TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. ASTEROID -- CAVERN
The HUVIRE'S PERSPECTIVE, it is dimly lit. The SOUND of heavy BREATHES. Up ahead, a large SHADOW disappears around the corner.
INT. ASTEROID -- ALCOVE
It is dark. The only light, the lucent GLOW from TWO sleek and aerodynamic craft, HUVIRE SCOUT FIGHTERS. Masked by the shadows, two Huvire enter.
EXT. SCOUT FIGHTER ONE
The CANOPY slides shut. The ENGINES RUMBLE as they ignite. A FLASH of light reveals a distorted image of the Huvire, but only for a moment.
INT. SCOUT FIGHTER TWO -- COCKPIT
A CLAWED reptilian like HAND works the instrument panel. The panels LIGHT UP as the SOUND of the ENGINES RUMBLE.
The CANOPY'S PERIPHERAL, the ALCOVE WALL PHASES OUT, reveals SPACE. FIGHTER ONE lifts and speeds out of the cavern.
EXT. ASTEROID BELT
A tense beat, FIGHTER TWO dodges an ASTEROID as it crisscrosses another, collides EXPLODING. The Fighter speeds forward.
A FLASH, TWO PORTALS OPEN, both Fighters enter, the PORTALS CLOSE.
EXT. MOON
On the surface, a semi-transparent CANOPY shelters a MILITARY COLONY. A multilevel SPACE STATION comes into view, the ORBITER.
SUPER: "2180 A.D., Space Station Orbiter"
Coupled to the Station’s lower section, a GLOBAL WARSHIP, on its outer hull, PRINTED: "GE-DIADEM"
INT. WARSHIP -- BRIDGE
Several EM’s enlisted men/women work in the b.g. A woman in a military uniform, Captain’s Bars, stands at the CENTRAL CONSOLE. She is Captain TINA PARK (30's).
PERALTA (O.S.)
Captain!
A young Lieutenant, a career officer, works the TACTICAL CONSOLE. He is LT. CHAD PERALTA (20's).
PERALTA
Our tracking sensors have detected a distortion outside the belt.
(puzzled)
...I am not reading any signatures.
PARK
(looks O.S)
...The Convoy?
A female, the COM OFFICER works at the COMMUNICATIONS CONSOLE, works the keyboard.
COM OFFICER
The convoy is still out of communications range Ma'am.
Park considers for a beat.
PARK
(to Peralta)
...Notify all C T S's and Central Command.
Peralta "Nods" works the console.
EXT. EARTH -- NORTH CONTINENT -- DAY
Nuclear Winter, clouds blanket the sky. QUADRANTS have replaced cities, and are protected by semi-transparent DOMES.
SUPER: "Global Earth, North Continent"
A FLASH, a PORTAL OPENS, SCOUT FIGHTER TWO glides out, accelerates towards the Earth’s surface.
The SOUND of electrical BEEPS, a SPHERICAL tracking satellite, a TRACKER, slowly enters and follows.
INT. WARSHIP -- BRIDGE
ALL at work at consoles. An ALERT!
PERALTA
Captain, N C T S has confirmed a second distortion... It has been detected over the north continent. Signature confirmed...
(off console)
It is a Huvire scout.
PARK
Impossible!
She reads her monitor.
PARK (CONT'D)
(to Com Officer)
Advise all military outposts, level three alert...
(to Peralta)
Lieutenant, activate Delta!
PERALTA
Captain, as the Diadem's tactical officer I must advise you... We will be in violation of G P airspace without prior N C T S authorization.
PARK
I understand. ...Activate Delta Lieutenant!
He works the console.
PARK (CONT’D)
Status on the transports?
COM OFFICER
No Ma’am.
PARK
Upload last known coordinates.
(to Peralta)
Two trackers armed, off Com’s coordinates.
PERALTA
Yes Ma'am.
INT. ORBITER -- PORT LAUNCH TUBE
An ALERT SOUNDS. Busy! It is hot, dirty and oily. Mechanics service Military Fighters, A17’s nicknamed STINGERS. PILOT'S scramble to the Fighters!
A RAIL CRANE transports a TRACKER. Warning ALARMS SOUND as it moves forward. A GRUNT CREW attaches a second TRACKER it lifts.
EXT. ORBITER -- BAY/PORT LAUNCH TUBE
In formation, the STINGERS speed away. The TRACKERS tumble out spinning. Leveling, engines ignite, they slowly move forward. A PORTAL OPENS, the Trackers enter, the PORTAL CLOSES.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
EXT. CITY ZONE ONE -- DAY
A large LAKE, the SOUND of RUMBLING as a PASSENGER TRANSPORT passes and races towards the CITY.
SUPER: "North Continent, Earth City Zone, Quadrant Thirteen"
EXT. GOVERNMENTAL DISTRICT -- BUILDINGS -- DAY
It is busy! A GLOBAL EARTH flag billows. Below it a QUADRANT THIRTEEN flag.
SUPER: "Quadrant Thirteen Governmental Distract"
EXT. GLOBAL POLICE PRECINCT -- DAY
Above the PRECINCT BUILDING entrance a SIGN: "Global Police Precinct CZ13-1"
An ODD MAN, seemingly anxious and paranoid, carries a BACKPACK, quickly walking. He slows down as a GLOBAL POLICE OFFICER approaches. He forces a smile.
EXT. GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING -- DAY
On the building a large sign: "Governmental District Thirteen" and to the side, a smaller sign: "Global 13 News"
The Odd Man crosses the intersection. Almost STRUCK, he makes an obscene gesture, continues across. He blends in with a GROUP and enters the GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING.
INT. GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING -- OFFICE -- DAY
In the b.g. an ANCHOR WOMAN sits at the NEWS DESK, prepares. The DIRECTOR sits at a desk, works a keyboard. A woman, long dark hair, 50’s style, sits next to him. She is DANNI MALLIOT (28).
DANNI
Sir, you know I’m going to need at least four mobiles. That's not an unreasonable request.
DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Sometimes Danni, you’re going to be in situations were your resources are going to be limited. Better you learn to deal with it now. ...You get three.
Danni "Huffs".
DIRECTOR (CONT’D)
Do you think you can handle that Danni?
She "Smirks", stands.
DANNI
You know, I talked to Goen.
DIRECTOR
Goen... the archeological dig outside the Quadrant...
DANNI
I was thinking... that is if you could clear it with the Assembly... maybe I could...
DIRECTOR
(interrupts)
Listen Danni, you want to prove to me that you are ready for more responsibility? Don't screw this up!
Danni "Huffs".
DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
You're a good reporter, but sometimes you tend to be ...just a little reckless.
DANNI
You call it reckless... I call it hard reporting!
DIRECTOR
(direct)
You assaulted a Global Officer!
DANNI
Charges were dropped.
DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
(frustrated, sighs)
Damn it, would you listen to what I am trying to tell you Danni?! Take a moment, breathe. Think before you react.
Danni crosses her arms. A well-dressed woman, sharp and witty, enters carrying papers. She is SHARON UNSON (30's), the Governor's assistant.
SHARON
Danni, Danni Malliot?
DANNI
Yes...?
SHARON
Mr. Allman has requested your presence at his office.
Danni confused, looks to the Director. He "Shrugs" his shoulders.
SHARON (CONT’D)
The Spokesman is waiting Ms. Malliot.
DANNI
Yes, of course...
Danni exits.
SHARON
Has Mr. Morlan arrived?
He works the keyboard, looks at the Monitor.
DIRECTOR
He’s been checked through, he should be here shortly. ...So, what does the Spokesman need with Danni?
SHARON
He didn’t say.
She meets him, sits, and seductively crosses her legs.
DIRECTOR (CONT’D)
Anyway, I have to give the Spokesman credit. A televised Quadrant event, morale is high... A brilliant move!
SHARON
I would like to think I could be credited also. But I have even bigger news.
(an even smile)
My bid for the Governor's seat has been submitted. I should know soon if my application has been approved.
DIRECTOR
Congratulations Sharon. So, I am assuming that the Governor has locked in the Assembly seat.
(beat)
And the Spokesman? I would expect him to submit his bid.
SHARON
We will cross that bridge when we get to it. Still, it wouldn't hurt to continue keeping me happy.
Escorted by a Global Officer ROBERT MORLAN (40’s) enters and meets Sharon.
SHARON (CONT'D)
Mr. Morlan. I am Sharon Unson. The Governor's assistant. He asked that I ensured that you receive this.
He takes the paper, reads.
MORLAN
(off paper)
You can't be serious?
SHARON
Guidelines... What you can and cannot say pertaining to the mechanics or inner working of the canopy.
MORLAN
With all due respect Sharon...
SHARON
Assistant Unson...
MORLAN
My apologies Assistant Unson... But I should have received this at least a week ago.
She pivots, exits--
SHARON
You’re a smart man Mr. Morlan, I’m sure you will figure something out.
Morlan "Steams". The Director meets him.
DIRECTOR
We are very excited to have you with us here at Global Thirteen... If you would come with me please...
INT. ALLMAN QUARTER'S -- REBECCA'S BEDROOM -- DAY
The ALARM CLOCK FLASHES "0900 A.M." A KNOCK! There is movement from under the bed.
SARINA (O.S.)
Rebecca.
A teenage girl pops up. She brushes her dark hair away revealing GREEN EYES. She is REBECCA ALLMAN (17). The door opens SARINA ALLMAN (40's) peaks in.
SARINA
It's nine o’clock sweetheart.
REBECCA
Ten more minutes, please?
SARINA
I think your brother would like to see you before he leaves. Besides, I have coffee brewing.
She exits. Rebecca slowly steps out of bed.
INT. BATHROOM -- DAY
Rebecca, in the SHOWER, turns. SCARS cover her back. She dries off. Looking into the MIRROR, fusses with her hair, "Sighs", pulls it back into a ponytail. She picks up a PILL BOTTLE, takes TWO PILLS.
INT. GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING -- LOBBY -- DAY
It is busy. The Odd Man follows a GROUP to a SCANNING STATION. A large muscular young man stands behind him. He is SCOTT HURLEY aka TINY (20). The Odd Man enters, BUZZ! An OFFICER meets him.
OFFICER
Sir, you will need to stand to the side! odd MAN
(breathing hard)
Why did you stop me?
(crazed)
You shouldn't have stopped me! I did nothing wrong!
OFFICER (CONT'D)
I am only going to ask you one more time. Stand to the side! You do not want to cause a scene!
A tense beat, the Odd Man steps to the side.
Odd MAN
You don’t understand... I can't be delayed... you don't understand!
(whispers)
I have a very important message for the Governor!
He reaches into his pocket. The Officer grasps his weapon.
OFFICER
Sir, slowly remove your hand from your pocket.
ODD MAN
(eye twitches)
Not a good idea. I think he is going to want to see what I have. ...He's forgotten. ...Why has he forgotten?
The Odd Man pulls out his hand. A SHOT is FIRED! SCREAMS from O.S., he slumps over. The PAMPHLET and BACKPACK falls to the ground. A CYLINDER looking device rolls out. Unnoticed, Hurley pockets the device.
INT. ALLMAN'S QUARTERS -- LIVING ROOM -- DAY
Rebecca sits with her legs up watching a FLAT SCREEN TELEVISION. An ARCHEOLOGY TEAM places SURGICAL EQUIPMENT and TOOLS from the 1900's on a table.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Outside of Quadrant Thirteen in what we now refer to as the old city, the archeological team has made a discovery of a lifetime.
(beat)
To their astonishment they learn that before the Great War twenty-first century surgical procedures were primitive, almost barbaric by today's standards.
A foot operated MACHINE--
NARRATOR (V.O.)
A variety of tools could be attached to this foot-operated device.
A TEAM MEMBER demonstrates operating the device.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It had many uses. If the patient complained of a toothache, a drill was attached.
A TEAM MEMBER attaches a DRILL.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
No numbing agent was given. We can only imagine what the patient experienced.
Rebecca cringes, turns the channel.
SARINA (O.S.)
Rebecca! Breakfast!
REBECCA
(shouts)
One minute! I’m coming!
INT. KITCHEN -- DAY
Breakfast is set. Two teenage boys dressed in MILITARY UNIFORMS sit with Sarina. She looks to the dark hair athletic boy, JAMES ALLMAN (20).
JAMES
It's hard to believe that it has already been three years at the academy, now graduation.
SARINA
You know your father and I are so proud of you James. He really wanted to see you before you left, but with the ceremony, the arrangements...
JAMES
Mom, I understand.
Sarina stands, pours two cups.
SARINA
Your father has worked so hard on all of the details.
The second boy is handsome, a real ladies man. He is BRANDON JEFFERSON (19).
BRANDON
To my knowledge no one in this Quadrant has ever seen a canopy activated since before the Great War...
He is distracted as Rebecca enters.
SARINA (CONT’D)
(to Rebecca)
I have a cup for you on the table.
Brandon’s eyes momentarily meet Rebecca’s. He quickly looks away.
SARINA
John is going crazy with the zone prohibitionists... "Just want their voices heard". This is exactly how the Faction movement gained momentum.
(downbeat)
I can't believe that people have forgotten already. I just don't understand their fear of progress.
REBECCA
They’re skeptical Mom. Today’s policies and restrictions concerning the Earth Workers...
JAMES
They are not worried about policy... this has everything to do with control.
REBECCA
Why is it that all Governmental Workers think their voices should be heard above everyone else?
JAMES
Dad, Amber, me... even Brandon, we are Governmental Rebecca.
REBECCA
And there are times you act like it...
James "Rolls" his eyes.
SARINA
You are certainly your father's daughter aren’t you?
Rebecca proudly "Smiles".
BRANDON
(to Sarina)
Speaking of, I'd like to thank you and Mr. Allman again for opening your home to me this weekend.
SARINA
It was our pleasure. I just wish that you could have come over more often.
BRANDON
I appreciate that.
(to James)
I was thinking, maybe a ceremony similar to yours and Amber’s.
JAMES
(nods)
Yeah.
SARINA
Let me talk to John. I’m sure he can talk to the Ceremonial administrator.
BRANDON
Thank you.
SARINA
Lilly is a lucky woman to have found a man like you.
REBECCA
(a subtle smile)
I would have to agree.
James "Rolls his eyes".
SARINA
(to Brandon)
Our home is always open to you.
BRANDON
Thank you Mrs. Allman, that means a lot.
JAMES
(to Brandon)
Well, we better get going. Amber and I have plans for tonight. It’s been awhile since we have had any alone time.
REBECCA
I love you and everything, but I really don’t want to hear about your alone time James.
James "Shakes" his head, stands, hugs Sarina.
JAMES
Tell dad I'll call him next week with the details.
Sarina "Nods".
REBECCA
Make sure to tell Amber I said hello. ...Love you.
JAMES
You too...
(to Brandon)
Are you ready?
Brandon "Nods".
REBECCA
Brandon...
He looks to her.
REBECCA (CONT'D)
If you or Lilly need help with anything, let me know.
BRANDON
I’m sure Lilly will appreciate that. Thanks.
Both exit.
INT. HALLWAY -- DAY
A group of excited REPORTERS pass Danni. She stops a MALE REPORTER.
DANNI
What's going on?
MALE REPORTER
You didn’t hear? The Globes shot a man at the scanning station!
DANNI
What!
MALE REPORTER
Rumor is that he was a member of the Faction. Are you coming?
DANNI
(considers, sighs)
I can't...
He "Shrugs" his shoulders, continues.
DANNI (CONT'D)
Damn it! I hope this is worth it.
(continues forward)
This better be worth it!
INT. SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE -- DAY
AWARDS, CREDENTIALS and COMMENDATIONS are hung on the wall. A ruggedly handsome well-dressed man works at a desk. He is JOHN ALLMAN (40’s). A SECRETARY works next to him.
Danni enters, clears her throat. John looks to her.
DANNI
Mr. Spokesman, Danni Malliot. Ms. Unson said that you wanted to see me.
JOHN
Yes, Ms. Malliot, please come in.
She meets him.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Have a seat.
She sits.
JOHN (CONT’D)
I understand that you will be overseeing the coverage for today’s activation.
DANNI
That’s correct Sir.
JOHN
Today’s ceremony is an extremely important event to me.
DANNI
(anxious)
Mr. Spokesman, I know what you’re going to say... I realize that I may have been difficult in the past, but I promise you that it will never happen again...
Before she can finish, he hands her a CHIP (similar to a flash drive) stamped with the Spokesman's SEAL.
DANNI (CONT'D)
Your seal Sir, I don’t understand.
He "Smiles". He is up to something.
INT. MORGUE -- DAY
REPORTERS strain to peak inside. The Door closes. Covered BODIES lie on tables.
SUPER: "MEDICAL CENTER MORGUE"
A MEDICAL EXAMINER stands over the body of the Odd Man. A sharp INSTRUMENT cuts into his WRIST. TENDONS are exposed.
MEDICAL EXAMINER (O.S.)
This man's I D F chip has been removed.
A man wears a commissioner's uniform, hard-core, hardened by the years, steps in. He is COMMISSIONER CORDERO (late 40's).
CORDERO
No dental records, fingerprints?
Medical Examiner lifts the HAND, points.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
The tips of this man’s fingers have been removed.
He removes the Odd Man’s FALSE TEETH.
MEDICAL EXAMINER (CONT'D)
Unfortunately without his identification chip, there is really nothing else I can do.
CORDERO
...His personal belongings? My office has not received them.
MEDICAL EXAMINER
The Spokesman requested that everything be brought to his office.
Cordero's nostrils flare.
CORDERO
I see.
A WOMAN enters. Visually overwhelmed, covers her mouth.
WOMAN
Commissioner Cordero, they are waiting for you.
CORDERO
(to the Medical Examiner)
Good day...
Cordero pivots, exits. The Woman follows.
INT. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
A distinguished looking man sits, reads the PAMPHLET from earlier. He is Governor RICHARD BURICH (50's). A YOUNG WOMAN enters.
YOUNG WOMAN
Governor, Governor Reid of Quadrant Twenty Two is on line for you.
RICHARD
Tell him I am in a meeting. ...Tell him that I will get back to him as soon as I am free.
She "Nods", exits. He then looks mid-distance--
INT. ALLEY -- DAY (FLASHBACK)
An OLD MAN stands to the front of a GROUP holding a PAMPHLET.
SUPER: "Quadrant Thirteen, 2132 A.D., Forty-eight Years Previous"
OLD MAN
We all are being deceived. It has been documented. At one time the continents had been known as countries. Each country had a unique form of government.
A COUPLE "Shake" their heads, exit.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
Our ancestors lived on the north continent, our continent, and were once a free people.
He looks to a young boy, RICHARD BURICH (10) standing with a YOUNG GIRL (13).
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
Our continent was known as a republic. Its government recognized an individual's rights.
YOUNG BURICH
My friend says you are a Renegade? Is she right?
OLD MAN
Some call us Renegade's, but I prefer to be called a freedom fighter.
An ANGRY MAN steps forward.
ANGRY MAN
You are criminals. Lying to children... Why do you fool the people with your foolishness... lies about our past?
OLD MAN
(to Burich)
Sir, no one is forcing you to listen.
The Angry Man makes a hand gesture, exits.
OLD MAN (CONT’D)
(to Burich)
What is your name young man?
YOUNG BURICH
Richard. Richard Burich.
OLD MAN
Mr. Burich, do you no what truth and honor means...?
Richard looks to the Old Man, "Nods" Yes.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
Honorable men and woman, Freedom Fighters like me, also known as the Faction, are searching for the truth.
In the b.g. the Angry Man approaches with THREE GLOBAL POLICE OFFICERS.
OLD MAN (CONT'D)
We are slowly discovering and piecing bits of our past together. We will find out what really happened before the Great War.
OFFICER ONE
Break it up!
(meets the Old Man)
Cuff him!
OLD MAN
What is the charge Officer?
OFFICER TWO seizes the pamphlet, reads.
OFFICER TWO
(off pamphlet)
Renegade propaganda!
Weapon aimed--
OFFICER ONE
(to Old Man)
Who gave this to you?
The Old Man remains silent.
OFFICER ONE (CONT'D)
I can commute your sentence. That is if you work with me.
(whispers)
Think about your family, your friends. The shame the embarrassment you will bring on them.
OLD MAN
(boldly)
Shame! Shame is the government hiding the truth from its own people. What are you so afraid of?
(to Richard, smiles)
The truth shall set us all free.
OFFICER TWO
Have it your way Old Man...
Richard’s eyes widen at the SOUND of a SHOT FIRED! The Old Man slumps over bleeding. The PAMPHLET falls to the ground, reads: "History Fact vs Fiction... history was documented before 2062, before the Great War"
END FLASHBACK:
INT. SPACE STATION (ORBITER) -- SHUTTLE BAY
Park exits the LIFT and enters a small bay. She continues towards a TRANSPORT SHUTTLE, enters.
EXT. SHUTTLE BAY
The TRANSPORT SHUTTLE speeds out. It heads towards the Station's UPPER SECTION.
INT. SPACE STATION (ORBITER) -- COMMAND CENTRAL
MP's Military Police stand guard. At the CENTRAL MONITORING SYSTEM high-ranking OFFICERS work sophisticated MONITORING EQUIPMENT.
SUPER: "Space Station Orbiter’s Central Command"
Park enters. She looks to LARGE SCREENS displaying GRAPHS, STAR CHARTS and WORLDS in other SOLAR SYSTEMS. An MP holds a SCANNER, scans her wrist, and clears her through. She walks O.S.
END OF ACT ONE
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