1. BLOODLINES
(first 25 pages)
by
Chuck Loch
14314 Summertime Lane
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 559-2331
chuck9@sbcglobal.net
REGISTERED WGAw No. 849470

2. FADE IN:
EXT. MOUNTAIN FOREST -- DAY
SUPER: GREAT BEAR MOUNTAIN, NORTHWEST MONTANA. TODAY.
Deep-throated SCREAMS echo down lush slopes that frame a
glacial valley.
An agitated SOMETHING moves swiftly through the evergreens.
A dark blur slashes back and forth obscuring the view.
Each slash slices a chunk of flesh from a human face mutilated
beyond recognition.
Blurred attacks on the body of a MAN tear open his chest and
belly. Pillows of blood and organs tumble out.
CRIES of anguish are replaced by the RHYTHMIC WHIRRING of
bull-roarers - pierced gourds and sticks swung through the
air, the BEATING of native drums, and the SHAKING of rattles.
INT. IMMENSE CAVE -- DAY
Illuminated by smoky torches, grizzly bear skulls glower
from ledges and stare down from the tops of poles behind a
line of aboriginal DRUMMERS half-hidden in a pocket of
darkness.
A huge tapestry, woven with images of prehistoric humans and
animals arranged around a stylized symbol of the Great Bear,
hangs from the ceiling.
A group of male DANCERS, clad in dark furs and grotesque
animal masks, stomp and sway within a circle of fire pots,
casting giant shadows across walls.
As a signal to the Dancers, an unseen CHORUS of MUSICIANS
blasts a series of discordant SHRIEKS, like that of a soul
being torn from its body, on primitive wind instruments.
At the signal, the Dancers freeze in place and tear off their
masks to become "men" again.
And what men they are! All over six feet. Immense muscles.
Prominent eyebrow ridges, protruding jaws, and huge noses
and teeth. Elegant in their ugliness, bear-shaped talismans
hang around their necks.
KO'OR ARAKUN, bearded, late 50s, massive even among these
people, steps out of the pack and bellows in a GUTTURAL TONGUE
that's more animal than human (subtitled in English).
KO'OR
Give us our memories.

3. 2.
He signals the Drummers and a BEAT begins. All present close
their eyes.
EXT. FORESTED PLAIN, A LONG TIME AGO -- DAY (FLASHBACK)
Autumn. The sun hangs low. Trees wear crowns of red and gold.
Boars, bears and giant sloth lumber through underbrush. Deer
and elk forage. A stag lifts its head.
Ko'or's voice melds into English.
KO'OR (V.O.)
Animals filled the forests. Every
hunter made his kill. The men of our
clan brought back meat for two
winters. It was our day.
A hand-made spear sails through the air, burying its shaft
deep in the side of a gigantic woolly mammoth.
A SMALL ARMY OF MEN, like those in the cave, step from behind
trees and boulders. Weapons fill the air and find their marks
in the beast. The mighty mammoth falls.
END MONTAGE
Shrill whistles BLAST from the unseen chorus of Musicians.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. IMMENSE CAVE -- CONTINUOUS (PRESENT)
Ko'or collapses to the floor then rises effortlessly like a
puppet at the end of a string.
KO'OR
The Great Bear would speak.
CHANTING, Ko'or dons a transformation mask and claws of a
mighty North American grizzly.
He spins around the fire pots. Suddenly, he stands tall,
rears back and GROWLS. With his claws, he rakes the air inches
from the faces of the dancers and others outside the fires.
Another whistle BLAST. All eyes close again.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ICE AGE FOREST -- DAY (FLASHBACK)
MONTAGE:
Ice and snow seal the surface of the earth. Ko'or speaks as
the Great Bear.

4. 3.
KO'OR (V.O.)
We slept together under the cold. A
new day dawned and you, my people,
were still alive. But now the Round
Heads walked the earth and we were
among their prey.
The sun rises. The snow melts.
A new group of hunters, ROUND HEADS, more modern men clad in
silver and gray furs, bodies painted in bold designs, carry
fire pots and slog toward a cave entrance.
The Round Heads pile brush, leaves, and logs at the cave's
entrance and dash their burning pots on the wood.
MEN, WOMEN and CHILDREN, ancestors of the clan, plunge from
the cave through the flames and smoke, only to be speared
and clubbed to death by those waiting outside.
KO'OR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We fought. There were too many.
ADDITIONAL ANCESTORS of the clan wind their way through a
snowy mountain pass.
KO'OR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
My spirit traveled the world with
you as we searched for a better place.
ANCESTORS trudge across the desert and wander through a
forest.
ON A GRASSY HILLSIDE: overlooking an ancient European village,
ROMAN SOLDIERS crucify PEASANT CLAN MEMBERS.
KO'OR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
The only peace you found was with
your brothers. Whenever you revealed
yourselves to the round heads they
killed you.
IN A WALL-TO-WALL TORTURE CHAMBER: typical of the Inquisition,
HOODED PRIESTS vivisect and disembowel SPANISH CLAN MEMBERS.
BETWEEN ROWS OF BARBED-WIRE FENCING: SS GUARDS march lines
of CONCENTRATION CAMP CLAN MEMBERS with badges of light-brown
bears sewn to their chests, into death ovens.
More whistle BLASTS.
END MONTAGE
CUT BACK TO:
INT. IMMENSE CAVE -- CONTINUOUS (PRESENT)
Ko'or scrambles between the Dancers and leaps up on a ledge.

5. 4.
KO'OR
I gave you laws to save you from
yourselves. I said: You should not
mix with round heads. You should not
mate with their women. And, you should
not kill humans of any kind. If you
keep these laws, you will live.
ABRUPTLY THE MUSIC STOPS. The Crowd parts. Two rough, tough
CLAN GUARDS in gray jumpsuits, one SHORT, the other TALL,
drag JEDA ARAKUN, 21, into the center circle.
Jeda's clearly a man of the same brawny race, though his
facial features are subdued. He wears blue jeans and a cowboy
shirt drenched in blood. A bear-shaped talisman hangs from
his neck.
The Guards look straight ahead and not at Jeda.
Behind them, a THIRD CLAN GUARD carries a body basket made
of tightly-woven reeds over his shoulder. He sets it down
outside the circle.
A FOURTH CLAN GUARD walks behind Clan Members LASO KOMASTA,
a statuesque amazon beauty for her race, and GABRA KOMASTA,
a pit bull of a man. Both are in their late 50s and wear
bargain basement clothes.
KRANA SPORA, a hulking Clan Guard in his late-20s, escorts
LYNN TURNER, 21, a fiery-haired round head beauty, to the
basket. Lynn carries a blanketed bundle and speaks with
Jeda in English.
LYNN
Jeda. What's happening?
JEDA
Don't say anything. You saw nothing.
Jeda's Guards force him to his knees at Ko'or's feet. Ko'or
shakes off his possession by the Great Bear.
Lynn steps toward Jeda. Krana holds her back.
LYNN
Let me go to him.
KRANA
I can't.
TALL GUARD
He killed a round head.
The Tall Guard points to the basket. Ko'or walks over and
opens the basket. It contains the mutilated body of an
unrecognizable man. Lynn glimpses its contents and gags.
The Short Guard hands Ko'or a bloody hunting knife.

6. 5.
KO'OR
From the beginning, our people died
because we did not keep the laws.
What will become of us this time?
Jeda leaps to his feet.
JEDA
I did not kill this man.
Lynn screams at Ko'or.
LYNN
He couldn't have killed him.
JEDA
Let me speak and I'll explain
everything.
Ko'or turns his back on both of them.
KO'OR
A ghost does not have a voice. And
it does not speak in the tongue of
the round heads at our gathering.
JEDA
I'm innocent. I will speak!
The Guards push Jeda to his knees.
SHORT GUARD
The round head deserved to die.
Ko'or reaches inside the reed basket and scoops up a handful
of bloody remains. He holds his hand out to the Guards.
KO'OR
His people will come for him and
slaughter us.
JEDA
Listen to me. I'm your son.
FLASHCUT -- A newborn baby lies crying on a blood-stained
bed next to the body of a 30-year-old woman. A bullet EXPLODES
into the child silencing his cries.
END FLASHCUT
Ko'or glares at Jeda.
KO'OR
My sons are dead. The "innocent one"
died years ago. And you are a ghost.
He notices the bear-shaped talisman hanging around Jeda's
neck. He rips it off and waves it to the crowd.

7. 6.
KO'OR (CONT'D)
Who gave this ghost the protection
of the Great Bear?
Laso pushes her way into the circle and up to Ko'or.
LASO
I gave my grandson MY protection.
Punish me if you must.
Ko'or studies her, then hands her the talisman. He turns to
the Crowd and paces back and forth. Laso presses the talisman
into Jeda's hand.
Gabra strides forward to join his wife.
GABRA
You're lucky he doesn't call for
your punishment.
LASO
When he does I'm ready.
KO'OR
I ask the council to declare this
ghost of Jeda Arakun dead forever.
The Crowd GASPS. Lynn looks around, trying to make sense of
what's happening. Ko'or motions for Krana to bring Lynn into
the circle. Krana pushes her toward Ko'or.
Jeda reaches out for her, but his Guards restrain him.
Ko'or circles Lynn. Without warning, he flicks open the
blanket of her bundle. She's carrying a newborn baby with
features from both races.
LYNN
Don't touch him.
The Crowd strains for a closer look.
KO'OR
The round head and their spawn deserve
the same.
Laso spins Ko'or around and stares intently into his eyes.
LASO
I know you too well, Ko'or Arakun.
What you hate in Jeda is what you
fear in yourself. I will not lose
another grandson and his son.
Gabra places his hand on Laso's shoulder.

8. 7.
GABRA
I ask the council to decide his fate.
(to Jeda)
Will you submit to the council?
JEDA
You all know me. I'm innocent. I
will tell everything.
A dozen of the oldest Clan Members, including Gabra and Ko'or,
take seats carved into the stone walls of the cave.
They look to each other and nod. Then, except for Ko'or,
they motion as one to Jeda to sit in a large ceremonial chair.
Laso and Krana lead Lynn and the baby from the circle. Lynn
breaks free and rushes back to sit at Jeda's feet.
Krana looks to the Council to see if he should intervene.
Gabra waves him off.
LYNN
I'm with you.
KO'OR
Give us your memories of the round head.
JEDA
I will begin with the first time the
two of us met. My memory is open.
He closes his eyes. The Musicians respond with a series of
whistle BLASTS. The Others close their eyes.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HIGH PLAINS -- NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
SUPER: EIGHT YEARS EARLIER
Stars fill the Big Sky as twilight fades. The headlights of
three stake-bed trucks wind along a dirt road at the base of
a mountain range.
JEDA (V.O.)
It was the night we arrived here
from our homeland.
Exhausted CLAN MEMBERS, dressed in the bargain basement
clothes typical of clan members, huddle together in the
trucks. A YOUNGER JEDA, 13, muscled even then, and Ko'or,
eight years younger, share a blanket.
YOUNGER JEDA
Father, will we be there soon?

9. 8.
KO'OR
What did I tell you before we left?
YOUNGER JEDA
That America was far away, and that
our people in America live on top of
a mountain.
KO'OR
Look out there. Are we on top of a
mountain?
EXT. HIGH PLAINS -- LATER
The caravan pulls over for a pit stop. Men on the right side,
women on the left.
Two HORSEMEN jump their mounts out of an adjoining gully and
race down each side of the trucks.
The riders, ANDREW TURNER and JINGO MARTIN, drunken redneck
cowboys in their late 30s, WHOOP and HOLLER with as much
volume as they can muster.
Clan Members jump back. Jeda pisses on his neighbors's shoes.
Ko'or stands head bowed, submissive yet resolute.
Slowly, the cowboys ride back through the Clan, eye-balling
Members as they go, and shouting back and forth.
JINGO
Just what we don't need around here,
cousin, some new Injuns.
Andrew deliberately steers his horse on a collision course
with Jeda. Ko'or steps between the horse and Jeda.
ANDREW
They're fucking freaks of nature.
Jeda peeks from behind his father and smiles at the horse.
At the last second, it veers away from them of its own accord.
Andrew reigns him in hard.
ANDREW
(to his horse)
What's wrong with you?
Jingo laughs and digs his spurs into his own mount. They
ride off down the road.
EXT. GREAT BEAR GLACIAL VALLEY -- DAY
SUPER: GREAT BEAR GLACIER: THE HOME OF THE GREAT BEAR CLAN

10. 9.
JEDA (V.O.)
I soon forgot that night because our
new home was so beautiful.
Bountiful crops and grazing stock fill this fertile mountain
valley nestled in the shadow of the glacier.
Simple European-style log-and-stone cottages, marked with
the symbol of the Great Bear, sit back against the mountain
and form the clan community.
Prefab long-houses and totem-poles of an Indian reservation
share the other end of the valley with a small dam, its lake,
and a power generating plant.
JEDA (V.O.) (CONT'D)
We were welcome. The community needed
new blood, new leadership, and a new
butcher. Within weeks my father had
opened a shop, and he and my
grandparents were named to the council.
INT. BUTCHER SHOP BACK ROOM - DAY
Ko'or and Younger Jeda in white ceremonial robes stand before
a set of heavy wooden slaughter stocks.
Ko'or carefully unwraps the embroidered cloth covering of a
gleaming ceremonial knife and shows it to Jeda.
KO'OR
The knife is sharp. It will not hurt.
Ko'or leads in a BLEATING calf. Jeda lifts the calf into
position so KO'OR can lock its head and feet in the stocks.
KO'OR (CONT'D)
They give themselves so we may live.
Ko'or rests his head against the head of the calf.
KO'OR (CONT'D)
Send him thoughts of love and respect.
Then, ask for his gift.
Ko'or stares into the animal's eyes.
KO'OR (CONT'D)
When he surrenders take his gift.
Ko'or's smiles serenely, at peace with his task. He draws the
knife across the calf's throat. Blood spurts onto his robes.
JEDA (V.O.)
My heart would not let me do this.
The animal stiffens and closes its eyes.

11. 10.
INT. GABRA'S COTTAGE EATING ROOM -- NIGHT
The furniture looks primitive. The walls and corners of the
room don't completely match up. Childlike art containing
wild, bizarre shapes adorns the walls.
A stocky box-like table sits in the middle of this visual
cacophony. Four people sit around it on crude chairs. Thin
wooden paddles are their only eating instruments.
Gabra and Laso, also eight years younger, eat stew from wooden
bowls with Ko'or and Younger Jeda. The child pushes chunks
of meat around in his bowl with his fingers and paddle.
YOUNGER JEDA
Father killed a calf today. He said
it wouldn't hurt, but the calf was
afraid and it did hurt him.
KO'OR
Maybe you did not send him enough of
your love and respect.
YOUNGER JEDA
Father, I do not wish to kill animals.
KO'OR
Then how will we eat? Boys in the
clan do what their fathers do. Who
will be our butcher when I am gone?
YOUNGER JEDA
I would rather do what grandfather
does, raise the animals. Somebody
needs to take over his work too.
GABRA
I have asked Corna to help me with
the animals. Since his father died,
he does not have anyone to teach him
work.
KO'OR
You see, you do not have to worry
about your grandfather's work.
GABRA
Corna does not like my work, but he
likes what you do, Ko'or. Maybe you
can teach him, and I can teach Jeda.
It is better for boys to learn what
interests them.
KO'OR
Corna's not my son.
YOUNGER JEDA
I want to do what grandfather does.

12. 11.
KO'OR
You will do as I say.
GABRA
After what he has been through, isn't
it time he enjoys life again?
Jeda stares into his bowl. Ko'or lifts Jeda's head out of
it.
KO'OR
We have all suffered. Everyday I
fear the round heads will ride across
the valley and kill us. Do you ever
think of this?
Jeda twists away and gazes down into his bowl again.
KO'OR (CONT'D)
I did not think so. It is more
important to be vigilant than to
enjoy life.
YOUNGER JEDA
I'll be vigilant, father. I promise.
EXT. LIVESTOCK PEN BEHIND GABRA'S COTTAGE -- DAY
SUPER: A MONTH LATER
JEDA (V.O.)
I was vigilant, and Gabra taught me
well.
Gabra and Jeda pour pails of milk into a feeder trough. A
half dozen bull calves, a hundred fifty pounds each, jockey
for position in front of Jeda.
YOUNGER JEDA
They're cute.
GABRA
They sense you like them.
The calves stop eating and nuzzle Jeda.
Jeda picks up his favorite, LITTLE NITRO, and rocks him
like a baby.
GABRA (CONT'D)
Pick them up every day and you will
grow strong as they grow strong. But
do not become attached.
YOUNGER JEDA
They know I love them.

13. 12.
EXT. GABRA'S PASTURE GATE NEXT TO THE CLAN CEMETERY - DAY
Gabra and Jeda perch on a fence rail watching a scruffy
mustang gallop wildly along the perimeter of the fence looking
for a way to escape.
GABRA
His name is Coyote. What can you
tell me?
YOUNGER JEDA
He's frightened. Round Heads chased
him, roped him and beat him. He thinks
we'll do the same.
GABRA
Chief Vincent asked me to make him
into a riding animal. I thought your
gift might work with him.
Jeda slides off the rail onto the grass. The horse runs to
the other side of the pasture. Jeda walks toward him sideways,
keeping the front of his body turned away. The horse runs
away from him. They repeat the dance.
GABRA (CONT'D)
Talk to him.
YOUNGER JEDA
(to the horse)
Run, Coyote. Do what you want. I'll
be here waiting.
GABRA
No. Talk with your mind.
Jeda stands still, looking away from the horse. The horse
turns his head to stare at him. Jeda doesn't look back.
Coyote lowers his head and eats grass.
Jeda turns toward him a little too quickly. Coyote bolts
toward Jeda, who stands his ground and turns slowly away.
Coyote pulls up inches from Jeda, lowers his head and takes
a mouthful of grass. Jeda turns slowly toward him, reaches
out and rubs him between the eyes.
Jeda walks away. Like a puppy, Coyote follows him past Gabra.
GABRA (CONT'D)
I am glad you want to work with me.
EXT. LIVESTOCK PEN BEHIND GABRA'S COTTAGE -- DAY
SUPER: SIX MONTHS LATER

14. 13.
JEDA (V.O.)
We grew together, the calves and I.
The bull calves, half grown, wait to be fed. Little Nitro
now the largest, weighs between three and four hundred pounds.
Gabra and Jeda dump buckets of corn into the feeding trough.
Little Nitro leads the charge to the feed.
Jeda jumps out of the way. His mind and mouth scream "NO!"
But it's too late. The bulls slam Gabra against the fence.
His ribs CRACK.
Jeda wades into the bulls and lifts a bewildered Little Nitro
out of the way to get to Gabra.
INT. JEDA'S BEDROOM IN GABRA'S COTTAGE -- NIGHT
In bed, Jeda talks to his bear talisman.
YOUNGER JEDA
Thank you for Gabra and Laso. They
have taught me much. Smile on Gabra
and heal him. And give me the strength
and wisdom to be the best human I
can be.
He turns to sleep. A shadow of a bear fades up on the wall
behind him.
YOUNGER JEDA (CONT'D)
And, don't forget my father. Take
his fear away and heal his heart.
He's lost so much.
His eyes remain open.
YOUNGER JEDA (CONT'D)
(to himself)
I do remember her, Father...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. EUROPEAN COTTAGE -- DAY (FLASHBACK)
SUPER: PROKLETIJE MOUNTAINS, CRNA GORA. EIGHTEEN MONTHS
EARLIER. A TIME OF ETHNIC CLEANSING.
JEDA (V.O.)
I dreamt of my last night in our
homeland, a dream I never wish to
have again.
INKO KOMASTA, 30, Jeda's mother, lies on Gabra and Laso's
bloody bed. She's just given birth. Ko'or sits beside her,
holding her hand. Gabro and Laso sit opposite.

15. 14.
With Ko'or's help Inko sits up, holding the new baby boy out
to her parents.
INKO
Mother, father, his name is Arkas.
She hands him to Jeda.
KO'OR
It means "little bear."
INKO
You can help raise him.
JEDA (V.O.)
Then the round heads came.
A bullet SHATTERS the window striking Inko in the head. She
collapses.
YOUNGER JEDA
Mother, no.
Ko'or SCREAMS.
KO'OR
Inko!
Jeda drops Arkas onto the bed beside his mother.
KO'OR (CONT'D)
Hold him tight.
Jeda and Ko'or wrap their arms around Inko's body and weep.
Gabra and Laso, sob and clutch each other.
Arkas cries.
A second bullet EXPLODES into the room silencing the baby.
KO'OR (CONT'D)
Why didn't you hold him? What have
you done?
A burning torch SMASHES another window and lands on the floor
beside them.
CUT BACK TO:
EXT. LIVESTOCK PEN BEHIND GABRA'S COTTAGE -- DAY
Gabra and Jeda stare at the bulls in the pen. Gabra's chest
is taped from his neck to his belt.
YOUNGER JEDA
What'll happen to them at the rodeo?

16. 15.
GABRA
Young braves will try to ride them.
YOUNGER JEDA
Bulls aren't for riding. Why would
they do that?
GABRA
I don't know. But I promised Chief
Vincent we'd get them to the school
by five. Where are Krana and Brega?
YOUNGER JEDA
Let me take the bulls.
GABRA
By yourself? You have never been to
the school.
YOUNGER JEDA
I've seen it across the valley. I
can drive six bulls over there.
GABRA
You'll wait for Krana and Brega.
YOUNGER JEDA
We can't wait if the bulls have to
be there by five.
GABRA
Your father doesn't like you mixing
with Indians.
YOUNGER JEDA
I'll be back before anyone knows I'm
gone, and I won't talk to the round
heads.
EXT. VALLEY -- DAY
Jeda rides Little Nitro bareback. The other five Bulls follow.
JEDA (V.O.)
Grandfather let me take them.
They reach the foot of a grassy rise. Jeda jumps off.
YOUNGER JEDA
(to Little Nitro)
Grandfather said I must walk you in.
They walk over the rise and look down on the school.

17. 16.
EXT. INDIAN SCHOOL -- CONTINUOUS
FROM THE RISE: A huge Jr./Sr. High complex decorated with a
large "10th Annual Great Bear Indian School Rodeo" banner.
A parking lot, with a smattering of trucks, station wagons,
and SUVs, sits to one side of the buildings, opposite a stock
pen and rodeo arena with grandstand seating.
IN THE PARKING LOT: Jeda drives the bulls. Yet, he can't
take his eyes off the variety of vehicles and round heads.
A motorcyclist pops his clutch and does a SCREAMING WHEELIE.
Jeda jumps. The bulls scatter. He whistles them back.
EXT. INDIAN SCHOOL RODEO GROUNDS - STOCK HOLDING PEN --
LATER
Jeda drives the bulls into the pen. Little Nitro hesitates.
He paws the ground and rubs up against Jeda.
JEDA (V.O.)
Little Nitro was very afraid. I could
sense it.
YOUNGER JEDA
It's okay. There's plenty of kids
here to play with you.
Little Nitro snuggles closer.
YOUNGER JEDA (CONT'D)
I know you'll miss me. I'm missing
you already.
CHIEF VINCENT STRONG-ARMS, 50, in jeans and jean jacket, a
single feather hanging from his hat, closes the gate.
THOMAS STRONG-ARMS, buffed and handsome at 14, and dressed
like his father minus the hat, sits on the fence studying
the animals.
Chief Vincent claps Jeda on the back. Jeda squirms away. The
Chief pretends not to notice.
CHIEF VINCENT
We've got a big day tomorrow. You
coming to the rodeo?
YOUNGER JEDA
I don't know what a rodeo is.
CHIEF VINCENT
It'll be a good chance for you to learn.
Tell Gabra I said you should come.

18. 17.
Jeda walks back toward the parking lot.
GLORIUS MORNING-STAR, an immense Indian woman in her early
50s, waddles toward him. She wears a brightly-colored tent
dress covered with an elaborate Indian design.
Two canvas bags of groceries tied together by a rope hang
from her shoulder.
GLORIUS MORNING-STAR
Your Grandmother asked me to pick
these up for her.
She hands them to Jeda. He peeks inside one and pulls out a
bag of cherry licorice vines.
YOUNGER JEDA
My favorite.
GLORIUS MORNING-STAR
That's what she said. She also asked
me to tell you not to eat them until
you get home.
He slings the bags over his shoulder and walks faster.
YOUNGER JEDA
Then I better get home fast.
GLORIUS MORNING-STAR
You're going to walk home? It's
almost dark. I was going to drive
them over. You can ride with me.
EXT. GABRA'S COTTAGE FRONT DOOR -- DAY
An old Ford Ranchero stops. Jeda gets out with the bags.
Gabra opens the door and hobbles out to meet him.
Glorius waves to Gabra as she drives off.
GABRA
Weren't even going to talk to them,
huh? How did it go?
YOUNGER JEDA
Little Nitro kicked up a fuss.
GABRA
I thought he would.
YOUNGER JEDA
He's scared. He doesn't understand
what's going to happen to him.

19. 18.
EXT. GABRA'S COTTAGE BACK DOOR -- NIGHT
The house is dark. A full moon illuminates the yard.
Jeda slips out, carefully closing the door behind him.
JEDA (V.O.)
I couldn't let him spend the night
alone.
EXT. PASTURE GATE -- NIGHT
Jeda carries a rope halter. He WHISTLES.
EXT. SCHOOL RODEO GROUNDS - STOCK HOLDING PEN -- NIGHT
Jeda ties Coyote to a hitching post.
SNORTS, GROUND-PAWING, and BAWLING explode from a dark corner
of the pen.
JEDA (V.O.)
I thought somebody was hurting him.
Jeda vaults the fence and runs toward the sounds. A young
male VOICE cries out.
VOICE
I told you, hold him until I'm on. I
can't mount him when he's moving.
Shit, somebody's coming.
The voice belongs to Thomas. He climbs the side of the pen.
YOUNGER JEDA
What're you doing?
Another Indian boy sprints away.
Thomas stops when he sees Jeda.
THOMAS
It's just the kid who brought them.
YOUNGER JEDA
You're hurting him.
THOMAS
I'm just trying him out.
YOUNGER JEDA
Trying him out?
THOMAS
I'm going to ride him tomorrow.

20. 19.
He gestures at Little Nitro, who stands pawing the ground,
ready to charge.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
I want to find out what he's got.
Jeda notices Thomas's spurs.
YOUNGER JEDA
Did you use those?
Thomas jumps off the fence back into the pen to face Jeda.
THOMAS
Yeah, so?
YOUNGER JEDA
So I raised them. Get out of there.
Leave them alone.
Thomas eyeballs Jeda.
THOMAS
Don't tell me what to do.
He pushes Jeda.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Come on and hurt me, Matonka.
Jeda leaps to his feet and head-butts Thomas, sending him
crashing into the fence.
Thomas lays on the ground against the fence.
YOUNGER JEDA
Don't ever push me.
THOMAS
I won't. I'm not stupid. What's your
name, Matonka. I'm Thomas.
JEDA (V.O.)
We were friends from that day on.
Thomas reaches out his hand. Jeda pulls him up.
YOUNGER JEDA
I'm Jeda. What's a Matonka?
THOMAS
You don't know your own people? We
call you the "old ones" 'cause you've
lived here longer than us. How come
you raise bulls, but you don't know
nothing about riding them in rodeos?

21. 20.
YOUNGER JEDA
I came to talk to them, not you.
Jeda walks over to Little Nitro and begins to stroke him.
The bull relaxes. Jeda kneels down beside him.
THOMAS
Hey. That's a dangerous animal. You
can't.... How'd you do that?
YOUNGER JEDA
He trusts me.
JEDA (V.O.)
Then I saw her, the most beautiful
girl I had ever seen.
Two gorgeous sisters, one a redhead - LYNN TURNER (14), and
the other a blonde - CAMMY TURNER (13), watch the two boys
through the rails of the pen. They wear jackets and carry
knapsacks and blankets.
CAMMY
Hi, Thomas.
LYNN
Who's your friend? He just kicked
your ass, didn't he? That doesn't
look good for the son of a chief.
Thomas smiles sheepishly.
THOMAS
Hi girls. This is Jeda. We just had
a misunderstanding.
(to Jeda)
And these two are Lynn and Cammy
Turner, a couple of your average
runaways.
LYNN
Hi Jeda. We're friends of Thomas's
from school. And we're not runaways.
CAMMY
Yes we are. But just for tonight.
Thomas said he was coming so we
hitched a ride to keep him company.
LYNN
Daddy will whip our asses when he
finds out.
CAMMY
So we might as well have fun tonight.
Cammy pulls two six-packs of beer out of her knapsack.

22. 21.
CAMMY (CONT'D)
He'll never miss it.
Lynn roots through hers. A bunch of her wallet-sized school
photos spill out.
LYNN
Shit.
Thomas glances at them.
THOMAS
Aren't you the beauty queen?
She stuffs them back inside and pulls out a pint of cherry
vodka.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Now, you're talking.
She passes it to Thomas who takes a drink.
YOUNGER JEDA
What is that?
THOMAS
Fire water. Tastes like cough
medicine. Try it.
Jeda smells it and takes a big drink.
YOUNGER JEDA
It is fire water. It's cool like
water, but hot like fire. It's good.
Jeda passes it to Thomas and pets Little Nitro. The bull
snorts appreciatively.
LYNN
What're you doing here? You riding?
YOUNGER JEDA
I came to be with my bulls. They're
nervous about tomorrow.
THOMAS
Me too. So we've got something in
common.
He takes a big swig.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Tell me how you do that.
He points at what Jeda's doing.
YOUNGER JEDA
You want to pet him?

23. 22.
THOMAS
It might make things easier tomorrow.
YOUNGER JEDA
Come here.
Thomas walks over and tentatively pets Little Nitro. The
animal snorts at him. Thomas jerks his hand back.
Cammy opens two beers and hands one to Lynn.
CAMMY & LYNN
(together)
I want to pet him too.
YOUNGER JEDA
You can't just pet him. I'll tell
you what to do if you tell me why
you want to ride bulls.
THOMAS
You really don't know about rodeos?
YOUNGER JEDA
No.
THOMAS
Girls, come on in and take a seat.
We're all going to learn something.
CAMMY
I thought you'd never ask.
She snuggles up to Thomas.
YOUNGER JEDA
Pass the fire water, please.
Lynn plucks the bottle out of Thomas's hand and plops down
beside Jeda.
LYNN
I guess I get you, Matonka.
She takes a big swig and licks her lips.
Cammy and Thomas make out.
Jeda stares at them as Lynn runs her hand over his ripped
chest.
YOUNGER JEDA
Hey. I thought we were---
Lynn cuts him off with a kiss. The sleeves of her jacket
ride up to reveal self-mutilation scars crisscrossing her
forearms. Some are still red.

24. 23.
JEDA (V.O.)
I learned many things that night,
and a lot more the next day.
EXT. SCHOOL RODEO GROUNDS - STOCK HOLDING PEN -- DAY
Morning twilight breaks. Empty beer cans overflow the
knapsacks.
The girls lay asleep under their blankets. Cammy's next to
Thomas. Lynn's next to Jeda. He sits propped up against a
post with the dead vodka bottle between his legs.
YOUNGER JEDA
Spurs really don't hurt, huh?
THOMAS
They're for the fans. They just look
like they do.
YOUNGER JEDA
My father said something like that
once.
THOMAS
And you think if I send a bull loving
thoughts, he'll let me ride him?
That sounds like a crock, if it wasn't
so much like Indian Rodeo.
YOUNGER JEDA
You have your own rodeo?
THOMAS
We respect animals. Our ancestors
thought they were Gods. So in our
rodeo, we try to work with them not
break them like in your average Cowboy
Rodeo.
YOUNGER JEDA
And spurs make them want to work
with you?
Thomas slaps Cammy on her ass.
THOMAS
Let's go.
LYNN
Shut up.
Cammy MOANS and holds her head.
CAMMY
My head hurts.

25. 24.
THOMAS
Can't hold your liquor.
(to Jeda)
How do you feel?
YOUNGER JEDA
I'm thirsty and have to pee.
Thomas walks toward the school.
THOMAS
C'mon.
They stagger past Coyote standing calmly at his post.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Coyote? How'd he get here?
YOUNGER JEDA
Rode him over.
INT. INDIAN SCHOOL -- DAY
HALLWAY: Jeda gawks at the display of school rodeo awards in
the trophy case.
Thomas drinks from a nearby water fountain.
THOMAS
Water fountain's over here.
Jeda stares at it.
YOUNGER JEDA
Where is the water?
THOMAS
They have different fountains at
your school?
YOUNGER JEDA
I don't go to school.
A MAN IN A SUIT walking into the Boy's Bathroom does a double-
take at Jeda's words.
THOMAS
Your people teach you at home?
YOUNGER JEDA
Yeah.
THOMAS
I wish I didn't have to go every
day.

26. 25.
Thomas shows him how to use the fountain. Jeda splashes water
on his face then drinks.
YOUNGER JEDA
I don't feel so good.
THOMAS
Too much "cough medicine."
Thomas steers him into the Boy's Bathroom.
BOY'S BATHROOM: The Man In A Suit washes his hands.
Jeda stares at the line-up at the urinals.
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Do what I do.
Thomas demonstrates. Jeda steps up to the next urinal.
JEDA (V.O.)
I had a lot to learn.
The Man In A Suit steps up to the urinal next to Jeda and
shows him a Rodeo program.
MAN IN A SUIT
I left my glasses in the car. Can
you read this and tell me what time
the calf-roping starts.
YOUNGER JEDA
I can't read.
MAN IN A SUIT
I'm sorry. You from around here?
YOUNGER JEDA
Across the valley.
MAN IN A SUIT
Oh yeah? Who's in charge over there?
YOUNGER JEDA
My father. He was just chosen leader
of our council.