A BLAST FURNACE OF HEAT.
Cracked earth. Cicadas SCREAM in unison.
At a WATER HOLE, a DIK-DIK ANTELOPE drinks — suddenly freezes
— bolts.
A distant ENGINE GROANS.
Through clouds of WHITE TRACK SAND, A GREEN LANDROVER labours
forward, fishtails, then SURGES onto firmer ground.
It stops beside an ACACIA TREE.
Silence — then the cicadas resume.
ALEX climbs out, sweat-soaked, dust-caked.
He wipes his forehead, climbs onto the BONNET, scans the
terrain.
Natural thorn fringe. Shade. Water. Isolation.
A smile breaks through.
ALEX
(quiet, satisfied)
No bastard can find me here.
He exhales — awe softening his expression.
Alex snaps a CASSETTE into the player.
Music BLASTS — cicadas retreat.
He drinks from a CANVAS WATER BOTTLE, pours some over his
head.
Chews dried beef.
Alex kneels, studies the flow. Running water.
Safe.
He strips — steps naked into the stream. Fills his bottle.
A FIRE CRACKLES.
Alex strings a HAMMOCK between trees, settles into it.
Cramped. Overcrowded.
HOLLY is pressed against metal and flesh. She leans out the
window, gasping for air.
Landscape slides by — dry, open.
Australia bleeds into memory.
FLASHES:
– A CATTLE STATION.
– MARK.
– A LIFE COLLAPSING.
She closes her eyes.
The bus pulls in.
Dust billows.
Holly steps down, breathes deeply.
SEROWE feels like a forgotten frontier town.
She walks down the dirt road.
Dim. Cool.
Shelves crammed with tools, pipes, seed.
Holly wanders — then —
BANGS into a wiry man’s back.
He turns.
FRIKKIE DE KLERK (50s) — reptilian eyes, goatee, cigarillo.
He looks her over — slowly.
DE KLERK
Well now… what have we here?
Holly stiffens.
HOLLY
I’m looking for Frikkie De Klerk.
He grins.
DE KLERK
You found him.
She holds his gaze.
Paper everywhere. Mining SCALES. Whiskey bottle.
De Klerk pours himself a drink — offers one.
Holly shakes her head.
He opens a SAFE — removes a DRAWSTRING BAG and a MAP.
Spills QUARTZ STONES onto the desk.
DE KLERK
You hide these. Somewhere enclosed.
He marks locations on the map.
DE KLERK (CONT’D)
Askari Point.
Then a water hole.
He taps the map.
DE KLERK (CONT’D)
You’ll find a white man.
Green Landrover.
Holly’s eyes flicker.
HOLLY
Why would he follow me?
De Klerk smirks.
DE KLERK
He will.
She swallows.
Rusting machinery.
A LAME HORSE waits.
Holly stares.
HOLLY
You’re joking.
DE KLERK
His name’s Horse. He's your
transport.
He laughs.
She mounts, straps her pack.
Horse limps forward.
De Klerk watches her leave.
Licks his lips.
DE KLERK
What are you up to, Dexter…
He turns away.
FADE IN:
ASKARI POINT rises ahead — jagged, volcanic, mirage-like in
the heat.
HOLLY rides HORSE, slow, limping.
She watches the hill — uneasy, compelled.
HOLLY (V.O.)
Just see it through.
She urges Horse on.
The volcano LOOMS — its snout-like summit gaping.
Holly reins in, stares up at it.
A shiver runs through her.
PHINEOUS, limping, approaches the hill — guinea fowl hanging
from his belt.
He freezes.
A WHITE WOMAN. A HORSE.
He slips into cover, vanishes uphill.
From the crest, he watches.
Holly enters the clearing, removes a BAG.
She SCATTERS STONES.
Mutters to herself.
Phineous frowns.
PHINEOUS (V.O.)
Not ritual… something else.
Night falls.
Holly cooks. Eats. Sleeps. Moonlight washes the hill silver.
Phineous dozes nearby.
Phineous peers down.
The woman is gone.
He descends, examines the stones.
Shrugs.
Useless.
He heads to a hidden CAVE, whistles softly, prepares the
guinea fowl.
PHINEOUS
Strange mfazi.
ALEX rests in deep shade, tapping rocks with a hammer.
ALEX
Another monumental clod of nothing.
He leans back. Drowsy.
Then — instinct.
His eyes snap open.
A SOFT COUGH nearby.
Alex rises smoothly, grabs his RIFLE.
ALEX
God… I hope not.
He stalks forward. Another cough — closer.
Leaves rustle behind him.
Alex spins — rifle up — safety clicks.
The LEOPARD, limping, fevered, flies buzzing around her
wound.
She smells him. FLATTENS.
Then —
SHE ATTACKS.
A blur of claws, impact —
A GUNSHOT.
Alex lies in the dust — face inches from the dead leopard.
He tries to move.
Collapses.
Sees his torn leg.
CRIES OUT.
Shock floods in.
Holly rides — Askari Point distant behind her.
She sketches the volcano while Horse plods.
A GUNSHOT ECHOES.
Then — a SCREAM.
Holly freezes. Binoculars up. She sees it.
A MAN. A LEOPARD. Blood.
She spurs Horse forward.
Holly drops beside Alex.
Sees the wounds. Acts instantly.
Antiseptic. Bandages. Pressure.
Her hands shake — then steady. She stitches.
Darkness closes in.
She builds a FIRE.
Drags Alex onto grass.
Fetches Horse. Movement in the dark. Predators.
She looks at the leopard.
Runs to the Landrover.
Holly finds rope. Starts the Landrover.
Engine roars. She hoists the leopard into a tree.
Blood drips.
She returns to Alex.
Cleans his face — gently.
HYENAS circle.
Horse senses danger — panics.
The HYENAS ATTACK.
Horse goes down.
Holly wakes — grabs the rifle — FIRES.
Hyenas scatter. Horse is dying. Holly presses the barrel to
his head. Closes her eyes.
BANG.
She collapses, shaking.
Exhaustion wins.
Holly wakes to carnage.
She moves Alex to the Landrover.
Drives to his campsite.
Nurses him through fever.
Cuts open the wound. Cleans it. Holds him as he raves.
Alex’s eyes open. Holly gives him water.
She searches his kit bag.
Finds a COMPUTER TAPE.
Replaces it.
Later —
She shaves him.
Clumsy. Cuts. Panic.
She washes the blood away. Cleans his body. Dresses him.
Alex wakes.
Takes in:
Dead horse.
Hanging leopard.
Holly — arms wrapped around her knees.
ALEX
Did you save my—
HOLLY
Can we get out of here now?
He nods.
Tries to stand. Winces.
ALEX
Your horse?
She looks away.
HOLLY
That was my transport.
ALEX
Try Avis next time.
She glares.
Holly washes. Alex packs.
She returns — hair clean, shirt knotted.
Alex GASPING — caught off guard.
She tends his wound.
ALEX
Tell me your name.
HOLLY
Holly.
She sketches.
Alex studies leaves, rocks — observant, gentle.
He flips through her portfolio — stunned.
ALEX
This is great.
She hands him the volcano sketch.
HOLLY
Askari Point.
She hesitates. Guilt flickers.
Alex skins the leopard — precise, reverent.
Holly watches — unsettled, intrigued.
He holds up the pelt — proud.
She claps before she can stop herself.
The hide dries in the sun.
Alex approaches Holly.
ALEX
Tomorrow, we’ll check out your
volcano.
Holly’s smile fades — dread creeping back in.
PHINEOUS hums softly as he WORKS.
Hands deft, practiced.
He slices REEDS into twelve-inch lengths.
Cuts grooves.
Inserts DOVE FEATHERS.
TIES with dried strands.
He sets a SHARPENED STONE HEAD.
Examines the arrow.
Perfect.
Places it beside a growing bundle.
His HUM becomes distant as—
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE – PHINEOUS’ PAST
— A SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY stands beside a DYING WOMAN.
— A MAN crushed beneath mining machinery.
— A CITY BAKERY: darkness, heat, endless labor.
— MEN whispering of freedom, independence.
— A CATTLE FARM. A WHITE FARMER’S STICK.
— LAND CONFISCATED. NEW LEADERS. SAME CHAINS.
— PHINEOUS slipping into the WILDERNESS.
BACK TO SCENE
A SOUND.
DISTANT ENGINE.
Phineous stiffens.
He moves to the cave mouth, peers out.
A VEHICLE approaches.
He gathers his arrows, melts back into shadow.
From concealment—
A WOMAN enters.
Then a MAN, LIMPING.
They step into the NATURAL ATRIUM.
Phineous frowns.
The man PICKS UP STONES.
The SAME STONES. SHOWS THEM TO HER.
Phineous retreats deeper.
Unsettled.
The LANDROVER idles.
HOLLY kills the engine.
HOLLY
This thing’s a death trap.
ALEX ignores her, steps out gingerly.
ALEX
Have you got a map?
She produces DE KLERK’S MAP.
Alex spreads it on the bonnet.
ALEX
Careful what you say about my
Landy. She has a soul.
Reads.
ALEX
Askari Point.
Circled.
Holly brushes dust from her jeans.
HOLLY
Come look at this.
They duck through creepers.
Light pours down through a FRAGILE ROCK DOME.
Alex studies edges. Picks up a STONE. Holds it to the light.
Holly watches — sick with dread.
HOLLY – INTERNAL CONFLICT (VISUAL)
Jack Wellington’s words ECHO.
LEAVE HIM HERE.
RETURN TO SEROWE.
HE’LL DO THE REST.
She watches Alex work.
He TRUSTS her.
ALEX
Quartz. Common as muck.
Gold veins though. Interesting.
He smiles at her.
ALEX
It’s like someone just threw them
down.
Holly says nothing.
Alex POCKETS the stones. Moves toward a DECLINING PATH.
A CRYSTAL POOL glistens.
He turns — close.
HOLLY
Alex—
ALEX
We’d better make camp.
Head back to Serowe tomorrow.
She nods, numb.
Turns for the vehicle.
Alex crouches. Scoops DUST. Stops.
Pulls out an INGOT — heat-scarred, unnatural.
Grey. Pink flecks SPARKLE. His breath catches.
Recognition. Fear. He DROPS the dirt.
ALEX
Holly!
She appears.
ALEX
We’re leaving. Now.
I’ve found something.
DE KLERK exits a ROWDY BAR.
Rolls tobacco.
Freezes.
An OLD LAND ROVER outside his shop.
A TALL MAN steps out.
The vehicle pulls away.
DE KLERK squints. Realization hits.
DE KLERK
Delivered to my shop.
Good girl.
He hurries inside.
The LANDROVER idles.
Alex steps out.
ALEX
Do something for me.
HOLLY
I’ll grab a few girl things.
ALEX
Town hall.
Find info on mineral rights.
She nods, drives off.
Alex studies the sign:
DE KLERK’S GENERAL STORE – WE DO
ANYTHING
Gold bought and sold
Locked door.
A sign: Beck in ten minits.
A VOICE—
DE KLERK (O.S.)
Waiting for me?
Alex turns.
Doesn’t like what he sees.
Quartz spills onto the counter.
DE KLERK performs surprise.
DE KLERK
Needs assay. Looks good.
ALEX
Kapiri. I need a quick turn-around.
Alex hesitates — then hands over the BAG OF DUST.
ALEX
Broad-spectrum test.
DE KLERK reads a supply list.
DE KLERK
Candles… ammunition… rope…
Dynamite?!
Alex exits.
Holly finds the booklet:
A GUIDE TO CLAIMING MINERAL RIGHTS – 1960
Takes a FORM.
Outside, she watches De Klerk’s store. Alex exits.
She ducks behind a pillar. Crosses — enters the store.
HOLLY
I’ve done the job.
I want the rest of my money.
DE KLERK smirks.
DE KLERK
Where’s Horse?
HOLLY
Hyenas.
He deducts cash.
DE KLERK
No interference. Understand?
She nods.
DE KLERK
The map.
HOLLY
I lost it.
Too fast.
He GRABS her wrist. Threatens. Money scatters.
The BELL RINGS.
Alex stands silhouetted in the doorway.
DE KLERK releases her.
ALEX
Get out, Holly.
She flees.
Alex steps in close.
DE KLERK grovels. Alex leaves.
DE KLERK shakes with rage.
On the phone.
DE KLERK
Mister Dexter…
Yes, he found them…
She’s with him.
Listens.
Smiles.
Packs samples.
DE KLERK
Might as well see what it is.
Calls out—
DE KLERK
Joseph!
We’re going hunting.
Alex jumps into the Landrover.
ALEX
I’m driving.
He speeds off. Anger simmers.
Then —
He squeezes Holly’s thigh.
A beat too high.
They lock eyes.
Heat.
Alex repacks.
Holly watches. Desire. Guilt. Fear.
He returns with FIREWOOD and a BUSH PIG.
Efficient. Coffee. Fire. Food.
HOLLY
What did you find?
ALEX
Quartz. Gold traces.
But there’s something else.
Points to the cave.
ALEX
If I’m right, it’s scary.
She meets his eyes.
HOLLY
Why are you really here?
They trade half-truths.
Fugitives both.
They eat.
Later, PEG THE CLAIM.
Alex hands her the booklet.
ALEX
Tomorrow — Serowe.
Lodge it for us.
HOLLY
Us?
He lifts her chin.
ALEX
Us.
FADE IN:
A BARE BULB flickers.
A YOUNG GIRL sits on the floor, hugging her knees, shaking.
Her clothes lie discarded nearby.
The DOOR CREAKS open.
A SHADOW fills the doorway.
The girl squeezes her eyes shut.
We DO NOT SEE what happens next.
We hear only:
— the SWISH of leather through air
— a stifled cry
— the bulb swinging
The girl retches violently into a stained basin.
Water runs.
Her reflection stares back — hollowed, broken.
She slides down the wall.
A concrete building baking in heat.
WHITE COATS.
ACID FUMES.
MACHINES HUMMING.
A MIDDLE-AGED TECHNICIAN enters, tired, hungover.
He dumps a BLACK POWDER SAMPLE onto a bench.
Pauses. Something’s… wrong.
He checks the form.
Frowns.
CLOSE ON – SAMPLE
Acid poured.
FIZZLE.
The technician prepares an XRF analysis.
Casual. Routine.
He flips the switch. Checks off elements.
Nothing. He sighs.
Prepares to shut down.
Then—
A LINE appears on the screen.
SHARP. VERTICAL.
Impossible. He leans in. Runs it again. The same result.
Now fully alert, he bolts for the phone.
A FORTRESS on a hill.
BARBED WIRE.
GLASS SHARDS.
ARMED GUARDS.
Below: SHANTYTOWNS, rusted roofs, children with nothing.
PRESIDENT ONYEKA BANDA, obese, wheezing, lounges in a leather
chair.
A CIGAR smolders. The RED PHONE RINGS. He answers.
BANDA
What is it?
FRANCIS BEB (V.O.)
I must see you. Immediately.
Moments later—BEB enters, nervous.
Slides a SINGLE PAGE across the desk.
Banda squints. Sits upright.
BANDA
What is this?
BEB
An intercepted assay report.
A rare mineral discovery.
Here. In Botswana.
Banda rises, furious energy.
BANDA
Where?
BEB
Unknown. Samples traced to Serowe.
Banda explodes.
BANDA
Then find it!
BEB
I sent specialists.
Commander Zola.
(MORE)
BEB (CONT'D)
And… the Football Team.
Banda smiles. A predator pleased.
BANDA
And the name?
BEB
Zittrium.
Banda tastes the word.
Writes it down. Circles it. Underlines it.
Dismisses Beb.
Banda searches the term in a dictionary.
His eyes widen. Sweat beads.
He dials another phone — hidden, private.
INTERCUT – PHONE CONVERSATION
BANDA
Abdul… my friend.
RAHMAN (V.O.)
Speak carefully.
Banda hesitates.
Whispers one word.
BANDA
Zittrium.
Silence.
Dead, heavy silence.
RAHMAN (V.O.)
Say nothing more.
I will come tomorrow.
The line goes dead. Banda stares ahead.
Terrified. Exhilarated.
DE KLERK locks his shop.
Smiles to himself.
Loads a crate into a truck.
Inside:
— assay samples
— weapons
— supplies
He climbs into the cab.
The engine growls to life.
The wilderness breathes.
Somewhere unseen—
PHINEOUS watches.
Listens.
Waits.
Firelight flickers across stone walls.
The vast ATRlUM breathes under a cathedral of stars.
A blanket lies near the embers.
ALEX and HOLLY sit close, not touching.
Silence. Comfortable. Electric.
Alex gently takes her hand. She stiffens—then allows it.
He strokes her arm, slow, careful.
ALEX
(soft)
I had a friend once. Joba.
We were boys.
Holly listens.
ALEX (CONT’D)
He died in crossfire.
I carried him home.
The fire pops.
Holly studies his face—sees depth.
Time passes.
Their bodies shift closer. The firelight dims.
We DO NOT SEE intimacy.
We hear only:
— breath
— fabric rustling
— the fire crackling
Then—
Laughter. Relief. Release.
They lie back, staring at the stars.
PHINEOUS crouches, hands clamped over his ears.
Embarrassed. Conflicted. Lonely.
He peeks over the edge. Sees the couple entwined, still.
Turns away.
The fire smolders.
Alex stands alone now.
Holly’s blanket folded. She’s gone.
Alex boils water, lights a cigarette.
Something feels… off.
He senses movement. Turns.
A MAN stands nearby.
Bow lowered. Arrow unprimed.
They regard each other.
PHINEOUS
Kanjani.
ALEX
Kulungile.
A beat.
PHINEOUS
There was a storm last night.
Alex smiles.
ALEX
Thunder, without clouds.
They both break into laughter.
Mutual respect.
They sit. Share food.
Phineous eyes Alex’s bandaged leg.
PHINEOUS
The woman left her mark.
Alex stiffens.
ALEX
She is not your concern.
Phineous hesitates.
Then—
PHINEOUS
I must tell you something.
He gestures to the ground.
PHINEOUS
A woman scattered stones here. Then
returned with a wounded man. The
stones were taken.
Alex’s smile fades.
He looks away.
ALEX
leave me. I need to think.
Phineous nods. Disappears into the bush.
A WHITE FORD F250 lies hidden behind a rise.
DE KLERK lounges against it.
Rifle across his lap.
Grinning.
Watching the horizon.
Holly exits the town hall, clutching papers.
She jumps into the Land Rover.
Drives fast.
Resolved.
The Land Rover crests a hill—
A WHITE TRUCK BLOCKS THE ROAD.
Holly swerves—
THE LAND ROVER PLUNGES DOWN A SLOPE—
CRASHES—
Keeps going.
Behind her—
THE FORD GUNS ITS ENGINE.
CHASE ON.
Holly veers into cover. Branches whip her face. Blood.
She abandons the Land Rover. Grabs the rifle.
Scrambles into the stream. Disappears into reeds.
De Klerk tracks her.
Orders JOSEPH into the water.
A SHOT RINGS OUT.
Joseph collapses.
Blood clouds the stream.
De Klerk freezes. Then smiles.
Holly runs. Bleeding. Exhausted.
She stumbles over a ledge—
Recovers. Keeps moving.
The Ford roars alongside.
Holly trapped between cliff and steel.
De Klerk stops.
Gets out.
Casual. Predatory. He circles her.
Fear. Rage. Resolve.
She SCREAMS.
Alex jolts upright. A distant echo carries. A scream.
He grabs his rifle.
A TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT JEEP screams into town, dust
billowing.
Inside the passenger seat sits COMMANDER ZOLA (40s)—
immaculate khaki uniform, RED BERET, mirrored sunglasses.
Still. Coiled. Deadly.
In the back: SIX TROOPERS, rigid, armed with AK-40s, boots
gleaming.
The town reacts instantly—doors slam, people scatter.
Zola raises a hand.
ZOLA
Stop.
The jeep halts violently. Zola’s head snaps forward—he turns
and BACKHANDS THE DRIVER without hesitation.
The troopers leap out in perfect unison.
Zola exits slowly, removes his sunglasses, dabs his face with
a white handkerchief—no sweat.
He surveys the empty street, pleased.
The store door is bolted shut.
Zola gestures lazily.
Automatic gunfire ERUPTS. Wood splinters explode.
A shard cuts Zola’s cheek.
He cuffs the CAPTAIN hard, sending him crashing through the
door.
Zola steps over the fallen man, wipes his boots on him.
ZOLA
Get up, you imbecile.
The store is empty.
A trooper returns, shaking his head.
Zola steps back outside, irritated.
He grabs a MEGAPHONE.
ZOLA (AMPLIFIED)
Everybody out! Now!
Slowly, townspeople emerge—Africans, whites, mixed—fear
etched on every face.
Zola climbs onto the jeep bonnet, smiling benevolently.
ZOLA
Where is Mister… De Klerk?
Silence. Zola nods.
Gunfire BLASTS into the air. The crowd scatters, screams.
ZOLA
I will ask again.
A woman—LENA—steps forward, bruises visible.
She points north.
Zola’s smile widens.
ZOLA
Very good. The rest of you—go.
He places an arm around Lena.
ZOLA
You will come with us.
The jeep roars away.
Behind them, two troopers remain.
From inside the store—
A TELEPHONE RINGS.
They exchange glances.
End of Chapter Five
EXT. BOTSWANA BUSH – DAY
A BLAST FURNACE OF HEAT.
Cracked earth. Cicadas SCREAM in unison.
At a WATER HOLE, a DIK-DIK ANTELOPE drinks — suddenly freezes
— bolts.
A distant ENGINE GROANS.
Through clouds of WHITE TRACK SAND, A GREEN LANDROVER labours
forward, fishtails, then SURGES onto firmer ground.
It stops beside an ACACIA TREE.
Silence — then the cicadas resume.
EXT. LANDROVER – CONTINUOUS
ALEX climbs out, sweat-soaked, dust-caked.
He wipes his forehead, climbs onto the BONNET, scans the
terrain.
Natural thorn fringe. Shade. Water. Isolation.
A smile breaks through.
ALEX
(quiet, satisfied)
No bastard can find me here.
He exhales — awe softening his expression.
INT./EXT. LANDROVER – MOMENTS LATER
Alex snaps a CASSETTE into the player.
Music BLASTS — cicadas retreat.
He drinks from a CANVAS WATER BOTTLE, pours some over his
head.
Chews dried beef.
EXT. WATER HOLE – DUSK
Alex kneels, studies the flow. Running water.
Safe.
He strips — steps naked into the stream. Fills his bottle.
EXT. CAMPSITE – DUSK
A FIRE CRACKLES.
Alex strings a HAMMOCK between trees, settles into it.
INT. SEROWE-BOUND BUS – DAY
Cramped. Overcrowded.
HOLLY is pressed against metal and flesh. She leans out the
window, gasping for air.
Landscape slides by — dry, open.
Australia bleeds into memory.
FLASHES:
– A CATTLE STATION.
– MARK.
– A LIFE COLLAPSING.
She closes her eyes.
EXT. SEROWE – DAY
The bus pulls in.
Dust billows.
Holly steps down, breathes deeply.
SEROWE feels like a forgotten frontier town.
She walks down the dirt road.
INT. HARDWARE / SUPPLY STORE – DAY
Dim. Cool.
Shelves crammed with tools, pipes, seed.
Holly wanders — then —
BANGS into a wiry man’s back.
He turns.
FRIKKIE DE KLERK (50s) — reptilian eyes, goatee, cigarillo.
He looks her over — slowly.
DE KLERK
Well now… what have we here?
Holly stiffens.
HOLLY
I’m looking for Frikkie De Klerk.
He grins.
DE KLERK
You found him.
She holds his gaze.
INT. BACK ROOM – MOMENTS LATER
Paper everywhere. Mining SCALES. Whiskey bottle.
De Klerk pours himself a drink — offers one.
Holly shakes her head.
He opens a SAFE — removes a DRAWSTRING BAG and a MAP.
Spills QUARTZ STONES onto the desk.
DE KLERK
You hide these. Somewhere enclosed.
He marks locations on the map.
DE KLERK (CONT’D)
Askari Point.
Then a water hole.
He taps the map.
DE KLERK (CONT’D)
You’ll find a white man.
Green Landrover.
Holly’s eyes flicker.
HOLLY
Why would he follow me?
De Klerk smirks.
DE KLERK
He will.
She swallows.
EXT. COURTYARD – DAY
Rusting machinery.
A LAME HORSE waits.
Holly stares.
HOLLY
You’re joking.
DE KLERK
His name’s Horse. He's your
transport.
He laughs.
She mounts, straps her pack.
Horse limps forward.
INT. DE KLERK’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
De Klerk watches her leave.
Licks his lips.
DE KLERK
What are you up to, Dexter…
He turns away.
FADE IN:
EXT. BOTSWANA BUSH – DAY
ASKARI POINT rises ahead — jagged, volcanic, mirage-like in
the heat.
HOLLY rides HORSE, slow, limping.
She watches the hill — uneasy, compelled.
HOLLY (V.O.)
Just see it through.
She urges Horse on.
The volcano LOOMS — its snout-like summit gaping.
Holly reins in, stares up at it.
A shiver runs through her.
EXT. ASKARI POINT – LATE DAY
PHINEOUS, limping, approaches the hill — guinea fowl hanging
from his belt.
He freezes.
A WHITE WOMAN. A HORSE.
He slips into cover, vanishes uphill.
From the crest, he watches.
Holly enters the clearing, removes a BAG.
She SCATTERS STONES.
Mutters to herself.
Phineous frowns.
PHINEOUS (V.O.)
Not ritual… something else.
Night falls.
Holly cooks. Eats. Sleeps. Moonlight washes the hill silver.
Phineous dozes nearby.
EXT. ASKARI POINT – MORNING
Phineous peers down.
The woman is gone.
He descends, examines the stones.
Shrugs.
Useless.
He heads to a hidden CAVE, whistles softly, prepares the
guinea fowl.
PHINEOUS
Strange mfazi.
EXT. BAOBAB TREE – DAY
ALEX rests in deep shade, tapping rocks with a hammer.
ALEX
Another monumental clod of nothing.
He leans back. Drowsy.
Then — instinct.
His eyes snap open.
A SOFT COUGH nearby.
Alex rises smoothly, grabs his RIFLE.
ALEX
God… I hope not.
He stalks forward. Another cough — closer.
Leaves rustle behind him.
Alex spins — rifle up — safety clicks.
EXT. FEVER TREE – CONTINUOUS
The LEOPARD, limping, fevered, flies buzzing around her
wound.
She smells him. FLATTENS.
Then —
SHE ATTACKS.
A blur of claws, impact —
A GUNSHOT.
EXT. FEVER TREE – MOMENTS LATER
Alex lies in the dust — face inches from the dead leopard.
He tries to move.
Collapses.
Sees his torn leg.
CRIES OUT.
Shock floods in.
EXT. SCRUBLAND – DUSK
Holly rides — Askari Point distant behind her.
She sketches the volcano while Horse plods.
A GUNSHOT ECHOES.
Then — a SCREAM.
Holly freezes. Binoculars up. She sees it.
A MAN. A LEOPARD. Blood.
She spurs Horse forward.
EXT. WATER HOLE – NIGHT FALLING
Holly drops beside Alex.
Sees the wounds. Acts instantly.
Antiseptic. Bandages. Pressure.
Her hands shake — then steady. She stitches.
Darkness closes in.
She builds a FIRE.
Drags Alex onto grass.
Fetches Horse. Movement in the dark. Predators.
She looks at the leopard.
Runs to the Landrover.
EXT. WATER HOLE – CONTINUOUS
Holly finds rope. Starts the Landrover.
Engine roars. She hoists the leopard into a tree.
Blood drips.
She returns to Alex.
Cleans his face — gently.
EXT. CAMPSITE – NIGHT
HYENAS circle.
Horse senses danger — panics.
The HYENAS ATTACK.
Horse goes down.
Holly wakes — grabs the rifle — FIRES.
Hyenas scatter. Horse is dying. Holly presses the barrel to
his head. Closes her eyes.
BANG.
She collapses, shaking.
Exhaustion wins.
EXT. CAMPSITE – DAWN
Holly wakes to carnage.
She moves Alex to the Landrover.
Drives to his campsite.
Nurses him through fever.
Cuts open the wound. Cleans it. Holds him as he raves.
EXT. CAMPSITE – DAWN (DAY THREE)
Alex’s eyes open. Holly gives him water.
She searches his kit bag.
Finds a COMPUTER TAPE.
Replaces it.
Later —
She shaves him.
Clumsy. Cuts. Panic.
She washes the blood away. Cleans his body. Dresses him.
EXT. CAMPSITE – DAY
Alex wakes.
Takes in:
Dead horse.
Hanging leopard.
Holly — arms wrapped around her knees.
ALEX
Did you save my—
HOLLY
Can we get out of here now?
He nods.
Tries to stand. Winces.
ALEX
Your horse?
She looks away.
HOLLY
That was my transport.
ALEX
Try Avis next time.
She glares.
EXT. WATER HOLE – DAY
Holly washes. Alex packs.
She returns — hair clean, shirt knotted.
Alex GASPING — caught off guard.
She tends his wound.
ALEX
Tell me your name.
HOLLY
Holly.
EXT. CAMPSITE – DAY
She sketches.
Alex studies leaves, rocks — observant, gentle.
He flips through her portfolio — stunned.
ALEX
This is great.
She hands him the volcano sketch.
HOLLY
Askari Point.
She hesitates. Guilt flickers.
EXT. CAMPSITE – NEXT DAY
Alex skins the leopard — precise, reverent.
Holly watches — unsettled, intrigued.
He holds up the pelt — proud.
She claps before she can stop herself.
EXT. CAMPSITE – LATE DAY
The hide dries in the sun.
Alex approaches Holly.
ALEX
Tomorrow, we’ll check out your
volcano.
Holly’s smile fades — dread creeping back in.
EXT. HIDDEN CAVE – DAY
PHINEOUS hums softly as he WORKS.
Hands deft, practiced.
He slices REEDS into twelve-inch lengths.
Cuts grooves.
Inserts DOVE FEATHERS.
TIES with dried strands.
He sets a SHARPENED STONE HEAD.
Examines the arrow.
Perfect.
Places it beside a growing bundle.
His HUM becomes distant as—
FLASHBACK SEQUENCE – PHINEOUS’ PAST
— A SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY stands beside a DYING WOMAN.
— A MAN crushed beneath mining machinery.
— A CITY BAKERY: darkness, heat, endless labor.
— MEN whispering of freedom, independence.
— A CATTLE FARM. A WHITE FARMER’S STICK.
— LAND CONFISCATED. NEW LEADERS. SAME CHAINS.
— PHINEOUS slipping into the WILDERNESS.
BACK TO SCENE
A SOUND.
DISTANT ENGINE.
Phineous stiffens.
He moves to the cave mouth, peers out.
A VEHICLE approaches.
He gathers his arrows, melts back into shadow.
From concealment—
A WOMAN enters.
Then a MAN, LIMPING.
They step into the NATURAL ATRIUM.
Phineous frowns.
The man PICKS UP STONES.
The SAME STONES. SHOWS THEM TO HER.
Phineous retreats deeper.
Unsettled.
EXT. ASKARI POINT – DAY
The LANDROVER idles.
HOLLY kills the engine.
HOLLY
This thing’s a death trap.
ALEX ignores her, steps out gingerly.
ALEX
Have you got a map?
She produces DE KLERK’S MAP.
Alex spreads it on the bonnet.
ALEX
Careful what you say about my
Landy. She has a soul.
Reads.
ALEX
Askari Point.
Circled.
Holly brushes dust from her jeans.
HOLLY
Come look at this.
EXT. NATURAL ATRIUM – CONTINUOUS
They duck through creepers.
Light pours down through a FRAGILE ROCK DOME.
Alex studies edges. Picks up a STONE. Holds it to the light.
Holly watches — sick with dread.
HOLLY – INTERNAL CONFLICT (VISUAL)
Jack Wellington’s words ECHO.
LEAVE HIM HERE.
RETURN TO SEROWE.
HE’LL DO THE REST.
She watches Alex work.
He TRUSTS her.
ALEX
Quartz. Common as muck.
Gold veins though. Interesting.
He smiles at her.
ALEX
It’s like someone just threw them
down.
Holly says nothing.
Alex POCKETS the stones. Moves toward a DECLINING PATH.
A CRYSTAL POOL glistens.
He turns — close.
HOLLY
Alex—
ALEX
We’d better make camp.
Head back to Serowe tomorrow.
She nods, numb.
Turns for the vehicle.
EXT. ATRIUM – MOMENTS LATER
Alex crouches. Scoops DUST. Stops.
Pulls out an INGOT — heat-scarred, unnatural.
Grey. Pink flecks SPARKLE. His breath catches.
Recognition. Fear. He DROPS the dirt.
ALEX
Holly!
She appears.
ALEX
We’re leaving. Now.
I’ve found something.
EXT. SEROWE – DAY
DE KLERK exits a ROWDY BAR.
Rolls tobacco.
Freezes.
An OLD LAND ROVER outside his shop.
A TALL MAN steps out.
The vehicle pulls away.
DE KLERK squints. Realization hits.
DE KLERK
Delivered to my shop.
Good girl.
He hurries inside.
EXT. SEROWE – CONTINUOUS
The LANDROVER idles.
Alex steps out.
ALEX
Do something for me.
HOLLY
I’ll grab a few girl things.
ALEX
Town hall.
Find info on mineral rights.
She nods, drives off.
Alex studies the sign:
DE KLERK’S GENERAL STORE – WE DO
ANYTHING
Gold bought and sold
Locked door.
A sign: Beck in ten minits.
A VOICE—
DE KLERK (O.S.)
Waiting for me?
Alex turns.
Doesn’t like what he sees.
INT. DE KLERK’S STORE – DAY
Quartz spills onto the counter.
DE KLERK performs surprise.
DE KLERK
Needs assay. Looks good.
ALEX
Kapiri. I need a quick turn-around.
Alex hesitates — then hands over the BAG OF DUST.
ALEX
Broad-spectrum test.
DE KLERK reads a supply list.
DE KLERK
Candles… ammunition… rope…
Dynamite?!
Alex exits.
EXT. TOWN HALL – DAY
Holly finds the booklet:
A GUIDE TO CLAIMING MINERAL RIGHTS – 1960
Takes a FORM.
Outside, she watches De Klerk’s store. Alex exits.
She ducks behind a pillar. Crosses — enters the store.
INT. DE KLERK’S STORE – CONTINUOUS
HOLLY
I’ve done the job.
I want the rest of my money.
DE KLERK smirks.
DE KLERK
Where’s Horse?
HOLLY
Hyenas.
He deducts cash.
DE KLERK
No interference. Understand?
She nods.
DE KLERK
The map.
HOLLY
I lost it.
Too fast.
He GRABS her wrist. Threatens. Money scatters.
The BELL RINGS.
INT. STORE – CONTINUOUS
Alex stands silhouetted in the doorway.
DE KLERK releases her.
ALEX
Get out, Holly.
She flees.
Alex steps in close.
DE KLERK grovels. Alex leaves.
INT. DE KLERK’S OFFICE – DAY
DE KLERK shakes with rage.
On the phone.
DE KLERK
Mister Dexter…
Yes, he found them…
She’s with him.
Listens.
Smiles.
Packs samples.
DE KLERK
Might as well see what it is.
Calls out—
DE KLERK
Joseph!
We’re going hunting.
EXT. SEROWE STREET – DAY
Alex jumps into the Landrover.
ALEX
I’m driving.
He speeds off. Anger simmers.
Then —
He squeezes Holly’s thigh.
A beat too high.
They lock eyes.
Heat.
EXT. CAMPSITE – NIGHT
Alex repacks.
Holly watches. Desire. Guilt. Fear.
He returns with FIREWOOD and a BUSH PIG.
Efficient. Coffee. Fire. Food.
HOLLY
What did you find?
ALEX
Quartz. Gold traces.
But there’s something else.
Points to the cave.
ALEX
If I’m right, it’s scary.
She meets his eyes.
HOLLY
Why are you really here?
They trade half-truths.
Fugitives both.
They eat.
Later, PEG THE CLAIM.
Alex hands her the booklet.
ALEX
Tomorrow — Serowe.
Lodge it for us.
HOLLY
Us?
He lifts her chin.
ALEX
Us.
FADE IN:
INT. SMALL ROOM – NIGHT
A BARE BULB flickers.
A YOUNG GIRL sits on the floor, hugging her knees, shaking.
Her clothes lie discarded nearby.
The DOOR CREAKS open.
A SHADOW fills the doorway.
The girl squeezes her eyes shut.
We DO NOT SEE what happens next.
We hear only:
— the SWISH of leather through air
— a stifled cry
— the bulb swinging
INT. BATHROOM – LATER
The girl retches violently into a stained basin.
Water runs.
Her reflection stares back — hollowed, broken.
She slides down the wall.
EXT. KAPIRI ASSAY LABORATORIES – DAY
A concrete building baking in heat.
INT. ASSAY LAB – DAY
WHITE COATS.
ACID FUMES.
MACHINES HUMMING.
A MIDDLE-AGED TECHNICIAN enters, tired, hungover.
He dumps a BLACK POWDER SAMPLE onto a bench.
Pauses. Something’s… wrong.
He checks the form.
Frowns.
CLOSE ON – SAMPLE
Acid poured.
FIZZLE.
The technician prepares an XRF analysis.
Casual. Routine.
He flips the switch. Checks off elements.
Nothing. He sighs.
Prepares to shut down.
Then—
A LINE appears on the screen.
SHARP. VERTICAL.
Impossible. He leans in. Runs it again. The same result.
Now fully alert, he bolts for the phone.
EXT. PALACE – KAPIRI – DAY
A FORTRESS on a hill.
BARBED WIRE.
GLASS SHARDS.
ARMED GUARDS.
Below: SHANTYTOWNS, rusted roofs, children with nothing.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE – DAY
PRESIDENT ONYEKA BANDA, obese, wheezing, lounges in a leather
chair.
A CIGAR smolders. The RED PHONE RINGS. He answers.
BANDA
What is it?
FRANCIS BEB (V.O.)
I must see you. Immediately.
Moments later—BEB enters, nervous.
Slides a SINGLE PAGE across the desk.
Banda squints. Sits upright.
BANDA
What is this?
BEB
An intercepted assay report.
A rare mineral discovery.
Here. In Botswana.
Banda rises, furious energy.
BANDA
Where?
BEB
Unknown. Samples traced to Serowe.
Banda explodes.
BANDA
Then find it!
BEB
I sent specialists.
Commander Zola.
(MORE)
BEB (CONT'D)
And… the Football Team.
Banda smiles. A predator pleased.
BANDA
And the name?
BEB
Zittrium.
Banda tastes the word.
Writes it down. Circles it. Underlines it.
Dismisses Beb.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Banda searches the term in a dictionary.
His eyes widen. Sweat beads.
He dials another phone — hidden, private.
INTERCUT – PHONE CONVERSATION
BANDA
Abdul… my friend.
RAHMAN (V.O.)
Speak carefully.
Banda hesitates.
Whispers one word.
BANDA
Zittrium.
Silence.
Dead, heavy silence.
RAHMAN (V.O.)
Say nothing more.
I will come tomorrow.
The line goes dead. Banda stares ahead.
Terrified. Exhilarated.
EXT. SEROWE – NIGHT
DE KLERK locks his shop.
Smiles to himself.
Loads a crate into a truck.
Inside:
— assay samples
— weapons
— supplies
He climbs into the cab.
The engine growls to life.
EXT. ASKARI POINT – NIGHT
The wilderness breathes.
Somewhere unseen—
PHINEOUS watches.
Listens.
Waits.
EXT. ASKARI POINT – NIGHT
Firelight flickers across stone walls.
The vast ATRlUM breathes under a cathedral of stars.
A blanket lies near the embers.
ALEX and HOLLY sit close, not touching.
Silence. Comfortable. Electric.
Alex gently takes her hand. She stiffens—then allows it.
He strokes her arm, slow, careful.
ALEX
(soft)
I had a friend once. Joba.
We were boys.
Holly listens.
ALEX (CONT’D)
He died in crossfire.
I carried him home.
The fire pops.
Holly studies his face—sees depth.
Time passes.
Their bodies shift closer. The firelight dims.
We DO NOT SEE intimacy.
We hear only:
— breath
— fabric rustling
— the fire crackling
Then—
Laughter. Relief. Release.
They lie back, staring at the stars.
EXT. RIDGE ABOVE ASKARI – NIGHT
PHINEOUS crouches, hands clamped over his ears.
Embarrassed. Conflicted. Lonely.
He peeks over the edge. Sees the couple entwined, still.
Turns away.
EXT. ASKARI POINT – DAWN
The fire smolders.
Alex stands alone now.
Holly’s blanket folded. She’s gone.
Alex boils water, lights a cigarette.
Something feels… off.
He senses movement. Turns.
A MAN stands nearby.
Bow lowered. Arrow unprimed.
They regard each other.
PHINEOUS
Kanjani.
ALEX
Kulungile.
A beat.
PHINEOUS
There was a storm last night.
Alex smiles.
ALEX
Thunder, without clouds.
They both break into laughter.
Mutual respect.
They sit. Share food.
Phineous eyes Alex’s bandaged leg.
PHINEOUS
The woman left her mark.
Alex stiffens.
ALEX
She is not your concern.
Phineous hesitates.
Then—
PHINEOUS
I must tell you something.
He gestures to the ground.
PHINEOUS
A woman scattered stones here. Then
returned with a wounded man. The
stones were taken.
Alex’s smile fades.
He looks away.
ALEX
leave me. I need to think.
Phineous nods. Disappears into the bush.
EXT. ROAD NEAR ASKARI – DAY
A WHITE FORD F250 lies hidden behind a rise.
DE KLERK lounges against it.
Rifle across his lap.
Grinning.
Watching the horizon.
EXT. SEROWE – DAY
Holly exits the town hall, clutching papers.
She jumps into the Land Rover.
Drives fast.
Resolved.
EXT. BUSH ROAD – DAY
The Land Rover crests a hill—
A WHITE TRUCK BLOCKS THE ROAD.
Holly swerves—
THE LAND ROVER PLUNGES DOWN A SLOPE—
CRASHES—
Keeps going.
Behind her—
THE FORD GUNS ITS ENGINE.
CHASE ON.
EXT. TREELINE / STREAM – DAY
Holly veers into cover. Branches whip her face. Blood.
She abandons the Land Rover. Grabs the rifle.
Scrambles into the stream. Disappears into reeds.
EXT. STREAM BANK – DAY
De Klerk tracks her.
Orders JOSEPH into the water.
A SHOT RINGS OUT.
Joseph collapses.
Blood clouds the stream.
De Klerk freezes. Then smiles.
EXT. SCRUB / ESCARPMENT – DAY
Holly runs. Bleeding. Exhausted.
She stumbles over a ledge—
Recovers. Keeps moving.
EXT. ESCARPMENT ROAD – DAY
The Ford roars alongside.
Holly trapped between cliff and steel.
De Klerk stops.
Gets out.
Casual. Predatory. He circles her.
Fear. Rage. Resolve.
She SCREAMS.
EXT. ASKARI POINT – SAME MOMENT
Alex jolts upright. A distant echo carries. A scream.
He grabs his rifle.
EXT. SEROWE – MAIN STREET – DAY
A TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT JEEP screams into town, dust
billowing.
Inside the passenger seat sits COMMANDER ZOLA (40s)—
immaculate khaki uniform, RED BERET, mirrored sunglasses.
Still. Coiled. Deadly.
In the back: SIX TROOPERS, rigid, armed with AK-40s, boots
gleaming.
The town reacts instantly—doors slam, people scatter.
Zola raises a hand.
ZOLA
Stop.
The jeep halts violently. Zola’s head snaps forward—he turns
and BACKHANDS THE DRIVER without hesitation.
The troopers leap out in perfect unison.
Zola exits slowly, removes his sunglasses, dabs his face with
a white handkerchief—no sweat.
He surveys the empty street, pleased.
EXT. DE KLERK’S STORE – CONTINUOUS
The store door is bolted shut.
Zola gestures lazily.
Automatic gunfire ERUPTS. Wood splinters explode.
A shard cuts Zola’s cheek.
He cuffs the CAPTAIN hard, sending him crashing through the
door.
Zola steps over the fallen man, wipes his boots on him.
ZOLA
Get up, you imbecile.
INT. DE KLERK’S STORE – MOMENTS LATER
The store is empty.
A trooper returns, shaking his head.
Zola steps back outside, irritated.
He grabs a MEGAPHONE.
EXT. MAIN STREET – CONTINUOUS
ZOLA (AMPLIFIED)
Everybody out! Now!
Slowly, townspeople emerge—Africans, whites, mixed—fear
etched on every face.
Zola climbs onto the jeep bonnet, smiling benevolently.
ZOLA
Where is Mister… De Klerk?
Silence. Zola nods.
Gunfire BLASTS into the air. The crowd scatters, screams.
ZOLA
I will ask again.
A woman—LENA—steps forward, bruises visible.
She points north.
Zola’s smile widens.
ZOLA
Very good. The rest of you—go.
He places an arm around Lena.
ZOLA
You will come with us.
The jeep roars away.
Behind them, two troopers remain.
From inside the store—
A TELEPHONE RINGS.
They exchange glances.