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                                  MACHETE




                                Written by

                             Robert Rodriguez





          EXT. MEXICAN CITY - DAY
          Aerial over the city, flying down into a FEDERALE CAR tearing
          through the slums.
                         
          Piles of garbage scatter, stray dogs scramble.
                         
                         
          INT. FEDERALE CAR, MOVING - DAY
                         
          MACHETE (MEXICAN FEDERALE OFFICER CRUZ) drives with ROOKIE
          OFFICER ERHMAN riding shotgun. A rosary swings back and forth
          on the rearview mirror.
                         
          CHIEF TORREZ's yells crackle through the police radio.
                         
                          TORREZ
                          (ON RADIO)
           Officer Cruz! Stand down! Do not
           attempt to take the safehouse
           alone! Officer Cruz! You hear me!?
                         
                          OFFICER ERHMAN
           Torrez sounds mad. You going to
           answer him?
                         
          Machete glares. Erhman nervously picks up the radio.
                         
           OFFICER ERHMAN (CONT'D)
           On route to target, no need for
           assistance.
                         
                          TORREZ
                          (ON RADIO)
           Machete, you son of a bitch! I told
           you to wait! Set up a perimeter and
           wait for further orders. You hear
           me, Pendejo!?
                         
          Machete slowly takes the radio from Erhman. He hangs up.
                         
                         
          EXT. MEXICAN HOTEL - DAY
                         
          Fleapit motel sits derelict at end of the street. Dead cars
          on the lawn, chickens scratching in the dirt.
                         
                         
          INT. FEDERALE CAR, MOVING - DAY
                         
          Machete guns the engine.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 2.
                         
                         
                          OFFICER ERHMAN
           What are you doing? We're going to
           set up a perimeter right? You heard
           the boss.
                         
          Machete pulls his Machete, sticks it up to Erhman's face.
                         
                          MACHETE
           This is the boss.
                         
          Ehrman crosses himself.
                         
          A phalanx of ARMED GUARDS emerge from the dead cars. They
          narrow their weapons at MACHETE's barrelling patrolcar.
                         
                          OFFICER ERHMAN
           Hijo de puta!
                         
          Machete FLOORS it directly through the DEAD CARS and right
          through the FRONT WALL of the fleapit.
                         
                         
          INT MEXICAN HOTEL, LOBBY - DAY
                         
          Erhman flies THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD into the far wall. The
          car stops in front of the check-in desk.
                         
          Machete steps out. The dust clears.
                         
          More ARMED MEN stream from the office.
                         
          MACHETE sideswipes the first THUG with his MACHETE, swinging
          him around to face the fire of the others.
                         
          THUG ragdolls around like a marionette long enough for
          Machete to slash one of the men's wrists, sending his aim
          wild and taking out the others.
                         
                         
          INT. MEXICAN HOTEL, HALLWAY
                         
          Machete kicks open a door.
                         
                         
          INT. MEXICAN HOTEL, ROOM
                         
          Naked girl on the bed. As if she was expecting him.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Get dressed.
                         
          He checks the windows.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 3.
                         
                         
                          CHICA
           It's too hot for clothes.
                         
          Checks her eyes.
                         
          She's been drugged.
                         
          He lifts her, ass over his shoulder.
                         
                          CHICA (CONT'D)
           Hey... what's your name?
                         
          She tries to read the nametag on his uniform, upside-down.
                         
                         
          INT. MEXICAN HOTEL, HALLWAY
                         
          A THUG with an UZI runs out spraying bullets.
                         
          Machete spins and impales his face into the wall. THUG's Uzi
          falls into the girl's hands.
                         
          MORE THUGS emerge from the end of the hallway.
                         
          She absently pulls the trigger, ripping into the pursuing
          men. Blood sprays the walls like Jackson Pollock.
                         
          New THUGS emerge from the front of the hallway. Machete spins
          around and the girl unloads another spray.
                         
                          CHICA
           Oh... wow.
                         
                         
          INT. MEXICAN HOTEL, LOBBY
                         
          The Uzi's out of ammo. The girl frowns and drops it.
                         
          The fucked-up patrolcar blocks the way out, for now. Machete
          resheathes his weapon into a slit in his pants.
                         
          Girl arches her back, her crotch in Machete's face, then
          slides down his front, her breasts brushing his eyes, nose,
          mouth.
                         
                          MACHETE
           We need to go. Now.
                         
                          CHICA
           In what? That?
                         
          The patrolcar isn't going anywhere.
                         
          She rips open his shirt and rubs his tattoo.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 4.
                         
                         
                          CHICA (CONT'D)
           That looks like me.
                         
          She reaches into his pants.
                         
                          CHICA (CONT'D)
           What's this long, hard thing?
                         
                          MACHETE
           My machete.
                         
                          CHICA
           Is it sharp?
                         
          Machete looks into her eyes. She smiles drunkenly.
                         
                          CHICA (CONT'D)
           Good.
                         
          She yanks it, drawing it into his femoral artery. Hard.
                         
          He falls to the ground. He didn't see this coming.
                         
          She kicks him backwards.
                         
          He feels life escaping him. His point of view as:
                         
          She reaches down BETWEEN HER LEGS.
                         
          Fumbles with her CROTCH.
                         
          Pulls out a small cell phone from her snatch.
                         
                          CHICA (CONT'D)
                          (INTO PHONE)
           I got him.
                         
          More life escapes him. Double crossed. He's ready to give up.
                         
                          CHICA (CONT'D)
                          (HANGING UP)
           Pobrecito.
                         
          CHIEF TORREZ steps in.
                         
                          GIRL
           Como hice? (Sub: How'd I do?)
                         
                          TORREZ
           Bueno... pero no tanto. (Sub:
           Good... but not that good.)
                         
          He shoots her once; she drops, then he empties the gun into
          her body, making her do a spider dance on the floor.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 5.
                         
                         
                          TORREZ (CONT'D)
           You had to stick your neck where it
           didn't belong, amigo.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Torrez?
                         
          Torrez's boot connects with Machete's face and he goes
          backwards onto the floor.
                         
          A SECOND MAN enters. This is DRUGLORD.
                         
                          DRUGLORD
           No, not Torrez. El Santo Muerte,
           pendejo. (I'm Saint Death,
           pendejo.)
                         
          DRUGLORD draws a Samurai sword and SLICES Machete like
          carving meat. We don't see it.
                         
                          DRUGLORD (CONT'D)
           Quemalo. Quemalo todo. (Sub: Burn
           it. Burn it all.)
                         
          Druglord walks out. Through Machete's blurred vision we see
          Torrez and other officers lighting rags dipped in bottles of
          tequila and throwing them into the corners of the room.
                         
          The place goes up as they run out.
                         
          Machete crawls and collapses as the flames rise around him
                         AND WE
                         
           CUT TO BLACK.
                         
                         
          TITLE CARD: THREE YEARS LATER
                         
                         
          EXT. BORDER BRUSH COUNTRY - NIGHT
                         
          TITLE CARD: SOMEWHERE ALONG THE TEXAS BORDER
                         
          A group of ILLEGALS hunker down in the brush, creeping in the
          moonlight.
                         
          One of them coughs and seizes, obviously sick. Another points
          at a WATER STATION up ahead, pulling the sick man along.
                         
          Headlights of a large TRUCK appear over a ridge. A spotlight
          scans the brush, catches them. ARMED MEN ride in the bed of
          the truck.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 6.
                         
                         
                          MAN
           I see em!
                         
          The burly driver, VON, shifts into gear and barrels down.
          They scatter.
                         
          Shots from the truck hit them.
                         
          One keeps running.
                         
          They corner the last illegal. He's lit in the spotlight like
          Christ on the cross, arms wide in surrender. VON smiles.
                         
                          VON
           Welcome to America.
                         
          Gunfire.
                         
                         
          EXT. BUNGALOW - NIGHT
                         
          TITLE CARD: AUSTIN, TEXAS. 4:45 A.M.
                         
                         
          INT. BUNGALOW, BATHROOM - NIGHT
                         
          ELEKTRA RIVERS, 20s, lies naked, soaking in a bubble bath.
          She stretches, revealing tantalizing glimpses of her bod.
                         
          She's having her "private time," caressing every inch of her
          body with a phallic loofah. She oohs and ahhs with the joys
          of pleasuring herself in the tub.
                         
          Headlights appear through the venetian blinds. She stops.
                         
          Sounds of people getting out of a car, laughing, shushing
          each other. Then a key in a lock, struggling to open it. A
          door forcibly opens.
                         
          More sounds of fumbling and shushing.
                         
                         
          INT. BUNGALOW, BEDROOM
                         
          Dim lights silhouette two people getting naked and getting
          physical.
                         
          Lights come on. ELEKTRA stands in a bathrobe.
                         
          COUPLE are stunned. Especially since the naked woman in bed
          looks just like ELEKTRA.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 7.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Jesus, Sis. How long have you known
           this one? Twenty minutes?
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           What the fuck? You're a twin? Hot.
                         
          SIS in bed covers up.
                         
                          SIS
           Mind your own business.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I'm trying to. I've got to get
           ready for work. And you're in my
           room.
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           Whoa, whoa. Why don't you join us?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What a charmer. You sure know how
           to pick `em, Sis.
                         
                          SIS
           Fuck off.
                          (TO MAN)
           Get out.
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           What?
                         
                          SIS
           You've been kicked off the island.
           Get the fuck out.
                         
          Naked Man cold-cocks Sis. She's out.
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           Talk nice. And you--get that robe
           off and get up here.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Sure thing. I like a man who takes
           control.
                         
          She sidles up to the man, straddles him in bed, pushes his
          hands up to the bedrail and snaps the cuffs on him, cuffing
          him to the bed.
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           What the fuck?
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 8.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           You're under arrest, dick.
                         
          She pulls a handgun from her robe, pistolwhips him good.
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           You're a cop?
                         
          She hits speed-dial on a cellphone.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Yeah, this is Agent Elektra Rivers,
           Homeland Security. I could use some
           unis at the corner of Newning and
           Drake for an assault. Suspect in
           custody.
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           You're fucking hot.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           (clicking phone shut)
           Yeah. Thanks. I gotta get dressed
           now.
                         
                          NAKED MAN
           Can I watch?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Suit yourself.
                         
          She strips off the robe, giving him an eyeful.
                         
                         
          EXT. BUNGALOW - DAY
                         
          Cops take the naked man into custody. Elektra, badge on her
          suit, gets into her car. Sis appears in the doorway holding a
          steak to her face. She lowers it, revealing a black eye.
                         
                          SIS
           Have a nice day, bitch.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           You too, slut.
                         
          Elektra drives away. Sis shuts the door.
                         
                         
          EXT. ELEKTRA'S CAR, MOVING - DAY
                         
          Elektra drives. Flicks on the radio.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 9.
                         
                         
                          RADIO ANNOUNCER
           State Senator John McLaughlin is
           once again under investigation for
           his ties to an extremist militia
           organization in the capitol city--
                         
          Switching radio to her favorite song as she speeds by--
                         
                         
          EXT. DAY LABORER PICKUP SPOT - DAY
                         
          Men mill about, waiting to be picked up for work as trucks roll by.
                         
          MACHETE,; older and tougher, strides down the sidewalk.
                         
          A TACO TRUCK honks and pulls to the curb.
                         
          A window opens. A gorgeous raven haired beauty, LUZ,
          stretches out.
                         
                          LUZ
           Cafe! Taquitos! Tarjetas de
           llamada! (Sub: Coffee! Tacos! Long-
           distance calling cards!)
                         
          Men walk up and get their breakfast.
                         
          Machete strides by.
                         
          Moco, a worker, approaches the taco truck.
                         
                          MOCO
           Q-vole, Luz! Dos taquitos de papas
           con, por fa. Y cafe. (Sub: What's
           up, Luz? Two potato and egg tacos,
           please. And coffee.)
                         
          He digs into the steaming plate of Migas.
                         
          Luz's MINI BULLDOG PANCHO runs up and barks.
                         
          Moco throws him some chorizo. He scarfs it up.
                         
                          LUZ
           Pancho vamanos! Leave him alone.
                         
                          MOCO
           It's OK Luz. You gotta feed your
           little man, he's hungry.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 10.
                         
                         
                          LUZ
           He's a fat fuck, don't do nothing
           and eats all day, like my last
           husband.
                         
                          MOCO
           Orale, you ain't getting married
           again with that attitude.
                         
                          LUZ
           Thank god. Why buy the pig when I
           can get the chorizo for free?
                         
                          MOCO
           Puta.
                         
                          LUZ
                          EAT ME
                         
          Moco pulls out a hundred dollar bill and slides it across the
          counter to her.
                         
          Their smiles turn serious.
                         
          Luz hands Moco a brown box to go.
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           Be careful mi amor,and don't leave
           no scraps.
                         
          Moco looks inside; It's a .357 Magnum
                         
          She hands him a french fry box filled with bullets. Moco
          takes the gear and leaves.
                         
                          MOCO
           Thanks Luz, Hasta luego.
                         
                          LUZ
           Via con dios.
                         
          Luz notices MACHETE, standing away from the crowd, She waves
          him over.
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           Looking for something?
                         
          She pushes two tacos and a coffee toward him. He shakes his
          head no.
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           Maņana me pages. (Sub: You can pay
           me tomorrow.)
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 11.
                         
                         
          Machete takes the food, steps aside.
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEY - DAY
                         
          Men circle in an alleyway, laying money down on the ground,
          placing bets on the two fighters in the makeshift ring.
                         
          One is a brawny thug with a neck like a tree trunk. The other
          is strong, but not big.
                         
          Brawny Thug makes quick work of his opponent. The men cheer.
                         
          Brawny Thug's HANDLER coaxes the crowd for another opponent.
                         
          Machete walks into the alley. Brawny Thug points at him.
                         
                          HANDLER
           He wants you.
                         
          Machete keeps walking.
                         
                          HANDLER (CONT'D)
           $500 if you lose. $2000 if you win.
                         
          Machete keeps walking.
                         
                          HANDLER (CONT'D)
           Hey, you, wetback! You're gonna
           kiss off $500 for five minutes?
                         
          Machete stops.
                         
          Rico, a WORKER, lays a fistful of bills on the ground.
                         
                          RICO
           A hundred on the new guy!
                         
          HANDLER takes the money, makes a note. Bets start flying as
          money changes hands.
                         
                          RICO (CONT'D)
           Orale! Come on!
                         
          A Benz pulls up into the alley, and a bearded man wearing
          sunglasses steps out, still in the shadows, watching from a
          distance.
                         
          Machete and the brawny thug fist fight bareknuckled. Brawny
          gets in several good punches, knocking Machete about, but
          Machete comes from behind to lay him out.
                         
          Brawny falls on his face with a sickening crunch.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 12.
                         
                         
          The crowd goes wild. Rico pockets his winnings. Machete grabs
          his and walks off around the corner.
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEY - DAY
                         
          Machete is followed by two of Brawny's gangster friends.
          Another steps in front of him.
                         
                          BRUNO
           Hey man, that was some good work
           back there. Let me borrow some
           money.
                         
          Machete walks around him. Bruno blocks his path and
                         
          sticks a Glock in Machete's face.
                         
                          BRUNO (CONT'D)
           Hand it over.
                         
          The two gangsters behind Machete pull switchblades.
                         
                          GANGSTER ONE
           Don't make us carve you up farmer.
                         
          A standoff as Machete stares. They all turn when they hear...
                         
                          LUZ
           I do the carving around here
           pendejos.
                         
                          BRUNO
                          (SPANISH)
           What the fuck is this? Get back to
           the kitchen chica.
                         
          Luz drops her apron and gives them an eyeful. Her tan body is
          barely covered in cut offs and a blouse. She makes Daisy Duke
          look like Jabba the Hutt.
                         
          A CLEAVER is in her manicured hand. She waves him over.
                         
                          LUZ
           Come to mami.
                         
          Gangster One lunges at her. Luz chops into his shoulder
                         
          Bruno is distracted, Machete grabs his gun;beats him with it.
                         
          Her dog Pancho bites their ankles.
                         
          Luz takes out the others with lightning quick moves.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 13.
                         
                         
          The gangsters lay beaten, moaning on the ground.
                         
          Machete and Luz share a look and part ways.
                         
                         
          EXT. STREET CORNER - DAY
                         
          A MERCEDES BENZ rolls down the street and stops by Machete.
                         
          The DRIVER of the BENZ points at him.
                         
                          BENZ
           You.
                         
          Another worker scrabbles to the window.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           Not you, Ragged Dick. Him.
                         
          The worker steps aside. Machete walks up.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           Get in.
                         
          Luz watches Machete leave.
                         
                         
          INT. CAR, DRIVING - DAY
                         
          Benz drives, Machete rides shotgun.
                         
                          BENZ
           You speak English?
                         
                          MACHETE
           $70 a day for yardwork. Hundred for
           roofing. One-twenty-five for
           septic. Sewage.
                         
                          BENZ
           $125?
                         
                          MACHETE
           I cost the most, because I'm the
           best there is.
                         
                          BENZ
           Naturally.
                         
          They drive by a CATHOLIC CHURCH. A Mexican-American PADRE
          sweeps the steps.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           You can call me Benz.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 14.
                         
                         
                          MACHETE
           Like the car.
                         
                          BENZ
           You're sharp. That's right. Just
           like the car.
                         
                          MACHETE
           What are you looking for, Mr. Benz?
                         
                          BENZ
           Have you ever killed anyone before?
                         
          Machete eyes the church as they drive by.
                         
                         
          EXT. PARKING GARAGE - DAY
                         
          The Benz parks underground. They take a freight elevator up
          to the office.
                         
                         
          INT. WAREHOUSE OFFICE
                         
          Benz hits the lights. The place is nice. Machete don't care.
                         
                          BENZ
           Drink?
                         
          Benz pours two tequila shots. They shoot em.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           Like angels pissing down my throat.
                         
          Benz points Machete to sit behind the desk.
                         
          He flips open a manila folder, inside is an 8 X 10 of a well-
          dressed 40-something man.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           Do you know this man?
                         
          Machete shakes his head no.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           State Senator John McLaughlin,
           Independent from Cocksucker County.
           As you know, illegal immigrants
           such as yourself are being forced
           out of our country at an alarming
           rate. If he had his druthers, he'd
           ship you back to old Meh-Hee-Co.
           That's his platform: Ship `em back.
                          (MORE)
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 15.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           But first, he'd make you build a
           wall along the border for no pay.
           Not so much as a thank you then get
           the fuck out.
                         
          Benz sees this doesn't impress Machete.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           What?
                         
                          MACHETE
           That doesn't sound like your
           problem.
                         
                          BENZ
           That's where you're wrong, friend.
           What our senator fails to realize
           is that this country runs on
           illegal labor. Thrives on it. Keeps
           costs down, keeps the wheels
           moving. Bust that, and the world
           stops turning. You've chaos and
           shit.
                         
                          MACHETE
           What do you want me to do?
                         
                          BENZ
           For the good of both our peoples,
           our new senator must die. And for
           that I will pay you $150,000 cash.
                         
                         
          INT. INNER ROOM
                         
          Benz flicks the lights. Tables are laid out with weaponry.
          Machete walks past the automatics and blades. He stops at a
          machete.
                         
                          BENZ
           You like the machete, huh? Strictly
           low-tech, but good close-up, or if
           you're trying to make a
           particularly brutal point. But it's
           entirely unsuited to our purposes.
           Here. Have a look at this.
                         
          He shows him an unassembled sniper rifle. As he lists the
          specs, he snaps it together perfect.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 16.
                         
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           (specific dialogue about the
           weapon, the laser-sight on it, the
           ammo it uses, then) Cheer up,
           Charlie. This is your golden
           ticket.
                         
          Benz drops a hollow point sniper shell into Machete's hand.
                         
                         
          EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF CHURCH - DAY
                         
          Machete walks past, the briefcase in one hand, rifle case in
          the other. Families have gathered on the front steps after a
          baptism. PADRE shakes hands with the parishioners. Seems to
          recognize Machete, but when he looks again, Machete's gone.
                         
                         
          EXT. DAY LABORER PICKUP SPOT - DAY
                         
          Machete steps up to the taco truck and sets the locked
          briefcase on the counter.
                         
                          LUZ
                          (SMILING)
           You still owe me, amigo. Two tacos
           y cafe. What's this?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Collateral.
                         
          Machete walks away.
                         
                         
          INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
                         
          Senator JOHN MCLAUGHLIN sits while a foppish Italian cuts his
          hair.
                         
          A REPORTER sits across from him.
                         
                          REPORTER
           But isn't this anti-immigration
           platform a hard sell in this part
           of the country, where so many
           voters have strong ethnic
           backgrounds?
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Not at all. Those voters are here
           legally.
                          (MORE)
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 17.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN (CONT'D)
           It cheapens their experience, their
           hard work, to have people jumping
           the border, taking advantage of
           loopholes in our system. It makes a
           mockery of everything they've
           worked for and turns it into a big
           steaming pile of--
                         
          A hand covers the reporter's recorder. It's Benz.
                         
                          BENZ
           Thank you, that'll be all.
                         
          The reporter half-smiles. Benz ushers her out and turns to
          the hairdresser.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           Who the fuck is this?
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           It's Mario. He's my goddamn
           hairdresser.
                         
                          BENZ
           Get out. Get the fuck out.
                         
          Mario leaves.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           I've got to look good for my
           constituency.
                         
                          BENZ
           You're in here with a reporter and
           a fucking shampoo queen, for Christ
           sake.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Mario's the best.
                         
                          BENZ
           People want to know you're one of
           them. From now on, No manicures, no
           massages, no English tailored
           suits.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Who died up your ass, Benz? I'm
           elected, you sonofabitch. The
           people have spoken, by a slim
           margin maybe, but they picked me.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 18.
                         
                         
                          BENZ
           And they'll be picking through your
           trash looking for a reason to fuck
           you up. I'm doing everything I can
           to make your Von problem go away.
           Don't add more fuel to the fire.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Von... that fat sonofabitch. What
           does he say?
                         
                          BENZ
           I don't give a damn. As long as he
           lays low and doesn't take a step
           out of his little tree fort, he and
           his boys can play soldier till Hell
           freezes over.
                         
                         
          EXT. ABANDONED NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY - DAY
                         
          Trucks and military surplus vehicles are lining up and moving
          out.
                         
          VON, driving a big truck, prepares to leave the premises.
          Shades and a cigar. MAN riding shotgun looks uncomfortable.
                         
                          MAN
           Maybe we shouldn't be doing this,
           Von. Not with the heat we're under.
                         
                          VON
           "Congress shall make no law
           abridging the right of the people
           peaceably to assemble, and to
           petition the Government for a
           redress of grievances." Do you know
           what that's from?
                         
                          MAN
           The Constitution?
                         
                          VON
           The First Fuckin Amendment
           "Congress shall make no law
           abridging the right of the people
           peaceably to assemble, and to
           petition the Government for a
           redress of grievances." I would
           like to assemble peaceably as I
           have some grievances to redress.
           Now is that all right with you?
                         
          Man stands down. Puts on his cap. It says "FREEDOM FORCE."
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 19.
                         
                         
          The trucks roll out.
                         
                         
          EXT./INT. DOWNTOWN BUILDING - DAY
                         
          Machete in JANITOR uniform pushes a mop and bucket to the
          elevator and steps inside.
                         
          A woman in a business suit, hair pinned back and glasses
          stops the elevator door.
                         
                          WOMAN
           You!
                         
          Machete freezes.
                         
                          WOMAN (CONT'D)
           You're not Cisco. You're new here,
           aren't you? Well, one of the
           toilets in the ladies' is busted
           again, and you need to clean it up
           snappy.
                         
                          MACHETE
           This is Cisco's floor. I'm on 11.
                         
                          WOMAN
           But this is an emergency!
                         
                          MACHETE
           Find Cisco.
                         
          The elevator doors shut.
                         
                         
          EXT. TOHO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE - DAY
                         
          ELEKTRA enters.
                         
                         
          INT. TOP FLOOR, ROOF ACCESS
                         
          Machete wheels a mop and bucket. He pulls a plastic bag out
          of the gray water and enters the stairwell.
                         
                         
          EXT. ROOFTOP
                         
          Machete slips the pieces of the rifle out of the plastic bag
          and assembles them. He preps for the kill.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 20.
                         
                         
          EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS - DAY
                         
          Throngs of people are gathered to hear the Senator's speech.
          The citizen militia led by Von carry signs of support for
          McLaughlin and other anti-immigration slogans. They wear caps
          marked "FREEDOM FORCE."
                         
          Across the street, a counterprotest group assembles with
          signs of their own. Luz's TACO TRUCK is there.
                         
                          SPEAKER
           We're at a crossroads in this great
           land, and one man has the vision to
           see us into the future.
                         
                          MILITIA MAN
                          (APPLAUDING)
           Our man's up next.
                         
                          VON
           It's a great day in America, Amen.
                         
          Benz stands among the crowd, the brim of a cowboy hat shading
          his eyes.
                         
                          SPEAKER
           Please join me in welcoming our
           great State Senator John
           McLaughlin!
                         
          McLaughlin stands at the podium. Behind him hangs a banner:
          LAND OF THE FREE, NOT THE FREELOADERS. The crowds punctuate
          his speech with cheers.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Make no mistake, my friends: We are
           at WAR. Every time an illegal
           sneaks across the border by dark of
           night it is an act of aggression
           against the United States. And I
           submit to you, it is an overt act
           of TERRORISM. These people are
           TERRORISTS.
                         
          Cheers swell in the crowd, spiked with boos and jeers from
          across the street.
                         
                         
          EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY
                         
          Machete readies the sniper rifle and aims down at his target.
                         
          Something catches his eye-a glint of a reflection-as he spots-
          ...
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 21.
                         
                         
          ANOTHER SNIPER across the way, aiming another SNIPER RIFLE
          directly at HIM.
                         
          MACHETE lets off two quick rounds and the SNIPER lets off
          three shots in rapid succession and one of them catches
          Machete in the shoulder. He flips onto his back and out of
          the other sniper's line of sight.
                         
                         
          EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS - DAY
                         
          Down below, Machete's bullet has grazed McLaughlin's cheek.
          The second bullet has shattered McLaughlin's shin. The throng
          scrambles for cover as armed guards draw their weapons and
          scan the skies.
                         
                         
          INT. TOP FLOOR, ROOF ACCESS
                         
          Machete zips up the gray coveralls but the blood starts to
          seep through. He pushes the mop and bucket and a small
          trickle of blood runs down the mop handle from where it leans
          against Machete's shoulder and into the bucket.
                         
          He walks briskly to the elevator and slips inside.
                         
                         
          INT. ELEVATOR
                         
          The elevator stops on the sixth floor. A GUARD enters,
          talking on a 2-way.
                         
                          GUARD
                          (INTO RADIO)
           Roger. I'm on my way.
                         
          Machete pushes the bucket and mop out. The guard notices
          blood on the floor.
                         
                          GUARD (CONT'D)
           Hey!
                         
          He reaches for Machete but Machete pulls a hidden blade from
          the mop handle and jacks the guy with quick, sharp thrusts
          into his neck. The guard slides backwards into the elevator
          as the door closes.
                         
                         
          INT. SIXTH FLOOR
                         
          Machete pushes the bucket and mop towards an open office.
          There's a fire escape out the window. He heads towards it.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 22.
                         
                         
          INT. DOWNTOWN BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR
                         
          Elevator opens as the WOMAN complaining about the toilets
          earlier steps in and sees GUARD lying in pool of BLOOD. She
          SCREAMS.
                         
                         
          EXT. COURTHOUSE STEPS - DAY
                         
          Frantic down there, as a fight breaks out between Von's anti-
          immigration militia and pro-immigrant protesters.
                         
          Benz grabs McLaughlin and funnels him into a waiting
          limousine. The limo screeches as it speeds away.
                         
                         
          INT. LIMOUSINE, MOVING
                         
          Benz presses his jacket against the bloody wound at
          McLaughlin's leg.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           The fuck was that?
                         
                          BENZ
           I'd say it was a fucking gift from
           the Gods.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           What are you talking about?
                         
                          BENZ
           Get ready for your numbers to rise
           like Lazarus. A thousand bucks says
           it was some bean-eating wetback
           just took a potshot at you. It will
           put the fear of God into the ethics
           commission. Now we get you to the
           hospital, you make your bedside
           speech and you're set.
                         
          McLaughlin looks at Benz, taking it all in.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Fix me a goddamn drink.
                         
                         
          EXT. FIRE ESCAPE - DAY
                         
          Machete rockets down the fire escape.
                         
          He lands and a COP smashes the back of his head with a
          Shotgun butt.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 23.
                         
                         
          Machete flies into garbage cans.
                         
          Shotguns pump.
                         
          He looks up. Two cops have shotguns pointed at his head.
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           Go ahead Jorge, I'll grease your
           chips all over this fucking alley!
                         
          One of the cops cuffs him and shoves him into the backseat of
          a patrol car.
                         
                          PATROLMAN (CONT'D)
           It's going to turn into a lynch mob
           if we don't get him out of here
           now.
                         
          The patrolmen drive away; A TV CREW spots them and jumps
          into their van to give chase.
                         
                         
          INT. PATROL CAR, MOVING
                         
          The two patrolmen are young, hyped.
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           This is fucking big. This guy took
           a shot at a Representative.
                         
                          COP
           Senator.
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           Same fucking thing. He could die,
           and we caught him.
                         
                          COP
           Yeah, we did. They're gonna hang
           him like Saddam.
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           We're fuckin' heroes, buddy.
                         
          The patrol car zips in and out of traffic.
                         
                          COP
           I'm gonna call it in. Unless you
           want to do it.
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           No. You go ahead. You're good at
           it.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 24.
                         
                         
                          COP
           What the fuck is that supposed to
           mean? That I'm not good at the
           action stuff? Just the pussy stuff?
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           Did I fuckin' say that?
                         
                          COP
           Did you fuckin' mean it?
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           Look, you and me both apprehended
           this fuckin' suspect. We frisked
           him and we cuffed him and now we're
           bringin' him downtown. We're gonna
           get a medal for this.
                         
                          COP
           I didn't frisk him.
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           Yeah, you did.
                         
                          COP
           I'm telling you. I didn't frisk
           him. You must have done it.
                         
                          PATROLMAN
           I didn't frisk him. I thought you--
                         
          Suddenly, a bolus of BLOOD appears at the driver's mouth.
                         
                          COP
           Jesus fuck! What's wrong, man?
                         
          In the backseat, Machete has his MACHETE in his cuffed hands,
          stuck through the driver's seat and into the guy's chest.
          Machete twists the blade and the driver turns the wheel in
          the direction -- MACHETE is STEERING THE CAR from the
          BACKSEAT with the MACHETE stuck through the DRIVER!
                         
                          PATROLMAN
                          (SPITTING BLOOD)
           Oh, fuck!
                         
          His foot goes like iron to the floor, gunning the engine.
                         
                          COP
           Slow down, man!
                         
          Machete jerks the blade to one side and the COP CAR veers
          into oncoming traffic.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 25.
                         
                         
                          COP (CONT'D)
           Holy shit!
                         
          The cop tries to grab the wheel but Machete jerks the blade
          in the opposite direction and the COP CAR wrecks, spilling
          sideways and sliding across the pavement.
                         
          Machete slides out through the busted glass and frees his
          hands on the blade, then limps towards--
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEYWAY - DAY
                         
          TV VAN jerks to a halt and the cameraman gets footage of the
          cop car wreckage and of Machete miraculously walking away.
                         
          TV REPORTER hurries to catch up and describe the scene.
                         
                         
          INT. TOHO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
                         
          ELEKTRA looks up from her teriyaki and martini to the muted
          TV mounted on the wall.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Hey, turn that up, would you?
                         
                          TV REPORTER
                          (ON TV)
           ...at the scene of an incredible
           accident just moments after the
           attempt on State Senator
           McLaughlin's life and we're not
           sure if this individual was in
           custody or was hit by the vehicle
           but he appears to be injured--
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEYWAY
                         
          The COP CAR ignites its spilled gas.
                         
                          TV REPORTER
           Holy fuck!
                         
          The car blows, sending them flying backwards into the side of
          the TV TRUCK.
                         
          Machete is thrown by the explosion into BLACKOUT.
                         
                         
          INT. TOHO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
                         
          Elektra's phone rings. It's her BOSS.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 26.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I'm watching it.
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           Don't watch it. Get on it now! I
           want that suspect.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What do you know?
                         
                          BOSS
           I only know what you know, and
           right know, you don't know dick.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I'm gone, relax.
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEYWAY/INT. SNIPER'S CAR, MOVING - DAY
                         
          SNIPER who took a shot at MACHETE watches as the cops sift
          through the mess left behind.
                         
                          SNIPER
                          (ON PHONE)
           I think he's toast.
                         
                          BENZ
                          (ON PHONE)
           Don't think. Know. Check the
           hospital. Check the morgue. Fucking
           verify.
                         
          ELEKTRA arrives. SNIPER gets an eyeful as she crosses the
          yellow tape barrier.
                         
                          SNIPER
                          (HANGING UP)
           Now that's what I call a fuckable
           ass.
                         
          SNIPER drives off.
                         
                         
          INT. COUNTY MEDICAL HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
                         
          COUNTY MEDICAL is noisy and dirty.
                         
          A SEXY SPANISH NURSE wheels Machete down the corridor and
          into a room.
                         
          Her tattoos poke out from under her tiny nurse uniform.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 27.
                         
                         
                          NURSE
           (quietly in Spanish)
           They don't know you're here yet.
           You were brought in as a Juan Doe.
           Innocent bystander.
                         
          He's barely conscious; his vision blurred.
                         
                         
          INT. COUNTY MEDICAL HOSPITAL ROOM
                         
          DOC FELIX checks X-Rays. Nurse gives him a kiss.
                         
                          NURSE
           Here he is, Doc.
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           Good girl.
                         
          She bends over and gives Doc an eyeful.
                         
                          NURSE
           Hey Doc... I can feel your eyeballs
           in my uterus.
                         
          Doc slips a surgical glove on.
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           Let's investigate that.
                         
          Machete coughs into semi-consciousness.
                         
           DOC FELIX (CONT'D)
           Oh hey, the hero has awoken. Check
           it out.
           (Holds up X-Rays)
           This is amazing. You can see the
           bullet rebounded, entered the back
           of the cranium and was stopped by
           another bullet already lodged in
           the bone. I've never seen anything
           like it. If he hadn't been shot
           before he would be dead now.
           There's a lesson in there
           somewhere...
                         
          A GRUFF SECURITY GUARD walks in and HANDCUFFS Machete to the
          side of the gurney.
                         
                          SECURITY GUARD
           You're going to tell me who you're
           working for or I'll bury your spic
           ass and have your wife turning
           tricks for tacos by breakfast.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 28.
                         
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           Hey, buddy. This is a patient of
           mine. He's in a fragile state. He's
           got a bullet in his cranium.
                         
                          SECURITY GUARD
           This wetback tried to kill the
           Senator, Doc! It's all over the TV.
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           Yeah? In that case you better let
           me keep him alive so you can beat
           the truth out of him. And collect
           the reward.
                         
          The Guard lightens up.
                         
                          SECURITY GUARD
           You're alright, Doc. You know how
           it is, they take our welfare money.
           There ain't none left for us decent
           folk... Now you get him lucid so I
           can torture him good.
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           Lucid. That's a good word. Go get a
           coffee and donut out in the lobby.
           I'll come get you when he's ready.
                         
                          SECURITY GUARD
           I'll be waiting.
                         
          He leaves. Doc locks the door.
                         
          Nurse pulls a leather pouch out from under her garter belt.
                         
          Inside are three hypodermic needles; Orange, Red and Black.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL LOBBY
                         
          Sniper and two THUGS pass SECURITY GUARD making a mess of a
          powdered donut.
                         
                         
          INT. COUNTY MEDICAL HOSPITAL ROOM
                         
          Doc uncaps the Orange syringe.
                         
          Machete struggles.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 29.
                         
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           (IN PERFECT SPANISH)
           Don't worry, amigo, this is not my
           country. I'm from Cuba; one hundred
           percent. She's from Puerto Rico.
           We're all Children of the Sun.
                         
          The Nurse gives Machete a kiss, Doc slaps her ass.
                         
           DOC FELIX (CONT'D)
           Leave him alone.
                          (BEAT)
           Now these are my friends.
           (taps the needles)
           They will cheer you up special
           until these bullet holes feel like
           little butterfly kisses.
                         
          The Nurse blows a kiss at them.
                         
          Doc stabs the Orange one into Machete's arm.
                         
          Machete's eyes SNAP open.
                         
          The heart monitor speeds up.
                         
          Doc tosses the needle into the trash can and pulls out the
          Red one.
                         
           DOC FELIX (CONT'D)
           This one here...
                         
          The GUARD bangs on the door.
                         
           SECURITY GUARD (0.C.)
           Hurry up in there!
                         
          Doc Felix panics.
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           ...is for me.
                         
          He stabs his own leg with it.
                         
           DOC FELIX (CONT'D)
           Oh wow, that hit the spot... all
           the spots!
                         
          Doc's head vibrates.
                         
          The GUARD bangs the door.
                         
           DOC FELIX (CONT'D)
           This one, I call this one "Popeye."
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 30.
                         
                         
          Felix stabs the Black into Machete's leg.
                         
          He jolts awake and breaks his shackles.
                         
          The heart monitor EXPLODES.
                         
          The GUARD KICKS the door in. Machete knocks him out.
                         
          Machete peeks from the doorway.
                         
          SNIPER and his men walking up.
                         
          He shuts the door. He's cornered.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Another way out?
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           Wait, I got something.
                         
          Doc hands him a wicked tool made of long curved surgical
          steel called a--
                         
           DOC FELIX (CONT'D)
           SKULL SCRAPER. We use this to
           scrape the bones clean. It cuts
           through flesh like butta.
                         
          Machete slips the Nurses belt off and STRAPS the surgical
          tool to his arm like captain hook.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Thanks.
                         
                          DOC FELIX
           Vaya con Dios.
                         
                         
          EXT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
                         
          Doc and his Nurse cruise past the approaching Henchmen.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL ROOM
                         
          Machete clamps an OXYGEN CANISTER to the back of the gurney.
                         
          Lays on it and shoots the valve.
                         
          It EXPLODES him through the door.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 31.
                         
                         
          EXT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR
                         
          Machete soars down the hall with a FIREBALL behind him.
                         
          He blasts henchmen as he flies by, the corridor of windows
          shatters. SNIPER ducks for cover.
                         
          His HOOK ARM SLICES a man's belly open.
                         
          Machete CRASHES through a window at the end of the corridor.
                         
                         
          EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
                         
          Machete FALLS ten stories.
                         
                         
          INT. CAR - NIGHT
                         
          A middle aged couple is having a nice drive listening to the
          local RUSH LIMBAUGH spew vitriol about illegals.
                         
          They look up, smiles fade.
                         
          COUPLES POV : Machete falls face first towards them.
                         
          He CRASHES through the windshield into their laps.
                         
          The car drives through the front window of a coffee shop.
                         
                         
          INT. COFFEE SHOP
                         
          Machete climbs out, into the night.
                         
                         
          EXT. COUNTRY CLUB HOSPITAL
                         
          The hospital is modern, tranquil, in sharp contrast to County
          Medical. Miles Davis plays softly over the speaker system.
                         
          Elektra walks down the hallway, high heels clip-clopping.
                         
                         
          INT. MCLAUGHLIN'S HOSPITAL ROOM
                         
          She enters. Mclaughlin is making a statement on the phone.
                         
          Benz gives her a hard look, waves her away to wait.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
                          (ON PHONE)
           This act... this cowardly act...
                          (MORE)
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 32.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN (CONT'D)
           will not end my struggle, to keep
           our country safe from those who
           would destroy it. God bless
           everyone who stood with me today, I
           will return to the fight. And God
           Bless America.
                         
          Benz takes the phone from him.
                         
                          BENZ
           No further statements. We only hope
           that the perpetrator is brought to
           swift justice in an American court.
                         
          Elektra flashes a badge at McLaughlin. Benz hangs up.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Elektra Rivers, Department of
           Homeland Security.
                         
                          BENZ
           This is a state matter. We've
           already talked to--
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           DHS has jurisdiction over everyone
           so give it a rest, Mr--
                         
                          BENZ
           Booth. Michael Booth.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           I don't know what I can do to help
           you in here, Agent Rivers. You want
           to find the bastard did this, go
           look for him.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I appreciate that, sir, and I
                          ASSURE YOU--
                         
          McLaughlin spits on her shoe.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           You can't assure dick. Just ask
           what you want and then you can be
           on your way.
                         
          She keeps her steely resolve as she pulls out a small note
          pad.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 33.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Is the shooter known to you, I
           mean, did you have any warnings or
           communication before today?
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           No.
                         
          ELEKTRA looks over at Benz, gets nothing.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           My expertise is in profiling and
           assessing risks of potentially
           dangerous individuals who are in
           this country illegally.
                         
                          BENZ
           Looks like you missed one.
                         
          Burn. Then, not missing a beat--
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Would you like additional DHS
           officers assigned to your security
           detail?
                         
                          BENZ
           The senator is trying to project an
           image of resilience, not fear. Now
           I'm sure you'll agree, the Senator
           has had a very trying day.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Here's my card, in case you change
           your mind. Or you think of anything
           else.
                         
          She hands Benz her card.
                         
                          BENZ
           You'll be the first person I call.
                         
          Elektra leaves and Benz drops the card in the trash.
                         
                         
          EXT. BACK ALLEY - NIGHT
                         
          Machete runs down alleys, slowing, tired.
                         
          LUZ'S TACO TRUCK sits at the end of the alley. Machete
          approaches as Luz is cleaning up.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 34.
                         
                         
                          LUZ
           Hijo de la chingada. What happened
           to you?
                         
                         
          EXT. COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT
                         
          SNIPER surveys the damage.
                         
                          HENCHMAN
           Booth isn't going to like this.
           What are we going to tell him?
                         
          Beat.
                         
                          SNIPER
                          (CALM)
           "Oops."
                         
                         
          EXT. LUZ'S GARAGE, DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
                         
          The TACO TRUCK pulls into a garage.
                         
                         
          INT. BEDROOM, LUZ'S HOUSE
                         
          Luz helps Machete to the bed.
                         
                          LUZ
           You'll be safe here.
                         
                         
          INT. KITCHEN
                         
          Luz sets a pot to boil with all kinds of herbs.
                         
                         
          INT. BEDROOM
                         
          Luz returns with the boiling pot and sets the briefcase down.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Did you open it?
                         
                          LUZ
           No.
                         
          Machete nods and Luz opens it. It's filled with cut
          newspaper. She shows him.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 35.
                         
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           Nothing worth nothing here, unless
           you were going to make a pinata.
           Now lie back.
                         
          Machete lays down.
                         
          Luz scoops the boiling goop onto his wounds.
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           You know what this is, right?
                         
          Machete nods yes.
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           Works every time. When the sun
           rises, you'll be good.
                         
          Machete feels her long legs up.
                         
                          MACHETE
           I don't know about that.
                         
                          LUZ
           Cuidado, chico. You might burn
           yourself.
                         
          She places a Mexican blanket on him.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Why are you helping me?
                         
                          LUZ
           You know why Machete.
                         
                          MACHETE
           You know me?
                         
                          LUZ
           No, but I know the myth of the last
           honest cop in Mexico.
                         
                          MACHETE
           The myth might be better.
                         
                          LUZ
           Cada uno lleva su cruz (sub. We
           each have our cross to bear)
                         
          Machete pulls her down onto him.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 36.
                         
                         
          EXT. ELEKTRA'S BUNGALOW - NIGHT
                         
          Elektra drives into the driveway. There's a Texas Ranger
          pickup already there.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Good. Now I can get some answers.
                         
                         
          INT. ELEKTRA'S BUNGALOW
                         
          Elektra comes in. Place looks deserted.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           McGraw? McGraw, are you here?
                         
          No answer.
                         
          Elektra unholsters her sidearm, and scopes the place out.
                         
          Thumping coming from the bedroom.
                         
          She assumes her best vigilant stance and kicks open the door.
                         
                         
          INT. ELEKTRA'S BEDROOM
                         
          Ranger MCGRAW (late 20s) lies in bed while SIS rides him like
          a cowgirl should, not missing a beat.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Goddamnit! You're fucking my
           sister?
                         
                          MCGRAW
           Your sister? Holy shit. I thought
           it was you.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Fuckin' liar.
                         
          Sis rides on, not giving a shit.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Did you at least get me the files?
                         
                          MCGRAW
           Sure I did.
                         
          McGraw is preoccupied with the business at hand.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Well, where the hell are they?
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 37.
                         
                         
                          MCGRAW
           Uh... uh... uhh...
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Never mind. I see `em.
                         
          She snatches a file from the bedside table.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           If you need me, I'll be in the
           bath. Slut.
                         
                          SIS
           Bitch.
                         
          Elektra exits. McGraw howls.
                         
                         
          EXT. BENZ'S ESTATE - DAY
                         
          Benz's home is a nice ranch-style spread.
                         
                         
          INT. BENZ'S ESTATE, DINING ROOM
                         
          Benz sits at the head of the table eating with his wife, JUNE
          and daughter, APRIL.
                         
                          JUNE
           The nerve. An honest, dedicated
           American like John. What on earth
           were they thinking?
                         
                          BENZ
           They weren't, dear. They weren't.
                         
                          JUNE
           I worry more about April. What kind
           of world are we leaving her?
                         
                          APRIL
           I think Cole is going to ask me to
           marry him.
                         
                          JUNE
           Oh, honey that's--
                         
                          APRIL
           But I don't want to marry him.
                         
                          JUNE
           Terrible.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 38.
                         
                         
                          APRIL
           I mean, look at me. I'm not ready
           for that kind of commission.
                         
                          BENZ
           Commitment.
                         
                          APRIL
           That either. I have priorities.
                         
                          JUNE
           Good for you.
                         
                          BENZ
           School, career. Those come first.
                         
                          APRIL
           I'm talking about my modeling.
                         
                          BENZ
           You're a beautiful girl, April, but
           that's a tough nut to crack.
                         
                          APRIL
           No it isn't. Do you know how many
           hits I've gotten on my website?
                         
                          BENZ
           You have a website?
                          (TO JUNE)
           She has a website. You know about
           this?
                         
          June nods yes.
                         
                          APRIL
           I know what the online public
           wants, and they want me. All of me.
           Cole's just going to have to wait.
                         
          Benz sees Sniper coming up the driveway.
                         
                          BENZ
           We'll talk about this later. I'll
           be in my office.
                         
          Benz walks off.
                         
                          JUNE
           (whispering to April)
           Are there cute guys on there? You
           need me to inspect them I think.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 39.
                         
                         
                          APRIL
                          (WHISPERING)
           No way! You're such a slut, Mom!
           You're a Cougar slut!
                         
          They laugh.
                         
                         
          INT. BENZ'S OFFICE
                         
          Benz enters to find Sniper already there, pouring himself a
          drink. TV is on mute in the background.
                         
                          BENZ
           I hope you've got something to
           celebrate.
                         
          Artist's sketch of MACHETE fills the TV screen.
                         
                          SNIPER
           He's off the grid. Sonofabitch
           disappeared.
                         
          Benz points to a map of the city on his desk.
                         
                          BENZ
           I picked him up here. Find out if
           anyone's seen him. He couldn't have
           done it on his own. He has help.
           Find the help.
                         
                         
          INT. LUZ'S HOUSE - DAY
                         
          Machete wakes up, alone.
                         
          A note on the pillow reads - breakfast in oven.
                         
                          CUT TO:
                         
                         
          INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
                         
          Machete opens the oven door and takes out a plate of steaming
          MIGAS.
                         
          He eats and looks around at Luz's pictures on the walls; Luz
          as a young girl on a farm in Mexico, Protesting at a
          university, Newspaper articles about the riots, in Rebel gear
          in the mountains, the pictures reveal a serious past behind
          the hot taco lady.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 40.
                         
                         
          EXT. DRUGLORD'S SPRAWLING RANCH, MEXICO - DAY
                         
          A TRUCK is waved through the gate by armed guards.
                         
                         
          INT. DRUGLORD'S BEDROOM
                         
          Druglord being serviced by a trio of women.
                         
          TORREZ, older, enters. DRUGLORD is unfazed, keeps right on
          trucking.
                         
                          TORREZ
           He's alive.
                         
          Druglord stops in mid-fuck.
                         
                          DRUGLORD
           Go.
                         
          The first girl leaves off.
                         
                          DRUGLORD (CONT'D)
           All of you.
                         
          The other girls follow her and exit.
                         
                          DRUGLORD (CONT'D)
           Where?
                         
                          TORREZ
           Texas.
                         
                          DRUGLORD
           Take all the men you need. But
           bring him back alive. I want to
           kill him with my own hands.
                         
                         
          INT. GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TEXAS - DAY
                         
          Elektra sits at her desk, going over Machete's file. Photos
          of Machete in Federale uniform, mugshots of YOUNG MACHETE.
                         
          Pulls a sheet that reads: PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION in Spanish.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
                          (TO HERSELF)
           "Problems with authority. Prone to
           violence. Fatalistic, ruled by a
           sense of destiny and purpose."
                         
                         BEGIN FLASHBACK
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 41.
                         
                         
          EXT. MEXICAN SLUMS - DAY
                         
          Dirt streets. Cinder-block houses with tin roofs.
                         
          YOUNG MACHETE, 8, long hair, plays swordfighter in the street
          with a stalk of sugar cane.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           (v.o.)
           "Father was a preacher who butted
           heads with the local drug baron."
                         
          Low Angle, slo mo - PREACHER DAD with a sign around his neck
          and waving a Bible, shouting wordlessly. There are hypodermic
          needles in the street at his feet. He kicks them away.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           (v.o.)
           "Inherited sense of destiny from
           father."
                         
                         
          INT. MEXICO, PRIMITIVE DRUG LAB
                         
          Barefoot women cut white powder.
                         
          Preacher Dad bursts in with a Bible in one hand and a lit
          TORCH in the other. Shouting in Spanish. Women scatter as he
          sets fire to everything inside.
                         
                         
          EXT. MEXICO CHURCH - NIGHT
                         
          FIVE MEN walk in with clubs, bats, and a MACHETE.
                         
          THEY ATTACK Dad. BLOOD SPRAYS on the flowers.
                         
           CUT TO BLACK.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           (v.o.)
           "Subject was the first to find
           him."
                         
                         FADE UP
                         
          Young Machete walks through the gate, waving his sugar cane
          sword. We see glimpses of gore as he does. CU EYES
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           (v.o.)
           "Subject developed Old Testament-
           style concepts of vengeance at an
           early age. Sense of righteousness."
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 42.
                         
                         
          He drops his sugar cane sword and picks up the BLOODY MACHETE
          used to kill his dad. (SLO MO)
                         
                         
          INT. MEXICO CITY BAR - NIGHT
                         
          KILLER 1 plays foosball in the back. The ball pops into the
          air.
                         
          A hand catches it; reveal young Machete.
                         
          Killer 1 reaches for the ball. Young Machete CHOPS his hand
          OFF.
                         
          Killer 1 falls; another CHOP, blood sprays Young Machete's
          face, he doesn't blink.
                         
                         
          INT. PHONE BOOTH - NIGHT
                         
          KILLER 2 on the phone. He looks down at Bloody Young Machete.
                         
          MACHETE STABS the man THROUGH the GLASS booth.
                         
                         
          EXT. PARK - NIGHT
                         
          A group of Mexicans playing late night Soccer.
                         
          The ball is kicked into the bushes.
                         
          KILLER 3 runs in to get it.
                         
          He doesn't come out.
                         
                          TEAMMATE
           Throw the ball back, Pendejo!
                         
          The ball FLIES out of the bushes and lands on the field...
                         
          Except it's NOT a ball! It's Killer 3's HEAD bouncing towards
          them.
                         
                         
          INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                         
          KILLER 4 sits on the couch watching a spanish sitcom.
                         
          MED SHOT - he's laughing hysterically - His smile fades.
                         
          A stream of blood pours down between his eyes.
                         
          He falls forward revealing a knife buried in his head and
          Young Machete standing calmly.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 43.
                         
                         
          EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
                         
          Doorbell rings.
                         
          KILLER 5 answers in bathrobe and cigar.
                         
          Young Machete stands there, knife in hand, covered in blood.
                         
                          KILLER 5
                          (SPANISH)
           What do you want, little maricon?
           What you going to do with that
           knife? You think that scares me?
           You think...
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           (v.o.)
           "Subject's macabre killing methods
           traced to childhood tragedy."
                         
          SLURRMP! KILLER 5's head is impaled on a wooden stake, we
          are now at...
                         
                         
          EXT. TREE HOUSE - MORNING
                         
          Pull back to reveal five heads on stakes surrounding a cute
          plywood tree house.
                         
          A SWAT TEAM converges on it.
                         
          Young Machete in his Zorro pajamas eating cereal.
                         
          A TEAR GAS CANISTER flies in through the top and lands in his
          cereal.
                         
          The SWAT TEAM rushes the door.
                         
                         
          INT. PRISON CELL - DAY
                         
          A cell door SLAMS on Young Machete's face.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           (v.o.)
           "Recommendation: Total lockdown."
                         
                         END FLASHBACK
                         
                         
          INT. GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TEXAS - DAY
                         
          Boss enters.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 44.
                         
                         
                          BOSS
           You look like you've seen a ghost.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           No. But I read the ghost's file. My
           local contact Mcgraw got it from
           the hot sheets down south.
                         
                          BOSS
           Local contact?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Ex-boyfriend. Whatever.
                         
                          BOSS
           And?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           He's dangerous.
                         
                          BOSS
           I knew there was a reason we kept
           you on here. It's your brilliant
           insights.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I'm working on it.
                         
                          BOSS
           Get him. The hammer's coming down
           on us hard for this, so if you fuck
           up, it's not just your ass on the
           chopping block, it's mine.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           You want me to put this background
           on the air?
                         
                          BOSS
           I could give a fuck. Just get him.
                         
                         
          EXT. CHURCH - DAY
                         
          Machete walks into the church he drove by with Benz earlier.
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH
                         
          Machete steps into the confessional.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 45.
                         
                         
          INT. CONFESSIONAL
                         
          The little door slides open, wooden cross "windows" light the
          scene.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Bless me, Padre, for I have sinned.
           It's been a long fucking time since
           my last confession.
                         
                          PADRE
           I was wondering when you were going
           to show yourself. They're combing
           the city for you. How long before
           they get your file and track down
           your stepbrother, the priest?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Sorry, bro. I mean, Padre.
                         
                          PADRE
           You were wrong to come here. How
           long have you been here anyway?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Few weeks.
                         
                          PADRE
           Why didn't you come to me before?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Didn't need you before.
                         
                          PADRE
           What do you think I can do for you?
           Give you absolution? You have to be
           sorry for your sins, first.
                         
                          MACHETE
           I'm not sorry.
                         
                          PADRE
           I'm not surprised.
                         
                          MACHETE
           They used me.
                         
                          PADRE
           They use all of us. Welcome to the
           real world.
                         
                          MACHETE
           They need to pay.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 46.
                         
                         
                          PADRE
           In money or blood?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Either. Both.
                         
                          PADRE
           I am a man of faith. I took a vow
           of peace. You want me to help you
           kill all these men?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Yes, bro. I mean, Padre.
                         
                          PADRE
           I'll see what I can do.
                         
          Padre shakes his head, makes the sign of the cross.
                         
                         
          EXT. DAY LABORER PICKUP SPOT - DAY
                         
          Luz's taco truck in its usual spot. Luz is sitting at the
          window playing with LOTERIA CARDS.
                         
          Sniper pulls up. Shows Machete's picture to men who try to
          avoid him. He braces a few of them.
                         
                          LUZ
           Hey Culero, leave them alone. They
           don't like pork.
                         
          He shows her the sketch of Machete.
                         
                          SNIPER
           I'm no cop. You seen this guy?
                         
          Luz flips over a LOTERIA CARD with the grim reaper. She shows
          it to Sniper.
                         
                          LUZ
           Have you seen him?
                         
          Sniper slaps it out of her hand.
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           Cono,this won't end pretty.
                         
          He grabs her arm, pins it to the counter and jabs a
          switchblade into it, carving out a phone number.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 47.
                         
                         
                          SNIPER
           Call me when he shows or I'll carve
           that pretty face of yours into a
           seven layer burrito got that puta!?
                         
          He holds the switchblade up to her face and leaves.
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH SACRISTY
                         
          Machete follows Padre into the church sacristy, a plush
          bachelor pad.
                         
                          MACHETE
           When I get the money, I'll give
           some to the church.
                         
                          PADRE
           You think Jesus wants your blood
           money, Judas?
                         
          Machete shrugs. Padre lights a cigar and pours them two
          drinks.
                         
                          PADRE (CONT'D)
           How much blood money are we talking
           about?
                         
                          MACHETE
           A hundred-fifty thousand.
                         
                          PADRE
                          (SPIT-TAKE)
           Jesus, Mary and Joseph! I want you
           to say ten Our Fathers, ten Hail
           Marys and ten Glory Be's, and I
           want you to light a candle for Dad.
                         
          Machete eyes a bank of security monitors. Different
          surveillance shots of the interior and exterior of the
          church.
                         
                          PADRE (CONT'D)
           I had them installed last year. Too
           many things were walking away from
           the altar, the collection plate.
           Check this out.
                         
          Padre points at a kneeler in front of a rustic altar-looking
          armoire. Machete kneels.
                         
          Padre opens the armoire revealing an HD TV inside.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 48.
                         
                         
                          PADRE (CONT'D)
           No time for that now. You need to
           see this. I Tivo'd it earlier.
                         
          News footage of the sniper attack plays. Machete sees himself
          on the big screen.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Stop it.
                         
          Padre pauses.
                         
          Machete picks out BENZ helping MCLAUGHLIN into the LIMO.
                         
                          MACHETE (CONT'D)
           That one. He's the one who hired
           me. Benz.
                         
                          PADRE
           That's Michael Booth. McLaughlin's
           aide or something. Cabrones, los
           dos. Why would he hire you to kill
           his boss?
                         
          The video replays part of the interview with McLaughlin from
          earlier.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
                          (ON TV)
           .....that I may return to the
           senate and fight on.
                         
                          NEWS ANCHOR
           (voice-over on TV)
           Polls show McLaughlin's numbers are
           surging since the assassination
           attempt and officials say they've
           put a hold on the ethics committee
           investigation into McLaughlin's
           ties to the Freedom Force militia.
           Meanwhile, police continue to scour
           the city for the perpetrator. If
           you have any information on the
           whereabouts of this man--
                         
          Machete's mug fills the screen. Padre clicks it off.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Where does he live?
                         
                          PADRE
           Machete, you can't just kill
           everyone!
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 49.
                         
                         
                          MACHETE
           I'll leave some for you.
                         
                          PADRE
           That's not what I meant.
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEY, CHOP SHOP
                         
          Sniper looks around. Chop Shop GUY approaches.
                         
                          GUY
           What are you looking for, gringo?
                         
                          SNIPER
           This guy.
                         
          He shows them the sketch.
                         
                          GUY
           Looks like my sister's boyfriend's
           cousin's mother's son.
                         
                          SNIPER
           You're sharp. You're liable to get
           cut.
                         
          Sniper about to make a move, but sees he's outnumbered here.
          Sniper puts his hands up, walks out backwards.
                         
                          SNIPER (CONT'D)
           Safety first.
                         
                         
          INT. MCLAUGHLIN'S OFFICE
                         
          Benz sits behind McLaughlin's desk. Sniper across from him.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Lead's ran cold. He's underground.
           Probably back in the homeland by
           now.
                         
          Benz's fax machine powers on. Benz snaps his fingers and
          Sniper pulls the fax as it's coming out.
                         
                          SNIPER (CONT'D)
           Ho-ly shit. Who knew that your
           Mexican day laborer was a goddamn
           Federale?!
                         
          Phone rings. Benz answers.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 50.
                         
                         
                          BENZ
           Yeah.
                         
                          MACHETE
                          (ON PHONE)
           My money.
                         
                          BENZ
           Holy Mother of Christ. You've got
           some balls. You missed, asshole.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Or else.
                         
                          BENZ
           Or else what?...Hello?
                         
                         
          INT. PADRE'S CHURCH HEARSE
                         
          Machete hangs up.
                         
          He drives the windy road to Benz's estate.
                         
                         
          EXT. BENZ'S ESTATE - DAY
                         
          He parks the Hearse at the back, gets out and follows the
          sound of girls' laughter.
                         
                         
          EXT. NATURAL SPRING - DAY
                         
          Machete walks through some bushes and comes out at a
          waterfall and natural spring.
                         
          June and April are skinny dipping. They giggle. They spot
          Machete and cover themselves with their arms.
                         
                          APRIL
           Hey, you're not the usual boy!
                         
                          MACHETE
           He called in sick.
                         
                          JUNE
           That little bastard promised me a
           ride on his leafblower.
                         
          They laugh.
                         
                          APRIL
           Don't be shy.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 51.
                         
                         
          Showing herself...
                         
                          APRIL (CONT'D)
           Why don't you come in? The water's
           fine.
                         
                          JUNE
           That's right. Come on in, sugar! We
           like variety around here, no matter
           what the boys say. You want a wine
           cooler?
                         
          Machete holds up a bottle shaped like a cross.
                         
                          APRIL
           Oh, momma! He's got the good stuff!
                         
                          DISSOLVE TO:
                         
          They play with Machete in the pool.
                         
          The Girls drink from the Cross Bottle.
                         
                         
          EXT. BENZ'S ESTATE -DAY
                         
          Back door of the hearse SLAMS shut on the girls passed out
          cold.
                         
                         
          EXT. WINDY ROAD - DAY
                         
          Machete speeds away with the girls in the hearse. He passes
          BENZ driving home.
                         
                         
          INT. BENZ'S OFFICE - DAY
                         
          Benz enters to find the phone ringing. He answers.
                         
                          BENZ
           June? April?
                         
                          MACHETE
                          (ON PHONE)
           Or else this.
                         
                          BENZ
           Where is my wife and daughter!?!
                         
          Click.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 52.
                         
                         
          INT. PADRE'S CHURCH, GARAGE
                         
          Padre opens the back of the hearse and sees the naked mom and
          daughter passed out inside.
                         
                          PADRE
           Holy...
                         
          Padre crosses himself.
                         
                         
          EXT. ARMORY - DAY
                         
          Von watches as militiamen practice maneuvers sticking
          bayonets into burlap Mexican effigies.
                         
          A MILITIA MAN leads SNIPER and BENZ into Von's presence.
                         
                          VON
           Well, well, Look what's come asking
           for Papa Von's help.
                         
                          BENZ
           It's beyond my reach, Von. I need
           you on this now.
                         
                          VON
           You needed me from the get go, but
           let's not piss on what's past.
                         
                          BENZ
           He's got my wife and daughter.
                         
                          VON
           Sweet Jesus. I bet he's got a big
           imagination what to do with a
           couple cutie pies like that. Makes
           me ill just thinking about it. You
           must have broken off a dick in his
           ass. First he comes after your
           boss, then he comes after your
           family. Who's next?
                         
                          BENZ
           Just find him.
                         
          Benz and Sniper turn to go.
                         
                          VON
           Ain't you worried about staining
           the Senator bringing us into this?
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 53.
                         
                         
                          BENZ
           Don't you read the papers?
           McLaughlin's a goddamn saint, a
           fucking martyr. I've seen to that.
                         
          Benz and Sniper leave.
                         
                          VON
           What do you think he meant by that?
                         
          Von fires his pistol in the air. The men look over.
                         
                          VON (CONT'D)
           Boys! We're goin hunting.
                         
          Yee-has as they file into trucks.
                         
                         
          EXT. OUTSIDE PADRE'S CHURCH - DAY
                         
          Elektra is in her BMW staking out the church with binoculars.
                         
          Her POV through binocs; A GUN BARREL blocks the view.
                         
          She looks up.
                         
          Machete's mug five inches from her.
                         
          He slides in the passenger side.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Drive.
                         
          She does.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           You can put the gun away. I'm not
           going to give you any trouble.
                         
                          MACHETE
           You're a cop.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Homeland Security. I guess that
           makes you a terrorist.
                         
                          MACHETE
           How did you find me?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Come on. Give me some credit. It's
           not every ex-Federale-turned-
           assassin that has a local priest on
           the family payroll.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 54.
                         
                         
                          MACHETE
           Turn here.
                         
          She does.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           So are you going to tell me why you
           did it? Destiny, maybe?
                         
                          MACHETE
           It was just a job.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           A job? Who hired you? The
           undocumented workers' union?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Michael Booth.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Sonofabitch. Can you prove that?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Maybe. Turn here.
                         
          She does.
                         
                          MACHETE (CONT'D)
           Give me ten dollars.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What? Why?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Ten bucks.
                         
          Elektra digs into her purse. Pulls out a $10.
                         
                          MACHETE (CONT'D)
           Stop the car.
                         
                         
          EXT. DAY LABORER PICKUP SPOT - DAY
                         
          Elektra stops the car.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Wait.
                         
          Machete gets out, approaches Luz's taco truck. Luz looks
          beyond him to Elektra in the car.
                         
                          LUZ
           You get around.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 55.
                         
                         
          Machete lays the ten on the counter.
                         
                          MACHETE
           For the tacos and coffee.
                         
          She reaches for the ten and Machete grabs her wrist, sees the
          sniper switchblade scar. She pulls away, slips the money
          between her breasts.
                         
                          LUZ
           Yeah, they came looking for you. I
           told them nothing, as far as I know
           you're a myth.
                         
                         
          INT. ELEKTRA'S CAR - DAY
                         
          Machete gets back into Elektra's car. Elektra looks across
          him at Luz.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           "Feelings of righteousness and
           purpose."
                         
                          MACHETE
           Drive.
                         
          In the rear view mirror; A TRUCK SPEEDS towards them.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Sure thing, Boss.
                         
          The truck REAR ENDS them, sending Elektra's car over the
          curb. They rattle around inside like ragdolls.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Sonofabitch!
                         
          She jumps out, pissed.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           What the fuck, man?
                         
          The Militia men open fire, her windows shatter.
                         
          She ducks back in, peels out. The truck revs up and pursues.
                         
          A second TRUCK joins the chase.
                         
          They sandwich Elektra's car between them.
                         
          Machete chops off the driver's hand of the right-side truck
          and the truck veers off, crashing.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 56.
                         
                         
          They keep up the gunfire. A slug catches Machete's shoulder.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           My gun!
                         
          Machete unholsters it and fires at the truck. The handcannon
          shatters the engine block and the truck flips.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           You're shot.
                         
                          MACHETE
           No hospital.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Let me bring you to a safehouse. I
           can negotiate your safety. We'll
           bring Booth down together.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Onions.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           You want onions?! Oh shit, you're
           delirious, dying. Don't die please.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Onions!
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What? What do you do with...
                         
                         
          INT. ELEKTRA'S HOUSE - KITCHEN
                         
          It's a mess.
                         
          Machete chops onions. A pot boils over with thick green
          fluid.
                         
          He pours the boiling green gunk into a bowl.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Come here.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What, is this some "old Aztec" shit
           that's supposed to heal you?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Yes.
                         
          He sucks the mixture up with a TURKEY BASTER.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 57.
                         
                         
          Hands it to her. It smells nasty.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What do I do with this?
                         
          Machete points to the hole in his shoulder.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Wait, you want this gunk squirted
           in there...I don't...
                         
          Machete takes a swig of Tequila.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Do it.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I....can't.
                         
          She takes a swig, pops a pill and stares at the bloody hole.
                         
          She holds her arm up ready...
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Fuck.
                         
          She JAMS the baster in. The fluid squirts in the hole and
          SIZZLES.
                         
          Elektra watches in awe as dark green fluid dribbles out of
          the wound, followed by a thick yellow goo with veins and
          lumps of flesh.
                         
          It bubbles like a volcano, she peers in and suddenly...
                         
          It BURSTS and SPRAYS pus and flesh chunks all over her.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Ahhhh!
                         
          Elektra runs screaming into the bathroom.
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH, INNER ROOM
                         
          April and June rouse from two small cots in a drugged and
          drunken stupor. They're surprised to find they're naked in a
          windowless room. There's a small webcam in a corner.
                         
                          APRIL
           Mom? Where are we? I'm scared.
                         
                          JUNE
           Me, too, honey.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 58.
                         
                         
                          APRIL
           What is this place?
                         
          POV: WEBCAM. Grainy B&W image.
                         
          They embrace, huddle.
                         
                         
          INT. BUNGALOW- NIGHT
                         
          Elektra walks out in a hot new outfit, blow drying her hair.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           That was disgusting.
                         
          Machete smashes knife handles off and fits the blades into a
          belt under his jacket.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Do you mind not breaking knives in
           the house? It's kind of one of my
           rules. I mean...
                         
          Elektra's phone rings. It's Boss.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Oh shit. All right. I'm going to
           tell him what you told me. Wish me
           luck.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Luck.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
                          (ANSWERING PHONE)
           Yeah.
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           Where the hell have you been?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I had a little fender bender.
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           Goddamnit! I said where have you
           been?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Calm down! I have him right now.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 59.
                         
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           You do?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Yes, but it's complicated. He's
           innocent. Sort of.
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           Sonofabitch. What kind of Stockholm
           Syndrome bullshit are you trying to
           pull?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Just listen. Michael Booth
           orchestrated the assassination
           attempt on McLaughlin's life.
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           His own advisor?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           That's right. This was all some
           kind of hare-brained scheme to call
           off the ethics investigation. I
           think I can get Machete to testify.
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           You do, huh? Well that doesn't
           matter because no charges are going
           to be filed against Booth.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What?
                         
                          BOSS
                          (ON PHONE)
           The order's come down from top
           brass: No more black eyes on DHS.
           Bring in the Mexican. Dead or
           alive. Now are you gonna DO your
           fucking job or are you gonna LOSE
           your fucking job?
                         
          Elektra is stunned.
                         
                          BOSS (CONT'D)
                          (ON PHONE)
           Agent Rivers! Agent Rivers! Answer
           me, goddamnit!
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 60.
                         
                         
          Elektra hangs up, throws the cellphone into the bowl of green
          onion gunk.
                         
          She looks around for Machete, but he's disappeared while she
          was on the phone.
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH, INNER ROOM
                         
          Padre sits at a computer, with streaming webcam video of June
          and April on the screen.
                         
                          PADRE
           What do you want me to do with
           this? We can't keep them locked up
           forever.
                         
                         
          EXT. ARMORY - NIGHT
                         
          Battered trucks roll in.
                         
                         
          INT. ARMORY
                         
          Makeshift infirmary for the wounded.
                         
          Von oversees the patching up of several of his men.
                         
                          VON
           The day is upon us, my friends.
           We'll take down the interloper, and
           anyone who gets in our way.
                         
          Subdued chorus of mild approval.
                         
                          VON (CONT'D)
           Do you believe in freedom?!
                         
          Louder chants of "yeah!"
                         
                          VON (CONT'D)
           Will you die for freedom!
                         
          Louder -- "YEAH!"
                         
                          VON (CONT'D)
           If that's what it takes to make you
           free, I will kill you with my own
           bare hands, Amen.
                         
          The men look at each other as if trying to gauge the big
          man's sanity.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 61.
                         
                         
                          VON (CONT'D)
           Heal up, brothers. Heal up good.
           The day is upon us.
                         
                         
          INT. SNIPER'S CAR, MOVING - NIGHT
                         
          Sniper patrols the streets, looking for Machete.
                         
          His cellphone beeps with notice of a video message -- LINK TO
          APRIL'S WEBSITE.
                         
          He checks it out -- the WEBCAM footage of April and June
          naked in the windowless room.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Oh shit.
                         
                         
          INT. BENZ'S OFFICE/INT. SNIPER'S CAR
                         
          Benz calls him. He clicks over from the message with his
          bluetooh earpiece so he can still see the webcam video.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Yeah.
                         
                          BENZ
                          (ON PHONE)
           You seeing this?
                         
                          SNIPER
           Yeah.
                         
                          BENZ
                          (ON PHONE)
           We have to find him. We have to
           find him now! I'm going to rip his
           heart out with my teeth!
                         
                         
          EXT. LUZ'S TACO TRUCK, MOVING - NIGHT
                         
          Luz is being followed by Sniper and his goons.
                         
                         
          EXT. LUZ'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                         
          Luz pulls into her driveway, into the garage.
                         
          She steps out of the truck carrying supplies. Her dog Pancho
          behind her.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 62.
                         
                         
          GOON ONE is there with his boot in her crotch. She doubles
          over.
                         
          SNIPER and a HENCHMAN walk up.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Where's your boyfriend?
                         
                          LUZ
                          (STRAINING)
           You again? You keep coming back up
           like bad menudo.
                         
          Sniper pulls his cellphone, clicks it on so that she can see--
                         
          INSET: WEBCAM VIDEO
                         
          April and June nude in the locked room.
                         
                         END INSET
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           Who's that? Your mother?
                         
                          SNIPER
           Where is he keeping them?
                         
                         
                         
          INSET: WEBCAM VIDEO
                         
          April and June pull out NUNS' ROBES from a closet. They hold
          them up to see if they'll fit.
                         
                         END INSET
                         
          Luz laughs.
                         
                          SNIPER (CONT'D)
           You're not gonna think it's funny
           when I cut you a new twat.
                         
          Luz swings the SPINDLE of PORK into the goons belly.
                         
          She stands. Her KNIFE ROLL unfurls, she grabs two knives as
          GOON TWO leaps at her.
                         
          In a BLUR she slices off his EARS like she's chopping onions.
                         
          Pancho runs in and gobbles them up.
                         
          SNIPER and his henchmen open fire with their MACHINE GUNS.
          Luz dives back into the taco truck.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 63.
                         
                         
          INT. TACO TRUCK
                         
          Luz ducks and runs through the truck, as bullets blast apart
          everything. She grabs a gun and shoots back through the
          windows.
                         
          Shrapnel sprays her face, a huge SLIVER of GLASS SINKS into
          her eye.
                         
          She yanks it out and shoots back.
                         
                          LUZ
           Hijo de Puta!
                         
          Luz is shot in the chest, she flies back blood spewing out.
                         
          She sees the men reloading through the window.
                         
          Luz is bleeding, one eye gouged out, fading fast.
                         
                          LUZ (CONT'D)
           You're coming with me Maricons!
                         
          With her last strength Luz opens the gas valves on the stove
          and passes out.
                         
                         
          EXT. TACO TRUCK
                         
          Sniper and henchman finish reloading and raise their guns.
                         
          Sniper sniffs the air, smells the gas.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Wait...
                         
                          HENCHMAN
           Fuck that, you wait.
                         
          The overeager henchman opens fire. The bullets slam into the
          truck ignite the gas and it EXPLODES.
                         
          They are blasted back by the fireball.
                         
          Sniper and the Henchman wake up amidst the burning wreckage.
                         
                          HENCHMAN (CONT'D)
           Man...what happened?
                         
          Sniper shoots him in the face.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Moron.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 64.
                         
                         
          His cellphone rings. It's Booth.
                         
                          BENZ
                          (ON PHONE)
           Anything?
                         
                          SNIPER
           She wasn't very cooperative.
                         
                          BENZ
                          (ON PHONE)
           What the hell is that supposed to
           mean?
                         
          Sniper takes a look at the webcam images on his cell.
                         
                         INSET: WEBCAM
                         
          April and June wearing the nuns' robes.
                         
                         END INSET
                         
                          SNIPER
           They're in a church. I know where.
                         
                         
          EXT. CHURCH - DAWN
                         
          (shorthand version -- to be fleshed out)
                         
          SNIPER and some HENCHMEN surround the church.
                         
          Mount a siege of the church.
                         
          Gunfight with Padre. Exploding candles as bullets rip through
          the church. Elderly Hispanic women in shawls scatter and run
          for the doors.
                         
          Gun battle continues outside.
                         
          Padre goes to car trunk, pops it, withdraws two big shotguns.
                         
          Henchmen in a car try to run him down. He blows the car into
          the air with double-blasts.
                         
          Padre faces down a HENCHMAN.
                         
                          HENCHMAN
           Please, Father. Have mercy.
                         
                          PADRE
           God has mercy. I don't.
                         
          Padre blows his head off.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 65.
                         
                         
          Sniper shoots off Padre's leg at the knee joint. Padre goes
          down.
                         
          Sniper drags Padre inside the church.
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH, INNER ROOMS
                         
          Booth smashes down a door.
                         
          It's the room where June and April were.
                         
          It's empty. The nuns' robes are on the floor.
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH.
                         
          Sniper and a few of the henchmen hold a battered Padre down
          on the ground.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Where is he?
                         
                          PADRE
           In your nightmares.
                         
          Sniper looks to Booth, who nods.
                         
          Sniper hammers a nail into Padre's hand. Padre grits his
          teeth against the pain.
                         
                          PADRE (CONT'D)
                          (TO BOOTH)
           You're afraid to get your hands
           dirty, so you make others carry out
           your sins.
                         
          Sniper raises the hammer again, but Booth stills his hand,
          takes the hammer.
                         
          Booth leans over Padre's other hand.
                         
                          BENZ
           You want to be a martyr? I'm good
           at making martyrs.
                         
          Booth raises the hammer.
                         
                          PADRE
           Like McLaughlin?
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 66.
                         
                         
                          BENZ
           That's right. In our own way, we
           can all be like Christ. Too bad for
           you, you chose the worst way.
                         
          He slams another nail into Padre's other hand.
                         
                          PADRE
           You're so drunk with power, you
           ordered the hit on your own boss.
                         
                          BENZ
           This is the boss.
                         
          Booth hammers the nails in one by one. Bloody Padre screams.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           Now for the last time... where are
           my wife and daughter?
                         
          Padre, beaten and bloody, laughs.
                         
          Benz puts two in his chest. Padre expires.
                         
                         
          EXT. ONION FIELDS - DAY
                         
          A produce truck filled with migrant workers stops on the
          roadside near an onion field. Workers spill out of the back
          and get to work.
                         
          The last two out are April and June.
                         
          They look up and down the road. It stretches forever with no
          sign of civilization anywhere.
                         
          A worker tosses burlap sacks at their feet.
                         
                         
          EXT. CHURCH - NIGHT
                         
          Machete returns.
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH
                         
          Machete sees Padre crucified.
                         
          Elektra sits in a bench at the rear of the church.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I came back to look for you, and I
           found him like... this.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 67.
                         
                         
          Machete seems oblivious to Elektra. Focused on Padre's
          lifeless crucified body.
                         
          FLASH CUT FLASHBACK
                         
          YOUNG MACHETE dropping the sugarcane sword and picking up the
          MACHETE...
                         
          Swinging wildly, chopping up the bad guys...
                         
          PREACHER DAD's dead body...
                         
          Another boy's hand picks up the preacher's collar...
                         
          Puts it on... YOUNG PADRE...
                         
          YOUNG PADRE watches SWAT team surrounding treehouse...
                         
          YOUNG PADRE watches YOUNG MACHETE led away in chains...
                         
          YOUNG PADRE enters church...
                         
                         END FLASHBACK
                         
                         
          INT. CHURCH
                         
                          ELEKTRA
                          (IN SPANISH)
           "The more things change--"
                         
                          MACHETE ELEKTRA
           (in Spanish) (in Spanish)
          "--the more they stay the "--the more they stay the
          same." same."
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           That's what my Grandma used to say.
                         
                          MACHETE
           The guards told me that before they
           beat me.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I'm sorry.
                         
                          MACHETE
           You came to arrest me?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Not me. I'm out. But others will.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Out?
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 68.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           They don't care about Booth. They
           just want to wipe you out. You're
           an embarrassment to the feds. I
           guess I am, too.
                         
          She comes close to him.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           You could have killed me.
                         
                          MACHETE
                          (SMILING)
           The day's still young.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I want to help you.
                         
          She kisses him once, again. Again.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Help me find Booth.
                         
          Elektra weighs it.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           First things first, I need a drink.
                         
                         
          INT. BUNGALOW - NIGHT
                         
          Elektra and Machete walk in laughing with a bottle of
          Tequila. She flops down on the couch.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Shit my heel is broke.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Give it here.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           It's nice having a man around. It's
           been a while.
                         
          Machete pulls out some tools and fixes her heels.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           How long awhile you ask? Well,
           About two years.
                         
          Machete looks up.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 69.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Oh that got your attention? Hmm,
           Actually you're better than my last
           boyfriend. He never listened. I
           don't know why I got so desperate.
           Don't want to grow old alone I
           guess. You ever get that feeling
           you're alone and that you'll never
           meet that one person...
                         
          Machete's POV: He sees Elektra talking, but only hears a
          monkey like jabbering coming out of her mouth.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Are you listening to me?
                         
          Machete takes a drink off the Tequila bottle.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Si.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Give me that bottle.
                         
          He hands it to her. She swigs.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           So what happens now, when you get
           him, that's it? It's over?
                         
          Elektra hears a noise in the back of the house.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Did you hear that? Stay here.
                         
          Elektra runs into the back.
                         
          Machete hears a scream from the bedroom. He heads towards it.
                         
                         
          INT. BUNGALOW - BEDROOM - NIGHT
                         
          Machete enters. The lights are low.
                         
          Elektra grabs him from behind, gropes him.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Oh wow...is that a machete in your
           pocket or...
                         
                          MACHETE
           You're borracha.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 70.
                         
                         
          She pushes him down on the bed and stands over him. She's in
          lingerie.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I'm gonna fuck your brains out old
           man!
                         
          She pushes him back onto the bed.
                         
          She tears her clothes off, jumps on him and fucks his brains
          out.
                         
                         
          EXT. BUNGALOW - NIGHT
                         
          Guns are loaded. Shotguns racked.
                         
          Men with guns run up the stairs.
                         
                         
          INT. BUNGALOW - BEDROOM - NIGHT
                         
          Elektra's on top; manic, yelling, scratching. The bed frame
                         CRACKS
                         
          Machete sees a SHADOW of a man through the window curtain and
          another...
                         
          He tries to push her off him.
                         
          She WON'T let him! She's an animal, screeches and yells in
          SPANISH.
                         
          Machete grabs the gun off the night table, just as the HIT
          SQUAD gets there.
                         
          He manages to keep Elektra happy as he BLASTS the MASKED
          HITMEN coming in.
                         
          They crash through the windows and doors as he finishes
          everyone off at once.
                         
          Elektra lets out a final scream and collapses on him.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Wow that was...
                         
          She notices the carnage.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Oh my god...did I wake the
           neighbors?
                         
          They get up. She pulls the ski mask off a dead gunman.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 71.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           This is one of ours. He works for
           the agency.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Come on!
                         
          They grab guns and run out.
                         
                         
          EXT. BUNGALOW - NIGHT
                         
          Machete and Elektra run outside.
                         
          Sniper and his men are waiting for them; guns drawn.
                         
          He waves for his men to lower their guns.
                         
                          SNIPER
           Machete you can come quietly and we
           won't hurt the girl.
                         
          Machete contemplates this.
                         
                          SNIPER (CONT'D)
           You can trust me. I've brought one
           of your old friends to vouch for
           me.
                         
          Erhman waves with his BANDAGED hand.
                         
                          ERHMAN
           Hola Machete amigo, long time!
                         
          Erhman beams a big cheese eating smile.
                         
          Machete draws his gun.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Not long enough.
                         
          Erhman's smile fades. Machete SHOOTS him in the face.
                         
          Machete and Elektra open fire with machine guns and speed off
          in a Volkswagon bug.
                         
                          DISSOLVE TO:
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEY, CHOP SHOP
                         
          Elektra enters. She's slowly surrounded by rough-looking
          Mexicans.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 72.
                         
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           My friend and I need a little help.
                         
          They see Machete behind her.
                         
                          MAN
           It's him.
                         
                         
          MONTAGE: CHOP SHOP ROCK
                         
          Machete sharpens blades, makes all kinds of razor-sharp metal
          weaponry in the chop shop, using all kinds of scrap metal.
                         
          Machete lays down sketches and blueprints. The men and
          Machete build out a tricked-out arsenal on tricked-out
          vehicles, like something out of a south of the border Road
          Warrior.
                         
          Machete sharpens his blade as sparks fly.
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEY, CHOP SHOP
                         
          Sniper cruises by, hunting for Machete.
                         
          The chop shop boys spot Sniper snooping. They bring out a
          huge blowtorch and carve up his hood.
                         
                          SNIPER
           You punk kids! That's it!
                         
          Sniper climbs out of his car, gun in hand.
                         
          A steak KNIFE flies in from off screen and skewers his wrist.
                         
          He stumbles back gushing blood,and sees...
                         
          Luz; alive and well, a red eye patch on. She's wrapped in
          white bandages crossing and covering her chest and her arm.
                         
          She's a mess but a beautiful one, like a female road warrior.
                         
          Band aids on her forehead. The white bandages cover her dark
          skin.
                         
                          LUZ
           Cabron, I told you it wouldn't end
           pretty.
           (to the guys)
           Bring him inside.
                         
          They drag Sniper out of the car and into the chop shop.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 73.
                         
                         
                          SNIPER
           You, I got you, what...
                         
                          LUZ
           It pays to have friends, Pendejo.
           They got your ass when you need it.
                         
          FLASHBACK - INT. TACO TRUCK
                         
          Back to the moment Luz has passed out in the truck.
                         
          Pancho barks; BITES Luz on the ASS and pulls her out of the
          Taco Truck seconds before it explodes.
                         
                          CUT TO:
                         
                         
          INT. CHOP SHOP
                         
          Sniper struggles as they drag him toward a circular saw.
                         
                          SNIPER
           No! No!
                         
                          MACHETE
           Looking for someone?
                         
                          SNIPER
           Oh my God... Please... No. Please!
           NO!!!
                         
          They bring Sniper up to the saw and grind away at him.
                         
          Luz and Pancho look on.
                         
                         
          EXT. COUNTRY CLUB HOSPITAL - DAY
                         
          News crews gather outside.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
                         
          Booth walks towards McLaughlin's room, cellphone in hand,
          trying to reach Sniper. Only gets a gurgling, buzzing sound.
                         
                          BENZ
           Goddamn A T & T.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 74.
                         
                         
          INT. MCLAUGHLIN'S HOSPITAL ROOM
                         
          Booth enters McLaughlin's hospital room. McLaughlin is
          dressed in a suit and a girl is brushing his hair while
          another brightens his cheeks with a little makeup.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Where the fuck have you been?
                         
                          BENZ
           Taking care of business.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           My business is here. Did you see
           those crews out there? They expect
           a statement.
           (noticing Booth's ragged
                          APPEARANCE)
           Jesus, what happened to you?
                         
                          BENZ
           Nothing. Just had a little talk
           with a priest.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Well, what am I going to tell `em?
                         
                          BENZ
           Whatever you tell them, I'm sure
           it'll be golden.
           (off McLaughlin's blank
                          LOOK)
           Just feed them the line about
           standing steadfast in the face of
           terrorism, continuing the fight.
           You know it by heart.
                         
          McLaughlin looks relieved.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           I do. All right. Once this is done,
           you need to take a vacation. You
           need some air.
                         
                          BENZ
           Maybe.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           No doubt about it. You're losing
           your marbles, Booth.
                         
          The girl finishes the makeup and hair job, and smiles at
          McLaughlin.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 75.
                         
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN (CONT'D)
           It's showtime.
                         
          McLaughlin stands and exits, Booth right behind them. As they
          leave, we focus on the TV set in McLaughlin's room, showing
          the front of the hospital and the news crews outside.
          Suddenly the ticker shows BREAKING NEWS... SHOOTOUT AT LOCAL
          CHURCH RELATED TO MCLAUGHLIN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT? EXCLUSIVE
          VIDEO... DEVELOPING...
                         
                         
          EXT. CHURCH - DAY
                         
          Yellow police tape around the perimeter.
                         
          Torrez watches from a distance, looking around.
                         
          Torrez sees Elektra's car drive by. He hops into his rental
          and follows her.
                         
                         
          EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
                         
          McLaughlin and Booth exit the hospital to face the throng of
          reporters. McLaughlin approaches a makeshift lectern of
          microphones.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           I'd just like to thank the all of
           you for your support during this
           difficult time.
                         
          McLaughlin's supporters cheer and hold up pro-McLaughlin,
          anti-immigration signs.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN (CONT'D)
           My will to fight has only just
           begun. We must not let the
           terrorists win this battle for our
           land, our America! Thank you.
                         
          More cheers.
                         
          One of the reporters steps up.
                         
                          REPORTER
           Congressman, there are reports
           implicating your advisors as having
           orchestrated the shooting. Would
           you care to comment?
                         
          The cheers fizzle. McLaughlin looks stunned.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 76.
                         
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Do what now?
                         
                         
          INSET: TV SCREEN
                         
          Webcam footage plays of Booth in the church.
                         
                          BENZ
           You want to be a martyr? I'm good
           at making martyrs.
                         
                          PADRE
           Like McLaughlin?
                         
                          BENZ
           That's right.
                         
          He slams another nail into Padre's other hand.
                         
                          PADRE
           You're so drunk with power, you
           ordered the hit on your own boss.
                         
                         
                         INSET ENDS
                         
          McLaughlin looks to Booth, but Booth is GONE.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           No further comment. Thank you.
                         
          McLaughlin ducks back inside.
                         
                         
          INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
                         
          McLaughlin stumbling.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           Could somebody fucking help me? I
           think I'm having a heart attack.
                         
          Booth takes hold of him and ushers him out the back door.
                         
                         
          EXT. COUNTRY CLUB HOSPITAL - DAY
                         
          Outside McLaughlin's supporters are dazed and confused.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 77.
                         
                         
          INT. LIMOUSINE, MOVING
                         
          Booth drives. McLaughlin pops vicodins with a bottle of
          Maker's Mark.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           What did you do, Booth? You
           jeopardized my career with that
           wetback! He could have fucking
           killed me!
                         
                          BENZ
           Not with that scope.
                         
                          MCLAUGHLIN
           You stupid sonofabitch. You pull
           something like this, without
           consulting me?! You fucked me. You
           are a stupid sonofabitch. The press
           is going to demand answers! You got
           another brilliant solution for
           that?
                         
          They stop.
                         
          Suddenly, MACHETE is standing on top of the limo. He's
          throwing knives into the open sunroof.
                         
          McLaughlin is pinned to the seat.
                         
          Booth exits the vehicle and hightails it. Machete pursues.
                         
                         
          EXT. ALLEYWAY
                         
          Booth and Machete on the run, after each other. Fistfight in
          the street.
                         
          Booth scrambles up a fire escape.
                         
                         
          EXT. BACK ALLEYWAY
                         
          A group of men are standing around a pitbull pit where two
          pit bulls are going at it.
                         
          The men place bets excitedly on which dog will be the victor.
                         
                         
          EXT. ROOF
                         
          Machete and Booth fight on the roof.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 78.
                         
                         
          EXT. BACK ALLEYWAY
                         
          Machete and Booth roll off a roof and tumble into the pitbull
          pit, fighting each other as the dogs fight. The men around
          them start placing bets on Machete and Booth.
                         
          Booth cuts one of the men and the pitbulls go after him.
                         
          Booth escapes from the circle and carjacks a woman.
                         
          He kicks her out of the car and speeds towards the Armory.
                         
                          BENZ
                          (DIALING PHONE)
           Von! Von!
                         
                         
          EXT. STREET
                         
          Machete comes out of the alleyway. His buddies in their Road
          Warrior rides swing by and pick him up.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Follow him.
                         
                         
          INT. ARMORY, MAKESHIFT INFIRMARY/INT. STOLEN CAR, MOVING
                         
          Von's phone rings. Von sits on a couch watching the news.
          Booth's mug fills the screen. Von makes no sudden move to
          answer.
                         
                          MAN
           Shouldn't you--?
                         
                          VON
           Let him stew awhile.
                         
          Von mutes the TV, answers the phone.
                         
                          VON (CONT'D)
           Von here.
                         
          Benz drives.
                         
                          BENZ
           Where are you, goddamnit!? I'm
           bringing him up.
                         
                          VON
           Up? Up where?
                         
                          BENZ
           Up your fat, fishbelly ass!
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 79.
                         
                         
                          VON
           Fine. Bring him here. Papa Von's
           got a big surprise a-waiting.
                         
                         
          EXT. ELEKTRA'S BUNGALOW
                         
          Elektra enters. Place looks deserted again.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Shit. I don't even want to know who
           she's fucking now.
                         
                         
          INT. ELEKTRA'S BEDROOM
                         
          Sis is being savagely attacked by Torrez.
                         
                         
          INT. ELEKTRA'S BUNGALOW
                         
          Elektra hears it, but thinks it's Sis fucking.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Fucking shit, bitch. Make him pay
           for a goddamn hotel.
                         
          Thuds get louder, then stop.
                         
          Elektra looks up.
                         
                          ELEKTRA (CONT'D)
           Sis?
                         
          Bedroom door opens slowly.
                         
          Elektra sees the horror inside. Puts a hand to her mouth to
          staunch the flow of projectile vomit.
                         
          Then she's taken from behind by Torrez's henchmen.
                         
                          TORREZ
           She was just a warmup. Now I'm
           ready for dessert.
                         
          He edges in.
                         
                         
          EXT. ARMORY - DAY
                         
          Militiamen guard the gate.
                         
          Booth barrels towards the gate.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 80.
                         
                         
          He spins out and gets out of the car.
                         
                          BENZ
           Shut the gate quick! He's after me!
                         
          Some of the men shut the gate. Booth approaches Von.
                         
                          BENZ (CONT'D)
           He killed McLaughlin. He's coming
           after me.
                         
                          VON
           And you led him right to Papa Von.
           That's some kind of thank you.
                         
                          BENZ
           I saw to it that McLaughlin gave
           you the keys to this fortress. You
           owe us.
                         
                          VON
           The senator, maybe. But what
           exactly do I owe you, turncoat?
                         
                          BENZ
           What are you talkin--
                         
                          VON
           You held the hand that held the
           gun, Booth. Just as good as you
           killed him.
                         
          Booth lunges for him but the other militia men hold him back.
                         
                          VON (CONT'D)
           Put the traitor in the brig.
                         
          They lead Booth away, kicking and spitting.
                         
                          BENZ
           You can't do this to me, Von! You
           need me!
                         
                         
          INT. BRIG
                         
          Booth is secured in the brig.
                         
          Booth flings hot coffee in the guard's face, jerks his belt
          and smashes the guy's face into the bars. Snags the keys and
          escapes from the brig. He pulls a few bucks out of his pocket
          and flings them down Sonny-style on the prone guard.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 81.
                         
                         
          INT. ARMORY
                         
          Booth and Von showdown. Booth slaughters Von with an American
          flag through the throat, coming out his spine at the back of
          the neck.
                         
                          BENZ
           Glory, glory, hallelujah.
                         
                         
          EXT. SHOWDOWN
                         
          ROAD WARRIOR vehicles barrel towards the armory.
                         
          They're driving a semitruck --
                         
          It crashes through the front gate, then spins as --
                         
          The backdoor of the semi trailer rolls up revealing
                         
          A TRICKED OUT MOTORCYCLE
                         
          --as Machete rides it out.
                         
          Machete's army of workers stream out from their road warrior
          chop shop rides.
                         
          Machete dismounts. His army behind him.
                         
          He raises his MACHETE against the sun and his army all raise
          theirs.
                         
          Big battle sequence as they storm the armory. Knives and
          guns... a ballet of bullets and blood.
                         
          LUZ arrives in one of the HOT RODS from the chop shop. She
          has a MACHETE GUN that shoots out Machete blades like a
          Machine gun.
                         
          A minuteman grabs her from behind, but..
                         
          He is STABBED in the CALF by Pancho! A METAL HARNESS onhis
          back holds a sharp KNIFE that he stabs with.
                         
          The minuteman falls, Pancho stabs him in the face.
                         
          Luz leads a gang of her customers into the battle.
                         
          Minutemen and Mexicanos of all walks of life--janitors,
          gardeners, laborers, gangbangers, etc.--fight it out at the
          armory. Fighting it out with the implements of their trade--
          knives hidden in mops, a weedwhacker attack, etc.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 82.
                         
                         
          A wailing AMBULANCE CRASHES through a gate running down
          minutemen. DOC FELIX and his sexy NURSE get out and help a
          wounded Mexican. Doc flicks a SCALPEL at an approaching Goon.
                         
          Machete unveils a Gatling Gun with a special mount that
          affixes to the front of the chopper.
                         
          Booth scrambles to arm himself, but he's cornered. He tries
          to take cover behind thugs, but--
                         
          Machete on the motorcycle with the Gatling Gun mows down
          Booth, machine gunning him in half.
                         
          Booth looks down at his own white shirt, now stained crimson
          and ripped to shreds as he falls to the ground in TWO PIECES.
                         
          While the battle between chopshoppers and militia rages on--
                         
          TORREZ appears with ELEKTRA--
                         
                          TORREZ
           Machete!
                         
          Machete stops, turns to see Elektra, bound and gagged in
          Torrez's control.
                         
                          TORREZ (CONT'D)
           You never learned to stay down,
           pendejo. I killed you once. I can
           do it again.
                         
                         
          INT. WAREHOUSE
                         
          Machete skids into the warehouse. Fuel barrels line a far
          wall.
                         
          Torrez is ready for him.
                         
                          TORREZ
           All roads lead to Hell, eh,
           Machete?
                         
          Machete squints. Flashes back to the earlier scene. The two
          images blur into one.
                         
                          TORREZ (CONT'D)
           Most people die in the fire, but
           you survived, you unlucky bastard.
                         
                          MACHETE
           I was born in the fire. It wasn't
           luck.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 83.
                         
                         
                          TORREZ
           Faith? Yeah, faith got you a good
           job picking melons. While I bought
           the world.
                         
                          MACHETE
           What good is it...
                         
           TORREZ.
           .. for a man to gain the whole
           world yet forfeit his soul? Mark
           8:36. I know it better than you
           Machete. Your father taught it to
           me, too!
                         
          Torrez ATTACKS Machete
                         
          The two FIGHT with sword and machete.
                         
          Elektra rolls on the ground, dodging Torrez's rain of blows
          from the samurai swords.
                         
          One sweep slices her bindings and she scrambles to safety.
                         
          The distraction is enough for Machete to gain the upper hand
          and slash Torrez across the front.
                         
          On the edge of death Torrez seems to soften.
                         
                          TORREZ
                          (IN SPANISH)
           Machete, we were friends. We stood
           for something...
                         
          Machete impales TORREZ between the eyes.
                         
          Blood shoots out his mouth.
                         
                          MACHETE
           I'm still standing...Puta.
                         
          Machete pulls out the blade, Torrez falls dead.
                         
          EXPLOSIONS and black smoke light up the sky behind Machete.
                         
           FADE TO BLACK.
                         
                         
          FADE IN.
                         
                         
          EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
                         
          Machete drives his Gun Bike south.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 84.
                         
                         
          COP LIGHTS appear behind him.
                         
          He pulls over.
                         
          The Officer walks up. His flashlight blinds him.
                         
                          MACHETE
           What's the problem officer?
                         
          The Officer just stands there, silent, his flashlight
          blinding in Machete's eyes.
                         
                          MACHETE (CONT'D)
           Let me give you my ID.
                         
          Machete reaches for his knife: then he sees the cops shoes;
                         
          RED STILETTOS; It's ELEKTRA.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           What's your name?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Machete.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I called in some favors. Look at
           this. All the right papers; a real
           identity. You could start over, be
           a real person.
                         
          She puts the green card in his hand. Machete looks at it,
          then crumbles it and drops it.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Why do I want to be a real
           person... when I'm already a myth?
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           Where will you go?
                         
                          MACHETE
           Torrez was just an errand boy. I'm
           going to find the man who sent the
           message.
                         
          Elektra steps into the headlights. She's dressed in hot COP
          LINGERIE.
                         
                          ELEKTRA
           I'll ride with you.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 85.
                         
                         
          They kiss.
                         
           CUT TO BLACK
                         
                         FADE UP
                         
          Machete and Elektra drive away on the gun bike.
                         
          The cop car abandoned on the side of the road; lights still
          flashing.
                         
                         FADE OUT
                         
                          DISSOLVE TO:
                         
                         
          DESERT - NIGHT.
                         
          A family of illegals crossing the border in the desert, see a
          WATER STATION up ahead. They make for it, opening it up and
          drinking heavily from the water supply. A BULLET brings one
          of them down and the others scramble for safety but there's
          someone out there, shooting at them.
                         
          MOTHER hushes the younger ones.
                         
                          MOTHER
           Say a prayer to El Machete to
           protect you.
                         
          The younger ones start to pray.
                         
          A JEEP patrols the area and we see it's MINUTEMEN taking
          potshots at the illegals.
                         
                          MILITIA MAN
           Did you get `em?
                         
                          2ND MINUTEMAN
           I don't know. They're like brown
           jackrabbits. Let's see if they'll
           show their little white tails.
                         
          Flicks on a highpowered light by the side mirrors on the
          JEEP.
                         
          The light is on long enough to illuminate a MACHETE BLADE
          coming straight for them.
                         
                          MILITIA MAN
           Holy shit!
                         
          His words gurgle in his throat as his head is severed from
          his body. 2nd MINUTEMAN freaks and makes a run for it.
           RNewman / Endeavor Draft 86.
                         
                         
          Stumbles in the dark, in the dust. Scrambles but can't get to
          his feet as he sees the outline of a DARK FIGURE above him.
                         
          Young illegals' prayers continue as the MACHETE comes down on
          2nd MINUTEMAN.
                         
          Sounds of struggle, slaughter... then silence.
                         
                          MACHETE
           Light a candle... Say a prayer...
                         
          Young illegal opens eyes...
                         
          There's a glass candle in his hands, but no one else around.
          Instead of Christ or a Virgin on the candle is a silhouette
          of MACHETE...
                         
           CUT TO BLACK.
                          


Machete



Writers :   Robert Rodriguez
Genres :   Action  Thriller


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