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) (I had to tell the program that my primitive printer was using legal-size paper) left margin at 1" & right margin at 1" for pages---BEFORE TEASE Page For TEASE Page and after, left margin at 0.8 and right margin at .25 (or minimum) * and (X) used in script probably mean "this line changed from previous version" Notes: Cover: "Seconds", Teleplay by John McNamara, Story by Corey Miller & Philip Chung, [and] Directed by Alan J. Levi are all in large bolt print. The remainder of the text is in Courier 10 (10 characters per inch) Typos noted: page 35, near bottom, "cannister" should be "canister" --page break-- (graphic - insert logo.bmp or logo.jpg) "Seconds" EPISODE SEVENTEEN Prod. #457417 Teleplay by John McNamara Story by Corey Miller & Philip Chung Directed by Alan J. Levi _Production Draft_ January 15, 1996 FULL Blue 1118/96 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Seconds_" FULL Blue 1/18/96 _CAST_ CLARK KENT/SUPERMAN LOIS LANE/LOIS CLONE/WANDA DETROIT JIMMY OLSEN PERRY WHITE MARTHA KENT JONATHAN KENT ______________________________________________________________ LEX LUTHOR DR. KLEIN ASABI BANK V.P. * LEONARD THE LAB ASSISTANT * MILITARY MAN * DOCTOR PASSERBY * --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Seconds_" FULL Blue 1/18/96 _LOCATIONS_ _INTERIORS_: _EXTERIORS_: Daily Planet Deserted Street Newsroom Metropolis Street Clark's Apartment Clark's Terrace Lex's Lair Star Labs Star Labs Abandoned Factory * Metropolis Bank Underground Tunnel Hospital Metropolis Bank Hospital Corridor Lex's Van --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ "_Seconds_" FULL Blue 1/18/96 _CHRONOLOGY_ SC. 1 - 7 NIGHT 1 SC. 8 - 11 DAY 2 SC. 12 - 15 NIGHT 2 SC. 16 - 18 DAY 3 SC. 18A - 19 NIGHT 3 * SC. 20 - 30 DAY 4 SC. 30A - 38 NIGHT 4 * SC. 39 - 41 DAY 5 --page break-- _LOIS & CLARK_ _The New Adventures of Superman_ "Seconds" _TEASER_ FADE IN: RECAP OF EPISODE 16 Lois' Clone marrying Clark, Lex holding Lois prisoner, Lex and Clone arguing about the $200 million in the bank, Clone trying to kill Lois; Jimmy explaining the novel Lois was working on; Lois becoming Wanda Detroit, thinking Clark's a bad guy named Clark and Lex is a good guy named Kent, going off with Lex, leaving Clark in the dust... all with blurry intensity of a fever dream and -- 1. INT. LEX'S UNDERGROUND LAIR - ALCOVE - NIGHT #1 1 LOIS' eyes snap open and she sits up from her cot with a startled gasp. She looks around the dark, shadowy enclave. It is similar to the lair from Episode 16, but darker, even more labyrinthine (in other words, the same set, slightly redressed). LEX gets up from his tool-strewn work bench and crosses to her. LEX Wanda? Are you all right? Lois, still believing she is WANDA DETROIT, looks at him. WANDA Yeah. Yeah, I'm... Jeez, what a crazy dream. LEX Tell me, my darling. WANDA No. I hate when people tell their dreams. (mulls this) Least I think I do... But y'know, I can't remember anybody who ever told me their dreams so how come I say I hate it? LEX You're tired. We both are. These last few days have been a nightmare. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 2. 1 CONTINUED: 1 LEX (CONT'D) (shakes his head) Hunted, hiding like rats. But all that is about to end. I have a plan that will free us forever from Clark and his evil factotum, Superman. WANDA Kent... why is this happening to us? LEX We're simply too good for this world, Wanda. He kisses her and moves off. She watches him; then, feeling her head, lies back down on the cot. 2 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 2 SUPERMAN comes in, greeted by JONATHAN and MARTHA. MARTHA Anything? Superman shakes his head, moves to the couch, sits. JONATHAN Are you hungry? SUPERMAN No. MARTHA You need rest... SUPERMAN I can't believe I let her go, just let her drive off with him... MARTHA Son... (X) SUPERMAN I'm an idiot -- (X) JONATHAN Clark, what were you going to do? (X) She told you she didn't love you, (X) she didn't want to see you -- (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 3. 2 CONTINUED: 2 SUPERMAN It was a trick, it had to be, she can't love him -- MARTHA This won't do any good. SUPERMAN -- but I let my feelings cloud my (X) judgement. Now I've looked everywhere and I can't find -- Suddenly, an ULTRASONIC WHINE, then -- LEX (V.O.) Superman. I'm speaking on an ultra-frequency only you can hear. Superman stands. MARTHA What is it? SUPERMAN Luthor. LEX (V.O.) I imagine you'd like to see me. Well, then you shall. The corner of Kirby and Steranko. Superman BOLTS out in a STREAK. 3 EXT. DESERTED STREET CORNER - NIGHT 3 Lex waits, relaxed. Superman LANDS and starts for him. LEX Don't. SUPERMAN Give me one good reason. LEX (holds up a remote control) How about fifteen? Explosives. Wired to office buildings, museums, two or three of those ubiquitous twenty-something coffee hangouts. Tell me -- what _is_ the appeal of those places? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 4. 3 CONTINUED: 3 SUPERMAN Where's Lois? LEX (grins) It's good to be at it again, mm? Be honest, isn't one of us without (X) the other... incomplete, almost unnecessary? Or am I all alone here? Oh, I hope not. There's nothing quite so painful as unrequited hate. SUPERMAN Luthor. When this is done, I will personally build your next prison and seal the lock. LEX Well, I wish I were taking challenges tonight but this little meeting is about love... SUPERMAN If you think what you're doing to Lois is love, you're sicker than I ever thought. LEX You think I don't love her? That I'm what, incapable? Too (X) consumed with evil to feel? (shakes head) What a simple world you live in. All the powers fate gave you, how little you understand an ordinary man's heart and the lengths it will drive him to. Take her from me and I will unleash all the forces of hell on this city. SUPERMAN Do that and this is war. LEX Well, then... (X) He presses a button on the remote, a light BLINKS, then the sound of a MASSIVE EXPLOSION O.S. and -- 4 EXT. A BUILDING (STOCK) - NIGHT 4 SHATTERING in a GIGANTIC FIREBALL. --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 5. 5 EXT. STREET NIGHT 5 Superman STREAKS off. Lex calls to the sky like a warrior challenging the gods: LEX ... _this_... _is_... war! (X) 6 EXT. BUILDING - NIGHT 6 BLASTING out of existence. FADE OUT. _END OF TEASE_ --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 6. _ACT ONE_ FADE IN: 7 EXT. BUILDING (STOCK) - NIGHT 7 BLOWING APART as Superman STREAKS in and -- CUT TO: 8 AN EDITION OF THE DAILY PLANET 8 and the headline: "ABANDONED BUILDING DESTROYED BY LUTHOR No One Injured." (X) DR. KLEIN (V.O.) Last night, while this building (X) was exploding (X) REVEAL that the paper is in someone's hand and we are in: (X) 9 INT. STAR LABS - DAY #2 9 CLARK is conferring with DR. KLEIN as they walk into the (X) lab. DR. KLEIN ... someone tried to kidnap the (X) Clone while she was on her way (X) back from the NIA Lab in (X) Washington. (X) REVEAL FURTHER, a LAB ASSISTANT with thick glasses, tinkering in the background. Behind that, a cell, in which the LOIS CLONE is being held, her back to us. (X) CLARK One guess. Lex Luthor. (X) DR. KLEIN We don't know. Leonard -- (X) (the lab assistant) (X) -- was the only one close enough (X) to get a good look but (X) LAB ASSISTANT My glasses got knocked off. (X) The Lois Clone doesn't yet see Clark and Klein as she hurls a beaker, SHATTERING it against the wall. DR. KLEIN Fortunately, the Clone -- (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 7. 9 CONTINUED: 9 The Clone suddenly picks up a beaker and throws it against (X) the cell wall, SHATTERING it. (X) DR. KLEIN (CONT'D) -- fought him off. If you can (X) imagine. (X) LOIS CLONE (shouts into an intercom, back to Clark and Klein) Hel-lo! I _think_ I said, I would like to see...! (now sees him) ... oh, Clark... (sweetly) ... hi. CLARK Hi. LOIS CLONE You got my message. (to Klein, hard) Finally. (to Clark) (X) I'd really like to talk to you. (to Klein) Alone. Subtle hint. DR. KLEIN I'll go dissect something. Klein gestures for the Assistant to exit with him. (X) LOIS CLONE So. How've you been? CLARK Okay, I guess. You? She picks up a live frog, eats it. LOIS CLONE Oh, y'know. (sees look on his face, gulps fast) Uh, does this gross you out? I'm sorry, I'm trying to cut down but I kind of need the vitamins... (X) CLARK Look, I'm sorry about what (X) happened last night. Was it (X) Luthor? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 8. 9 CONTINUED: 2 9 LOIS CLONE I didn't get a real good look but (X) yeah, I think it was him. (X) CLARK Why would he want to kidnap you? (X) LOIS CLONE Well... I can get something he (X) needs. (X) CLARK What? (X) LOIS CLONE That's why I wanted to see you. I (X) think it's like, a way to get him? (X) CLARK But what is it? Specifically. LOIS CLONE Well, actually, I've got this whole speech memorized? So, could I sort of go in order? CLARK Sure. LOIS CLONE Okay. Um. (giggles; stifles) Sorry. Okay. I'm really, really, really sorry I tried to kill Lois. That was totally, just... wrong. CLARK Uh-huh. LOIS CLONE It was really, _really_ immature and I know now that just because we have a thing with the same guy, it (X) doesn't mean one of us has to die, I mean, that's really, just... y'know... duh. But I'm only like nine days old, right? So cut me some slack, or whatever, I mean I really don't think that I like deserve to be locked up, I think that's like really _unfair_, okay? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 9. 9 CONTINUED: 3 9 CLARK Look. Could we just get to the point here? What do you know about Luthor that can help me get Lois back? LOIS CLONE Oooohhh-kay speech, adios. This thing Lex wants? I know where it is... and I'm one of two people on the planet who can get it. CLARK What is it? LOIS CLONE I'll tell you on our walk. CLARK What walk? LOIS CLONE The one you're going to take me on? When you sign me out of here? Or else I'm gonna like, get dumb and forget? Except the part about you really being Superman, which I'll have to tell _somebody_. (X) CLARK (sighs, under her prattling) Oh, my life... 10 INT. LUTHOR'S LAIR - DAY 10 Lex tinkers with an electronic device at his tool-strewn bench. A cell phone rings. Lex picks it up. (X) LEX Yes. (X) 10A INTERCUT STAR LABS - THE LAB ASSISTANT 10A murmurs into the phone: LAB ASSISTANT The Clone is gone. LEX Of course she is. Clark Kent checked her out. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 10. 10A CONTINUED: 10A LAB ASSISTANT Yes how'd you know -- ? (X) LEX Because I'm not an obsequious (X) snitch, bungling the plans of my (X) superiors. After our failed (X) attempt to get her -- for which I (X) blame you entirely, by the way -- (X) it was obvious she'd fall into (X) enemy hands. Fortunately, I have (X) a second scenario. Tonight, make certain the two canisters of which (X) we spoke are in the main lab vault (X) and that the vault is open. Can (X) you do that? (X) LAB ASSISTANT Yes. (X) LEX If you can't, my boy, I suggest (X) you run, hide and pray. (X) Lex clicks off. ASSISTANT OUT. Wanda walks in from one of the tunnels. WANDA So Kent... (X) LEX My pet. (X) WANDA ... do you have a plan where we (X) could actually breathe real air, see the sun again? Not that this isn't a real Wonder Palace down here, great for keepin' skin moist and growin' mushrooms. LEX Yes, I have a plan and... if it (X) works, we will not only walk free (X) again... but outlive every one of our pursuers. And the best thing (X) of all (takes her in his arms) ... is we'll be together, Wanda. She looks at him oddly. LEX (CONT'D) What? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 11. 10A CONTINUED: 2 10A WANDA Wanda. It just sounded weird you're calling me that. Wan-da De-troit. Kind of a stupid name when you roll it around your tongue. LEX Well, my darling -- WANDA Kent... how come there's so much about me I don't know? Who are my parents, where was I born? I (X) gotta admit, it scares me, like being in the dark... LEX That bump on your head's got you a little foggy, is all. But what's (X) a name? Or for that matter, a past? Can you touch it, feel it? Love it? Who we are, how we feel, right here, right now... that's everything. Isn't it? WANDA I guess. Yeah, sure. LEX All right, then. Let me show you The Plan -- Phase One... He unfurls an architectural diagram of STAR Labs. 11 EXT. STREET - DAY 11 Lois Clone licks an ice cream cone and walks with Clark. LOIS CLONE Mmmmm, almost as good as a handful of tadpoles. (looks at him) (X) Which I don't even eat anymore... (X) much. (X) She stops, seeing some posters of far off places in a travel agent's window, among them -- LOIS CLONE (CONT'D) Wow. Paris. I was looking at pictures in the lab. You been? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 12. 11 CONTINUED: 11 CLARK Yes. LOIS CLONE Is it great? CLARK It's... very nice. LOIS CLONE I wanna go. Can we go now? CLARK No. LOIS CLONE You promised! CLARK No, _you_ promised. You promised if I got you out, you'd tell me this thing Luthor's after -- LOIS CLONE Okay, I will, after you promise me Paris. CLARK Uh-uh, the bargaining is done. LOIS CLONE Ple-eeeeease. I want to go to Paris, I want to really bad! CLARK Will you keep your voice down? (X) A PASSERBY stops. Looks. (X) PASSERBY Hey... Lois Lane... (X) (holds up a Planet with (X) a 'Lois Missing' (X) headline and photo) (X) found you! (X) CLARK No, this is uhh, her twin sister. (X) LOIS CLONE (to Clark) (X) Promise me! (X) CLARK She's... not well. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 13. 11 CONTINUED: 2 11 He leads her off. (X) LOIS CLONE C'mon, promise _me_! (X) CLARK I'll tell you what I will promise... and this is our final deal, okay? (she nods) You tell me what he's after _and_ help me get him, you will never go back to the lab. LOIS CLONE Really? CLARK Really. LOIS CLONE And Paris? CLARK Let me put it this way. _Out_ of the lab you have a much better chance of seeing Paris than _in_ the lab. Am I getting through? LOIS CLONE Wow. You're tough. But fair. Deal. (they shake) Lex has money. Like, two hundred million in these whaddayacallem, not stocks... bears ...? (X) CLARK Bearer bonds. LOIS CLONE Riqht, yeah. Anyway, they're in this bank and only Lois Lane can get them out. I was supposed to get 'em for him but I refused. But I was thinking -- he wanted that money pretty bad, doesn't seem like he's rolling in it, and he can't use the real Lois 'cause everybody's looking for her, right? CLARK Right. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 14. 11 CONTINUED: 3 11 LOIS CLONE And trust me it takes like a half (X) hour to sign all the forms and (X) stuff and if he used the real Lois (X) you'd be there _but_ you gotta (X) figure Lex has guys at the bank watching, to make sure I don't get the money? So let's say I do ... and one of those guys calls Lex ... CLARK It'd flush him out. LOIS CLONE And you'd snag him. Pretty cool, huh? CLARK Not bad. LOIS CLONE I'm helping you, aren't I? CLARK Yeah, yeah, you are. LOIS CLONE Does this mean you love me? CLARK What? LOIS CLONE I think I love you. See, um, I was reading about it in this magazine? How love is helping each other? And you know, you're helping me get out and I'm helping you get Lex... and I gotta admit you sorta grow on a person and... well, maybe I love you. Think you love me? CLARK Don't take this the wrong way but... no. LOIS CLONE We-llllll, is it okay if I love you? CLARK Sure. Just don't kill anybody over it. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 15. 11 CONTINUED: 4 11 LOIS CLONE _God_. That was days ago. You really need to like, let go of the past. CLARK I'll work on it. 12 EXT. STAR LABS - NIGHT #2 12 Quiet. Dark. TWO GUARDS patrol near the lighted entrance. A van pulls up across the street. 13 INT. VAN - NIGHT 13 Wanda and Lex in black. He holds what looks like a small television wired to a tiny radar dish. Fiddles with it. Hits a button. It emits a SERIES of BEEPS. LEX Well, that takes care of the security cameras. Ready? WANDA I don't know about this, Kent... breakin' the law. Doesn't that make us just as bad as that no-good hunk o' jerk, Clark? LEX Of course not. He does it out of desperation. Too stupid to make a living, he resorts to petty theft. Pathetic, really. But you and I are falsely accused, relentlessly hunted, what other methods are left to us? We're rebels against the oligarchy. WANDA Oligarchy... that's a few bad people telling all the good people what to do. LEX Exactly. WANDA And Clark and this Superman of his, they're part o' this... oligarchy? LEX They are its very fulcrum. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 16. 13 CONTINUED: 13 WANDA Middle. LEX Yes. WANDA Got it. LEX Good. He starts to get out. She stops him. WANDA It still doesn't feel right. LEX Maybe it will. (holds up a high-tech pistol) Once you've done it. She looks at it, unsure. 14 EXT. STAR LABS - NIGHT 14 The two Guards pass near each other. Wanda comes up, wearing a wig and glasses. WANDA Hey, boys. I'm flat. (hefts a tire iron) Either of you good with your hands? They blink, then move toward her eagerly. Lex steps out of some-bushes behind them and hefts his pistol and FIRES two SILENCED SHOTS. Darts appear in the guards' backs. They reach for their guns but drop. Lex kneels and takes a key card. Tosses it to Wanda. LEX Unlock the door. (she hesitates) We don't have long, my dear. If you're having a crisis of conscience, let's have it somewhere else. Lex watches as she holds the card, hesitating, then moves to the glass door and swipes the card down the electronic lock scanner. The door clicks and she pulls it open. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 17. 14 CONTINUED: 14 Lex moves up next to her. His arm goes around her. LEX (CONT'D) Well? WANDA It's kind of exciting. LEX Welcome to a whole new world. He kisses her and they hurry in. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT ONE_ --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 18. _ACT TWO_ FADE IN: 15 INT. STAR LABS - NIGHT 15 The same lab where the Clone was kept. Dr. Klein takes a set of test tubes out of an open walk-in vault, sets them on his work table. Hears a footstep, turns. O.S. we hear silenced gun FIRE and he hits the floor, a dart in his neck. Wanda and Lex step over him. She kneels to make sure he's okay. Lex heads right for the open vault, filled with scientific equipment. LEX And here we have... the labors of one, Dr. Mamba. WANDA Who? She ditches the wig and glasses. He removes two foot-high, metal canisters. LEX A scientist who worked for me. Genius in the field of genetics and cellular research. But his genius was co-opted by Clark. It was Clark who had the good Doctor create the clone that's trying to kill you. WANDA Oh. Her. LEX Still, Mamba may have gone wrong, but what he achieved is the key to (X) our freedom... and two hundred million dollars. Because, when free, it's always best to be well-off. WANDA Yeah, well, avoiding the cops is also right up there on my list, so can we maybe scram? LEX Beautifully put, my dear. He hefts one canister, she the other and off they go. (X) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 19. 16 INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY #3 16 JIMMY and Clark at the computer. JIMMY It's not exactly a hundred percent legal but... here's the diagram of that bank you asked for. Entrances, exits, alarms, cameras, the whole shot. CLARK Thanks, Jimmy. Can I get this on paper? JIMMY Look, C.K., I know you've been under a lot of stress lately but you're not like... planning a life of crime or anything, are you? Before Clark can answer, the phone rings. JIMMY Hold that thought. (picks up) Daily Planet. (to Clark) For you. Dr. Klein. CLARK (takes it) Dr. Klein? 17 INTERCUT DR. KLEIN - IN THE LAB - DAY 17 that was robbed. There are COPS there, dusting. Dr. Klein, still a bit woozy, talks into the phone -- DR. KLEIN Clark, the lab was robbed last night. As Clark and Klein talk, Jimmy prints out the various (X) diagrams of the bank. CLARK What was taken? DR. KLEIN Two clone fetuses created by Dr. Mamba. Male and female. I have a feeling the thief was -- (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 20. 17 CONTINUED: 17 CLARK So do I. I'll get back to you (X) Doctor, and thanks. (X) KLEIN OUT. 18 BACK TO SCENE 18 Jimmy hands Clark the diagrams. JIMMY There you go. Call me if you need a character witness. PERRY walks up. PERRY Any word on Lois? CLARK No, nothing. PERRY (shakes head) Poor thing, out of her head, kidnapped by Lex Luthor... You married to a clone. (hand on Clark's shoulder) Lord, if it's not one thing with you kids, it's another. Clark just... nods. 18A INT. LEX'S LAIR - NIGHT #3 18A Wanda sleeps, fitfully. MUSIC UP. WE MOVE IN CLOSER, (X) CLOSER... now we're TIGHT ON Wanda's dreaming face. And suddenly -- (X) 18B A SLOW MOTION IMAGE OF CLARK 18B(X) then another, and another, layered over one another, (X) then -- 18C POP BACK TO WANDA SLEEPING, 18C(X) turning over, then -- (X) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 21. 18D A SERIES OF IMAGES OF CLARK 18D(X) in quick succession this time, CUT TO the beat of the music we're hearing, then -- (X) 18E INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 18E Clark sits at the dining room table, poring over the bank (X) diagrams. His Mom hands him a cup of coffee. His father (X) watches TV. The Clone sits on the other side of the room, (X) staring at Clark like a lovestruck teenager. MOVE IN SLOW (X) on her face now and -- (X) 18F A SERIES OF IMAGES OF SUPERMAN 18F(X) doing fast-cutting, heroic, selfless things for humanity (X) then 18G BACK TO THE CLONE 18G(X) staring. Jonathan glances over and sees the stare. The (X) Clone, embarrassed, looks away. Jonathan looks at Martha. (X) She, also noticing this, shrugs. (X) The Clone gets up and moves to the fridge, walking slowly (X) past Clark, who ignores her. She stares. More ignoring. (X) She opens the fridge, gets milk. (X) 18H INT. LUTHOR'S LAIR - NIGHT 18H Wanda rolls over. MOVE IN FAST on her face (X) 18J IMAGES OF CLARK 18J(X) then, in a BLUR, DISSOLVE TO images of Superman and -- (X) 18K INT. CLARK'S - NIGHT 18K(X) Watching Clark, The Clone pours herself a glass of milk. (X) 18L SHE'S FANTASIZING IMAGES OF CLARK 18L(X) now, just being his cute and adorable self in a series of (X) CUTS, then -- 18M BACK TO THE CLONE 18M(X) and she's staring at Clark, milk spilling out over the rim (X) of the glass as she seriously over-pours. She smiles (X) sheepishly and gets a towel. As she wipes, she looks up at (X) him, we MOVE IN and (X) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 22. 18N IMAGES OF CLARK 18N(X) now, then (X) 18P IMAGES OF SUPERMAN 18P(X) INTERCUT and -- (X) 18Q INT. LUTHOR'S LAIR - NIGHT 18Q PULL BACK away from Wanda (X) 18R INT. CLARK'S - NIGHT 18R(X) PULL BACK away from Clone... mopping and we INCLUDE Clark. (X) He glances at her. She smiles at him hopefully. He smiles (X) hesitantly and goes back to his work. She sighs. (X) 19 INT. LUTHOR'S LAIR - NIGHT #3 19 Wanda's eyes snap open. She sits up, a little dazed as the (X) MUSIC FADES and Lex enters, says to Wanda: (X) LEX We have a visitor. Wanda, meet Asabi. ASABI enters behind him. Indian, of indeterminate age, with a calm, mystical demeanor. ASABI Hello. WANDA Hiya. LEX Asabi worked for me, several years ago, trying to instruct me in the mystic ways of the Thugee Cult. But I rejected his teachings. (moves to his table of gadgets) I was in love with all things scientific. What a fool. I know now that science is only the key which opens the prison door but the power of spirit... ASABI ... is the freedom to never again be trapped in _any_ prison. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 23. 19 CONTINUED: 19 WANDA Uh, Kent? What are you yakkin' about? In English. ASABI Allow me. I speak of your soul. What is it, do you think? WANDA My soul? It's uhhh... y'know, who I am... and right now I'm a little fuzzy on that, to be honest. Asabi moves to Lex's table. Picks up a beaker of water. ASABI The soul is this water. The glass is your body. WANDA I'm with you so far. ASABI The soul is only trapped within the glass until one learns the very simple trick of... And he pours the water from the beaker into a bowl. WANDA Send a search party, I'm lost. LEX My darling, do you know the Greek definition of seconds? WANDA 'Hey, Nick, gimme another Souvlaki.' LEX (patiently) No. The seconds that tick, tick, tick? WANDA Oh. No. LEX 'Each is an arrow, the last one fatal.' But not for us. (moving across the lair) Our final seconds will be the first step to life everlasting. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 24. 19 CONTINUED: 2 19 And with a flourish, he pulls down a ten foot tarp spread across the wall. Revealing -- TWO BODIES, suspended in eight foot glass cylinders, partially obscured by the gases swirling within. One is MALE, one FEMALE. So far as we can tell, they each represent youthful perfection. LEX The clone fetuses we took from the lab, their growth accelerated, their bodies now almost ready. WANDA Almost ready... for what? LEX We are sought by a man with great power... and x-ray vision. How do you hide from such a man? You don't. Unless you exchange one body... (gestures to his own body) for another. (then the male clone) Lex looks at Wanda expectantly. During this, Asabi has moved to a corner, assumed the Lotus position and closed (X) his eyes. (X) WANDA Okay. One question. LEX Of course. WANDA Are you orbiting the planet? You think I'm gonna shuck my body like a piece o' corn? I got enough problems here, Lex -- LEX Darling, please WANDA -- I barely know who I am as it is, I'm having all these crazy dreams and -- hey. Who's Lex? LEX Pardon? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 25. 19 CONTINUED: 3 19 WANDA I called you Lex. Your name's Kent. You told me your name's Kent LEX Well, that's easily explained -- WANDA -- but Lex rolled right off my tongue like I've said it a hundred times, Lex... (fighting to remember) Lex L... LEX (quickly) Lex Kent. You've always called me by my last name. That hit you took on the head must be worse than we thought. WANDA Lex Kent...? Well, whatever. I'm not doin' this. Nothin' personal, Mr. Asabi -- (sees Asabi is in a (X) trance) (X) but it's nuts. Hello? LEX Then let me tell our future. We run, we hide; we're caught, caged and die alone. And let me tell you something else. If that's what you wish... (tenderly) ...I'll make it so. I'll give up my freedom, my future, my life for you. WANDA (studying him) Oh, Lex... LEX (close, taking her hand) But know that at this moment, we stand at the very precipice of all our tomorrows. And if you just close your eyes and make the leap, we shall know eternity. Together. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 26. 19 CONTINUED: 4 19 WANDA Yeah, but come on I mean, can (X) this guy really pull off magic? (X) Lex starts to say something, looks at Asabi -- and now, (X) just has to gesture to make his point. For Asabi, still in (X) Lotus, is levitating a few inches off the ground. (X) She looks at Asabi, transfixed. Looks over at the clones, (X) then -- WANDA (CONT'D) I just never saw myself as a blond. But... all right, what the hell -- it can't be any crazier than the rest of my life. Lex smiles. LEX That's my girl. Now get some rest. We've got a big day tomorrow. She moves off, into the shadows, lays down on the cot. Asabi levitates a little higher, unfolds his legs and (X) stands; comes up next to Lex. The two men study her. (X) ASABI I see into her mind, her heart. LEX And? ASABI Memories submerged in darkness, fighting to find the light. She is strong. And she is not alone. LEX Of course not. She has me. ASABI No. Another. A great love; one that transcends time. Even now, she longs for him in her dreams. LEX And if I kill him? ASABI The love would not die. The memories would surface. LEX Help me, Asabi. I can't lose her. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 27. 19 CONTINUED: 5 19 ASABI There is but one way to sever this love and bind her to you forever. She must kill this man. With her own hands and of her own free will. That done, the love dies... and she is yours. LEX (suddenly grins) Well, why didn't you just say so? For a second, I was actually worried... 20 INT. METROPOLIS BANK - DAY #4 20 Lois Clone, very much the center of everyone's whispers and attention, is escorted across the floor of the bank to the vault room. She stops in the doorway as her hand is placed on a scanner. A BANK V.P. picks--up a phone, dials and BANK V.P. Mr. Luthor? 21 INTERCUT LEX - IN HIS LAIR 21 on cell phone. LEX Hello, Philip. BANK V.P. Well, she's here, making the (X) withdrawal, just as you predicted. (X) It should take at least a half (X) hour. (X) LEX Thank you for the call. Expect your payment by the end of the week. The V.P. hangs up. LEX OUT. (X) 22 BACK TO SCENE 22 REVEAL Clark IN THE BANK watching the V.P. from the other (X) side of the bank. He looks from the V.P. to Lois Clone, whose hand scan is now finished. A MANAGER motions that she may proceed into the vault. She glances back at Clark. He nods. She goes in with her empty valise. (X) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 28. 23 INT. LUTHOR'S LAIR - DAY 23 Lex picks up a child's rubber ball. (X) LEX Time for Phase Two. (X) 24 INT. METROPOLIS BANK - DAY 24 The Clone walks out of the vault, holding a large valise. Clark scans with X-RAY BEAMS. The Clone moves up next to him. LOIS CLONE This plan is totally excellent. CLARK Yeah, except no Lex. LOIS CLONE Well, you know, I was thinking and it's just like outloud talking? But what would be the worst thing in the world if you never saw Lois again? CLARK What? LOIS CLONE Just, open the mind, _okay_? I look like her, I sound like her, everybody thinks I am her. I learn real fast; give me a month, I'll be her. And I got two hundred million dollars. So you've gotta admit, the whole package... (does a model-runway turn) ... doesn't exactly suck. CLARK No, no it doesn't... Look, I'm (X) sure you mean well... but I love Lois. Who she is, everything she's been, done, dreamed, thought; every second of her life up to now. You can't just make that. The Clone's chin begins to quiver. She's about to cry. CLARK (CONT'D) Hey, wait... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 29. 24 CONTINUED: 24 LOIS CLONE I'm never gonna have anyone! CLARK Come on, I'm sorry, I didn't -- LOIS CLONE I'm a freak I don't have a past, a life, I bet I don't even have a... a soul... there's nothing for anybody to love! Her sobbing is of the inconsolable-teen-angst variety. Very loud. People are staring. Clark reaches out to comfort her. CLARK Look, that's not true, you're just different. Different is good. I ought to know. Okay? You just need to get your own life... and you will. LOIS CLONE Really? CLARK Really. LOIS CLONE You'll help me? Maybe meet somebody as nice as you? CLARK Sure. LOIS CLONE Will he be able to fly? CLARK Well... The child's ball from Lex's Lair comes rolling in off the (X) street, right past Clark and stops in the middle of the bank. He looks at it and -- It suddenly SEARS WHITE-BRIGHT like a tiny sun. BEAMS go SHOOTING IN ALL DIRECTIONS. Everyone covers their eyes, blinded, including the (X) Clone. But Clark is not blinded, just pretends to be as he (X) looks around the room and sees -- Lex, wearing goggles, moving past him. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 30. 24 CONTINUED: 2 24 LEX Clark. Long time, no see. (X) Clark reaches out and grabs Lex's arm. Lex looks down, amused. LEX (CONT'D) (looks skyward) Superman! Another building is (X) exploding in fifteen seconds (X) and the real Lois is in that building! And now Clark SUPER-HEARS: WANDA (V.O.) Superman! Help! (X) LEX You now have ten seconds to save her ! (X) (to Clark) (X) ... and I'd better get back to my (X) detonator in the next three minutes or _another_ building goes, then (X) another, and another. (in Clark's face) (X) Tick. Tock. Clark. (X) WANDA (V.O.) SUPERMAN! (X) Clark lets go. Clark exits frame, ripping open his shirt. (X) Lex grabs the Clone. (X) 25 EXT. ABANDONED FACTORY - DAY 25 Superman lands, goes right to the bomb and sees Wanda's (X) CRIES for help are emanating from a speaker. He pulls the bomb's wires and Wanda's voice cuts off, replaced by: LEX (pre-recorded V.O.) Well done, Man of Steel. Of course, there were no explosives here. Much as I can count on your (X) behavior when she's in danger, I'd (X) never leave her life in anyone's (X) hands but my own. I love her too (X) much... (X) Off the look of burning rage on Superman's face -- (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 31. 25 CONTINUED: 25 LEX (V.O.) ... and she loves me. Says (X) there's never really been anyone (X) else. You might pass that on to (X) you friend Clark -- (X) Superman SMASHES the machine with his fist. (X) 26 26 THRU OMITTED THRU 28 28 29 INT. UNDERGROUND TUNNEL - DAY 29 Lex, goggles gone, pulls the Clone into sight, throws her against the wall and takes the valise. He looks inside, pleased by the sight of the bonds. LEX You're probably wondering why I. (X) didn't just snuff out your miserable life up there. I wanted to tell you a bit about yourself, answer a few questions about your place in the world. LOIS CLONE That's... that's really nice of you. LEX Yes, considering what a graceless little traitor you are. You see, (X) Dr. Mamba designed two classes of clones. An A Class with a lifespan of ohhhh, hundred years or so. And a B Class, with a lifespan of about... two weeks. You my dear, are very much a B Class. LOIS CLONE What? LEX What are you now? Eleven, twelve days old? Well, with a lifespan of two weeks, I wouldn't be making any holiday plans. LOIS CLONE No... no... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 32. 29 CONTINUED: 29 LEX You'll be quite dead by Friday. LOIS CLONE But you... you can fix me, can't (X) you? Lex? (X) LEX I had you made, I can have you remade. (X) WANDA And I'd do anything for you, you (X) know that... (X) LEX Do I? (X) WANDA Like if I could give you something (X) you wanted -- ? (X) LEX What could _you_ possibly tell (X) me? (X) LOIS CLONE Superman... you hate him, right? Well, he's someone else... someone else you hate -- they're the same person. LEX What are you prattling on about? LOIS CLONE Superman is really Clark Kent. (X) A moment as Lex absorbs this. LEX My God... LOIS CLONE (clinging to him, desperate) That's good, isn't it? Didn't I do good? LEX I'm very impressed. This (X) information could not have come at a better time. (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 33. 29 CONTINUED: 2 29 LEX (CONT'D) How wonderful that that which I brought into being could teach (X) me. Now let me give you a very important lesson -- don't... trust anyone. (X) (pushes her off) (X) There's no reversing your lifespan. You will die in two days. A (X) soulless, paper thin copy... LOIS CLONE No... LEX ... unloved in life, unmourned in death; forgotten faster than you ever lived. (moving off) Have a nice week. She crumples to the floor, devastated. He strolls off, as her voice echoes behind him: LOIS CLONE No... please... Lex, please don't leave me... please! FADE OUT. _END OF ACT TWO_ --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 34. _ACT THREE_ FADE IN: 30 INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT - DAY 30 Lois Clone lies on his bed. Clark stands over her. (X) CLARK He didn't hurt you, did he? I mean, do you need a doctor? She shakes her head and rolls away. CLARK (CONT'D) Well... do you want to talk about what happened down there? She stares off. CLARK (CONT'D) Did he talk about Lois? Did you (X) get any clue about where his (X) hideout is? (X) Nothing. He glances through the doorway at Jonathan and Martha. Shrugs, no idea what to do. Martha walks over. MARTHA I'll talk to her. CLARK Good luck. Clark moves into the living room. JONATHAN Come on, son, why don't we take a walk, clear your head? Clark nods. They exit as Martha sits on the edge of the bed. MARTHA Lois? The Clone looks at her. LOIS CLONE Don't call me that. MARTHA Well, that's your name, isn't it? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 35. 30 CONTINUED: 30 LOIS CLONE I don It have a name. I shouldn't even be alive. So I guess it's a good thing I'll be dead in two days. MARTHA Oh, no. LOIS CLONE Just here long enough to see everything I'll never have. All I want to know is why? Can you tell me that? MARTHA I... I don't know. But I do know that what we are isn't really about how long we're here... it's about who we touch, and how. Clark cares for you. You've been a friend to him... he can trust you... LOIS CLONE You see? I can't even do that right. 30A EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT #4 30A(X) A young MILITARY MAN opens a steel attache case and removes (X) high-tech rifle. Lex looks on. The Military Man presses (X) button on the side of the rifle. It HUMS. (X) MILITARY MAN The quantum distruptor is probably (X) the most important weapon we're (X) developing right now. It can (X) literally separate and destroy the (X) molecules... (X) He FIRES at a garbage cannister. The BEAM is a colorless (X) surge of energy. As it strikes the object, it seems to FLY (X) APART in a billion micro-bits. Leaving nothing. (X) LEX That's one way to take out the (X) trash. (X) MILITARY MAN Our most recent tests indicate it (X) could even kill Superman. (X) LEX I'll take it. (X) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 36. 30A CONTINUED: 30A MILITARY MAN That'll be fifty million dollars. (X) LEX (removes a wad of bearer bonds from his (X) coat) (X) Cash all right? (X) 31 INT. UNDERGROUND LAIR - NIGHT 31 Wanda listens to Asabi (who stirs a small fire) as Lex fiddles with some dials on the clone tubes. ASABI Tomorrow, you will inhale the smoke of this sacred flame; it takes all that you are, all that you shall ever be... exhale, and at that moment, your new bodies inhale the smoke and... WANDA ... and that's it? ASABI Yes. WANDA (looks at clones) Just like that, boom, I'm a blond? Jeez. It's harder dyin' your roots. ASABI Our souls are made to escape. It is only thought which holds them prisoner. LEX And we are prisoners no longer, my love. Soon we shall be free to start any lives we dare dream. So. What would you like to be, hm? A European countess? A South American horsewoman? No? I have it. A Russian poet. WANDA A writer... LEX Hm? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 37. 31 CONTINUED: 31 WANDA A writer... when you said poet, I... yeah, a writer. That's crazy, though, I can barely talk, who do I think I am being a writer? LEX You have more locked within you than you can possibly imagine. Believe me. WANDA I just wish I didn't have this... weird feeling. I know this is the right plan to get us outta this corner we're in but somethin' keeps eatin' at me... somethin'... It's like being in the dark, looking for a light switch; you know it's there and it makes you nuts not to find it. Asabi and Lex exchange a look. Then Lex moves to her and kisses her. LEX We'll find it together. But first, I've got to run a little errand. I won't be long. He picks up the disruptor and heads for the exit. Asabi moves with him. ASABI (sotto voce) She is emerging from her darkness. Struggling ever closer to her truth -- the love she longs for, the -- LEX Yes, I know. But that love _will_ be severed. I'm going to lure him here tonight and she's going to kill him. Lex exits. 32 EXT. CLARK'S TERRACE - NIGHT 32 Lois Clone stands, looking at the sky. Clark comes out. LOIS CLONE Hi. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 38. 32 CONTINUED: 32 CLARK Hi. He looks at her compassionately. (X) LOIS CLONE Your Mom told you? CLARK (nods) I'm really sorry. Look, we should get you to STAR Labs, there's got to be something Dr. Klein can do... LOIS CLONE (shakes head) I don't have much time; I don't want to spend it getting stuck with needles. (looks at him) Your Mom's a great person. I can see why you turned out the way you did. She understands so much. So I believe her when she says... that you care about me. CLARK Well, I don't like to see anybody (X) in trouble I want to help. (X) LOIS CLONE I don't think you will when I tell (X) you what happened. I... I did (X) something bad... to you. I wanted Lex to help me, to live longer, so I... I told him that you're Superman. Clark just looks at her. LOIS CLONE (CONT'D) It's okay if you hate me... CLARK No. LOIS CLONE I hate myself. CLARK Don't. You were scared, you made a mistake. It's all right. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 39. 32 CONTINUED: 2 32 LOIS CLONE (tears) I'm so ashamed. CLARK Shhh... LOIS CLONE I'll help you find Lois; I'll help you catch him... I hate Luthor, I hate him for making me... Lex comes up the ladder, aiming his disruptor. LEX Now is that any way to talk about your creator? Some would call it blasphemy. CLARK (pushes Clone away) Stand back. LEX Yes. You'll get a better view... Lex pulls the trigger. A BOLT of ENERGY BLASTS out and hits Clark square in the chest. When it STRIKES it's as if all the molecules in and around his chest are scattered in a small explosion, then SNAP BACK into place. But his shirt is ripped open, exposing the S, and he's thrown back into the wall. Stunned. LEX (admiring the weapon) Your tax dollars at work. (X) His parents come running out. (X) JONATHAN Clark! MARTHA Oh, my God -- LEX Jonathan and Martha Kent? I don't believe we've met. Lex Luthor. JONATHAN What'd you do to my son? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 40. 32 CONTINUED: 3 32 LEX What I'll do to _you_ if you take another step. (moving across terrace) Well, Clark, all these years we've known each other... and you've been keeping a secret. (clucks his tongue) Now is that any way to treat your best enemy? (studies him) How long I've feared you, envied you... yet never really knew you. I wonder, can you beg? (aims gun) For your life? Clark tries to get up. He can't, too weak. LEX (CONT'D) (fingering the torn shirt, so he can see the S better) No? Too un-Superman? I understand. So how about... (gun on the Kents) ... the lives of your parents? You'll beg for that, won't you? He is ready to fire at them, then CLARK (weak) No. Please, don't kill them. (Lex gestures for more) I beg you. Don't. LEX Nicely done. You grovel with style. That's important. Because I intend to tell every criminal in the world who you really are. And as an added bonus, I'll give them the design of this weapon, the address of your parents... (in his face) and you'll spend your _life_ begging. Or hiding. Trust me, they're both equally humiliating. (straightens) I imagine that famous strength';; be coming back in a minute. So I need a bit of getaway insurance, let's see now... (MORE) (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 41. 32 CONTINUED: 4 32 LEX (CONT'D) (grabs Martha) I always prefer female company. Jonathan lunges. JONATHAN Let her go! Lex belts him. Jonathan drops. Martha struggles but the weapon is aimed at her -- LEX Ah-ah. Let's be ladylike. (to the Clone) You too. Stay and tend your wounded hero. He takes Martha through the apartment and out the front. Clark makes his way to his father. Clone bends to Clark. CLARK Dad, you okay? JONATHAN I'm fine. Can you -- ? CLARK (shakes head) I can't even stand. JONATHAN We better call the police. CLARK Too dangerous. (to Clone) You're the only chance I've got. Follow Luthor. Take a cell phone. Don't let him see you. When he gets where he's going, call me. Hopefully, I'll have my strength back. Okay? LOIS CLONE Okay. CLARK Be careful. She nods, starts to go, then comes back and kisses him on (X) the lips; exits out the front. (X) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 42. 33 INT. UNDERGROUND TUNNEL - NIGHT 33 Luthor finishes tying Martha to a support beam. MARTHA Is Lois here? Is she all right? LEX She's fine. Thank you for asking. It occurs to me, Martha, if I'd had a mother as loving as you, I might be a better person. (grins) Thank God I didn't. He picks up the disruptor and goes. 34 INT. LEX'S LAIR - NIGHT 34 Lex pauses at the doorway. Rips his shirt, musses up is hair, then enters with the disruptor. Breathless. LEX Wanda? I just had a close call with Superman. WANDA Lex. Are you okay? LEX Fine. Fortunately, I was able to defend myself. (hefts, the disruptor) But he's quite insane... and incredibly strong. God forbid anything should happen but I think you should learn how to use this. WANDA I don't know if I could shoot somebody. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 43. 34 CONTINUED: 34 LEX Believe me, no one treasures life more than I do but this man is evil. He works for Clark and wants to destroy us. So we must be ready to defend ourselves... (twists a dial on the weapon) ... with deadly force, if necessary. Now... (puts gun in her hands) ... it's set at full power. Finger goes on the trigger there, aim and fire at that canister in the corner. She does. A BLAST OF ENERGY. The MOLECULES of the canister FLY APART in a billion bits. (X) LEX (CONT'D) Well done, my dear. Asabi, from the corner, looks at Lex and nods. Lex nods back. FADE OUT. _END OF ACT THREE_ --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 44. _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN: 35 INT. UNDERGROUND TUNNEL 2 - NIGHT 35 The Clone comes out of the shadows. Looks left, then right. Finally, flips open the cell phone. LOIS CLONE Clark? 36 INTERCUT CLARK - IN HIS APARTMENT 36 still groggy but on his feet. CLARK (into phone) Yeah? LOIS CLONE I followed him and he's somewhere under Fourth and Grand? But way, way deep. If you just follow the tunnels under the old subway tracks CLARK My Mom, is she okay? LOIS CLONE She was, the last time I saw her, but see, I got kind of lost. Not really lost, just a little, I'm sure I'm gonna find her any -- CLARK Fourth and Grand, under the old subway. I'll find it. You just sit tight. He hangs up. CLONE OUT. Clark pulls his glasses off. Rubs his eyes. JONATHAN Son, are you all right? CLARK Boy, whatever that thing is -- it hits, you feel it. (off his father's concern) Don't worry, Dad, I'll get her back. And Lois. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 45. 36 CONTINUED: 36 JONATHAN Just be careful. He nods, pulls what's left of his shirt open and exits frame. 37 INT. UNDERGROUND TUNNEL 2 - NIGHT 37 The Clone comes around the corner. Still lost. Sighs, starts back the other way and -- Hears the O.S. WHOOSH and runs into Superman. He still seems kind of ragged. LOIS CLONE Hi. Sorry, I'm still lost. SUPERMAN It's okay. You should head back up. I'll take it from here. LOIS CLONE You don't look too good. SUPERMAN I'll be all right. He moves off. She watches him. 38 INT. LUTHOR'S LAIR - NIGHT 38 Asabi sits at the ceremonial fire. Lex and Wanda stand before the two clones. He pulls a lever. LEX Seems they're done a little early. We're ready anytime you are, Asabi. ASABI Then come to me... and open your minds to the eternal. Remember that death is irrelevant. The soul is indestructible and ever transitive. Death is not to be feared. Superman strides through the doorway. SUPERMAN All right, Luthor, it's over. LEX Superman... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 46. 38 CONTINUED: 38 He breaks from Wanda and crosses to Superman. LEX (CONT'D) ... get out of here, leave us alone! Superman grabs Lex by the collar and hoists him. SUPERMAN I don't think so. Where's my Mom? LEX Wanda! She looks and sees the disruptor. Picks it up. Aims. LEX (CONT'D) Shoot him! (X) SUPERMAN Lois... She stops, looks at him. Asabi watches her, expectant. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) ... don't. LEX Shoot him! Now! WANDA (to Superman) Let him go. Superman drops Lex. Starts for Wanda. WANDA (CONT'D) Stay back. SUPERMAN Lois. It's me. Lex and Asabi both watch. WANDA I'm not gonna tell you again -- get back. SUPERMAN I will when you put the gun down. He is almost to her. She pulls the trigger (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 47. 38 CONTINUED: 2 38 then ticks the gun to the left. The disruptor BEAM BLASTS into a supporting post just over Superman's shoulder, eradicating it. An ominous RUMBLE from above. Superman moves to check it out. Asabi shakes his head at Lex. LEX Wanda -- _shoot_ him! WANDA I ... I can't... She lowers the gun as, above the post, chunks of rock and waves of dust begin to fall. Superman holds the area where the post used to be. LEX Oh, for God's sake... Lex goes to Wanda and takes the gun. Superman watches helplessly. SUPERMAN Luthor, I can barely hold this... the whole thing's going to cave. LEX We'll take our chances. He aims and FIRES at Superman. The BEAM hits him full in the chest and we see his entire solar plexus EXPLODE, shimmering in a billion fragments. He is thrown into a far wall. Hits the ground. The shimmering bits SNAP BACK and his chest is whole again. But he's weak, almost unconscious. Above, the RUMBLING grows more ominous. LEX (CONT'D) (offers her gun) My dear, would you do the honors? WANDA What? LEX I want him dead and I want you to do it. WANDA No. He can't hurt us... (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 48. 33 CONTINUED: 3 38 LEX True. But he can bring us together. Now shoot rim. WANDA Are you crazy? No! LEX Asabi, will you talk to her? ASABI I believe it is time to be leaving soon before the caving in is complete. LEX My God, surrounded by the spineless. He aims at Superman. Wanda tries to stop him. He shoves her back. LEX (CONT'D) Learn this now -- I love you, but never, ever stand between me and what I want. He aims, squeezes the trigger and The Clone charges in and leaps. LOIS CLONE NOOOOOOOO! Tackles him. The disruptor FIRES, the beam SEARING between their entangled bodies as they hit the floor. Another support post is ERADICATED by the BEAM in a BURST. More rumbling. More falling chunks. Lex and the Clones's bodies RIPPLE and CRACKLE, made unstable by the beam which glanced off them. Both are in agony. Roll away from each other. Asabi heads for the door. ASABI I think now I will be moving on. Good luck and good karma to you all. He's gone. Superman gets to his feet. Makes his way across the room to the Clone. Wanda moves to Lex. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 49. 38 CONTINUED: 4 38 WANDA Lex... Lex? Lex can't speak. Superman kneels to the Clone. SUPERMAN Come on, I'm gonna get you out of here... He tries to pick her up, can't. LOIS CLONE I found your Mom... down that tunnel, around the corner... (smiles) (X) I did good, didn't I? SUPERMAN Yes. Come on, sit up, can you sit up? LOIS CLONE Do you love me now? (touches his face) Do you? Please? Before he can answer, she dies. He holds her, helpless, then looks over at Wanda with Lex. A rock chunk falls, just missing her. He goes to her. SUPERMAN We've got to get out. She looks at Superman. Their eyes meet. Lex sees this. LEX No. He grabs Wanda's arm fiercely. SUPERMAN Let her go, Luthor. Luthor pulls her close. Both hands gripping her now. Superman tries to pry him off but he's too weak. He slumps, fighting to stay conscious. LEX She stays with me. SUPERMAN She'll die. (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 50. 38 CONTINUED: 5 38 LEX We all die, then. Wanda tries to release Luthor's grip. They can't. The cave in is getting worse all around them. WANDA Lex, get up, I'll help you... (X) Lex's body RIPPLES again, unstable. LEX Too late (X) SUPERMAN Luthor, you say you love her, you say she's everything -- then let her live. _Give_ her that. Do (X) you want me to beg again? Luthor looks fiercely at Superman... then releases his grip on Wanda. Smiles. LEX And you said I couldn't love. How little you understood me. (to Wanda, as he touches her hand) How little anyone ever did. His hand goes limp. Then his body. He slumps. Dead. WANDA Lex... SUPERMAN Come on we've got to get out of here He gets to his feet and pulls her along with him to the door. A falling rock HITS her head. She cries out and stumbles. He catches her. SUPERMAN (CONT'D) Lois! Lois? She's conscious, but barely. He loops her arm around his shoulders and they hurry out. MASSIVE CHUNKS fall in their wake. --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 51. 39 EXT. STREET - DAWN - DAY #5 39 We hear the sound of a distant subterranean CAVE-IN. Superman, Martha and Lois emerge into the light from a basement doorway -- dusty but alive. Wanda is groggy. MARTHA Is Lois okay? SUPERMAN I don't know, I've got to get her to a hospital. Are you -- ? MARTHA I'm fine. Go. With every bit of strength he can muster, he picks her up in his arms and FLIES OFF with her. 40 EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY - TO ESTABLISH 40 41 INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY 41 Clark stands with a DOCTOR. DOCTOR There's been repeated cranial trauma. Pretty bad concussion; shock. No evidence of hematoma, thank God. But -- Clark looks and sees Lois being wheeled out of her room by a NURSE. As the wheelchair is turned toward him -- CLARK Wanda? No reaction from her. He kneels. Stops the chair. CLARK (CONT'D) Lois? LOIS (for that's who she is again) Yes? He smiles, relieved. CLARK How are you feeling? (CONTINUED) --page break-- "SECONDS" (#17) FULL Blue Rev. 1/18/96 52. 41 CONTINUED: 41 LOIS All right, I guess. (as their eyes meet) I'm sorry, do I know you? He just looks at her, stunned. CLARK Uhhh... yes. LOIS What's your name? CLARK Clark. LOIS Clark. Hm. He just nods, numb. LOIS (CONT'D) Well, see you... Clark. CLARK See you, Lois. He straightens up. She and the Nurse and Doctor all go down the hall. Clark watches. Takes a breath. FADE OUT. _THE END_