[304x130]
Commissioner Jacobs checks his tie in a mirror, goes to open the door of the MEN'S BATHROOM -- face to face with JACK.

FLASHBACK - LOU'S BAR BASEMENT - NIGHT

JACK stands surrounded by eager fight club MEMBERS, under the bare bulb, talking and behaving like Tyler...

J: The first rule of fight club is -- you don't talk about fight club.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - RESUMING

T: And, sometimes you control it...

FLASHBACK - EXT. PAPER STREET HOUSE - DAY

Jack stands in the yard, VODKA in hand, yells at Marla.

J: He's not here! Tyler's not here anymore! He's gone away!

INT. HOTEL ROOM - RESUMING

T: You can see me and hear me, but no one else can...

FLASHBACK - CURBSIDE - NIGHT

JACK sits alone on the curb, watching the nearby freeway. He talks to someone beside him, but nobody's there.

J: Anyone? (thinks) My boss, probably. (pause) Who would you fight?

Jack listens, looks at the empty space beside him.

J: Oh, yeah. (nodding) I didn't really know my Dad...

INT. HOTEL ROOM - RESUMING

T: But, when you fall asleep, I do things without you...

FLASHBACK - TYLER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

JACK is on top of Marla, sweating, making violent love...

INT. HOTEL ROOM - RESUMING

T: I go places without you. Get things done...

FLASHBACK - BUILDING - NIGHT

The Parker Morris Building.

JACK, Bob, Ricky, Angel Face and another GUY rappel down the side, SPRAYING PAINT. JACK is "TYLER" in demeanor, mannerisms, speech...

J: (shouting) You are not your job. You are not how much money you have in the bank.

TWO WINDOWS SHATTER OUTWARD -- TWO MEN look out and yell:

BRUISED MAN #1: I am not my job!

BRUISED MAN #2: I am not how much money I have in the bank!

INT. HOTEL ROOM - RESUMING

Jack's having trouble catching his breath. Tyler stands.

T: There! Happy? I asked for one thing from you... one simple promise. Now look what you've done!

J: This isn't possible...

T: We're going to have to do something about Marla...

J: What... what are you saying?

T: It's okay. We okay... a little codependent, sure, but...

Jack shakes his head in disbelief, in denial...

J: No! This isn't true. We... we were around other people, together, both of us...

T: You never talked to me in front of anyone else.

J: Wrong, wrong -- what about the car crash... the two guys in the backseat?

T: What about them? They're lunatics.

J: You took me to the house.

T: The house is rented in your name.

J: You have jobs.

T: Night jobs -- while you were sleeping.

J: What about Marla?

T: What about Marla?

J: She's... you... you're fucking her.

T: Um, well... technically, no.

Jack stands, trying to absorb, feeling ill, trying to find words, then -- he suddenly FAINTS to the floor, OUT COLD.

J(v): It's called a "changeover." The movie goes on, and nobody in the audience has any idea.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - PRE-DAWN

Jack's eyes snap open. He sits up, alone. He remembers the previous night... looks at himself in the mirror... looks at the clock -- 4:35am.

INT. HALLWAY

The room door SLAMS OPEN as Jack bursts out of the room, carrying his suitcase, SPRINTING for the STAIRWELL...

INT. STAIRWELL

Jack races down, three steps at a time, dragging his suitcase - BOOM, BOOM, BOOM - behind him...

INT. LOBBY

Jack hurries to the front door, his suitcase half-broken open, passing the front desk. A DESK CLERK calls after him.

DESK CLERK: Sir... sir? Are you checking out?

J: Yes.

The clerk follows the length of the counter, waves a PAPER.

DESK CLERK: Please initial this list of phone calls.

J: Bill me!

Jack goes out the door, freezes. He rushes back in, going to the desk -- snatches the bill, studies it: many NUMBERS.

J: Wait...when were these made?

DESK CLERK: It says right there, sir... between two and three-thirty this morning.

Jack looks at the clerk, at the bill, at the clerk.

J: I need a copy of this.

INT. AIRPLANE CABIN - IN FLIGHT - DAY

Jack stares out the window, his face set hard.

J(v): Had I been going to bed earlier every night? Have I been sleeping later? Has Tyler been in charge longer and longer?

EXT. PAPER STREET - DAY

A TAXI halts. Jack leaps out, points to the GRUNGY CABBIE.

J: Wait here.

INT. PAPER ST. HOUSE, LIVING ROOM/KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

Jack walks in to find the place EMPTY and DESERTED. He continues on into the KITCHEN, gawks at BATHTUBS and CANISTERS holding vast amounts of liquid. There are HOSES, GAS MASKS, BEAKERS, TEST TUBES and PUMPS.

He picks up a BOTTLE labeled "NITRIC ACID."

INT. TYLER'S ROOM

Jack sits by the PHONE, pulls out the HOTEL BILL, runs his finger up and down the list of PHONE NUMBERS...

J(v): Deja vu, all over again...

Jack finger stops on a NUMBER. He dials, phone to his ear.

VOICE: (from phone) Eighteen-eighty-eight.

Jack sees a file on the wall: "1888 CENTURY PARK EAST."

J: Who is this?

VOICE: Maintenance.

J: Listen, something is going to happen, something terrible...

VOICE: Very good, Sir.

J: Excuse me?

VOICE: Don't worry about us, sir. We're solid.

J: Now wait, there's been a mix-up. Everything's changed...

VOICE: You told me you'd say that.

J: Abort the plan.

VOICE: You told me you'd say that, too.

J: Did I tell you I'd call you a fascist dickhead?!

VOICE: Well, sir, you said you might.

Jack HANGS UP, desperately dials the next number on the bill.

DIFFERENT VOICE: (front phone) Twenty-one-sixty. Maintenance.

Jack sees a file: "2160 PICO BOULEVARD." He throws the phone, pocketing the bill. He grabs up all the FILES.

EXT. MARLA'S HOTEL - SUNSET

Jack's TAXI halts. Marla walks out of the lobby doors, sees Jack getting out of the cab, laden with files...

J: Marla!

Marla makes a sharp turn, walking away. Jack follows, hugging the files to his chest, catching up.

J: Marla...

M: Your whacked-out, bald freaks hit me with a fucking broom. I thought they were going to break my arm.

J: I'm sorry, I...

M: The were burning their fingertips with lye. The stink was unbelievable.

J: Marla... I need to talk to you. It's going to take a tremendous act of faith on your part for you to hear me out.

M: Here comes an avalanche of bullshit.

Marla heads into a DINER. Jack follows...

J: -- A little more faith than that.

INT. DINER - MOMENTS LATER

Marla sits in a BOOTH. Jack sits across from her.

M: I don't want to hear anything you've got to say.

J: Give me a minute, Marla, alright... just sixty seconds.

M: Sixty seconds, then I'm out of here.

J: Absolutely, you have every right. I need you to do me a favor.

M: I've done you enough favors.

A WAITER with a BLACK EYE appears at the table.

WAITER: Sir! Anything you order is free of charge, sir.

M: Why is it free of charge?

J: Because... I'm Tyler Durden.

M: Then, I'll have the clam chowder... fried chicken and a baked potato with everything and a chocolate chiffon pie.

Jack look to the pass-through WINDOW into the kitchen where THREE COOKS look out with STITCHES in their faces.

J: Clean food, please.

WAITER: In that case, sir, may I advise against the lady eating the clam chowder?

J: Thanks, no clam chowder. That's it.

The waiter snaps to attention and leaves.

M: You got about thirty seconds.

J: (takes a deep breath) I know that I've been... unwell. I know it's been like there's two sides to me.

M: Two sides? You're Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Jackass.

J: I deserve that. Anyway, I've... I've only just realized

M: What?

J: I mean, the depth and breadth of our relationship has only recently been illuminated for me. I know this... I know us hasn't been such a great thing for you...

M: Whatever. (to waiter) I'll take my food to go...

Marla's getting up to go, but Jack rises, fed up, takes her by the arm, putting her back in her seat.

J: Sit down! Sit down and give me my last fifteen seconds without opening your mouth!

Marla crosses her arms. Jack collects himself.

J: I'm trying to tell you -- and this is where you have to trust me -- but, I think your life might be in real danger.

M: What?

J: You have to get out of here. Leave as soon as possible. Go to any rural town, away from any major city...

M: You are an insane person.

J: Marla...

M: No, no, shut up! I've had enough. I tried, Tyler... I have tried...

Marla's getting upset, tears coming to her eyes.

M: There's a part of you I really like, but I can't do this anymore. I just can't. This is killing me...

J: I'm sorry, but I...

M: What?! You're sorry? I don't believe that for a minute.

Marla gets up. Jack grabs for her, but she's gone, heading for the door. Jack gathers his files, runs to follow...

EXT. DINER - MOMESTS LATER

Jack pushes out the door, files under one arm, catching up...

J: I can't explain. You wouldn't believe me anyway. I'm trying to protect you...

Jack grabs her arm, tries to hail a TAXI, but the taxi races past. Marla pulls free, screaming at him...,

M: Let go of me!

J: Do this for me, Marla. Do this for me, if you never do anything else...

Jack spots a BUS idling further up the street.

M: Leave me alone! I don't ever want to see you again!

J: Okay, if that's what it takes, you'll never have to see me again. (digs in his pocket) Here... here...

He pulls MONEY from his pocket, holding it out.

J: Take this money, get on this bus... (pointing to bus) Get on, and I promise you, I'll never bother you again, if that's what you want. Please...

Marla looks at Jack, numb.

M: Tyler...

J: I'm begging you. Get on the bus. Get on the bus.

Marla takes the money from Tyler, walks towards the bus. As they approach it, Jack shields his eyes, afraid to look...

M: Why are you doing this?

J: I can't let myself see where you're going. Go wherever it takes you, remember... keep away from major cities...

Marla stands at the doors of the bus, heartbroken, gives one last look at Jack.

M: (holds up the money) I'm not paying this back. I consider it "asshole tax."

J: Yes, fine. Just, get on. Stay away a couple of weeks, at least.

Jack's still covering his eyes. Marla gets on the bus.

M: Tyler...

Jack finally looks to her.

M: You are the worst thing that ever happened to me.

DOORS HISS SHUT. The BUS LEAVES, heading away. Jack seems relieved. Then, a SCREAM is HEARD from MARLA...

Jack turns, looks... THROUGH THE BUS WINDOWS: the bus is filled with BALD MEN IN BLACK: Space Monkeys.

Jack SPRINTS after the bus...

The bus speeds away. Onboard, Space Monkeys subdue Marla.

Jack falls to the asphalt, rolls, files-flying.

J: Son of a bitch!

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY

Jack RUNS to the front desk, crazed, dumps the armload of files on the desk in front of the DESK SERGEANT...

J: (loudly) I want you to arrest me. I'm the leader of a terrorist organization responsible for acts of vandalism all over the city. Detective Stern in arson knows who I am...

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - LATER

Detective Stern and THREE DETECTIVES stand, staring at Jack, who's seated. On the table are the phone bill and files.

J: There are probably several hundred members in the metropolitan area. Chapters are sprouting in at least five other major cities. They're tightly-regimented, with many cells capable of operating without a central leader. Check this address: 1537 Paper Street. You'll find the body of Robert Paulson buried in the garden. You'll also find numerous tubs used to make gallons of nitroglycerin. The plan, I believe, is to blow up these credit card headquarters and the TRW building.

STERN: Why these buildings?

J: You are not your job. You are not how much money you have in the bank.

STERN: (to other detectives) Keep him talking.

Stern leaves. A beat, then, the remaining Detectives smile at Jack with REVERENCE.

FLAT-TOP DETECTIVE: I really admire what you're doing. You're a brave man to order this.

J: What?

REDHEAD DETECTIVE: You're a genius, sir.

They grab Jack and force him on his back on the table. Flat-Top has a rubber band; the Bald Detective has a knife.

BALD DETECTIVE: You know the drill. You said if anyone ever tries to interfere with Project Mayhem, even you, we got to get his balls.

Flat-Top PULLS Jack's pants completely off, tosses them aside. Jack SCREAMS. Flat-Top holds his legs.

FLAT-TOP: It's useless to fight.

REDHEAD: This is really a powerful gesture, Mr. Durden. It'll set quite an example.

J: No... you're making a mistake!

FLAT-TOP: You told us you'd say that.

J: I'm not Tyler Durden!

BALDY: You told us you'd say that, too.

J: Okay, I am Tyler Durden and I'm ordering you to abort the mission!

FLAT-TOP: You said you would definitely say that.

BALDY: What's our best time for a "cut and run?"

FLAT-TOP: Four minutes.

BALDY: Is somebody timing this?

REDHEAD: (looks at his watch) Wait till the second hand gets to the twelve.

A KNOCK at the door. Flat-Top slaps a hand over Jack's mouth. He and Redhead block view of the table as Baldy opens the door a crack. Stern mutters:

STERN: Some of this info checks out. Let's go to the place on Paper Street.

Baldy glances back at the other Detectives, leaves, closing the door. The two remaining Detectives continue. Jack kicks and screams and writhes. The Detectives wrangle him, but with more difficulty, now that Baldy's gone.

REDHEAD: (checking his watch) Mr. Durden, you're going to fuck up the time!

Jack gets one leg free, KICKS, knocks Flat-top backwards -- Flat-Top SLAMS the wall, falls. Redhead lets go of one of Jack's arms, jams his elbow into Jack's throat... cutting off the airway. Jack's face reddens... he's choking...

Jack's free hand reaches, searching.. pulls Redhead's GUN and points it at him. Redhead backs off. Jack gets up, gasping for air, PISTOL-WHIPS Flat-top as he rises.

Jack grabs one of the files off the table.

EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY

Jack, without pants, in BOXER SHORTS, escapes out the BACK DOOR. He looks at the ADDRESS on the file folder.

EXT. STREET

Jack SPRINTS down the middle of the street, gun in hand, looking like a complete madman. Cars almost hit him.

EXT. BANK BUILDING - LATER

Jack, sweating and panting, stops, looks... then heads toward the BUILDING with the address "1888."

EXT. 1888 LOBBY

Jack tries the door. Locked. He lifts a cast iron bench, runs forward -- RAMS it into the glass. The bench immediately recoils from the glass, SLAMS Jack's groin! Jack falls to his knees, doubled over, holding his package. Then, he rises, SHOOTS the glass...

INT. 1888 LOBBY

Jack pushes through the broken glass. He sprints for the "PARKING" door...

INT. GROUND LEVEL - PARKING

Jack enters, looks -- NO CARS. He bolts to the STAIRS...

INT. TOP-LEVEL PARKING AREA - SEVENTH FLOOR

Jack enters, heaving. Again, NO CARS. He moves from one SUPPORT POST to another, searching. He finally spies, across the garage, NINE LARGE CANISTERS, heavily-WIRED.

Jack runs to the BOMB, frantic. He walks around it. There's a DIGITAL CLOCK, ticking down from "25:59"...

Jack moves to pull the lid off one CANISTER, looks inside..

T: Could be worse...

Jack looks -- Tyler's seated, his back against one post.

T: You could be standing under 37 stories of steel and concrete with a 150 gallons of nitroglycerin strapped to the support... oh, maybe it couldn't be...

J: (points at bomb) You... you can't be serious about this.

T: What a ridiculous thing to say.

J: I can't let you...

T: ...go through with this? What are you going to do?

J: I'm going to...

T: ...stop me?

J: I'm not going...

T: ...to let this happen!

J: Stop finishing...

T: ...your sentences! They're our sentences. Get your mind around that.

Tyler gets up walks to Jack.

T: What are you doing running through the streets in your underpants? We both use that body.

J: Since when is Project Mayhem about murder?

T: The buildings were evacuated thirty minutes ago. Everything's proceeding exactly as planned.

J: You don't know that. There could still be people inside.

Tyler keeps walking around, crosses his arms.

T: Maybe. Maybe a couple of guys with shaved heads couldn't synchronize their watches. Good riddance.

Jack looks back to the BOMB, goes to it, wipes sweat off his face. He starts finger the MANY WIRES, sorting them.

T: I wouldn't be doing that. Unless you know which wires, in what order...

J: If you know, I know.

Jack holds his gun under one armpit, uses both hands to go through the tangle of colored wires.

T: Or... maybe I knew you'd know, so I spent the whole day thinking about the wrong ones.

Jack chooses one wire, GREEN, holds it in his fingers.

J: If I'm wrong, we're both dead..

T: This is not about martyrdom.

Jack twists the GREEN WIRE around his finger.

J: I'm pulling the green wire.

T: Green? Did you say green?

Tyler comes a little closer, leaning to try to get a look, seems genuinely concerned.

J: Yes...

T: Don't pull the green wire. Pull anything but the green wire.

J: Fuck you.

T: I'm serious. That's the wrong one.

Jack's unsure, swallowing, pulling the wire taunt, fingers trembling. The SOUND of a VEHICLE is HEARD from below...

T: Hear that? Marla's here. Just in the nick of time, eh?

Jack looks to Tyler. Tyler points towards the SOUND...

T: See for yourself.

Jack releases the wire, walks to a RAILING, gun in hand, keeps an eye on Tyler. Jack looks over the railing...

BELOW, a BUS idles. The doors open and MARLA'S dragged out, kicking and screaming, carried by SIX SPACE MONKEYS...

M: You motherfuckers...

They carry Marla into the BUILDING'S ENTRANCE.

Jack leans against the railing, exhausted.

T: I've got everything. The bombs. The army. I've got Marla.

J: Bob is dead, Tyler. The police blew a hole in his head. Was that part of your plan?

Tyler thinks, shrugs.

T: Bob was a grown man. In any great struggle, there will be casualties. Wouldn't that be implicit in the name? Project "Mayhem."

J: Fuck your struggle. I want out.

T: You want out?

J: I quit.

T: Not an option, for the most obvious of reasons. You need to get with the program. (looks at his watch) Seven minutes. Let's get out of here.

Tyler's walks away. Jack looks at the gun in his hand. He points the gun at Tyler...

J: Tyler...

T: (still walking away) What?

J: (COCKS the gun) Defuse the bomb.

Tyler stops walking.

T: Ask me nicely.

J: Defuse the bomb, please.

T: Defuse the bomb?

J: Yes.

Tyler strides towards the BOMB. Jack trains the gun...

J: Please.

Tyler looks at the BOMB, reaches over to it. He grips the GREEN WIRE, yanks it out -- the CLOCK STOPS.

Jack lowers his gun.

T: I did that for you. As a gesture. Now, how fast can you run? There are ten other bombs, in ten other buildings in the immediate area. If you're going to get them all, you better get cracking. (looks at watch) Six minutes. Green wires, remember. I'll be upstairs.

Jack's stunned. Tyler walks across the parking garage, past Jack, heading for the STAIRS.

Jack aims the gun at Tyler's back, FIRES!

Tyler ducks to one side, impossibly quick, avoiding...

Tyler spins to face Jack.

T: Whoa! What was that all about?

Jack aims... FIRES!

Tyler DODGES behind a post as the BULLET THROWS CONCRETE.

Jack edges forward, gun held in both hands, moves around the post... Tyler is NOT THERE. Jack turns, takes slow steps, moving the gun from side to side...

Suddenly, a FIST ENTERS FRAME -- SLUGS Jack's face.

Jack falls. The gun goes CLATTERING across the floor...

Jack turns, looking... Tyler's GONE. Jack looks to the gun, scrambles to his feet, running to pick up the gun...

Tyler KICKS Jack in the chest, sends Jack sprawling.

Jack rolls, holding his chest. He looks up, sees Tyler run into the STAIRWELL. Jack grabs the gun and follows...

INT. STAIRWELL

Jack smashes the door open. The stairwell's empty. Jack RUNS up a flight of stairs, kicks open ANOTHER DOOR...

INT. MAIN LOBBY

Jack steps forward, gun up... TWO INTERLOCKED HANDS SLAM down onto his head. Jack drops to the floor.

Tyler backs away, laughing. Jack gets to his feet, aims his gun...

T: Fire at will.

Jack clenches his teeth, FIRING -- nothing happens to Tyler. Jack FIRES TWICE -- no effect. Tyler raises his arms.

T: What did you expect?

Jack charges. Tyler dodges, PUNCHES, knocks the gun out of Jack's hand. They FIGHT, trading PUNCHES, grappling, taking each other to the floor... CUT TO:

INT. SECURITY OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

Banks of SECURITY MONITORS sit unmanned.

ON ONE MONITOR: Jack is seen in the lobby, on the floor, alone, wrestling himself. He swings his left hand up, punching empty air, then swings his right hand -- PUNCHING himself in the side of the head...

INT. MAIN LOBBY

Tyler and Jack fight viciously, bloodied. Tyler manages to get his hands around Jack's throat, starts BANGING Jack's head against the floor...

SECURITY MONITOR P.O.V.

... Jack's got his hands around his own throat, BANGING his own head against the floor, over and over...

INT. MAIN LOBBY

Jack manages to break Tyler's grip, KICKS Tyler away. Tyler springs to his feet, RUNS, heading for a STAIRCASE.

Jack gets up, breathing hard, holding his head, follows...

ON THE STAIRS, Tyler reaches the LOFT LEVEL, above the lobby, disappears around a corner. Jack's right behind, turning the corner -- Tyler's NOT THERE.

Jack receives a SHARP SLAP on the back of the head. He wheels. Tyler isn't there. A TAP on his shoulder. Jack turns around -- WHAM! -- Tyler PUNCHES his face. Jack falls against the loft railing. Tyler comes forward, SWINGS...

SECURITY MONITOR P.O.V.

Jack PUNCHES himself square in the nose!

INT. MAIN LOBBY

Jack's dazed. Tyler grabs Jack's shirt, pulls him forward, SWINGS HIM -- THROWS him DOWN THE STAIRS...

Jack TUMBLES horribly down... HITS BOTTOM, striking his head on the floor. Jack PASSES OUT...

FADE TO BLACK:
INT. LARGE SOCIAL ROOM - TOP FLOOR

CLOSE ON: Jack's head jerks back as he SNAPS AWAKE. He looks around, trying to focus his eyes...

JACK 'S P.O.V. -- TRACKS in the sawdust of the floor, from where his body was dragged across to where he is how.

CLOSE ON: Jack tries to comprehend. He turns his head -- TYLER'S HAND brings the GUN up, PUTS THE GUN IN JACK'S MOUTH. Jack freezes, looks around with his eyes...

PULL BACK TO:

Tyler is seated in Jack's lap. Tyler holds the gun in Jack's mouth, his arm around him. This huge room is being remodeled. Tyler and Jack are seated near floor-to-ceiling windows affording a spectacular view of the CITY.

Tyler looks at his watch.

T: One minute.

J(v): I think this is about where we came in.

T: (looking out window) This is the beginning. We're at ground zero. Maybe you should say a few words, to mark the occasion.

J: i... ann....iinn.. ff....nnyin...

Jack tongues the barrel to the side of his mouth.

J: (still distorted) I still can't think of anything.

Tyler checks his watch.

T: It's getting exciting now.

Jack turns, so he can see down -- 31 STORIES.

T: Look what we've accomplished. (checks watch) Thirty seconds. (looks out windows) Out these windows, we will view the economic collapse. One step closer to global equilibrium. I'm glad you're here with me.

Tyler watches the skyline, WHISTLES at tune, waiting.

J: (distorted) Can't you call it off... ?

T: It's out of our hands. (looks at watch) This is it.

J: Please...

T: Fifteen seconds now. Can you see alright? 10... 9... 8....

Tyler looks out the windows, at SURROUNDING BUILDINGS, excited. Jack closes his eyes, despairing.

T: 5... 4... 3... 2...

Out the window, the SKYLINE remains unchanged. Nothing. A long beat. A very dark scowl comes over Tyler's face.

Jack opens his eyes. More waiting. Tyler looks genuinely surprised, pissed-off.

T: What the fuck -- ?

J: Paraffin.

T: What?

J: (relieved) Paraffin. Your merry band mixed the nitro with paraffin. I saw it floating in the bomb. (more)

J: (cont) They must've run out of cotton and Epsom salt. Paraffin is iffy at best.

Tyler rises, taking the gun from Jack's mouth, starts pacing. Jack rubs his sore jowls, allows himself a smile.

T: Damn it! God-damn it...

J: Not exactly according to plan.

T: Do we have to do everything ourselves?!

Tyler stops walking, lets out a sigh of disgust. He reaches into his pocket, taking out a WALKIE TALKIE.

T: (into WALKIE TALKIE) ... Codename Rooster. Passcode First Strike...

Jack's eyes go wide.

J: NO...

T: (into WALKIE TALKIE) Proceed with remote detonation.

Jack leaps -- TACKLES Tyler. The GUN is knocked away. Jack STRIKES Tyler's face repeatedly with his elbow, scrambles off...

Jack gets the gun, turns, pointing it. Tyler's getting to his feet, sees the gun, annoyed. Jack stands.

T: Haven't we already done this?

Jack SHOOTS TWICE. Bullets pass right thorough Tyler. Tyler just rolls his eyes, drops the walkie-talkie to the floor and STOMPS on it, CRUSHING it.

J: (pointing) How'd you do that?! You're a fucking figment of my imagination... you're psychogenic fugue state...

T: Fuck that, maybe you're my hallucination.

Jack falters, pointing at Tyler's feet. There's no walkie- talkie there. Jack looks down, sees the WALKIE-TALKIE CRUSHED under his own foot.

J: Oh... Christ...

Jack holds his head, walks around, at his wit's end.

J: Why... why... why... ?

T: Why what?

J: Why can't I get rid of you? Why can't I just wish you away?

T: You need me.

J: No, no, I don't. (pause) I thank you, I really do. Thank you, but I don't need you anymore.

T: Look, I can be selfish, I know that. (pause) I'm not blind to my own failings...

J: Noooo, please...

Jack backs up against a window, numb and weary.

T: From now on, we'll share Marla. We've been spending too much time apart...

J: ... no, no, no...

T: No more running off without you. From here on out, we do it together.

J: Why are you doing this?!

T: I'm doing this for us.

J: Please understand... I've gotten all I can from this, Tyler.

T: (sullen) If I leave, you will be right back where I found you...

J: I swear on my life, I won't...

T: You will. You know you will.

Jack stares at Tyler, tears welling up, hangs his head. He looks at the gun in his hand...

T: Can you live with that?

Jack stares at the gun a long time... then...

Jack brings the gun up, PUTS THE GUN IN HIS MOUTH.

Tyler cocks his head.

T: What are you doing?

J: What have you left for me?

T: Why do you want to do that? Why do you want to put that gun in your mouth?

J: Not my mouth. Our mouth.

Tyler is calm.

T: This is interesting.

Tyler smiles in appreciation, slowly walks forward, stands very close to Jack.

T: Why are you going with this, Ikea- boy?

J: It's the only way to get rid of you...

Jack COCKS the hammer on the gun.

T: I can see you feel very strongly. I feel strongly too. (pause) Hey, you and me. (pause) Friends again?

Their eyes are locked, unblinking. Long silence.

J: Do something for me.

T: What?

J: Appreciate something.

T: What?

J: Look at me...

T: What?

J: My eyes are open.

EXTREME SLOW MOTION:

Jack's finger squeezes the trigger...

KABLAM! -- Jack's cheeks INFLATE with gas. His eyes bulge. BLOOD flies out from his head. The WINDOW behind him SHATTERS. SMOKE wafts out of his mouth and tear ducts.

RESUME NORMAL SPEED as the GLASS FALLS behind Jack...

Tyler stands, in gunsmoke, eyes glazed, sniffs the air...

T: What's that smell... ?

Jack slumps to the floor... Tyler falls...

Tyler hits the ground. The back of TYLER'S HEAD is BLOWN OPEN, revealing blood, skull and brain.

Suddenly, a GROUP of SPACE MONKEYS burst into the room, moving forward to Jack. TYLER'S BODY IS GONE.

TALL SPACE MONKEY: Are you all right, sir... ?!

Jack quakes, holding the side of his head; a ragged hole blown in his CHEEK. He's bleeding hard, but he's alive.

J: I'm okay...

Jack looks to the Space Monkeys, trying to get his eyes to see. TWO SPACE MONKEYS enter with Marla. One holds a gun to Marla as she struggles.

SHORT SPACE MONKEY: Are you sure? You look terrible, sir! What's happened?

J: Everything's fine.

ANOTHER SPACE MONKEY: Sir, you look really awful! Do you need medical assistance?

Jack sees Marla, tries to get to his feet, falls...

J: Bring the girl to me. The rest of you get out. Now!

The Monkeys bring Marla, releasing her, saluting.

M: What happened... ?

J: Don't ask.

Marla crouches, takes out wadded TISSUES and tries to apply. them to Jack's wound. Space Monkeys are leaving, hesitantly.

J: Get to the rendezvous point. Move it!

Jack and Marla are left alone.

M: My God, you're shot...

J: Yes.

Jack tries to got up. Marla helps him.

M: Who did this to you?

J: I did, I think. But, I'm okay... I'm fine...

MASSIVE EXPLOSION... the glass walls rattle...

Jack and Marla look -- OUT THE WINDOWS: a BUILDING EXPLODES; collapsing upon itself. Then, ANOTHER BUILDING IMPLODES into a massive cloud of dust. Jack and Marla are silhouetted against the SKYLINE. Jack looks to Marla, reaches to take her hand.

J: I'm sorry... you met me at a very strange time in my life.

Marla looks at him. ANOTHER BUILDING IMPLODES and COLLAPSES inward... and ANOTHER BUILDING... and ANOTHER...

The FILM SLOWS, then ADVANCES ONE FRAME at a TIME -- SHOWING SPROCKET HOLES on the SIDES. EACH FRAME is an IMPLODING BUILDING -- then, ONE FRAME IS A PENIS. Then, the IMPLODING BUILDING again. SPEED UP the frames, LOSE the sprocket holes, RESUME NORMAL SPEED...

FADE TO BLACK:

end