Act Two

EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - MINUTES LATER
Huge pine trees arch somberly over the group as they walk together toward the walls of the valley.
EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - LATER
Climbing carefully up the steep trail along the side of Vernal Falls, Jo turns around to watch the light shaft through mist in the canyon.
JO
It's so beautiful.
Just up ahead on the trail, Dylan sits looking at the same view, waiting for the group.
DYLAN
I wish I could get everybody to hike up here and experience this.
EXT. CAMPGROUND - SAME
Jan lies motionless in the green glow of her tent. The faint traces of a smile still grace her lips.
EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - LATER
Rising incongruously out of the mountain, Half Dome looms above the group.
Jo hikes with Donna, tracing their way over slabs of rock.
DONNA
Where in England are you from?
JO
Brighton. It's south of London on the coast.
DONNA
What's growing up on the beach in England like? Your family must be well off.
Jo laughs to herself and shakes her head.
JO
Not at all.
Dylan comes up from behind them, walking quickly.
DONNA
Been to the beach in England, Dylan?
DYLAN
Freezing cold and covered with rocks... Beautiful though.
Jo looks sideways at him.
JO
What's so beautiful about it?
Dylan shrugs.
DYLAN
Mist on the water, or...
JO
My parents were both hotel workers when they were working. Mum made beds and washed the sheets... We lived in a grimy, cold little house behind town.
DONNA
Sounds dismal.
JO
It was.
DYLAN
So you came to America the beautiful?
Jo smiles sheepishly.
JO
At least it's warm here.
Dylan puts a hand on her shoulder.
DYLAN
It's summer.
EXT. CAMPGROUND - LATER
Akiko sits in the cooking tent alone. She eats a bowl of regular sized shredded wheat. First she pours the milk, sprinkles sugar, then picks a piece up with her fingers and tries to fit it in her small mouth.
EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - SAME
The group is scattered along the trail through sub-alpine, gnarled pines.
Dylan and Donna hike alongside each other.
DONNA
You know, that really affected me; what Jan said last night. I didn't think she had even noticed us... much less liked us.
DYLAN
Maybe it was us that hadn't noticed her.
Donna looks back at Kim and Jackie hiking together.
DYLAN (cont'd)
I've noticed that you haven't used your tent much lately.
She smiles, and picks up the pace.
DONNA
I don't know what you're talking about.
EXT. CAMPGROUND - LATER
Akiko stands at Jan's tent in the loose afternoon sunlight.
AKIKO
Jan...
She waits a second. She makes a motion to zip open the tent, but stops.
AKIKO (cont'd)
Jan! I go to...
She motions walking with her fingers, but struggles finding the word.
AKIKO (cont'd)
Jan, I go...
She gives up on waking Jan, shoulders her backpack, and walks toward the Merced.
EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - LATER
Just a cable ladder goes up the side of a solid granite wall. Jo is slack-jawed.
JO
We go up this?
INT. JAN'S TENT - SAME
The calm burble of the Merced and the sound of birds in the trees fill Jan's tent as she lies there motionless.
INT. VISITOR'S CENTER - LATER
Akiko cruises through the gift shop. She looks at knickknacks, then pulls a long-sleeved shirt off the rack. It reads, "Top of the World - Climb the Rock."


EXT. SAN FRANCISCO CAR RENTAL - SAME
Thad looks up at the strange towers atop twin peaks as he stands in the waiting area of a car rental parking lot.
He has a map of California opened up as the ATTENDANT stops in front of him and hands him car keys.
ATTENDANT
It's about a four hour drive. You may want to wait and start in the morning.

EXT. TOP OF HALF DOME - SAME
Kim and Jackie stand a few feet from the edge, with their arms above their heads. The valley is laid out below them.
KIM
I feel like I'm flying.
Dolf comes up behind them.
DOLF
We can see our camp from here, see that group of trees there.
Donna lies on her stomach nearby, peering over the edge.
Auke and Dylan sit, legs dangling over the precipitous drop.
AUKE
I can't believe we made it all that way in a day.
DYLAN
We still have to make it all the way back.
Jo and Pablo rush up from behind, getting on their knees at the edge to give Auke and Dylan hugs.
JO
Congratulations, you guys.
DYLAN
Congratulations. We all made it.
Donna rolls over, looking at the view upsidedown, a wicked grin on her face.
DONNA
How would it be to jump?
EXT. CAMPGROUND - MINUTES LATER
Akiko, in her "Top of the World" shirt, comes back to camp.
She walks to the breakfast tent, and looks inside.
AKIKO
Jan?
A little confused, she looks around, and calls out.
AKIKO (cont'd)
Jan?!
INT. JAN'S TENT - SAME
Akiko's shadow looms on Jan's tent flap as she struggles with the zipper.
AKIKO
You... okay, Jan?
With the zipper half undone, she sticks her face in through the opening.
Jan lies there, dead, still smiling.
Akiko screams. She falls away from the tent, landing in the dust.
Still screaming, she gets up and runs off, leaving Jan in silence.
EXT. TRAIL TO HALF DOME - MINUTES LATER
Nevada Falls mist blows across the group, descending along a narrow trail in the side of the valley wall.
EXT. RANGER STATION - MINUTES LATER
Akiko stands outside the ranger station, tears streaming down her face, talking a mile a minute in Japanese.
TWO RANGERS stand over her shaking their heads, not understanding, looking helplessly at each other.
INT. JAN'S TENT - LATER
Peaceful green light dimly illuminates the chain hanging from the inside peak of Jan's tent.
EXT. CAMPGROUND - SAME
Walking down the flat trail along the valley floor leading to camp, the group is in high spirits.
Donna, out in front, comes around a tree on the edge of the trail, feeling the bark with her hand.
DONNA
You should come and visit New Zealand some time. The nature there is beautiful, too.
DOLF
The Netherlands is pretty, but we have nothing there like this.
Running up the trail, Akiko comes into view, panting, out of breath, and terrified. Her eyes are huge as she yells:
AKIKO
Donna!
She motions hysterically, but still can't find the words.
AKIKO (cont'd)
Donna! Dylan!
Donna breaks into a run.
DONNA
Something must have happened. Dylan!
Dylan starts running behind her.
DYLAN
What's wrong?
DONNA
I don't know, but she is scared to death.
The group, behind them, breaks into a trot.
DYLAN
Nobody panic! Camp is just down the trail.
Akiko runs full tilt down the trail.
EXT. CAMPGROUND - SAME
The first one to reach camp is Dylan. He sprints in, but is then confused by the relative calm.
Akiko and Donna run in just behind him.
DYLAN
What's wrong? Where is Jan? Where are the Germans?
Akiko grabs Dylan's hand and pulls him to Jan's tent.
DONNA
It's Jan. Akiko, what's wrong with Jan?
Akiko stops Dylan in front of Jan's tent, pointing and motioning for him to open it.
Dylan looks confused. Donna starts to unzip Jan's tent-flap, but as she peers inside.... she stops cold.
DYLAN
Is it some kind of animal? Where is Jan? Is she in there?
DONNA
Oh my God...
She drops to her knees.
Dylan swiftly unzips the rest of the flap and starts to climb inside.
DYLAN
Jan. Jan... What's wrong?
Dylan gets inside, up next to Jan. She lies there, still smiling faintly. He listens to her chest for some sign of life, but gives up immediately. She is cold. Outside the tent there is the sound of Donna beginning to cry.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Oh, God. Oh, God.
Dylan looks around, then reaches up into the peak of the tent and takes Jan's mother's ring down from where it still sparkles in the diffuse light.
He wraps the chain carefully around her hand and tucks the ring into her palm.
EXT. CAMPGROUND - LATER
Wind brushes through the pine trees, sending birds flying through the camp.
Everyone is gathered around Jan's tent, speaking in hushed tones.
Jo, across the small campsite, is on her cell phone, very distressed, talking a mile a minute.
JO
No! We can't bring her down there. She isn't breathing!... No, don't you understand anything. She is lying in her tent not breathing.
She listens to the other side for a second, then throws down her hands in frustration, slamming her cell phone shut. Tears begin rolling down her cheek.
Dylan breaks off from the group.
DYLAN
What happened?
JO
They're no fucking help. They told me to bring her there in the morning, or to drive to the ER.
EXT. MERCED RIVER FOOTBRIDGE - SUNSET
Donna sobs on Dolf's shoulder, shaking. They sit on a small wooden footbridge over The Merced.
The group, minus the Germans, sits, dangling their feet. They stare at the water flowing past. Jackie has a handful of stones which she tosses one at a time in the river.
JACKIE
I can't believe she's dead.
PABLO
What about her family?
JO
She didn't have a family.
PABLO
What do you mean?
JO
Her mother is dead, father a heavy alcoholic... Her uncle molested her when she was little... should I go on?
Dylan weighs a stone in his hand; throws it in the water.
DYLAN
How do you know all that?
KIM
We have a lot of time in the back of the van while you're driving.
DYLAN
There must be something we can do for her... some way to give her some dignity... more dignity than she'd have being... What happens to people with no family when they die?
JO
Right now, nothing. They won't even send an ambulance down here to look at her.
She takes her cell phone out, but Dylan waves her off.
DYLAN
Don't worry. I'll take her down there myself in the morning.
DOLF
They get cremated in The Netherlands. First, nailed into a pine box and, then, cremated in a government crematorium.
Dylan looks sideways at him.
DYLAN
That's a pretty big word for someone from Holland.
DOLF
I've studied English since I was three years old.
EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT
The campfire burns steadily, illuminating the group seated around it.
Donna still has small tears rolling off her cheek in the firelight.
DYLAN
I've just never had this happen before.
Pablo has a bottle of rum out, and he passes it to Dylan. Dylan shakes his head, concentrating. He's got on his sweater Jan made him.
JO
She'll be cremated by strangers...
Pablo passes the bottle to Dolf on his other side.
KIM
I know what we have to do.
Dolf gulps the last of the rum and, frustrated, throws the bottle into the fire.
DOLF
There is nothing that we can do! She is dead! Don't you understand?
He gets up and storms away into the darkness.
Donna gets up to follow him into the chilly Yosemite night.
KIM
I mean Alaska!
The rest of the group looks at her, disturbed and confused.
PABLO
What the hell are you talking about?
Dylan suddenly looks determined as he stands up.
DYLAN
I think I know what she means.
He starts to walk, slowly, around the fire.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Remember last night... Jan said that she'd always wanted to go to Glacier Bay in Alaska.
There's a long silence. Jackie stares into the flames.
JACKIE
Most of us are doomed to die without fulfilling our dreams.
DYLAN
No! It doesn't have to be that way! Right now we have the chance to make a stand for the way it should be. Maybe Jan died for a reason... maybe she died to show us that... that together we can make dreams come true. Not just for her, but for us!
JACKIE
She's dead, Dylan. The Germans are asleep. What are you getting at?
Pablo jumps up, exited.
PABLO
Let him talk!
DYLAN
There's twenty-three hundred dollars left in the trip fund. If you can all change your tickets...
They all try to speak at once.
JO
Oh no, Dylan... You can't be suggesting that we go to Alaska!
DYLAN
Why not? Let's take her to Glacier Bay.
Silence falls over the campsite as they all stare at each other over the flames.
AUKE
Let's take her to Glacier Bay.
PABLO
Let's go to Alaska.
EXT. CAMPGROUND - SUNRISE
In the early light of dawn, Pablo and Dylan are taking down the last of Jan's tent. The campsite is quiet all around them, and they work silently, whispering.
They remove the last tent pole and spread the tent out flat. Jan is still inside, a long lump down the middle.
DYLAN
Now fold it over carefully.
They fold the flattened tent over Jan's body once from the left, then once from the right.
PABLO
I'll get the bungie cords.
He runs off toward the van.
Dylan carefully takes the tent's outer rain cover from the pile of poles and spreads it on the ground next to Jan's wrapped outline.
Pablo comes back with four bungie cords from the van.
DYLAN
Are you ready?
PABLO
Yeah...
Pablo pumps his arms a couple of times and takes a deep breath. They bend deep and pick her up, struggling with the awkward shape as they place it on the spread-out tarp.
Dylan deliberately takes each side of the tarp and wraps her in another layer; then he holds up her feet as Pablo wraps one, then another bungie cord around to secure it.
They then repeat the process on the other end.
DYLAN
Alright... let's wake the others...
EXT. VAN - LATER
As the trek van drives back up the twisting, forested entrance road climbing out of Yosemite Valley, the wind blows at the bulging blue tarp on the luggage rack.
The tarp ripples in the air as the van picks up speed, and the rear corner slowly works its way loose.
It flips back momentarily to reveal Jan's rolled up green tent, strapped to the back left corner, with Jan inside.
A white economy car passes the trek van as it goes into a corner and heads up the hill.
INT. ECONOMY CAR - SAME
In the economy car, Thad drives the opposite direction, gawking at the valley walls above him, but totally oblivious to the trek van that just passed. He unfolds a visitor's map on the passenger seat.
INT. VAN - SAME
Dolf looks nervously out the window, as Heinrich leans up between the two seats.
HEINRICH
Why do we leave so early? Do we have a stop in Death Valley on the way to Vegas?
Dylan shrugs.
DYLAN
Actually we're headed north.
DOLF
I can't believe you put her on the roof.
He cradles his head in his hands. Donna pats his back and puts her arm around him protectively.
DONNA
It's the only place she could go. We don't have room in here for her all wrapped up like that. It'll be okay.
HEIDI
Am I to understand that you did not take her body to the hospital?
DONNA
We're taking her north with us.
HEINRICH
Dylan? This is wrong.
Dylan ignores him. In the front of the van Auke sits with the road map spread out on her lap. She concentrates on it, running her finger along a red highway route.
AUKE
It's best if you stay on 120 for now, then switch to the 16, then in Sacramento get on the 5 North.
Dylan looks nervously in the rearview mirror, but smiles.
DYLAN
You read that map pretty well.
AUKE
I've been looking at maps of California for months while James took his nap.
Heinrich puts his hand on the map, making Auke turn toward him.
HEINRICH
We are headed to Oregon?
AUKE
Through Oregon.
DYLAN
I'm alright getting into British Columbia, but after that I'll need a lot of help. Look at the B.C./ Alaska border for me.
Auke looks again, then raises the map, showing Pablo and Jo in the first row seat. Jackie and Kim lean up from the second row, so they can see also. The Germans just gawk.
AUKE
See, Glacier Bay is not far from Canada... We can cross the border here... only a couple hours drive from the Park, but we could also take the ferry from Prince Rupert.
JACKIE
It looks like a long way to me either way.
Dylan sneaks a look as he drives.
DYLAN
It is. Jo, have you added up the money?
HEINRICH
We won't stand for this, Dylan.

EXT. UPPER PINES CAMPSITE, YOSEMITE - LATER
At the campsite entrance, Thad talks to the RANGER on duty.
He holds a picture of Jan, but the ranger just shakes her head. Then he holds up a page torn from Jan's travel brochure showing a trek van with its telltale blue tarp.
The Ranger nods pointing back down the valley, indicating to her watch that they left early this morning.
RANGER
Saw them heading north around 7 am.

EXT. HWY 5 - LATER
Racing up highway 5, the trek van blows past other cars on the road in the early afternoon light.
The van swerves past an SUV doing at least 80, and barrels down the road.
On the roadside, hidden behind a row of tall bushes, a Highway Patrol car watches as the van flies by.
Quickly, the patrol car starts its engine and peels out of its hiding place.
INT. VAN - SAME
Dylan is concentrating on the road as he negotiates passing another car. He looks over at Auke, asleep in the passenger seat, and smiles.
Pablo leans in between the front seats.
PABLO
You're lucky.
DYLAN
What do you mean?
Pablo nods in Auke's direction.
PABLO
She really likes you.
Dylan keeps his eyes on the road.
DYLAN
Yeah?... I think she does... What about you?
Pablo glances at Jo, sleeping against the window.
PABLO
I'm not sure if I'm lucky... but, she is beautiful.
Dylan glances up into the rear-view. In the mirror, red and blue lights flash, coming up fast behind them. Heinrich sits forward, rubbing his eyes.
DYLAN
Oh, shit.
HEINRICH
Finally, some authority.
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD, HWY 5 - SAME
The van sits stopped in a fresh cloud of dust as a HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER closes his door and strides up behind.
As he walks toward the back of the van, a gust of wind pushes the roof-tarp back just enough to reveal Jan's wrapped up body, strapped to the rack.
He comes to the window and takes a deep breath. Inside, the passengers stare back with wide, petrified eyes. Dylan smiles and holds out his license.
OFFICER
You're in quite a hurry there, mister.
Heinrich tries to stick his head through Dylan's window.
HEINRICH
Officer, I must inform you...
OFFICER
--Son, I'm speaking to the driver.
HEINRICH
But, really you...
OFFICER
--Son, shut up before you get yourself in trouble. Now, like I said, you're in quite some hurry there.
DYLAN
We have a friend who died, and we're late for the funeral.
The Officer steps back and looks at the bulging tarp on the roof-rack, then takes Dylan's license.
OFFICER
Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to step out of the vehicle.
A stifled gasp goes up from inside the van as Dylan opens the door and gets out.
DYLAN
Yes, Officer.
The highway patrolman leads Dylan to the rear corner of the van before turning and looking him up and down.
OFFICER
The people in your vehicle look mighty upset.
He pins Dylan with a steeled gaze. Above the officer's head, the wind blows the tarp back again exposing the wrapped up tent with Jan's body in it.
DYLAN
Yes, they are, sir.
The patrolman takes another deep breath.
OFFICER
I've seen ten people die just this year along this stretch of road because of drivers like you.
He hands Dylan his license back.
OFFICER (cont'd)
I should write you a fat ticket right now, but your friends look like they're having a hard enough day without it.
Dylan tries not to look shocked.
DYLAN
Thank you, officer.
OFFICER
Now, get those people on their way... but if I see you driving like that in my county again I'll drag your ass to jail for reckless endangerment. Understood?
DYLAN
Yes, sir.
The patrolman turns and stalks back to his car, leaving Dylan looking up at the sky to thank God.

INT. THAD'S RENTAL CAR - SAME.
Thad races up Hwy. 16. He looks out the window as he passes a sign that reads: Sacramento, next 12 exits.

INT. HWY 5 DINER - LATER.
A WAITRESS carefully balances five dishes as she picks her way through a crowded roadside diner.
She arrives at the trek group's table and begins to set the plates down in front of them.
HEIDI
We should have turned you in.
DYLAN
You tried.
WAITRESS
Who had the steak and eggs?
Pablo raises his hand, laughing.
PABLO
I can't believe what you said to that policeman, Dylan.
DONNA
We thought he was going to arrest you. We've all seen American cop shows.
KIM
We actually had a vote.
Dylan takes his plate as the waitress hands it across the table.
DYLAN
On whether to keep going?
Kim shakes her head, her mouth full.
JACKIE
No! On who was going to drive when he hauled you away.
DYLAN
Who won?
Auke throws a french fry at him.
AUKE
I did. I'm the only one who knows where we're going.
Dylan looks around the table.
DYLAN
She doesn't know her right from left.
Dylan gets fries thrown at him from all around the table.
EXT. DINER - MINUTES LATER
Coming out of the door of the diner, Kim and Jackie walk with their arms around one another. The others trickle out the door behind and follow them across the parking lot.
KIM
This has all made me realize how precious it is to have you.
JACKIE
Well, you have me, beautiful.
Jackie kisses her on the neck.
KIM
You really think I'm beautiful?
She kisses her on the neck again.
JACKIE
What do you think?
They reach the van and Kim pushes Jackie up against it.
KIM
I think I need to kiss you to find out.
They begin to kiss passionately, Kim pushing even harder up against Jackie, when Kim recoils suddenly backwards.
KIM (cont'd)
Oh my God... What is that smell?
Jackie sniffs at the air. Her eyes go wide, then she also backs away from the van.
JACKIE
I think it's Jan.
KIM
Dylan!
EXT. HWY 5 - MINUTES LATER
Dylan grips the wheel, his knuckles white with tension.
DYLAN
So she smells a little.
Kim is freaking out in the back. She yells up at Dylan.
KIM
She is decomposing on the roof, Dylan!
HEINRICH
The smell will only get worse until her body is put on ice.
Dolf is slumped in the window seat of the third row.
DOLF
If we get pulled over again... with her like... that... we'll all go to jail.
The van erupts with passengers arguing.
Out the front window is the sign for the I-80 to San Francisco and the I-5 to Sacramento. A Gas-food-lodging sign also flies by and Dylan swerves toward the exit.
EXT. MINI-MARKET - MINUTES LATER
The whole group streams out of the doors of the market with 20 lb. bags of ice in their arms.
EXT. HWY 5 - LATER
The van races up the 5, past a sign reading "Ashland, Oregon: 180 miles."

INT. THAD'S RENTAL CAR - SAME
Thad drives while looking at the road map spread out on the seat. He looks down the road, then scans the gauges.
The gas gauge is on empty.
Outside the front window the sign for the I-80 / I-5 split flies by. The gas-food-lodging sign sweeps by and Thad makes for the exit ramp.
EXT. MINI-MARKET - SAME
Thad stands at the counter paying for gas. The STATION EMPLOYEE chuckles to himself.
STATION EMPLOYEE
Summer kicks in and we sure do hear a lot of foreign accents round here.
THAD
I've just come from Yosemite.
STATION EMPLOYEE
That's where they're all goin' to or comin' from. I had a big group in here just a little while ago.
Thad's ears perk up and he looks around instinctually.
THAD
Were they in a big white van?
STATION EMPLOYEE
Yep, they kept talking about Alaska. Bought me clean out of ice.

INT. VAN - SUNSET
In the back of the van, everyone sleeps: Kim curls against Jackie; Akiko is wrapped in blanket; Jo lies in Pablo's lap as his head lolls on the seat-back; Dolf and Donna lean on each other; and the Germans cuddle pathetically.
Auke flips through the CDs in the passenger seat as Dylan drives along-side the sunset.
AUKE
I think the stress is getting to everyone.
Dylan peeks at the rearview mirror.
DYLAN
Maybe we should stop in Seattle. We should be there by midnight.
AUKE
What could we do there?
DYLAN
I know a hotel. We could get some real rest... that might help.
Auke shrugs.
AUKE
I was thinking something different.
Dylan looks at her with concern.
DYLAN
What did you have in mind?
A devilish grin steals its way across her face.
AUKE
Let's go clubbing.
EXT. HWY 5 - LATER
In the early darkness, the van flies down the highway.
The headlights illuminate a sign: "Seattle - 207 miles."
INT. CLUB, SEATTLE - LATER
Throbbing, flashing lights pulse through the crowded room as Kim and Jackie grind against each other, dancing.
Dylan dances to the pulsating music with a beautiful blonde girl. She spins around in front of him, showing off her almost nonexistent outfit.
Donna and Auke come bounding through the sweaty dancing bodies over to Dylan, pulling him away from the girl, talking a mile-a-minute.
DONNA
We need to ask you a question.
AUKE
Dylan, what does acid do to you?
DONNA
Is it like ecstacy?
He peers into their eyes.
DYLAN
Why are you girls asking me this?
DONNA
Well, we met this bloke about a half hour ago, and we got to talking...
Dylan holds his head then looks, worried, around the swirling lights of the club.
DYLAN
I have a bad feeling about this...
AUKE
He gave us a hit each, but I'm not sure he was telling the truth.
DONNA
We thought he was joking.
DYLAN
What did it look like?
DONNA
It was like a stamp...
She looks to Auke for reassurance.
AUKE
Ay. It had on it a little... how do you say?
DONNA
Like a skull with a...
AUKE
Lightning bolt through it.
DYLAN
Oh my god... just what I need.
DONNA
What did you say? I can't hear you over the music.
Dylan is already looking for the other passengers.
DYLAN
Let's go. We need to get out of here.
He grabs Auke's hand and heads across the dance floor.
Donna trips over herself trying to keep up.
DONNA
I don't think it's working... we took it a long time ago.
Auke stops, frozen in her tracks, staring, fascinated into a flashing strobe light as Dylan tries to pull her along.
AUKE
Oh... it's so beautiful.
DYLAN
Oh, it's working.
He pulls her hand harder, and she lurches along. Donna stays stuck to her spot, now staring at the same light.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Donna!
He sees Dolf in the sweaty mass of dancers looking at him and Auke trying to figure out what is going on.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Dolf! Come on, get the others! We're going!
EXT. CLUB, SEATTLE - LATER
Pablo sets the Germans' two rucksacks against the side of the brick building, runs to the waiting van and jumps in.
The trek van pulls out of the club parking lot, drives past the front of the building in the heavy Seattle early a.m. moisture, then accelerates smoothly away.
In the quiet, empty street, the throbbing of the rave party going on inside the club pulses steadily.
After a moment, the door of the club swings wide and the two Germans rush outside, run around the side of the building, and stop dead, looking at their abandoned bags.

INT. THAD'S RENTAL CAR - SAME
Thad's eyes fixate on the broken yellow line as he begins to doze and drift off toward the side of the highway.
He catches himself nodding and shakes himself awake, staring at the approaching city lights.
A road sign flicks by the window: "Seattle, next 10 exits."

EXT. GAS STATION ACROSS FROM CLUB, SEATTLE - LATER
Heinrich stands at a pay phone on the edge of the gas station, just across from the rave club. He talks into the phone slowly, as if he's said this several times.
HEINRICH
I want to report the kidnapping of a dead body.
He waits, listening, and examines a shady-looking Seattle GANG-BANGER hanging out on the corner.
HEINRICH (cont'd)
I don't know if they killed her. Danka. I'll wait.
Behind him as he talks, Thad's white economy car pulls up to a pump. Thad leaves it idling, gets out and goes in.
HEINRICH (cont'd)
Yes. She is a white female, about twenty eight or so...
The gang-banger strides quickly across the gas station, steps into Thad's running car, zips out on to the street and away.
HEINRICH (cont'd)
We are stranded. They left us by the side of the road when we protested.
Behind them, Thad talks to the cashier. He gestures wildly, miming about the big white van as the cashier nods.
HEINRICH (cont'd)
I understand. We are two blocks south of Pioneer square.

EXT. BAYVIEW SP CAMPGROUND - LATER
The van's lights swing around an empty campground.
Coming to a stop, Dylan opens his door first and sniffs at the night air.
DYLAN
Yosemite to Seattle in twenty-one hours... That, my intrepid travelers, is a serious day of driving.
KIM
You just left them there.
DYLAN
Yep. They were going to be trouble eventually.
The double doors open, and the group limps out one-by-one, looking exhausted.
DOLF
I still don't understand why we left the club.
DYLAN
Get some rest, Dolf.
Pablo climbs up on the roof to throw sleeping bags down.
Dylan peers inside the almost empty van. In the back row, Auke and Donna sit spellbound by their own hands, passing them back and forth in front of their faces.
DYLAN (cont'd)
No sleep for us tonight, girls.
This breaks them out of their reverie, and they begin to creep, confused, out of the van.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Do you still have that third one?
Auke opens her locket. A small square of paper drops into his hand.

EXT. CLUB, SEATTLE - SAME
A squad car's lights spin red, white and blue. In the lights, the Germans talk to two SEATTLE POLICE OFFICERS.
HEIDI
She is wrapped in a tent.
SEATTLE POLICE
They have her in a tent in the vehicle?
HEINRICH
No, She is wrapped in a tent and strapped to the roof-rack with the rest of the luggage.
Thad walks along the sidewalk behind them, toward the police car.
SEATTLE POLICE
We'll get a call in to the border and put a car out scouting right now. What kind of vehicle were they in?
Thad comes to within earshot, then stops next to the squad car. The Germans still talk to the two officers.
HEIDI
They are in a big white van.
HEINRICH
Ford. With a blue tarp on the top.
SEATTLE POLICE
Now how do you know they are headed for the border?
From beside the police car, Thad listens intently.
HEINRICH
They have been talking about it all day since we left Yosemite. They want to take her to Alaska.

EXT. PUGET SOUND - LATER
Dylan, Auke, and Donna walk hand in hand down the beach, watching the moonlight play on the water.
AUKE
It sparkles! It sparkles just for me.
Donna smiles at the thought.
DONNA
The sparkle is you.
DYLAN
Yes... Yes!
Donna spins around and around, holding out her hands, looking up in the dark sky.
DONNA
The sparkles are from God.
Dylan takes her hands and they spin each other, then he grabs Auke and the three of them link hands, spinning and spinning.
AUKE
I'm floating... I'm floating...
DONNA
The sparkle in me and the sparkle in you are the same.
AUKE
It's lifting me up...
DONNA
I feel it.
They spin faster, stumbling, holding each other's hands.
AUKE
It's taking me...
Suddenly, they all trip over each other, sprawling across the rocky beach in different directions.
Auke drops to her knees on the beach cobbles.
AUKE (cont'd)
Oh my god... she's dead... she's dead.
She buries her face in her hands and cries, sobbing. Dylan crouches down next to her.
DYLAN
Jan's dead... but I can still feel her... all around me.
Auke looks up suddenly and stares into his moonlit eyes.
AUKE
You can?
DONNA
I can feel her, too. She is still here. Part of her is still here.
EXT. U.S. / CANADIAN BOARDER - MORNING
A Washington Highway Patrol car is nosed in at one of the white kiosks on the U.S. border checkpoint. The PATROL OFFICER walks toward his car with a CUSTOMS AGENT.
PATROL OFFICER
If they were headed for the border they would have crossed hours ago.
CUSTOMS AGENT
I know how these things are. You need to at least put on a good show.
PATROL OFFICER
We try to help Seattle PD as much as we can, but we had two guys up all night trolling the 5 between here and the city. I sent 'em home an hour ago.
CUSTOMS AGENT
Well thanks for letting us off the hook anyway. My guys have enough to do without looking at every tour bus that comes through.
Behind them, as the Officer gets into his car, the trek van pulls through the far kiosk and rolls innocuously through towards Canada.
EXT. CANADIAN BORDER - SAME
The Canadian border looks almost friendly, with flags of both countries fluttering in the wind as they drive up a marked lane to the checkpoint.
EXT. CHECKPOINT - SAME
As the van rolls up to the CANADIAN MOUNTIE at the checkpoint, Dylan sticks his head out of the window, unconsciously checking that the roof tarp is on securely.
INT. VAN - SAME
Pablo collects passports from everyone and hands them to Dylan as the Mountie approaches the window.
MOUNTIE
Welcome to Canada.
DYLAN
Thank you.
MOUNTIE
Do you have any firearms, produce or drugs in the van?
DYLAN
No, sir.
He takes the stack of passports from Dylan's hand and glances at them briefly.
MOUNTIE
What's the purpose of your visit?
DYLAN
Camping. We're headed to Banff.
The Mountie hands the passports back.
MOUNTIE
Beautiful time of year. Enjoy your trip.
He steps aside and waves them through.
DYLAN
I love Canada.
EXT. CANADIAN BORDER - MINUTES LATER
A CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIAL walks swiftly out of the door of the main building and toward the checkpoint kiosks.
He approaches the kiosk that Dylan just drove through and hands the Mountie there an official looking document.
MOUNTIE
What's this?
CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIAL
It's a vehicle seizure order.
MOUNTIE
I know what it is. I mean it's five hours old.
CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIAL
We had to wait until the old man got in at Eight for a signature.
The Mountie reads further down the order.
MOUNTIE
Transporting a dead body?
CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIAL
Weird ones come from Seattle.
MOUNTIE
Not the first one I've seen.
CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIAL
Just keep an eye out. Last thing we need is some crazy American up here dumping a stiff.
MOUNTIE
I'd put in a call to Vancouver.
CANADIAN BORDER OFFICIAL
Why?
MOUNTIE
I waved 'em through 'bout fifteen minutes ago.
INT. VAN - LATER
Dylan drives Canada's Hwy 1 and sneaks a quick look at Auke in the passenger seat. She points to a place on the map.
AUKE
Here?
Dylan nods, then raises his voice for the whole group to hear. Auke gets Jo's cell phone and hands it to him.
DYLAN
Since we skipped Vancouver, I think we should raft the Thompson River this afternoon.
DOLF
No way.
DYLAN
The trek groups always raft the Thompson when they pass through here. I have a good friend there.
KIM
Are you nuts?
DYLAN
You came to see this continent! We can't stop living because Jan died. She would want us to do this.
AUKE
Akiko isn't afraid. Are you?
Akiko looks up, having no idea what Auke just said.
DONNA
Jan would want us to live. Right now living means facing that river... like Lois and Clark.
DOLF
No, that was a television show. Louis and Clark were the explorers that took canoes down the Colombia River.
Pablo gives Dolf five.
KIM
It's not that we don't want to go but...
JACKIE
If we leave her in the sun all day she'll reek!
KIM
There's no way we can leave her in a parking lot all day on a day like this.
DYLAN
Well, we can't go then. Shit.
He stops, thinking, then starts dialing the phone.
DYLAN (cont'd)
If I can park over near the river...
Jackie reaches over the seat and grabs his shoulder.
JACKIE
You're not thinking that we take her with us.
DYLAN
Otherwise we can't go... We can't afford to let her out of our sight.
PABLO
The tent she's wrapped in is waterproof. What's the big deal?
INT. VAN - LATER
Dylan pulls into a gravel lot next to the Thompson. Kim leans over the third row seat, still worrying.
KIM
What if it leaks?
PABLO
It won't leak.
KIM
But, she's on ice. We can't take her off the ice.
DYLAN
The river is freezing cold.
Dylan rolls the van to a momentary stop.
KIM
Freezing cold?
Pablo ignores her, opens his door, and jumps out.
PABLO
I'll help with the raft.
DYLAN
We'll spin around and get as close to the water as possible.
Jackie glares at Dylan in the rearview mirror.
EXT. THOMPSON RIVER - LATER
The group busily pulls their gear off the roof rack.
A tall, rough-looking Canadian, BRIAN, walks up with two oars slung over his shoulder.
BRIAN
Dylan?
DYLAN
Brian! It's good to see you alive after that last night in Vancouver. How's the river?
BRIAN
The Thompson is running strong. It's stronger than that last time you were here for sure. There may be some class fours in there today. I was surprised to get your call. Why can't I tell Nick?
Dylan puts his arm around Brian, ignoring his question.
DYLAN
Everyone, this is Brian. He'll be our guide today on the Thompson River.
Some of the group look up and gesture hello as they shuffle their stuff off the roof.
BRIAN
We'll leave whenever you guys are ready. I've got wet-suits and booties.
EXT. THOMPSON RIVER RAFT LAUNCH - LATER
The Australian girls squeeze themselves into their wet-suits and booties while the other passengers load the raft.
Dylan and Auke stand near them arguing in hushed tones.
AUKE
Are you sure this is safe?
All suited up, Dolf and Pablo struggle to pick up the bag containing Jan's body and begin half carrying, half dragging her toward the raft.
DYLAN
Auke, don't worry. We've traveled a long way. We need to get out of the van and have a little adventure.
She peers nervously at the boys hefting Jan into the raft.
AUKE
This might be a little too much adventure for me.
DYLAN
She'll be fine.
Brian is busy pulling wet-suits out of a big duffle bag.
BRIAN
I have a large left for you Dylan. Auke? Are you coming with us?
Auke looks back and forth between them, worried.
AUKE
Ya, I'm coming.
BRIAN
That a girl. Here, I have a small for you and a pair of booties. You won't regret it.
She walks over to him and takes the suit, looking over her shoulder at the raft being loaded.
AUKE
I better not.
Brian follows her gaze over to the raft as the boys slide the body bag into the center.
BRIAN
Hey, Dylan. What's in the huge bag? I haven't seen that one before.
Dylan steps between him and the raft, blocking his view.
DYLAN
It's picnic gear.
Brian peers over Dylan's shoulder at it again.
BRIAN
Must be a drag carting that load around.
DYLAN
Nah, you know me. I'll do anything to make the trip memorable for them.
He sneaks a quick peek at it.
DYLAN (cont'd)
Besides, it travels easy. We just toss it on the roof and forget about it.
EXT. RIVER - LATER
The smooth flow of the Thompson is flanked by a rough and beautiful valley. A bright red raft floats down the center.
The passengers ring the raft, sitting on the inflated pontoon as it floats down calm water.
EXT. RIVER - TEN MINUTES LATER
Brian stands in the middle of the raft holding two huge oars into the wild, bucking river as the passengers around the edge hold on for dear life.
BRIAN
Get ready! Here comes another one!
Water gushes over everyone as the raft bucks over a rapid.
KIM
I'm going to kill you, Dylan!
Rapids are everywhere, sending water in a roller-coaster pattern over rocks and boulders, but for a moment the raft glides through a calm piece.
Pablo shakes the water from his soaking wet hair.
PABLO
This is great!
JO
I can't believe how powerful the river is.
The raft bucks again as Brian takes tighter hold of the oars.
BRIAN
Here we go again!
The rapids grab hold of the raft and bounce it over another boulder.
DYLAN
Hold on, this one's big!
EXT. RIVER - SAME
The raft is pulled into a huge rolling slab of water as everyone struggles to hold on.
BRIAN
Grab hold!
He pushes the oars in hard, trying to keep their raft under control, but it spins sideways suddenly as everyone screams.
Sickeningly, the raft is swallowed in a huge spray of water and then slammed into a boulder sideways.
It tips up and almost goes over. Brian throws himself against the side of the raft just in time to right it, but bodies fly off into the flow of the river.
Dylan is hanging on the outside of the raft as Jan's body is washed past him in the flow. Auke, still inside the raft, starts screaming.
AUKE
Dylan! Get her!
He sees Jan for just a moment before she disappears in the rapids, then he lets go to follow her.
EXT. RAFT - SAME
Pablo struggles his way back into the raft. Kim and Jackie already hang on the other side coughing water.
PABLO
You girls all right?
Kim manages to get one leg over as the raft bucks through another rapid. Jo and Donna are still in the raft, and they start to help her in. Auke looks intently down the river.
Suddenly Kim starts screaming, pointing.
KIM
She's gone! She's gone!
The others turn to look where she points, but Jan's body isn't there.
PABLO
Oh my god!
BRIAN
It's just camp gear! Don't freak out!
Pablo stands, scanning the river as Brian steers over yet another boil.
PABLO
There she is.
Downstream, Jan's wrapped body is suddenly visible for just a moment before it plunges into another rapid and disappears.
KIM
Where's Dylan?
Auke, standing in the raft, points.
AUKE
There!
EXT. RAPIDS - SAME
Dylan is in the flow of the rapids, swimming deliriously towards Jan's wrapped, floating body.
Water rushes over his head as he struggles in the current.
He comes up coughing, but pushes on even harder. The yelling voices of the rest of the group can be heard over the waves, urging him forward.
DYLAN
Hold on, Jan.
Dylan strokes hard, but is grabbed by the current and yanked under the froth.
Jan's body is tossed mercilessly by the river as it is hurled downstream.
The noise of the river is like thunder. Suddenly, Dolf surfaces next to Jan. He wraps an arm around her feet and secures his grip by holding a bungie cord.
DOLF
I've got you.
They are tossed together over several more rapids, Dolf wrestling to hold on, until the surface calms slightly.
The cheers of the group come over the water as he digs in and strokes hard for the bank.
At the edge of the river he grabs a tree root sticking out into the flow and holds fast.
DOLF (cont'd)
We're safe now, Jan.
Emerging from the froth, Dylan begins to flow past, struggling hard against the current to reach the bank.
DOLF (cont'd)
Dylan!
Dolf wraps one of the bungie cords around the tree root and holds his arm out for Dylan to grab.
Dylan, quickly getting sucked under by the flow, sees Dolf's hand and latches on, clawing his way to the root.
DYLAN
Is she okay?

INT. MOUNTIE PATROL CAR - SAME
Driving past the Thompson in a Mountie patrol car, SGT. LADETROIS stares down at the red raft going by in the flow. He strokes his thick mustache. After twenty years on the force he casts a calm eye at the rough waters.
SGT. LADETROIS
Thompson's rough today.
The MOUNTIE in the driver's seat next to him looks over at the scene.
MOUNTIE
They flip her over?
SGT. LADETROIS
Looks like it. Looks cold.
Sgt. LaDetrois leans back, tipping his hat over his eyes.
SGT. LADETROIS (cont'd)
Prince George is a long way still. Wake me when we're getting up towards Williams Lake and thereabouts.

EXT. VAN - LATER
In the parking lot, Pablo is on the roof putting the last of the luggage back in order, then pulling the tarp back over and securing the corners to the rack.
Hair still wet, the group, now in their clothes, climbs back in the van. Kim puts her arm around Dylan.
KIM
That was awesome, Dylan. I've never done anything that wild.
Behind them, Dolf gets a hug from Jackie.
JACKIE
But, Dolf is the hero.
Dolf looks a little perplexed.
DOLF
Whitewater rafting is a rush.
DYLAN
So, you want to go again?
DOLF
Sure.
JACKIE
No.
Donna walks up from the raft-shack by the river's edge.
DONNA
Ready to go?

INT. BRITISH COLOMBIA MOUNTIE DETACHMENT - SAME
A fax machine churns out a single sheet of paper. At the top it reads: Bulletin!
Walking by the fax, a Mountie grabs the paper and walks it in to the next room.
In the room several Mounties work with communications equipment. He hands it to a COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, who switches on his mike. He sets down the piece of paper: A photo of Dylan at the border is on it.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
APB Alert. Attention, this is an APB Alert for a white Ford van driven by a Caucasian male approximately twenty-five years of age in connection with a suspected murder. Last seen at the southern border, headed north. Believed to be heading for the border with Alaska. There are several passengers in the van. Use extreme caution, they are believed to be armed and dangerous.

EXT. CANADIAN HWY 97 - THAT NIGHT
The trek van roars along the Caribou Highway, deeper into British Columbia. Two huge totem poles tower in the darkness lit from below along the side of the road.
INT. VAN - SAME
Dylan has a look of determination in his eyes as he squints down the darkening road.
KIM
You told him!?
DYLAN
I had to tell him... He could see it wasn't picnic gear!
DOLF
--but what if he does say something? We will all go to jail!
DONNA
Shut up, Dolf! Brian won't say anything.
DOLF
How do we know he won't?
DONNA
We have a little arrangement.
Donna sits back in the second row with her arms crossed and a smug expression on her face.
Dylan whirls his head around and raises both eyebrows.
DOLF
What?
DONNA
We have an understanding.
Dylan starts to laugh, letting go of the wheel and clapping his hands together in appreciation.
DYLAN
We were only there another fifteen minutes!
Donna nods proudly.
DONNA
I'm quick and I'm good.
DOLF
That's disgusting!
Kim leans up over the seat and joins in.
KIM
I can't believe you would do such a thing with Jan's body not more than twenty feet away.
The van erupts with everyone yelling their opinions over the seats.
JO
You should talk.
DONNA
If I hadn't done it we would all be sitting in a Canadian jail right now.
Dylan looks back at Donna with a smile.
DYLAN
Donna, you are my hero.

EXT. CANADIAN HWY 97 - SUNRISE
The trek van races into the first rays of the sunrise.
Standing alongside of the road in the morning is a lone hitchhiker. The van blows by him as he holds his thumb out, waving madly for them to stop:
It's Thad, Jan's brother.
Thad runs after the van for twenty yards or so, gives up, then watches it drive away.