The X-Files Reopened - 1AYX79 - Flight Plan [PDF]

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Pilot (1AYX79)

“Flight Plan”

Written by James Jordan

Based upon THE X-FILES Created by Chris Carter

PINK Revised BLUE Revised White Full

08/26/19 08/20/19 07/31/19

All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. No portion of this script may be performed, published, reproduced, sold or distributed by any means or quoted or published in any medium, including on any website, without the prior written consent of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Disposal of this script copy does not alter any of the restrictions set forth above.

X-FILES REOPENED Pilot Episode (1AYX79) “Flight Plan” CAST LIST AGENT ELIZABETH (LIZ) EINSTEIN ................. Lauren Ambrose AGENT KYD MILLER ................................. Robbie Amell A.D. WALTER SKINNER ............................. Mitch Pileggi LAUREN MINETTE ................................... Louise Monot TOOTHPICK MAN ....................................... Alan Dale S.A.C. FOSSA ............................... Sarah-Jane Redmond ERIC ZELLMAN (ANXIOUS MAN) ....................... Vincent Gale VICTOR CONSTANZA (CO-PILOT) .................... James Martinez CHARMING WOMAN (WOMAN’S VOICE) ............................ TBC CAPTAIN ................................................... TBC YOUNG SOLDIER ............................................. TBC COMMANDING OFFICER ........................................ TBC DHS AGENT ................................................. TBC JUNIOR AGENT .............................................. TBC MILITARY POLICE ........................................... TBC AIR-TRAFFIC CONTROLLER .................................... TBC SOLDIERS .................................................. TBC SKINNER’S ASSISTANT (NON-SPEAKING) ............. Arlene Pileggi FBI TRAINEES (NON-SPEAKING) ............................... TBC SCAN TECHNICIAN (NON-SPEAKING) ............................ TBC MASKED PARATROOPERS (NON-SPEAKING) ......................... TBC MUSCULAR MEN (NON-SPEAKING) ............................... TBC PASSENGERS (NON-SPEAKING) ................................. TBC

X-FILES REOPENED Pilot Episode (1AYX79) “Flight Plan” SET LIST WASHINGTON, D.C. INTERIORS AIRLINER COCKPIT PASSENGER CABIN DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FBI HEADQUARTERS A.D. SKINNER’S OFFICE BASEMENT HALLWAY BASEMENT OFFICE HALLWAY PARKING GARAGE FBI TRAINING ACADEMY AUTOPSY BAY MOTEL BATHROOM BEDROOM RENTAL CAR SECOND RENTAL CAR SKINNER’s CAR

EXTERIORS DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SHORT-TERM PARKING HIGHWAY J. EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING MOTEL BREEZEWAY SKIES OVER THE ATLANTIC

NOVA SCOTIA INTERIORS GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE CONCOURSE STAIRWELL HOSPITAL CORRIDOR EXAMINATION ROOM MONITORING BOOTH SCAN ROOM MOTEL BEDROOM RENTAL CAR

EXTERIORS GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE MOTEL BREEZEWAY RURAL HIGHWAY

CUBA INTERIORS GUANTANAMO BAY BASE CORRIDOR BASE BRIG HOSPITAL JEEP

EXTERIORS GUANTANAMO BAY AIRFIELD LANDING STRIP PERIMETER FENCE INTERSECTION LONG RURAL ROAD REMOTE ROAD

TEASER 1

A BOEING 777 COMMERCIAL AIRLINER

1

At cruising altitude, flying steadily through the void of the darkened stratosphere. Leaving a wispy contrail in its wake. With LEGEND: 35,000 FEET OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, 10:13 PM 2

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT

* 2

About half full. Plenty of room. Lights down low. Several PASSENGERS sleeping. A FLIGHT ATTENDANT serving drinks. FINDING a seat at the end of an empty row, where a plastic airline glass of Scotch is lifted by a TREMBLING HAND. A MAN (40s) sips his drink, sitting in front of his OPEN LAPTOP. Sweat runs down his forehead. He is visibly ANXIOUS. WOMAN’S VOICE Excuse me --

*

Anxious looks along the row to find a CHARMING WOMAN (30s) standing in the aisle. She clutches her carry-on bag with a bundle of newspapers and magazines stuffed under her arm. CHARMING -- I’ve had a six-year-old kicking the back of my seat since we left JFK -- would you mind if I -- ? She indicates the empty seat at the end of the row. ANXIOUS Go ahead. Charming smiles, sits. She takes out a BALLPOINT PEN and quietly makes a start on the New York Times crossword. CLOSE ON ANXIOUS As he taps at his laptop keyboard. Typing at speed. Furtive. DRIFTING OVER TO CHARMING As she CLICKS the end of her pen and subtly angles it to point directly at Anxious’s laptop -- we see it’s no ordinary pen but some kind of HIGH-TECH LASER POINTER DEVICE. A tiny RED DOT appears on the base of the laptop. BLINKS.

(CONTINUED)

2

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Teaser PINK (08/26/19) 2. CONTINUED: 2

Anxious jabs at his keyboard when his screen suddenly FRITZES and FREEZES before plunging out to a BLACK SCREEN. Dead. ANXIOUS Son of a -Just then, the lights in the cabin start to FRITZ too. The plane hits an air pocket and SHUDDERS with turbulence. The “FASTEN SEATBELTS” sign blinks on. Charming glances around, concerned. Has she done this too? If she has, the look on her face suggests it was unintentional. The cabin SHAKES HARDER and passengers ROCK IN THEIR SEATS. Anxious looks up from his busted laptop with a rising terror, as if he has a sense of what might be about to happen. Another, heavier JOLT and the whole plane RUMBLES. A few GASPS and SHRIEKS from concerned passengers. What feels like ordinary yet severe turbulence until -THE ENTIRE CABIN IS FILLED WITH A BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT accompanied by AN UNEARTHLY THRUMMMMMMMM -3

INT. AIRLINER - COCKPIT - NIGHT

3

The CAPTAIN and CO-PILOT struggle to maintain control of the shaking aircraft. Flipping SWITCHES and DIALS frantically. CAPTAIN This is American Flight 814 -- we are declaring an emergency -4

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT

4

Filled with INTENSE WHITE LIGHT. The cabin SHAKING wildly and uncontrollably now. Passengers SCREAMING in mortal terror. Anxious grips his armrests tight. His knuckles going white. Holding on for dear life when -THREE NARROW GREEN LASER BEAMS PENETRATE THE CABIN FROM ABOVE -- searching like a laser-targeted drone strike until -They FIND Anxious and come to a rest over his head --

*

He looks up into the laserlight, awestruck and terrified --

*

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Teaser PINK (08/26/19) 3.

5

EXT. SKIES OVER THE ATLANTIC - NIGHT

5

HIGH OVER the silhouette of the PASSENGER JET as the sharp edge of a MATTE BLACK TRIANGULAR CRAFT eclipses the airliner. So close to frame we can only get the briefest glimpse of its dorsal surface before being plunged into TOTAL DARKNESS. 6

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT

6

ROCKING and RATTLING like it might explode from sheer stress -- SHRIEKING and SCREAMING from hundreds of passengers -The BLINDING WHITE LIGHT now fills the cabin -- BRIGHTER and BRIGHTER -- near NUCLEAR INTENSITY until we WHITEOUT FRAME -7

EXT. SKIES OVER THE ATLANTIC - NIGHT

7

-- as TWO F-15 EAGLE FIGHTER JETS SKYROCKET PAST THE COMMERCIAL AIRLINER before looping around to fly in escort formation alongside either wing -AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER (RADIO FILTER) Flight 814, this is ATC Hanscom. You are ordered to change course heading one-nine-zero and proceed immediately to Canadian Air Force Base Greenwood. Acknowledge. 8

INT. AIRLINER - COCKPIT - NIGHT

8

The Captain and Co-Pilot work their consoles, seemingly back in control of the aircraft. Keeping calm in a crisis. CAPTAIN Acknowledged, ATC. Changing course. 9

EXT. GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE - NOVA SCOTIA - NIGHT

9

As the Airliner descends onto the LANDING STRIP and the wheels of its landing gear touch down with a SQUEAK -EMERGENCY RESPONSE HUMVEES swarm up the tarmac at speed. BLUE AND RED LIGHTS STROBE across the darkness --

*

MILITARY TROOPS in combat fatigues leap out of the lead vehicles and surround the grounded plane -- all armed with SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES which they wield with expert precision.

*

(CONTINUED)

9

10

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Teaser PINK (08/26/19) 4. CONTINUED: 9

A staircase on wheels is rushed into position against the side of the plane. Troops surge up the steps. BOOTS POUNDING OVER STEEL. All happening in the blink of an eye.

*

As the cabin door is opened with a mechanical KA-CHUNK --

*

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

10

The Troops SWARM IN with their rifles poised. Darting down the aisles in well-drilled tactical formation --

*

FLASHLIGHTS mounted to the barrels of their rifles search left and right. Piercing across the darkened cabin where --

*

Row upon row of spindly OXYGEN MASKS dangle ominously from above -- but each seat is mysteriously, inexplicably EMPTY.

*

The Troops lower their weapons and react in confusion at the eerie sight of the deserted airliner, as desolate as the Mary Celeste, and NOT ONE SOLITARY SOUL LEFT ON BOARD as we: GO TO MAIN TITLES

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 5.

ACT ONE THE HUMAN BRAIN Being extracted from a SKULL that has recently undergone a craniotomy. A PAIR OF HANDS encased in latex gloves carefully remove the squelching grey matter from a CADAVER. We are: 11

INT. FBI TRAINING ACADEMY - QUANTICO, VA - AUTOPSY BAY - DAY 11* SPECIAL AGENT ELIZABETH EINSTEIN (39) conducts an autopsy demonstration before a small group of enraptured young FBI TRAINEES. Intelligent, methodical and forthright, Einstein is always the smartest person in the room. She commands respect. EINSTEIN The human brain. The most complex organ known to science. A series of cascading subsets that begin and end in the prefrontal cortex. Perception. Memory. Personality. Everything we ever are or hope to be, all contained within three pounds of intricate neural tissue.

*

* *

Einstein is distracted when a JUNIOR AGENT enters the room. JUNIOR AGENT Special Agent Einstein? You have a call from D.C. EINSTEIN I’m in the middle of a class. JUNIOR AGENT Assistant Director Skinner’s office. Einstein is suddenly alert to the import of the message -CUT TO: 12

EXT. J. EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING - WASHINGTON, D.C. - DAY The famous elephantine fortress on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Capitol Dome visible in b.g. With LEGEND to establish: FBI HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, D.C. 9:33 AM

12* * * *

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 6.

13

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS - HALLWAY - DAY

13*

Elevator doors open to reveal Agent Einstein. She strides at a pace down the corridor, busy with foot traffic from various SUITED AGENTS. Moving with purpose to enter an open doorway -14

INT. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SKINNER’S OUTER OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

14

Einstein approaches an ASSISTANT busy typing at a desk.

*

EINSTEIN Elizabeth Einstein to see the Assistant Director? Before getting a response, the inner office door opens and a tall, forbidding man with short grey hair exits. Hardcore fans might recognize him as THE TOOTHPICK MAN. He passes Einstein who tracks him with a fleeting, curious eye contact.

* * *

SKINNER’S VOICE Come in, Agent Einstein.

*

Einstein turns back to find ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WALTER SKINNER (60s) waiting in his open doorway. She passes him to enter -15

INT. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SKINNER’S OFFICE - DAY - CONTINUOUS

15

Einstein heads toward a desk, Skinner close behind. SKINNER Take a seat. Thank you for coming on such short notice. EINSTEIN Always happy to take a trip to the Hoover building. Einstein sits down opposite a tidy, well-kept desk bearing the nameplate “ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WALTER S. SKINNER.” SKINNER Time is against us so I’ll get right to the point. Skinner swipes through a TABLET and passes it to Einstein. SKINNER American Flight 814 declared an emergency two hours into a transatlantic red-eye from JFK late last night.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 7. 15 CONTINUED: 15

EINSTEIN (reading tablet) It crashed? SKINNER No. The plane was turned around and escorted back by two F-15s. When it landed, not one of its two-hundrednineteen passengers were on board. Einstein looks up from the tablet screen and squints in confusion, her mind processing the possible explanations. EINSTEIN Was the flight intercepted? Diverted? SKINNER That’s yet to be determined. Agent Miller has opened an investigation. EINSTEIN (exasperated) Kyd Miller? SKINNER The two of you have worked together before -EINSTEIN -- on domestic terrorism -SKINNER -- that’s the angle that’s being worked by a joint NTSB-Homeland Security task force. Agent Miller and I feel we should all be open to more... extreme possibilities. Einstein nods slowly, suddenly picking up on where this is going and not liking the sound of it. EINSTEIN In other words, the two of you want to entertain the notion Flight 814 may have taken a detour through the Twilight Zone. SKINNER I’ve been petitioning the Director to reopen the X-files for the past two years --

* *

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 8. 15 CONTINUED: (2) 15

EINSTEIN -- since Agents Mulder and Scully were not-so-unceremoniously cashiered out of the Bureau -SKINNER -- that’s right. This is the best opportunity there’s been to make a solid case for their reinstatement. EINSTEIN If you and Agent Miller want to indulge yourselves in some woo-woo paranormal trip about alien abductions at thirty thousand feet, that’s your business. But I have real work to be doing. Einstein pushes up from her chair and hands the tablet back to Skinner. Hoping to escape before he can reel her in.

*

SKINNER Your scientific background will legitimize the investigation in the eyes of the top brass. Your reassignment has already been approved. EINSTEIN Please don’t do this to me. Don’t send me down to the basement. SKINNER This is a chance for you to show the Bureau your full potential -EINSTEIN -- it’s a career death sentence.

*

SKINNER (non-negotiable) Agent Miller is waiting for you downstairs.

* * *

Einstein’s jaw hangs, reaching in vain for some further objection that might get her out of this. But it’s too late. 16

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS - BASEMENT CORRIDOR - DAY

16*

Einstein descends a short staircase into darkness. Into the bowels of the FBI. She walks the dimly-lit corridor until she reaches an OFFICE DOOR with a conspicuously blank name plate.

(CONTINUED)

*

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 9. 16 CONTINUED: 16

EINSTEIN -- anybody down here -- ? MALE VOICE (O.S.) Nobody but the FBI’s most unwanted. Einstein pushes open the space that was once home and deserted save for an the otherwise bare walls

door to reveal the familiar office to the Bureau’s X-files, now barren empty desk and an iconic poster on that declares: “I WANT TO BELIEVE.”

*

EINSTEIN Where have I heard that before? SPECIAL AGENT KYD MILLER (31) stands with his back to the door, studying over a tablet screen. Fresh faced and enthusiastic, Miller has a boyish charm and intrepid spirit.

*

He turns to see Agent Einstein enter, eyeing the abandoned basement without bothering to hide her disdain. MILLER -- Agent Einstein -- you push the wrong button on the elevator -- ?

*

EINSTEIN -- don’t I wish -- A.D. Skinner, in his infinite wisdom, has assigned me to work with you on this -MILLER -- have you been slipping the Assistant Director the wrong migraine medication -- ? EINSTEIN -- if only it were so. Believe me, I’d much rather be back at Quantico than joining the lunatic fringe --

*

MILLER -- I take it A.D. Skinner give you the details on the mysterious case of Flight 814 -EINSTEIN -- just the headlines -- seems to me we’re dealing with some kind of bizarre hijacking -MILLER -- in which over two-hundred passengers vanish without a trace?

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 10. 16 CONTINUED: (2) 16

EINSTEIN Nothing vanishes without a trace --

*

MILLER -- really -- ? You’re a scientist --

*

EINSTEIN -- nice of you to remember -MILLER -- you tell me how that’s possible. EINSTEIN Clearly the plane was diverted and forced to land somewhere -MILLER -- in the middle of the Atlantic? EINSTEIN There could have been an aircraft carrier waiting in the ocean -MILLER -- that’s one elaborate operation you’re describing -- and why allow the pilots to fly home -- ? EINSTEIN -- however they did it, I guarantee you those passengers are being held hostage somewhere and it’s only a matter of time before we receive some radical terrorist demands -MILLER -- except according to ATC, Flight 814 never deviated from its course since leaving JFK and no other aircraft were detected on radar -EINSTEIN (mocking) I suppose you think the passengers were abducted by aliens. Miller smiles, evading Einstein’s derision and taking the possibility seriously. He SWIPES HIS TABLET to bring up a digitally scanned FBI CASE FILE and hands it to Einstein. MILLER There is precedent -(MORE)

*

*

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 11. 16 CONTINUED: (3) 16

MILLER (CONT’D) -- in 1997, Flight 549 crashed over upstate New York after a catastrophic near miss with a UFO --

*

EINSTEIN -- I think you mean alleged UFO -MILLER Unidentified is unidentified, Agent Einstein. No adequate explanation for the cause was ever recorded. EINSTEIN There’s always an explanation -you just have to be prepared to work for it. Besides, this plane landed in one piece, from what I understand -MILLER -- grounded at a Canadian military base in Nova Scotia -EINSTEIN Has anybody questioned the pilots? MILLER Top of my list, right after I examine the aircraft. I figure we’ve got about 24 hours before it’s taken apart and shipped over to the Pentagon piece by piece.

*

Miller hands Einstein an airline ticket. EINSTEIN You seriously want us to go to Nova Scotia. In the middle of January. MILLER Our flight leaves within the hour. Einstein takes the plane ticket under sufferance. As an excited Miller heads out the door -EINSTEIN -- you couldn’t have found a ghost plane grounded in Hawaii -- ? CUT TO:

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 12.

17

EXT. GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE - DAY

17

An N.D. RENTAL CAR cruises up a landing strip where the grounded CIVILIAN AIRLINER rests behind a CORDON marked by MILITARY HUMVEES and barricades mounted with HAZARD LIGHTS. A LEGEND appears: GREENWOOD AIR BASE, NOVA SCOTIA 2:56 PM

*

The rental car is flagged down by a YOUNG SOLDIER and Agents Einstein and Miller emerge, flashing their FBI CREDENTIALS. EINSTEIN Special Agent Einstein, FBI. This is Agent Miller. YOUNG SOLDIER Authorized personnel only. Einstein glances around at the various OFFICIAL PERSONNEL in windbreakers bearing the letters NTSB and DHS. EINSTEIN We have clearance from Assistant Director Skinner in Washington. You might want to check with your C.O. The Soldier looks uncertain. Einstein’s poker face is magnificent. A beat and the Solider steps aside. MILLER I’m with her. Einstein marches out between the barricades toward the plane without hesitation. Miller follows, a little impressed. EINSTEIN I don’t suppose they’ll let us take a look at the flight data recorder. MILLER Maybe if you ask nicely. 18

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - DAY

18

Einstein and Miller step on board, flicking on their FLASHLIGHTS as they edge down parallel aisles. OXYGEN MASKS still hang from the ceiling. Carry-on luggage still dotted around the empty seats. Einstein checks the overhead bins -- finds them full of coats and luggage.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 13. 18 CONTINUED: 18

EINSTEIN All the luggage seems to be accounted for. This really is an Xfile. Miller smiles as he reaches ROW 12, as if it’s what he was looking for from the moment they stepped on board. The LAPTOP belonging to Anxious still rests at the end of the row. MILLER Check out that laptop. It’s on Einstein’s side of the aisle. She hits the POWER button, gets no response. EINSTEIN Looks like the battery’s dead. Miller looks down when he realizes he’s stepped on the PEN that Charming was using. He crouches, picks it up. Curious. EINSTEIN What exactly are we supposed to be looking for, Agent Miller? Before Miller can answer, the Young Soldier from the cordon marches down the aisle with one hand on his side-arm. He’s accompanied by his COMMANDING OFFICER (40s) -- a stern and authoritative woman who won’t be so easily bluffed. COMMANDING OFFICER What’s your business here? MILLER We’re federal agents investigating this incident. I’m reaching for my badge -Miller tentatively reaches into his jacket, cautious of the trigger-happy Younger Soldier. He flashes his FBI badge. COMMANDING OFFICER You’re not authorized to board this aircraft. I’ll ask you once to leave before I have you removed. Miller looks to Einstein, both knowing discretion to be the better part of valor. EINSTEIN Come on, Miller. Let’s go. Miller subtly pockets the PEN before they disembark.

*

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 14.

19

EXT. GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE - DAY

19

Einstein and Miller are escorted as far as the cordon by the Young Soldier, then head for their parked sedan. EINSTEIN Why is there such a strong military presence guarding this plane? MILLER Maybe this might help explain it. Miller takes the pen from his pocket and examines it closely. EINSTEIN (incredulous) A pen? MILLER It seems to be equipped with some kind of laser. Miller CLICKS the end of the pen and the LITTLE RED DOT appears at the other end. He turns it around curiously. Einstein rolls her eyes, dismissive, as her PHONE RINGS. She checks the display -- “WALTER SKINNER” -- and answers -EINSTEIN -- Assistant Director -- no, we were just escorted from the site -As she talks, Miller inadvertently tilts the laser pen so that it’s pointing directly at Einstein’s phone. It FRITZES and CUTS OUT before she even realizes. EINSTEIN -- hello -- ? Assistant Director? Einstein lowers her phone to find the screen is dead. EINSTEIN Great. My battery just died. MILLER I’m not so sure about that. But I’ll bet you can only find these in CIA stationary cupboards. Miller CLICKS the pen and the laser winks out. EINSTEIN Miller, it’s just a pen.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 15. 19 CONTINUED: 19

MILLER Mightier than the sword. Miller climbs into their rental car. A beat of frustration from Einstein before she joins him -20

INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY - CONTINUOUS

20

Einstein dangles the car keys before Miller, taunting. EINSTEIN What aren’t you telling me? MILLER What do you mean? EINSTEIN What is it about this case that got you racing down to the basement and trawling through old X-files like a spoilt brat on Christmas morning?

* *

Miller smiles -- there is something more. He reaches for his TABLET, swipes through and hands it over to Einstein. MILLER This was sent to my Dropbox early this morning. It’s a copy of the passenger manifest.

* *

EINSTEIN (so what?) You could’ve got this from the FAA. MILLER I did. Check out seat 12-G. Miller hands Einstein a paper print-out of a seemingly identical manifest. She cross checks it against the tablet. EINSTEIN There’s a discrepancy. The airline manifest has that seat assigned to a Craig Willmore, but in this version it’s listed as -MILLER -- Eric Zellman. Miller swipes over the tablet and a PHOTO I.D. and government background check of ERIC ZELLMAN (30s) appears on screen. It’s clearly the same ANXIOUS MAN we saw in the Teaser.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act One PINK (08/26/19) 16. 20 CONTINUED: 20

MILLER (with relish) He’s employed as an aeronautics engineer at Groom Lake, Nevada. EINSTEIN (mocking) Area 51. MILLER The rest of his file is classified. But if he was a passenger on that plane, I’m guessing his work may go a long way to explaining what happened to it and why. EINSTEIN You’re not suggesting that the twohundred-nineteen passengers on that plane were somehow kidnapped, midflight, all to get to one man? Off Miller’s look -- that’s exactly what he’s suggesting -CUT TO: 21

EXT. RURAL HIGHWAY - NOVA SCOTIA - DAY BARE FEET stagger along asphalt. Haphazardly walking the line painted down the middle of a long country road. TRAFFIC ZIPS BY in both directions. HORNS HONK but the jaywalker does not seem at all cognizant of their presence. TILT UP to REVEAL the self same man from Miller’s phone screen, wearing only his underwear -- the man we knew as ANXIOUS on the plane, now and forever named ERIC ZELLMAN. But his skin is now CRIMSON RED, covered in what appear to be RADIATION BLISTERS and an OOZING RASH all over his face. He wanders along the road -- dazed and confused -- his eyes glazed and vacant of any sense of where he’s going as we: END ACT ONE

21

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 17.

ACT TWO 22

INT. GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE - CONCOURSE - DAY

22

Agent Miller races to keep pace with the AIRLINE CAPTAIN as he marches along the concourse. Agent Einstein close behind. MILLER Agents Miller and Einstein, with the FBI. We’re investigating the incident aboard Flight 814 -CAPTAIN I have nothing to say. EINSTEIN Two-hundred-nineteen passengers are unaccounted for on your aircraft -CAPTAIN You’ll have to go through the FAA or my attorneys, I’m sorry. MILLER Why won’t you talk to us, Captain? But he just keeps on walking away, leaving Miller frustrated while Einstein is far from surprised. EINSTEIN They’re bound to close ranks. The airline’s got about two-hundrednineteen lawsuits waiting to drop. Miller’s attention is drawn by a FIGURE at the other end of the concourse, waving him over before disappearing behind a door marked “STAIRS.” It’s the CO-PILOT from the plane. MILLER Maybe one person hasn’t lawyered up yet. Miller heads for the door as it swings closed -23

INT. GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE - STAIRWELL - DAY - CONTINUOUS 23 Miller pushes into the darkened, echoing concrete of the stairwell where the Co-Pilot is pacing anxiously. MILLER Hey --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 18. 23 CONTINUED: 23

Einstein joins them just a few steps behind. The Co-Pilot waits for the stairwell door to swing closed with a THUNK. CO-PILOT You’re the FBI agents? MILLER Special Agent Miller. This is Agent Einstein. CO-PILOT We’re not supposed to talk to you. MILLER That’s all right, we can keep this off the record. The Co-Pilot glances nervously from Einstein to Miller, not sure he can trust them. But desperate to talk to somebody. CO-PILOT My name is Lieutenant Victor Constanza. EINSTEIN You were the co-pilot on Flight 814? CONSTANZA (CO-PILOT) Yes, ma’am. After we gave our reports to the NTSB, we were ordered never to disclose what we saw. MILLER What happened to those passengers? CONSTANZA What happened up there, I can’t explain. We left JFK on-time at 20:00 hours. At approximately 22:15, our instruments began to malfunction. EINSTEIN Malfunction how? CONSTANZA We couldn’t get our bearing. The altitude controls locked. Then there was this... bright light -Miller looks at Einstein, excited with anticipation.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 19. 23 CONTINUED: (2) 23

MILLER Was there another craft in your airspace, Lieutenant? CONSTANZA No. We radioed to declare an emergency at exactly 22:17. Then there was a flash. I looked at my console and it turned 22:26 -MILLER -- you lost nine minutes -- ?! CONSTANZA -- right in the blink of an eye. The cockpit door was sealed. We had no idea the passengers were missing until we landed at Greenwood. EINSTEIN This alleged time discrepancy -- it can be verified by the flight data recorder? CONSTANZA They’ll never let that data be released. It’s already been classified under national security. MILLER Would you be willing to testify to this? Make an official statement? CONSTANZA No, sir. They waved the Patriot Act in our face, threatened us with jail time if we didn’t stick to the official story. But somebody has to find those passengers. I won’t have two-hundred-nineteen souls on my conscience. As Miller nods in solemn understanding --

* CUT TO:

24

EXT. GREENWOOD AIR FORCE BASE - DAY

24

Miller leads the charge back to the rental car as Einstein plods after him. While he’s energized, she’s dubious.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 20. 24 CONTINUED: 24

EINSTEIN Regardless of that story, Miller, what could possibly take place in just nine minutes that would explain where those passengers are? MILLER You think he’s lying? EINSTEIN Not necessarily. He could be suffering from post-traumatic stress. It would be remarkable if he wasn’t suffering from posttraumatic stress, considering. MILLER Without any reliable flight data, his testimony is all we’ve got to go on -EINSTEIN -- which is precious little. Miller’s phone CHIMES with an alert as they reach the car. He checks it and his eyebrows raise with interest. EINSTEIN You know, Miller, I’m starting to think you’re fishing for an elaborate conspiracy here just to justify your new assignment to the X-files.

*

MILLER

* *

Uh huh. But Miller is more interested in his phone right now. EINSTEIN If that plane were hijacked, the military would be well within their rights to keep that information classified until any rescue mission is complete.

* * *

*

MILLER Maybe. But I just got a ping on our APB. Guess who was admitted to a local hospital thirty minutes ago? As Miller looks up from his phone screen with relish --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 21. 24 CONTINUED: (2) 24

CUT TO: 25-27

OMITTED

25-27*

A PEN LIGHT SHINING DIRECTLY INTO THE CAMERA LENS. We are: 28

INT. HOSPITAL - EXAMINATION ROOM - DAY

* 28

Einstein peers into the eyes of Eric Zellman, now dressed in a hospital gown and perched on the edge of an examination table. Still covered in boils and a crimson rash.

*

EINSTEIN Do you know where you are? ERIC ZELLMAN Hospital... EINSTEIN What state? What country? ERIC ZELLMAN I... I’m not sure... Einstein peels down his gown to reveal an ENTRY WOUND on his shoulder. A corresponding EXIT WOUND on his back. Both already dressed with white gauze and a bandage. EINSTEIN Do you know your name? Zellman hesitates, tries to speak but can’t find the words. As if the answer is locked away in his mind somewhere. EINSTEIN It’s okay, try to relax. I’ll be right back. Einstein steps out into -29

INT. HOSPITAL - CORRIDOR - DAY - CONTINUOUS

29

Einstein emerges from the side room to join Miller, who’s been watching from behind a glass panel in the door. MILLER How is he?

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 22. 29 CONTINUED: 29

EINSTEIN Lucid, more or less. But he’s extremely disoriented. MILLER That’ll happen when you fall to Earth from thirty thousand feet. EINSTEIN He has a gunshot wound to his shoulder but according to his notes, it was already bound and dressed before he arrived. MILLER What about those burns? EINSTEIN I don’t know. It’s almost like he’s been exposed to something radioactive. Plutonium maybe. MILLER Let me talk to him -Miller tries to pass Einstein and enter the examination room but she stops him by planting her palm in his chest. EINSTEIN Not yet. I want to give him an fMRI scan first, check for brain injury. MILLER He’s the one person that can tell us what happened on Flight 814 -EINSTEIN -- right now he can’t even tell us his own name. Our first priority has to be figuring out what’s wrong with him. Miller reluctantly concedes the point as he stares through the glass panel to Zellman -- the truth so close yet so far. 30

INT. HOSPITAL - SCAN ROOM - DAY Zellman lies supine within an fMRI SCANNER. He flinches as it fires out loud, mechanical JOLTS. Encased in a magnetic tomb.

30

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 23.

31

INT. HOSPITAL - SCAN ROOM - MONITORING BOOTH - DAY

31

BANKS OF MONITORS displaying real-time HUMAN BRAIN SCAN imagery. Einstein and Miller stand over a SCAN TECHNICIAN. MILLER What are we looking at? Miller peers at the image as Einstein points to a series of intermittent CLOUDY PATCHES fogging over the brain scan. EINSTEIN See these dark patches flooding the temporal lobe? They look like what we’d normally call white matter tract abnormalities. MILLER What would cause that? EINSTEIN Typically we’d see these in cancer patients, stroke victims, epileptics -- or sometimes as a result of traumatic brain injury. MILLER What are you suggesting? EINSTEIN These aren’t any kind of abnormalities I’ve ever seen before. It’s like they’re swimming all through the hippocampus. MILLER Isn’t that the part of the brain responsible for memory formation? EINSTEIN Right. It’s almost as if -Einstein stops herself, worried she might sound almost as crazy as Miller. MILLER Go ahead and say it, Agent Einstein. EINSTEIN It’s almost as if someone had gone in and redacted his memories.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 24. 31 CONTINUED: 31

Miller lights up at such an extreme possibility. EINSTEIN Believe me, I know how crazy that sounds. I want to consult with a neurologist here before we go any -Just then, ARMED MILITARY POLICE charge into the room. They push right through to the scan room and accost Zellman. MILLER -- what the hell is this -- ? MILITARY POLICE -- step aside -- keep your hands where we can see them -EINSTEIN -- we’re federal agents -- ! Before they can intervene, the MP’s hustle Zellman out of the room and bundle him into the corridor by force. MILLER -- you can’t do this -EINSTEIN -- that man is a patient -MILITARY POLICE -- this man is being placed under military arrest -EINSTEIN -- on what charge -- ?! MILITARY POLICE -- espionage and treason -Miller and Einstein turn to one another, helpless, while the MP’s exit as quickly as they arrived. Miller grabs his phone. MILLER I’m calling A.D. Skinner. Einstein shakes her head in disbelief as to what just happened, then turns back to the monitor where the abnormal brain scan image stares back at her. CUT TO:

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 25.

32

INT. FBI PARKING GARAGE - DAY

32

Assistant Director Skinner steps out from the elevator banks carrying a briefcase. Heading for his car. Entering -33

INT. SKINNER’S CAR - FBI PARKING GARAGE - DAY - CONTINUOUS

33

Skinner climbs in, throws his briefcase onto the backseat. Just as he puts his keys in the ignition, the passenger door opens and the Toothpick Man slides in -- the same ominous man we glimpsed leaving Skinner’s office earlier. SKINNER Do you mind? TOOTHPICK MAN Leaving early, Assistant Director? SKINNER I have a meeting over at Justice. TOOTHPICK MAN I’m getting some concerning reports from Nova Scotia. It seems your agents may have overstepped their purview in this matter. SKINNER They’re doing their jobs. After a point, I can’t control what they may or may not find in the course of an investigation. TOOTHPICK MAN We’ve had this conversation once before, you and I -SKINNER -- and I’m doing what you asked. What more do you want from me? TOOTHPICK MAN Don’t lose sight of the purpose of the enterprise, Mr Skinner. SKINNER Are we done here? No response. Nothing but a sinister, penetrating stare from the Toothpick Man.

(CONTINUED)

*

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Two PINK (08/26/19) 26. 33 CONTINUED: 33

SKINNER Then get the hell out of my car. The Toothpick Man exits the vehicle, leaving Skinner more than a little unsettled when --- his PHONE RINGS. He checks the ID: “KYD MILLER.” Skinner DECLINES the call, hinting at his compromised position as we: END ACT TWO

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 27.

ACT THREE 34-36

OMITTED

34-36*

36A

INT. MOTEL BEDROOM - LATE DAY

36A*

Einstein holds a landline phone to her head, irate.

*

EINSTEIN (into phone) The FBI has every right to examine that flight data recorder. The military cannot simply --

* * * * *

CLICK. DIAL TONE. Einstein tilts the receiver away in disgust. They just hung up on her.

* *

EINSTEIN Unbelievable.

* *

She slams the phone down in its cradle and charges out -37

EXT. MOTEL BREEZEWAY - LATE DAY

* 37

Einstein marches over to Miller by his car, scrolling through his cell phone as it CHIMES repeatedly with multiple alerts. EINSTEIN Grindr? Miller shoots a look of mock amusement and turns his phone screen to show Einstein -MILLER Signal. I’ve been getting anonymous messages since we left D.C. EINSTEIN Same source who sent you that passenger manifest? MILLER Stands to reason. They claim they were due to meet Zellman in Paris. EINSTEIN Don’t tell me. Long distance love affair.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 28. 37 CONTINUED: 37

MILLER Not exactly. They say Zellman was carrying classified documents. When his plane didn’t arrive, his contact got on the first flight out. EINSTEIN Your source is coming here? MILLER Scheduled to arrive at Dulles at ten-thirty. But they’re going to need our protection. Einstein nods, invested now, as we -CUT TO: 38

EXT. DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NIGHT

38

Multiple AIRLINERS in the process of landing or taking off. With LEGEND to establish: DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DULLES, VIRGINIA 39

INT. DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - ARRIVALS AREA - NIGHT

* * 39

Einstein and Miller sit waiting at a little COFFEE KIOSK. Miller cradles his phone, checking for messages that aren’t arriving. Einstein glances at her watch, pessimistic. EINSTEIN Is this going to happen? MILLER They said they’d be here. An enigmatic PARISIAN WOMAN wearing OVERSIZE SUNGLASSES at the coffee kiosk takes her order and turns around. She removes her shades to reveal LAUREN MINETTE (30s). LAUREN MINETTE Excuse me, do you have sugar? MILLER Sweetener works better for me. Minette nods -- some kind of prearranged code between them.

(CONTINUED)

* *

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 29. 39 CONTINUED: 39

MILLER (reaching for his badge) I’m Special Agent -LAUREN MINETTE -- put that away, I know who you are -EINSTEIN Then you have us at a disadvantage. LAUREN MINETTE We can’t speak here. I’ve been followed since I left Paris. They’ll be watching. MILLER Then let’s get you some place safe. Miller nods to Einstein -- they have a plan. CUT TO: 40

EXT. DULLES AIRPORT - SHORT TERM PARKING - NIGHT

40

Busy with CABS and UBERS coming and going as a N.D. RENTAL CAR pulls out and makes its way past the EXIT signs. A PAIR OF BLACK GOVERNMENT FLEET SEDANS WITH TINTED WINDOWS emerge from a queue of traffic in b.g. and begin to follow. 41

INT. RENTAL CAR - NIGHT

41

Einstein behind the wheel. She checks her mirrors. Clocks the sedans snaking up in the rear-view. EINSTEIN You guys ready for this? Einstein SLAMS HER FOOT ON THE GAS -- LURCHING BACK as -42

EXT. DULLES AIRPORT - SHORT TERM PARKING - NIGHT The rental car SWERVES OUT of its lane and ACCELERATES -SCREECHING PAST a queue of traffic -- HORNS BLARING -THE BLACK SEDANS pull out and SPEED UP in pursuit --

42

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 30.

43

INT. RENTAL CAR - DRIVING - NIGHT

43

Lauren Minette in the back seat. Thrown against the upholstery. She turns to check the rear windshield -44

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

44

Traffic SWERVES to avoid a collision as the rental car SKIDS OUT from the airport with a SQUEALING HANDBREAK TURN --- SPEEDING OUT onto the open highway -- RACING between lanes as the black sedans ZOOM UP in relentless pursuit -45

INT. RENTAL CAR - DRIVING - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

45

Einstein struggles to keep control of the wheel as one of the sedans CUTS HER OFF and forces her to SLAM ON THE BREAKS -46

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

46

-- as the rental car is forced to AN ABRUPT STOP at the roadside -- boxed in by the black sedans in front and behind. Two pairs of DHS AGENTS in DARK SUITS and AVIATOR SHADES emerge and surround the rental. They RAP against the windows. DHS AGENT Step out of the vehicle. The driver’s door opens and Einstein steps out -EINSTEIN Who the hell are you guys? DHS AGENT Homeland Security. EINSTEIN Keeping America safe from reckless drivers? The other three DHS Agents search the rental car and pop the trunk, but come up empty. They shake their heads -- nothing. DHS AGENT Where is she? EINSTEIN (feigning ignorance) Who?

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 31. 46 CONTINUED: 46

Off Einstein’s tiny hint of triumph -47

INT. SECOND RENTAL CAR - DRIVING - NIGHT

47

-- we REVEAL MILLER behind the wheel of a different vehicle. Lauren Minette safely in the back seat. Driving off way across the other side of the airport. Never in any danger. 48

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

48

As Miller’s car turns onto the open road and SPEEDS OFF among the traffic, receding into the distance. They’re away. CUT TO: 49

EXT. MOTEL BREEZEWAY - NIGHT

49

Einstein’s car parks up. Rain falling in sheets. A LEGEND appears: 11:21 PM 50

INT. MOTEL BATHROOM - NIGHT

* * 50

Einstein dries her hair with a towel, soaked from the rain. She spots a little BOTTLE OF PILLS resting by the sink. Picks them up. Examines the label. Curious. Concerned. 51

INT. MOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER

51

Einstein emerges from the bathroom to join Miller. Lauren Minette sits in a desk chair in the corner. MILLER You’re going to want to hear this. LAUREN MINETTE But first -- your cell phone, if you don’t mind. Minette rises and holds out a plastic container wrapped in aluminum foil. A FARADAY BOX. Miller’s phone already inside. EINSTEIN Did you bring tinfoil hats, too?

*

MILLER Agent Einstein --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 32. 51 CONTINUED: 51

Einstein takes out her phone and dumps it in the box. EINSTEIN Take it. It’s fried already. Minette seals the box, sets it aside. EINSTEIN Now is somebody going to tell me what all this is about? LAUREN MINETTE My name is Lauren Minette. I work for an organization called UfoLeaks. (Note: she pronounces this “yoo-fo leaks.”) MILLER Freedom of information campaigners. They published unredacted documents that were left out of the government’s recent report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. EINSTEIN (derisive) I’ve heard of it. LAUREN MINETTE We were approached by Eric Zellman several months ago -MILLER -- Area 51 employee with access to above top-secret intelligence on our government’s research and development of classified projects using reverse-engineered alien technology -EINSTEIN -- tell me you’re not serious -LAUREN MINETTE Zellman claimed to be in possession of detailed plans and blueprints of the so-called TR-3B Black Manta -CUT TO:

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 33.

52

INT. AREA 51 - AIRCRAFT HANGAR - DAY - FLASHBACK

52

Eric Zellman stands in a huge HIGH-TECH HANGAR, busy with ENGINEERS and SCIENTISTS in LAB COATS huddled in groups. MILLER (V.O.) -- an advanced US aircraft capable of multi-directional flight using electrogravitic propulsion powered by zero-point energy -- also known as an Alien Replica Vehicle --

*

Zellman pushes through a mass of bodies until he stands before A MATTE BLACK TRIANGULAR CRAFT mounted on landing struts. Looking a lot like the mystery craft from the Teaser. CUT BACK TO: 53

INT. MOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

53

Einstein listens incredulously. Miller manic with excitement. MILLER -- technology the military has kept secret for 75 years -LAUREN MINETTE -- Zellman claimed to be an aeronautics engineer recruited to the design team out of the US Air Force. He worked at the Nevada base for nine years before he was granted access to their most advanced projects -CUT TO: 54

INT. AREA 51 - COMPUTER OPERATIONS ROOM - DAY - FLASHBACK

54*

Zellman works at a COMPUTER TERMINAL in a wide annulus of workstations around a HUGE ATRIUM alive with activity.

* *

LAUREN MINETTE (V.O.) -- driven by a steadfast conviction that the public have a right to know where this technology came from, Zellman was able to smuggle the design specs out of the complex on a micro-SD card --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 34. 54 CONTINUED: 54

Zellman takes a stick of CHEWING GUM and pops it into his mouth. He glances around furtively.

*

ARMED SOLDIERS are posted as guards at every exit. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS on the ceiling. Zellman slides a MICO-SD CARD out of his computer and folds it into the aluminum gum wrapper. 55

INT. AREA 51 - SECURITY CHECKPOINT CORRIDOR - DAY - FLASHBACK 55 Zellman files out in a short queue of other EMPLOYEES. They all must pass through a METAL-DETECTOR ARCH manned by more ARMED SOLDIERS. Some are checked with a WAND on the way. Zellman SWEATS nervously. His eyes fixed dead ahead. Almost as anxious as when we first met him on the plane. He’s up next. Guards watching him as he approaches the arch. Zellman HOLDS HIS BREATH as he steps through and --- nothing. No alarm. But next comes the MAGNETIC WAND. The Guard waves it over his body. No ping. He’s home free. CUT BACK TO:

56

INT. MOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

56

Einstein paces the floor, shaking her head in disbelief. EINSTEIN You’re saying he managed to walk out of one of the most highlyguarded, top-secret military installations on the planet with classified documents -- ?! LAUREN MINETTE -- that he was prepared to hand over for authentication in exchange for safe harbor in Europe --

* *

MILLER -- except he never arrived -CUT TO:

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 35.

57

INT. JFK AIRPORT - DEPARTURES LOUNGE - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

57

Zellman clutches a LAPTOP BAG tight to his chest as he waits in a queue of other PASSENGERS waiting to board their flight. MILLER (V.O.) -- I believe Eric Zellman was followed onto Flight 814 by agents of our government determined to stop him from leaking those files -ANGLE TO INCLUDE THE CHARMING WOMAN whom we recognize -58

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

58

Zellman jabs at his laptop keyboard as the screen FRITZES. The Charming Woman sits at the end of his row, pointing her LASER PEN at the laptop with its little RED DOT at the tip. MILLER (V.O.) -- but they got to him too late. So they had to use any and all means to stop him landing in Paris and blowing the whistle on one of the biggest conspiracies in history. Just as in the Teaser, the cabin begins to SHAKE and RUMBLE as passengers SHRIEK in terror right before -THE ENTIRE CABIN IS FILLED WITH THE BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT accompanied by the UNEARTHLY THRUMMMMMMMM -CUT BACK TO: 59

INT. MOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

59

Einstein scoffs in derision at this version of events. EINSTEIN So, what? He was abducted by aliens? LAUREN MINETTE Not aliens --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 36. 59 CONTINUED: 59

MILLER -- but an elite division of Air Force sent to intercept retrieve Eric Zellman using same reverse-engineered UFO technology he was trying to

the US and the expose.

Einstein laughs out loud at this. A derisive, angry laugh. EINSTEIN That’s absurd! Even if any of this were remotely plausible -- and it isn’t -- what about all the other passengers? Why take them too? MILLER We can only speculate -CUT TO: 60

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

60

FILLED WITH BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT. Zellman grips his armrests tight. His knuckles going white. Holding on for dear life. MILLER (V.O.) -- but I think something didn’t go according to plan -THREE NARROW GREEN LASER BEAMS PENETRATE THE CABIN FROM ABOVE -- searching like a laser-targeted drone strike until --

61

They FIND Zellman and come to a rest over his head --

*

He looks up into the laserlight, awestruck and terrified --

*

EXT. SKIES OVER THE ATLANTIC - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

61

HIGH OVER the silhouette of the passenger jet as the sharp edge of a MATTE BLACK TRIANGULAR CRAFT eclipses the airliner -- what we now REVEAL to be the TR-3B ALIEN REPLICA VEHICLE. 62

INT. AIRLINER - PASSENGER CABIN - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

62

ROCKING and RATTLING like it might explode from sheer stress -- SHRIEKING and SCREAMING from hundreds of passengers -MILLER (V.O.) -- something they never anticipated --

* *

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 37. 62 CONTINUED: 62

The BLINDING WHITE LIGHT now fills the cabin -- BRIGHTER and BRIGHTER -- near NUCLEAR INTENSITY until -ARMED PARATROOPERS IN BLACK COMBAT GEAR and RESPIRATOR MASKS surge into the cabin -- AUTOMATIC WEAPONS pointing left and right -- SWARMING down the aisle toward Zellman -MILLER (V.O.) -- the passengers fought back --

*

As Zellman is BUNDLED UP AND OUT OF HIS SEAT by the masked Paratroopers, other PASSENGERS exchange little glances and nods until -THREE MUSCULAR MEN dart up from their seats and CHARGE AT THE PARATROOPERS -- tackling them -- wrestling for their guns -MILLER (V.O.) Believing they were being hijacked, on the verge of another 9/11, they tried to overpower their hijackers.

*

Zellman is able to BREAK FREE and makes a desperate, instinctive SPRINT for the bathrooms when -BLAM!! A GUNSHOT hits Zellman in the shoulder --

*

He falls to the floor. Wounded. The exact same shoulder wound we saw Einstein examine at the hospital. The bullet passes through -- lodges into the cabin wall -OXYGEN MASKS DROP FROM THE CEILING at the loss of pressure -The other Paratroopers SLAM THE BUTTS OF THEIR RIFLES into the guts of the insurgent passengers -- CHAOS IN THE CABIN -CUT BACK TO: 63

INT. MOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

63

Miller espousing his theory to an incredulous Einstein. EINSTEIN -- that is utterly preposterous -MILLER -- in the chaos that followed, the attackers had no choice but to evacuate Flight 814 in order to keep control of the aircraft and erase any evidence of what really happened --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 38. 63 CONTINUED: 63

EINSTEIN -- but we found Zellman. I examined him. How do you explain that -- ? MILLER Maybe he escaped. Or maybe we were meant to find him. Just long enough to bear witness to their alibi. Einstein shakes her head, not just refusing to believe this story but outraged by its complete audacity. EINSTEIN This is sheer conjecture. It’s nothing more than half-baked, potboiled, dimestore science fiction. (beat) An aircraft cannot be boarded and evacuated at thirty thousand feet! It’s not physically possible -MILLER -- not with any known technology. EINSTEIN There is not one shred of physical evidence to back up a single word you’re saying. Either of you. LAUREN MINETTE I don’t claim to know what happened on Flight 814. But I do believe Eric Zellman was a credible whistleblower with genuine information -MILLER -- but without his testimony or the documents he was carrying, we’ll never know. LAUREN MINETTE He was afraid for his life. In his last communication, he indicated that in the event he didn’t make it, he would most likely be detained at the US military base on the coast of Cuba -EINSTEIN -- Guantanamo Bay -- ?! Einstein scoffs. It just gets more and more incredible.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 39. 63 CONTINUED: (2) 63

MILLER You examined Zellman yourself, Agent Einstein. Whatever you believe, I know you don’t want to see an innocent civilian held without charge or due process. Einstein frowns, but he makes at least one good point there. EINSTEIN I want the truth as much as anyone. But unlike you I need good, hard evidence. I need proof. Minette picks up her Faraday Box and allows Miller and Einstein to retrieve their phones. LAUREN MINETTE If you find him, you know how to reach me. And she heads out. Miller goes after her, while Einstein lifts the pill bottle marked “Clozapine” from her pocket and regards it warily in light of Miller’s manic energy. 64

EXT. MOTEL BREEZEWAY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

64

Miller follows Lauren Minette out into the driving rain. MILLER Hey, wait -LAUREN MINETTE -- I’ve already said too much --

*

MILLER -- you’ve come all this way. Don’t you want to see this through -- ?

* *

LAUREN MINETTE It’s dangerous for me to stay in the country too long. Does the name Julian Assange mean anything to you?

*

MILLER That’s exactly why we need your help. Help us find Zellman and make sure his story gets told.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Three PINK (08/26/19) 40. 64 CONTINUED: 64

LAUREN MINETTE We publish the truth, Agent Miller. We can’t fight a crusade for you. MILLER Then why reach out at all? Why send me that passenger manifest? LAUREN MINETTE I didn’t send you any manifest. I was given your contact details by a mutual associate who vouched for your integrity. MILLER Who? LAUREN MINETTE Someone who -- like myself -values their anonymity. With one final, intense stare, Minette walks off into the night. Miller is left standing. Curious. Then who was it? CUT TO: 65

EXT. GUANTANAMO BAY - LANDING STRIP - NIGHT

65

A SKYHAWK HELICOPTER descends over a heavily-guarded complex with an AIR CONTROL TOWER, surrounded by CYCLONE FENCING.

*

The chopper touches down on a lit-up HELIPAD. ARMED SOLDIERS rush to meet it as its bay doors slide open to reveal --

*

A PRISONER IN AN ORANGE JUMPSUIT -- handcuffed and shackled in leg irons -- Eric Zellman. He’s escorted by USMC GUARDS within the chopper who hand him over to the SOLDIERS. Hustling him across the tarmac. We’re watching this exchange FROM SOMEBODY’S P.O.V. -- ARMING AROUND TO REVEAL THE TOOTHPICK MAN. He stares out with dark purpose, utterly inscrutable as we: END ACT THREE

*

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 41.

ACT FOUR 66

EXT. LONG RURAL ROAD - NIGHT

66

A mud-spattered, old model JEEP CHEROKEE rattles along a dusty road. A LEGEND appears: GUANTANAMO, CUBA 11:21 PM 67

INT. JEEP - DRIVING - NIGHT

* * 67

Einstein behind the wheel. Miller riding shotgun. Both now dressed in n.d. civilian clothing. EINSTEIN Just so you know, if we get brought up on charges I’m going to ask for us to be tried separately. I don’t want any of that batcrap Area 51 nonsense sabotaging my defense. She’s joking, kind of. Trying to lighten the mood in her way. MILLER Don’t be so sure. I plan on pleading insanity. Something about that makes Einstein uncomfortable. She changes tack. Serious now. More personal.

*

EINSTEIN Why is this so important to you? MILLER You’re a scientist, isn’t it important to you? It would redefine everything we think we know about the laws of physics -EINSTEIN -- but you’re a criminal profiler -when did proving the existence of reverse-engineered alien technology become your Holy Grail -- ? A beat as Miller stares out to the darkened landscape ahead. MILLER I’ve been trying to trace my birth parents since I was old enough to understand why they weren’t around. I never had much luck until I discovered the X-files --

*

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 42. 67 CONTINUED: 67

Einstein takes her eyes off the road to look at Miller, sensing him opening up to her on a deeper level. MILLER I trawled through the digitized copies of every file I could get my hands on until I found records of a series of experiments conducted in the 1980s and 90s on vulnerable pregnant women. I believe one of them was my birth mother -EINSTEIN -- what kind of experiments -- ? MILLER -- genetic implantation. In-vitro fertilization. Conducted without their knowledge or consent. The products of which were never fully accounted for --

* * * *

EINSTEIN -- and there was conclusive evidence of this -- ? MILLER I’m not sure. Before I could dig any deeper, the files were taken offline and reclassified by the executive branch -(more energized) -- if this case proves anything -enough to justify reopening the Xfiles -- maybe I can find her --

* *

EINSTEIN -- your birth mother -- ? MILLER -- find out what was done to her, and to me. Where I came from and why. I’m convinced the truth can be found in the X-files -Einstein feels that same manic intensity rising in Miller again. It scares her. She tugs the wheel to pull over -68

EXT. LONG RURAL ROAD - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS As the Jeep pulls to the side of the road. Engine running. Headlights shining out to the darkened horizon ahead.

* 68

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 43.

69

INT. JEEP - STATIONARY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

69

Einstein turns in her seat so she can face Miller properly and give him her full attention. Sensitivity in her eyes. EINSTEIN Listen, Miller... (awkward beat) Before we left D.C. -- I found these in your motel room. She digs out the little bottle of pills marked “Clozapine” she took from the bathroom earlier. Shows them to Miller. EINSTEIN It’s none of my business, but if there’s something I need to know -Miller looks away and sighs. He wasn’t planning on getting into all this now but he’s not ashamed of it either. MILLER I struggled with depression and anxiety as a kid. These last few years have been... difficult. I was diagnosed bipolar in 2017.

*

Einstein nods slowly, appreciating his honesty. EINSTEIN Okay. But you’re managing it, right? You’re in treatment? MILLER Not exactly. EINSTEIN What do you mean? Where did you get these if not -- ? MILLER -- I ordered them online -EINSTEIN -- Jesus, Miller. Tell me you’re not that stupid. MILLER I can’t go on-record with this.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 44. 69 CONTINUED: 69

EINSTEIN It’s the 21st century. The Bureau has support programmes for agents with mental health issues -MILLER -- but no one would take the Xfiles seriously ever again. Whatever I find, whatever I try to prove, it would be dismissed and discredited with a single word.

*

Einstein grinds her teeth. Sadly, she knows he’s right. MILLER Go to Skinner. Go to O.P.R. if you want. But we’re so close now. Just let me see this through. Please. Einstein thinks, then hands the pills over to Miller. EINSTEIN Fine. But when we get back we need to get you a proper prescription. No more self-medicating. MILLER Agreed. Einstein puts the Jeep back in drive and pulls out. EINSTEIN Let’s just hope we’ve both got a career to go back to. CUT TO: 70

EXT. GUANTANAMO BAY - PERIMETER FENCE - NIGHT - LATER

70

The Jeep now parked off the nearby road beside a CYCLONE FENCE topped with RAZOR WIRE. A flashlight shining down on -Miller with a pair of BOLT CUTTERS clipping at the fence. Einstein standing over his shoulder. Holding the flashlight. EINSTEIN This place has got to be under constant surveillance. You’re going to get us both arrested. Or killed.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 45. 70 CONTINUED: 70

MILLER It’s partially decommissioned. Security should be lax. EINSTEIN You won’t make it ten feet. Miller ignores her, keeps cutting into the cyclone fence. EINSTEIN Even if you find Zellman, what then? You’re never going to get him off the base, let alone the island.

*

MILLER You’re putting out a lot of negative energy right now. Einstein catches sight of HEADLIGHTS on the horizon. EINSTEIN Miller -- get down! They both duck behind the wheels of the Jeep as the headlights approach from the nearby road -- heading their way -- resolving into the shape of an ARMY GREEN MILITARY BUS. As it PASSES BY, Einstein sneaks a glance. Spots THE TOOTHPICK MAN driving -- and various PASSENGERS from Flight 814 on board. The Charming Woman among them. But not Zellman. MILLER Did you see him? EINSTEIN No. But I recognized the driver. He was at the FBI yesterday. MILLER Go. Go after them -EINSTEIN -- I can’t leave you out here -MILLER -- I’ll be fine -- if they’re moving the other passengers, we might already be too late -Einstein nods. No time to debate it. She climbs into the Jeep as Miller darts back over to the cyclone fence.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 46. 70 CONTINUED: (2) 70

As the Jeep pulls away in pursuit of the bus in b.g. Miller finishes cutting a hole in the fence and sneaks through -71

EXT. GUANTANAMO BAY - AIRFIELD - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

71

Miller RUNS across the field. Ducking low. Desperate.

*

CUT TO: 72

EXT. LONG RURAL ROAD - NIGHT

72

The Military Bus driving at a steady click, PASSING CAMERA. A beat, then Einstein’s Jeep follows. Its lights OFF. 73

INT. JEEP - DRIVING - NIGHT

73

Einstein behind the wheel. Keeping her distance. The TAIL LIGHTS of the bus just about visible through the windshield. CUT TO: 74

INT. GUANTANAMO BAY - BASE CORRIDOR - NIGHT

74

Miller sneaks into a darkened corridor. Creeps around a corner. Checking WINDOW PANELS in LOCKED DOORS as he passes. He HUGS THE WALL when he HEARS FOOTSTEPS approaching -CUT BACK TO: 75

INT. JEEP - DRIVING - NIGHT - EINSTEIN

75

-- discreetly tailing the bus when her PHONE BUZZES against the dashboard. She checks it: “WALTER SKINNER.” Answers: EINSTEIN Assistant Director -76

INT. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SKINNER’S OFFICE - NIGHT

76

Skinner on his personal cell. Peeking through the venetian blinds of his office to the FBI hallway outside. Furtive.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 47. 76 CONTINUED: 76

SKINNER -- Agent Einstein, I just got word that you and Agent Miller chartered a Justice Department jet to Cuba tonight without authorization --

*

INTERCUT WITH: 77

INT. JEEP - DRIVING - NIGHT - EINSTEIN

77

-- clutching her phone to her ear as she drives. EINSTEIN -- sir, I am not currently in a position to confirm or deny -SKINNER (PHONE FILTER) -- listen to me very carefully, Agent Einstein -- wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I want you to turn around immediately --

*

EINSTEIN -- why -- ? SKINNER (PHONE FILTER) -- because they know what you’re up to -- they’ll be coming for you -CUT TO: 78

INT. GUANTANAMO BAY - BASE BRIG - NIGHT - MILLER

78

-- edges around a wall. Spots a CELL GUARD checking a clipboard. As the Guard crosses toward a desk --- Miller SPRINGS UP behind him and takes him in a SLEEPER HOLD -- forcing him down to the ground -- unconscious. Miller grabs the Guard’s KEYCHAIN from his belt -79

INT. GUANTANAMO BAY - BASE BRIG - CELL BLOCK - NIGHT

79

Miller sneaks into the CELL BLOCK -- passes a long row of EMPTY CELLS until he finds A MAN IN AN ORANGE JUMPSUIT -MILLER Eric Zellman?

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 48. 79 CONTINUED: 79

ERIC ZELLMAN Who are you? MILLER My name is Miller. I’m an FBI agent. I’m going to get you out of here. As Miller fumbles with the KEYCHAIN to unlock the cell -CUT BACK TO: 80

INT. JEEP - DRIVING - NIGHT

80

Back to Einstein, still tailing the bus though she’s distracted by the urgent phone call. EINSTEIN -- Agent Miller and I are pursuing a legitimate investigation -SKINNER (PHONE FILTER) -- whatever you think you know, they’re three steps ahead -Einstein feigns a bad signal just to get off the phone. EINSTEIN -- sir, I’m sorry -- you’re breaking up -- I’ll have to -She ends the call. Tosses her phone aside. Looks up to find that she has lost sight of the bus she was pursuing. Damn it. 81

EXT. INTERSECTION - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

81

Einstein’s Jeep rolls to a stop, faced with a left or right turn. Darkness in both directions. No sign of the bus. 82

INT. JEEP - STATIONARY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

82

Einstein looks left. Looks right. She’s got two choices and one of them’s wrong. Going on pure instinct, Einstein throws the Jeep into gear and pulls out. She turns right. CUT TO:

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 49.

83

INT. GUANTANAMO BAY - BASE CORRIDOR - NIGHT

83

Miller leads Zellman down the corridor. Glances back over his shoulder. Evasive of base personnel. He hugs the wall when -ARMED SOLDIERS race by an intersection up ahead, high-calibre RIFLES at the ready. Clearly alerted to their escape. Once they pass, Miller grabs Zellman and bundles him out -84

EXT. GUANTANAMO BAY - AIRFIELD - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

84

Miller breaks into a RUN -- Zellman keeping pace -- but -A MILITARY HUMVEE RACES OUT ACROSS THE TARMAC -- RED HAZARD LIGHT STROBING -- CATCHING THEM IN ITS HEADLIGHTS -Miller SPRINTS FLAT OUT -- but Zellman STUMBLES -- FALLS -Miller turns back and is SURROUNDED BY ARMED SOLDIERS SPRINGING OUT OF THE HUMVEE -- POINTING THEIR RIFLES -SOLDIERS DON’T MOVE!! / HANDS IN THE AIR!! / FREEZE!! / ON YOUR KNEES!! Miller raises his hands. Drops to his knees. Captured. CUT TO: 85

EXT. REMOTE ROAD - NIGHT

85

Einstein’s Jeep SPEEDING along a long road bordered by darkness. No other traffic in sight. The middle of nowhere. 86

INT. JEEP - DRIVING - NIGHT

86

Einstein squints through the windshield. Catches sight of a pair of tiny red tail lights on the horizon. Accelerates --- then HER ENGINE CUTS OUT AND DIES WITHOUT WARNING. The dash lights wink out. Einstein pumps the gas. Tries the ignition. No response -87

EXT. REMOTE ROAD - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS -- as the Jeep coasts to a COMPLETE STOP in the middle of the road --

87

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Four PINK (08/26/19) 50.

88

INT. JEEP - STATIONARY - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

88

Einstein looks around in confusion. What just happened? She turns the key in the ignition again. Nothing. EINSTEIN -- come on --

*

Tries again. Not even a whimper. Then --

89

A BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT FILLS THE JEEP FROM OUT OF NOWHERE.

*

THREE NARROW GREEN LASER BEAMS ROAM DOWN FROM ABOVE.

*

Einstein sees them drift over her body. She pushes out --

*

EXT. REMOTE ROAD - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS

89

-- and emerges onto the road. Einstein looks up to the source of the BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT shining down on the Jeep to SEE -The MATTE BLACK TRIANGULAR SHAPE OF A TR-3B BLACK MANTA ALIEN REPLICA VEHICLE. CLOSE ON EINSTEIN Shielding her face from the INTENSE WHITE LIGHT beaming down INTO HER EYES. Then it FLARES THE LENS and VANISHES as --- the abrupt WHOOSH OF PASSING HEADLIGHTS and an accompanying CAR HORN snaps Einstein out of her reverie. WIDER Einstein spins in a daze as A PICKUP TRUCK VEERS AWAY to avoid her and SKIDS OFF into a ditch at the side of the road. There is now absolutely no trace of the mysterious craft that was hovering above her just moments ago. EINSTEIN Staggers back down the middle of the road in a fugue state -strangely disoriented. As if she has no idea where she is or what she’s doing there -- or if she even knows her own name. END ACT FOUR

*

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 51.

ACT FIVE 90

*

INT. HOSPITAL - OBSERVATION ROOM - DAY

90

Einstein’s eyes flutter open. Finding herself in a hospital bed. A light CRIMSON RASH and a few BLISTERS on her forehead. She fumbles with the WIRES attached to BEDSIDE MONITORS, getting her bearings just as an exhausted Miller enters. EINSTEIN Agent Miller? MILLER How you feeling? EINSTEIN Confused. How did I get here? MILLER Local driver found you wandering down the middle of the highway. You don’t remember? EINSTEIN I was following the bus -- there was a light -- a helicopter maybe -and then -MILLER -- well the good news is the doctors seem to think you’re fine. I would’ve gotten here sooner but I had to talk my way out of the stockade this morning. EINSTEIN This morning? What do you mean? MILLER I haven’t been able to reach you for almost 18 hours -EINSTEIN -- WHAT -- ?! Einstein bolts up in her bed. Bewildered. MILLER An admitting nurse called me about thirty minutes ago. They found your badge and ID in your jacket --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 52. 90 CONTINUED: 90

EINSTEIN -- that’s impossible -MILLER -- you’re saying you have no memory of where you’ve been since you left me at the fence last night -- ? Einstein swings her legs out of bed. Starts pulling out her IV drip and the monitoring cables -EINSTEIN I need to have an MRI scan. Right now. MILLER Just slow down. I found Zellman. He’s being released. They all are. EINSTEIN The other passengers -- ? MILLER The military claim they were found by a search-and-rescue operation in the Atlantic. They’re being repatriated as we speak.

*

Off Einstein’s confusion and disbelief -CUT TO: 91

EXT. GUANTANAMO BAY - AIRSTRIP - DAY

91

Einstein and Miller pull up in their Jeep as a long line of CIVILIANS are led onto a MILITARY AIRBUS. Among them is the Charming Woman. The muscular men. And even Eric Zellman himself. His eyes glazed. Like a zombie. EINSTEIN They’re all accounted for? MILLER All two-hundred-nineteen passengers and crew. Rescued at sea. If you believe the cover story. EINSTEIN I have to examine them --

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 53. 91 CONTINUED: 91

But before she can cross the tarmac, she’s intercepted by a pair of ARMED SOLDIERS who seem perfectly happy to let them watch -- albeit from a distance. SOLDIER Sorry, ma’am, I can’t let you come any closer -EINSTEIN -- I’m a medical doctor -SOLDIER This flight is ready to depart. Einstein sighs her frustration. Miller calls out: MILLER Mr. Zellman! Will you speak with us, Mr. Zellman? But Zellman just looks away and files onto the airbus. MILLER We’re too late. They got to him. EINSTEIN Why bother? Why not just kill him? MILLER They don’t want him dead. That would make him a martyr. They want a walking, talking Eric Zellman that can toe the party line. EINSTEIN You’re saying they erased selected chunks of his memory -- effectively rebooted his entire brain? MILLER Something called Havana syndrome. U.S. diplomats and White House staffers have reported unexplained concussions, memory loss and a socalled cognitive fog. What has been attributed to a directed microwave radiation weapon. Same thing they did to you last night, I’m betting. EINSTEIN I don’t know what happened to me, Miller. But there has to be a more rational explanation.

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 54. 91 CONTINUED: (2) 91

MILLER Maybe you just don’t want to believe it. HOLD ON EINSTEIN -- not sure what to believe anymore. CUT TO: 92

EXT. J. EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING - LATE DAY

92*

As the sun dips below the Capitol Dome in b.g. With LEGEND: FBI HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, D.C. 24 HOURS LATER

* *

SKINNER (PRELAP) A government whistle-blower carrying top-secret experimental aircraft blueprints -93

INT. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SKINNER’S OFFICE - LATE DAY

93

Skinner behind his desk, presiding over an FBI CASE FILE. SKINNER -- a clandestine programme to erase the memories of over two hundred passengers and crew of Flight 814. I’m sorry, Agent Einstein, but the report I’m reading here stretches all credulity. Einstein sits on the other side of the desk. Behind her, the Toothpick Man looms in b.g. beside a SENIOR AGENT with her back against the wall -- S.A.C. FOSSA (50s). Inscrutable. EINSTEIN I appreciate some of Agent Miller’s wilder assertions may be difficult to substantiate. SKINNER Do you have any physical evidence to support these allegations? EINSTEIN There is the electronic device we recovered from the passenger cabin. SKINNER The sci-crime lab reports it was nothing more than a laser pointer.

(CONTINUED)

* * *

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 55. 93 CONTINUED: 93

Einstein nods slowly. Of course. EINSTEIN Unfortunately the military are still blocking access to the plane’s flight data recorder. Without it, our investigation is effectively at an impasse. Skinner glances to S.A.C. Fossa and the Toothpick Man in b.g. SKINNER These missing 18 hours. You can or cannot account for your whereabouts during that period? EINSTEIN I cannot, sir. SKINNER Then I don’t have much choice but to make this case inactive. Not without good, hard evidence that would justify an ongoing investigation. Beat. Skinner playing to his audience. The Toothpick Man and S.A.C. Fossa placated. Then Einstein plays her trump card: EINSTEIN I had what’s called a functional magnetic resonance scan before I left the hospital in Guantanamo. Einstein swipes through the tablet that’s been resting in her lap to bring up an fMRI SCAN and passes it to Skinner. EINSTEIN It clearly shows the same white matter tract abnormalities in my temporal lobe that were present in Eric Zellman. Skinner examines the image of the HUMAN BRAIN on the screen as S.A.C. Fossa whispers into the Toothpick Man’s ear in b.g. EINSTEIN If I were authorized to examine the other passengers of Flight 814, I have little doubt I’d find the exact same thing in each of them -(beat) (MORE)

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 56. 93 CONTINUED: (2) 93 EINSTEIN (CONT'D) -- if Agent Miller and I are to be allowed to continue --

Skinner hands the tablet back to Einstein -- an unspoken affirmation that she has some good, hard evidence after all. SKINNER I don’t think the Bureau has a pair of agents better suited to evaluate the evidence in hand.

* *

Skinner glances at S.A.C. Fossa. A look of sly satisfaction and triumph in his eyes that he shares with Einstein.

* *

CUT TO: 94

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS - BASEMENT OFFICE - DAY

* 94*

Miller is busy pinning NEWS CLIPPINGS about Flight 814 to the wall next to the “I WANT TO BELIEVE” poster. The desk now hosts his laptop and a nameplate which reads: “KYD MILLER.” EINSTEIN (O.S.) Doctor Feelgood with your medicine. Einstein enters with a light knock on the open door. She tosses Miller a BLISTER PACK of medication. He catches. MILLER Where’d you get these? EINSTEIN I am a licensed M.D. in three states. MILLER I wouldn’t ask you to risk your medical license -- not for me. EINSTEIN I know. But if we’re going to be working together, somebody has to keep you flying straight. No pun intended. Miller nods his appreciation, the two of them bound together by this shared secret now. MILLER Is that what we’re going to be doing? Working together?

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 57. 94 CONTINUED: 94

EINSTEIN I still have big questions, and 18 hours missing from my life. I can’t think of a better place to find some answers. MILLER It’s not too late to go back to Quantico. I can give A.D. Skinner a call, ask him to grant you an eleventh hour reprieve. Einstein shakes her head, energized with fresh purpose. EINSTEIN There is a measurable, quantifiable scientific explanation for what happened to me out there. I can’t just walk away from that. Not now. MILLER Are you sure you want to be stuck down here in the basement with me? Einstein takes a long look around the bowels of the FBI they are consigned to, contemplating her future and perhaps the next decade of her life that hinges on her response. Then: EINSTEIN Get me a desk. CUT TO: 95

INT. FBI PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT

95

Miller emerges from the elevator banks, heading for his car with key fob extended when -MAN’S VOICE (O.S.) Calling it a night, Agent Miller? Miller spins around to find the source of the voice loitering in the shadows of a concrete beam. A FIGURE steps into the light to REVEAL the man himself, the legendary FOX MULDER. He pops a sunflower seed between his teeth as he approaches. MILLER Agent Mulder? FOX MULDER Plain, simple Fox Mulder to you. Private citizen.

(CONTINUED)

* *

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 58. 95 CONTINUED: 95

MILLER I’ve tried to reach you the last few years -FOX MULDER -- let’s just say I’m not really taking any calls these days. At least, not officially.

*

Miller puts the pieces together in his head, working it out. MILLER You sent me that manifest. You gave my contact details to UfoLeaks. FOX MULDER Call it payback for all the times someone gave me a tip in the right direction over the years. MILLER Why the cloak and dagger routine? Why not come back and help us? FOX MULDER I have a child at home now, and her mother who’d have my ass if she knew I was within a hundred miles of this building. So to speak. Mulder tosses Agent Miller a USB STICK. He catches. MILLER What’s this? FOX MULDER Everything I’ve been working on since I left the Bureau. Every scrap of evidence, half-truth and fuzzy photo. I just had to be sure I was giving it to the right guy. MILLER I don’t know if I can do this alone. FOX MULDER You’re not alone. Someone once warned me to trust no one. But trust Agent Einstein. Trust her judgement. She’ll keep you honest. (beat) (MORE)

(CONTINUED)

X-FILES REOPENED (1AYX79) "Flight Plan" Act Five PINK (08/26/19) 59. 95 CONTINUED: (2) 95 FOX MULDER (CONT'D) The X-files need scientific rigor * to give the office credibility. Without that, you’re just another crackpot conspiracy theorist shaking his fist at the sky, ranting about chemtrails and lizard people -- and God knows the world doesn’t need any more of those.

Mulder steps closer and hands out a fistful of sunflower seeds into Agent Miller’s open palm. FOX MULDER This is your fight now, Agent Miller. Don’t give up. Agent Miller holds a deep, meaningful gaze with Mulder before he turns away and recedes into the shadows of the garage.

*

Miller watches him leave, in awe and more than a little daunted by the scope of the adventure in front of him. CUT TO: 96

EXT. AREA 51 - AIRCRAFT HANGAR - NIGHT

96

A precession of FORKLIFT TRUCKS haul stacks of CRATES marked “TOP SECRET -- PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT” into a hangar. A large TRIANGULAR SHAPE hidden under a translucent tarp is visible in b.g. as the hangar doors slowly begin to close. A FIGURE emerges from within. It is the Toothpick Man. He slips a PHONE out of his pocket as it BUZZES with a message: “X-FILES REOPENED. PLAUSIBLE DENIAL CONSTRUCTED.” The Toothpick Man slides his phone back into his breast pocket, his face unreadable, and stalks away OUT OF FRAME --- as the hangar doors finally slide to a close, shutting us out of the myriad unknowable secrets concealed within. THE END

*