Original subtitles

The major donors are in the main car, Senator.

You just about ready?

Just checking the facts.

Excellent, sir. Right this way.

Western One, tracks are clear all the way to L .A. You should have smooth

sailing.

Copy that.

Gentlemen, good to see you. How are you? How are you? Don't get up. Don't get

up.

Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to Senator Simon Melchert.

Thank you, Brett.

I'd just like to say what a pleasure it is to be here today, riding these steel

rails that form the backbone of this great nation.

Gentlemen, I'm sure you're aware of the vastness of the American railroad

system, but did you know that there are no fewer than 550 separate railroad

companies hauling a fleet of 1 .5 million freight cars over a network of

,000 miles? One freight train alone can carry the load of up to 500 trucks.

The savings and fuel costs are astronomical.

But unlike other continents, the vast majority of railroad companies in

are... Profit -making, tax -paying, and privately owned, and I mean to keep it

that way.

Brains are good for the ecology, and I'm not just saying that because you want

to hear it.

What the hell?

Western One, this is Dispatch Five.

I got you, Dispatch 5. What's the problem?

You changed tracks a few minutes ago. That's not possible. We're set on

automatic. Well, you're on the wrong track.

Hang on.

There's something wrong with the controls here. I can't get anything to

properly. What track are we on? You're headed for Union Station, and you're

going way too fast.

I'm going to shut her down. How long do I have?

Union Station's coming right up. At your speed, you better hit the brakes right

now.

Trains transport seven out of every ten cars sold in this country. And as your

senator, I feel that we need, we must protect the interests of our valued

industry. Senator, gentlemen, please take your seats immediately.

Repeat, please take your seats immediately.

Gentlemen, we're going to have to delay this meeting.

We'll pick it up when we come to a complete stop.

What kind of an emergency did I say it was?

They wouldn't give me details, but it doesn't sound good.

What's going on?

The communication system's gone haywire. The track's switched on its own, and

they can't slow down fast enough.

In a nutshell?

They're going to ram Union Station.

Jesus Christ.

Thank you.

and eight others when it crashed into Union Station yesterday morning.

Some theorize that it may have been due to unusually strong solar wind shock

waves that might have caused a peak in the power grid, but we'll have more on

that later. First, let's hear some more music.

Oh!

Something wrong?

The music.

Change it to something you like.

Are you writing a love letter?

Oh, a grocery list.

You can cross out X, Y, and Z variables.

I got some last night.

Thank God. You're left on my doorstep by gypsies.

Mom, I'm trying to work.

Well, try to interact with your mom.

Fine.

What would you like to talk about?

There's a midnight movie in the campus theater tonight. Sounds like a lot of

fun. And you want to go?

No, Riley. I want to take you.

I have to study.

Well, you can take a break for one night.

My classes require applied studying.

And even if I could take a break.

I don't see the point in watching movies.

Oh, God. The point is to have fun.

Schoolwork is fun. Oh, yeah. That's why people bring algebra exams to parties.

Mom, I'm only 15 years old.

Oh, jeez. Here we go. I am the youngest person ever accepted into the Empire

Science Program.

I know.

And I have to try twice as hard to prove myself.

Lady, you're a genius. We have the test scores to prove it. But you could teach

most of the classes you're taking.

Mom, please.

Why can't you take Trixie or Barbie or whatever her name is to the movie? And

candy. I broke it off.

What's with you today?

And I won't be a kid genius for much longer. You can't rely on that.

That's not what I meant. College is the pace for the rest of my life.

Riley, you misunderstand.

My scholarship and acceptance into Empire is my only hope for bettering my

situation.

Your situation.

Ouch. What?

Nothing. You're right.

You can do better in life than I could.

I'm grateful for that, you know?

I may not have gone to college, but I do have experience as a mom.

And whether or not you excel in school, I have to make sure you're happy.

You're more than just a brain, Riley.

So why'd you dump Candy?

It's complicated.

What, she wasn't smart enough for you?

Oh, is that? No.

You're giving me advice on women now.

Somebody has to.

Riley.

I want you to have a great day. And think about what I said.

Oh, geez. What's wrong?

Am I in trouble?

No.

I am.

What's this?

It's a permission slip for me to have a private physical education tutor.

They're forcing you to take gym?

Yeah. Because I'm a minor. It's the law.

It's a ridiculous law.

Can I get out of it? I don't want you to get out of it. This is exactly what I'm

talking about. You need to get outside.

Take a break from the books. Get some fresh air.

I'm not an invalid.

Stop acting like one, Grandpa.

Ha ha.

What am I going to do with you?

I want you to reconsider going to the movies tonight.

Grow up.

Excuse me?

Sorry.

I'm sorry, Mom, but I'm not like you.

You know, there's certain things I want to accomplish with my life.

Maybe if you would have focused a little more on school and less on... What?

Having you?

Because I never got to be a teenager, you know?

I was too busy giving birth, changing diapers, looking for work.

I know.

And I'm sorry if my wanting you to enjoy life is annoying you.

I said I'm sorry. It's not like I'm asking you to get featured on the latest

edition of Kid Genius Has Gone Wild.

I just want you to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Mom.

What? You're a fit, loving parent and a healthy role model. I appreciate

everything you've done for me.

Hey.

Why can't we have a normal fight?

Can I get a cup of coffee? Of course.

Hey, beautiful, you look lonely.

No, I look annoyed.

Put your hand up.

What are you, a lesbian or something?

As a matter of fact, I am. The entertainment's that way, pal.

The entertainment's right here.

Why do you want to be such a tease?

Why don't you get on stage and do your little dance for me?

I'm not a dancer.

I'm a dancer.

Corbin, would you go sit and milk in that for me? I'm going to take out the

trash. Sure, darling. No problem.

No, I'm fast. Yes, ma 'am.

Lady, I thought you were a stripper.

Yeah, well, those dancers aren't animals, and this isn't a petting zoo.

So you, uh... Wait, here, I'll call you a cab since you've been drinking.

Say thank you.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

into what caused the severe malfunctioning of the train and whether

can be linked to the solar flares that erupted minutes before the tragedy.

Hey, boss.

You aren't about to give me a raise, are you?

Our planet's atmosphere has always been enough to protect us.

from the radiation of solar flares and the disruption of electronics.

While it's been inconvenient and costly, it has rarely been life -threatening.

However, what we're seeing now is that as our environment is being compromised

by pollution, so too is our atmosphere's ability to protect us.

My research lab is studying these flares, hoping to discover a better way

predict them.

Given enough warning, the dangers of even the greatest solar flares could be

averted. But unfortunately, no technology as of yet can accurately

solar flare beyond a few hours.

They can only tell us when one has already occurred.

Questions?

Yeah, if we were subjected to a solar flare magnitude of X206, what would the

damage be?

Well, you could certainly cancel any plans you have to fly to the moon.

Satellites would corrode, most certainly cease to function, which would mean our

military surveillance systems would be compromised.

Airplanes or any aircraft would malfunction.

Pipelines used to distribute oil and gas would malfunction, cutting off global

fuel supplies indefinitely.

There would also be massive power surges, blackouts, in short, global

But this could be avoided if people had time to prepare, like shut things down

properly before the flare hit.

Well, yes. I mean, most of these catastrophes could be avoided with

warning time. But unfortunately, as I said, we can't adequately predict these

flares.

But my hope is maybe someday.

But not by tomorrow.

No, no. We are years away from that kind of technology.

Thank you for your time, everyone. We're done.

Dr.

Clark?

Thanks for the lecture.

You're welcome.

I read your book last week.

The entire book in a week?

No, one day a week ago.

Uh -huh.

It was pretty good.

Thank you?

I took a look at the statistical relationship between sigmoids and solar

as far back as I could obtain data and observed magnetic fields around

The rest is in my report.

I mean, but... These calculations are all in longhand.

Well, yeah. Like you said, there's no technology to do this sort of work.

So I just had to do it myself.

This is... What is your name?

Riley Katana.

Riley.

This is really advanced work.

Can I take it and study it?

Yeah, I made it for you anyhow.

Who taught you how to do this?

I've always seen things.

Like I can see patterns in nature, in the stock market.

And sun activity.

Yeah.

Mathematics just gives me a language to express what I see.

Then is this why you were asking about gigantic solar flares?

Well, my calculations led me to conclude that.

Something is going to happen.

A solar flare?

Of gigantic proportions like you mentioned?

There's no way to be certain.

Right.

Maybe bigger.

Um, I gotta go. I gotta go play games or something, but here is my phone number,

email, and address if you want to talk about my report.

Thanks again.

But, you know, I'm probably wrong about this, but... Anyway, thanks.

Oh, and sorry about the purple spots on page eight. I was eating a juice pop.

Still no taxi.

Well, I didn't get a chance to call when I was busy.

Getting fired.

Because of me?

Lady, I'm sorry. Really, I'm so... I'm so... Yeah, sorry.

I got it.

Thanks.

Where do you live?

Hancock Park.

Nice neighborhood.

I'll give you a ride.

Really?

Yeah, I got a lot of free time.

But you're paying for gas, and if you touch me, I'll cut you.

Okay.

Fired. Again. Hey, you're so consistent.

Coach Wells?

Call me Corey.

You ready to have some fun?

Yeah, if I follow through with the physical effort necessary to constitute

adequate involvement, but don't have any fun, will my grade be the same?

Wow, they weren't kidding about you.

Come on, let's go.

Come on.

Give me ten more.

That is really sad.

You know, keep going until I tell you to stop.

Even with this additional wing, we're literally bursting at the seams.

We never knew donating money would require so much walking.

Dr. Clark.

I thought you'd be long gone by now. I was just heading out. I got caught up in

a student's report.

Actually, I'm glad you're here, Mr. Pryor. I'd like to introduce you to Dr.

Joanna Clark, who has generously gifted us with a guest lecture today.

Dr. Clark runs the Visser Clark Research Lab.

Visser Clark.

Founded by Jerome Clark and David Visser in the 60s to investigate modern man's

impact on the environment.

Yes.

So you must be Jerome Clark's very beautiful daughter. It's a pleasure to

you. I'm Marshall Pryor.

Pryor Industries?

That would be me.

Mr. Pryor's on a goodwill mission. His company is looking to contribute to

society by funding organizations that are out to improve our world.

You sound like you've memorized our press packet.

I'm really no more than an errand boy for my father.

Ah, an errand boy for one of the largest privately held companies in the world.

Well, that depends on which month you're talking about.

No wonder you were so familiar with my lab. You helped have its funding cut.

Just after we published our report on how your oil and gas pipelines impact

natural habitats.

More specifically, we funded an independent scientific investigation

That not only negated the research of reputable scientists, but made it seem

like our efforts to protect the environment were somehow un -American.

I agree.

It was an absolute travesty. Which is why most of the people that handled that

report are no longer working for my company.

Clark, I'm not sure this is the time or place I'm... No, Dr. Clark has every

right to be angry.

I can stand here and blame a lot of people.

But you're right.

The ultimate responsibility lies with my family.

You and I inherited our father's work.

When somebody threatens that, we take it personally.

That's very magnanimous of you, Marshal.

Mr. Pryor's company is making an extremely generous donation to Empire.

I just wish it could be a lot more.

Me too.

Dr. Clark?

I'm sorry, Roger. I have to go.

Please accept my apology, Marshal. Dr. Clark is a guest lecturer. She's not on

our staff, so obviously her opinion is not that of the... Let me explain

something to you.

I donate money here because I believe in what you do.

Don't ever patronize me again.

Of course.

I'm sorry.

Actually... Dr. Clark has alerted me to a wrong that I must try to right.

Don't think about it. Just watch the ball and go for it.

I don't understand.

It's not something you work out in your head, Riley.

It's something your body responds to. We're practicing.

Talk to me.

This is embarrassing.

I'm 15 years old, and you're playing catch with me like I'm a kid. I'm 30,

still play catch with my dad.

And I'm going to keep playing with him until his hip goes out.

Or mine does.

But I can't even do it. It's embarrassing.

Hey, everyone has to suck at something.

It's like natural law. I suck at math.

Everyone else can dribble and catch.

I'm just a freak. No way.

You've got a brilliant mind.

Everyone is an art.

They call me the robot.

Yeah? They call me Coach Smell.

I'll tell you what.

Forget that the goal is to catch the ball. Just try touching it as soon as

possible. All right?

And you're getting exercise, so even if you miss it, you're still succeeding.

Whatever.

You ready?

Now remember, just try touching it.

Hey,

Clark. Hey, Clyde.

I've got some really great news.

That's good. Congratulations.

So you're not listening to me at all, are you?

Sorry. I'm sorry.

So what happens when that hits zero?

I hope nothing.

So what's your good news?

Well, I've just secured us our funding.

What? The whole budget?

Over budget.

That is amazing.

From what sources?

Just one. Just one organization?

Yeah. Well, who?

Just when we were going to have to close this place down.

Who's funding us?

I mean, I swear, I don't think we would have lasted another month. Fine.

Who funded us?

Pryor Industries.

Now, we're lucky. We're very, very lucky. Marshall Pryor called me himself.

He called me.

I don't believe this. I just met him today.

I mean, it can't be some... Listen, come on, come on, come on. Finish your

sentences so I know what you're talking about.

I met Marshall Pryor today after the lecture at Empire.

He's getting the royal treatment for throwing around a few checks at Dean

Hawthorne. Yeah, Santa has come to town. This is our Christmas bonus.

We can't take the money, Klein.

Wait, wait, wait, wait. No, no, no. Yeah. Yes, we can.

Yes. Yes, we can. And we must.

Because we really are on the verge of shutting down.

We'll be doing our research from cardboard boxes in the street.

Pryor industry companies are notorious for environmental pollution.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. John Pryor actively lobbies against pro

-environment legislation.

Who's John Pryor? The CEO, the big daddy, Marshall, the one who swept you

your feet. He's just one of his many sons.

They run their company like some sort of cross between Al -Qaeda and the

Partridge family.

But we can use their wealth for our good cause. Think of it as recycling.

Has it ever occurred to you how quickly we're going to become dependent upon

their funding? I mean, what if they decide to pull the plug because we

report that they don't like?

Well, I'll tell you.

If we sit around waiting for funding from a source that's completely guilt

-free, it's not going to happen.

I mean, like it or not, nobody ever got rich for making sure no one got hurt.

Listen to yourself.

Now it's about getting rich? No, no, no. It's about making this laboratory the

best. I mean, don't you want to upgrade this equipment? Don't you?

And would it be so bad to have an espresso machine in the break room?

All right.

So, what's about to hopefully not happen?

A solar flare, class B8.

What? How did you find... Here it comes.

It happened?

A solar flare, class B9.

A nearly perfect prediction.

All right, all right, all right. Just start explaining.

I met this student today who gave me this report in which he predicts a

of solar flares and CMEs. In his predictions, he gives magnitudes and

some of which have already occurred.

And you think this is valid?

Well, you just saw it in action for yourself.

Well, then why did you hope it wouldn't happen? I mean, this is great.

We found someone that could predict flares, and maybe he can help us do it

ourselves.

True.

So?

So, student Riley is predicting a solar flare.

Class X -206.

No.

Whoa.

A 206? That's impossible.

No, not impossible. Just terrifying.

When did he say this was going to happen?

In less than 18 hours.

Which is why I've got to call the NSF.

Now.

Everything's going to be okay.

I'll get another job.

Again.

Everything will be okay.

Help.

Dad, everything's fine.

No, I know how to run a company.

Right.

No, sir, I'm just trying to make you want... No disrespect at all, sir. I'm

just... Right. No, no, I understand.

My love to Mom.

I'll do anything to make that happen, sir.

Wow.

It's been some kind of day.

I really appreciate this. I've just never had an opportunity to go to this

of the campus before.

Well, the athletic field is right over there. Oh, great.

Thank you.

Woo -hoo! Nice!

This is my mom. Mom, this is my coach, Corey.

Miss Cassano, nice to meet you. Corey Wells.

Mr. Wells, I can't believe you actually taught my son how to run with a

football.

I'm a bit of a genius, too.

So why are you here so early?

I'll explain it to you later.

Trying to quit your job?

I'll explain it to you later, as in not now.

Hey, can Corey come to dinner with us tonight?

Oh, does he want to come to dinner with us? Corey?

I actually would like to talk with you about Riley.

See? You guys can have serious talks about my development, and then after we

shoot some basketball.

Shoot hoops.

Whatever, yeah.

Except you don't have a basketball.

We'll borrow one from the school.

Or a hoop.

Oh, yeah.

I've never seen my son be so comfortable with someone other than myself.

Is that all right with you? All right. It's an answer to my prayers.

So what do we have?

How about celery and eggplants?

Raw. Okay.

Raw eggs and kidneys.

She doesn't have to be kind. Got it.

Wilted lettuce and mayonnaise.

Pizza. Oh, pizza.

Sounds weird, but okay.

Pizza. I can do pizza. You can do pizza.

Let me get this straight.

You're telling me the governor won't speak to me unless I have an

but I can't get an appointment unless the governor wants to speak to me.

This is of the utmost urgency.

Surely you have protocol for that.

Email. No, you don't under... Hello?

Hello?

I don't believe this.

What? She said I'm the third person to call in today saying the world's about

end. Other scientists?

No. One said that UFOs were going to be invading, and the other said that God

was going to rain down fire.

Well, that's not far from the truth.

All right. I've tried the NSF, my government contacts, the local news, and

nobody wants to listen to me unless I have other scientists corroborate my

They don't even want to look at Riley's report.

What did you find out?

Well, in studying current solar activity, the kids' predictions are dead

Some pretty sizable flares have already happened. We should start seeing effects

from geomagnetic storms in a matter of minutes.

And in 17 hours, the big one.

Eventually, the SOHO satellite will detect it, right?

Yeah, but just before it happens. By then, it'll be too late.

We need government officials to alert people to take cover. They need to shut

down the power plants and the pipelines.

They need to alert the National Guard.

I have a suggestion.

This kind of catastrophe could be avoided if only the bureaucrats would

Call Marshall Pryor.

Why? He's big money.

His family owns half the pipelines in the country. If anybody can get the

government's attention, he can.

Now, here.

I know you hate his politics, but he might be the only chance we have.

When Riley was a baby, he and his dad were in an accident.

His dad didn't survive.

I'm sorry.

It hasn't been easy.

I was barely an adult when I had him. I never got the education he's getting.

And working full time, I'm just not around as much as I'd like to be.

He's lucky to have you.

I wish he felt that way.

I'm sure he does.

He has this amazing gift.

I sometimes wonder where he could be if I could have afforded private schools

for him.

His scholarship got him into Empire.

Anyway, I really appreciate you stepping in.

I'm just doing my job.

You having a kid?

You mean besides the 300 I take care of daily?

Mom.

Yeah?

There's something I need to tell you.

Sounds serious.

Okay. Yeah, I was just waiting to make sure.

But now... Now I'm pretty sure.

Riley, what's going on?

I can't believe I let you convince me to call this man.

Shows you how desperate I am.

Just keep an open mind, Clark. You're too suspicious of people.

No, not suspicious.

Just discerning. Oh, fine.

Just discerning. Just remember, our future is with this man.

So no matter what your personal feelings are, we need him.

Good luck.

Thank you for your time.

This is an urgent business, so I hope you don't mind if we get right to it.

Of course.

To reiterate what we talked about on the phone, we've received data, very

reliable data, that a solar flare of tremendous proportions is due to occur

less than 17 hours.

Precursors are already hitting the Earth.

We can expect that anything electrical will start to malfunction.

I took the liberty of doing some research after you called me.

It seems that your lab is the only lab in the whole world that has this

information. How is that possible?

Well, that's because it didn't come from our lab.

It comes from a college student.

A college student? Really?

He has been virtually dead on in every one of his predictions down to time and

magnitude. Interesting.

What matters now is we need to get this information to the government.

You said this was going to affect pipelines?

Yes. Any pipeline that isn't safety locked will be affected.

Worst case scenario, they could ignite.

Forgive me for being a little too personal, but this afternoon you treated

like the enemy. Why are you bringing me this information?

Well, without other scientists corroborating this data, nobody will

seriously. And there simply isn't time for that.

Well, what you're saying is pretty unprecedented.

Yes.

You can't blame people for being suspicious.

I'm not making this up.

I believe you.

Good.

Alert all of our people.

Every pipeline should have a safety lock.

Yes, sir.

I also need you to get this information to the head of state. I mean, ideally

the president, if you can.

I can do it.

Good. I'd like to meet the student who managed to do what no computer or

satellite could.

He sounds like the kind of man I'd like on my team.

No, I'm afraid that's not possible.

Why? He's a minor, and I haven't even spoken to his parents. I mean, the only

reason I came to you is because of the urgency of... But don't you think his

parents should make that decision?

I can't, in all good conscience.

You can't, in all good conscience, what?

Introduce him to the evil, big power, prior industries? Is that what you

in all good conscience, do?

I fund his school.

I'm funding your lab.

I never agreed. You need my contacts and government relations.

You're treating me like a renewable resource.

All I want is an introduction to the kid.

Maybe an address.

I'm sorry, I can't.

Well, if you can't, you can't.

I think finding an underage college kid shouldn't be too difficult.

Please don't.

From this point on, you answer to me.

I'm sure that I can trust in your complete secrecy.

Secrecy?

No, the whole idea that everybody knows. That's the whole point. No, that's your

point, Dr. Clark.

Like I said, I'm sure that I can trust in your discretion.

You have no intention of going public.

You're going to protect your pipeline and your power plant?

And you're going to let the rest go to hell?

So you can swoop in and have your monopoly on power?

Would that really be so bad?

I mean, if your lab is part of that monopoly?

I'm getting out.

Let me out.

Ma 'am?

I'm going to tell you something, Doctor.

I like you.

And I appreciate where you stand.

But you are a nearly broke, single woman who has nothing to lose.

I'm a businessman who answers to millions of people.

I am very sorry that we couldn't come to some sort of an agreement here.

But this is bigger than me.

It's bigger than you.

It's bigger than all of our differences.

So if you'll excuse me, I have a child prodigy to find.

I am not going to let you get away with this.

I want you to treat the doctor like she's our special guest.

If she tries to escape, or does anything stupid, make sure that you don't ruin

the upholstery.

Yes, sir.

Detective Padgett.

It's Marshall Pryor.

I'm very good, sir.

I have a favor to ask you.

I'm looking to find a very special young man.

He's a student at Empire.

Listen, I know that Pryor is your boss, but if I don't get help soon, you and

everyone you care about is going to die.

What the hell's going on up there?

I don't know. Everything's going crazy.

I don't fight, man.

I just drive.

Oh!

Can you take me this address, please? 107 R .L. Way?

Of course. No problem.

Sorry about the blood.

Are you sure you're okay?

We have breaking news about some mysterious power glitches that may be

solar flares.

First and foremost, reports confirm that there is no immediate danger and that

the flares, while more dramatic than normal, are likely to pass.

People are encouraged.

Oh, no.

Firefighters and local authorities are optimistic tonight as things seem to be

returning to normal. Okay, Riley, what should we do? Board up some windows?

I'll run to the door and get some water.

Good idea.

Oh, my God. I don't know, but it's not safe outside.

Okay, Riley, you're right. We have lots of water here. Let's just stay together.

I'm going to call Grandma.

I get it. Why isn't the government doing anything?

They don't realize what's coming.

But things are happening now. Why aren't they doing something now?

Because so far, all it is is just...

Ow!

Mom! Jamie!

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm okay.

I won't be helpless. I will not be helpless.

Mom.

I know you're scared, but everything's going to be okay, all right?

Look, all we have to do is find a basement somewhere and just wait for a

days. What about everyone else?

This is not the club. You cannot protect everyone.

But... Mom.

Okay, I'm fine.

I'm fine.

We've been through worse, right?

Technically, no, but I understand what you mean.

Who the hell is that?

Dr. Clark!

Who are you?

My name's Jamie.

You're very pretty.

Hey, the phone's ringing again. Should I call an ambulance?

No, no.

How long have I been out?

Not long.

Thank you.

You can thank Corey here. He's your doctor.

I was an Eagle Scout for three years.

Who did this to you, anyway?

That's what I want to talk to you about.

My reports are right, huh?

I'm afraid so.

Riley's been giving us a crash course in solar flares.

He's in danger.

What?

We have to find a way to alert people.

Riley, I lost your report.

Do you have another copy?

No.

But I have all the data memorized.

Good man.

Wait, what are you planning on doing?

Yeah. I'm lost. What's going on?

All right, we just have to get out of here. We have to find a way to get Riley

to somebody with authority.

Let's go.

Hold on a second.

I'm not letting my kid out there. It's dangerous.

The most dangerous place for Riley right now is this house.

I'll explain to you later, but we have to get out of here immediately.

Mom, it's okay. We can trust her.

Riley?

Please, before it's too late.

Officer Smith, ma 'am.

LAPD.

Please, Rambo.

Good evening, ma 'am. Is everyone okay here?

So far, so good. Just a little rattled.

Oh, no.

How can I help you?

Oh, please, don't be alarmed. The officer's just here to make sure

safe. Great. My tax dollar's at work.

So, uh, really, what's going on?

He wants to take your son.

Has she threatened your son or you in any way?

No, but she just got here.

Forgive me.

I'm Marshal Pryor.

Jamie Cassano.

I apologize for the ominous entrance, but these are extraordinary

Okay.

Has she told you that Riley's report is going to save the world?

Well... Well, no doubt she told you of the urgency of getting Riley an

appointment with those in charge.

Yeah? That's why I'm here.

Don't listen to him. He only wants Riley's report for his own company.

No, no, no. She's absolutely right.

Riley's skills are an enormous value to me.

I would pay just to have him help with this crisis.

I want him on my staff.

He'd be working for one of the most dynamic and successful companies in the

entire world.

Well, I guess it beats working in an ice cream parlor.

In addition, I would like to offer Riley a scholarship to any school you desire.

Bottom line, I want him happy, healthy, and working for me. You are wasting

precious time.

I am ready to have them meet Simon Jansen right now.

Who? From PCAST?

What's PCAST? The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Wow. Simon Jansen.

Impressive. That's absolutely right.

He's in town and he owes me a favor.

He's in town right now.

What an amazing coincidence.

No coincidence.

I asked him to come.

I'd really like for you to meet him.

What was your plan, Doctor?

Were you going to drag Riley through the streets of L .A.? Maybe smuggle him

into City Hall? He is lying.

He has no intention of going public.

Time is of the essence.

I hope you don't think I'm being tacky.

This is just to show you that...

My offer is legitimate.

But we really do need to hurry.

Whoa.

You really want us to come with you?

I would do anything to make that happen.

Riley? Yeah?

Go upstairs and pack your backpack with some overnight stuff.

Really? Yeah.

Just wait for me until I come get you.

Understand?

I don't believe this.

I just want to give him a chance to speak.

Thank you.

You know, officer, I don't think we need you anymore. But thank you very much

for coming.

Why don't you make yourself comfortable?

Do you like a drink?

Scotch? I would love a scotch.

I'll help you.

Check up there.

Excuse me, what are you doing?

Look, you cannot...

I know that I seem half -crazed and he seems trustworthy, but he almost had me

killed this afternoon just for trying to go public with Riley's report.

And I know that the money is tempting, but I think Riley should be protected

not exploited.

I don't know your first name.

Joanna.

Joanna.

Listen carefully.

You and I are going to have a fight.

I'm not trying to help Riley.

Not with each other.

It's going to be you and me against those two men.

I can do most of the work, but I need you to protect yourself.

See this kettle full of scalding hot water? That's for you.

You're in charge of tea.

Got it.

Now that we understand each other, I'm going to finish making these drinks.

They're gone. They've escaped through the window.

What? They grow up so quickly, and before you know it, they're gone.

You're going to regret this.

Yeah, I know.

There's a job opening for a bouncer down at the club I hooked up.

The scientist gig doesn't work out.

I'll consider it.

Call Sergeant Bradley.

I want every cop in the city looking for that kid.

Get me to Dr.

Greensfield or now.

Yes, sir. Maybe we should split up and look for them.

Do you have any idea where they might be? Yeah.

Head and feet's over, guys.

longer being allowed to take off. However, there are still hundreds of

and other aircraft currently in flight.

A hotline has been set up to deal with the flood of concerned calls, and

authorities are requesting that you avoid calling.

Hello. Klein, thank God.

Well, where are you? What happened?

Prior is what happened.

What?

I'm fine. Riley's fine. Everyone is fine.

Riley's with you.

Yes. The police are looking for him. It's all over the radio.

Damn it, we're not going to be able to get him anywhere. I only had his report.

Well, I have his report.

What? No, I have it in my hand right now.

How?

Pryor gave it to me. He said you gave full approval.

No. Yeah, well, he's got me prepping for a meeting with Simon Jansen of PCAST.

What? I don't... Yeah, yeah, he's on his way to our lab right now.

Our lab?

I don't understand why would Pryor give away that information?

He's not.

I don't get it.

Clark, he's going to sell it to him.

What?

He's selling the report.

What's to stop him?

What's going on?

Pryor's going to sell Riley's report to Simon Jansen.

What if they don't meet his price?

We're stopping him.

How?

I mean, he's got the report, he's got the appointment, he's got everything.

No, he doesn't have Riley.

What are you saying?

The four of us are going to stop Pryor. Jansen doesn't have to buy that

information. Riley will give it to him. Are you sure? I mean, that is really

dangerous. It's our last chance to make a difference.

We're going to that meeting.

Sweet.

Finish your cereal.

Klein? Huh?

What?

Shred the report.

What?

Shred it.

We're coming with Riley.

Okay.

We're doing everything we can to provide relief effort.

Scientists around the globe are monitoring the sun's activity, which

to die down before any major harm is done.

Because of this, the president has not declared a state of emergency.

Mr. Mayor, what do you say to the accusation that we've got another

our hands?

Hurricanes can be predicted.

What we're dealing with here is more mysterious.

When you use the word mysterious, do you mean as it pertains to the scientific

community or to your particular office?

We are not sure exactly what is going on. We're waiting to get the latest

reports from the scientific community.

Watch out for cops. Pryor's got them looking for Riley.

They're going to have to catch us first.

Everybody, buckle up. Mommy's got a leg wound.

Pryor's going to have the place guarded, though. How many men?

He didn't know.

Riley, I want you to stay close to me or Corey.

But if we end up having a fight, just run away until it's safe, okay? Mom, I

take care of myself.

Okay, but if we have to, just remember what I taught you.

Hunt for the balls, go for the eyes.

That's my boy.

Yeah, yeah.

What was that?

This isn't good.

Leading scientists blame these malfunctions on a geomagnetic storm that

recently, the effects of which should taper off in a matter of hours. Police

government officials maintain there is no reason to panic and... Oh my God.

What the hell?

Are we going to be up any time soon?

Not likely, Carly.

Goddamn solar flares.

Does this count as credit towards my P .E. requirement?

Now look who's cracking jokes.

What the hell was that?

That's an airplane, I think.

Probably the first of many.

We better go.

All right, come on.

Catastrophic. It's just the beginning if we can't tell people what's coming.

Are those Pryor's men?

Yes. But they don't have any official power.

That's a good thing. True.

But if they only take orders from Pryor, they might not have a problem killing

the whole site.

Also true.

I like my outlook better.

Look, Pryor might have a lot of pull in this country, but he doesn't own

everyone in Washington.

Pryor must be sweating well up there. He had a meeting with a presidential

advisor and no report to show him.

I just hope Dr. Klein is okay.

We should go.

We have a security breach at position number one.

I think we have the kid.

Piece of crap.

Kid, come here.

No, Riley, no.

Give me the gun. Handle first.

Slowly.

Is that that kid? We just want to see Mr.

Jansen.

Don't move.

Get off my maw!

You okay?

Yeah, that was awesome.

This stuff you taught me actually works.

Yep. It added a punch to the job.

I saw that.

What do we do with him?

I know.

Bring him this way.

Let's lock him in here.

You think he's going to wake up?

I don't know, maybe.

You've got to teach me more of that. Okay.

Let's save the world first, okay?

All right. We've got to go.

Wait. This isn't usually here.

Piece of pie.

Clyde must want to go this way.

If you behave, I'll make sure we don't forget to come back and set you free.

McSweeney, I got the kid.

That's the kid?

I wasn't informed.

You try using one of these things lately?

Nothing but static.

Is it true you're smarter than a computer?

Computers aren't alive and therefore don't qualify as intelligent.

Shut up.

Are we going to stand around and chat all day or what?

Well, McSweeney, you've got your orders.

You know what to do, right?

Come on, kid.

Get right there!

Parker, I need backup.

Parker!

You're making a big mistake.

Nobody's perfect.

Run, Riley.

Freeze!

I'll give you five seconds to give my mom your gun.

One... Two...

That was amazing.

Thanks.

Sorry. You okay?

Yeah. How you feeling?

Like I got the coolest mom in the world.

I'm sorry for being shot. I'm just great.

But enough about me.

Let's get this thing over with so we can get to a hospital and drugs.

Clyde?

Clyde!

Clark.

How did you make it this far?

I'll tell you when I have the time to remember.

Is the president's man here?

He's in the meeting room. Right, and you destroyed Riley's report.

Yeah, that's why I'm being kept prisoner here. Pryor's upstairs trying to string

Jansen along, hoping that the police show up with Riley.

Is that him?

That's him.

You know, you are very gifted, and I hope you'll consider coming to work with

us.

We'll think about it.

Well, then let's get him upstairs and end this thing.

Wait, I'm coming with you. Of course.

You going to be okay?

Here.

Yeah, it's happily ever after time.

Here we go.

Good luck, everyone.

Mr. Jansen, thank you so much for meeting with us.

Klein! Sorry.

But he's our only hope.

What?

Shady.

It's a trap.

Jansen was never here.

Excellent work,

Dr. Klein.

You have proven yourself to be quite the little mastermind.

I'm just doing my job.

Your job?

Clark, you're wrong to fight him.

He can help us. I mean, if you would just stop being so stubborn and

and if you'd listen for once.

You're pointing a gun at me.

Sorry. I mean, just can you back, just back off?

I don't believe this. What has he done to you?

I'm trying to save the lab.

By threatening its chairman?

The lab you're trying to save is mine.

Not if you don't survive.

Well, I guess we find ourselves right back where we started.

You'll hurt my son over my dead body.

What you consistently fail to realize is that I have Riley's best interest at

heart.

His safety and his well -being are vitally important to me. Yeah, so you

your own private forecaster.

What is your problem?

I'm going to be paying this kid millions of dollars for what he does.

Since when did being a businessman become synonymous with being a villain?

When you started pulling guns on people who disagreed with you.

I like you.

Okay, cut the crap.

What is it exactly you want from us?

I would like for you and Riley to come with me to my retreat so we can wait out

this solar flare nonsense in safety and luxury.

Stop me from reporting you once this is all over.

What are you going to report?

That you coerced us into working with you. That you suppressed Riley's report.

What report?

I'm just offering you a business proposal.

Now, I believe that we're starting to cut it close.

We need to get to safety.

Agreed?

Agreed.

Riley? Mom, he's got the upper hand.

And I want to see you safe.

Out of the mouths of babes.

Yeah, but just for the record, you're a very misled, narcissistic ass.

Look, I can't leave Joanna alone with him.

And what about Corey?

No, no.

You go ahead. You do what you have to do.

We'll be fine.

We can take shelter in the basement.

So?

Let's go.

Let's go.

Klein. Huh?

What now?

He's left you.

If you shoot me, no one's going to connect him to it.

He needs me.

For what?

Well, for... Face it, Klein.

He needed you.

And he got what he wanted.

I'm going to the basement.

Get in.

You know, I really hope we can learn to be friends.

I believe in what we can do as a team.

As a team?

With that gun pointed at us?

What do you want your concept of teamwork, Afghanistan?

Someday, huh?

Hey, what's that sound?

Your chauffeur.

Okay, now you don't have to do that.

We can come to some sort of an agreement.

Yeah? How about this?

You agree to do what I say, and I agree not to donate your body to my son's

science lab.

Been waiting to use that line forever.

Riley? Yeah? Go get Dr. Clark.

Mom? Yeah?

You're awesome.

So who's the most powerful person you can get us to in under an hour?

Maybe the mayor.

The mayor?

That's the best you can do?

And he'll have a direct line to the governor who can contact the president?

He should.

Okay.

Well, that's a start.

Dr. Clark, come on.

That's the problem when you're the boss and you double -cross all your workers.

You don't have any friends left.

Your father must be really proud.

kind of nervous.

Don't be. You're amazing.

You like Italian food.

I love it.

Good to know.

Knock them dead, guys.

Mom, you're totally into her.

Well, how many people are on this right now?

No, we need all our teams working on this matter.

I'll call you back.

Hi.

You must be Riley.

Hi. I understand you have something for me.

Great. Have a seat, please.

Now, you're going to have to walk me through this.

I understand we don't have much time. It's worse than that, Mr. Mayor. We need

to go right to the top now.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.

I hope you get life.

You're just as dishonest and crooked as your father.

Can you give me a minute?

Sure.

You know my father?

I read the papers.

I know that you and your whole family got where you are by bribing, cheating,

and taking advantage.

What do you make, like $30 ,000, $40 ,000?

I spend that on scotch.

Little people like you have no idea what it takes to make things work.

Little people like me know that there's no scotch in prison.

I think you're smart.

I'll be out of these cuffs faster than it takes me to write a check.

Money makes the world move, little man.

Oh, you can stand there and say, Marshall Pryor is such a bad man.

Let me tell you something.

Marshall Pryor makes things happen.

Your mother must be so proud.

I'm ready to go.

That's a salt prior.

I didn't see anything.

Did you see anything?

No, I didn't see anything.

The environmental impact of the flares is an issue that will be debated for

time. Citizens are advised to seek shelter if you can.

If nothing else, do not leave your home.

Power plants and pipelines are being shut down across the nation by

order.

Is Bart still serving?

Hey. How's it going out there?

My boy's a hero.

Mom, please.

Shut up. I'm bragging about how great you are. A mom has rights.

Everything's on schedule.

People all over the world are taking shelter.

Perfect time to go Christmas shopping.

Oh, goodness.

It's like summer camp.

Yeah, except for the part about the exploding sun.

Hey.

I smoke cookies.

Morphine.

Okay, I'm bored.

Big back.

Not bored anymore.

Now wishing I was bored.

Fine, fine.

Promise? Yeah.

You know, I just want you to be happy and enjoy all the fun that life has to

offer you.

Okay, Riley, no one likes a white ass.

Ha ha.

I messed up my hair.

Hey, flashlight.

Yeah.

The sun is shining.

And when we think about just a few weeks ago when we thought we were headed

towards doomsday, it felt like we'd never see the sunshine again.

So let's sit back and enjoy some terrific music.

All right, throw it a little harder.

Oh! Oh.

Sorry, Mom. Still learning.

Sweetheart. Moments like these are just too precious.

One bite of these will change that.

Oh. Oh, I think I forgot something.

Like sugar.

And salt.

And butter. And eggs. And flour.

Okay.

Okay, you have a choice.

between a new car and a karate chop, so pick wisely.

Mom, I love you.

You're my hero. I hope you know that. Thank you, Riley.

I also hope. Mm -hmm.

Never try and bake cookies again.