notes: To pop everything into place... use Courier 10 (or 10 characters per inch) set top margin at 0.5", bottom margin at 0.5" (or minimums) left margin at 1", right margin at .25 (or minimum) (I had to tell the program that my primitive printer was using legal-size paper) Notes: Cover: My copy didn't have a cover, but I assume it was like the others. My version didn't have any color notations. From all appearances, it is the "Production draft" version There is the occasional missing comma. Page 48: Note interesting reference to another superhero... Page 54 "All right" misspelled as alright on bottom of page. --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Source_" _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE PERRY WHITE JIMMY OLSEN MARTHA KENT JONATHAN KENT ____________________________________________________________________ ERIC THORP STUART HOFFERMAN OLIVER WICK DANIEL HANSEN SHELDON BENDER SECRETARY GOVERNOR WINSTON OLDER MAN VANESSA WOMAN REPORTER SECURITY GUARD (AT VIOLOGIC) GUARD (AT DAILY PLANET) POLICE OFFICER PASSENGER MAN (THORP'S THUG) --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Source_" _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Daily-Planet Newsroom Lobby Viologic Electronics Perry's office Metropolis Fun Pier Clark's Apartment Ferris Wheel Overpass Lois' Apartment Street Viologic Electronics Stuart's Office Thorp's office Conference Room Lobby Corridor Staircase Landing Oliver's Apartment Living Room Bathroom Taxi Metropolis Subway Subway Car Platform --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_The Source_" _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 8 DAY 1 SC. 9 - 12 DAY 2 SC. 13 - 31 NIGHT 2 SC. 32 - 43 DAY 3 SC. 44 - 47 NIGHT 3 SC. 48 - 51 DAY 4 SC. 52 - 53 NIGHT 4 SC. 54 - 89 DAY 5 SC. 90 DAY 6 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "The Source" _TEASER_ FADE IN: 1 EXT. METROPOLIS HARBOR FUN PIER - (DAY #1) 1 A banner draped across the entrance of a small Oceanside amusement park announces "Welcome Daily Planet & Their Families." As staffers and kids enjoy the rides, CAMERA PANS TO CLARK and LOIS waiting their turn atop a huge, _four_ _lane slide_. They wave down to... 2 JONATHAN AND MARTHA KENT 2 standing next to a nearby FERRIS WHEEL. As they wave back... 3 RESUME LOIS AND CLARK 3 A bratty 12 year old, VANESSA, cuts in front of Lois. LOIS (annoyed) Excuse me. No cuts. VANESSA Who are _you_? LOIS I'm Lois Lane. The reporter. VANESSA Big deal. My mom signs your checks. LOIS (gritting teeth) That's no reason to be rude. VANESSA Since when? Hey, you wanna race? Loser buys cotton candy. LOIS Just cotton candy? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 2. 3 CONTINUED: 3 VANESSA On what you make, that's probably all you can afford. Lois fumes. CLARK Lois, forget it. She's just a kid. LOIS (ignores Clark; to kid) You're on. Clark just shakes his head as Lois and Vanessa get on their _burlap sacks_. LOIS (CONT'D) Ready? Go! As they take off, the lighter Vanessa takes a quick lead. A determined Lois leans forward to cut the wind resistance, but it doesn't help. As they approach the 3/4 mark, Vanessa turns back and shoots a superior smirk at Lois. 4 ON CLARK 4 He blows a quick SUPERBREATH at Lois' back. 5 ON LOIS AND VANESSA 5 A surprised Lois suddenly blows past the kid. She slides into the hay at the bottom, the clear winner. As Clark comes sliding down behind them, Lois gets up and walks over to the disappointed Vanessa. LOIS My favorite flavor is pink. SCREAMS from the Ferris Wheel interrupt the moment. 6 EXT. FERRIS WHEEL - DAY - CONTINUOUS 6 A SCREAMING crowd watches the Ferris Wheel, filled with riders, as it SPINS out of control. Lois and Clark rush up to Jonathan and Martha as the wide-eyed OPERATOR comes through the crowd eyeing the ride. LOIS Why don't you stop it?! (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 3. 6 CONTINUED: 6 OPERATOR It ain't me! It's run by a computer! Jonathan and Martha shoot a look to Clark who reaches for his glasses and ducks out of frame. As the wheel spins out of control... VOICE IN CROWD Look! Superman! With a WHOOSH, Superman zooms down and lands at the base of the Ferris Wheel. He grabs the outer rim with both hands and tightens his grip. The friction creates a STREAM OF SMOKE as the ride brakes to a halt. 7 ANGLE ON CROWD 7 As they break into APPLAUSE, Lois makes her way back to Jonathan and Martha. LOIS Where's Clark? MARTHA He uh... said something about phoning in the story... As Lois does a slow burn... 8 ANGLE ON A NEARBY OVERPASS 8 Inside a limo, ERIC THORP, barely 30, smartly dressed, watches the Ferris Wheel scene placidly. Next to him is his assistant, WICK, a man who'd make G. Gordon Liddy nervous. THORP (pleased) Well, except for Superman crashing the party, the test went off just as we planned. WICK Yeah, but how do we know he won't interfere with our next 'accident?' THORP Because next time he won't be able to hear the screams.. FADE OUT. _END OF TEASER_ --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 4. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 9 EXT. DAILY PLANET - (DAY #2) 9 STUART HOFFERMAN, a short, bookish, nervous little man, (think Woody Allen, but not as tough) approaches the entrance. He slips inside, unaware he's being followed by Wick, who stops across the street, a grim look on his face. CUT TO: 10 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY 10 The office crackles with activity. Reporters pound out stories, editors rush to make deadlines. Stuart exits the elevators, eyes the room tentatively. JIMMY, crossing the news room, spots him and approaches. JIMMY Looking for someone? STUART Yes... um... Lois Lane? JIMMY (indicates her desk) She's around somewhere. Go ahead and wait at her desk. Stuart moves off. Jimmy enters the elevator, the doors closing as Clark leads his parents in through a side entrance and down into the bullpen thru... CLARK So... what do you think of the new offices? MARTHA They're beautiful... aren't they Jonathan? JONATHAN (distant) Huh... yeah... it's nice... real nice. Clark and Martha share a look of concern, then... CLARK You know Dad, we have a reporter here who covers trends in agriculture. Would you like to meet him? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 5. 10 CONTINUED: 10 Jonathan shrugs. Clark spots Lois entering from,the opposite direction, unaware Stuart's at her desk. CLARK (CONT'D) Lois, where's Roy? LOIS I think he's in Idaho covering the spud festival. Why? CLARK (deflated) I thought dad might like talking to him about farm issues. JONATHAN It's okay, Clark. You don't have to entertain me all the time. LOIS You want to meet someone who knows a lot about manure, stick around. Daniel Hansen's here. MARTHA Who's that? LOIS A state Senator who's running for Governor. He's in Perry's office right now, trying to sucker the Planet's endorsement. PERRY (O.S.) Lois! Clark! They turn to see PERRY leading DANIEL HANSEN and TWO AIDES out of his office. Hansen's striking, telegenic, controlled. PERRY (CONT'D) Glad you're here. Mr. Hansen was just saying how much he wanted to meet you. HANSEN (to Lois and Clark) I'm a big fan. I've always enjoyed your investigative articles. Lois politely shakes his hand behind a pasted on smile. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 6. 10 CONTINUED: 2 10 LOIS Well, thank you. I'm sure if you're elected we'll have plenty to write about. Hansen flashes Lois a cool professional smile, then turns to Jonathan and Martha. As he heartily shakes their hands... HANSEN Hi, Daniel Hansen, candidate for Governor. Where you folks from? JONATHAN Smallville. HANSEN Great community, just great. And if I'm elected, I'll work hard to bring good jobs and quality education to your town. As he walks off, glad-handing other employees... MARTHA You might like to start with geography! We live in a different State! But Hansen's out of earshot. As he makes his way to the elevator... JONATHAN We should go, Martha. I'm sure Clark has things to do. PERRY You can't leave yet. No VIP tour of the Planet's complete without a tour of the Managing Editor's office. He leads the Kent's towards his office thru... PERRY (CONT'D) You know, I haven't always been a desk jockey. There isn't a corner of the world I haven't seen. I remember this one time... As the threesome disappear into Perry's office... LOIS Is your dad all right? He seems kind of down. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 7. 10 CONTINUED: 3 10 CLARK His best friend died of a heart attack last month. He's been in a funk ever since. LOIS I'm sorry. CLARK I'm trying to keep him busy, but I'm running out of ideas. LOIS I have a friend who works at the Transit Authority. Maybe she can get them tickets for the inaugural ride on the new subway. CLARK Anything would help. (glances at Perry's office) Oh, no... 11 HIS POV 11 Perry's holding a bronzed rattlesnake head. He pantomimes an attack on his leg. The Kents politely watch. 12 RESUME LOIS AND CLARK 12 CLARK He's telling them the Cuban snake story. LOIS You better get in there before he shows them where it finally bit him. As Clark heads towards Perry's office we FOLLOW LOIS as she moves to her desk and discovers Stuart waiting for her. STUART Miss Lane? My name is Stuart Hofferman. May I speak to you for a moment? LOIS Sure. She sits across from Stuart, who fidgets. He indicates a box of tissues on her desk. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 8. 12 CONTINUED: 12 STUART May I? He takes a tissue. As he cleans his glasses... STUART (CONT'D) I have to admit I'm a little nervous. I've never done this before. LOIS Really? You clean those glasses like a pro. STUART I meant talking to a reporter. (then, realizing) Oh, I see. A little humor to take the edge off. That's very funny. LOIS Mr. Hofferman, what can I do for you? Stuart takes a beat as he carefully folds the tissue, then... STUART What would you say if I told you the accident at the Ferris Wheel yesterday wasn't an accident? LOIS (intrigued) I'd say... go on. STUART Before I do, I need your word that if you write a story about this, you'll protect me. LOIS The Planet always shields its sources. Stuart hesitates, fiddling with the tiqhtly folded tissue. Lois grabs her wastebasket and offers it to him. STUART I don't like to dispose of them until they're absolutely shredded. You know... save the rain forest. He pockets the tissue, takes a deep breath, then... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 9. 12 CONTINUED: 2 12 STUART (CONT'D) Ms. Lane, I'm head of research for Viologic electronics. We made the switches for the Ferris Wheel's computer. Those switches were defective. That's why the ride went out of control. LOIS (jotting notes) Go on. STUART What frightens me is I knew they were defective before they were shipped. I sent a report about then to Mr. Thorp, but it was ignored. LOIS Wait a minute. Are you saying Viologic deliberately endangered people's lives? STUART I... guess. LOIS That doesn't make any sense. Wouldn't they know the defective switches would be traced back to them? STUART I would think so. LOIS I don't get it. Viologic's considered one of the best managed company's in its field. There's got to be more to this. Suddenly, Perry's door opens and Clark leads his folks past Lois' desk, Perry following. Lois abruptly stops her interview. PERRY Why don't you take the rest of the day off and spend it with your folks. Nothing's happening we can't handle. CLARK Is that all right with you, Lois? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 10. 12 CONTINUED: 3 12 Lois hesitates, looks at Stuart, back to Clark. Then... LOIS Um... sure. It's a slow news day. PERRY (to Kents) Hey, you know what would be fun? The Metropolis Archives... As he escorts them away, Lois turns back to Stuart... LOIS Maybe we should talk somewhere more private. DISSOLVE TO: 13 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - EVENING (NIGHT #2) 13 Jonathan and Clark are at a table near the window playing checkers. Martha's making sandwiches. Jonathan makes a move. Clark counters, making a triple jump. Clark smiles. CLARK I guess you didn't see that coming. JONATHAN (downbeat) I've learned you don't see a lot of things coming in life. Like Henry. We were supposed to go fishing this week... suddenly he's dead and I'm sitting here playing checkers with you instead. Clark and Martha exchange a worried look. As Jonathan contemplates his next move, Clark glances out the window. He notices a truck tossing a stack of the evening edition of the Planet onto the sidewalk. With his TELESCOPIC VISION Clark focuses on the banner headline. "SCANDAL AT VIOLOGIC." He then magnifies the byline. "Exclusive by Lois Lane." Clark's expression can't hide his annoyance. CLARK I've got to go, Dad. Something's up at the Planet. MARTHA Clark, I just made sandwiches. Clark grabs a sandwich and devours it at SUPER SPEED. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 11. 13 CONTINUED: 13 CLARK It was great. See you later. As he dashes out the door... MARTHA I hate it when he inhales his food. CUT TO: 14 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 14 The bullpen is humming with staffers. Clark strides off the elevators with a copy of the Planet and heads directly for Lois' desk. LOIS (feigning innocence) Clark, what are you doing here? CLARK This is what I'm doing here. He holds up the paper with Lois' banner headline. LOIS (still the innocent) I know. It's shocking. This could bring the country's largest electronics company to its knees. CLARK (frustration building) I thought it was a slow news day. LOIS Well, I, uh... I... didn't want to bother you while your parents are visiting. CLARK Try again. LOIS Okay, fine. The truth is... my source made me swear I'd protect his anonymity. CLARK I don't think so. LOIS Really? And just what do you think? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 12. 14 CONTINUED: 14 CLARK I think you smelled a Pulitzer and you didn't want to share it. LOIS Oh, but it was okay for you to run off and phone in the Ferris Wheel story without me? CLARK What? LOIS Don't play innocent. Your mother told me that's where you went. Before Clark can come up with a response.... PERRY (O.S.) All right boys and girls, gather around! Perry approaches the bullpen and addresses half a dozen staffers, including Lois, Clark and Jimmy. PERRY (CONT'D) Viologic just called a press conference. Now... as I expected, our story has really ruffled Eric Thorp's feathers. I guess he wants his rebuttal on the eleven o'clock news. JIMMY Who's Eric Thorp? CLARK A multi-millionaire who just took over Viologic. PERRY (to Jimmy) He's a real whiz kid. In fact, he was a millionaire by the time he was your age. JIMMY (defensive) Yeah, well... I had the mumps in sixth grade. It kind of slowed me down. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 13. 14 CONTINUED: 2 14 PERRY Lois, I want you and Clark at that press conference. Take Jimmy with you. Diane, you and Jerry work up a background piece on Thorp. As the staff disperses, Perry pulls Lois aside. PERRY (CONT'D) Lois. Things around Viologic are going to get pretty tense. This source of yours better be rock solid. LOIS I'd stake my reputation on it. Off Perry's nod... CUT TO: 15 EXT. VIOLOGIC ELECTRONICS - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING 15 16 INT. STUART'S OFFICE - NIGHT 16 A typical Head of Research office. Eric Thorp's at a desk, the nameplate reads "Stuart Hofferman". Thorp reads off a computer. Wick's on a sofa across the way. THORP (re: computer) Interesting report Hofferman's got on his computer here. (turns it off) Too bad I never saw it. WICK I'm sorry. I didn't think it was that important. THORP Wick, where are your brains? Our whole cover is supposed to be that Logar Electronics sabotaged our equipment. This little techno-nerd's report could blow us right out of the water. The door opens and Stuart and his assistant OLIVER enter, engrossed in the Daily Planet. They spot Thorp. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 14. 16 CONTINUED: 16 STUART (surprised) Mr. Thorp. What are you doing here? THORP Get out, Oliver. OLIVER Yes sir. I'll.... check those reports... on that thing we. tested... He exits hurriedly, the door closing behind him. Thorp rises and gestures to Stuart's desk chair. THORP Sit down, Stuart. As Stuart passes Thorp on his way to the chair, Thorp takes the newspaper from his hand THORP (CONT'D) (re: paper) Did they leave anything out? STUART I don't understand... Stuart nervously sits as Thorp roams the office, idly picking up an autographed baseball resting an a shelf. He tosses it lightly through... THORP You know Stuart, I like to think of my employees as family. So when someone betrays the family trust, it hurts me. We shouldn't air our problems in public. We should work it out between ourselves. STUART Mr. Thorp, sir, I had nothing to do with... THORP DON'T LIE TO ME!! Thorp suddenly hurls the baseball at Stuart's head. It just misses and CRASHES into his computer, SHATTERING it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 15. 16 CONTINUED: 2 16 THORP (CONT'D) (regaining composure) You know, maybe it's my fault. You spotted a problem and sent it to management. If we had done our job we could have come to you and told you we shipped those switches by mistake. You do believe it was a mistake, don't you? Stuart nods. THORP (CONT'D) You know, I've been working on getting Viologic positioned to win some big defense contracts. But that could all go away with a liability suit. So I've called a press conference. We're going to deny the Planet's story. And you're going to back me up. Is that clear? STUART Yes sir. THORP Good. And just so you know that I appreciate your concerns, I've ordered all the defective switches shipped to a dump. (beat) Now. We're all one big happy family again, right? Off Stuart's less than enthusiastic smile... CUT TO: 17 INT. VIOLOGIC CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT 17 Lois, Clark and Jimmy wait near a podium along with various REPORTERS. A side door opens and Thorp and Stuart approach the podium, flanked by a Viologic attorney, SHELDON BENDER. JIMMY So that's the boy wonder. (focusing his camera) C'mon pal, make me happy. Have something stuck between your teeth. Lois eyes Stuart, but he ignores her. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 16. 17 CONTINUED: 17 BENDER Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Sheldon Bender, counsel for Viologic. We're here to respond to the scurrilous and entirely false accusations made by a local newspaper regarding the quality and workmanship of our products. LOIS Excuse me! Lois Lane, Daily Planet. THORP (smiles) We know who you are, Miss Lane. LOIS Mr. Thorp, your denial begs the question... If your switches weren't defective, what caused them to fail at the amusement park? THORP Sabotage. CLARK Sabotage? By who? BENDER That's still under investigation. But we've received a tip from a source that implicates one of our competitors. LOIS Could we speak with this 'alleged' source? THORP (charming) I'll make you a deal, Miss Lane. You show me your source, I'll show you mine. The other reporters laugh. Lois bristles. LOIS There's an allegation that a report was sent to you warning about the defects in your switches. How do you respond? Thorp looks at Stuart, gestures him to approach the mic. Flashbulbs pop as Stuart nervously approaches the podium. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 17. 17 CONTINUED: 2 17 He removes his glasses and wipes them with a tissue thru... STUART Uh... In my position, I am responsible for all reports regarding quality. And uh... I would know if such a report existed. And it does not. As reporters murmur and make hurried notes, Stuart replaces his glasses, makes eye contact with Lois, then DELIBERATELY DROPS THE TISSUE into a wastebasket at the base of the podium. As an intrigued look crosses her face... BENDER That's all we're going to say at this time. A formal statement will be handed to you on your way out. As reporters SHOUT questions at the departing men, Lois drifts to the wastebasket and fishes out the tissue. 18 INSERT - TISSUE 18 The words "MEET AT PIER" are scrawled on the tissue. 19 RESUME SCENE 19 She palms the tissue then slips out. Across the room, Clark finishes making a note on his pad. Jimmy steps up to him, grinning. JIMMY I got a great shot of Thorp looking like he just smelled something really bad. Clark raises an eyebrow, then... CLARK (concerned) Did you see where Lois went? JIMMY No. Look, I wanna get back and develop this. I'll see you at the Planet. As Clark scans the room, troubled... CUT TO: --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 18. 20 EXT. METROPOLIS HARBOR FUN PIER - NIGHT 20 Closed. The silhouettes of the rides cast eerie shadows in the moonlight. Lois walks cautiously among the shadows, peering into the darkness. Suddenly, a hand grabs her shoulder. She GASPS as she's spun around to face a man in a dark trench coat and fedora. STUART You betrayed me. LOIS (recovering) Stuart. STUART By the time I got back to my office, Eric Thorp knew I was the leak. LOIS What? Not from _my_ article. I wrote it as vague as possible. STUART I'm sorry I ever came to you. And as of now, you've never heard of me! He turns to leave. She starts after him. LOIS Stuart, you can't renege on your agreement! I promised my boss you were a rock solid source. My reputation's at stake here! STUART My _life_ is at stake here! The imposing figure of a large MAN suddenly steps put in front of them. They stop short, frightened. MAN Maybe I can help settle this little disagreement. Lois looks over her shoulder for an escape route. Another IMPOSING MAN appears behind them. Off Lois and Stuart's expressions... CUT TO: --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 19. 21 INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT 21 Clark and Jimmy stride into the bullpen. Clark eyes Lois' empty desk, surprised she's not there. He spots Perry. CLARK Chief, have you seen Lois? PERRY No. Wasn't she with you? Clark checks his watch. CLARK She should have been back by now. (heading for elevators) I'm going to look for her. CUT TO: 22 EXT. PIER NIGHT 22 At the end of the pier, a terrified Stuart and Lois each stand in an EMPTY 55 GALLON DRUM. MAN Got down. LOIS (to Stuart) Don't do it! The man moves to Stuart and forces him down. As his associate SLAMS THE LID ON, Lois knocks her drum over and tries crawling out, but the two men grab her and shove her back inside. She starts SCREAMING, but the thug puts his hand over her mouth. She bites it. MAN OW! As the men force her into the drum... MAN (CONT'D) I hate reporters. They slam the lid on. Lois BANGS on the inside but to no avail as they push the drums onto their sides and roll them to the edge of the pier. They eye the murky black waters below, then give one last push. The drums hit the water with a SPLASH, linger on the surface a moment, then disappear into the inky darkness. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 20. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 23 INT. 55 GALLON DRUM - CONTINUOUS 23 Lois pounds on the lid as water, leaking in from rusted seals, rises above her waist. LOIS (desperate) Superman! 24 EXT. NIGHT SKY - (STOCK) 24 Superman soars above the city, looking for Lois. His SUPER HEARING picks up Lois' CRY FOR HELP. INTERCUT: 25 IN LOIS' DRUM 25 The water is up to her chin. 26 IN THE SKY 26 Superman streaks out of the night toward the pier. 27 ON THE PIER 27 The two thugs jump into an unmarked Van. At the wheel is Thorp's "associate," Wick. He burns rubber and the van disappears into the night. The men don't see... 28 SUPERMAN 28 piercing the surface of the ocean behind them. 29 IN LOIS' DRUM 29 With the water up to her nose, the drum is suddenly pulled upward and a glimmer of hope crosses her face. 30 EXT. PIER - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS 30 Superman flies out of the water holding both drums and lands on the pier, lying the drums on their sides. He quickly wrenches the tops off and a drenched Lois and Stuart stumble out GASPING FOR AIR. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 21. 30 CONTINUED: 30 SUPERMAN Are you all right? (off her nod) Who did this? LOIS Stuart, did you recognize those men? Stuart, still recovering on his knees, shakes his head. LOIS (CONT'D) They must be connected to Viologic. SUPERMAN Lois, I read your story. I think the best thing now is to take this man to the police and put him in protective custody. Off Lois' dismayed reaction... DISSOLVE TO: 31 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 31 Jonathan, still downcast, eats dinner in silence with Clark and Martha. After a long sigh by Jonathan.. CLARK (upbeat) Oh, I forgot to tell you. I got tickets for you for the inaugural ride of the new subway. It's fully automated. MARTHA Now that should be fun. Jonathan just shrugs. Then a KNOCK on the door interrupts. Clark goes to answer. He opens it to reveal Lois and Stuart, looking like drowned rats. Stuart SNEEZES. CLARK (surprised) Lois, what are you doing here? Martha and Jonathan approach as Lois and Stuart enter. LOIS They're on to Stuart. Someone tried to drown us. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 22. 31 CONTINUED 31 MARTHA Oh my God... come in, we've got to get you out of those wet clothes. STUART If it wasn't for Superman... (SNEEZES, then) May I have a tissue? Jonathan goes for tissues as Martha helps Stuart off with his wet jacket. LOIS I want you to keep Stuart here. CLARK What?! Lois, he should be in protective custody! LOIS (annoyed) That's the last place he should be. Right now, whoever tried to kill him thinks he's dead. Once the police have him, every two bit hack will know about it and there goes our exclusive. Jonathan returns with tissues, towels and clothes thru... CLARK Lois, I can't play baby sitter. Besides, my folks are in town and... MARTHA Clark, we can take care of him. CLARK Mom, this isn't a good... JONATHAN Lois is right. The man needs a place to hide. MARTHA And as long as they think he's dead, he's not in any danger. (to Lois) He can stay here as long as you need. It's no trouble at all. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 23. 31 CONTINUED: 2 31 LOIS (triumphant smile at Clark) Thank you, Mrs. Kent. As Clark sighs, Jonathan hands Lois a bath towel and Stuart some dry clothes thru... JONATHAN (to Stuart) You can put these on. Bathroom's through that door. MARTHA Can I fix you something to eat? STUART Well, a cheese omelet would be nice. Gouda, if you have it. (to Lois) Would it be all right if I called Oliver and had him pick up some of my personal items? LOIS Of course not. You can't trust anyone, Stuart. STUART Oliver's my best friend. I'd trust him with my life. (and then) I really need my razor and toothbrush. LOIS We'll _buy_ you a razor and toothbrush, okay? STUART (considers, then) I use an electric razor... with the floating heads? And I prefer a toothbrush with the little rubber pick on the end, if you can find it As Stuart and the Kents EXIT FRAME... CLARK Oh yeah, he'll be no trouble at all. CUT TO: --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 24. 32 EXT. VIOLOGIC ELECTRONICS DAY - TO RE-ESTABLISH (DAY #3) 32 33 INT. VIOLOGIC LOBBY - DAY 33 Lois enters in a business suit, hair pulled up, wearing sunglasses and carrying a briefcase lettered "METRO COPIER REPAIR." A photo ID card's pinned to her lapel. A SECURITY GUARD sipping coffee behind a bank of monitors eyes her. LOIS Copier repair. The Guard nods. As she passes, Clark dashes into the lobby, carrying an unmarked briefcase. CLARK (to Guard) I'm with her. A surprised Lois turns as Clark approaches. CLARK (CONT'D) (eyeing her ID card) You forgot some replacement parts... Miss Jefferson. Off Lois' annoyed expression. 34 INT. VIOLOGIC OFFICE CORRIDOR - DAY - MOVING - CONTINUOUS 34 Lois and Clark round a corner thru... LOIS What are you doing here?! CLARK Perry thought it might be smart for you to have a little help. You _were_ almost killed last night. LOIS But I got out of it! I don't need any help! An EMPLOYEE steps from a man's room, abruptly stopping their talk. As soon as they're out of earshot... CLARK Stop being so stubborn. I thought we were partners. LOIS We are! I'm going to handle the investigation... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 25. 34 CONTINUED: 34 CLARK And _I'm_ supposed to baby sit? LOIS What? Only women are supposed to baby sit? CLARK (exasperated) Lois... They near a SECRETARY kneeling near a mid-sized copy machine. Frustrated, she slams the lid down, then spots Lois and Clark. SECRETARY That was fast. I just called. LOIS I beg your pardon? SECRETARY (gesturing to copier) I've tried everything. It just sits there and blinks. LOIS Um... we were on our way to an emergency call. We'll come back. SECRETARY The copies I need are for my boss. Believe me, nothing's more important than that. Lois and Clark exchange a look. What can they do? Lois lifts the lid and gazes at the complicated workings. LOIS Hmm... As she fiddles with a switch, Clark peers over his glasses and uses his X-RAY VISION to probe deep inside the copier. 35 CLARK'S X-RAY POV 35 A frayed wire dangles from a circuit board. 36 RESUME CLARK 36 He opens the panel, then using his HEAT VISION, SOLDERS the wire back together as Lois finishes her "expert inspection." (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 26. 36 CONTINUED: 36 LOIS Well, it's obvious this machine needs a new Thermo... Master... connector. (off the woman's doubtful look) That's the thing that connects the Thermo to the Master. We'll order it today, be back tomorrow. SECRETARY (suspicious) Maybe you'd better explain the problem to my boss. I don't want to lose anything in the translation. LOIS What's to lose? It's broken and we'll fix it tomorrow. CLARK Uh, actually, I think all it needs is a good kick. LOIS A kick? It needs a kick?! (to secretary) He's joking. He's a trainee. They do that. CLARK It can't hurt to try, 'Miss Jefferson.' Lois shoots him a look, then kicks the machine. Nothing. LOIS Maybe I'm kicking the wrong thing. Clark pushes the start button and the copier springs to life. The delighted secretary feeds in a copy as Lois stares amazed, then looks to Clark, who shrugs. CUT TO: 37 INT. STUART'S OFFICE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 37 The door opens and Lois and Clark slip into the darkened room, closing the door behind them. LOIS Stuart said there's a copy of his report in a file cabinet. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 27. 37 CONTINUED: 37 They approach two file cabinets near the desk. CLARK Did he say which one? Lois shakes her head. She takes one cabinet, Clark the other. As Lois starts to inspect the contents of hers, Clark's SUPER HEARING picks up a murmur. Using his X-RAY VISION, he peers through the wall into an adjoining room. 38 CLARK'S X-RAY POV 38 A worried Daniel Hansen sits in Thorp's up-scale office. HANSEN I hope this Lane woman's crusade doesn't reveal our connection. THORP Relax. We've taken great care to distance Vialogic's donations to your campaign. Speaking of which... how's the war chest? HANSEN We could always use more for TV. THORP Would a hundred thousand help? HANSEN Two would be a bigger help. THORP (smiling) Don't drain me. We need to save some for your Presidential campaign. HANSEN I'm not sure I'll be Governor, much less President. Thorp puts a hand on Hansen's shoulder as he escorts him to the door. THORP Daniel, stop worrying. Trust me. This is just the beginning. And four years from now you _will_ be president. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 28. 38 CONTINUED: 38 HANSEN And you'll be appropriately surprised when I award Vialogic those big fat defense contracts? Thorp smiles as Lois, HAND comes into FRAME, blocking Clark's view. LOIS (O.S.) Mothership to Clark... 39 RESUME CLARK AND LOIS 39 He snaps off his X-RAY VISION as Lois waves her hand in his face. She looks at the bare wall he was staring at. LOIS Just imagine how fascinating that wall would be if there was actually something on it. CLARK Uh... sorry. I was lost in thought. LOIS You mean space. Find anything? He shakes his head. Suddenly Stuart's door opens, bathing them in light from the hallway. They turn to find Oliver staring at them. OLIVER What are you two doing in here? (advancing) Hey... you're those reporters from the press conference. LOIS Now don't get excited, we're just trying to help Stuart. OLIVER Help him?! You've ruined his career! He's so upset he's disappeared! CLARK Oliver, listen, you're his friend. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 29. 39 CONTINUED: 39 OLIVER That's right, I am! And you've hurt him enough. Now get out! Before I call security! Off Lois and clark's defeated looks... CUT TO: 40 INT. VIALOGIC LOBBY - DAY - LATER 40 As Clark and Lois exit past the security guard a man in a chair lowers his sunglasses and eyes Lois. It's Wick. CUT TO: 41 INT. THORP'S OFFICE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 41 Thorp, in shirtsleaves, strums an acoustic guitar behind his desk. Wick enters. THORP Did you know you can play over fifty songs with just three chords? Wick just watches silently. THORP (CONT'D) Lighten up, Wick. WICK I just saw Lois Lane leaving the building. THORP (unruffled) Now how can that be, wick? You told me you disposed of her. Don't tell me you screwed up again. Wick clenches his jaw. Remains silent. THORP (CONT'D) Well... if she's alive chances are so is Stuart. Now, do you think you could find the little snitch and do the job right? WICK What about Lane? Off Thorp's enigmatic look... CUT TO: --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 30. 42 DAILY PLANET - DAY - RE-ESTABLISHING (STOCK) 42 43 INT. DAILY PLANET LOBBY - DAY 43 The elevator doors open and Perry and Lois step off. PERRY Lois, you're not gonna get some pinhead in Washington to order a recall without more proof. Sheldon Bender (Viologic's attorney), and an assistant march into the lobby. BENDER Lois Lane? LOIS Yes? BENDER Sheldon Bender. Attorney for Viologic. We've just filed a libel suit against the Daily Planet and you in the amount of twenty million dollars. (handing bar papers). Consider yourself served. LOIS What?! Are you serious?! Haven't you ever heard of the first amendment?! You think the Planet's going to roll over just because of some bullying scare tactics!? BENDER Listen, you're lucky we're not prosecuting you for illegal trespass. As Lois reacts, Bender and the assistant head for the exit. LOIS (calling after him) Yeah!? Wait 'til you get our bill for fixing your copy machine! She turns to Perry, who takes the legal papers and eyes them. LOIS (CONT'D) Do you believe this?! Let's counter sue for harassment. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 31. 43 CONTINUED: 43 PERRY Lois, listen to me. I've been down this road before. And believe me, it's a bumpy ride. LOIS What are you saying!? We're not going to fight this?! PERRY We'll fight. But we're going to need your source for ammunition. LOIS What about the shield laws protecting a reporters source? PERRY They're great. In theory. But there have been too many cases where judges have thrown out the shield law. LOIS Perry, I'm not going to reveal my source! PERRY Lois, the bottom line is, lawyers run this world and when push comes to shove, they believe in cutting their losses. We can't take a chance. A twenty million dollar hit would shut our doors. (beat, then) You've got to bring in your source. Off Lois' dismay... CUT TO: 44 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - (NIGHT #3) - ANGLE ON FRONT DOOR 44 As it swings open revealing Lois and Clark... CLARK Look Lois, what choice does Perry have? Lois GASPS at something O.S. --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 32. 45 THEIR POV 45 Martha and Jonathan slumped unconscious in their chairs at the dinner table, take out food containers and plates laid out in front of them. Clark and Lois rush to the Kents. Clark lifts his dad up, Lois helps Martha. The Kents are groggy but unhurt. CLARK Dad? Dad... JONATHAN Oh... my head... LOIS Mrs. Kent, are you okay? She shakes her head to clear the cobwebs. CLARK Mom, what happened? MARTHA I don't know... Stuart ordered some take out from a deli... they delivered... we ate... next thing I know... you're here. LOIS (glancing around) Where _is_ Stuart? Stuart! JONATHAN He _was_ in the bedroom... Lois runs to the bedroom door and flings it open. She stops, stunned. LOIS Clark!! Jonathan waves Clark off, who runs to Lois' side. 46 THEIR POV 46 Stuart's gone. A crimson pool of blood stains the sheets that indicate Stuart was dragged off the bed. 47 RESUME SCENE 47 Clark and Lois stare horrified. HOLD ON THEM a beat, as we... FADE OUT. _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 33. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 48 INT. DAILY PLANET (DAY #4) 48 The news room hums with activity. In stark contrast is Lois, in a daze, sitting at her desk. On her desk is a copy of the METROPOLIS STAR. The banner headline reads: "PLANET INFORMER MURDERED. REPORTER LINKED." Clark approaches, glances at the paper, then tosses it in the trash. CLARK I just spoke with the deli. Somebody stopped the delivery boy downstairs and paid him for the food. He couldn't give much of a description. (Lois doesn't respond) Lois? Are you all right? LOIS (distant) I wrote an article that got a man killed. CLARK You used every possible means to protect his identity in that article. No one could have done it better. LOIS (not listening) Because of my compulsive obsession to always out do everybody, Stuart Hofferman is dead. Jimmy enters with a file folder and hands it to Clark. JIMMY Forensics just faxed this over. The blood on the sheets is a definite match with Stuart's. There were also powder burns from a small caliber weapon. As Clark grimly scans the report... JIMMY (CONT'D) It would make my day if the trail led right back to Eric Thorp. Clark eyes Jimmy. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 34. 48 CONTINUED: 48 JIMMY (CONT'D) Okay, I'm jealous. Guilty as charged. (he exits thru...) Hopefully the boy wonder will be too. CLARK Lois, you can't just sit here. We've got to focus on finding that delivery man. He's the key to solving Stuart's murder. That thought finally stirs her. She looks up at him. LOIS You're right, Clark. I owe him at least that much. An agitated Perry sticks his head out of his office. PERRY Lois. Can I see you a minute? 49 INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY - CONTINUOUS 49 Lois enters. A tired looking Perry closes the door behind her. Lois notices his tight look. LOIS What's wrong, Perry? PERRY (sighs, then) I just went head to head with the publisher and five of the paper's lawyers. It felt like the Alamo and I was on the wrong side. (beat; he sighs) Lois... I have to suspend you. The news is so shocking Lois can hardly speak. LOIS What? Perry... PERRY I just spent the last two hours fighting a six headed monster and in the end... I lost. I'm sorry. LOIS. (dazed) Why? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 35. 49 CONTINUED: 49 PERRY They're scared. Viologic has deep packets. We don't. LOIS But the Planet is my life. What am I going to do? Can't you just move me to a different bureau for awhile? PERRY I tried. If it was just a case of being unable to produce your source I could have. But now that you're linked to his death... well, legal feels that the Planet has to distance itself from you. (and then) I swear to you Lois, I'll do everything in my power to get you back here as soon as possible. It's little consolation to Lois who can only stare bewildered then exits in a daze. PERRY (CONT'D) Sometimes I hate this job. CUT TO: 50 INT. PLANET LOBBY - DAY - LATER 50 Lois, visibly upset, comes through the lobby with Clark. They walk to the entrance thru... CLARK Perry said it was only temporary You'll be back before you know it.. LOIS Doing what? Writing classifieds? It's over, Clark. Stuart's dead and so's my career. A GUARD approaches, holding a walkie talkie. GUARD Miss Lane? I have to ask for your Press I.D. LOIS Of course. The final indignity. She removes her I.D. from her purse and hands it to him. As they step through the entrance... --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 36. 51 EXT. PLANET - DAY - CONTINUOUS 51 They walk out to the sidewalk thru... LOIS You know... it's funny... I'm not even sure where the Unemployment Office is. CLARK (incredulous) I don't believe you! Since when does the best reporter on the city's biggest newspaper fold up her tent in the face of adversity? Where's the woman who loves to roll up her sleeves and jump into a good fight? LOIS I appreciate what you're trying to do, Clark, but... A WOMAN REPORTER hurries out the front door. WOMAN REPORTER Clark! The Mayor just called a press conference to announce the new Chief of Police. Perry wants us to get over there right away. Taxi!! A cab SCREECHES to a stop at the curb. As the reporter jumps in... CLARK (to Lois) I'll call you later. She flashes a wan smile as Clark hurries into the waiting cab. As it accelerates from the curb... LOIS I'm going to miss you... partner. HOLD ON LOIS, left standing alone. DISSOLVE TO: 52 INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - (NIGHT #4) 52 A tense, rumpled Lois, hair disheveled, paces her living room as she finishes punching numbers on her phone. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 37. 52 CONTINUED: 52 LOIS (into phone) Hey, Joey, it's Lois Lane. (beat) Joey wait... c'mon, I've always protected you before... I've been on the phone all night... You're the only one left who can... Joey? The last straw. in a rage she HURLS THE PHONE to the floor, then goes to her desk, grabs her huge ROLODEX and HEAVES IT across the room. It SPLATTERS against the wall in a shower of white cards. Her tantrum grows as she SWEEPS EVERYTHING OFF HER DESK in one motion, then KICKS HER WASTEBASKET across the room, sending papers flying everywhere. Her anger vented, she finally collapses onto her sofa and begins SOBBING. After a beat... SUPERMAN (O.S.) Maybe I should have called first. 53 ANOTHER ANGLE 53 reveals Superman standing near the window. Lois immediately tries pulling herself together. LOIS Superman. I... what a... if I'd known you were coming... He eyes the remnants of her tantrum, curiously. LOIS (CONT'D) Oh... I was just doing a little... spring cleaning. SUPERMAN (raises a dubious eyebrow, then...) I heard about your suspension. She takes a deep breath, then lets out a long sigh. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) I just wanted to tell you, I think you're the best reporter in Metropolis. LOIS Oh Superman, that's nice of you to say, but... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 38. 53 CONTINUED: 53 SUPERMAN Lois, if anyone knows what it's like to be on the outside, I do. Sometimes it feels like I'm out there fighting all alone. And sometimes, I think about giving up. But then I remember that what I stand for is more important than anything else. She looks at him intently thru... SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Your work is very important to the people of Metropolis. You're a brilliant, passionate journalist with a great head an her shoulders. Adversity's never stopped you before. Don't let it start now. LOIS That's funny. Clark said the same thing. SUPERMAN I'm not surprised. Clark Is a pretty smart guy. (a beat) Would you like some help cleaning up? LOIS Uh... that's not necessary. SUPERMAN It's no problem. Using SUPERSPEED, he puts the place back together, including the broken lamp. He hands her the Rolodex. LOIS (awed) Gee. You even alphabetized it. A beat as they stare into each other's eyes, then... SUPERMAN Lois. Don't stop believing in yourself. I haven't. If she could float, this would be the time. He turns and heads for the open window. A look back to her, then HE LEAPS and is gone. CUT TO: --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 39. 54 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - DAWN - (DAY #5) 54 Clark's asleep an his fold out couch. Suddenly there's a POUNDING at the front door. Clark stirs, flips on the light, squints at the clock. Five A.M. The POUNDING stops, replaced with the incessant RINGING of the doorbell. As Clark goes to the door, Martha and Jonathan enter sleepily from the bedroom. 55 ON FRONT DOOR 55 Clark opens it and literally has to jump out of the way or be steam rolled by a hyped Lois. LOIS. I know, I know! You're asleep. I'm sorry, I really am, but this couldn't wait! (pinches Clark's cheek) I know you hate me right now but in a minute you're gonna love me! CLARK (pulling free) I doubt that. LOIS Clark, it was the most amazing thing! It came to me like a bolt out of the blue! Well, not really, since it's dark out and I just thought of this an hour ago... (to Kents) Hi. They half wave. CLARK Lois, it's past the babbling hour. Can you get to the point? LOIS Okay, okay... so I was sitting in my apartment, right? Wallowing in so much disgusting self-pity even _I_ couldn't stand myself anymore. Lois Lane does not wallow. So I stopped acting like a victim and started thinking like a reporter. She beams, proud of herself. MARTHA (urging her along) We're on the edge of our seats, dear. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 40. 55 CONTINUED: 55 LOIS (rapid fire) Okay, now follow me. Someone comes in and drugs your folks and Stuart so they can kill him and not have any witnesses, right? Everyone nods, eager to help her get to the point. LOIS (CONT'D) (coup d'grace) But! Why kill him here!? When you could take him somewhere else and kill him without leaving all the obvious signs of murder?! CLARK (waiting for the other shoe to drop) Yeah... As she nears the bathroom... LOIS So I called a friend at the police lab. I still have _some_ pull left in this town. She checked Stuart's blood test for me. (beat) No sign of drugs. Stuart never ate the food! She quickly disappears into the bathroom. Then Kents shoot a confused look at Clark, who's considering Lois' theory. LOIS (O.S.) I was right! She reappears in the doorway. Clark's figured it out. CLARK His toothbrush is gone. LOIS Yes! CLARK And why would a dead man need a toothbrush? LOIS Exactly! Stuart's not dead! He faked it so everyone would leave him alone! (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 41. 55 CONTINUED: 2 55 As Martha and Jonathan react, relieved... CLARK Nice work, Lois. (and then) You think he's with Oliver? LOIS That's his best friend. I had my source at the police department fax me Oliver's driver's license. (pulling out fax) As far as she knows, the address is current. She hands Clark the fax of the license. Martha and Jonathan peek over his shoulder and react. JONATHAN Clark, that's him! That's the delivery boy! Off Lois and Clark's reaction... CUT TO: 56 INT. LANDING OUTSIDE LOIS APARTMENT - MORNING 56 A copy of the Planet lies near the door. Oliver steps out in a bathrobe, bends to pick it up. 57 HIS POV 57 A banner headline reads "OLIVER BARTLETT JAILED FOR HARBORING FUGITIVE." 58 RESUME OLIVER 58 He stares stunned at the headline. Suddenly a HAND REACHES INTO FRAME and grabs his ear, pulling him up. OLIVER Ow! 59 ANOTHER ANGLE REVEALS 59 Lois with a firm grip on Oliver, Clark next to her. LOIS That's our next lead unless you tell us where Stuart is! (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 42. 59 CONTINUED: 59 OLIVER I don't fink on friends! (she twists harder) Ow! CLARK (reaching for her) Lois... She pulls away, stretching oliver's ear further. He YELPS. LOIS I get angry when I've been played for a fool. OLIVER Okay okay... he's washing up! Lois releases her grip, marches past him into the apartment. As Oliver rubs his ear... CLARK She isn't a morning person. 60 INT. LOIS BATHROOM - MORNING - CONTINUOUS 60 Stuart brushes his teeth rigorously at the sink. He's startled to see Lois' reflection appear in the mirror. He stares open mouthed, toothpaste dribbling from his lips. LOIS (heavy attitude) Hello, Stuart. STUART (turning to her, garbled) Please... Can't you just leave me alone? LOIS Put down the toothbrush and we'll talk. CUT TO: 61 INT. OLIVER'S LIVING ROOM - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 61 Stuart slumps on a couch. Lois sits across from him. Clark stands behind her. As Oliver enters, an ice pack on his ear... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 43. 61 CONTINUED: 61 STUART I told you, Thorp said it was just a mistake. He gave me his word the rest of the defective switches were shipped to a dump. There's no further threat. CLARK If that were true, why did he try to vacuum-pac you into a fifty-five gallon drum? Stuart doesn't respond. LOIS Stuart... I can't do this without you. Stuart shakes his head, he's still resisting. Lois leans forward, face to face with him. LOIS (CONT'D) (gently) Even though we don't know each other that well, I think we have something very important in common. Our reputations. You've worked too hard for yours to just throw it all away and run. And I can't salvage mine without you. Stuart looks at Oliver who remains silent. CLARK Stuart. If we found you, they'll find you. A beat, then... STUART Okay. What do we do? CLARK If we're right and Thorp tried to kill you because he's still shipping those switches, we need to find proof. STUART Distribution would have shipping manifests. Their central office is upstairs from mine. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 44. 61 CONTINUED: 2 61 OLIVER (to Lois, Clark) Forget it. Everything on that level is under heavy security. Even I don't have clearance to that floor. STUART (beat, then) But I do. They haven't had time to take me out of the computer yet. CUT TO: 62 EXT. HANSEN CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS - DAY 62 A banner laden storefront campaign office. Hansen exits the office, waves to a few passersby, then steps into limo. 63 INT. LIMO - DAY - CONTINUOUS 63 As he closes the door behind him, Hansen's plastic smile fades and he sinks into the seat, exhausted. Thorp's waiting for him, Wick, wearing sunglasses, sits quietly next to Thorp. HANSEN (sighing) I just saw the latest polling numbers. It doesn't look good. Maybe I should drop out before we waste any more money. THORP That's not the attitude that makes a winner, Daniel. HANSEN Eric, let's face it. There's no way to turn these polls around by the election. THORP You disappoint me. You know, Wick disappointed me. I've been spending my days cleaning up a mess _he_ should have handled. But we've worked things out, haven't we, Wick? He pats Wick on the back. Wick falls forward onto the floor, obviously dead. As Hansen reacts in horror... (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 45. 63 CONTINUED: 63 THORP (CONT'D) Now let's get something straight. I don't back losers. The polls are meaningless. After today, you're going to be the only candidate they can vote for. HOLD ON Hansen's surprise for a beat, then.... CUT TO: 64 EXT. VIOLOGIC - MORNING RE-ESTABLISHING 64 65 EXT. BACK OF VIOLOGIC - MORNING 65 Quiet a beat, then Lois, Clark and Stuart appear from around a corner and quickly make their way to a REAR SECURITY DOOR. Stuart punches a security coda into a small panel on the wall. A BEEP, then he pulls the door open and they disappear,inside. 66 INT. VIOLOGIC STAIRCASE LANDING - MOMENTS LATER 66 Our heroes come up a deserted rear staircase, stopping at a high tech GLASS SECURITY DOOR leading onto the floor. A sign reads: "Authorized Personnel Only." Mounted on an adjacent wall is a six inch square chrome panel with a hollow cylinder protruding from its center. As Stuart moves to the panel... STUART This reads the iris in my eye. Lois and Clark exchange an impressed look as Stuart puts his eye to the cylinder; a soft HUM as the security device activates, then a confirming quick DOUBLE BEEP. The door unlocks electronically. 67 INT. CORRIDOR MOMENTS LATER 67 Lois, Clark and Stuart approach a closed office door. Stuart slips a key in the lack and opens it. A SOFT BEEP comes from a small security panel with a small LED READOUT on an inside wall near the door. As the readout starts to count down from 90... STUART Uh-oh. LOIS Uh-oh what? (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 46. 67 CONTINUED: 67 STUART (re: security panel) This office has its own independent security system. You have to punch in a code within ninety seconds or an alarm alerts security. CLARK (wary) And uh-oh means you don't know the code? Stuart timidly nods. LOIS/CLARK (to each other) Uh-oh. FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 47. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 68 INT. DISTRIBUTION OFFICE - MoRNING - SECONDS LATER 68 Lois stands behind Clark and Stuart, splitting her attention between the LED READOUT and Clark and Stuart who are flipping through 11X17 computer printouts. Lois eyes the READOUT. Down to 50 seconds. Then... STUART Here it is! Lois turns her attention to Stuart STUART (CONT'D) All these entries with batch mark 'four twenty' indicate the defective XL-9 switches. LOIS It only shows two buyers. The amusement park and the new automated subway. STUART We have the contract for the new subway's main routing computer. CLARK What does it do? STUART Well, it controls the direction and speed of the trains. If the switches fail... LOIS Clark! The inaugural run's just about to start and the Governor's going to be on it! CLARK (pulling Lois to her feet) So are my folks! Suddenly the LED hits zero and the-BEEP turns to a STEADY TONE. They all exchange a worried-look, then... CLARK (CONT'D) Let's go. --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 48. 69 INT. VIOLOGIC HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 69 Clark comes dashing out of the distribution office, followed by Lois and Stuart. As they head toward the glass security door... SECURITY GUARD (O.S.) Hey! Hold it! Our heroes turn to discover two SECURITY GUARDS at the other and of the corridor, their weapons trained an them. As the guards slowly approach, Clark eyes a ROW OF FLUORESCENT LIGHTS in the ceiling. He lowers his glasses and activates his _HEAT VISION_, quickly scanning it across the row of lights. As it hits each one, the LIGHTS POP AND SHORT OUT IN A CHAIN REACTION, quickly throwing the hallway into pitch blackness. SECURITY GUARD Hey! Turn the power back on!! CLARK (sotto) Lois. Stuart. Take my hands. 70 CLARK'S POV 70 With his INFRA-RED VISION he sees the guards feeling the walls to guide them. CAMERA PANS with Clark's POV as he turns and guides them back to the glass door. CUT TO: 71 EXT. BACK OF VIOLOGIC - DAY - MOMENTS LATER 71 Clark leads Lois and Stuart outside. As the humans squint in the blinding sun... LOIS How were you able to see in the dark? As they hurry from the building... CLARK I uh... used to spend a lot of time playing in caves back in Kansas. LOIS Maybe I should start calling you Batman. Off Clark's reaction... CUT TO: --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 49. 72 EXT. AERIAL VIEW - BUSY CITY STREET - DAY - TO ESTABLISH 72 (STOCK) 73 INT. TAXI CAB - DAY - MOVING 73 The cab weaves through traffic. A very tense Clark, Lois and Stuart are in the back seat. STUART Why would Thorp want to kill the Governor? CLARK (quickly) Because he's got Daniel Hansen in his hip pocket. And winning this election is just Thorp's first step in getting Hansen into the White House so Hansen can give Thorp huge defense contracts. LOIS How do you know that? He looks at Lois a beat, then.... CLARK You're not the only one with sources. The cab comes to an abrupt stop at a police barrier in the street. A HARRIED POLICE OFFICER leans in the driver's window. POLICE OFFICER Emergency vehicles only! LOIS Officer, we've got to get to the subway! POLICE OFFICER Forget it! The new subway's out of control! They're afraid it's gonna crash at Centennial Park station. Lois, Clark and Stuart react. CLARK Get over to Centennial Park! It's only a few more blocks! I'm going to call main dispatch and tell them about the switches! (as he opens the door) Maybe they can be short circuited! CUT TO: --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 50. 74 EXT. STREET - DAY 74 Clark comes running around a corner, ripping off his glasses as he heads straight for a subway entrance signs at the top of the stairs say "Caution: Under Construction." He vaults the sign and darts down the stairs, tearing open his shirt, revealing the Big Red "S." 75 INT. METROPOLIS SUBWAY STATION #1 - DAY 75 A high-tech, shiny new automated train traveling at high speed whizzes past a platform dotted with passengers. 76 INT - SUBWAY CAR - DAY - CONTINUOUS 76 Filled with dignitaries and special guests, including the Kents. Everyone holds onto overhead straps for support. A wide-eyed OLDER MAN standing next to the Kents stares out a window as the train flies past the platform OLDER MAN That's the third station we passed without stopping! He focuses on GOVERNOR WINSTON and other dignitaries near the front of the car. OLDER MAN (CONT'D) Why don't they stop the train?! GOVERNOR WINSTON (unconvincing) I'm sure the authorities are taking appropriate measures to deal with this situation. We just need to remain calm. The older man gestures to a MAP of the subway system posted on a wall near a sliding door. OLDER MAN (agitated) _You_ stay calm! I'm gonna worry about what happens when we run out of track and smash into a wall! The man suddenly GASPS, reaches for his chest and collapses to the floor. Jonathan kneels, feels for his pulse. JONATHAN I think he's having a heart attack! --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 51. 77 INT. SUBWAY PLATFORM #2 - DAY 77 PASSENGERS mill about, waiting. Suddenly, they react to a WHOOSHING SOUND. As they peer down the tunnel... PASSENGER Is that the train? Nope... it's SUPERMAN. He flies out of the darkness and WHIZZES by the platform, the WIND FROM HIS WAKE almost blowing over the passengers. 78 VARIOUS ANGLES 78 of Superman winging through-the subway tunnels at high speed. 79 INT. CENTENNIAL PARK SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY 79 An imposing concrete wall just a short distance beyond the platform marks the end of the line. Lois and Stuart push past a crowd gathered behind a yellow police tape and discover Jimmy waiting with his camera. A few feet away, concerned officials huddle on what to do. LOIS Have they stopped it yet?! JIMMY No! It's gonna be here any second. As Lois joins the others in craning their necks to peer into the tunnel, the CAMERA PANS down the platform to Thorp standing unnoticed in the background, watching placidly. 80 INT. SUBWAY CAR - DAY 80 Governor Winston and the others look on as Jonathan loosens the stricken man's tie. As he starts CPR... 81 INT. CENTENNIAL PARK SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY 81 The assembled officials and reporters react to the SOUND of the approaching subway train. JIMMY Here it comes! As Lois stares horrified into the tunnel... Down the track, the runaway train hurtles towards disaster. Suddenly a BLUE BLUR overtakes the train and rockets past it. --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 52. 82 ON TRACKS IN FRONT OF PLATFORM 82 The blur lands. It's... LOIS (a whisper) Superman... As the onlookers gape, Superman braces his feet on the tracks and raises his hands chest high as... 83 THE RUNAWAY TRAIN 83 plows into him. Superman leans against the train with all his strength, grimacing against the massive force as he desperately tries to stop it. 84 ANGLE ON HIS FEET 84 SPARKS FLY as his feet slide backwards along the rails. The SQUEAL of braking metal is ear piercing. 85 ANOTHER ANGLE 85 Superman glances over his shoulder... the concrete wall looms up... he leans in harder until... ...inches before he's slammed into the wall, the train grinds to a halt. Silence except for the sound of HISSING from the idling train. Superman rushes to the doors of the first car and forces them open. 86 INT. SUBWAY CAR - DAY - CONTINUOUS 86 Jonathan's still doing CPR on the older man. SUPERMAN Do you need help? Jonathan puts his ear to the man's chest. A beat, then he looks up at Superman. JONATHAN He's going to be okay, Clar... Superman. As father and son share a smile... 87 INT. CENTENNIAL PARK SUBWAY PLATFORM - DAY - CONTINUOUS 87 Photographers and reporters surge against the police line, trying to see in the windows of the subway car. --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 53. 88 ANOTHER ANGLE 88 As Thorp heads for the exit, Lois cuts them off. LOIS No comment for the press? Thorp tries shoving her out of the way but Lois grabs him by the wrist and somersaults him onto his back with a painful THUD. As Thorp tries to rise, Jimmy and Stuart rush up. Stuart places his foot squarely on his boss' chest. STUART You can't leave before we get a family portrait. He smiles wide for Jimmy, who raises his camera to his eye. JIMMY (to Thorp) Oh... your Mom's going to be so proud. CLICK! DISSOLVE TO: 89 THE BLACK & WHITE NEWS PHOTO 89 of Stuart, Lois and Thorp on the subway platform. JIMMY (O.S.) It's kind of a welcome back present for Lois. WIDEN TO REVEAL WE'RE 90 INT. DAILY PLANET - (DAY #6) 90 Clark and Jimmy look at a 24X36 blow-up of the Planet's front page laying across Lois' desk. The headline reads: "FINANCIER TIED TO ATTEMPT ON GOVERNOR'S LIFE." The byline reads: "by Lois Lane and Clark Kent." JIMMY Think she'll like it? CLARK It'll make her day. JIMMY I think what made her day was finding out that Thorp was already on to Stuart before her article came out. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 54. 90 CONTINUED: 90 Perry, Martha and a very upbeat Jonathan exit Perry's office and approach, laughing, thru... PERRY But that's a story for another time. JONATHAN Clark, we've got to go. I want to get to the hospital. CLARK Who's in the hospital? MARTHA The man whose life Jonathan saved. It turns out he's originally from Kansas. JONATHAN (enthusiastic) You wouldn't believe how much we have in common. After talking with him for an hour I felt like I've known him all my life. MARTHA I think we'll be visiting Metropolis a lot more often. PERRY Has Lois come in yet? At that moment the elevator doors open and Lois steps out. As she comes down the stairs the staff breaks into APPLAUSE. Lois approaches Perry, Clark et al. PERRY (CONT'D) Lois, I've never been one for speeches. But I have to say... (handing her back her press pass) We're glad you're back. LOIS Thanks, Perry. They share a smile, then Perry notices the staff watching. PERRY Alright people, there's nothin' here you can sell for a quarter. Everyone back to work. (CONTINUED) --page break-- THE SOURCE (#3) Blake & Jackson 8/8/94 55. 90 CONTINUED: 2 90 The Kent's ad-lib goodbye to Clark and Lois and drift away with the staff, leaving our heroes alone. As Lois eyes Jimmy's photo on her desk... LOIS 'By Lois Lane and Clark Kent.' That's going to look good on a Pulitzer someday. CLARK Yeah. But whose name's going to go first? LOIS Mine, of course. CLARK It's good to have you back, partner. They share a smile as Lois' PHONE RINGS. LOIS (answering phone) Lois Lane... (concerned) What? Clark eyes her. She protectively cups the phone. LOIS (CONT'D) (low) The trap is set? ...hundreds will die? ... poison gas?! Does anyone else know about this? CLARK (suspicious) Lois... She turns back to him grinning, then... LOIS Relax Clark. It's only my exterminator. Off his bemused smile... FADE OUT. _THE END_