FADE IN:

EXT. MANHATTAN - UPPER EAST SIDE - DAY

Cold, wet, gloomy day outside an ultra-expensive townhouse. 

INT. ULTRA-EXPENSIVE TOWNHOUSE - FOYER

A pile of designer luggage sits near the front door.  DOOR BELL RINGS.  Housekeeper (MAJA) opens the door.  A LIMO DRIVER smiles.

JORDAN PANABAKER (39 years old) hurries down the stairs.

JORDAN

Thank you, Maja.

(to Driver)

You're early.

DRIVER

Yes, sir.

BOY'S VOICE (O.S.)

(shouting from upstairs)

Dad, you sure our snowboards'll be there?

Heavy footsteps on the stairs as twins ARLO and SONNY PANABAKER (10 years old) come down.  They toss backpacks onto the luggage pile.

SONNY

If our new boards aren't there this whole vacation will suck.

ARLO

And our boots.  If they aren't there --

JORDAN

Go help your mom and sister bring their bags downstairs.

The Boys roll their eyes at the suggestion.

DRIVER

I'll bring them down, sir.

ARLO

Yeah, he can bring them down.

JORDAN

Sonny, Arlo, get upstairs and bring the bags down.

They death march up the stairs.

DRIVER

I'll bring these out to the car.

JORDAN

No.  Just wait in the car.

INT. MASTER SUITE

AMANDA PANABAKER (mid-30's), svelte and Pilates-toned, holds a sweater in each hand, trying to decide which to pack.  Talks on the phone into earbuds:

AMANDA

Not really, but we bought the place so Jordan insists we go at least once a year.  It was supposed to be the place were we could go to reconnect as a family.

(listens; then, sarcastically)

Yes, fifteen years wonderful years.

(listens)

I'll probably never see him, but that's fine with me.

(listens)

At this point I don't care.  It will just be nice to be with the kids and not have to make any decisions... Ha,ha, I'm not ready to make that decision.  Maybe when Gwen's away at college and the boys are at Deerfield.  I don't have your courage.

Maja, Arlo and Sonny appear at the door.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Hold on a sec, Wendy.

(to Maja)

Is that the driver?  Send him up for the rest of the cases.

SONNY

Dad said we need to bring 'em down.

AMANDA

He did, did he?  Well, I guess you better get to it.

In sweeps drama queen GWEN PANABAKER (17) as Arlo and Sonny struggle to carry out Amanda's suitcases.

AMANDA

Are you packed?

GWEN

Can I stay with Ivy and Lola instead of going on this lame vacation? 

AMANDA

No, you can't stay with Ivy and Lola instead of going on this lame vacation.  It's your Dad and my anniversary next week and we are all going to be together to celebrate.

Eye roll from Gwen.

GWEN

I literally hate snow.  I am definitely going to college in California.

AMANDA

Well, that's going to require you to write your college essay isn't it?

GWEN

(under)

Such a bitch.

Gwen pushes past Maja.  Amanda holds up the sweaters; tosses both into the suitcase.

AMANDA

Fuck it.  Oh, shit, Wendy, are you still there?

(listens)

If we don't all kill each other first.

INT. FOYER

Arlo and Sonny scrape and gouge the walls as they bring down suitcases.  They get to the bottom of the stairs and mock collapse at Jordan's feet. 

SONNY

This is child abuse.

Amanda and Gwen descend.  Gwen stops halfway down.

JORDAN

We ready?

They all start complaining to Jordan at once:

GWEN

I literally have no interest in going...

AMANDA

Did you call the service...

SONNY

I need a chiropractor...

ARLO

My iPad...

GWEN

...some stupid family vacation.

JORDAN

Okay, okay, hold on, hold on.  We're not going to Colorado.

They stop jabbering.

AMANDA

What do you mean?  We're not going to Cimmeron?  Whatever work crisis is happening will have to wait.

JORDAN

It's not a work crisis.  We're not going, because we're going somewhere else. 

GWEN

Please tell me we're going someplace warm.

JORDAN

It's a surprise.

AMANDA

You know I hate surprises.

More AD HOC jabbering.  Jordan takes it for a bit.

JORDAN

Enough!  In two minutes we are walking out the front door, driving to the airport and getting on a plane.  No luggage.  Over there you will each find a backpack with your name on it.  Pick it up and let's go.  We'll get everything we need when we get there. 

The family just stares at him.  Jordan looks at the high-tech adventure watch on his wrist.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Now!

INT. PRIVATE JET

The family settles in like a PJ is no big deal. 

Gwen goes to the galley and under the eye of the steward, fills her backpack with mini alcohol bottles.

Amanda's scowl is noticeable as she buckles up.  Jordan kisses her cheek.  Amanda forces a smile.

PILOT

(over P.A.)

Welcome aboard Panabakers and thank you for flying with NetJets.  This freezing rain we're experiencing won't be an issue and we'll be wheels up in about fifteen minutes.  So sit back and relax for the fourteen hour flight to Hosea Kutako International Airport serving the capital city of Windhoek, Namibia.

Amanda looks at Jordan... WTF?

JORDAN

Just trust me.  This family needs some quality time.

EXT. WINDHOEK EROS AIRPORT - DAY

The Panabaker's disembark to a waiting vintage open top Land Rover and a driver (LUCAS).  Arlo and Sonny are enchanted by the well-worn truck.

LUCAS

Good morning.  Welcome to Namibia.  I hope you had a comfortable journey.  I'll take you to the hotel.

(to Arlo and Sonny)

Climb aboard.

Arlo and Sonny scramble up the sides and into the back bench seats.  Jordan smiles at Amanda, appreciating the boy's enthusiasm.  Gwen is less enthusiastic and climbs on and sits next to Arlo.

GWEN

Move over.

Amanda and Jordan get in.  Sonny looks down at his seat.

SONNY

(whispers)

There aren't any seatbelts!

ARLO

That's unsafe.

GWEN

Maybe you'll fall out and crack your head open.

SONNY

Shut up.

JORDAN

You'll be fine.  Just hold on tight.

EXT. WINDHOEK - MOVING - DAY

The Land Rover moves through the city of both squalor and luxury.

They turn into a gated property and armed guards wave them through.

EXT. LUXURY RESORT - DAY

Uniformed white gloved attendants swarm the Rover and help the Penabakers out of the vehicle.

Even for a family that has traveled the world first-class, they are in awe of the luxury and old-world charm.  Gwen snaps selfies.

GWEN

This is amazing.  Ivy and Lola are gonna be so jealous.

Jordan sprouts a mischievous smile, pleased.

JORDAN

You guys go ahead, I'll be right in.

The family enters the lobby.  Jordan goes back to the Rover.  Lucas is just about to pull away.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

My boys love your truck.  I want to buy it.

LUCAS

I can take you anywhere you want to go, sir.

JORDAN

No, I want to buy it and take it home, you know, like a souvenir.

LUCAS

But you live in America.  How --

JORDAN

Give me your cell number.

(Lucas complies)

Great.  Expect a call.  Don't say no.  I don't want to disappoint my boys.

INT/EXT. LOBBY/POOL AREA - DAY

CONCIERGE leads the family on a tour of the property as Jordan joins them; he takes Amanda's hand.

CONCIERGE

Count von Schwerin commissioned Heinitzburg for his fiance, Margarethe von Heinitz...

AMANDA

So romantic.

CONCIERGE

And we have Michelin star-rated chef...

AMANDA

Nothing but the best on this vacation!

SONNY

Look at the pool!  It has a high dive.

ARLO

You wouldn't even jump off the little diving board at that place we went that one time.  Where was that, Dad?

JORDAN

Nice, in France.

ARLO

Yeah, Nice, in France.

SONNY

Shut up.

Concierge leads them to a beautiful bungalow.

CONCIERGE

Here you are.

INT. BUNGALOW - DAY

The family takes in the gorgeous and stunning interior. 

AMANDA

Well, okay.  I hate surprises, but this place, wow!

CONCIERGE

All the clothing and items you requested are in your rooms.

GWEN

I'm hitting the pool.

Gwen and the boys run off to find their rooms.  The Concierge makes to exit, stops.

CONCIERGE

The rest of your party will be on the terrace at one o'clock.

JORDAN

(looks at his watch)

Thank you.

AMANDA

The rest of our party?

Before Jordan can answer, the boys run in wearing French Foreign legion sun caps and headlamps.

ARLO & SONNY

These are so cool!

Gwen holds a pair of khaki pants and hiking boots.

GWEN

What is this crap?  I'm not wearing this stuff.

AMANDA

What was he talking about?  The rest of our party?

JORDAN

Okay, okay, hold on, hold on.  Let me explain.  I told you this vacation was going to be an adventure.  We're actually not staying here.  We're going to be in the desert, out in the wilderness for a few days.

AMANDA

What do you mean "the wilderness?"

JORDAN

In tents.

GWEN

In tents, like "glamping" - like those kind of tents?

JORDAN

Something like that.

SONNY

Are we gonna see elephants and lions, like at the zoo?

JORDAN

Yeah probably, but the animals won't be behind bars or in cages.

GWEN

You're kidding, right?

JORDAN

We're going to get all the details in fifteen minutes.  Go change.

The boys run out while Gwen skulks away.

AMANDA

Jordan, what is going on?

JORDAN

I told you.  We need quality time as a family.  We're going to spend a few days alone out in the wild, as a family.  It's going to bring us together.

AMANDA

Or we'll kill each other.

EXT. RESORT - TERRACE - DAY

The Panabaker's arrive, looking like they walked out of a Patagonia catalog.  Nobody else is around.  Jordan looks at his watch.

JORDAN

It's one o'clock.  Thirteen hundred.

SONNY

Why do people say it like that?  Thirteen hundred, oh-five-hundred and stuff.

ARLO

It's military time - so you don't get confused if it is day or night.  If you just say meet at one o'clock you don't know.

JORDAN

I wonder if he meant meet at one o'clock in the morning?

AMANDA

Why would we meet at one o'clock in the morning?

WILLEM (O.S.)

'Cause that's the time we usually head out to base camp.

All turn to see WILLEM RUSH (50's) striding over.  His clothes hide a wiry, hard frame.  He extends his hand to Amanda.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

But since your husband's a bloody rich bastard we'll skip the seven hour drive and take a helicopter.

(then)

My driver Lucas was late... some wanker kept calling him trying to buy his old truck.

Willem and Jordan shake, then Willem shakes hands with the rest of the family.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

Welcome to Namibia!  You're in for quite an adventure.

AMANDA

What kind of adventure, exactly?

WILLEM

You've paid an exorbitant sum of money for the privilege of being dropped off in the middle of the Namibian wilderness with nothing but a compass and minimal provisions.

AMANDA

Excuse me?  Why would we want to do that?

JORDAN

Because we need a cultural detox.  Live in the moment.  Appreciate each other.  Get away from everything and everybody for a while. 

GWEN

I knew this vacation was gonna suck.

WILLEM

You're going to an area few westerners have ever seen.  Nobody owns it, nobody cares what you do.

(grabs his crotch)

It's primal.  Survival.  Life.  Death.  Freedom.

SONNY

Cool! 

ARLO

We'll never survive.

AMANDA

This is a joke, right?  We have a seventeen year old daughter and two young boys.

WILLEM

Mummy's worried about her precious babies.  I understand.  I'll get to all the details once the other person arrives.

JORDAN

Whoa, whoa.  I booked this just for us.  You said exclusive --

AMANDA

It might be good to have someone else along.

WILLEM

She's got trekking experience.

JORDAN

No!  No way.  I paid too much for this trip to --

WILLEM

Ahh.  Here she is.  Manon, come over and say 'bonjour' to the Panabakers.

MANON LETUEUSE (late-20's).  French.  Gorgeous.

Willem leans close to Jordan.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

She reached out to me last minute.  Tragedy in the family, had to get away.  She just flew in from France this morning.  Be a sport and let her tag along.  It'll give your wife somebody to talk to.

JORDAN

Yeah, sure.  Of course.

MANON

(French accent)

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.  I appreciate it very much.

Manon greets each Panabaker with kisses on cheeks.  A slight, but noticeable scar runs down Manon's left cheek.

Amanda is unsure what to think.  Gwen looks her up and down.  Jordan and the boys are enchanted.

WILLEM

All right.  Let me give you the rundown.  But first...

EXT. POOL AREA

Panabakers stand by the pool.

WILLEM

Go ahead.

GWEN

You're kidding, right?

WILLEM

Best way to break in new hiking boots.

One by one they step into the pool, soaking their feet.

EXT. TERRACE - DAY

Manon and Lucas chat, but then quickly part as they hear: SQUISH, SQUISH, SQUISH. 

The Penabaker's follow Willem back to the terrace.  Willem waves them all into chairs facing a large map of Namibia set-up on an easel.

WILLEM

Namibia is eight hundred and twenty square kilometers.  Aside from Mongolia, it is the least densely populated country in the world.  It gets less than half an inch of rain a year.  You'll be trekking across Kaokoland.  It is one of South Africa's last remaining wildernesses.

GWEN

Sounds like a blast.

WILLEM

As far as things that can kill you, there are lions, leopards, elephants --

ARLO

I want to see an elephant!

WILLEM

You just might.  But make sure you watch out for the deadliest snake in the world, the black mamba.

SONNY

Cool.

ARLO

We'll never survive.

WILLEM

We'll take the 'copter out to basecamp early tomorrow.

(points to map)

And after a day of hands on training, my team will pull up stakes and you'll hike over to the Skeleton Coast.  Take you about four days.

SONNY

Skeletons?  Why is it called skeleton coast?

WILLEM

Shipwrecks.  Winds are relentless and blow ships right onto the beach.

SONNY

Maybe there'll be hidden treasure!

ARLO

(looking up from phone)

It says the area is known as, The Land God Made in Anger.

LUCAS

Mungu wa nchi alifanya kwa hasira.

AMANDA

And this is where we're supposed to hike and camp alone at night?

WILLEM

That's what you paid for.

GWEN

Pass.

Willem lets this sit for a long beat.

MANON

It does sound a little bit... dangerous.

WILLEM

Don't worry.  We're not gonna let you die in the desert. 

AMANDA

That's what it sounds like.

WILLEM

We're going to provide complete logistical support and a team of experienced rangers will be monitoring you twenty-four hours a day.

(then)

Getting clients killed wouldn't be very good for business.

Amanda gives Jordan a pointed look.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

But it will test you physically and mentally.

JORDAN

Give us a minute, okay?

WILLEM

Yeah, of course.  Talk it over.  I understand, it's all a bit overwhelming.  Manon, let's go have a look at your gear.

(then, pointedly at Amanda)

Trust me though, you don't want to miss this.  You'll never be the same after a trip like this.

INT. BUNGALOW - BEDROOM - DAY

Amanda storms in, slamming the door behind her.  Jordan enters and shuts the door.

JORDAN

Amanda, I need this trip.

AMANDA

Well, you go and have a great time.  The kids and I will be waiting and when you're done wandering around the desert we'll have a nice anniversary dinner and then we will get the fuck out of here.

JORDAN

Come on.  We need this trip.

AMANDA

Why?!?  Why do you keep saying "we" need this trip?

JORDAN

Because we're disconnected as a family. 

AMANDA

And whose fault is that?

JORDAN

I'm trying to fix things.

AMANDA

You can't fix ten years of problems in five days.

That stings Jordan.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Come on.  Ever since the boys were born and we started Citadel we haven't had a real relationship.  It's been a series of negotiations, transactions.

(then)

We've both been checked out of this marriage for a while.

JORDAN

That's why I planned this trip.  I want our relationship to be better.  And not just with you, but with Gwen, the boys.  Let's take this time to disconnect so we can all reconnect.

Amanda goes to the window, looks at the beautiful grounds of the resort.

AMANDA

Than you can't be running off every five minutes talking on a satellite phone --

JORDAN

Have I been on the phone once since we left?

AMANDA

You always start with good intentions.

JORDAN

Trust me.  I won't be on the phone.

Amanda senses something is off.  Turns.

AMANDA

What's going on?

JORDAN

I wasn't going to mention it until we got back, but I left Citadel.

AMANDA

What do you mean you left??!

JORDAN

Sanjay, Mike and I haven't seen eye-to-eye in a long time, so we all agreed it would be best if I left.

Amanda gives him a long, penetrating stare.  And?

JORDAN (CONT'D)

We had some big redemptions.  They blame me, of course.  They're the big brains, I'm the partner who just schmoozes the clients.

AMANDA

Who left?

JORDAN

Yale and Emory.  A few others.

AMANDA

How could you let this happen?

JORDAN

It's not my fault.  Returns are down and there is only so much I can do.  I'm actually happy to be rid of them.  The whole partnership was getting stale.

AMANDA

This is a bid deal, Jordan.  Didn't you think to discuss this with me?  What are we going to do for money?

JORDAN

We'll be fine for money, for now.  I'm going to start raising capital for a new fund as soon as we get back...  I want you to be part of it. 

Amanda gives him the stare again.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Not like last time, okay?  Full and equal partner, all the way.  The kids are old enough.  You don't need to be there for them twenty-four-seven.  Give you something else to do besides Pilates.

AMANDA

I've been out of it too long.

JORDAN

Nonsense.  Citadel is still using your long - short quant model.

Amanda turns back to the window, suddenly excited by the prospect.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Listen, just think about it.  We'll have plenty of time to talk about it when we're wandering around the desert.

AMANDA

(considering)

How did you even find out about this guy?

JORDAN

Sanjay told me about him.  Most unique and exciting vacation you'll ever go on, he said.  I know you couldn't have been that excited to go to Cimmaron again.  This is a real adventure.  Come on, what do you say?

AMANDA

I guess.  But do we have to do the whole thing?  Trekking all the way across the Land That God Made Angry to the Skelton Coast?

JORDAN

That's the whole point!

AMANDA

Five days of walking is a lot.

JORDAN

We'll be fine.  You do Pilates practically every day of the week.  And the kids, they're young, they'll be fine.  I do Peloton --

AMANDA

You haven't touched that bike in two months.

JORDAN

We'll be fine.  Listen, I'll talk to Willem and get him to ease up on the roughing it stuff.  I'm sure he can accommodate us.

Sonny runs into the room, bouncing off the walls.  Arlo trails.

SONNY

When are leaving?  This place is bore-ing!

EXT. HELO PAD - DAY

The Panabakers and Manon follow Willem and Lucas toward an old Bell "Huey" helicopter.  The blades slowly rotate as the engine spins up.

Jordan speed walks to catch up to Willem.

JORDAN

I need to talk to you for a sec.

WILLEM

Yeah, sure.

(to others)

Put your packs down back there and climb aboard.

Jordan pulls him aside.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

-- If you're worried about the Huey she's only got forty-three flight hours since we re-built --

JORDAN

No, it's fine.  It's great.  Your briefing kinda spooked Amanda, though.  I have to be honest, it's sounding a bit rougher than I thought.  We've never done anything like this before.

WILLEM

Ahh, you'll be fine.  Look, I put on a big show, it's part of the package, but you'll be safer out there than in Central Park.

JORDAN

Yeah, okay, but listen, I was thinking that on the second day you pick us up in the helicopter and we fly to the next camp.  That would be cool.  Break things up a bit.

WILLEM

That's not how we do it.

JORDAN

I know, I know.  But just for this trip --  I'll pay for the extra fuel and maintenance.  Whatever it takes.

Willem smiles, shakes his head and turns toward the Huey.

WILLEM

(yells)

Shut her down!

JORDAN

What?  What are you doing?

WILLEM

Scrubbing the trip.  I'll fly you back and refund your money --

JORDAN

No, look, it's not a big deal.  I'm just asking you to accommodate me a bit.

WILLEM

Accommodate you? 

(then)

Why are you here?  I'll tell you why.  Because people constantly accommodate you.  Whatever you want, you get.  And now you're bored out of your mind, you've got marriage problems, and your kids are entitled little shits.  So before you know it, your wife's gonna be fucking her Pilates instructor - if she isn't already - and your kids are gonna grow up to be giant assholes.  But you're a smart guy.  You know all this.  That's why you're here.

(then)

So, you can get on the Huey and try and change all that, or you can fuck off back to the States and wait for the inevitable to happen.  It's up to you.

INT. HELICOPTER - MOVING - DAY

Manon is squeezed between Willem and Lucas as the Huey skims the desolate veld.

Willem looks up and makes eye contact with Jordan, seated next to the open starboard cargo door.  Willem nods.  Jordan gives him a curt return nod.

Jordan makes eye contact with Amanda, seated near the open port side cargo door.  She clutches Sonny and Arlo who are craning their necks to feel the rush of wind.  Sonny points at something below.

Gwen sits behind; takes a photo on her phone and thumbs a social media post.

EXT. BASE CAMP - DAY

The helicopter touches down on a makeshift landing pad.  There is sparse ground vegetation all around.

The group gets out and Lucas unloads their backpacks.  Each pick up their pack and walk toward the "camp" - a single canvas tent.

GWEN

This looks nothing like glamping.

EXT. KAOKOLAND - 18°21'35.8"S 13°05'51.9"E - BASE CAMP - DAY

Willem stands in front of the group.  Eyes each person, then looks at his watch.

WILLEM

All right, we have six hours to teach you all the basic skills needed to safely trek from here to the Skelton coast.  Now we're going to be keeping an eye on you, but the whole point of this trip is that you do it on your own.  Right Boys?

SONNY & ARLO

Right!

WILLEM

There are five essential elements for survival: Fire.

He hands Sonny and Arlo each a flint fire starter.  In turn he hands Amanda a folded sheet of clear plastic; Gwen and Manon some tarps and paracord; Jordan a compass and map.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

Water.  Shelter.  Navigation.

Willem watches as they inspect what they have been given.

ARLO

Wait, what's the fifth one?

(Willem lets Arlo think)

Food!

WILLEM

That's right.  Food.

(aside to Jordan)

I usually add "fucking" to the list but we'll keep this trip P-G, right?

SONNY

Are we going to hunt our own food?

WILLEM

You can, but just in case, we're gonna give you some oatmeal and awful tasting M-R-E's to take along.  Now who wants to learn how to light a bloody big camp fire?

SERIES OF SHORT SCENES:

Boys collect grass, twigs and branches.

Gwen and Manon work on erecting a shelter.

Lucas shows Amanda how to make a solar still; she uses a sierra cup to dig a hole.

Boys use flint and steel to start a fire; Willem shows them how to feed it; flames grow.

Jordan shows frustration with compass and map; Willem appears, laughing, and gives him an electronic GPS device.

Gwen and Manon check shelters; all look sturdy; they hug.

Amanda throws green vegetation into hole; Lucas points at her and then to hole; she shakes her head, "No way."

Arlo and Sonny giggle as they pee into hole; when they're done, Amanda covers the hole with clear plastic.

The Boys throw wood on a huge bonfire as the sun sets.

GWEN

Where's the bathroom?

LUCAS

Toilet paper's in the supply bag.

GWEN

Ahh, okay, but where do I go?

LUCAS

Choose a bush.

GWEN

I have to go, you know, number two.

LUCAS

Dig a hole and cover it.  If you don't it will attract animals.

GWEN

This vacation just keeps getting better and better...

EXT. BASE CAMP - DAY

Sun sits low in the sky.  The Panabakers and Manon stand near the fire as Willem and Lucas pack up their things. 

Willem approaches the group.

WILLEM

Alrighty.  A few last details before we leave you.  As you've probably noticed, no signal for your phones, so if there's an emergency, you can send me a text message with this Garmin gadget.

AMANDA

Where will you be?

WILLEM

We'll be around.

Amanda looks dubious.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

You're way more resilient than you think.  Oh yeah...

Willem pulls out a folding survival knife.  Slaps it into Amanda's hand.

SONNY

Hey, why does she get a knife?

WILLEM

She's the momma bear.  If shit hits the fan, they always come to the rescue.

(the helo rotors spin up)

That's my cue.  Embrace the journey and experience the moment.

Willem motions for Jordan to come along.

EXT. HELO PAD

Willem puts his arm around Jordan's shoulder.

WILLEM

One last thing.  You might see a few poachers - they won't bother you.  And, there are a few rebel groups that operate way north of here. 

JORDAN

Rebel groups?

WILLEM

Odds are a million-to-one you'll run into them.  We'll be monitoring their position, but stay alert just in case.

He slaps Jordan on the back.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

God I wish I could see this land with virgin eyes like you're going to be doing.  It's gonna change your life.

Willem boards the helicopter.

Amanda joins Jordan and they watch the helo take off, leaving them in a swirl of red dust.

AMANDA

What did Willem say?

JORDAN

He said this trip's gonna change our lives.

AMANDA

For better or worse?

EXT. BASE CAMP - LATER

All stand near the bonfire and take in the amazing sunset. 

After the sun goes beneath the horizon:

SONNY

What do we do now?

Arlo pulls out his phone.

ARLO

Dragon's Lair still works.

SONNY

(pulling out his phone)

Cool!

JORDAN

Nope, you're not gonna play games on your phones.  Hand 'em over.

Protests from the Boys, but they hand them over.  Jordan looks at Gwen and puts his hand out.

GWEN

Are you high?  I am not giving you my phone.

Jordan doesn't press the issue.

AMANDA

We have a long day tomorrow, maybe we should turn in.

SONNY

I'm not tired.  Can they bring the helicopter back so we can go swimming at the hotel?

GWEN

Then you can just leave me there.

JORDAN

Okay, listen up, we are not going back to the hotel.  We are going to be spending four days and five nights making our way to the Skelton Coast together.  So, you can complain all you want, but that is what is going to happen - understand?

MANON

I have a little adventure maybe.  Everybody gather your headlamps.

JORDAN

What do you say to a little adventure, boys?

Arlo and Sonny run to grab their headlamps.

AMANDA

I don't think it's a good idea to be wondering around in the dark.

GWEN

Anything is better than sitting here with our thumbs up our asses.

MANON

It will be perfectly safe, I promise.

EXT. OUTSIDE BASE CAMP - NIGHT

Beams of light cut through the darkness.  The bonfire from the camp can just be seen in the distance behind the group.

A stumble and Jordan ends up on the ground.

AMANDA

Are you alright?

JORDAN

Yeah.  Where are we going?

MANON

Just up here a bit more.

EXT. VELDT - NIGHT

They stop under a large acacia tree.

MANON

Okay, it is here.

SONNY

What?  The tree?

MANON

Wait.

Manon shines her light up into the branches.  Bright twin sparkles flash as the light sweeps around. 

ARLO

Bush babies!

All shine their lights into the tree, illuminating the eyes of the small, furry adorable creatures.

AMANDA

They're so cute.

SONNY

Can we take one home?

The BUSH BABIES begin to WAIL.

AMANDA

They sound like they're crying.

GWEN

Like Sonny.

SONNY

Shut up.

AMANDA

How did you know about this?

MANON

Lucas told me about them when you swam your feet in the pool.

WAILS grow in intensity, sounding more alarming and frightening.

AMANDA

Maybe we should get back.

JORDAN

Yeah.

Jordan turns and looks into the darkness.  No bonfire or other indication of the camp can be seen.

AMANDA

Where's the camp?

JORDAN

Uhh, this way... I think.

SONNY  

I thought it was over there.

There's a moment of panic as Jordan, Amanda, Arlo and Sonny shine their flashlights into the darkness.

AMANDA

Jordan!

JORDAN

It's okay, give me a second.

Arlo shines his light on the ground.

ARLO

We can follow our footprints back.

JORDAN

(relieved)

Yeah, of course.

MANON

Or we can use this.

(holds out GPS)

I marked the camp position before we left.

Jordan grabs the GPS, tries to orient it to get the direction.  Manon takes the GPS back, correctly orients it and hands it back to Jordan.

JORDAN

This way.

Jordan heads out followed by the others.  Gwen hears something in the tree and shines her light up into the branches overhead.

BUSH BABY

leaps from one branch to another.  Gwen smiles and follows the group just as:

BLACK MAMBA

drops from the tree onto the ground where she just stood.

EXT. BASE CAMP - DAY

Jordan limps out of his tent, rubbing his hip.  Squints into the morning sun.

Manon exits her tent and watches Jordan stretch and groan.

MANON

Hard night sleeping?

Jordan jumps, stands straight; sucks in his gut.

JORDAN

No, I'm good.  Never slept better.

(looks at his watch)

Rise and shine everybody!  We're already behind schedule.

Gotta hit the trail. 

Arlo and Sonny exit their tent, yawning. 

SONNY

What's for breakfast?

JORDAN

We'll eat on the road.

SONNY

At a restaurant?

JORDAN

No restaurants out here, buddy.  We'll have a protein bar.  Go wake your sister.

Arlo and Sonny run to Gwen's tent.  Amanda emerges, looking like she had a rough night too.

OUTSIDE GWEN'S TENT

Arlo and Sonny giggle as they slowly pull open the flap.

SONNY/ARLO

Wake up!  Wake up!  Wake up!

Quizzical looks.  Sonny looks over at Jordan and Amanda.

SONNY

It smells gross in there!

ARLO

I think she's dead.

Amanda and Jordan run over.  Amanda pushes the Boys aside and dives into the tent.

 

AMANDA (O.S.)

Gwen?  Gwe-- 

(SFX: BOTTLES CLANK)

Jesus!

JORDAN

What?

Amanda crabs back out of the tent.  Holds up multiple empty mini alcohol bottles.

AMANDA

She's passed out, drunk.

JORDAN

She's in for a long day.

EXT. BASE CAMP

The group is ready to head out.  Gwen, who looks like death warmed over, complains about the weight of her backpack to Amanda, who gives her a look: don't you dare complain. 

Manon gives Gwen an encouraging smile. 

Sonny slinks up to Gwen with a mischievous look.  Holds out a sierra cup.

SONNY

Want some water?  You don't want to get dehydrated.

Gwen, too out of it to be suspicious, takes the cup.  Sonny watches her.

JORDAN

Let's head out.  We'll take it slow, get acclimated.  We should make it to the next camp by early afternoon.  Come on boys, get your backpacks on.

Sonny moves away, keeping his eyes on:

GWEN

takes a sip of the water, then downs the whole cup.

Sonny runs up to her and points at the hole where the solar still was set up.

SONNY

That was the pee water!  You just drank our pee!

Gwen wretches a little.  Throws the cup and hits Sonny.  Sonny pushes her and she tumbles over backward.  Sonny cracks up.

Manon helps Gwen get up.  Gwen goes after Sonny who easily out runs her and laughs and taunts her.

AMANDA

Enough!  Gwen stop it right now.

GWEN

Why are you yelling at me?  Sonny just made me drink pee.

ARLO

It's not pee, it's just water.  The solar still distills it, from evaporation.

GWEN

Shut up, you fucking nerd.

AMANDA

Gwen!  Apologize right now.

Gwen crosses her arms and sets her jaw.  Not gonna happen.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

You had better get that look off your face or --

GWEN

Or what?  You're gonna send me home?  Yes, please!  I never wanted to come on this fucking trip in the first place.  So FUCK you.

Gwen drops her backpack and starts walking to nowhere.  Amanda gives Jordan a long stare.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

Jordan quick steps to catch Gwen.  He passes her, turns and holds up her backpack and blocks her path.  They tango for a moment until she takes the backpack.

GWEN

Fine.

She strides past Jordan, who follows.  The others walk behind.

JORDAN

Anyway, you have a good sense of direction.  You're headed right where we need to go.

(Gwen speeds up)

What is going on with you?

GWEN

Mom hates me.

JORDAN

No, she doesn't.

GWEN

Well, I hate mom.

JORDAN

No, you don't.

GWEN

Don't invalidate my feelings.

JORDAN

I'm not trying to invalidate your feelings.  Mom loves you very much.  She doesn't want you to end up --

GWEN

Pregnant with no options except to marry her boss?

JORDAN

You know that's not what happened.

(then)

Come on, aren't you getting a little old to be pulling this kinda shit?

Gwen considers.  Jordan pulls off his backpack; pulls out a journal and pen.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

I know you've been struggling with your college essay.  I was hoping this trip would give you some inspiration.

Jordan holds the journal and pen in front of Gwen.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

A Montblanc LeGrand traveler fountain pen and a one-of-a-kind Swiss calfskin writing journal, hand crafted by blind nuns in the Carpathian mountains of France.

Gwen stops, unable to resist the temptation. 

GWEN

The Carpathian mountains aren't in France.

JORDAN

They aren't?  Then those slut French nuns are running a con game. 

Gwen reaches out to take the pen and journal, but Jordan pulls them away.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Are you going to behave?

Gwen's face darkens; then a wry smile.

GWEN

You know, you're right.  I am getting too old for this kinda shit.  You've been trying to buy my obedience my whole fucking life.

She snatches the pen and journal.

GWEN (CONT'D)

When all I really wanted was a real dad.

Gwen continues on... Amanda comes up.

AMANDA

What was that all about?

JORDAN

Trying to get her to grow up a bit.

AMANDA

How'd that work out?

GWEN (O.S.)

THIS TRIP FUCKING SUCKS!

Amanda continues on... Sonny comes up.

SONNY

When is this trip gonna get fun, Dad?

Sonny continues on... Arlo comes up.

ARLO

I'm having a little fun, Dad.

Arlo continues on... Manon comes up.

MANON

T'en fais pas.  Fun will come in due time.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

Jordan, GPS in hand, leads a single file line behind him.  The desert is vast and empty.

MANON

moves alongside Gwen.  Walks for a bit.

MANON

Everything is okay?

Shrug from Gwen.  Manon keeps walking alongside.

GWEN

So, what you're from France or something?

MANON

Yes.  Well, I was born in Senegal, but my father was a diplomat, so when I was ten we moved to Nantes.  Then ever two years we moved: Lyon,  Toulouse, then Paris.

GWEN

That sounds amazing.

MANON

It was.  After my 'bac' I attended Sorbonne.

GWEN

'Bac'?

MANON

It is an exam for university

(then)

You will be at university soon, no?

GWEN

Yes.  I hope so.  My parents want me to go to N-Y-U.  You know, close to home.  But I want to go to California.  Stamford or U-S-C.  A bunch of girls from Spence have already gotten in.

MANON

And you?  Are you in?

GWEN

Sort of.  I have to write an essay.

MANON

What will you write about?

GWEN

(shrugs)

This consultant suggested all these stupid topics... How I overcame fear and learned to make mash potatoes or, How I felt when my grandma Maisie died.  I don't even have a grandma Maisie.

Manon sweeps her arm out to the empty desert.

MANON

Well, you now have inspiration.  

GWEN

A walk across the desert in the middle of nowhere.  Super inspiring.

MANON

Well, wait and see.  At least you have a nice pen and paper now to write down your thoughts.

They smile at each other and giggle.

GWEN

I heard my mom say something happened with your family?

MANON

My parents were visiting Senegal and were killed in a car accident.

GWEN

Oh my god.  I'm so sorry.  Is that how you got the... on your face?

MANON

Oh, no, no, that happened a long time ago. 

GWEN

I feel like such an idiot, blathering on about my shit.

MANON

It is alright.  Listening to you, it takes my mind away.  It is hard for me to accept that I have no family in the world.  I am an orphan.

GWEN

Sometimes I wish I was an orphan.

MANON

Oh no, you must never say that!  I was like you - with my parents - anger at them - so annoying all the time, yes?  But you cannot let it consume you.  Your father --

GWEN

He's not my real father.  I mean, not my biological father.  My mom and dad worked together when my mom got knocked up by some loser.  Anyway, they got married.

MANON

Then you should consider yourself very fortunate.  Your father 'choosed' to be your parent.  He must be a very noble man.

GWEN

I guess.  He's still a dick.

JORDAN

looks at his watch; stops and turns around.

JORDAN

Good job everybody.  Let's take a break.

Sonny and Arlo collapse at Jordan's feet.  Gwen, Amanda and Manon catch-up.  Shrug off their backpacks.

SONNY

Dad, why are we doing this?

JORDAN

It's a challenge.  Like learning to snowboard.

SONNY

But snowboarding's fun.  This isn't fun.

GWEN

For once I agree with Sonny.

JORDAN

It'll get fun.  Trust me.

SONNY

When?

JORDAN

Just hang in there.

ARLO

I gotta pee.

SONNY

Me too.

JORDAN

Go find a bush.

Arlo and Sonny look around, spot a good candidate, and head toward it.

AMANDA

Don't go too far.

GWEN

Go as far as you want and keep going.

Gwen goes to take a sip of her water.

SONNY

Want us to fill your canteen?

Wry grin from Gwen.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - LATER

The group sits and rests.  Nothing around them except the empty desert landscape.

AMANDA straightens her stiff legs and massages her knees.

SONNY & ARLO throw pebbles at each other.

MANON shifts, brushes sand off her legs.

GWEN swats at persistent bugs flying near her face.

JORDAN

Isn't this amazing!

A wind gust pelts them with sand.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

The group continues along, strung out in a line behind Jordan.

Amanda speeds up and walks alongside Jordan; his eyes locked on the GPS.  He notices her, smiles and gives her hand a quick squeeze.

AMANDA

I've been thinking about --

JORDAN

Wait one sec.

(then)

Okay, we're good.  What?

AMANDA

I've been thinking about what you said... about us partnering on a new fund.

Jordan pulls out a laminated map and consults it.

JORDAN

Uh-huh.

AMANDA

Remember before I left Citadel I pitched that distressed securities strategy.

JORDAN

Yeah.  Sanjay couldn't get his head around it.  We should have jumped on it right away.  We missed the window.

AMANDA

Well, I've been thinking.  If we used the same idea, but with convertible arbitrage --

JORDAN

Whoa, whoa, remember who you're talking to. I'm the schmoozing partner.

AMANDA

It's really not that complicated.  You see, the return profile for event-driven --

JORDAN

Okay, okay, look.  This is all great stuff, I'm sure.  When we get back I'll have you talk to this guy I found.  He's a real quant wiz --

AMANDA

You already have a C-I-O?

JORDAN

Nothing's set in stone.  I set him and a little team up.  He's got some interesting ideas --

AMANDA

You said you wanted to partner with me.

JORDAN

I do, I really do.  But it's been seventeen years since you've been in the game.  That's a long time.  The hardest decision you've had to make is what marble to put in the foyer.

AMANDA

I've been keeping up.

Grinfuck from Jordan.

JORDAN

When we get back you can pitch anything you want to Feng and his team.

He kisses her cheek and walks back toward the Group.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Come on, gotta keep up.  We want to get to camp before dark.

Amanda starts to say something, but swallows her words.

EXT. 18°21'35.8"S 13°05'51.9"E - NIGHT

A line of headlamps in the dusk like a group of coal miners coming home after a long day.

Jordan, at the head of the line, stops.  Consults GPS.

JORDAN

This is it.  We made it.  Great job everybody!

Group surround him.  Sonny and Arlo yawn.  Everybody looks around; nothing but barren ground and bushes all around.

AMANDA

Are you sure this is it?

JORDAN

Yeah.  I'm sure.

GWEN

Where's the camp?

JORDAN

We need to set it up.  The supplies have got to be around here somewhere.  Everybody, look around.

Headlamps bounce around in the growing darkness.  Finally:

MANON

Over here.

The headlamps converge on Manon, who stands over three big duffle bags sitting next to some bushes.

JORDAN

Okay, let's get to it. 

(to Boys)

Go collect some wood and get the fire going.  Be quick, you always want to make sure and get a fire going before the sun goes down.

AMANDA

It's dark.  I'll go with them.

Amanda and Boys head out.  Jordan inspects the contents of the duffle bags.

MANON

I'll sort out the food.

JORDAN

Gwen, come set up the tents.

Gwen trudges over.  Jordan slides a duffle over to her.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

We'll build the fire there.  Set up the tents back over there.

Gwen grabs the strap of the duffle and drags it away.

Amanda and the Boys return.  Sonny and Arlo spill a load of twigs and branches onto the ground.

JORDAN

Okay, guys, get that fire going so we can eat.

Sonny and Arlo get to work.  Amanda helps Manon.

GWEN

stares hopelessly at a pile of decidedly low-tech wooden poles, ropes and canvas tarps.  Looks over at the group.

GWEN

I can't --

She sees everyone working.  Bends down and picks up a pole; examines it then grabs another pole.  Puts them together.

SONNY

crouches over a neat pyramid of twigs and tinder, flint and steel fire starter in hand.  Arlo is ready with more twigs.

Sonny strikes the starter and sparks fly onto the tinder.  An orange ember glows.  Sonny blows on it... too hard and the ember dies. 

ARLO

Let me do it.

SONNY

I can do it.

He repeats the procedure a few times.  No fire.

Arlo takes over.  Sonny yawns and rubs his eyes.

Arlo scrapes flint against steal.  Sparks fly.

AMANDA AND MANON

lay out food. 

Jordan flips on an LED lantern, illuminating a small patch of ground in the growing darkness.  Jordan turns off his headlamp.

JORDAN

Let there be light.

GWEN (O.S.)

FUCK!

JORDAN

Duty calls.

Jordan turns his headlamp back on and heads over to Gwen.  Nearby Arlo and Sonny argue over fire lighting technique.

AMANDA

This can't be much fun for you.

MANON

How do you mean?

AMANDA

I don't know, getting stuck in the middle of a dysfunctional family drama.

MANON

It is fine.

AMANDA

Well,  'Hic et ubique terrarum,' in any case.

Manon doesn't react.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

That's it isn't it?  'Hic et ubique terrarum?'  The motto of the Sorbonne?  Here and anywhere on Earth.

MANON

Oh yes, of course.  My brain is full of sand.

GWEN

has managed to get a skeleton of a tent-like shape up.  She drapes a tarp over it. 

JORDAN

Hey, great job.

The tent collapses.

AMANDA

examines one of the MRE meals.  Her headlight illuminates the bag, which reads:

     HUMANITARIAN DAILY RATION

     Food Gift From The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

She looks at the back of the package, reads:

AMANDA

Barley stew.  Vegetable biscuits.  Jam.  Peanut Butter.  Fruit bar.  Nothing but the best on this vacation.

JORDAN

steadies tent poles as Gwen drapes the tarp over.

GWEN

These are not like the tent I put up before.

JORDAN

That's okay, we got this.  Get the rope and loop it over this pole.  Make a loop, a slipknot.

GWEN

How?

AMANDA (O.S.)

Jordan!

JORDAN

Hold on, I'm in the middle of something. 

(to Gwen)

Here, switch.  Give me the rope.

They switch and Jordan shows Gwen how to make a slipknot, then loops it over a pole.  Tensions the rope.  Gwen lets go.  The structure stands.

AMANDA (O.S.)

We need you over here!

JORDAN

Give me a second or we're going to be sleeping under the stars.  Are there stakes or anything?

Gwen digs through the duffle and produces a metal stake.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

I guess a hammer would be too much to ask for.  Grab that rock and pound the stake in right here.  Angle it back.  Perfect.

AMANDA (O.S.)

This is serious!

JORDAN

(gives Gwen the rope)

Keep it tight and tie it to the stake.  Then do more stakes all around and tie 'em off.  Got it?

Gwen nods.  Smiles.

GWEN

Thanks, Dad.

BACK AT THE FIRE

There is no fire.  The Boys have given up.  They sit with heads slumped, fighting sleep.

Amanda holds out flint and steal as Jordan comes up.

AMANDA

We can't get the fire started.  And before you ask, there's no lighter and no matches.  It's all up to you, Eagle Scout.

JORDAN

I got this.

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

Jordan, Amanda, Gwen and Manon sit in the glow of the LED lantern which has been placed where the fire should have been. 

Sonny and Arlo are conked out on the ground.

Amanda inspects a meager vegetable biscuit.

AMANDA

Yup, nothing but the very best for this vacation.

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

And it is really dark.  Headlamps tunnel through the blackness, only providing illumination in small patches.

MANON

works on fixing her collapsed tent.

JORDAN (O.S)

Sorry about that!

Manon waves and secures her tent.

MANON

Good night.

AMANDA

holds open the tent flap as Jordan lays Arlo next to sleeping Sonny.

AMANDA

Will they be all right?

JORDAN

Yeah, of course.

AMANDA

Should we leave the lantern on?

Jordan gives her a look.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

I know, but I don't want them to get scared if they wake up in the middle of the night.

JORDAN

A little scared is alright.  They need to toughen up a bit.

Amanda nods.  Takes a few steps towards Gwen's tent.

AMANDA

Gwen.  You okay, sweetheart?  Gwen?

GWEN (O.S.)

Mom, I'm trying to sleep.

JORDAN

Don't worry about Gwen.  Nothing's brave enough to tangle with her.

Amanda smiles, then is overcome by a yawn.

AMANDA

What time is it?

JORDAN

(checks watch)

Ha!  Nine fifteen - I mean, twenty-one fifteen.

AMANDA

You don't need to do the military mumbo jumbo on me.  I know night from day.

JORDAN

We made it through the first day.

AMANDA

I'm not sure it brought us --

(checks herself)

Yes, we made it through the first day and that is a good thing.  Okay, well I'm beat.  And I have got to get out of these clothes.

JORDAN

(provocatively)

Need some help?

AMANDA

You're kidding, right?  I have sand coming out of every orifice of my body.

Amanda shakes her head in wonder and walks to their tent.  Jordan goes to grab the lantern in the fire pit.

FIRE PIT

Jordan picks up the lantern and turns it off, then looks over at Manon's tent.  His headlamp shines through the open tent entrance, illuminating Manon's thong-clad behind as she peals off her sports bra.  He kneels down and turns off his headlamp.

MANON'S TENT

Manon turns and her headlamp shines out of her tent, blinding like a klieg light.  She looks down, raking light across her semi-nude body. 

Her headlamp goes off, leaving Jordan in darkness.

INT. JORDAN'S TENT - DAY

Sleeping Jordan rolls over, groans.  Picks his head up and sniffs the air.  What's that smell?

EXT. CAMP

Jordan exits the tent.  Surveys the situation:

AMANDA AND MANON chat and cook by a roaring fire.

ARLO AND SONNY mess around with rope and homemade bow and arrows.

GWEN sits aways away from camp, facing the empty desert, writing in her journal.

JORDAN

Well isn't this something!

Arlo and Sonny run over to Jordan.

SONNY

We got the fire started! 

ARLO

You have to pick the grass up off the ground and then blow on it so it gets enough oxygen.

SONNY

Then you put it down in the twigs and build it slowly.

JORDAN

Great job.  Once you know how to light a fire you can survive anywhere in the world.

(re: the bow)

That's cool.

SONNY

(points bow at Jordan)

Show me your hands!

Jordan complies and Arlo ties Jordan's wrists.  They clown for a bit.

JORDAN

Okay, I give up.  I'm starving.

Jordan and boys heads to the

COOKING FIRE

AMANDA

I thought the trail boss was supposed to wake up first.

JORDAN

You guys seemed to do just fine without me. 

Manon puts a steaming scoop of oatmeal on a plate and Amanda puts bacon on top; hands it to Jordan.

AMANDA

Not exactly breakfast at the Ritz.

Jordan digs in.

JORDAN

Hmmm.  This is better than the Ritz.

AMANDA

Did Willem give you back that S-O-S messaging thing?  I couldn't find it.

JORDAN

He gave it to Lucas to check the batteries.  He must have forgot to give it to us.  It'll probably be with the supplies at the next camp.

AMANDA

How are we going to let them know if something happens?

JORDAN

It'll be fine.  Willem said they'd be monitoring things --

SONNY

Dad, are we just gonna walk all day like yesterday?

JORDAN

Yep.

ARLO

When are we gonna see something cool?

JORDAN

Maybe today.

MANON

I think we will come near the Ugab River today.  There should be animals to see there.

SONNY/ARLO

Cool!  What kind of animals?

MANON

All kinds.  Kudu, oryx, springbok,  zebra, ostrich, giraffe --

ARLO

I want to see elephants.

MANON

Elephants, too.

SONNY/ARLO

Cool!

AMANDA

You really know your Namibian wildlife.

MANON

I read about it on the plane.

AMANDA

Well nobody told me we were going to be trekking in the Namibian desert so I couldn't read anything about it.

JORDAN

Then it wouldn't have been a surprise.

AMANDA

You know I hate surprises.

Awkward silence.  Manon starts to clean-up. 

JORDAN

Yeah, we should get going.

AMANDA

Gwen!  Come on, we're packing up.

Amanda stands, looks at where Gwen is supposed to be, but only sees:

EMPTY DESERT

Gwen appears from behind a bush walking toward them.  Amanda is relieved. 

Gwen holds up a roll of toilet paper.

GWEN

Anybody else need to go?

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

Jordan walks and studies the GPS.  The group plod along, with bored Sonny and Arlo at the back.

Sonny picks up a pebble and tosses it at Gwen.  She doesn't notice.  Sonny eyes Arlo they pick up pebbles.  Ready? 

Their throws hit home.  Gwen turns, momentarily confused; sees Sonny and Arlo looking innocent.  She rushes her tormentors, who scramble.

GWEN

Cut it out you little shits.

They pick up more pebbles and pelt Gwen.  Gwen gets serious and gives chase.  She gets ahold of Sonny and pushes him to the ground.  Sonny wails as Gwen goes after Arlo.

AMANDA

Gwen!  Stop it.  What the hell are you doing?

Gwen stops.  Amanda goes to check on Sonny.  Arlo runs to Amanda for protection.

GWEN

They started it.

SONNY

I didn't do anything.

ARLO

Sonny just accidentally kicked a pebble.  Barely touched her.

GWEN

You little fucking liar.

AMANDA

Gwen!  Enough.  Start walking.  Go!

GWEN

You're doing it again!

AMANDA

What am I doing again?

GWEN

You always take their side.

AMANDA

I'm not taking their side.  You're supposed to act like the adult, not a child.

Gwen huffs, starts walking.

SONNY

Want some more pee water?

GWEN

Hey, by the way, what's that stain on your hat?  They smell kinda funny, too.

Boys smell their hats; make faces.  Realize...

SONNY/ARLO

Gwen peed on our hats!

AMANDA

Gwen!

GWEN

They asked for it.

JORDAN

Come on guys.  Can't we just get along for five minutes?

Gwen stalks off. 

Manon catches up with her; whispers in her ear.

Amanda notices the interaction and watches as Manon continues to talk to Gwen as they walk.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

Jordan walks with eyes glued to the GPS, barely looking where he is going.  Group trudges behind.

They walk up a gentle hill and near the top, Jordan stops.  He holds out the GPS, does a 360-degree turn; finally stops.  Looks out over the desert.

JORDAN

Boys, grab your binoculars and come here.

Boys arrive.  Jordan points to an area and the boys train their binoculars at the spot.  They scan the area, but can't locate anything.  Give Jordan a look.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

You should be able to see --

MANON (O.S.)

Over here.

Manon, Amanda and Gwen stand on a promontory a few hundred feet away facing the opposite direction.

Boys sprint over, leaving Jordan alone.

VIEW FROM PROMONTORY

No need for binoculars.  Ugab River runs below and is full of every animal Manon described and more.

Group is giddy, pointing and naming animals. 

Jordan comes up, disappointed not to be the master of ceremonies, but even he is transfixed by the view.  This is what the trip is all about.

Sonny gives up his binoculars to Gwen.

SONNY

Can we go down there?

JORDAN

Sure.

MANON

I'm not sure that is safe.

JORDAN

We'll just get a little closer.

Manon looks at Amanda.  Boys tug and plead with Amanda.

SONNY/ARLO

Please, please, please!!?

JORDAN

It'll be fine.

AMANDA

As long as we don't get too close.

MANON

Willem said --

JORDAN

Come on, where's your sense of adventure?

EXT. UGAB RIVER

Jordan leads the group down the hill and onto the river flat.  Trees and bushes line the river. 

Animals don't seem to be bothered by their presence, encouraging Jordan to lead the group closer.

Manon tugs on Jordan.

MANON

Please, no further.

JORDAN

Okay, okay.

They crouches down near a large copse of trees and watch a herd of elephants bathe in the river.  All grin ear-to-ear as a BABY ELEPHANT TRUMPETS.

Gwen notices something nearby in the bushes: a baby baboon.

GWEN

(whispers)

Look...

The Penabakers are enchanted, but Manon goes on high alert, scanning the trees and bushes.

MANON

We need to move away.  This is not safe.

JORDAN

It's just a baby.

The words are still in Jordan's mouth when the rest of the baboon troop materializes in the trees.  One of the male baboons starts GRUNTING, setting off others.

Panic hits as the TROOP'S BARKING intensifies.

MANON

It's okay.  Just back away slowly.  Do not turn your back.

Amanda pulls the boys close as they all back away.

The BARKING subsides as they move further away.  Finally far enough from the troop, Manon stops.

MANON (CONT'D)

Baboons are very dangerous.  Even lions are afraid of them --

ROAR FROM AN ELEPHANT and CRASH OF BUSHES

The giant bull charges the Group.  Amanda's instincts are to shield her family as Jordan sprints to safety. 

Manon stands her ground and yells, momentarily halting the bull's charge.  Amanda and Gwen join Manon and they scream at the elephant.

The yelling and screaming standoff continues until the elephant turns and heads toward the river.

Relief.  Amanda, Gwen and Manon can't believe what just happened.  Arlo and Sonny run to them. 

SONNY/ARLO

That was so cool!

Jordan re-joins the group.

SONNY

Dad, did you see that?  Mom and Gwen scared an elephant!

JORDAN

Yeah, that was something.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

Late afternoon.  Jordan leads.  Arlo has the bow and arrow and Sonny jabs the air with a long stick/spear he has found.

Amanda, Gwen and Manon follow behind, happily pointing out various flora and fauna.

SONNY

Dad, watch!

Sonny throws the spear at a bush.  It hits home and empales the bush.

JORDAN

Nice shot.

ARLO

Watch me.

Arlo strings an "arrow" and lets it fly at the same bush.  It goes just over the bush.

SONNY

Missed!

JORDAN

No, that would have been a headshot.  Instant kill.

Arlo gives Sonny a look.  The boys retrieve the spear and arrow and return to Jordan's side.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

I wouldn't want to mess with you guys.  You're both deadly.

(he motions the boys closer; then, dramatically)

Listen, don't tell Mom, but Willem told me there are some dangerous rebel groups out here.

SONNY/ARLO

Really?

JORDAN

Yep.  So be alert and keep a look out.  In fact, see that big tree up ahead?

(points; eager nods from boys)

That's the next camp spot.  Why don't you guys take point and make sure we don't walk into any ambushes.

The boys take their orders seriously and creep ahead of Jordan, weapons at the ready.

Amanda comes up to Jordan; watches the boys.

AMANDA

What's that about?

JORDAN

I gave them a mission.  They're going ahead to the camp to make sure things are safe.

Amanda scoffs.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

It's good for 'em.  They need to know there's danger in the world and they have the power to take control.

AMANDA

Been reading Ellen Sandseter, huh?

JORDAN

Who?

AMANDA

Norwegian child psychologist.  Anyway, I guess it's fine.  As long as there's nothing really dangerous out there.

 

EXT. 18°21'35.8"S 13°05'51.9"E

The boys walk a perimeter around a giant acacia tree as the rest of the group approach.

They look up at the giant overhanging branches of the acacia.  It is magical.

AMANDA

What an incredible spot.

GWEN

It's like something from the Lion King.

Arlo and Sonny come up.

ARLO

It's all clear.  Supplies are right over there.

SONNY

Yup, everything's safe.  No signs of rebel groups.

Jordan shoots a worried look at Amanda; she smiles and shakes her head in amusement at the boy's imaginations.

JORDAN

Good job, boys.  Let's get the camp set-up so we can enjoy the sunset.

EXT. 18°21'35.8"S 13°05'51.9"E - CAMP

All stand together just outside the tidy camp and watch the sun set over the veldt. 

Amanda pulls the boys close, then Gwen.  Jordan moves close.

MANON

Let me get a photo!

She pulls out a disposable camera.  Positions them against the sunset.

EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE DESERT NEARBY - SAME TIME

POV of the camp and blazing fire.  The flash of the distant camera goes off.

EXT. 18°21'35.8"S 13°05'51.9"E - CAMP - NIGHT

From inside Manon's tent the glow of an electronic device goes out.

BONFIRE

Amanda and Gwen sit next to each other.  Jordan watches Sonny and Arlo poke the fire and throw anything they can find onto the blaze.

Manon joins; finds a spot and sits.

MANON

Good job with the fire boys.

JORDAN

Yeah, you earned your firemanship merit badge for sure.

ARLO

What's a merit badge?

JORDAN

It's from Boy Scouts.  You earn merit badges when you learn a new skill.

SONNY

What's Boy Scouts?

JORDAN

How do you not know about Boy Scouts?

He looks at Amanda, who shrugs.

AMANDA

That's your department.

JORDAN

Boy Scouts is like a club.  You go camping and learn different things to help you survive in the wilderness.

ARLO

We should have done that before we got here.

JORDAN

We can look into it when we get back home.

SONNY

Cool.

ARLO

I think this will be enough camping for me.

Adults laugh. 

AMANDA

Should we have desert?

Quizzical looks as Amanda hands out MRE fruit bars.  They rip open the packages and inspect the dark brick.  Amanda takes a nibble, surprised at the taste.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Not bad actually.

JORDAN

Kinda tastes like a fruit roll-up.

GWEN

Oh my god, yes!  Just like a fruit roll-up.

MANON

What is fruit roll-up?

SONNY

Yeah, what's a fruit roll-up?

GWEN

How do you not know what a fruit roll-up is?  A fruit roll-ups is a long gross ribbon of nondescript rubbery fruit that is probably ninety-nine percent sugar.  I ate them all the time when I was little.  I can't believe you've never had one.

SONNY

How come Chef Byron hasn't made 'em for us?

GWEN

You don't make them dingus, you buy 'em at the grocery store.

JORDAN

When we get home we'll order a whole case.

GWEN

This is the best tasting thing I've ever had in my life.

All laugh, then settle in and enjoy the moment.

GWEN

I'm going to go write a bit then go to sleep.

(then, to Jordan)

I really like my pen and journal.  Thank you.

Amanda grabs Gwen's hand and gives it a squeeze.

AMANDA

Sleep well.  See you in the morning.

Sonny pulls a branch out of the fire and holds it up like a torch.  Arlo grabs one too.

SONNY

Want us to light your way?

GWEN

(dismissive)

I can manage.

Sonny and Arlo toss their branch into the fire.  Gwen senses their disappointment; gives them a quick hug.

GWEN (CONT'D)

You can light my way another night.

Gwen walks off into the darkness.

Jordan stands.

JORDAN

Okay, boys, you too.  Time to hit the sack.

Protests from the boys, but they comply.  Kiss and hug Amanda.  Cheeky Arlo gives Manon a kiss.

SONNY/ARLO

Good night.

MANON

Bon soir.

Sonny pushes Arlo as they walk.

SONNY

Why'd you kiss her?

Amanda smiles at Manon.

AMANDA

By the way, thank you.  Whatever you said to Gwen sure calmed her down.

MANON

I just told her an adventure like this can be life changing, if you simply embrace it.

AMANDA

Wise words.

MANON

Yes, for all of us.

EXT. CAMP - DAY

Clear, beautiful morning dawns over the tidy camp as Jordan watches the others tend to their chores:

BOYS coax a fire out of the previous night's coals.

AMANDA readies pots for cooking breakfast.

MANON checks provisions and loads packs.

ARLO AND SONNY add wood to the already roaring fire.

AMANDA

Okay, that's enough with the fire.  We're not roasting an elephant.

SONNY

Could we roast an elephant?

ARLO

How would we get an elephant?

JORDAN

I once shot an elephant in my pajamas.

Boys approach Jordan, rapt.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

How an elephant got into my pajamas, I don't know.

It takes them a second to get it.

SONNY/ARLO

Daaad...

They attack Jordan, grabbing his legs and trying to bring him down.  Jordan walks, dragging the boys, who laugh with delight.

AMANDA

Okay, that's enough.  Go wake up your sister.

GWEN'S TENT

Boys pull the tent stakes out of the ground. 

The tent collapses.  Arlo and Sonny high-five and laugh as it goes flat.  They wait for Gwen to react.  Nothing.

Sonny lightly kicks at a lump in the tent.  Arlo gets on hands and knees and uses his hands to feel around.

ARLO

Mom!

Amanda looks at Jordan.

AMANDA

Goddammit.  She's drunk again.  I thought you got all the bottles.

JORDAN

I thought I did.

AMANDA

Just when I thought she was growing up

They march over; the boys pat the tent.  Gwen is obviously not inside.

ARLO

She's not in there.

Manon runs up.

MANON

What is it?

AMANDA

Gwen's gone.  Have you seen her?

MANON

Gone?

AMANDA

Yes, gone!  Did you see her?

MANON

No, just last night when she went to bed.

AMANDA

Where could she have gone?

JORDAN

She's got to be around somewhere.

Sonny points to a small thicket of low-lying bushes.

SONNY

I'll bet she fell down in the pee bushes!

ARLO

Like that time in Rome when she drank that yucky lemonade.

Jordan runs toward the bushes.  Sonny and Arlo follow.

Amanda gets a thought, dives into the fallen tent.  Roots around under the fabric.

Amanda emerges from the tent.  Jordan and the boys run back from the bushes.

JORDAN

She's not there.

AMANDA

Her backpack and stuff isn't in there.  Just her sleeping bag.

JORDAN

Okay, okay.  Stay calm.  Let's not panic.

AMANDA

What if she ran away?

JORDAN

Where would she go?  She's not that stupid.  We're in the middle of nowhere.

Jordan and Amanda scream "Gwen!  Gwen!" into the empty desert.  Amanda spots the boys wandering off into the desert.

AMANDA

Sonny!  Arlo!  Get back here.

Boys continue to meander away.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Get back here, now!

(to Jordan)

They are not leaving my sight until we get out of here.

ARLO AND SONNY

stare down at the ground.

ARLO

Come here, hurry!

Amanda runs toward them, Jordan follows.

AMANDA

Don't ever leave camp without us!

ARLO

But look...

FOOTPRINTS AND TIRE TRACKS

EXT. CAMP

All gather around the footprints and tire tracks. 

AMANDA

Jordan what is going on?

Jordan scans the horizon in all direction.  Nothing but a featureless desert plain surrounds them.

Sonny starts to sob.  Arlo looks sad.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Hey, hey, it's okay.  Gwen's gonna be fine.  We'll find her.

ARLO

It's our fault.

AMANDA

What?  Why is it your fault?

SONNY

We - we...

JORDAN

What?  You can tell us.

SONNY

We should have lit the way to her tent last night.

Amanda pulls the boys into a hug.

AMANDA

Oh, sweethearts, it's not your fault.  It's not anybody's fault.  It's okay.  Everything is going to be okay.

(then)

Manon, can you...

Manon peels Arlo and Sonny away from Amanda and leads them back to camp.

MANON

Come on boys, we can't let the fire go out.

When Manon and boys are out of earshot:

AMANDA

What if she's has been kidnapped?

JORDAN

Let's not jump to conclusions.

AMANDA

Where would the tire tracks come from?

JORDAN

(considers)

It doesn't mean she's been kidnapped.  They're probably from before, when they dropped off the supplies.

AMANDA

Then what?   You think she went for a stroll in the desert?

JORDAN

Could she be pulling a prank?

AMANDA

What??

JORDAN

I don't know... get revenge on us or something or something.  Like a TikTok thing she cooked up to scare us.

AMANDA

This isn't a fucking TikTok thing.  She's --

JORDAN

Okay, okay, stay calm.  I'll send Willem an S-O-S message and we'll figure this out.

Jordan heads to the camp.  Amanda follows.

CAMP

Jordan grabs the Garmin SOS device, tries to power it on, but it is dead.  He opens the battery compartment - no batteries.  He is confused for a moment.

He looks at the boys who are working on restarting the fire.

JORDAN

Did you guys touch this?

Sonny looks at Arlo.  They are too frightened to speak.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

I - asked - you - a question. 

ARLO

We - we, borrowed the batteries for the game you gave us.

Jordan's jaw sets in rage.  He goes to the boy's tent and rifles through their stuff - spilling the contents of their backpacks all over.

JORDAN

Where is it, goddammit?

He finds the electronic game and cracks open the battery compartment.

ARLO

Those ones are dead, too.

Jordan turns on the boys, looks at them through the rising flame of the campfire - there is genuine terror in their eyes. 

JORDAN

Can't you two listen?  I told you never to touch --

AMANDA

It's okay, it's okay.

Amanda steps between Jordan and the boys.  She pulls Jordan away from camp.

JORDAN

I specifically told them not --

AMANDA

I know, I know.  Just calm down.  Breath.

He looks over at the boys; they still look terrified.  He shakes his head in disgust.  Amanda catches his gaze and holds it.  Jordan's rage subsides. 

AMANDA

We'll figure something out.

(then)

Now, is there any other way we can get in touch with Willem?

JORDAN

No.

(then)

No, but Willem did say he'd be monitoring all the dangerous groups in the area, so he might --

AMANDA

Wait, what do you mean dangerous groups?

JORDAN

Before he left us, Willem mentioned that some rebel groups --

AMANDA

So Willem told you this could happen?

JORDAN

No, no, of course not.  He said... He said they operate way north of here,  but the risk we'd ever see them was basically zero.

AMANDA

You of all people should know there is no such thing as zero risk.  Fucking christ.

JORDAN

Well, if those little shits hadn't disobeyed me --

Amanda slaps Jordan across the face.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

What the fuck?

AMANDA

Don't you dare blame them.  It is not their fault.  Now what are we going to do?

MANON (O.C.)

I have Willem.

Manon rushes over; holds out a satellite phone.

JORDAN

Where'd you get that?

He reaches for the phone, but Amanda grabs it.  Manon retreats back to the camp.

AMANDA

Hello?  Hello?

WILLEM (O.C.)

(over sat phone speaker)

Hey, guys, what's going on?

AMANDA

Our daughter is missing in the middle of Namibia you fucking asshole!

WILLEM (O.C.)

Okay, okay, stay calm.

AMANDA

If one more person tells me to stay calm...

INT. SKELTON COAST - MAIN CAMP - QUONSET HUT

Willem sits at a desk with a satellite phone.

AMANDA (O.C.)

...I am going to fucking lose it!

WILLEM

Okay, okay.  I get it, but let's not panic.  Tell me exactly what happened...

EXT. CAMP

Manon, dumps oatmeal into a pot of boiling water; watches as Jordan and Amanda pace, gesticulate, and scream at the satellite phone.

Boys are in their tent, rummaging around.

AMANDA AND JORDAN

stare at the satellite phone in Amanda's hand like it is a magic eight ball.

WILLEM (O.C.)

I'll reach out to my contacts in NAMPOL and the army and we'll find her.  If it is kidnapping, it may cost --

JORDAN

Whatever it takes, we'll pay whatever they want.

WILLEM (O.C.)

Right, roger that.  That's good.  That's the right attitude.  We do the right thing and you'll be back

with her in a day or two.

JORDAN

When will you be here?

WILLEM (O.C.)

Okay, look, I'm not going to say stay calm, but we have a bit of an issue with the 'copter.  A sandstorm came through...

Amanda's jaw sets in rage.  She can't take it; she gives Jordan the phone and stalks out into the desert.

JORDAN

Wait!  Where are you going? 

WILLEM (O.C.)

You still there?

JORDAN

Yeah, hold on.  Amanda, what are you doing?

Amanda holds her arm up high and gives Jordan the finger.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Fuck.

INT. SKELTON COAST - QUONSET HUT

WILLEM

What happened?

JORDAN (O.C.)

Amanda --  You have to get us out of here.  How long before the helicopter is fixed?

Willem hears something, turns and looks through the open door of the hut.  A cloud of dust blows across.

WILLEM (O.C.)

Not too long, but there might be another problem...

EXT. CAMP

Jordan approaches as Manon stirs the oatmeal.  Jordan gives her a quizzical look, re: cooking breakfast.

MANON

It is going to be a long day.  We have to have something for our stomachs.  What did Willem say?

JORDAN

He's getting the government involved.  He thinks it might be kidnapping, and if it is, Gwen will be fine.

MANON

So the trip is over?

JORDAN

(then, calmly)

No.  Apparently there is a 'haboob' heading toward us - that's a giant sandstorm in case you didn't know - so the helicopter is grounded.  We are stuck.

MANON

Amanda, she is okay?

JORDAN

How do you have a satellite phone?

MANON

Boys!  Breakfast is ready.  

(then)

Willem gave it to me... for emergency.  He said he didn't want you to know I had it.  So you did not have an easy way to end the trip.  I thought this with Gwen was not easy.

Before Jordan can respond, the Boys come out of their tent with their backpacks on.  Sonny holds his spear and Arlo has the homemade bow and arrow.

JORDAN

What are you doing?

ARLO

We're going to get Gwen.

SONNY

Get your backpack, Dad.  We're gonna follow the tire tracks --

JORDAN

We can't --

SONNY

We've got to get her back from the rebel group.

Jordan can't help but be proud; he glances into the desert where Amanda is still pacing.

He kneels down, pulls the Boys in close.

JORDAN

Listen to me.  We will find Gwen and get her back.  But right now we need to stay together.  Willem said a big sandstorm is coming our way.  We are safer if we stay together, understand? 

The boys nod, seeming to comprehend Jordan's logic.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Plus, I need you guys to help me look after Mom.

ARLO

And take care of Manon?

Manon smiles, puts her hand to her heart in appreciation.

JORDAN

Yes, Manon, too.

(then)

Take off your backpacks and go get Mom.  We've got to hurry up and get out of here so we can make it to the next camp before we get blown away.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - LATER

A blinding sandstorm.  The Group, walking and huddled close, trudge along.

They make it to the leeward side of a sand dune and collapse against its base.  WIND WHIPS, but the sand flies harmlessly overhead.

Jordan makes eye-contact with:

AMANDA wants to kill him.

MANON gives a sympathetic nod.

SONNY & ARLO gape at the RUSH OF WIND and SAND flying overhead.

Jordan moves next to Sonny and Arlo.

JORDAN

(over WIND)

YOU OKAY?

They both nod, smile in excitement.

SONNY/ARLO

THIS IS SO COOL!

EXT. 18°21'35.8"S 13°05'51.9"E - CAMP - NIGHT

Amanda, Jordan, Manon, and Arlo & Sonny in a daze, stare into the flames of the small cooking fire.

ARLO

I hope Gwen is all right.

JORDAN

I'm sure she's fine.

SONNY

We should have gone to save her.

ARLO

Yeah, Dad, we could have followed their tracks --

AMANDA

Enough.  I don't want to hear anymore about you trying to rescue Gwen.  Willem is --

(then, calmly)

Right now we need to focus on getting ourselves to the next camp and then to the coast.

JORDAN

You know what?  I'll bet Gwen's already at the Skelton Coast.  Kicking back, relaxing, no sand in her hair or up her butt, posting selfies for Ivy and Lola on Instagram and laughing at us for being stuck out here.

The Boys look at each other; they're not buying it.

Jordan stands, claps and waves his hand toward the tent.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Okay, boys, come on.  Time to hit the sack.

The Boys stand without complaint.  Amanda beckons them over and she pulls them into a suffocating hug.

AMANDA

Your skin is like sandpaper.

SONNY

Mom, you're breaking my neck!

ARLO

I can't breathe.

She squeezes tighter then releases them.  Sonny rubs his neck and follows Jordan to the tent.  Arlo turns to Manon.

ARLO (CONT'D)

Bon nuit.

Arlo gives Manon a kiss on the cheek and then he skips off to catch up with Sonny.

SONNY (O.C.)

Why do you keep kissing her?

AMANDA AND MANON

watch Jordan, Arlo and Sonny disappear into the tent.

AMANDA

Sorry.  I guess he's getting to that age.

MANON

I am flattered for the attention.

Manon puts a pot over the flame; pours in some water.

MANON

Want tea?

AMANDA

What?  Oh, sure.

Manon pours in more water and throws loose tea into the pot.  They wait in silence.

Manon takes the pot off the fire and uses the lid to strain the leaves as she pours steaming tea into tin cups. 

Hands a cup to Amanda.  Manon stays near the fire with her back to Amanda.  Amanda's eyes are focused on her.

AMANDA

What did you study at the Sorbonne? 

MANON

Humanities.

AMANDA

Just humanities?  Nothing specific?

MANON

No.

AMANDA

Paris Four or Six?

Manon takes a sip and burns her lip, spilling hot tea on herself.  She jumps up.

MANON

Merde!

In panic, Manon tries to pull the hot, wet fabric of her t-shirt and shorts away from her skin.

Jordan squirts a water bottle and soaks Manon.  Manon calms down as the water takes effect.

Manon looks down at her soaking wet t-shirt and crotch.  Starts to laugh.

JORDAN

Are you okay?

MANON

Yes, yes.  Fine.  I think you have also washed the sand out of my... you know, down there.  Thank you.

Jordan can't help but stare at Manon who looks like a wet t-shirt contest winner.  She puts her arms over her chest.

MANON (CONT'D)

I think I will go to bed.

AMANDA

I'm going to bed, too.

JORDAN

Stay up for a bit.

AMANDA

I don't want them to be alone in the tent.

JORDAN

They'll be fine.  They are right there.  Nothing's going to happen to them.

AMANDA

I don't want them to be alone.

JORDAN

Maybe we should all sleep in the same tent, then.

AMANDA

What are you talking about?

JORDAN (CONT'D)

I'm just saying...

MANON

I will be fine alone in my tent.

(then, to Amanda)

Oh, and by the time I was at Sorbonne they had combined Paris Four and Six.  And in any case, Humanities was in Paris Three.

Manon heads to her tent. 

Jordan gives Amanda a WTF look.

JORDAN

What was that about?

AMANDA

Nothing.  What was that all about?

JORDAN

You said no one should be alone.

AMANDA

Not what I said.

INT. AMANDA AND JORDAN'S TENT - LATER

A dim light illuminates the tent.  Boys are tucked close together on one side; Amanda lies on top of her sleeping bag as Jordan enters.

JORDAN

Want this light off?

AMANDA

No.

Jordan pulls off his pants and lays down on his back next to Amanda.  She rolls onto her side away from him, facing the Boys.  Jordan sighs and closes his eyes.  After a moment:

JORDAN

I can't sleep with that light on.

No reaction from Amanda.  Jordan gets up and switches it off.  The tent is DARK.

RUSTLING SOUNDS as Jordan lies back down...

SCOOCHING SOUNDS...

MORE SCOOCHING SOUNDS...

AMANDA

What the hell?

JORDAN

What?

AMANDA

The boys are right there.

JORDAN

They're dead to the world.

SCOOCH

AMANDA

Jordan, no!  How can you think about that in the middle of all this?

JORDAN

I don't know.  Must be that primal urge thing Willem talked about.  Come on.  I'll be quick like a bunny rabbit.

AMANDA

No!

JORDAN

You don't have to do anything.  I'll do all the work.

AMANDA

No!

UMPH of an ELBOW HITTING A BODY.

EXT. TENT

Jordan emerges into the fire light.  Massages his chest.

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT

Jordan lays back, taking in the intense blanket of stars.

MANON (O.S.)

You know the constellations?

Jordan starts in a panic and scrambles to sit up.  Manon stifles a laugh as she takes a seat across from Jordan.

MANON

I didn't mean to startle you.

JORDAN

No, no, you're good.  You didn't... Okay, you startled me.

MANON

Is everything all right?

JORDAN

I guess.

(then)

I know she's upset about Gwen.  I am too, I just don't see the sense in dwelling on it.  There's nothing we can do about it now.

MANON

I understand.  I think though Amanda thinks you don't care.

JORDAN

Of course I care.  Gwen's my daughter.  I've been her father since the day she was born.  I just want to try and salvage something out of this trip.  Something memorable and meaningful.

Manon lays back on her elbows; scans the sky, then points.

MANON

There is the Southern Cross. 

JORDAN

What? 

MANON

(outlines a cross in the sky)

The Southern Cross.  See?

JORDAN

Oh, okay, yeah.

Manon scooches over next to Jordan.  Lays back; Jordan follows her lead.

MANON

The cluster there?  That is Eta Carinae - the Homunculus Nebula.  You know this word?  Humunculus?  Little man?

JORDAN

Yeah, I know the word.

MANON

And look there.  No, down lower.  That one is called The Jewel Box.

JORDAN

(looking at her)

The Jewel Box.  Amazing.  The stars definitely look different in the Southern Hemisphere.

MANON 

"Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven,

Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels."

(then)

That is your American poet Hehn-ree Wadsworth Longfellow.

JORDAN

Jeez, you, you make me feel...

MANON

What?  Feel how?

JORDAN

Ignorant.

Manon giggles and scooches closer.  Jordan sits up. 

JORDAN (CONT'D)

I should wake the boys so they can see this.

Manon puts her hand on his chest. 

MANON

The stars will be out tomorrow night, too.

Jordan's eyes flick to his tent, then to Manon.  The scar on her cheek is just barely visible.

He kisses her hard and passionately.  Pulls back.  Shakes his head, but before he can speak Manon pulls him onto her.

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT - LATER

Stars disappear in a red dawn.  TWO MASKED FIGURES, lit from behind by red light and armed with AK-47 rifles, stand over Jordan and Manon, oogling Manon's naked body.

Manon stirs; sees the Armed Men.  She cover herself with her hands and elbows Jordan.

Jordan wakes with a start.  Sees the Men and stands; as he puts his hands up his pants fall around his ankles.

MAN ONE

Whoa, whoa.  It's okay.  Relax.

Jordan accesses the situation.  Glances at the tent where Amanda and the boys sleep.

JORDAN

(through gritted teeth)

Where is my daughter?

The Men exchange a glance.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Don't play games with me.  How many groups of assholes kidnappers can there be out here?  Tell me what it's going to take to get her back safely.

MAN TWO

Give me your watch.

JORDAN

What?

MAN TWO

Your watch.

JORDAN

Yeah, okay.  Take it, take it.

Jordan gives up his watch.

Man One grabs Manon's arm and pulls her to her feet. 

MAN ONE

Get your clothes on.  You're coming with us.

JORDAN

Wait!  Wait a second -- Okay, take her.  Just, just let my daughter go, please -- like a trade.

(falls to his knees)

I can pay you any amount you want, I swear to God... Please.  

Manon shoves Man One into Man Two then bolts into the darkness.  Jordan tries to hold onto Man One's legs, but he easily sheds the pitiful attempt and the Men take off after Manon.

JORDAN

Fuck!!!

INT/EXT. TENT

Frantic Jordan unzips the tent and turns on the dome light.  Shakes Amanda awake.

JORDAN

They've taken her.

AMANDA

What?  Who,  Gwen?

JORDAN

Manon.  Two guys with guns just came into camp and took her.

Boys stir.  Amanda pulls Jordan outside.  The light of dawn streaks the sky red.

AMANDA

You saw them take her?

JORDAN

Yes!

(points to camp fire)

I was right -- they were right there.

(slows down)

I-I ahh, I got up to pee, and, and I heard something, but it was still dark, so...

Amanda reaches into the tent and grabs a flashlight; marches over to the camp fire.  Jordan follows.

AMANDA

sweeps the beam around the perimeter, then onto the ground around them: Manon's clothes lie in a heap.

AMANDA

Oh my God.

JORDAN

That doesn't mean anything --

AMANDA

Her clothes are right here.  Jesus Jordan, how blind can you be?  They raped her.  The animals raped her right here.  Oh Gwen.  My baby --

JORDAN

Okay, okay, but maybe --

Amanda heads to Manon's tent.  Pulls out Manon's backpack and rummages through - finds the satellite phone.  Fumbles with the phone then collapses to her knees.

Jordan approaches; puts his hand on her shoulder.  Amanda shrugs it off.  Holds out the phone for Jordan.

AMANDA

Get us the fuck out of here now!

SONNY (O.S.)

Mom?  What's wrong?

EXT. CAMP - DAY

Amanda tries to keep Sonny and Arlo busy starting the campfire.

SONNY

But why would somebody take them?

ARLO

For ranson, stupid.

SONNY

I'm not stupid.

ARLO

Sometimes you are.

SONNY

Shut up.  You're the stupid one.

ARLO

You shut up.  We should have gone to get Gwen.  Then this wouldn't have happened to Manon.

Amanda stays silent.

JORDAN

out of earshot from Amanda and Boys, paces as he talks on the satellite phone.

JORDAN

...I don't know.  She ran and they took off after her.

(listens)

They had guns!  What was I supposed to do?  Look, you have got to get us out of here.  I don't care if you have to -- What?  No, you can't call me back --

(looks at phone)

Motherfucker!

BACK AT CAMP

the Boys coax the flames back to life.  Amanda is lost in thought as Jordan approaches; he sprouts a false smile.

JORDAN

You guys have got fire starting down cold.

AMANDA

When do we get out of here?

JORDAN

Ahh, well Willem said he has to call me back.  He said to stay put.

Amanda stands and, if in a trance, walks into the desert.  Jordan is unsure whether to follow her.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Let's get some oatmeal going.

EXT. DESERT

Amanda looks across the limitless landscape of sand, rock and blue sky.  Wipes her eyes and turns toward the camp.  She's wandered farther than she thought... Panic.

JORDAN (O.S.)

Amanda!  Amanda!

Jordan runs to her, waving the satellite phone.

JORDAN

They found her!  They found Gwen...

(to phone speaker)

Okay, Willem, Amanda's here.  Tell her.

WILLEM (O.S.)

We'll have Gwen back by nightfall.

AMANDA

Was she -- Is she, she all right?

WILLEM (O.S.)

Yeah, yeah.  She's fine. 

AMANDA

I mean, was she...?

WILLEM (O.S.)

Yeah, yeah.  Totally fine.  The authorities have dealt with this group before.  To them it's a business deal and she's a valuable asset --

AMANDA

You're sure we can get her back?

WILLEM (O.S.)

It's all arranged.  Your husband made it very easy.

Tears run down Amanda cheeks as she grabs Jordan's hand.

EXT. SKELTON COAST - MAIN CAMP

Willem, with phone to his ear, watches as a large, circus-size tent is erected.

WILLEM

Listen, the repairs on the helo are done and we're doing a final check.  Stay right where you are and we'll pick you up in about four hours.

EXT. DESERT - SAME TIME

Amanda gets a thought.

AMANDA

Wait, what about Manon?  Have you heard anything?

WILLEM (O.S.)

Nothing.

AMANDA

Do whatever it takes.  If we need to pay to get her released, we'll do it.

(looks at Jordan)

Right?  We have to help her.

JORDAN

Yeah, yeah, of course.  Whatever it takes.

WILLEM (O.S.)

Okay, roger that. 

(then)

Listen, I know this trip hasn't gone exactly to plan, but I told you it was going to be an adventure, and in the end it's all going to work out.  So sit tight, try to relax and enjoy your last hours of solitude.

AMANDA

I'll relax when my family is back together - Manon included... Hello?  What happened?

The phone screen shows: "Searching for satellite."

JORDAN

Lost the signal.  Hey, I told you everything would be all right.

Jordan goes to hug Amanda, but she backs away.

AMANDA

When we're all back together.

EXT. CAMP - DAY

Amanda and Jordan walk back to the camp.

A pot of burnt oatmeal smokes over the fire.

JORDAN

Goddamnit, I told you two to keep an eye on the oatmeal.

AMANDA

Where are they?

Amanda runs to the tent.  Jordan looks around.

JORDAN

I-I... They were sitting right here.  Arlo, Sonny!  Guys, come on.  Sorry, I'm not mad.

AMANDA

All their stuff is gone.  Jesus Christ Jordan what the fuck is going on??!

JORDAN

I don't know.  Do you think...

AMANDA

What?!?

JORDAN

They kept talking about rescuing Gwen and Manon, but... What are you doing?

AMANDA

Shut up.  Let me think.

Amanda kneels by Manon's heap of clothes, then stands and follows a trail of footprints a little ways out of camp.  She runs back and begins stuffing items into her backpack.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Now what are you doing?

AMANDA

They couldn't have gotten too far.

JORDAN

Hold on.  Willem said he'd be here in --

AMANDA

Four hours!  By that time they could be anywhere.  They're out there alone, Jordan.

JORDAN

How do you think you're going to find them?

AMANDA

I'll find them.  They were going to follow the tracks.  We'll follow their tracks.  

JORDAN

This is crazy, we're just gonna end up lost.  We need to stay here.

Amanda puts on her backpack.  Jordan attempts to grab her, but she spins away.

AMANDA

No, no!  You do not get to tell me what to do anymore.

JORDAN

Look, honey, I understand, but the helicopter's gonna be able to cover way more ground --

AMANDA

I don't care what you say.  I'm going after them.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

Dusk descends.  The hilly terrain now more strange and confused as Amanda and Jordan walk, search, and begin to give up hope.

Amanda stops, exhausted.  Jordan puts his hand on her shoulder in comfort.  She doesn't react.

JORDAN

We have tough and resilient boys.  We're gonna find them.

Amanda walks.  Jordan's hand falls from her shoulder.

AMANDA

I will never forgive you for this.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - NIGHT

Last traces of sunlight begin to vanish.  Amanda and Jordan's headlamps barely glow as they climb a steep hill.

Amanda almost walks off a cliff edge in the near darkness.  Jordan catches her as she stumbles back.  She twists away and keeps walking.

JORDAN

We can't keep going like this.  We're no good to them if we get hurt or more lost than we already are.

Amanda stops.  Visibly deflates.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

I'll start a fire.

AMANDA

Jordan!  That's got to be them.

In the distance, a speck of light from a campfire.

EXT. DESERT - NIGHT

Glowing coals from the remains of a fire. 

AMANDA AND JORDAN

burst out of the darkness into the fire light.

AMANDA

Sonny!  Arlo!  It's okay.  Mom and dad are here.

Amanda scans the area; stops short and looks at the ground:

SONNY'S SPEAR AND ARLO'S BOW AND ARROW

broken and in pieces, lay on the ground.  Jordan comes up, sees the spear and bow.  Amanda picks up the bow and spear, tosses them into the fire.

AMANDA

Willem's got to be behind this.

JORDAN

I don't know, maybe, but I don't see it.  Sanjay did this same trip last year.  He said it completely changed his life.

AMANDA

Maybe Sanjay?

JORDAN

What would he have to gain?  He's got more money than god.  We've had our issues, but, kidnapping our kids?

AMANDA

Something's not right.

JORDAN

What ever's going on, we're gonna get through this.  We're gonna get the kids back and we'll all be back together.  I promise you.

(then)

But right now, we've got to get some rest.  When it's light we'll get to the river and follow it to the Skeleton Coast.

Amanda picks up her backpack and walks to the opposite side of the fire, away from Jordan; lies down on the ground and puts her head on her backpack.  Fights tears as she looks out into the darkness.

JORDAN

I'll stay up and keep watch.

EXT. HILLTOP NEARBY - SAME TIME

Distant mysterious POV of Amanda and Jordan on opposite sides of the fire.

EXT. CAMP - NIGHT - LATER

Jordan sits beneath a fingernail moon and vivid stars.  His eyes flutter closed and his head hits his chest, then pops back up. 

He stands, slaps his face; sees Amanda asleep.  All is quiet.  He waves his arms and does deep knee bends.

He settles back down on the ground.  His head bobs then falls to his chest.

EXT. CAMP - LATER

Amanda puts her hand on sleeping Jordan's shoulder, startling him.

AMANDA

Sorry, sorry.

JORDAN

No, you're good.

AMANDA

I can take over.

JORDAN

There's nothing out there.

Amanda sits next to him.  Jordan is surprised by her action.

AMANDA

Sorry about before.  I know you're right.  We're gonna get the kids back and everything's going to be okay.

Jordan puts his arm around Amanda's shoulder and pulls her close.  He points to the sky.

JORDAN

That's the Southern Cross.  That's the Homunculus Nebula.  And that is the Jewel Box.

AMANDA

How do you know all that?

JORDAN 

"Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels."  That's Longfellow...

AMANDA

You never cease to amaze me.

Amanda takes Jordan's hand.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Where's your fancy watch?

JORDAN

Oh.  It - it was giving me a rash.

AMANDA

Well, it must be after zero hundred hours now.

Jordan gives her a curious look.  She puts her hands to his face and pulls him into a passionate kiss.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Happy birthday.

Amanda peels off her shirt and pulls him down onto her... wiggles out of her pants... helps Jordan get out of his pants... she moans as he enters her.

Amanda rolls Jordan onto his back and straddles him... Jordan looks into her eyes, but he senses something... Looks and sees a black mamba slithering toward them.

Jordan tries to push away, looks up at Amanda, but it is now:

MANON

riding him, writhing in ecstasy... Jordan tries to get out from under her, but she grabs his face and stares into his eyes... Manon's eyes grow brighter and brighter, twin suns burning into Jordan's brain...

JORDAN ON THE GROUND

wakes with a start; Amanda stands over him, backlit by the rising sun.

AMANDA

That must have been some dream.  Let's go.

EXT. KAOKOLAND DESERT - DAY

Amanda leads Jordan up a rugged, rocky hill. Behind them stretches the bleached white desert floor.

EXT. TOP OF ROCKY HILL

Amanda and Jordan look down on the verdant Hoanib River Valley. The blue river and verdant green banks is in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.

JORDAN

Now we just need to follow the river to the coast.  We'll be there before nightfall.

EXT. HOANIB RIVER BED

Amanda and Jordan reach the river bed. 

PAWOOOO - AN ELEPHANT BELOWS

Upstream FOUR ELEPHANTS in bathe. There is one large female and three smaller calves. They bathe and the smaller ones snort and play around the mother. 

Amanda is overcome with emotion at the sight of the elephant family. She is startled back to present by:

LARGE FEMALE ELEPHANT TRUMPETS IN ALARM

The little herd trot downstream. A stampede of more elephants follow downriver.

EXT. HOANIB RIVER BED - UPRIVER

A Land Rover drives in the river, scattering the elephants. MAN ONE and MAN TWO wear masks, obscuring their identity.

Jordan and Amanda retreat into a small clearing in the brush and watch as the Land Rover stops near the thicket they are hidden in. 

The Men get out and look around. Man One looks at his phone and points almost directly at where Jordan and Amanda are hidden. Man Two grabs a machete.

EXT. THICKET

Jordan leans in close to Amanda.

JORDAN

I'll get them to follow me. You keep heading downriver, don't stop for anything.

Amanda nods.

Jordan climbs through the thick brush, pulling on branches to make noise. He looks back... the brush has already hidden Amanda.

MACHETE HACK... Jordan's heads snaps around... moves to the end of the thicket... sees a patch of camel thorn acacia bushes. THWACK, THWACK.

Jordan bursts out of the thicket and sprints across the sand into the camel thorn.

THE MEN

skim through the brush, finally exiting right where Jordan was moments before. MAN TWO points to tracks in the sand and they follow.

EXT. CAMEL THORN ACACIA

Thicker, denser branches make the going slow for Jordan.  Bloody gashes show from the barbed wire thorns. 

His backpack gets caught, violently SHAKING the BRUSH... He gets free and finds a small clearing. He listens... BRUSH RUSTLES, but he can't make out from what direction.

EXT. THICKET

On a high branch, A HISSING BLACK MAMBA uncoils and hangs down like a pendulum.

EXT. CAMEL THORN ACACIA

The Men spot Jordan through the tangle of branches.  Man One gestures to Man Two. They retreat slowly.

EXT. THICKEN

Amanda is still crouched in the small clearing... struggles to listen for any indication of what is happening.

SNAKE HISS followed by Amanda's SCREAM... Man Two bursts through the brush, machete held high over his head. 

THE BLACK MAMBA drops from the branch... Man Two pushes Amanda out of the way. Man Two decapitates the snake.

EXT. HOANIB RIVER BED

Amanda is marched by the Men upriver. They round a slight bend and the Range Rover comes into view.

Jordan steps out from behind the Land Rover. Trains an AK-47 on the group.

JORDAN

Okay, motherfuckers. Hold it right there.

The Men and Amanda stop.

JORDAN

That's right, I've got the gun now. And I'm in control. Let her go.

Amanda struggles, but the Men hold her. The Men burst out laughing.

MAN ONE

What are you going to do? Shoot us?

Jordan jabs the AK at them like a spear.

JORDAN

Let her go or I'll shoot.

Man Two walks a wide circle around Jordan. Jordan whips the AK between the Men.

JORDAN

Stay - stay still. Don't move.

MAN ONE

Which one of us are you going to shoot first?

JORDAN

You - him. Both of you.

MAN ONE

You don't want to accidentally shoot your wife.

Man Two moves toward Jordan. Jordan points the AK at him.

JORDAN

Stop. Stop right there.

AMANDA

Shoot, shoot him!

Man Two creeps closer. Jordan bumps into the truck.

MAN TWO

And after you shoot us what will you do?

AMANDA

What are you waiting for?!? Jordan, shoot for godsakes.

JORDAN

I'll got to the police or whoever runs things here.

AMANDA

Shoot! Shoot!

Man Two moves close... reaches out and takes takes the weapon from Jordan without protest. The Men laugh as Jordan's head sags.

 MAN TWO

We run things here.

Amanda gives Man One a vicious elbow and runs upriver.

MAN ONE

Get the truck!

Man One takes off after Amanda. Man Two pushes Jordan out of the way, jumps in the truck and takes off.

Jordan gives chase.

He sees the Men put Amanda into the truck. He tries to sprint, but falls in the soft sand. 

He rolls into the river... stares into the sky as the water washes blood and sand from his body.

EXT. SKELTON COAST - NIGHT

Strong winds buffet Jordan as he limps his way toward the moonlit Atlantic.

EXT. SKELTON COAST - CAMP

INT. MASSIVE TENT

Jordan pushes aside the entrance flaps and he stumbles into the blindingly bright tent. 

His eyes adjust, and as if in a dream, his family - Amanda, Gwen, Arlo, Sonny - all approach, arms outstretched in welcome.

Jordan's knees buckle and Family prop him up, laughing.  Willem appears with a broad smile, holding a bottle of champagne.

CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE POPS and explodes foam all over Jordan.

FAMILY & MEN & WILLEM

Surprise!  Happy Birthday!

Jordan vomits.

ALL GOES WHITE AS JORDAN PASSES OUT

INT. MASSIVE TENT - MOMENTS LATER

Jordan blinks his eyes open.  He's still not sure what the fuck is going on as he stares at Willem, Amanda, Gwen, and Arlo and Sonny.

WILLEM

You made it!  I told you I was going to give you a trip you'd never forget.

JORDAN

What happened?  How did you get them back?

Willem looks at the family.  Willem, Gwen and Boys laugh.  Amanda grins with a tinge of regret.

Jordan starts to piece things together.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

This whole thing was a joke?

WILLEM

No, not a joke, it was an adventure of a lifetime!  Primal survival.  You made it.

JORDAN

(to Amanda)

You guys were in on it?  How is that possible?  You didn't even know we were coming here.

AMANDA

We weren't in on it.

WILLEM

We got everybody in on the gag when we came and took 'em.

AMANDA

I didn't know until the very end.

WILLEM

She's an amazing woman.  Put up more of fight then you did, mate.

(looks at Gwen)

This little one couldn't wait to get here.  She's been living it up while we've been chasing you.

GWEN

You should see the place they have us in down the beach.  It is amazing.  Ivy and Lola are so jealous.

SONNY

We saw a lion eat a seal!

ARLO

It was so gross... but cool, too.

Willem grabs the Boys and gives them a playful shake.

WILLEM

And these two little buggers gave us a quite a scare.  Running off to save their sister.

Jordan, still dazed, thinks back.

JORDAN

So those men, the rebels?

Jordan blanches as Lucas (Man One) and YANNICK (Man Two) step forward.

WILLEM

You know Lucas, from before.  And this is Yannick.  Not rebels.

YANNICK

That was quite a punch you delivered.  Good job.

(hands Jordan the watch he took)

Here you go.

JORDAN

No, you keep it.

(then)

But what if I had shot you?

Yannick and Lucas smile.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Empty.  Of course.

Jordan grabs the champagne from Willem, takes a huge overflowing gulp.  Shakes the bottle and sprays them down.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

You motherfuckers.

Jordan takes another swig; chokes as Manon pushes through.  Willem puts his arm around her waist and pulls her close.

WILLEM

Ah, mon petite.  My girl on the inside.  She's the one that made it all happen.  Isn't she fantastic?

JORDAN

She's something else all right.

AMANDA

(holding Manon's gaze)

She definitely played her role to perfection.

Willem gives Jordan a quick wink and a nod that says, don't worry, your wife and family don't know you fucked her.

MANON

I am sorry for the charade.  I tell Willem that one day somebody might really get hurt.

WILLEM

Ahhh, it's all just good fun!  I even said we could keep the A-K loaded - a city bloke like you would never pull the trigger.

Jordan takes a long swig of champagne.  The energy in the tent deflates.  Willem senses it.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

Yeah, well, look, we got you set up in luxury down the beach, so let's get you over there so you can spend some quality time with your family.

LUCAS

Follow me.

Gwen, Boys and Jordan follow.  Amanda hangs back, continues to eye Manon.  They finally break eye contact.  Amanda hands Willem the pocket knife.

AMANDA

Here's your knife back.

WILLEM

Did you get a chance to use it?

AMANDA

Just sliced open a few oranges.

EXT. SKELTON COAST - GLAMP CAMP

The camp is luxurious with every amenity.

SERIES OF SHORT SCENES:

Gwen and Boys retell their adventures to Amanda and Jordan.

Amanda pitches hedge fund investment ideas to Jordan.

Boys play in rough surf.  Collect sea shells for Amanda.

Gwen writes.

Boys, torches in hand, lead Gwen, Amanda and Jordan down the beach to a family dinner.

After dinner, Amanda passes out MRE fruit bars to the delight of all.

INT. GLAMP CAMP - MASTER SUITE - NIGHT

Amanda turns out some lights, highlighting a view of the moonlit ocean in the darkened room.  She hears the sliding doors in the main room next door open.

AMANDA

Come look at the moon.

No response.  She walks toward the other room.

AMANDA

Jordan?

Amanda gasps as Manon steps into the room.

AMANDA

Oh, god.  I thought you were Jordan.

MANON

He and the boys are at the beach building a bonfire.

Manon looks at the view of the moonlit ocean.

MANON

It's very romantic, no?  The moon light also makes for good fishing.

(then)

Where is Gwen?

AMANDA

Scrolling TikTok in her room.  So I've been meaning to ask you, the whole Sorbonne thing...?

MANON

I've never even been to France.

AMANDA

And your parents?

MANON

It was all an illusion for the trip.  I am an illusion.

She turns toward Amanda.  The scar on Manon's cheek shows bright white in the moonlight.

MANON NEVER USES CONTRACTIONS

INT. SKELTON COAST - GLAMP CAMP - MORNING

Clear, bright morning greets Jordan as he walks into the main room. 

Boys are out on the deck with their binoculars.  Amanda and Gwen sit and talk.

Jordan pours himself coffee and goes out to the deck.

GWEN

Dad, can we stay here a few more days instead of going back to the hotel?

SONNY/ARLO

Can we Dad?  Lucas said he'd take us paddle boarding.

JORDAN

I'll talk to Willem.

A SATELLITE PHONE CHIMES.  Jordan goes inside to anwer.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Hello?

EXT. MAIN CAMP - QUONSET HUT

Willem sits at his desk.

WILLEM

Jordan, Willem here.

JORDAN (O.S.)

Hey, I was just saying I needed to talk to you.  Do you think you can accommodate us another couple days?

WILLEM

Sure, sure.   Come over to the main camp and we'll talk here.  Bring the family -- got something I want to give you guys.

JORDAN (O.S.)

Okay, be there in an hour or so.

WILLEM

Best to come over now.

(looks over his shoulder)

We've got to go pick up all the shit you left in the desert.

INT/EXT. GLAMP CAMP

Jordan walks back out to the deck.  Arlo looks at the main camp with his binoculars.

ARLO

They're working on the helicopter.

JORDAN

Yeah, they have to go pick up the equipment we left behind.

(to Amanda)

Willem wants us all to come over.  He's got something for us.

SONNY

Cool!  What is it?

JORDAN

I don't know.  Guess we'll find out.

INT. MAIN TENT - DAY

Jordan and Family enter.  Willem, Manon, Lucas and Staff stand with grim faces and hands on heads.

JORDAN

What the hell is going on?

Manon is shoved hard from behind by Yannick, who stays obscured behind the group.

MANON

Come on Boys, come with me.

YANNICK

The girl, too.

JORDAN

What is this? 

Amanda sensing things are not right, encourages.

AMANDA

It's okay.  Go with Manon.  Find Mommy some more beautiful shells.  Gwen, take care of your brothers.

GWEN

Arlo, Sonny, come on.

Manon and Gwen lead the Boys out of the tent.

Yannick moves to the side and trains an AK-47 on the group.

YANNICK

Move over there.  Sit.

Willem and Group start to move.  Jordan smiles.

JORDAN

Okay, I'll play along, but this movie already ended.

Amanda and Jordan start to move.  Yannick points the AK at Jordan.

YANNICK

You stay where you are.

JORDAN

Come on.  You played your part to perfection, but your scene is over.  Let us just enjoy the rest of our vacation --

Yannick slams the butt of the AK into Jordan's stomach, sending him to his knees, gasping.  Jordan looks at Willem, who gives him a subtle head shake.

YANNICK

You will do as I say.  You bragged that you could get any amount of money.  Now it is time to pay up.

JORDAN

Okay, okay.  How much do you want?

YANNICK

Ten-million U-S dollars.

JORDAN

I need a laptop with internet and an account number.

Yannick is surprised at how easy this was and is at a loss for words.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

You have a bank account somewhere, right?  Senegal?  Macao?  Cyprus?

(then)

You don't want it in cash.  Even if I could get that amount into the country, it would take a while and ten-million in hundreds weighs... Let's see, about three hundred pounds.  Not very easy to carry around.  How about crypto?  Might be best. 

(Yannick mulls this over)

Untraceable.  Easy to transport.  Much better than a bank account.

Yannick continues to dither.

MANON (O.C.)

Putain!  C'est quoi, ce délire?

Manon walks over to Yannick and smacks him on the back of the head like a naughty child.

MANON

I gave you the account numbers.

WILLEM

What are you doing?

MANON

Getting out of this shit place and away from you.

She walks over to Yannick and holds out her hands.  Yannick hands Manon the AK and a piece of paper.

MANON (CONT'D)

Take him to the hut.  He can use the laptop in there.

Manon hands the paper to Jordan who glances at it.

JORDAN

Senegal.  Ten accounts.  Random amounts.  Smart. 

AMANDA

Where are my children?

MANON

Gwen took them to the beach to collect seashells, just as Mommy demanded.  Once the money is transfered, we will take them with us for a last small adventure --

Amanda lunges at Manon, but Yannick holds her back.

AMANDA

You can't --

MANON

Don't worry about your precious brats.  You will get them back, eventually.

(to Jordan)

You have fifteen minutes.

JORDAN

No way --

MANON

Fifteen minutes.  Or this will end badly for all of us.

(to Yannick)

Take him.

Yannick forces Amanda to the ground next to Willem then pushes Jordan to the tent entrance.

WILLEM

The password to the computer is in the desk drawer.

Jordan looks at Willem.

WILLEM (CONT'D)

You'll need that password.

EXT. SKELTON COAST - CAMP

Jordan walks ahead of Yannick.

JORDAN

That is some woman you got there.  I wish my wife had half as much spunk and ambition.

(then)

But then again, hard to keep a woman like that satisfied.

YANNICK

Shut up.

Jordan stops and turns to face Yannick.

JORDAN

Funny how she ended up with the gun.

YANNICK

I don't need a gun to take care of you.

JORDAN

All I'm saying, is that we all know how this is going to end.  She's gonna disappear and you're gonna end up with nothing but my watch.

Yannick punches Jordan in the gut, sending him to his knees.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Okay, okay.  But if you give me a little more time I can set you up with a few million of your own.  Just in case.

INT. MAIN TENT

Manon paces.

WILLEM

I always treated you right, taught you things, paid you well. 

MANON

You think you treated me right? 

WILLEM

You'd still be living on the street in Dakar turning tricks for a hundred francs a pop if it wasn't for me.

MANON

And now I turn tricks for you and your rich asshole clients.

Manon smashes the butt of the AK into Willem' temple and he crumples in a heap.  Lucas goes to help, but Manon points the AK at him.

MANON (CONT'D)

No.  Leave him.

Amanda defies her and checks Willem.  Manon lets her, but spits at Willem.

MANON (CONT'D)

He's a pig.

INT. QUONSET HUT

Yannick forces Jordan into a chair at the desk.  Jordan opens the laptop: the screen is locked.

JORDAN

I need that password.

Jordan slides the desk drawer open, revealing a password.  He keeps opening the drawer just far enough to reveal the butt of a pistol.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Got it.

He types in the password and navigates to a banking site.

JORDAN (CONT'D)

Sure you don't want me to set you up with a few million?  Always good to have a backup plan?

INT. MAIN TENT

Manon backs up toward the tent exit and pushes open a flap.

MANON

(yells)

Yannick.  Dépêche-toi on s'en va.

While Manon glances out of the tent, Lucas catches Amanda's eye and he flicks his head at Willem.  Amanda catches on.

Manon moves back into the tent.

MANON (CONT'D)

Leave him.

AMANDA

He needs help --

MANON

Leave him.  Or you'll be next.

Amanda moves away from Willem, a look of hate in her eyes.

Jordan enters the tent, bent over and cradling his midsection.  Yannick right behind.

JORDAN

It's done.  Ten million dollars.

Manon looks at Yannick.

YANNICK

Yeah, he did it.  I have the confirmation numbers.

JORDAN

Now it's time for you two to disappear.

MANON

I wish it could be that simple.

(to Yannick)

Desolez cherie.  It is much easier for one person to disappear.

JORDAN

What'd I tell you?

Yannick smiles, then in a flash pulls a pistol from his waistband.  Manon puts him down with a burst from the AK. 

The pistol falls at Jordan's feet.  Manon smiles at Jordan.

MANON (CONT'D)

Pick it up.  We already know you won't use it.

Tense moment as Jordan considers his options.  He stares hard at Manon, then gets an idea.

JORDAN

I'll come with you.  I was ready to leave them anyway.  This trip... It didn't change a thing.

MANON

Contemplates that possible future.  Lowers the AK slightly. 

The pocket knife blade slashes across Manon's throat.  She gurgles blood and clutches her throat, then collapses, revealing:

AMANDA

CUT TO BLACK:

OVER BLACK

ARLO & SONNY

Dad, Dad!  Watch!  Watch us.

GWEN

Condoleezza loves my essay.  She says I'm a shoe in for Stanford.

EXT. LUXURY RESORT - POOL AREA - DAY

Gwen scrolls her phone on a chaise.  Takes a selfie.

Arlo and Sonny scramble up the ladder to the high dive.

ARLO & SONNY

Mom, look.  Gwen, watch, watch!

They get to the top of the high platform and without missing a beat hold hands and take off into the air.  They splash down in the pool and come bobbing up seconds later.

GWEN

Nice!

ARLO & SONNY

Mom?  Dad?  Did you see?

AMANDA AND JORDAN

sit on chaises, motionless; stare blankly into the distance.

Amanda stands, gives Jordan's shoulder a quick squeeze, and walks away.

EXT. GREENWICH, CT - OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

Amanda, dressed in business attire, exits the building into bright sunshine.  Trailing behind is a YOUNG ASSISTANT.

YOUNG ASSISTANT

...after your meeting in New Haven you have a dinner with the group from the Texas Teachers Retirement Fund.

AMANDA

Make sure Feng sends me the updated return projections on the convertible arbitrage position.

YOUNG ASSISTANT

Okay.  Then tomorrow --

Amanda's PHONE BUZZES.  She checks the ID and answers.

AMANDA

Hold on.

(to Assistant)

Just text me the details.

Amanda walks and talks as the Assistant retreats back into the building.

AMANDA (CONT'D)

Hi sweetheart.

(listens)

Come on, of course we didn't forget.  We're flying out Thursday morning and we'll see you in San Fran for dinner.

(listens)

Text Zach in the office and he'll arrange a car for you.

Amanda listens as she makes her way to an "executive" parking area. 

AMANDA (CONT'D)

You'll have to take that up with him.  We haven't talked since he was a no-show for Sonny and Arlo's birthday party.

(listens)

I know, but it's not my problem anymore.  Okay, we'll see you Thursday.  I can't believe you're graduating!  Love you, too.

She stops in front of the vintage open top Range Rover from Namibia.  Behind her the sign on the building reads: Skelton Coast Capital Mangement.

Amanda pockets her phone and climbs in.  She pulls a set of keys from her pocket and fires up the engine.

Attached to the key ring: the folding pocket knife.

FADE OUT.

THE E