TFCMiniMovie1 Revamp

8/9/2019 TFCMiniMovie1 Revamp

1/49


2/49

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. DESERT - EARLY EVENING

TITLE OVER: PLANET X 37624

PAN across an almost endless expanse of pale yellow desert.The last ebbs of a vivid sunset can just be seen as nightrapidly approaches.

The camera stops its leisurely PAN on a distant dark shape,clouds of sand kicked up in its wake.

CLOSE UP on the fast approaching shape reveals: A boxy olivejeep that ploughs through pale yellow sand, the sandoccasionally spattering the windows.

The jeep slows as it nears a large cavern and stops.

A group of nine people all in olive green uniforms clamberout of the jeep. A world globe surrounded by six white starswith ISA is emblazoned on each persons jacket arm.

An attractive blonde woman in her thirties leads, obviouslyin charge. She raises her hand to stop the group. This isCAPTAIN JENNIFER SAUNDERS. She whispers a command to theothers, her accent crisp and Australian.

JENNIFERWell spread out in the 3:1 searchpattern. Stay alert, were enteringa hot zone.

EXT. BASE CAMP - EVENING

The desert here is cluttered with white domed tents,fluorescent-looking lanterns hang in front of each one. Thecamp appears eerily devoid of activity or people.

A strong wind whips up causing the tent door flaps to whip toand forth and the lanterns to creak as they swing slowly tothe right.

A large green armoured truck, its headlights on, illuminatesthe squarish communication equipment inside the largestcentral tent.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BASE CAMP - MOMENTS LATER

The nine silently divide up into three search groups.

(CONTINUED)


3/49

One group of three heads for the tents on the left, one groupfor the tents on the right.

The last group consists of Captain Jennifer Saunders,LIEUTENANT JAMES NGUYEN, a studious Vietnamese man in his

late twenties and PRIVATE SAMUEL VLASTOV, an unkempt man inhis early twenties.

They head for the illuminated central tent. The three pass abarbecue grill and long rectangular tables set up before thetent.

The tables have half-eaten plates of food and a fewoverturned cups lay next to puddles of red liquid. Samuelpasses his hand over the grill quickly.

SAMUEL

(turns grill off)Grills still on.

JENNIFERThey were in a hurry. But fromwhat? Or who?

James takes in the surroundings slowly, focusing on the tentsand then the sand.

JAMES(points)

Theres no sign of an assault, ascuffle, anything. For a hightraffic area there are nofootprints - someones swept it allclean through.

JENNIFERPrivate Vlastov, I need you tocheck that equipment now.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CENTRAL TENT - NEXT

A grey squarish wide screen communication panel sits atop atable, tiny red and yellow lights blink from a slim towerbeneath it.

Opened metal crates crowd the rest of the green metal tabletop. Samuel waves a grey scanner slowly over the console andfrowns.

SAMUELThe equipments working perfect. Notechnical faults at all.

2.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


4/49

JAMESSamuel, can you access thesurveillance logs before and afterwe lost contact?

Samuel types away and two blue boxes pop up on screen on thepanel in seconds. He frowns at reading something.

SAMUELThe surveillance logs stoppedrecording thirty minutes before wegot here, but...

Samuel types some more, his expression growing serious.

JENNIFER(impatient)

What? We dont have time for yourmelodramatics.

Samuel CLICKS on one of the blue boxes- bringing up numeroussurveillance camera feeds.

In the various shots, people in olive green uniforms sit andeat around rectangular tables, some patrol the camp borderand others wander to their white domed tents.

SAMUELThat was before we lost contact.Five minutes, to be exact. Now thisis where it starts to get... weird.

He CLICKS on another blue box. The surveillance camera feedsshow the exact same events, nothing out of the ordinary- theneach FIZZLE OUT.

Black and white fuzz and static CRACKLE across the entirescreen.

JENNIFERSabotage is pretty much expectedwith a hostile intrusion. Spit out

whatever youre getting at.

Samuel types in a few commands.

SAMUELIve managed to salvage audioportions of the damagedsurveillance logs - I just couldntdo that if something just damagedthis. Listen.

He PUSHES a button, and though static BUZZES in and out, the

sounds of many conversations all happening at once can beheard.

3.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


5/49

SFX: SCURR SCREE SCHRICK.

An extremely odd sound blocks out every other sound - thinkof a cross between the metallic sound of a whirring drill,hydraulics and crickets.

The sound rapidly increases in intensity as it repeats overand over again.

Agonised SCREAMS of pain and GUNFIRE erupt on the recordingdespite the all encompassing sound.

Then: Silence.


The sound trails off becoming fainter....

Jennifer and James unsure faces look to Samuel expectantly.

SAMUEL (contd)Thats all of it. Havent got thefaintest what the hell that was,though.

Concern flashes onto Jennifers face as she realizessomething.

JENNIFER(into earpiece)

Regroup now, meeting tent.Immediately leave your designatedvicinities. Status report, now!

The order is greeted with silence and static from Jennifersearpiece.

JENNIFER (contd)Shit.

(beat; off Samuel andJames)

Move your arses!

EXT. BASE CAMP - MOMENTS LATER

Jennifer tugs desperately at the door handle of a greenarmoured truck. An ISA insignia, a world globe with sixstars, is stamped on the door panel.

It refuses to budge.

Samuel nudges Jennifer to get her attention. He holds up a

black oval console. He rubs it over the door until it sticks.

4.

CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


6/49

As he PUSHES a circle button, a low HISS sounds. The doorslides open as the headlights FLICKER off.

All three hurl themselves in. Samuel SLAMS the door shut ashe retrieves the oval console device.

INT. TRUCK - NEXT

Inside the dim interior of the truck, the three catch theirbreath. James glares at Samuel.

JAMESYou blew out the trucks systems!

SAMUEL

It was the only way to get inwithout the access cards! I can fixit.

Samuel sticks the oval console against the door. Afterpushing the circle button again, a HISS sounds.

The headlights FLICKER on but everything else remains dark -the interior, the navigation screens, everything.

Samuel frowns, worried.

JENNIFER(off Samuel)

What?

SAMUEL(nervous)

I-ahh, I must have damaged one ofthe key systems or they need to,ahh... times needed to recoverbefore loading.

JENNIFER(wary)

How much time?

SAMUELThirty minutes, worst casescenario.

JAMESWe wont live to-

He stops, distracted by something. We see from James POV, therear of the truck, three large metal crates and several dirtywhite sheets.

5.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


7/49

JAMES (contd)(whispers)

Theres something or someone hidingin one of those crates.

JENNIFERSamuel try to do something so wecan leave faster.

Jennifer and James edge towards the crates slowly, theirrifles ready as each listens intently for any noises. Bothhead for a different crate.

CLOSE UP on James placing his ear to one crate, listening...

He quickly waves Jennifer over from her crate. Both glance atthe other before:

He YANKS off the crates cover as Jennifer aims her rifle.

ANGLE ON: The inside of the crate, as a huddled red hairedperson curls even tighter into a foetal position.

Jennifer reaches in to give him a hand up but he visiblytrembles and huddles in closer.

JENNIFER (contd)Thomas! Come out now-its alright.

PRIVATE THOMAS HOLGROVE, a lanky red-haired man in his mid-twenties, slowly climbs out, skittishly glancing around.Thomas silently sits, tightly hugging his legs to his chest.

JAMESWhat happened here?

Thomas rocks back and forth, staring into space.

THOMAS(frantic whispering)

Hide, hide, hide, hide. Theyrecoming, theyre coming,theyre-

Jennifer GRABS Thomas roughly by the shoulders.

JENNIFERPull yourself together Private! NowI wont ask you again. Whats outthere?

Thomas seems to snap out of it as hes about to speak when-

SAMUEL (O.S.)C-captain! Somethings out there. I

think a whole lot of somethings.

6.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


8/49

JENNIFERWell hurry the hell up!

We SWITCH FOCUS to Samuel who stares out the darkened windowsand stay on his scared expression.

SAMUELWe need t-t-two minutes and thirtyseconds before we can start up.


THOMAS(whispers)

Theyve found us. Were all dead.

The inside of the truck SHUDDERS as something heavy SLAMS

into it, from outside.

FOCUS ON a head sized lump of buckled metal, near the windowSamuel previously looked out.

JENNIFERSamuel, keep out of sight!

Samuel trembles on the floor, scanner in hand, the scannersilluminated read out erratically splashing light in thedarkness.

JAMESWe should have taken the jeep!

JENNIFERYou insane? Wed have been easiertargets.

Samuel frantically flips switches near the navigation panelsbeside the steering wheel.

SAMUELCome on, come on, come on!

The entire truck LURCHES violently again and again assomething repeatedly SLAMS into it, from outside.

Jennifer and James grimly watch Samuels attempts to startthe truck.

BLACK OUT:

SFX: SCURR SCREE SCHRICK

END OF TEASER

7.

CONTINUED: (2)


9/49

THE FERATU CHRONICLES

"The Chronicles Begin - Part I"(This Vital Chapter)

Story byAmy and Jamie Rees

Teleplay byAmy Rees

Copyright Amy & Jamie Rees

MZP-tv


10/49

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. APARTMENT - BEDROOM - MORNING

CLOSE ON on a framed poster for Lost, then PULLBACK to reveala messy bedroom, its entire walls covered with framed promoposters for various popular movies and TV shows.

TITLE OVER: 2 WEEKS LATER, EARTH.

We focus on a snoring attractive woman, SARA CHALMERS, in herearly thirties. Shes currently sprawled on a double bed- herclothes crumpled and still wearing shoes.

We shift focus to a flat screen panel nestled between thewalls posters. Underworld plays, the volume low:

SELENE... Youre caught in the middle ofa war that has been raging for thebetter part of a thousand years.

Sara moves in her sleep onto a silver remote. The panelchanges to a smartly-dressed woman. The words: UWN MORNINGNEWS, runs along the bottom of the screen.

WOMANYesterdays bi-annual ISA pressconference for 2415 sparkedcontroversy when disgruntled

members of the radical groupFreedom 15 attempted to enlistguests to their cause, whilst enroute to the conference.

A clip comes up on screen, showing people with digitalflashing placards harassing people in expensive formalattire. Police in riot gear attempt to get in between the twogroups.

WOMAN (contd)

Laura Chalmers, the groupsorganiser, denied claims that they

were the ones who initiated thelater violence, claiming thatinciters planted by police werebehind tainting the peacefulprotest.

A photograph of Sara Chalmers flashes onto screen.

8.

(CONTINUED)


11/49

WOMAN (contd)For those viewers whove beenliving outside the systembroadcast, it was revealed duringlast years ISA scandal that Sara

Chalmers - the former R&D directorof its laboratories, is actuallythe daughter of the notoriouslyvocal organiser for Freedom 15.

A clip of a smiling Sara at a press conference pops up.

WOMAN (contd)Her lawyer denied she had anythingto do with yesterdays events.

We shift back to Sara where a grey Siamese cat is licking her

face. She half opens her eyes and halfheartedly attempts toshoo away the cat.

SARA(tired)

Klaus, Ive already fed youtonight.

The cat starts to meow plaintively. She glances at the TV andsighs as she realizes the time. She winces sitting up.

SARA (contd)Alright, alright just let mommytake her medicine. She was up allnight clubbing with naughty auntyAnn, who convinced her an extrashot or twelve wouldnt hurt.

Sara turns to a side table, popping two blue capsules outfrom an almost empty box. The bright blue box reads: ANTI-HANGOVER MEDICATION.

She swallows the capsules and picks up Klaus, as we:

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. APARTMENT - KITCHEN - MORNING

Sara places a red bowl inscribed with KLAUS on the tiledfloor. The cat sniffs the brown mush inside before startingto lap it up.

A high pitched BEEP sounds.

AUTOMATED VOICECall transmission received from 555799 458 200 - memory saved as Moms

cell phone. Answer?

9.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


12/49

SARA(wearily)

Yes.

An attractive woman in her early fifties, LAURA CHALMERS,

appears on a screen fixed on the kitchen wall.

LAURAMoonbeam, did you have a good nightout? Ive been trying to call forhours.

(Off Sara)Alright, the last ten minutes.

SARAYou know I hate it when you call methat. I caught you and the groups

latest exploits - the news channelscant seem to get enough. If yourenot more discrete, people are goingto believe youre the disgruntledcrank the media makes you out tobe.

LAURAWe have a duty to let the publicknow the truth!

SARAAnd Im sure they appreciate theramblings of a group of middle agedneo-hippies with nothing better todo.

LAURAFollowing the rules of theestablishment was not how I raisedyou. The day you joined one of the

most insidious multi-national orga-

SARA(over her)

Was when you finally hit the bigleagues. Mom, come on, if you wantany chance for me to be able topass on any new info, ixnay on thepublic protests. Im skating on theedge as it is at work.

LAURAIf you put it that-

A loud BUZZ interrupts the conversation as Sara looks offscreen.

10.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


13/49

SARASomeones at my door. Well have totalk later.

Sara walks to the door. A screen near the door shows security

surveillance of two olive uniformed soldiers, standingoutside in the hallway.

SOLDIER #1 (O.S.)Lieutenant Sara Chalmers, youvebeen requested. Were here toescort you to ISA headquarters.

EXT. CATRAISM RETREAT - DAY

An ancient, weathered temple with tall support columns.

A large group of silver uniformed soldiers, reptilian inappearance, with either mottled green and blue or green andbrown skin, are loitering at the temples steps.

One, presumably the leader, converses with a hooded maroonrobed figure.

INT. CATRAISM RETREAT - ROOM - DAY

A draught tussles the flimsy white curtains in the barerooms only window. We PAN past the rooms drab brown wallsand metallic floors to focus on TROVENUS ICARUS.

In his middle ages, Trovenus has the typical appearance of aChromlian- mottled green and blue spots that cover his headand neck, tan yellow skin, large muscular frame and reptilian-like facial features.

He wears maroon robes similar in design to a medievalChristian monks.

Trovenus sits cross-legged, his elbows rested on his thighs.His palms are held either side of his head with his eyesclosed. A traditional chromlian prayer pose.

TROVENUS(low chanting)

May Auron soothe my spirit andbring me closer to completeforgiveness of others and myself.Past actions to melt away...

Footsteps thud louder and louder, coming closer...

Trovenus opens his eyes.

11.

CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


14/49

MERX, a much younger, teenaged chromlian pants, out ofbreath. His skin is flushed silver. Maroon robes clinging tohis slim frame even more.

TROVENUS (contd)

Merx, is something that seriousthat you must interrupt my personal

meditation?

MERX(bows respectfully)

Sorry Brother Icarus, but theArcaneum are here at the retreat,demanding to talk to you this very

moment.

TROVENUS

Did anyone tell you their names?

MERXAye, a Vice Marshal Revros was keento see you.

TROVENUSYouve no reason to fear them,Merx.

MERXBut they might force you to go withthem.

TROVENUSI can handle them, do not worry.Now go and fetch Vice MarshalRevros.

Merx nods solemnly then prepares to run by taking anotherdeep breath of air.

TROVENUS (contd)Oh, and Merx, there is no need tohurry madly within these hallowed

walls.

Merxs face flushes silver again.

He bows again and walks off at a deliberately slow pace.Trovenus closes his eyes again and breathes deeply.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CATRAISM RETREAT ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

A younger male adult Chromlian, TUVAL REVROS, walks into the

room. He wears a silver uniform adorned with a variety ofmedals and rank pins.

12.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


15/49

TROVENUS(his eyes closed)

Tuval, youve made it to ViceMarshal now, I see.

TUVALYou could have become Admiral oreven Grand Admiral by now Trovenus,but instead you hide yourself awayhere.

Tuval gestures to the bare surroundings.

TROVENUSI see the years still haventdampened your over-inflated opinionof my abilities.

TUVALIt wasnt your fault.

TROVENUSI didnt- that is not why Im here.

Trovenus opens his eyes finally, uncrosses his legs andstands to face Tuval.

TUVALThe Grand War Council has requestedyour presence, and Im to be yourescort.

Tuval tugs uncomfortably at his uniform collar, avoidingTrovenuss eye contact.

TROVENUSThe council must be desperate topull such measures.

TUVALYouve been isolated too long. TheParthian situation - its much more

serious now.

Tuval continues to avoid his eye contact.

TROVENUSWhen do they expect me?

TUVALAs soon as youre able.

TROVENUSAnything else I should know?

13.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


16/49

TUVAL(distasteful)

Zamsell was set apart as the newestGrand Admiral.

TROVENUSFurther evidence of the councilsdesperation, I see. And yourself?

TUVAL(grins)

Ressa and I are expecting oursecond son.

TROVENUS(smiles)

Aurons finest blessings on both of

you and your new family. I havebeen away.

EXT. DESERT - NIGHT


A group of ten human-looking people, in maroon leatheruniforms, grapple with black, snake-like creatures with shortstubby arms. Imagine a human sized version of a cobra witharms. These creatures are RAKESH.

CLOSE ON a bald, dark skinned man in his late thirties. Hesextremely well muscled for someone of his medium build. Thisis DBRONZE MAZAKELLI.

Using only one hand, he effortlessly wields a MAUL, a huge,heavy rectangular club with spikes. The mauls spikescompletely coated in thick black goo.

DBRONZETazul, ya know maybe, my tallyshigher cause I just kill em.

The shot WIDENS to reveal TAZUL RENIR, a beautiful but paleyoung woman in her twenties. Black smears her hands, clothesand the intricately fashioned long sword she wields.

TAZULBut wheres the fun in that?

Tazul HACKS OFF the nearest rakeshs short black arms. Blackblood viciously SPURTS from the wounds.

It attempts to still gore her with its fangs but she easily

dodges its weakened attempts. Amused.

14.

CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


17/49

She watches it writhe from side to side in agony for a fewseconds - and then PLUNGES her sword deep into it.

It slumps to the ground from blood loss but the poor creatureis still very much alive though unable to do much in its

weakened state.

Its large ruby red eyes watch its tormentor warily.

A gorgeous, athletic, red haired woman in her twenties,NMEIRA RAMONT, comes into shot. SWINGING two spikedscimitars she SLASHES the throats of two rakesh, almost twiceher size.

Black blood sprays the pale yellow sand.

NMEIRA

My philosophy, funs always in thekill.

DBRONZEA woman after my own heart.

CRACK! DBronze SMASHES IN the head of another rakesh, with adevastatingly powerful, bare handed UPPERCUT to the back ofthe skull.

It keels over, black blood pooling from its ruined, caved inhead.

Nmeira sidles up beside DBronze as he SNAPS a lungingrakeshs neck with an audible CRACK.

NMEIRAWhat can I say? I love simple.

FWUMP! HISSS! A towering rakesh, almost upon the couple,CRUMPLES as four arrow shaped bolts of yellow energy burythemselves deep beneath its black flesh.

The archer, a young man with wild long hair and an intenselook about him, readies another shot. The archers name is

LUCIF RAYNE.

ON TAZUL who brings her sword down to DECAPITATE, finallytired of playing with the downed rakesh. The rakeshs headrolls out of shot. Finally dead.

DBRONZEYa tolska!

A small rakesh, the size of a small dog has latched ontoDBronzes calf. Its tiny fangs bury deep in a futile attemptto kill.

15.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


18/49

Dbronzes deep brown eyes cloud over completely black and hehisses in annoyance, his sharp fangs visible. He grabs andsqueezes its head until black oozes through his fingers.

It releases his leg.

His eyes instantly return back to their previous colour andhis fangs retract.

NEW ANGLE reveals the bodies of sixty or so rakesh of varyingsizes, enormous to tiny, that litter the sand. Black bloodsplattering their final resting places.

LUCIFDefinitely a hunting clutch.

(pointedly; to Tazul)Not a vanguard for some larger

invasion force. You can spot thisby the proportion of juveniles toadults in the group.

DBRONZETwenty five little tolksas! Whofor some fressin reason preferdjibou over relion flesh.

LUCIFIt might be that they preferred thescent from your typical djiboudiet.

DBRONZEWhy didnt ya tell me that earlier?I aint fressin exaggeratin Ivegot stings and bites all over.

NMEIRAPoor bousa. When we get back, Icould always suck out the poisonand kiss it all better.

DBronze smiles mischievously at Nmeira, who suggestively

looks him up and down. The other soldiers walk past the duoand out of shot.

TAZULAi, where do you think youre allgoing to? Were not finished yet.

LUCIFThe rakesh are all dead. I cantsee any more reason to stay here.

SOLDIER #1

I can. Look at all this fun drez wefound in their shelters.

16.

CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


19/49

SOLDIER #1, a burly, blonde guy holds out a flashing yo-yo, ahumming frisbee and something that looks like an iPod. Heexamines the frisbee curiously, as if it might suddenly whirto life.

TAZULCresis, you can play with all thatlater.

(beat)We need to leave a strong warningto deter intruders - rakesh orotherwise.

DBRONZEYa know, our orders are very clear.

TAZUL

But Chief Captain, protecting theclan from all threats to it are ourorders.

DBRONZE(smiles)

Ai, I wasnt disagreein with ya.Ill leave that to the silica. Nowthis warning, ya want somethinvisceral, no doubt.

TAZUL(devilish)

Is there any other kind?(beat)

Shall we begin with the teeth, thistime?

WIDEN AND PULL BACK to reveal the group surrounded by thefamiliar sight of white domed tents.

ZOOM IN to a green beaten and battered truck, its door panelviolently ripped off. A world globe surrounded by six starsis stamped on it.

BLACK OUT:

END OF ACT ONE

17.

CONTINUED: (3)


20/49

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. ISA HEADQUARTERS - DAY

An establishing shot of a sprawling, multi-level complex.

From the looks of it, no expense has been spared, from thegleaming white marble walls of the complex to the prodigiousrevolving metal world globe statue.

Six stars orbit the globe and the words INTERNATIONAL SPACEAGENCY are beneath the globes stone pedestal.

Fountains sporadically turn off at regular intervals alongthe walkways.

INT. ISA BOARD ROOM - DAY

Sara sits on the end of a long table in a typically blandconference room. Eight people- ranging in age from earlyforties to late fifties occupy the other seats. These are theISA BOARD MEMBERS.

A stern, bald man in his late fifties sits at the head of thetable this is ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PEDDERMAN. The lightsreflect off his smooth, shiny head.

PEDDERMANThe investigations team will needto leave with the supplies ship, asyoull be undercover as furtherreplacements. The ship will departNelsons base in 48 hours.

SARAIll do my best to resolve this

missing personnel case as fast anddiscreetly as possible.

PEDDERMANIm pleased you appreciate thegravity and highly sensitive natureof the investigation. Do not breakyour cover, or the teams.

(beat)No-one without authorization is toknow of the teams existence,

whether they be other ISApersonnel, civilians or the media.

Pedderman fixes her with a hard stare, watching her.

18.

(CONTINUED)


21/49

SARAI understand the meaning of no-one, sir.

ISA BOARD MEMBER #1

(annoyed)Id sound more grateful,Lieutenant, if I were in yourposition. Disgraced has-beensrarely get second chances. Consideryourself fortunate wereoverlooking your... colourful past.

The other ISA board members murmur amongst themselves inagreement.

SARA

I apologize for seeming ungratefulfor this opportunity. However, theboard should realize the impossibleodds of finding someone else with

my credentials, experience andready to leave at such short noticefor who knows how long.

(Beat; smiles)So, if I were you, Id be a littlenicer or I might just change my

mind.

Agitated, ISA BOARD MEMBER #1 opens his mouth to saysomething in response but Pedderman silences him with a sternglance in his direction.

PEDDERMANI think thats quite enough. Whenyou do reach planet X 32674, theteam leader will make contact.Youre free to leave now,Lieutenant Chalmers.

Sara gathers her notes and stands. As she walks out of theconference room, her back now turned to everyone present, she

smiles, satisfied with herself.

EXT. CHROMLIA PRIME - NIGHT

An establishing shot of a greenish blue planet. CLOSE UPshows the city is a thriving metropolis with a distinctiveother worldly architecture.

ZOOM ACROSS the city scape to focus on an impressive andancient stone structure.

DISSOLVE TO:

19.

CONTINUED:


22/49

INT. GRAND WAR COUNCIL HALL - NIGHT

Trovenus walks towards great stone double doors. Red, greenand white precious stones set around the doors edges.

The right door swings inwards as he approaches. He stepsinto:

INT. GRAND WAR COUNCIL ROOM - NIGHT

Five black robed, older looking Chromlians sit at anintricately fashioned table. All the members wear threepointed black hats, with a star at each point.

Trovenus takes the vacant chair in front of the members.

In order of seniority, the GRAND ADMIRALS are: BASHIR

(elderly male), LUKA (older male), TARIN (older female),FORVINUS (older male) and ZAMSELL (middle aged male).

BASHIRHow are your mother and fatherfaring, Trovenus?

TROVENUSI do not mean to be short, GrandAdmiral, but I doubt you sent anelite Arcaneum brigade to find meso we could reminisce about oldtimes.

BASHIRI shall cut to the reason, then.Our latest military campaignsagainst the parthians are...honestly, weve only the gods tothank for our ability to fend themoff for so long.

The old chromlian shrugs off Trovenus disbelievingexpression.

TROVENUSWhy do you need me specifically? Iam no longer in active service, forreasons that are well known tothose present on the Grand WarCouncil.

BASHIRWe need someone as highly decoratedas yourself with the necessaryexperience and intimate knowledgeof the feratu situation.

Trovenus expression darkens immediately.

20.

(CONTINUED)


23/49

TROVENUSThe Parthian crisis must be moredire than you dare admit, if youre

willing to resort to thesemeasures. Acquiring superior

weapons will not assure us victoryin war, in of themselves. Theynever have.

BASHIR(sighs)

Trovenus, I take no pleasure inreminding you, again, that as youhave not been officially dispensedof duties by the Grand War Council,you cannot be granted honourableretirement. Yet. For the sake of

your familys standing, listen toour proposal.

Trovenus bristles at the remark, the issue obviously asensitive one. As he regards Grand Admiral Bashir, warily,

we:

EXT. DESERT - AFTERNOON


Pale yellow desert in all directions. Sand dunes cover thispart of the desert extensively. CLOSE ON one sand dune before

we:

INT. AURELIUS OUTPOST - R & R CHAMBER - AFTERNOON

A sprawling stone chamber, comprised of multiple partitionedrooms. Flags of the Aurelius clan crest adorn the walls.

The crest consists of a black AURELIAN, a creature that

resembles a pterosaur with a vampire bats head, on a halfgold and half maroon background.

Throughout there are tables packed full of people talking,laughing and drinking.

One large corner has people playing various games of chance.One that seems particularly popular,involves a card-like game

where red octagonal discs are dealt.

Piles of silver and gold coins sit to the side of eachplayer. Others throw sharp daggers at brightly painted

boards, in a similar way to darts.

21.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


24/49

Raucous shouts and chanting come from large group gatheredaround three people downing pitchers of amber liquid.

Behind them stretches a long bar, where harried people busilyserve a concoction of bizarre and colourful drinks.

Others serve themselves at a long table laden with simmering,steaming basins full of red, white or blue liquid.

ZOOM IN on one particular table where Tazul, Lucif and JOLNALARRAQ, a serious blonde woman in her twenties sit. Jolnascans the busy room for something or someone. Many emptyglasses clutter the table.

LUCIFI, ahh, I never... Ive nevercrashed a transport that was

borrowed whilst in a Yorlundcity.

Tazul drinks from her almost empty jug of amber liquid. Shelooks disbelievingly at Lucif and Jolna.

TAZULYou havent?

(beat)You two are in serious need of fun,then. I cant believe you haventdone anything thats been said...

(smiles mischievously)Well, except the being caught nakedor performing any exertion whilstshowering, parts.

JOLNA(flustered)

That was one time!

DBRONZE (O.S.)Ya still playin that drinkingame?

Dbronze, Nmeira, Cresis and nine others walk towards thetable. All, except two, carry a long ESH stick, that ends

with a flat paddle scoop.

TAZULSays one of the captains of a ten

match long, euschon game. So whowon eventually?

NMEIRAWe decided it would be for the bestif we just called it an even match.

BRYSON, a red haired man, one of the nine, laughs.

22.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


25/49

BRYSONActually everyone on the teamsexcept Nmeira and Dbronze thoughtit best.

(to Nmeira)

Though your mock sexual offers totry to distract me were tempting.

NMEIRAMock? What gave you the idea they

werent genuine? I never make anoffer I cant reciprocate.

Jolnas expression briefly flashes with annoyance at Nmeiraand Brysons playful exchange. Lucif and Tazul share aknowing look at this.

TAZULJolna and Ill go refill therefreshments.

Tazul and Jolna leave.

DBRONZE(calls out)

Ai, prenka, have em sent over tothe games of chance area, and makeit quick, will ya?

TAZUL(smirks; calls back)

Why? Need a distraction from allthat losing youll be doing?

Dbronze, Cresis, Bryson and a fourth man, TAGGART walk off.The remainder of the euschon teams start to wander off,leaving Nmeira and Lucif alone.

NMEIRA(flirty)

See you boys. And Revon, Ill voiceyou later.

REVON, one of the departing guys, smiles.

LUCIFYou know, there are others who areseriously interested in yourconquests.

She ruffles his hair, affectionately.

23.

CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


26/49

NMEIRAIts just some fun, blood bresan.Those interested parties shouldstake their claims already, beforeits too late.

On the last remark, she looks pointedly at Lucif who shiftsuncomfortably.

INT. GRAND WAR COUNCIL HALL - NIGHT

There is a terse moment of silence as Trovenus suspiciouslycontinues to eye the Grand Admirals. This is quickly brokenby:

BASHIRAll we ask is that you reopennegotiations at least, on a tradebasis, with the feratu. Consideryour resources as unlimited. AtImperiadore, the Agamemnon fleet

will escort you to ensure safepassage through the territoriesoccurs without any distractions.

The other council members nod solemnly in agreement, exceptfor Zamsell.

ZAMSELL(clears throat loudly)

Grand Admiral Bashir, if I mayinterrupt, there is one thing that

might affect Trovenus success.Grand Admiral Luka, would you careto enlighten him to our concerns,since it was your men who came bythis intelligence?

Zamsell quickly smirks at Luka who grimaces, his nostrilsflaring at the youngest members audacity.

LUKA(dry)

Grand Admiral Zamsell, thank youfor your vital reminder. I do notknow how the Grand War Councilcould function with your absence.

Luka gulps a large mouthful from a mug, seeming to savour itfor seconds before swallowing.

24.

CONTINUED: (3)

(CONTINUED)


27/49

LUKA (contd)Aah... thats good ale.

(beat)It appears though, Trovenus, thatthe humans have chosen to explore

Feratu Val. Theyve establishedsmall exploration bases of somesort, near the aurelianterritories.

(beat)Their presence could interfere withyour mission, as I assume thatsthe clan youd naturally choose tore-open negotiations with.

Bashir looks to Trovenus, as if to gauge his reaction to theinformation.

TROVENUSThis may slightly change how the

mission is to be undertaken, butshouldnt influence the odds ofsuccess significantly.

ZAMSELLI seem to recall you sayingsomething similar, in regards tothe Fiezchean assault campaigns

movements nine years ago, and weall know how that turned out.

Trovenus expression hardens at this remark.

TROVENUS(low; stands)

Not. Exactly.

BASHIRTrovenus, please stay.

(to Zamsell)Your conduct throughout this

meeting so far is not one that

befits a true Grand Admiral. Do notmake me regret setting you apart.

Zamsells haughty demeanor drops.

ZAMSELLSincerest apologies Field Marshal,I did not mean to come across likeI did.

Zamsell bows his head low to Trovenus, slowly- seeminglycontrite. Trovenus reluctantly sits down.

25.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


28/49

Bashir looks to Trovenus and the other Grand Admirals.

BASHIRNow that we are settled... shall wecontinue?

OFF BASHIR, about to outline the rest of the councilsproposal.

EXT. OUTER SPACE

A typical star scape.

A white space craft comes into shot. It resembles a muchlarger, far sleeker, streamlined version of a space shuttle.

The craft is far from a science fiction fans wildest dreams,its designers obviously more focused on utilitarianobjectives than looks. The ISA insignia is stamped on theside.

INT. ISA SHUTTLE - HALLWAY

A pretty blonde woman in her thirties whistles as she walks.She wears an olive green ISA uniform, a duffel bag slung overone shoulder.

She glances at each passing doors number as she walks. Thewoman, ANN SHASTON, waves in friendly greeting to otherpeople who pass by- ignoring her.

Unfazed by their rudeness she continues cheerily whistling.She stops at door 461, the door already ajar, she nudges itopen and walks into:

INT. ISA SHUTTLE - SOLDIER BUNK - ROOM 461

A small room, with white metallic floors and walls. Asolitary bunk bed to one side. Sara sits at the bottom of thebunk bed, unpacking two battered black suitcases. Piles ofjumbled clothes are dumped in front of her, that shespresently sorting through.

ANN(smirks)

I heard a rumour some peoplestationed there disappeared.

(off Sara)

Must be true, then.

26.

CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


29/49

Ann dumps her heavy duffel bag on the floor.

SARACome on, Ann. You know I only gotcalled last minute because

Kachowskis just been hospitalised.

ANN(sceptical)

Uh, huh. The ISA has stacks ofcultural anthropologists, why wouldthey specifically request you?

SARA(folds a shirt)

Im sure youre going to tell me.

ANN(snaps fingers)

Youre part of a secret team, sentto investigate the disappearances,arent you? The higher upsrequested you for your forensicexpertise. Youre just pretendingto be one of the replacements, toavoid media attention. Do I evenhave to remind you, Im yourclosest friend, youve got to tell

me everything.

She taps the side of her nose, knowingly.

SARA(laughs)

Ive never picked you as aconspiracy nut. You ever considerjoining my moms group?

ANNI see right through that cooldemeanour, missy! Now either youtell me the easy way or Ill have

to use my well-honed, secretextraction method.

OFF the determined and defiant expression Ann throws Sara,we:

BLACK OUT:

END OF ACT TWO

27.

CONTINUED:


30/49

ACT THREE

FADE IN:


Sara seems more exasperated than concerned from Annscontinued line of questioning.

SARAIf I dont tell you, youre goingto make my life a living hell,arent you?

ANNUh huh.

(sly)Maybe Ill invite Nathan over more

often.

SARAYou wouldnt.

ANNCare to risk it?

Sara attempts to stare her down. Ann raises one of hereyebrows, amused. She sighs.

SARAFine! If I tell you anything,promise me it doesnt leave thisroom.

ANN(exaggerated)

Doesnt leave this room, eh?

SARAAnn, Im serious. AD Pedderman andthe board have already placed me onnotice. Twice.

ANN(crosses her heart)

I promise I wont tell a soul.(beat; impatient)

Spill already!

SARAThirty ISA soldiers disappeared two

weeks ago on planet X 32674.Reports say they were last seen

mapping the landscape 200kmsomewhere south of base twos

operations.

28.

(CONTINUED)


31/49

ANNAny suspects?

Sara shakes her head.

ANN (contd)Maybe those E.Ts - the tharad?They might have an idea of whathappened.

SARAThe boards got the same idea. Whydo you think theres so manycultural anthropologists andlinguists amongst the replacements?

ANN

(excited)I knew they needed linguists forfirst contacts but I didntthink... Ooh! My first case,solving the myster-

SARADont get too excited, you dontknow anything, remember?

ANN(miming zipping her lips)

Right. I know nothing.

MALE VOICE (O.S.)I find that hard to believe, babe.

NEW ANGLE reveals a tall, well built blonde man in his earlythirties, who leans against the door frame to the room.

Think stereotypical, clean-cut, farm boy. Hes the type whowouldnt look out of place rescuing kittens from trees orbabies from house fires. This is NATHAN OBERINK.

Sara immediately scowls at his interruption whilst Ann smiles

affectionately at him.

INT. AURELIUS OUTPOST - R & R CHAMBER - AFTERNOON

Tazul and Jolna stand at the bar. A man efficiently fillsglasses with amber liquid, behind them.

JOLNAIt would never work.

29.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


32/49

TAZULExistence loses excitement if younever take chances. Stop overthinking it.

JOLNAAs opposed to what? Your way ofrushing where veliors fear totread?

TAZULHasnt failed me yet. You shouldtry it, sometime. You mightactually like it.

ON Nmeira and Lucif at the glass cluttered table.

NMEIRA(exasperated)

Youve had over ten years to try ityour way. And dont even tell meyouve never had the rightopportunity, either.

Lucif forlornly nurses an almost empty glass of amber liquid.

LUCIFI know, I know, alright. Im notlike you, Nmeira. I just cant...

NMEIRAIll make it real simple. Ask to beher escort to the Clan Conference.Shell naturally ask if youreasking as a friend. Easy as that.

BACK TO Tazul and Jolna. Tazul takes the now full tray ofdrinks from the server.

TAZUL(to the server)

Lo Mokol.

(solemnly to Jolna)Now young apprentice, the time hascome for me to fully school you inthe ways of spontaneity and thrillseeking. Your first task, to takethese drinks to the games of chancearea and gain Brysons attention.

Tazul quickly hands her the tray before she can respond.

JOLNA(laughs)

Young apprentice? Im older thanyou are!

30.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


33/49

Tazul pouts at Jolnas unwillingness to play along.

JOLNA (contd)Sorry, master. Is there any wisdomyou can bestow upon your humble

pupil before she embarks on thismost important of tasks?

TAZULAlways follow the ancient wise

words of Tazul the thrill seeker,and fun times will be had.

Jolna pretends to solemnly bow to Tazul, with the tray ofdrinks in hand, before she leaves. Nmeira NUDGES Lucif whoquickly looks up.

He shoves an elegant necklace made of gold, with a pendant ofa ruby shaped tooth, back into his pants pocket getting upfrom the table quickly.

Lucif strides passed a myriad of tables.

Over the shoulder shot, as he passes the games of chancearea. Jolna and Bryson are chatting and drinking, whileDbronze, Taggart and Cresis amiably talk and take turns inthrowing daggers at a coloured board.

Lucif approaches the now almost empty bar. Tazul sits on astool, her back towards Lucif. He takes a deep breath toready himself.

LUCIFMind if I sit?

Without turning around, Tazul pats the empty stool besideher. He PLOPS down onto it.

TAZULI do have one condition, though.

LUCIF

That is?

Tazul spoons some alien looking, pink mushy dessert into hermouth from a large bowl. She savours the taste for a beat.

TAZULDont expect me to share.

LUCIF(smiles)

I wouldnt dare think of partingyou from your shegos.

31.

CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


34/49

TAZULSo... whats the question you

wanted to ask me?(Off his thrownexpression)

Nmeira voiced.

Lucif looks across the room to the now far table. From herposition Nmeira smirks and waves at him.

LUCIFI, well- I was wondering, rememberthe other day, we were talkingabout our plans for our scheduledrest breaks-

Tazuls attention however seems to wander off. From her POV,

Lucifs talking but its almost muted by the inordinateamount of hurried whispers.

Theyre too fast and too many to make out whats actuallysaid, but Tazuls now serious expression means that somethingisnt right.

TAZULSorry. The outposts just voiced meall their reports on the borderssituation - they arent good and I

wasnt paying attention to you.(beat)

DBronze is voicing everyone for anemergency meeting. But they can

wait.

Tazul looks at Lucif expectantly.

Lucif sighs, exasperated, the moment gone - and with that,his courage to say his piece.

LUCIFIt can wait. Emergency meetingstake precedence over everything.

EXT. OUTER SPACE

An impressive armada of battle spacecraft in formation. Theseelegantly crafted ships wouldnt look out of place in a StarWars film.

A giant planet with a bluish tinge looms in the background.

ZOOM IN on one particular battle craft, impressive in size.

32.

CONTINUED: (3)

(CONTINUED)


35/49

Inspection of the ship close up reveals slight pockmarks andburns, signs of it having survived numerous fire fights.Alien letters are engraved on the crafts side.

Beneath this:

TITLE OVER: IMPERIUM DESTINY

INT. IMPERIUM DESTINY - COMMAND

Trovenus sits on a velvety seat, gazing out a portal at atypical star scape. He tugs, self consciously, at the silvercollar of the uniform he now wears.

Over his shoulder, ten chromlian warriors silently staff

panelled stations behind him.

TUVAL (O.S.)Would you like some company?

TROVENUSI suppose.

Trovenus brushes away thin black data sheets spread over thechair next to him. Tuval sits.

TUVALYou look more resigned than afterthe grand war council meeting. Ithought Zamsells publicchastisement would at least merit asmile.

TROVENUSSitting here in my old uniformaboard the Imperium Destiny sparks

many memories I prefer to keep inthe past.

Tuval looks hurt.

TUVALSurely there are some memories ofthe past you wish to remember?

TROVENUSNone of those memories involve youor anyone else I care about - youdo know that, dont you? When I hid

myself away it was to escape theterrible burden of my pastvocation.

33.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


36/49

Theres a pained silence as they both reflect on someobviously distressful past event.


Ann playfully pounces on Nathan still skulking near the door.

ANNNathan! Im not finished unpackingyet.

(remembers something)Oh, almost forgot, Ive still gotanother bag to claim from storage.

She kisses Nathan lightly on the lips.

ANN (contd)Play nice now, you two. Its late,Im tired and I dont want to hearany arguing coming from this room

when I get back.

Ann walks into the hallway and scurries out of sight,obviously eager not to leave Sara and Nathan alone for toolong.

Theres a claustrophobic silence as Nathan and Sara stare ateach other venomously for a few seconds, until its brokenby:

SARAShell eventually see you for thepiece of work you really are,underneath that all-American herofacade.

NATHANI dont have a facade, Chalmers,the same way you dont have achance in hell of ever being

reinstated as the researchdirector.

SARA(sarcastically)

Ooh, that retort smarts. If I was anine year old girl, I might havestarted bawling my little heartout.

OFF NATHAN as hes about to angrily retort.

34.

CONTINUED:


37/49

INT. IMPERIUM DESTINY - COMMAND

One of the warriors, RAICHEK, respectfully looks over toTrovenus and Tuval, pausing from his duties at his station.

RAICHEKField Marshal, the FleetCommanders hailing hasspecifically requested to speak toyou.

TROVENUSAye, Raichek.

Trovenus walks to the central console. After he taps severalbuttons, Grand War Councillor Luka appears on screen. He now

wears a silver uniform.

LUKAThe Imperium Destiny is now leavingChromlian space and territories.Unfortunately, we must now part

ways. The escort would only garnerunwanted attention if we travel anyfurther. May Auron protect all ofyou. Good fortune, cousin.

TROVENUSYou have my heartfelt thanks forinsisting on leading the escort,Luka. Inform the council that weshould arrive at our destinationshortly.

EXT. ISA MAIN BASE - AFTERNOON

Ann, Nathan and Sara stand amidst an expansive and bustlingdesert camp settlement.

Hundreds of large white domed tents dot the area occasionally

interspersed with sturdier more permanent buildings.


To their backs is a makeshift runway where black militaryhelicopters, green army trucks and white spacecraft dock.

People are busily off-loading supplies from the vehicles.

Lagging at the rear, Nathan lugs four heavy bags. Sara dragstwo battered suitcases, a little ahead. Unburdened, Anneasily leads the way.

35.

(CONTINUED)


38/49

ANNThis is it? My first awayassignment, and this place doesnteven look exotic.

NATHANIt is your first time, babe.Expectations are alwaysunrealistically high.

SARASomething Im sure youve said to

many a girl.

Nathan glares at Sara who smiles back, unfazed.

ANN

No. I mean, alien planets shouldntlook like this. They should be

more... otherworldly. This justreminds me of Tunisia except with

more caverns.

NATHANWhat do you really expect from aplace named X 32674, babe?

ANN(pouts)

But they give all these new planetsboring, unimaginative names -scientific, they call it. Bah.

SARAYou do get to talk to some actualaliens later, focus on that.

ANN(knowing)

Right...

NATHAN

Arent you both going to be latefor that meeting? Its supposed tostart now, isnt?

ANNOh, no! You dont mind takingSaras things as well, do youhoney? I mean, you know where wereboth staying, right?

She rushes off before he can answer.

36.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


39/49

NATHAN(calls out)

Sure thing, babe.

THUD! Sara dumps her suitcases in front of him.

SARADont take anything or touchanything inside. Ill know if youdo. Have fun.

(beat)Honey.

Sara quickly rushes off, following Ann.

Nathan watches her with a dark expression for severalseconds. He sighs as he looks down at all the heavy luggage.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. ISA MAIN BASE - AFTERNOON

Sara and Ann wait impatiently inside a white domed tent. Adark haired man in his thirties smiles as he enters.

MANLieutenant Chalmers and Shaston, Ipresume. Im Preston, the headlinguist.

Sara shakes his hand first. The handshake lingers much longerthan it should for a polite greeting between twoprofessionals.

SARA(smiles flirtatiously)

Sara.

Preston turns to Ann. ANGLE ON SARA as she curiously opensher hand to reveal a silver communicator. A note is tightlyfolded and tied to it.

PRESTON (0.S)A pleasure to finally meet you.Ive heard much about both of you.You know what they say goodreputations, high expectations.

Sara surreptitiously slides her hand, and its contents, intoher pocket as we:

BLACK OUT:

END OF ACT THREE

37.

CONTINUED: (2)


40/49

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. TENT - ISA MAIN BASE - AFTERNOON

Ann cheerfully oblivious to whats just happened, grins atPrestons compliment.

ANNReally? What kind of things haveyou heard about me?

SARA(interrupts)

So... when are we going to startthis meeting between us and thetharad?

PRESTONSee, thats why I was late -difficulties with the tharadsleader. The meetings cancelled.

(beat)She refuses to spend any more timehere. Theyre packing up as wespeak, and according to theconvention codes we cant stopthem.

SARAWhy are they leaving?

ANNCant we stall them?

PRESTONJust a vague mention of foreseeingdanger approaching. Were alreadytrying to stall them but theirpatience is already waning.

(beat)Not sure whether theyll be useful

now, but the U.Ts have been loadedwith tharad language derivatives.See you later in the mess.

He winks at Sara then exits.

ANNYou tease. Guess I shouldnt waitup for you tonight, huh?

38.


41/49

INT. AURELIUS OUTPOST- BATTLE ROOM

A bird's-eye view of a massive concave shaped auditoriumstretches beneath. The two thousand restless soldiers thatsit in the rows barely fill half the capacity.

Taggart, Cresis, Nmeira and Lucif sit amongst those in thefront row.

There are three enormous screens that cover the front walls.The screens split into numerous surveillance type recordingsof the desert, caverns etc.

ZOOM IN to the front where DBronze, Tazul, Jolna and Brysonstand. Jolna and Bryson either side of a 3-D hologram-likeprojection map of the desert.

JOLNABased on the available informationand the observations of theirheavy artillery. Theyre planning

more than a random incursion. Myanalysis suggests the shield wouldbe most effective in this scenario.

BRYSONThe only foreseeable drawback isthis.

Bryson points a thin pointer at the map. Many blue squaresappear, dotting all over the map.

BRYSON (contd)As youre aware, these are all thelocations of non-feratu habitation.Mostly tharad and, to a relativelysmaller extent, human. To mount aneffective response our battle lines

would need to be here.

Lined up red skulls, either dotted close to or overlap theblue squares, present on the map.

TAGGARTShouldnt be a problem. Ivealready sent messenger to alltharad tribes within Tiahunacosborders. Theyve voiced that allare accounted for, except Rsnxatribe. The Prime Charric isconcerned that his daughtersassociation with the humans may bebehind this.

39.

(CONTINUED)


42/49

DBRONZEWhat ya waitin for? Go locate herand her tribe now.

Taggart stands.

TAGGARTWhat of the humans?

TAZULI dont care for intruders. Letthem suffer the consequences oftheir ignorance.

EXT. ISA MAIN BASE - EVENING

The last vivid streaks of sunset are starting to fade fromthe evening sky as the darkness of night slowly approaches.

The previous bustling desert camp settlement has slowed downfor the evening with almost no-one in sight.

Except of course, those on perimeter duty who meticulouslysweep their assigned area of the camp. Red lights FLASH fromtheir rifles sights, ear piece and night vision goggles.

The now illuminated white domed tents that dot the areaalmost resemble lanterns laid out for a garden party.

ZOOM IN on one particular, sturdier building. The sounds ofmusic, laughter and conversation drift from it.

INT. ISA MESS BUILDING - EVENING

A spacious eating hall with many tables of people. Theres asmall queue still waiting to be served dinner at the canteen.

A darkened stage lies on the opposite end of the room. At the

tables, uniformed people hungrily tear into their food andchat to those sitting with them.

CLOSE ON a table where Sara, Ann and Nathan sit. Theres fivevacant chairs at their table but several passing soldiersladen with trays of food blatantly ignore this. This hasntgone unnoticed by the three.

A tall, dark skinned guy approaches the table. He places hishand on a chair, about to open his mouth:

SARA

No, you cant take one. Whatswrong with sitting here, Gerald?

40.

CONTINUED:

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


43/49

Afraid youll lose face with allyour other friends?

He backs off, without a word, a mixed expression of hurt andembarrassment on his face.

ANNHey! Geralds one of the few people

who still talk to m- us.

NATHANYoure surprised? Being a bitch isas natural to her as breathing.

Saras about to retort when the lights on the stage turn on.A balding man in his thirties clears his throat, a small

microphone clipped to his shirt.

MANId like to give a warm welcome toall the new faces here, our finereplacements.

(Loud Cheers from tables)Were celebrating our final nighthere.

(More cheers)And all you newbies, your firstnight! So lets all enjoy ourselvestonight, raising some hell of aparty.

(devilish smile)After all, weve got all theGenerals blessings.

EXT. DESERT - NIGHT

FOCUS ON a furry reptilian-like animal, a RASSTIF, spikescover its body. The size of a labrador, it forages amongstthe stunted scrub in the cool of night. Its black tongueflicks out, snatching a small grey lizard.

The animal cocks its head as the ground starts to violentlyreverberate, disrupting the sand.

At the sight of a sleek, fast incoming spacecraft it scuttlesoff, its prize tightly clasped in its mouth.

The ship hums as it lands softly. A metal platform extendsfrom the underside of the ship. Trovenus and Tuval descendthe platform.

Trovenus absorbs the quiet desert surroundings, deep inthought.

41.

CONTINUED:SARA (cont'd)

(CONTINUED)


44/49

TUVALIts deceptively beguiling for sucha legendary place of endlessconflict.

(beat)

Your orders for the warriors,Trovenus?

Trovenus seems to break out of his reverie to regard Tuval.

TROVENUSThey can remain here for thepresent. But I shall need you toaccompany me.

TUVAL(nervous)

Wouldnt it be more prudent to waitto days break?

TROVENUSAll those old space farer talesarent entirely true. Believe me.However, the longer we postpone theinevitable, the longer we shall berequired to remain here.

TUVALWhere do you require me toaccompany you?

INT. ISA MESS BUILDING - LATER

Most of the tables have been moved to the far wall. The areanear the stage has been converted to a dance floor wherepeople shake and move with gleeful abandon to the loud musicpulsating from speakers on stage.

The camera follows a man as he crosses the dance floor andout of the room, into a hallway. The man walks toward another

door where laughter and chatter emanate, into:

Another area set up with all types of entertainment-peopleplaying cards, holographic virtual simulations of pool, dartsand even a stage area set up for karaoke.

Nathan plays cards at a table, with four other men, a largepile of cash on his side. Ann, a microphone in hand, singsenthusiastically on stage.

ANN(singing badly off-key)

You cant understand, the life Ivebeen given...

42.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


45/49

Sara sits back from the scene, at a far table. LEE, anattractive Asian woman and SANDAMAN, a dark skinned man withdreadlocks sit with her. Sara gulps down a drink.

SANDAMAN

(heavy Jamaican accent)Ey, slow down, youll be draininall me best stock at this rate. Anditll be hard to brew more ere,under the generals noses.

SARA(scoffs)

Best stock? Were all friendshere, so Ill say this nicely -this tastes like watered down piss.And Im sure the stuff you ripped

off Henson and his party lackeyswith isnt any better.

Sandaman feigns shock at the revelations for a second.

SANDAMAN(smiles)

Ya know Im friend first, businessman second. But its harder tosmuggle in alcohol.

Sara pouts for a beat.

LEESandaman, I doubt anyone cares.

(Smirks; to Sara)Though an alcoholic would know thedifference.

SARA(sniffs)

I prefer alcohol connoisseur.

LEEWhatever. They both end up

completely soused. Something youllhave trouble explaining to oursuperiors tomorrow, if you dontslow down.

SANDAMAN(suddenly serious; toSara)

Ey what is it? I can tellsomethins bothering ya.

Sara notices Preston in the crowd. As he makes his way to the

doorway, he glances in both directions to see if anyoneswatching, then quickly inclines his head for Sara to follow.

43.

CONTINUED:

(CONTINUED)


46/49

SARASomething thatll be fixed soonenough.

(beat)Ive got do something. Ill catch

up with you later, alright?

SANDAMANNo worries.

LEESure.

EXT. ISA MAIN BASE - NIGHT

Sara follows Prestons lead through the camp.

SARAYoure lucky all my friends believe

my cover story that wereinvolved otherwise... Youreabout as subtle as-

She stops as a group of people pass them by.

SARA (contd)Where are we going, anyway?

PRESTONTo meet the rest of the team.

EXT. DESERT - NIGHT

Somewhere else, in this large expanse of sand. The rockymountains and the dried yellowed savannah just visible in thedistance indicates were at the edges of the desertterritory.

A large flaming torch, comes into shot as its swiped acrossthe screen to light the inky blackness.

The torch illuminates its wielders head, brown shaggy fur,thats heavily streaked white.

The figure turns to reveal wrinkled slate grey skin and acanine-like face with, a jutting muzzle. His right black eyestares blankly ahead, a deep jagged scar running from abovehis eye down to his cheek.

He quickly stops his VORG mount, by yanking its reins. The

fat boar creature slows, its curled tusks dangerouslysweeping the area whenever it moves its head.

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CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


47/49

The figure whistles sharply. A human-sized, albino rakeshslithers into view. Hissing, its neck skin PUFFS outwardsinto a hood.

ALBINO RAKESH

(annoyed)I am no ssssimple rakesssh, Zugrak.Do not treat me asss one. I amChief Ssep!

Its pink forked tongue lashes out at the air to emphasise thepoint. At this, ZUGRAK thumps his chest, dust scattering fromhis battered leather jerkin.

ZUGRAKGeneral Zugrak. I did not kill allthe things I have, to be called

something different.

A prodigious ebony black rakesh, wearing shapeless blackrobes, slithers up. Its size dwarfs the albino rakesh easily.Two other rakesh flank either side of it.

EBONY RAKESHWhy have we ssstopped?

The imposing rakesh looks accusingly at Zugrak. The albinorakesh bows its head respectfully to the ebony rakesh.

ALBINO RAKESHThe miinisssh are lagging,Sssavant.

The Savant nods in acknowledgment and agreement.

ZUGRAKThats unfair! My armies aretravelling as fast as they can.

FWEEP! Zugrak SWINGS his torch backwards in an attempt topierce the darkness behind him, to prove his point. Theflames from the torch flicker dangerously close to his fur.

SAVANTNot fassst enough!

ZUGRAK(angry)

Listen here, Savant. Youve no auth-

SAVANT(agitated)

You lissten, general. If we are tokill together, let me make thisss

clear. I do not tolerate failure orinsssolence from anyone.

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(CONTINUED)


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The Savants large neck skin folds PUFF instantly to form anenormous black hood that surrounds his face. The enragedSavant seems to fearsomely loom in size even more, aboveZugrak.

SAVANT (contd)Neither doesss hiss Malevolence.

At the mention of this, Zugraks aggressive posture falters.

ZUGRAK(backing down)

Alright, then! Drakh, send amessage to Ptolemus.

DRAKH, a much younger, miinish rides into frame on a DYNIR. Asturdy, goat-like beast covered with shaggy fur and twisted

horns either side of its head.

Drakh wears the seemingly typical battered leather jerkin andpants. A gleaming white skull is pulled over his black furryhead like a helmet.

A RANKIR, a feathered reptilian bird, the size of a smallhawk sits on his left shoulder.

Using a feather, Drakh scrawls onto a yellowed parchment. Herolls it tightly and holds his left arm out. The rankir HOPSfrom his shoulder to his forearm. He ties the parchment toits leg.

DRAKH(softly)

Commander Ptolemus.

The rankir stretches its wings and with a powerful flap ittakes off.

ON the rankir as it beats its wings, reaching higher andhigher into the night sky. Satisfied at reaching the desiredaltitude it soars.

POV of the rankir as it soars, shows an aerial view of amassive army. Rakesh and miinish in their thousands sprawledout into various battalions.

The closest group consists entirely of hundreds of rakesh.

Miinish follow wearing an assortment of battered leatherjerkins and misfitted, scrounged breastplates and chain mail,ancient and obviously stolen.

The majority of the rakesh forces follow, jostling the slowermiinish in front, their intermittent hisses sound like

laughter.

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CONTINUED: (2)

(CONTINUED)


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FOCUS ON a burly miinish, his brown fur only starting togrey. His dynir mount ambles at a steady pace leading another

massive army of miinish soldiers. This is COMMANDER PTOLEMUS.

He looks up, spots something off screen and holds his arm

out.

ON the rankir as it gracefully descends and lands on themiinish Commanders arm. He unties the parchment from itsleg.

At this, the rankir screeches and takes off again. Ptolemusquickly unfurls the message.

PTOLEMUS(off parchment)

Seems we must make haste.

The miinish soldiers stare at him blankly, unsure.

PTOLEMUS (contd)(sighs)

That means move faster! All of you.

PTOLEMUS POV shot as he surveys his group.

A small group of rat-like soldiers in dark blue uniforms,RAICHEKs, stand out amongst the drab brown of the miinish.All kick their dynirs to spur them faster.

At the rear, four powerful, oxen-like GRONZ plod, each yokedto a massive frame that pulls an equally massive metalcarriage.

Two miinish are balanced on a platform between the carriageand the frame similar to ancient chariot drivers. Eachdriving team tugs harder on the thick cords that are thegronzs reins.

As the miinish chariot drivers spur their creatures on, we:

BLACK OUT:

END OF SHOW

47.

CONTINUED: (3)

TFCMiniMovie1 Revamp

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