, in February, how come he's waited until April to contact you?
MAX
He says he never saw the first signal; that it probably wasn't on long enough.
LIZ
But if he wasn't here in February when the first signal went off, then who is the Desert Man?
ISABEL
We'll just have to ask him when we meet this afternoon.
(beat)
MICHAEL
I've got to go. I have something I need to do before art class. See you later.
He leans over and gives Maria a quick goodbye kiss and then leaves.
MARIA
(conspiratorially)
OK, Michael's party. I talked to River Dog and he's coming. Do you think we should invite Tess and Ed?
LIZ
With all that's going on, maybe we should postpone Michael's surprise birthday party.
MARIA
Are you kidding? This was my mother's idea. Once she found out Michael has never had a real birthday party—you know, with all the works—she insisted that we throw him one. What am I supposed to say to her? He's connecting to his alien roots and doesn't have time for human interests? This party is taking place!
(beat)
Besides I think now, more than ever, he needs to be reminded that he has a good life here with good friends.
MAX
I'll mention it to Tess; see if she and Ed would be interested.
(looking at his watch)
We better get a move on before we're late.
They all get up to leave. Max and Liz exchange a quick kiss before she goes off with Maria; Alex and Isabel exchange a quick kiss before Isabel goes off with Max; and Alex goes off separately. The camera pans to Kyle, sitting at another table in the quad reading 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary. Tommy and Paulie approach his table. They both read the book title, then look at each other like they can't believe their eyes.
PAULIE
(teasing)
That's not required reading. Who are you trying to impress?
TOMMY
(joining in the fun)
You don't suppose he's trying to get Liz back, do you?
PAULIE
No, she's history ... it must be Isabel.
TOMMY
No, wait ... it's the new girl!
Kyle's reaction confirms this.
PAULIE
(incredulous)
Didn't I warn you off her?
TOMMY
Apparently ...
(grabs book)
Mr. Wordsmith here didn't heed your warning.
(looks down at book, shakes head, pretends sadness)
And now he's a goner.
KYLE
(grabbing the book back)
There's nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself.
Kyle leaves and Tommy and Paulie fall into a fit of laughter.
Cut to:
28 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Max and Isabel are walking down a hallway heading towards a class.
ISABEL
(concerned)
So, are you going to listen to Ed? Be a little less heroic?
MAX
(looks at her askance)
What are you talking about?
ISABEL
(lowering her voice but keeping an edge to it)
You know perfectly well what I'm talking about—how the amount of power you used to heal Liz probably killed multiple brain cells, and if done often enough could kill you!
MAX
(unconvincingly)
He was just trying to scare us into not doing something so public again.
ISABEL
He didn't mean that and you know it. He said we're much too young to try something of that magnitude, and overuse of our abilities is dangerous. We can't start thinking we can save the world.
MAX
(annoyed)
I don't think I can save the world.
ISABEL
(with concern)
Really? Are you sure about that?
Cut to:
29 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Maria and Liz are approaching a classroom. They are about to enter when something catches Maria's eye down the hallway. The camera switches to her POV and we see Michael talking to Tess. The camera switches back to Maria and Liz as Maria speaks.
MARIA
(curious)
Didn't Michael say he was going to art class?
LIZ
(equally curious)
Yes, he did.
MARIA
And isn't the art room on the other side of the building?
LIZ
Yes, it is.
Maria is about to go and investigate when the bell rings. The teacher sees her standing at the doorway, so she has no choice but to enter.
Cut to:
30 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - LATER
Maria is at her locker, alone. She opens it and is surprised to find an orchid corsage inside with a note that says "Thinking of you. Michael". She is very pleased. She opens the box and takes out the corsage to smell it. She takes a deep whiff and a puzzled expression comes over her face. She puts the corsage back into her locker, takes out her chemistry book and closes the door. She sees Alex approaching.
MARIA
Hey, what's up?
ALEX
Well, since you asked, I've been meaning to mention that I had to do a lot of explaining when Isabel realized we kissed.
MARIA
She got a flash?
ALEX
(eyes lighting up at the thought, then sighs)
No, she tasted your lip gloss.
MARIA
Sorry. Do you need me to talk to her?
ALEX
No. I think we should leave well enough alone. Just thought you should know that she knows.
MARIA
OK, thanks, but let me know if you change your mind. I have ammunition on her now, so she has no room to complain.
ALEX
Ammunition?
Cut to:
31 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - ERASER ROOM - LATER
Max and Liz are in each other's arms, kissing. They are engrossed in each other and there's a franticness about their movements. Max moves his arms to hold Liz even more tightly. She reaches up, her hands clasped behind his neck. Suddenly, there's a high-pitched beeping sound.
MAX
(mid-kiss)
Damn.
Liz steps back and pushes a button on her watch silencing the alarm. She sighs. Max is breathing a little heavily. He reaches for the watch.
MAX (cont'd)
I could fix that watch you know.
Liz smiles and moves it out of reach. She starts smoothing her hair and clothes, then checks Max.
LIZ
(gently rubbing some lipstick off his cheek)
You know why we have to do it this way, otherwise we have a tendency to lose track of time.
MAX
(teasing)
I can't imagine why.
LIZ
Well, Mr. Seligman can, so we don't want to be late for his class; we don't have time for detention.
MAX
(smiling)
Do we have time for one more kiss?
Liz starts to glance at her watch but Max catches her wrist and pulls her toward him.
Cut to:
32 INT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - SCIENCE LAB - MOMENTS LATER
The bell has just finished ringing and Max and Liz are rushing in just after it, heading to their lab table. Mr. Seligman notices their seconds late arrival and shakes his head, as do Maria and Alex who give them teasing looks. As Max and Liz get to their seats and are settling in Tess walks into the science lab. She walks over to and speaks to Mr. Seligman, handing him some papers. We do not hear their conversation. Max and Liz are busy at their table and do not notice that Tess is there.
LIZ
(teasingly to Max)
I told you we shouldn't risk it.
MAX
(smiling)
Yeah, but it was worth...
(sees Tess and his voice falters)
... every moment.
Liz turns to see what caused this reaction and her smile fades.
SELIGMAN
Class, may I have your attention. Allow me to introduce Tess Harding. She is new to our school, having transferred mid-semester. I'd like you all to give her a warm welcome to West Roswell High.
There are various "Hey, Tess"es, "Welcome Tess"es, a few wolf whistles, and laughter at same.
SELIGMAN
OK, that's enough. Ms. Parker, I'm going to ask you if you don't mind working alone for a while. You are the best student in this class, and therefore the most able to work without a partner. Ms. Harding, you will be working with Mr. Evans.
Liz is crestfallen, but heads to the empty lab desk in the back of the room. Tess approaches Liz's empty seat.
TESS
(to Max, smiling)
Hi.
MAX
(returns her smile, halfheartedly)
Hey.
Tess is about to say something but Max doesn't notice because he is forlornly watching Liz walk to the back of the room. After Liz sits, they continue to stare at each other, longingly.
SELIGMAN
Mr. Evans! I know I may not be as attractive as Ms. Parker, but I think you might learn more if you were facing this way.
Max jumps at the sound of his name and sheepishly turns his attention back to Mr. Seligman. A ripple of titters runs through the classroom. Not wanting any more embarrassment, Max focuses his attention on the lecture. Dissolves show the progression of the class with Max and Tess working together on the day's experiment with minimal contact on Max's side and with Liz making frequent glances in their direction. Class ends. Max collects his books and is about to leave the classroom with just a nod goodbye to Tess, but she stays his leave by putting her hand on his arm. A look of puzzled disappointment crosses her face but she shakes it off and smiles at Max.
TESS
I just want to thank you for your help today. And thanks for inviting Ed and me to Michael's party; that was very thoughtful of you.
MAX
You're welcome.
TESS
(enthusiastically)
And I'll see you this afternoon, right? At Michael's?
Liz has reached their table in time to hear this exchange. There is a slight amount of awkwardness on Liz and Max's part, but Tess seems oblivious.
MAX
(politely)
Right. I'll see you this afternoon.
Max and Liz walk out into the hallway.
LIZ
You know Mr. Seligman did that on purpose, to teach us a lesson.
MAX
I'm sorry. This is all my fault.
LIZ
(teasingly)
Oh really? Are you saying I have no control when I'm alone with you?
MAX
I ... no ... that's ...
LIZ
(laughing)
Relax! We're both to blame.
MAX
Well, if it's any consolation, Tess is really good.
(off Liz's concerned look)
At chemistry. So we may be able to convince Mr. Seligman she doesn't need a partner.
Cut to:
33 EXT. WEST ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL - TRACK FIELD - LATER
Kyle and several others are on the field, running the track, jumping hurdles. Tess approaches the bleachers and sits several rows up. She pulls out a notebook and pen and begins writing. As soon as she arrives, we see a change in Kyle. At first he is distracted then he starts showing off; running faster, jumping higher than necessary to clear the hurdles, etc. He glances in her direction to see if she has noticed his prowess but Tess is still writing, a serious expression on her face. Finally, Kyle catches his foot on a hurdle and crashes to the ground. He immediately looks towards the bleachers to see if Tess saw. She's looking down at her notebook but the movement of her body suggests she may have been looking up seconds before. Kyle sighs, brushes himself off then limps over to the benches, in Tess's direction, to get some water. Tess sees him approach and puts away her pen. She looks down at what is written in her notebook and her eyes focus on something that does not belong—among her chem notes on combustible materials and flashpoints she has written the name KYLE. She seems surprised and embarrassed. She casually slides her hand across the page. Kyle's name disappears. Kyle approaches, unbeknownst to Tess who is looking at her notebook.
KYLE
(as if he just noticed her)
Hey, Tess!
Tess is startled. She quickly closes her notebook and accidentally drops it. Her voice is high pitched with nervousness when she responds.
TESS
Hey.
Kyle stoops to pick up the notebook.
TESS
(nervously muttering)
It's just chem notes, it's just chem notes.
Tess gathers the rest of her stuff.
KYLE
(joking)
You mean you're not spying for Goddard Gators?
(beat)
Cuz that's why I fell, you know ... if you saw ... so you'd report back that we aren't ready for the meet ... make them—
(trying to impress her)
complacent.
Their hands touch briefly as he hands the notebook to her. There's an obvious reaction from both of them.
TESS
They're just my chem notes.
Tess leaves and Kyle watches her go, nonplussed.
KYLE
(convincing himself)
Strange can be good.
TRACK COACH
Valenti! Come on.
With a sigh, Kyle trots back to the field.
Cut to:
34 INT. MICHAEL'S APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
Max, Michael, Isabel, Ed, and Tess are there. It's obvious that Ed and Tess have just arrived and that Ed is not happy.
ED
I'm very disappointed. I know what you did. I told you not to say anything to the humans until I had determined they could be trusted.
MAX
We've already determined that. What we haven't determined is if we can trust you?
ED
What are you talking about?
Michael walks over to Ed and hands him five healing stones.
MICHAEL
I believe these are yours.
Ed cups his hands over Michael's as he takes them from him, nodding, somewhat contemplative, but does not say anything.
ISABEL
Aren't you curious how we got them; how we know they're yours?
ED
You met River Dog.
(beat)
What did he say about me?
MAX
(matter-of-factly)
That you murdered James Atherton.
(with more severity)
Did you?
ED
No. Atherton was interested in these.
He holds up the healing stones, then places them on the counter.
ED (cont'd)
I'm assuming River Dog told you of their healing properties, but they can do much more than restore your balance.
MAX
Liz thinks they were powering the pods.
ED
(looks sharply at Max, annoyed)
She's right. Anyway, Atherton wanted to experiment ... something went wrong, I don't know what ... I was only trying to help him.
MICHAEL
So, if you didn't kill Atherton, why did you run?
ED
Fear. I knew what it would look like. The elders had told River Dog not to trust me. He saw me kneeling over Atherton ... with my hand on his chest ... I just panicked. I figured he would never believe I was trying to heal him, not kill him.
ISABEL
Why should we believe you?
Ed thinks about this for a moment, then a thought comes to him. He gently places his hand on Isabel's arm and looks at her hopefully.
ED
Did River Dog mention whether there was a silver hand print on Atherton's chest?
MAX
No, but we know there was one from the police photo.
ED
That only happens from an intense healing; trying to prevent someone from dying.
ISABEL
(stepping away from Ed's touch)
We still only have your word for that.
ED
For now, but once you start accessing your ancestral memories, you'll know it to be true. I can't emphasize enough how important accessing these memories are. Without them you are flying blind.
MICHAEL
(under his breath)
Been doing that all our lives.
(beat; changing subject)
Did you come back to Roswell in 1970?
ED
I made repeated trips back between 1959 and 1989, to see if there were any news reports that would indicate my group had left their pods. Why do you ask about 1970?
MAX
Does the name Hubble mean anything to you?
Ed's reaction says it does.
ED
Ah, yes, Everett Hubble. He became a definite thorn in my side.
ISABEL
(arms crossed)
Not surprising if you murdered his wife.
TESS
(angry)
Why are you attacking him!? He's only here to help you.
MAX
We're just trying to get at the truth. Like why you've been stalking us for months ... and what did you do to Hank?
TESS
(indignant)
We haven't been stalking you for months, we just got here a few weeks ago from Australia.
MAX
If you just got here then how did you leave the Whirlwind symbol in Frasier Woods in January?
ED
(puzzled)
What do you mean "left the symbol"?
ISABEL
Someone burned it into the ground near the cave ... you know ... the cave. The flash was seen by several people and the Sheriff's Department investigated.
MICHAEL
River Dog was sure it was you.
Ed seems flummoxed, then something seems to dawn on him, but he covers it up.
ED
I'm sorry, I have no idea who did that, I don't know anyone named Hank ... and I didn't murder Hubble's wife. I was heading into this café when this woman standing by a convertible parked out front collapsed; started having a seizure. Once again I was just trying to help; it should have been an easy fix. I guess my healing abilities were damaged during those experiments; I haven't tried healing more than a broken bone since.
MICHAEL
You said you came back to check on your group. What happened to the other teams?
ED
I'm not comfortable telling you anything more about your Antarian heritage until I know for sure you won't repeat everything I tell you to your little friends.
ISABEL
But you're comfortable expecting the four of us to recreate an entire species? Do you expect Tess and me to be baby factories, pumping them out as fast as we can?
ED
(aghast)
How could you think such a thing? You will not be having children for some time yet. How can you pass on your life experiences to your children if you haven't had any yet?
(collects himself)
It's not an issue now. What is an issue now, is learning about your Antarian selves through your ancestral memory.
MICHAEL
In other words, you want us to get busy sucking face with each other. Well what if we don't want to?
ED
Don't want to? Would you really turn your back on your own people?
ISABEL
This is America. We don't have arranged marriages here. We marry for love.
ED
This is more serious than love, or customs, or traditions. An entire species is depending on you four to do what's right. Our survival depends on it. They are counting on you to pass on their legacy, to perpetuate their memories.
MAX
(getting angry)
Will you stop saying that! It's too much pressure. We never agreed to any of this.
Max, frustrated, stomps off towards the kitchen and leans with his back against the counter, glaring back at Ed.
ED
(remaining calm)
That doesn't change what needs to be done. You have to fulfill your duty.
MICHAEL
We don't have to do anything.
Ed shakes his head in frustration at their defiance. He turns to Tess.
ED
The sooner we leave Roswell the better.
ISABEL
(apprehensive)
Leave Roswell?
ED
Yes. It's too dangerous. We can't stay here.
MICHAEL
(angry)
You're abandoning us!? Again!?
ED
When I say "we" I mean all of us. We are all leaving Roswell.
MAX
We aren't going anywhere with you.
(glances at Michael and Isabel who nod in agreement)
And we're NOT leaving Roswell.
TESS
(confused)
Why not?
ISABEL
Because this is our home. This is where our family is ... our friends.
TESS
We are your family; we are your friends.
ED
These attachments you've made here are unhealthy. They are countermand to your mission. There's no discussion. You're going.
MAX
I'm going ... just not with you.
Max heads for the door. Ed throws his arm out in Max's direction; Max falls to the floor, face down. Ed brings his arm back and Max slides towards Ed. [think Harvest] When he reaches Ed, he stops sliding and Ed bends down. The others look on in shock, even Tess.
ED
You're not strong enough yet to defy me.
Cut to commercial.
END OF ACT II
Original contents copyright © 2009 by Roswell: What Might Have Been
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