TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. MT. SINAI - morning
The red mountain majesty of Mount Sinai looms large behind the camp of the Israelites. The CAMERA PANS down to the camp to Moses' tent. TITLES FADE ON:

"STOLEN JEWELS, STOLEN HEARTS"
Commandments #7 & #8
seth (V.O.)
A few weeks after Moses brought the second set of Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai, I stopped by his tent to try and get a closer look.
ext. meeting tent/moses tent - morning
ANGLE ON:  Seth's bottom, sticking up.  His head is peeking through Moses' tent flap. WIDEN TO INCLUDE:  Moses, standing behind him.  He smiles, wryly.
moses
Ahh-hem ... Good morning, Seth.
Busted!  Seth jumps about a mile!  He turns to Moses.
SETH
Ahhh ... yes, sir ... I ... I just wanted to see the stone commandments that everyone's talking about. Did God really write them with His own hand?
mosES
Yes he did.
seth
What was it like to be in God's presence?
Moses thinks as he looks up towards the imposing mountain.
mOSES
It was beyond words, Seth ... 
dISSOLVE TO:
Ext. Summit of mt. Sinai - nIGHT
Moses approaches the sacred mountaintop -- wind blows and clouds billow.
mOSES (V.O.)
"For God has come in this way to show you [us] his awesome power." 
LIGHTNING FLASHES ... Moses stands in awe.
god's voice (v.O.)
"This is the covenant I am going to make with you. I will perform wonders that have never been done before anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the LORD -- the awesome power I will display through you. Your responsibility is to obey all the commands I am giving you [today]." [Exodus 34: 10-11, NLT]
Moses watches as the finger [light effect, not an actual "finger"] of the Lord carves on a new set of stone tablets that Moses has prepared.
god's VOICE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
"Do not commit adultery."  "Do not steal." [Exodus 20: 14-15, NLT]
lightning wipe to:
ext. meeting tent/moses tent - morning
BACK TO SCENE with Moses and Seth.
MOSES
God wrote his commandments in stone, so that we could write them on our hearts. And he has many more things to share with us as well, Seth. In fact--
JOSHUA and AARON enter scene and step in front of the boy.
joshua
(interrupting)
Moses, you sent for us?
mOSES
Good morning, Joshua ... Aaron ... I was just about to share with Seth some very good news ... God has chosen to live among the people of Israel. 
aARON
In our camp?
MOSES
Yes, the Lord has given specific instructions of how this should be done. We must build a tabernacle -- a place of worship -- and a chest -- called an ark -- to hold the tablets of the ten commandments. 
Moses removes a SCROLL from the pocket of his robe.
mOSES (CONT'D)
(handing Aaron the scroll)
To start we will need Acacia wood, gold and jewelry.
aARON
I will ask the people for donations.
JOSHUA
I will ask Matthew to help spread the word throughout the camp.
sETH
I will tell my Mother and Ephraim the incredible news!
Seth excitedly exits as the adults smile.

FADE OUT:

ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. the camp of israel - day - OUTSIDE SETH & LEILA'S TENT
We TRACK WITH Matthew, a young man in his early twenties who is the camp crier, carries a staff, passes by Seth's tent as he shouts:
matthew
Hear, oh people of Israel! Bring offerings for the Tabernacle to the Meeting Place by the eighth hour.  
INT. SETH & LEILA'S TENT  - DAY
WE HOLD ON THE TENT, then push towards the tent flap and go inside to find Leila putting a GOLD BRACELET into a SMALL woven cloth. 
seth (v.o.)
All over the camp people wanted to help, any way they could, my mother wanted to give something really special to honor her commitment to God.
leila
Seth, hand me my ring.
Seth takes A GOLD RING WITH A UNIQUE DESIGN (WEDDING RING) from a small wooden box and hands it to Leila, she looks at it a sec, then she packs it into the bundle.
SETH
(shocked)
Are you sure that you want to donate the ring that father gave you?
leila
(with a sigh)
Yes ... God provides us with everything, that's the least that we can do ... please take these to Miriam.  
Seth takes the bundle and heads from the tent.
ext. animal pen - day - conTINUOUS
Seth starts off PAST THE ANIMAL PEN. MARTHA the lamb watches as SETH passes.
maRTHA
Where is Seth going?
JACOB, the bull, RACHEL, the donkey, HANNAH, the goat, and SHADI, the camel watch Seth.
HANNAH
The people are collecting things again.
RACHEL
(to Jacob)
Uh-oh ... remember what happened last time, oh golden calf?
JACOB
You would have to bring that up, wouldn't you.
SHADI
Now, now, now ... the people are doing something right this time. And we should figure out a way to help too.
jaCOB
Okay, but this time if they have a festival, I am definitely NOT GOING!
Jacob walks away AS WE DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. the meeting place - day - a little later
Near the Meeting Place, Seth, carrying his BUNDLE, meets up with EPHRAIM, carrying a LARGE PILE of his own (filled with fine linens, gold and jewelry).
epHRAIM
Seth!
seth
Ephraim!
ephRAIM
I see your Mother's got you to bring offerings too.
seth
Un-huh ... look at the treasures that everyone's already brought!
We REVEAL, Miriam, who sits behind a long table.  On it are huge piles of goods: Jewels, necklaces, bracelets, PELTs, LINENS, bits of inlaid wood etc. ANOTHER TABLE is filled with silver and gold. Seth and Ephraim put down their bundles.
MIRIAM
So, what have you boys brought to donate to the tabernacle?
Miriam opens Seth's package and sorts the goods.
MIRIAM (CONT'D)
Oh, this is lovely!  Please thank your mother ...
Miriam's brow knits; she sees the GOLD ring WITH THE UNIQUE DESIGN in the package and pulls it out.
MIRIAM (CONT'D)
Is this the ring your father gave your mother?
seth
Yes Ma'am, she wants God to have it.
MIRIAM
This symbolizes the important bond and commitment that your mother and father had. 
(to herself)
Oh my, for a widow to give up such a treasure ... God must have truly stirred her heart. Thank you both.
seth
You're welcome.
Tears well up in Miriam's eyes and she rejoices in what God has done in Leila's heart. Ephraim starts to pull Seth away.
epHRAIM
Com'on Seth, let's swing from the Acacia tree!
Ephraim points towards a gnarled ACACIA TREE nearby. Seth and Ephraim quickly EXIT, almost bumping into Aaron as he enters.
aARON
Hello, sister.
miRIAM
I must talk with you Aaron ... you are eating us out of house and tent.
aaRON
What are you talking about?
miRIAM
Bread ... dates ... figs ... goat cheese ... wheat ... all gone in one day.
(she pats his large tummy)
aaRON
Gone? I didn't eat them. 
mirIAM
Then who did?
epHRAIM (O.S.)
Whoooaaaaa--
EXT. MEETING TENT AREA - ACACIA TREE - DAY 
As Ephraim and Seth reach the small Acacia Tree, and start SWINGING ON A BRANCH shaking the small tree, and sending, AMOS the rat, who was having a nap in the branches, flying to the ground.
epHRAIM
Whoooaaaaa--RAAATTTTTTT
CLOSE ON AMOS as he escapes
amos
(to himself)
Kids chase me out of my tree, where's a rat to go in broad daylight?
AMOS'S P.O.V. - JOSHUA DEAD AHEAD
Amos sees Joshua straight ahead -- he makes a quick turn and takes off between the tents.
EXT. the meeting place - day
Joshua crosses to where Aaron and Miriam are standing.
aARON
RATS! Those furry bandits are on the loose again!
joSHUA
Yesterday, a whole sack filled with dates was missing from my tent.
mirIAM
You must do something about these four-legged thieves!
Miriam heads back inside the tent ...
joSHUA
Perhaps I can ask Matthew to keep an eye out for rodents as he makes his way through the camp spreading the news.
aARON
Excellent idea! Food is scarce. We must protect our tents from scavengers!
Joshua heads off as we TILT back to the Acacia tree, where they watch the scene.
epHRAIM
That was a close one -- I don't like rats -- they're dirty and they steal food.
SETH
They're not the only ones -- take a look -- that monkey's a thief too!
BOY'S P.O.V. -- we see MARTEL, a small monkey (organ grinder size), who races away from Aaron's tent holding some DATES and a HUNK OF CHEESE.
epHRAIM
Where did he come from?
seth
I don't know, but let's find out where he's going!
The boys start down the Acacia Tree to follow the monkey.
diSSOLVE TO:
EXT. MATTHEW & SARA'S TENT - DAY 
Matthew continues to trudge along.  He is tired, his hands cupped around his mouth, calls out to his left, then to his right.
maTTHEW
Offerings for the tabernacle should be brought to the meeting place ... any and all thieving rodents should be reported to me, the camp crier ... and rat catcher.
He sighs and wipes his brow, not realizing he's in front of his own house. Behind him, Sara puts her hand over his eyes.
sara
Guess who!
Matthew is not in the mood for games.
MATTHEW
(weary)
C'mon, Sara.  I'm really tired. I've got a big assignment -- if I rid the camp of rats, I can really shine in front of Moses and Aaron ... 
saRA
Isn't being the camp crier enough?
maTTHEW
No, this is my chance to get promoted!
She offers him a ladle of water.  Matthew takes the ladle, quickly drinks and hands her the empty one.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
Thanks.  You took our donations to Miriam, right?
SARA
Well actually --
MATTHEW
Sara! I can't be asking everyone in camp to give, if we haven't donated yet.
sarA
I'm sorry, I was busy.
MATTHEW
You were busy singing again, weren't you?
saRA
Well, as a matter of fact I was.
matTHEW
I am not thrilled that my wife is wasting her time.
saRA
You used to love my singing.
matTHEW
Well, that was before ... in Egypt there was time for singing, in a desert there are more important things to do.
Matthew SPOTS AMOS between the tents.
maTTHEW (CONT'D)
RAT! Hold it right there!
EXT. TENT - DAY 
Matthew dives after Amos, grabbing him, but Amos squashes and stretches, barely slipping out of his grasp. Matthew lunges again, but Amos races down a tent rope -- Matthew follows, as Amos slides down the side of a TENT and spins around a corner -- Matthew follows at full speed around the tent ... <THUNK> ... we hold for a beat as Matthew staggers back with a wooden bucket covering his head. He slips to the ground.
maTTHEW
Ouch.
diSSOLVE TO:
EXT. the meeting place - day - a little later 
MARTEL crosses frame and runs up to his master, a very slick, very smooth, drop dead hunk of a singer, SIMEON. (Think the strut of Errol Flynn, mixed with the smile of Tom Cruise). Martel jumps onto his shoulder. Ephraim and Seth watch from a distance, while hiding behind a small TENT FLAP.
Seth
Ahhhh... now we're getting somewhere, the monkey's master!
epHRAIM
Isn't that Simeon, the singer?
seth
I think you're right!
ANGLE ON SARA as she enters and heads for the table. Sara enters with her donation in hand on the other side and crosses to Miriam -- on her shawl is a beautiful, sparkling broach in the shape of a song bird.  
As Sara puts a masculine cuff bracelet and a necklace on Miriam's table, in the BG, Simeon leans on a tent post and listens in.
miRIAM
I'm so glad to see you, Sara.  Matthew has been doing such a good job spreading the news of our work.
Sara looks uncomfortable.
saRA
He takes his job very seriously ... he's never around much.
MIRIAM
It's difficult to be newly married in these times, Sara ... everything is so unsettled.  Have patience, my dear. 
(noticing)
That's a beautiful broach you're wearing.  
saRA
Thank you. It's my song bird ... Matthew gave it to me as a wedding present ... when he liked the fact that I sang.
ANGLE ON SIMEON:
siMEON
I like the way you sing, "songbird." 
He steps up to Miriam's table, he gives a little bow to Sara, Sara shakes her head.
miRIAM
And who might you be, young man?
siMEON
Simeon ... I am here to offer my gift.
SARA 
Simeon is a singer, Miriam ... he was quite popular in Egypt ... with some.
siMEON
Ahh, ahhh Sara, I'm hurt ... 
(to Miriam)
Sara was going to sing with me before all of the plagues ...
sarA
Before I GOT married ...
simEON
Ahhh, that plague too ... 
(to Miriam)
I know many craftsmen who are helping-- I would like my gift to be that of song -- I will raise my voice to the Lord to celebrate the tabernacle.
miRIAM
Hummm ... a musical tribute ... 
SIMEON
(to Sara)
Maybe then we could finally sing together, eh Sara?
MIRIAM
That might be a wonderful idea.
Miriam exits inside the tent, leaving Simeon alone with Sara.
SARA
I will have to ask my husband.
Sara exits ... he calls after her.
simEON
Ahhh, of course, please do, because you have the finest voice of any woman in the camp ... and I'm sure we could make beautiful music together.
While Ephraim and Seth watch Simeon exit, they notice that Martel grabs some JEWELS from the table, including LEILA'S RING.
seth
That monkey stole my mother's ring!
ephRAIM
What would a monkey want with her ring?
seth
I don't know -- but we've got to get it back!
Matthew crosses in front of the boys carrying a LARGE WOODEN STAKE with a FISHING NET ATTACHED TO THE END OF IT.
maTTHEW
Excuse me boys.
seth
Matthew, I've got something important to tell you!
MattHEW
(distracted)
Not now Seth -- this camp is being over run by rats stealing food! And I'm not going to rest until I find them all!
epHRAIM
But we saw a monkey stealing.
maTTHEW
Boys, trained monkeys perform tricks, RATS STEAL THINGS!
cut tO:
EXT. ANIMAL PEN - DAY 
Out of breath, Amos arrives back as the Pen as reaches his pail, and leans on it, out of breath. Rachel, Martha, Jacob, and Hannah cross to him.
racHEL
Finally getting some exercise, eh Rat-so?
marTHA
Amos, you look worn out.
jaCOB
I thought rats slept during the day?
HANNAH
Heyyyy, I heard you've been stealing everybody's food.
song #1: RATS! (AMOS)
Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland, ©2000, 2002 K10C Productions LLC. Amos gets up on the pail to sing.
amos
(singing)
What did I do to earn this reputation
I'm the one you blame in ev'ry situation
Now you think that I'm your little thief, but it's untrue
I'm proud that I'm a rat! "Rodent" to you!
Amos looks over to Rachel in the "Rodent" line, then works his way past Hanna, Jacob, Martha, and finally reaching SHADI on the "camel" line.

Rats to You! I know it's wrong to steal
Rats to You! For such a cheesy deal
When they're devious and bad, be they camels, be they cats
Why d'you have to call them Rats!?
Amos moves towards the empty food trough.

I only need some food I can survive on
Just a little garbage I can stay alive on
I won't let you blame me for a deed I didn't do
There's monkeyshine at work -- I'm telling you!
Amos climbs up on the fence railing for his closing verses, performing like he's on a stage for the animal pen.

Rats to You! God says that it's a sin
Rats to You! Ya steal, you never win
When they're cheaters or they're thieves,
Be they slimy snakes or gnats
Why d'you have to call them Rats!?

I'm on the run, being chase from here to there
Running for my life, doesn't anybody seem to care for--
Rats!

Rats to You! I'm shocked by what I've heard
Rats! For making "rats" a dirty word.
When they're rotten to the core, be they cockatoos or bats
Call them ickies, call them creeps,
call them turkeys, call them sheeps
Call them muddlers, call them moochers,
Call them goofs or gumps or brats --
But Why d'you have to call them ... Rats!?!
Amos slides down Shadi's long neck to the top of his pail, as WE DISSOLVE:
int. mATTHEW & SARA'S TENT - DAY
Sara walks in and sees Matthew. Matthew splashes some water from a basin over his head. 
saRA
Matthew.  You're home?
mattHEW
He got away.
saRA
Who?
mattHEW
The rat, that's who ... he's going to ruin our tabernacle tribute. 
saRA
(justifying her singing)
Maybe not -- I was asked to sing in the tribute this morning? 
maTTHEW
By whom?
sarA
Simeon.
maTTHEW
Simeon -- the singer who was chasing you in Egypt? Now, it all makes sense ... Now I know why you go out every morning and practice singing ... I'm not stupid. I'm just a poor man, certainly no match for silver tongued Simeon, the singing star. 
saRA
It's not like that Matthew. Let's talk about this.
maTTHEW
What is there to talk about Sara? Obviously, I don't make you happy ...
sarA
Matthew ... you're just a little jealous.
MATTHEW
--This is what you wanted, isn't it? To be up on stage again?
saRA
Maybe.
matTHEW
Well, then do it.
sarA
Maybe I will.
matTHEW
I'll be late tonight, I have to go to the south side of camp and look for rats -- that's where Simeon lives, isn't it!?!?
sarA
Maybe you should stay there!
maTTHEW
Maybe I will.
Matthew exits, leaving Sara in the dust. Sara starts to cry.
FADE OUT:

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO
EXT. SKY - DAY 
From the CLOUDS ZEEK appears -- effortlessly flying high, then we SWOOP with him as he flies to Ephraim.
ext. dry creek bed - day
Ephraim and Seth are on the edge of camp [same as show #01], looking towards the horizon. Zeek swoops towards his master's outstretched arm. 
zeek
<squawks>
The bird lands on Ephraim's arm. Seth crosses to him.
seth
Wow -- it's amazing how high Zeek flies. I wonder if he can see all the way to the Promised Land?
Ephraim pats Zeek's head feathers. Zeek <coos>.
epHRAIM
It is said that falcons have such amazing vision that they can look down from a cloud and see a mouse on the ground.
seth
How about a monkey in the desert?
zeeK
<WARNING squawk>
seth
What does that mean?
ephRAIM
That was a warning ... someone is coming.
Ephraim and Seth look around, but see no one. Zeek <squawks> again ... they head up a small hill to take a look over into the next valley.
ext. desert ridge - day 
OVER THE BOYS' SHOULDERS we see a SMALL TENT pitched by the edge of the dry creek bed ... SIMEON and MARTEL are outside the tent, SARA is walking towards their tent.
ephRAIM
Well, there's your monkey.
seth
I wonder what Sara's doing out here?
ext. dry creek bed - day
Sara approaches Simeon.
SaRA
Hello ... Simeon. 
Simeon looks up and arches his eyebrows salaciously.
SIMEON
Songbird. What a pleasant surprise.
sara 
I came to say "no."
simEON
A long walk for a short answer.
sara 
I needed some air.
simEON
Fight with Matthew?
sarA
None of your business.
Sara starts to leave.
SIMEON
You're right ... I am sorry, you could have such an exciting life -- oh well (beat) .. but before you go, can you do me one tiny favor? I've been trying to remember the words to one particular song ... maybe you know it -- I think it starts something like this ... 
ALTERNATE LINE:
SIMEON (CONT'D)
You're right ... I am sorry, you could have such an exciting life -- oh well (beat) .. but before you go, can you do me one tiny favor? Sing one song with me ... pleaaseee. 
Simeon doesn't wait for her answer, but starts to sing.
SONG #2: "ALL I NEED IS YOU" (SIMEON & SARA DUET)
Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland. ©2000, 2002 K10C Productions LLC
Simeon use this as a song of seduction. As the song progresses he gets closer and closer to her, dancing his way around her like a hunter stalking his prey. 
Simeon
There is a magical moment that happens once in a lifetime
Like two stars colliding in the sky
You're singing a solo song
Then someone comes along

And this magic moment belongs to you and I
Cause All I Need is You
For ev'rything I am, and ev'rything I do
Yes All I Need is You
Your smile is all it takes to make my dreams come true
I have heard all things are possible

The moment we met I knew
I'll have ev'rything I need --
Now that all I Need is You
sarA
(remembering the song)
Yes, All I Need is You
The world that's in your eyes, is where my dreams come true
Yes All I Need is You
Oh, could you be the one my life's been leading to?
simEON
Have I found what I've been searching for?
sarA
A love that's designed for two
simEON
(overlaid) Designed for two
sarA
I'll have ev'rything I need --
simEON
I'll have ev'rything I need --
simeon & sara
Now that All I Need is You.
WE CUT AWAY TO SETH and EPHRAIM watching and shaking their heads as Simeon pulls her close, pushing the shawl off her shoulders, and takes her hands in his ... she doesn't pull away. 
ext. simEON'S camp - day 
Seth looks to Ephraim.
ephRAIM
The monkey steals the jewels ... and the master steals the hearts.
seth
We've got to do something.
ephRAIM
Like what?
seth
I don't know -- but it's got to be FAST!
ext. SIMEON'S TENT - day 
Handsome Simeon looks into her eyes (we see Simeon's sexy look, and Sara's eyes sort of glaze over -- as if she cannot help herself from his seductive spell).
simEON
That wasn't so bad, was it?
sarA
No.
SIMEON
We need to sing together at the festival ... our voices blend together magically. We should be making beautiful music together.
Simeon LEANS IN TO KISS SARA ... Sara is NOT MOVING away. Suddenly ZEEK flies in BETWEEN THEM!
zeek
<SQUAWKS>
sara/simeon
<SHRIEK!> Aahhhh ... OOhhhh ...
Seth and Ephraim follow ....
epHRAIM
Sorry about that ... 
simEON
Ahhh .. right ...
(recovering)
You boys, need to be more careful.
Sara, realizing how close she's come to trouble, shakes her head and comes out of his trance. Then she backs away.
saRA
I -- I'd better go now...
She turns and races off over the hill. Seth, Ephraim and Zeek hold with Simeon.
sETH
You're monkey stole some jewels from the tabernacle donations.
simeON
(fake incredulous)
What? 
(to Martel)
Martel, come here. Show me your hands --
(the monkey does)
Show me your pockets --
(the monkey opens his pocket -- nothing there)
Mouth --
(nothing in Martel's mouth, he sticks out his tongue)
Oh, I am sorry boys, he doesn't have anything, but if something turns up I'll be sure and get it back to Aaron and Miriam.
Ephraim grabs Seth by the sleeve.
epHRAIM
Thank you.
While the boys are walking away.
seth
I don't trust that guy. Maybe we should sneak into his tent.
ephrAIM
I don't know Seth -- maybe we should find Joshua and ask him what to do?
seth
Excellent idea!
Simeon waves as the boys walk away -- we hold on him as he takes out Leila's ring and flips it in the air ... then Martel hands Simeon Sara's SARA'S "SONG BIRD" BROACH.
simEON
Good work ... she'll be back.
DISSOLVE TO:
ext. OMRI/EPHRAIM'S TENT - dusk
Matthew now carries a AN OIL lantern and he is carrying an even more elaborate "trap." A long pole with a wooden box on the end. He is obviously determined to get this rat.  He bends down on all fours and looks at Ephraim's large tent.
MATTHEW
Got YOU!
Matthew dives and narrowly misses a surprised AMOS, who was hiding under a tent flap. Surprised, Amos takes off.
AMOS
<yyyyaaaaahhhhh>
Amos races across the open area between the tents, Matthew jumps to his feet and follows.
EXT. SETH'S TENT - DUSK
AMOS races around the corner of Seth's tent.
AMOS
(to himself)
I am getting too old for this!
Matthew follows him.
matTHEW
Come back here ... you sneaky little thief!
Matthew turns the corner and runs smack into Leila.
leiLA
I beg your pardon?!?
maTTHEW
Ahhh, umm, ahhh ... Leila -- sorry -- excuse me, I'm chasing a rat.
EXT. ANIMAL PEN - DUSK
Matthew looks for Amos, but can't find him.
matTHEW
Did you see where he went?
The ANIMALS all look very calm, even bored ... Shadi chews some food, Jacob sleeps, Martha looks curious, Hannah sits, and Rachel just stares.
LEILA
It looks like it's not here -- please, Matthew, don't scare the animals.
Matthew looks at the pen, thinks, then reluctantly turns away.
maTTHEW
I'll get you yet, rat! If it's the last thing I do!
Disgruntled, Matthew walks away, but we stay on the pen.
marTHA
(whispers)
That was a close one.
jacob
All clear.
Shadi walks over towards Rachel.
shadi
You can come out now Amos.
Amos pops out from behind the blanket of Rachel's back.
amos
Whew ... that guy is getting way too fast ... and to think that I was saved by a donkey.
rachEL
That's what friendship is all about.
jacob
We've got to protect each other.
hanNAH
No matter what happens, we're committed to each other.
amos
(to Rachel)
Thank you, guys, thanks a lot.
ZEEK FLIES IN AND LANDS ON THE POST.
marTHA
Look! Zeek's back!
zEEK
That monkey and his human have quite a scam going. The best I can figure it, Simeon steals a lady's heart and then steals her jewels.
rachel
Adultery and stealing!
JACOB
Break two commandments for the price of one.
amos
Then his monkey steals their food and I get blamed for it!
shADI
We've got to do something to put an end to this wickedness.
haNNAH
We're just animals ... what can we do? 
ext. the animAL PEN - DUSK
Sara, a mass of confusion and rage, pushes past the animal pen ... she has obviously realized that her broach is missing.
saRA
(to herself)
I must have dropped my broach at Simeon's tent. It's got to be there.
CAMERA pushes in on Shadi, Rachel Hannah, Martha, and Jacob.
shADI
I don't like it.  It's nearly dark, and she's going to see that awful Simeon again.
martha
We've got to stop her!
JACOB
Maybe we should alert Matthew.
HANNAH
And HOW are we going to do THAT?
Amos stands proudly on top of his pail.
amos
Easy ... get Matthew to chase me and I'll lead him to her.
martha 
He almost caught you last time.
shaDI
It's too dangerous, Amos.
jacob
Shadi's right, you're not getting any younger my fuzzy friend.
amos
Com'on guys, it's all about "commitment" ... how often does a rodent get a chance to help someone save their vows? To help do something good?
rachEL
The rat's got a point ... 
amos
Thanks.
(thinking)
I think.
(turning to Rachel)
And it's "rodent", if you don't mind.
Amos proudly puffs up his "rodent" chest as we ...
cut to:
EXT. CAMP - sunset
Matthew walks wearily through the camp, lighting torches.
maTTHEW
Sundown approaches and all is well.
Matthew wipes his sweaty brow and leans on a tent post, looking off into the distance. 
maTTHEW (CONT'D)
(to himself)
All is well -- except for me.
REVERSE ON: a large expanse of sunset drenched sand.
BACK ON: Matthew.  A hand sets down on his shoulder.
jOSHUA (o.S.)
Matthew?  Are you alright?
WIDEN: to include Joshua.  
MATTHEW
Joshua ... Yeah. Just tired...
JOSHUA
(pointed)
Are you sure?
maTTHEW
No, actually I'm not at all sure about anything anymore ... Sara and I had a big fight ... 
JOSHUA
What happened?
MATTHEW
Simeon wants her to sing with him, and I exploded. Why should she stay with me and my boring life, when a star asks her to sing?
joshUA
Matthew, I can't imagine Sara leaving you for a man like that. Go after her. Show her you care ...Have a good chat--ratt 
Amos RUNS up Matthew's leg and races out a slit under his arm.
MATTHEW
RAAATTTTTTT ---
Matthew points at AMOS and takes off after him ... Joshua follows. Amos takes off across the tent.
MATTHEW (CONT'D)
 Come back here you!
EXT. TENTS - sunset - LOW ANGLE
Amos runs for all he is worth ... Matthew is right behind him. Amos ducks under a BOILING KETTLE ... Matthew jumps over it.
ext. tents - sunset - laundry line
Amos runs under the BLANKETS that are hanging on a clothes line, while Matthew gets caught in them. As we HIT a BLANKET we ...
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. the creek - sunset
Sara bolts toward the tent.
saRA
Simeon! Simeon?
Simeon appears, in loose lounging clothes -- sexy.
siMEON
Sara? Back so soon? 
SARA
I lost my songbird broach here this afternoon. Have you seen it?
simEON
You are welcome to come into my tent and take a look.
Just then ... Amos races by, towards the tent.
amos
Comin' through.
SARA
<SCREAMS> A mouse!
Amos darts inside the tent.
simEON
Get out of there you rat!
Simeon races inside ...
ext. creek bed - SUNSET - simeon's tent
IN Silhouette we see Simeon trying to chase the rat ... Martel jumping up and down following his master ... they race around on the inside, tearing the tent apart -- finally the tent pole falls exposing the inside of the tent (filled with jewels and food) ... MARTEL sits on top of the chest, covered with jewels, including Sara's broach, which is pinned to a funny looking turban that he is wearing. He is munching on a PILE OF DATES as Matthew and Joshua arrive.
EXT. the creek - DUSK - REACTION SHOT
joSHUA
What is this all about?
Matthew SPOTS HER BROACH sitting on top of a TURBAN that silly Martel is wearing.
MATTHEW
That's Sara broach!
martel
<uh-oh>
Then he spots Sara, embarrassed, she drops her head.
mattHEW
That's Sara!
Matthew, turns towards Simeon, with fire in his eyes and grabs Simeon and lifts him up by his tunic.
simEON
Matthew -- strong as ever I see.
maTTHEW
Stronger.
JOSHUA
Whose jewels are these, Simeon?
Seth and Ephraim arrive on the scene (having been on a search to try and find Joshua).
SETH
That's my Mom's ring that she gave to Miriam for the tabernacle.
ephRAIM
The monkey stole it and gave it to Simeon.
Matthew releases his grip, but not his livid stare...Joshua examines the loot, picking up LEILA'S RING and giving it back to Seth ... and taking the "song bird" broach from Martel's head gear.
joshUA
The boys are right, aren't they Simeon? These things are stolen?
simEON
Ohhh Noooo, sometimes my monkey accidentally takes things.
Joshua gives the song bird broach to Matthew.
joshua
Like Leila's ring? AND Sarah's broach? You and your monkey have stolen from the people and from God.
simEON
Ah-- but Joshua ...
joshua
-- But, worse than stealing bracelets and rings, you have tried to steal a treasure far greater -- another man's wife -- we must bring this to Moses and the Council of Elders.
simeon
<gulp>
Joshua exits, pulling Simeon with him.
joSHUA
(to Simeon)
Come with me.
(grabbing Martel)
And we mustn't forget you.
Martel <screeches> in protest as he tries to stuff more DATES in his mouth. 
joSHUA (CONT'D)
And that's where my sack of dates went!
Amos smiles and waves goodbye to the evil monkey.
Sara turns and heads towards Matthew.
saRA
Nothing happened ... honestly --  I was close to making a horrible mistake, but nothing bad happened ... I am so ashamed.
Matthew, stands solid, stone faced. A tear of shame rolls down Sara's cheek.  
SARA (CONT'D)
Can you ever forgive me?
Matthew hands her the broach (that Joshua had given him).
maTTHEW
I let myself get too busy, I neglected you. This song bird is a symbol of our love, we need to find what we once had ... it's not all your fault ... I'm willing to try again if you are.
Sara nods and then she and Matthew embrace warmly.  Matthew brushes the hair out of Sara's face. Sara beams, and looks at Matthew.
SARA
I love you, Matthew.
MATTHEW
I love you, Sara.
As they hug ...  Matthew looks over her shoulder and sees AMOS, who proudly looks up from the pile of stuff ... Amos smiles ... Matthew returns the smile then moves to kiss Sara as we PAN TOWARDS Seth and Ephraim.
EPHRAIM
(reacting to the kiss)
Yuck, I hate the kissing part.
SETH
Let's go put my Mother's ring back in the tabernacle offering.
dissolve to:
ext. camp - day - TABERNACLE AREA - a few days later
The Tabernacle is starting to be built. There are several piles of ACACIA WOOD and other SUPPLIES. SETH follows MATTHEW as he carries a pile of wood and places it on the stack; Matthew nods to Sara as she is carefully sewing one of the priestly vestments ... she smiles at him.
seth (v.o.)
Construction started on the Tabernacle, Matthew showed me how to collect Acacia wood, and Sara became a seamstress ... It was an amazing time in the camp, building a sanctuary for God helped me learn important lessons about commitment ... I also learned, that you can never steal from God and get away with it. 
Moses crosses to Aaron.
moSES
How are we coming with the priest's garments?
AARON
Excellent, we have a new seamstress, who is also a wonderful singer.
Matthew gives Sara a hug as she starts to sing.
EXT. Mount sinai - day - OVER CREDITS
AS SARA'S VOICE carries above the beautiful mountain as we hear a reprise of the earlier song with new lyrics ... WE CONTINUE OVER CLOSING CREDITS.
SONG #2A: "All i need is you" (sara's finale)
SARA 
(singing)
There is a magical moment that happens once in a lifetime
Like two stars colliding in the sky
God chooses the time we meet
For love makes our hearts complete
He joins us together in love that will never die

And All I Need is You
So I will put you first in ev'rything I do
Yes All I Need is You
Let no one come between two hearts so strong and true
God decreed our bond inseparable
They day we said "I Do"
I have ev'rything I need --
Now that all I Need is You

Yes, All I Need is You
The heaven in our hearts will always see me though
Yes All I Need is You
You end where I begin, in love forever new
And if our dreams are tossed in passing storms
We'll let God show us what to do ...
I have ev'rything I need --
Cause All I Need is You.
All I need is YOU.

Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland. ©2000, 2002 K10C Productions LLC
FADE OUT: