An Old Script

The year is 2051, and Earth has managed to make it into space. Space travel is a commonality among the rich mostly. The population has to live inside a giant Earth Dome, as the Earth's surface had been rendered inhospitable.

Radio Announcer

Hello and welcome all. It's a beautiful day out there and the sun is shining. It's the usual 23 degrees out there, and to keep the mood up, I'm gonna play you a tune from the good 'ol days!

Ext: Mark Edwards is driving along the futuristic tram lines as opening credits roll. Song is playing on his radio. He makes his way home.

Int: He enters his home and throws his keys down. The TV is on

TV Announcer

And this is day 57 of the trial of Seth Stevens for the assassination of...

Mark Edwards

Tele-view off

TV turns off. His holographic android appears

Hologram

Have you paid your rent yet? The landlord sent a message today, he seems quite infuriated

Mark Edwards

I know I know, I'll get it to him when I have all of the money, don't worry, he'll have it by the end of the week

Hologram

Noted. There are two new messages waiting for you

Mark Edwards

All right, play them



Landlord's Voice

Look already, you're two weeks late! You keep promising me the rent, if I don't have it by the end of the day, you're out! I have kids to feed too you...

Mark Edwards

Skip it

Male Voice

Your membership for the high putters golf club has expired, please renew as soon as...

Mark Edwards

Skip it

Neil Williams (voice)

We thank you for volunteering for this experiment. We understand that you live alone and you'll be payed for all of your troubled when the experiment has been completed. Once again, your government is gracious that you..

Mark Edwards

Skip it

Hologram

That's all of them

Mark Edwards

Hey Hologram, what experiment did I volunteer for?

Hologram

That is unknown

Mark Edwards

Must've just been a wrong number



Hologram

Shall I prepare supper?

Mark Edwards

No thanks, not tonight, I think that I'll eat out

Hologram

You know that food is completely unhealthy, I wish that you wouldn't "eat out" so often

Mark Edwards

Thanks for your concern, it's nice to know that somebody cares for me!

Hologram

I am programmed to serve you, I do not, care

Mark Edwards

I know, I know, but you still do

Mark Edwards picks up his keys and coat and exits. The hologram disappears.
Cut to a shot of Mark Edwards driving. He pulls out a small device and puts something on his ear. It's a futuristic MP3 player, and he begins to listen to music

Scene - 2

Ext: A shot of the Experiment facility. It looks busy with different types of vehicles moving about

Int: The Experiment chamber. Terrence Roberts us sitting in his chair, looking like he's thinking. Neil Williams enters

Neil Williams

Sir, we are ready to begin the pick-up. They have all been notified in a, kindly matter that they are participating

Terrence Roberts

Good, see to it that they're prepped to go by the end of the night.

Neil Williams

Yessir

Neil Williams exits scene, and Terrence Roberts picks up some sort of panel

Scene - 3

Ext: It is dark now, and Mark Edwards drives up to his house.
Int: Inside of his house. It is dark. Mark Edwards enters. He looks around, wondering why it was so dark

Mark Edwards

Uh, Hologram, why are the lights off?
(nothing happens)

Hologram? Hologram why aren't you responding? Where's the manual light controls?

Mark Edwards feels around in the dark, looking for the light, when Neil Williams comes out from behind him in the dark and grabs Mark Edwards. They struggle around and sort of fight, but Neil Williams is winning. Neil Williams injects Mark Edwards with something in the neck. Mark Edwards stumbles around a bit, and then collapses. As he is fading out, he can vaguely hear Neil Williams

Neil Williams

That's the last one. Load 'em up and prepare them for travel....

Everything fades to black as he goes unconscious.

Scene - 4

Int: It's inside an older spaceship. Mark Edwards wakes up. He looks around to see four other people. He sits up and puts his hand to his forehead

Mark Edwards

What happened? Where am I?

Riley Dodge

Well, well, well, look who's awake. You've been asleep for some time now!



Mark Edwards

What is this? What's happening?

Riley Dodge

You just went to sleep, that's all.

Mark Edwards

Asleep, what are you talking about? I never went to sleep, or did I, no, I don't know! How did I get here, what is this?

Riley Dodge

You're on a mini cruise, don't you remember?

Mark Edwards

What? I, I do and I don't, what's happened to me?

Riley Dodge

I don't know, you just went to sleep!

Man 1

Well who are you?

Riley Dodge

You don't remember that either? Sheesh, you must've had quite the sleep!

Mark Edwards

Would you just answer the question?

Riley Dodge

I am Riley Dodge, pilot of this 'ere cruise ship

Mark Edwards

Cruise, how, why am I on a cruise, I could never afford a cruise! Where are we?

Riley Dodge

Well, right now, it looks like we're, yep, we're in the middle of nowhere!

Mark Edwards

What? How could you be the pilot and not know where we are?

Riley Dodge

I never said that, I said we were in the middle of nowhere!

Mark Edwards

And what does that mean?

Riley Dodge

Take a look for yourself!

Mark Edwards gets up and looks out a window to see stars and the emptiness of space

Mark Edwards

Impossible! I'm not rich enough to be out here!

Riley Dodge

Perhaps you were sponsored? I don't know, besides, you're the one who should know, you got on here willingling, and you werefine for the last two weeks!

Mark Edwards

Two weeks?!? I just got home from work yesterday, I couldn't have been out here for two weeks!

Riley Dodge

I don't know. Maybe it's some sort of space sickness

Mark Edwards

What?


Riley Dodge

Well, you obviously have some sort of amnesia, it must be the artificial gravity or something, you're just not used to it. You'll remember everything eventually... oh, and look, here's another one!

Charles Burke starts to wake up

Riley Dodge

Good morning sir, I trust you slept well?

Charles Burke

Oh yes quite, I had a most marvelous dream though

Riley Dodge

Oh, and what was it

Charles Burke

I dreamt that I was abducted and taken aboard a spacecraft... hold on a minute! What is this, where are we?

Riley Dodge

(takes a breath in)
You sir are on a cruise as is the rest of evrybody

Charles Burke

I don't remember any cruise, what are you talking about? Don't be so absurd! And who are you?

Riley Dodge

I am the pilot of this 'ere fine ship

Mark Edwards

And I'm Mark Edwards



Charles Burke

Are we really on a cruise?

Mark Edwards

Well that's what he tells me

Charles Burke

You mean you don't know?

Mark Edwards

No, I only just woke up, he says we've been here for two weeks!

Riley Dodge

That's right!

Charles Burke

But that can't be! I would most certainly know if I had been on a cruise for two weeks! And look at this thing anyways, if I had gone on a cruise, I most certainly wouldn't have gone on, on this old, rust bucket!

Riley Dodge

Hey, this is my ship you're talking about!

Mark Edwards

I couldn't afford a cruise, so I have no idea what I'm doing here!

Charles Burke

This is absolutely absurd, this is ridiculous! Someone of my stature should not be in this position!

Riley Dodge

Well there's nothing I can do about it now, it's not my fault that you guys came on here and just don't remember!


Charles Burke

I demand to be taken back immediately!

Riley Dodge

Oh sure, like we can just turn around and go home, this is a scheduled cruise you know

Charles Burke

No, I don't know, because I never went for a cruise!

Anna Marlow starts waking up

Riley Dodge

Well, here we go again

Anna Marlow

What time is it?

Riley Dodge

It's quarter after eight ma'am

Anna Marlow

That was some extraordinary sleep

Charles Burke

Do you remember anything? Anything about this cruise, tell this man that we've been abducted!

Anna Marlow

Abducted, what on earth are you talking about?

Riley Dodge

See, she remembers, she knows why we're here



Anna Marlow

No, I just don't remember being abducted!

Charles Burke

This is impossible, I would know if I went on a cruise

Mark Edwards

So would I!

Charles Burke sits down all frustrated.

Riley Dodge

You should all just relax and enjoy the rest of your cruise!

Charles Burke

I have no intention of doing either!

Mark Edwards

It's not like we have much of a choice, he's the one driving

Riley Dodge

That's right! And I don't imagine you have any experience flying one of these puppies, you look to rich for that!

Charles Burke

Humph!

Mark Edwards

I don't suppose there's no use being upset about it

Charles Burke

Says you! What do you have to miss peasant? I can't imagine you owning anything, or having loved ones

Mark Edwards

Peasant?


Charles Burke
That's right! Look at you, your clothes are filthy, you look like you belong in a trash disposal unit!

Mark Edwards

What?!?

Anna Marlow

Ok, hold on a moment, I know for a fact that he's a respectable member of society and a gentleman too!

Mark Edwards

What? How, I've never met you before!

Anna Marlow nudges him with her elbow

Charles Burke

Respectable or not, you have blood on your clothes!

Mark Edwards

What?

Mark Edwards looks down to see he has blood stains on his clothes

Mark Edwards

What the? Where'd these come from?

Riley Dodge

Just go out back and change into your other clothes

Man 1

Other clothes? I don't have any other clothes, I don't even know how I got here!

Charles Burke

we were abducted I tell you! They want something!

Anna Marlow

Who does?

Charles Burke

Everybody! They probably have a ransom note out right now! Somebody wants my money, they always do!

Mark Edwards

But why kidnap me? I haven't any money, hell, my house doesn't... my house!

Anna Marlow

What is it?

Mark Edwards

You said we've been out here for two weeks?

Riley Dodge

That's right, we're just making the turn around the elliptical belt

Mark Edwards

My landlord was going to kick me out of my home if I didn't pay the rent!

Charles Burke

There you go! Motive, right there! He wants my money, and he wants your rent!

Anna Marlow

Then what about me? Why would his landlord want me?

Mark Edwards

I guess this brings us to a good question, who is everybody? We're all talking like we've met before, yet I don't know any one of you!

Riley Dodge

Well you know me, I'm the pilot!

Mark Edwards

Yes, of course. All right, any volunteers?

Charles Burke

Why not you, it was your bright idea!

Mark Edwards

All right. I'm Mark Edwards and I live in sector thirty-seven section alpha B

Charles Burke

Welfare zone

Anna Marlow

Go on

Mark Edwards

I am a salesman of sorts, I try to sell used parts to people

Charles Burke

And how does that work out for you?

Mark Edwards

Not well, not well at all

Anna Marlow

All right, I'll go. My name is Anna, but you can all call me Ann. I live in Sector twenty-two, section gamma F



Mark Edwards

And what do you do?

Anna Marlow

Well, I, I am

The comm crackles on.

Voice

Cruiseship Carolina come in, Carolina do you read?

Riley Dodge

This is the Carolina, what can I do for you?

Voice

We have sprung an engine coolant leak, and we have to stop at the nearest outpost to get it fixed. We're carrying some delicate merchandise that needs to be transported to Outer colony 3-A, do you have the facilities to take it on and finish the transportation for us?

Riley Dodge

Well, I am carrying passengers, but I suppose in the rear shaft would be secure enough for something like that. We'll take 'em on

Mark Edwards
(thinking to himself and sort of muttering)
Outer colony 3-A? Outer colony 3-A, that seems familiar to me

Riley Dodge

All right, we'll come alongside of you

Voice

Thanks, it is much appreciated

Riley Dodge

When is your cargo due?

Voice

In 5 days

Riley Dodge

Will do

VFX: The two ships dock, and the cargo is exchanged. They then break away and fly their own separate ways.

Int: The Carolina

Riley Dodge

Well, looks like we'll be making an extra stop. I hope you guys haven't made plans for the next week and a half!

Mark Edwards

I don't think it really matters now at this point!

Riley Dodge

No, I don't suppose it does!

Scene - 5

Int: The Experiment's headquarters. Terrence Roberts is working at his desk, when Neil Williams walks and comes up to him

Neil Williams

Sir, they have just taken on the cargo, we are ready to begin whenever you are

Terrence Roberts

Very good. When this is all over, we shall have discovered who the real killer was

Terrence Roberts gets up, and he and Neil Williams walk into the Experiment's control chamber

Terrence Roberts

All right, begin stage one of the experiment. Begin the simulation!

Scene - 6

Int: The Carolina. Riley Dodge begins to look a little worried

Mark Edwards

What, what is it?

Riley Dodge

Oh, nothing to worry about, just a little turbulence, that's all

evrything violently shakes for a second

Anna Marlow

What was that

Riley Dodge

Nothing dear, just some minor shakiness

There is a sudden crash, and things start to go a little haywire

Charles Burke

I do say, what is going on, don't you know how to fly this thing?

Riley Dodge

I'm doing the best I can, it seems that we've flown into a micro-meteor belt!

Charles Burke

And what is that supposed to mean?

Mark Edwards

It means that if he doesn't fly this thing precisely right, this bucket will be so full of holes it'll fall apart!

Charles Burke

well than get on it and fly us out of here!

Riley Dodge

It ain't that easy, but I'm doin' the best I can!

Charles Burke

Well your best isn't good enough!

Riley Dodge

Would you just shut up and let me fly!

Suddenly, a micro-meteor flies through the ship, and hits Charles Burke in the shoulder. He lets out a yelp bleeding. There is the sound of air escaping through the hole

Mark Edwards

Quick, there's a leak somewhere!

Charles Burke

Help me first, I'm bleeding!

Mark Edwards

Just shut up and stop being so selfish! We have to find this leak fast or we're all dead!

Riley Dodge

we're almost out!

Mark and Anna scramble around, looking for the leak. Anna finds it

Anna Marlow

Over here! I found it!

Mark rushes over and tries to put something up to it to stop the leak. He succeeds, and then slumps down relieved

Riley Dodge

We're out!


Charles Burke

Good, now get over here and help me!

Riley Dodge and Mark go over to Charles Burke

Riley Dodge

Well, the good news is that it went straight through his shoulder

Charles Burke

That's the good news?!?

Mark Edwards

And what's the bad?

Riley Dodge

He'll live

Mark Edwards

Oh

Mark and Riley Dodge get up. Riley Dodge goes back to his pilot's chair

Charles Burke

Well aren't you going to help me?

Riley Dodge

There's nothing wrong with you. There's some bandages in that cabinet there, patch it up yourself!

Charles Burke

This is outrageous, here I lie bleeding to death, and you won't even help me! Fine examples of human beings you are

Riley Dodge

Talk about yourself!
Charles Burke seems very frustrated, and struggles over to the cabinet, making it seem he's in more pain than he really is. He manages to open the cabinet and pull out the bandages.
In the cockpit, something starts beeping, and Riley Dodge goes to check it out. Riley Dodge suddenly looks very distraught, and glances over his shoulder back at the passengers. Mark and Charles Burke don't notice, but Anna does

Anna Marlow

What is it? What's wrong?

Riley Dodge

Our air supply

Mark Edwards

What about it?

Riley Dodge

We lost too much in the leak. We lost all of the reserves, and some of the main supply

Mark Edwards

So where does that leave us?

Riley Dodge

Well, we have three days of air left

Anna Marlow

Well that's good, isn't it?

Riley Dodge

Well, you know, if we were perhaps closer to a substation or something

Charles Burke

Come on, out with it!

Riley Dodge

We're still in the Elliptical belt
Mark Edwards

Oh no

Charles Burke

What, what?

Riley Dodge

At full speed, it would take us one and a half weeks to get to the nearest substation

Charles Burke

So?

Mark Edwards

So, in three days, we'll all have died from suffocation!

Charles Burke

There must be more air somewhere! Send out a message, tell somebody, anybody that I'll pay to have a ship sent out here immediately to pick us up!

Mark Edwards

You can't just pay for everything! We're in the middle of nowhere, nobody will come out this far!

Riley Dodge

No, they might, it has been done before

Charles Burke

well then turn on your transmitter and give a call!

Riley Dodge tries to activate the radio

Riley Dodge

Uh, to anybody who can here this, we are at grid reference 021, 736 in the Eliptical belt, I am carrying three passengers and a piece of cargo, we have only three days of air supply left, we need help, hello, hello? I don't think it's working
Charles Burke

What do you mean it's not working?

Riley Dodge

I don't think we're transmitting

Mark goes up to the cockpit and looks at the radio

Well, we are, but there must be spacial interference, we're sending out a signal, but it's all being absorbed by the belt

Charles Burke

How do you know all of this anyways, you don't look like a scholar!

Mark Edwards

I sell used parts, remember? To better sell a product, you'd better know how it works, and I've sold plenty of radios

Charles Burke

So then why can't you fix it?

Mark Edwards

Because it's nothing wrong with the radio, it's where we are. We need to get out of the elliptical belt

Riley Dodge

Oh that wouldn't do you any good

Mark Edwards

Why not? there isn't any harm in trying

Riley Dodge

We're too far in. It would take us four days to be within transmitting range



Charles Burke

Well, there has to be something we can do! I have no intention of dying out here! I'm not supposed to! I'm too important to die out here!

Mark Edwards

It doesn't matter how important you are, it just happens!

Anna Marlow

But there has to be something we can do

Riley Dodge

No, there's nothing

Mark Edwards

Well, what about the cargo, why can't we drop it, that would lighten our load, and then maybe we'd make it into transmitting range faster!

Riley Dodge

We can't do that

Anna Marlow

Sure we can, come on

Mark and Anna get up and start to head to the cargo bay

Riley Dodge

Wait

Anna and Mark stop

Riley Dodge

It's a prisoner

Anna Marlow

What
Man3

It's a level 1 prisoner, headed for the penal colony 3-A

Mark Edwards

Level 1?!? Why, how, what's a level one doing here?!?

Anna Marlow

What is it? What's a level one?

Mark Edwards

A level one is a maximum security prisoner. Usually they're serial killers

Anna Marlow

Serial killer? We have a killer on board?!?

Mark Edwards

We don't know until we go to check for ourselves!

Charles Burke

Oh that's smart, just waltz on in to the cargo bay and get killed by some killer, that's real smart!

Mark Edwards

We have to know what we're dealing with on here!

Charles Burke

Who made you boss? No, I say we stay here and just dump the cargo, if he's a killer, he won't be missed

Riley Dodge

He's not been tried yet

Mark Edwards

What?
Riley Dodge

He hasn't been sentenced by the supreme court yet as to if he's the killer or not

Charles Burke

Oh, well that's just great! We have somebody on board who could be a ruthless killer, but could be an innocent civilian that was in the wrong place at the right time!

Mark Edwards

Who is he?

Charles Burke

Does it matter?

Mark Edwards

Just tell me, who is it?

Riley Dodge

It's, Seth Stevens

Mark Edwards

Oh great

Charles Burke

What? Who is he?

Anna Marlow

Haven't you been following the news? He's the one who might have assassinated the new leader.

Charles Burke

He's an assassin?!? Get rid of him now!



Mark Edwards

We still don't know if it's him, the courts haven't been able to determine if it was him, they said they still had four other suspects

Charles Burke

Well this is great!

Anna Marlow

Look, the more time we waste arguing about whether or not he's a killer, we lose precious time that could be used to save our lives!

Mark Edwards

Anna's right. We need to figure out a plan. Is there anything on this ship we can dump, anything at all?

Riley Dodge

I don't know, not really, you guys didn't bring on much for luggage

Mark Edwards

Luggage, we have luggage on here?

Riley Dodge

Yeah, it's over in that compartment there

Mark goes over and pulls out three briefcases or something, each one with their names on it. Mark opens his

Mark Edwards

What the hell?

Charles Burke

What is it? Come on, show us!

Mark slowly pulls up a gun from the briefcase. Everyone gasps


Mark Edwards

That's all that's in here, that and some ammunition

Charles Burke

Oh, so the truth is shown!

Mark Edwards

What truth?

Charles Burke

Isn't it obvious? You've set this whole thing up! You planned on kidnapping us and bringing us out here and then killing us for whatever reason!

Mark Edwards

Now wait a minute! I don't even know how I got here. I woke up just the same as you guys did, I don't know anything!

Charles Burke

And how do we know that, you were awake before any of us, you're probably just lying to us!

Mark Edwards

Hey, hey! He was here, he knows that I woke up! He knows I haven't any idea what's happening!

Anna Marlow

Is it true?

Riley Dodge

Well, he, he

Charles Burke

Well?


Riley Dodge

I don't know

Mark Edwards

What do you mean you don't know? You talked to me, watched me, you know that I don't know how I got here! Come on, tell them!

Mark goes up and grabs Riley Dodge's neck and starts choking him

Anna Marlow

Mark, Mark! Stop, you're killing him!

Charles Burke

See, he's the real killer, this is all a set-up!

Riley Dodge

Look, I, don't know what's going on, I woke up just the same as you guys, I swear, I don't know what's happening!

Mark Edwards

You're lying! You were awake before me, you're the pilot!

Riley Dodge

I woke up before you, there was a note on me, it said that I was to be the pilot or we'd all be killed!

Mark Edwards

We're all going to die you idiot!

Mark releases Riley Dodge

Riley Dodge

I swear it's the truth! Look, here's the note!

Riley Dodge pulls the note out from under the console or something

Riley Dodge

See, I don't know what's going on! It's the truth I tell you, it's the truth!

Mark grabs the letter and reads it

Mark Edwards

He's right, he was planted here, just the same as the rest of us

Anna Marlow

But, if he doesn't know how he got here, who does? What are we doing here, what is it that we have in common?

Charles Burke

Isn't it obvious? Somebody wants us to be killed, and make it look like an accident!

Anna Marlow

I can see why somebody might want you killed, but why Mark and me? It still leaves us with the question, what do we have in common?

Charles Burke

Does it matter?

Mark Edwards

Yes it matters, I obviously didn't bring that gun with me, somebody wanted it to look like I was a killer, so that when the rest of you died, it looked like I killed you!

Anna Marlow

Charles Burke, what do you have in your luggage?

Charles Burke

My luggage? I didn't bring luggage!

Mark Edwards

Well, there's a bag here with your name on it

Charles Burke comes over and looks at the bag

Charles Burke

So there is

Charles Burke opens the bag with a strange look on his face. He pulls out a gun as well

Mark Edwards

Anna, open your bag

Anna opens her bag and finds that she has a gun too

Anna Marlow

What's going on here?

Scene - 7

Ext: The Experiment's headquarters
Int: Terrence Roberts is watching the passengers on a view screen. Neil Williams comes up to him

Terrence Roberts

They've found their weapons

Neil Williams

What about their prisoner?

Terrence Roberts

they're still curious and scared, but this Edwards fellow isn't. He's different, I can tell

Neil Williams

Perhaps you'll want to look at this then

Neil Williams pulls up another screen and on it is Mark's readout

Terrence Roberts

Yes, I went over this before I brought him into the experiment

Neil Williams

Well so did I, but watching his behavioural patterns throughout this experiment got me to thinking, somebody in that position would be panicking, look at Mark Edwards for instance

Terrence Roberts

Where are you going with this?

Neil Williams

I dug a little deeper into his records and I found some interesting stuff, look here, he has a bio and everything and birth certificates and everything, but this didn't make since, see that

Terrence Roberts

I do

Neil Williams

There's a gap in his records, just little things, stuff that everybody would normally have, you know, speeding tickets etc, but he was clean, between his birth and to just about one year ago, he was clean, too clean

Terrence Roberts

So you dug deeper no doubt

Neil Williams

Yes, look what I found. He was an Associate assassin for three years, and trained since birth, he's a killer for the government, and yet he lives in sector thirty-seven, it's like he just changed, first he works for the government, and then he lives in the third class zone? What happened?

Terrence Roberts

Here, I'll show you

Terrence Roberts pulls out a device and in the palm of his hand, brings it to the back of Neil Williams's neck, pretending to bend him down to show him something. Neil Williams goes stiff, and Terrence Roberts slowly puts him in a chair


Terrence Roberts

I'll tell you want happened, he became a double agent, that's what, and he killed the new leader, I can prove it!

Scene - 8

Int: The Carolina's cargo bay. In the center of the room sits Seth Stevens. The cargo bay is dark. The door opens, and the shadow of Mark is cast along the floor

Seth Stevens

Come in, or are you to scared

Mark Edwards

Why did you do it?

Seth Stevens

What, kill the Leader? I didn't, but you won't believe me, trust me

Mark steps in a little closer, and you can kind of see his face

Mark Edwards

Who else could have done it, you were the perfect man for the job, everybody knows it

Seth Stevens

I hear rumour that it was really you

Mark Edwards

Really? And who said that, oh wait, let me guess, Terrence Roberts, right?

Seth Stevens

You haven't told them yet, have you?

Mark Edwards

They would never understand that this is just an experiment


Seth Stevens

And I doubt they'd believe that you were a trained killer

Mark Edwards

I don't do that anymore, that was my last job, after that, I was done, I got out

Seth Stevens

And you dropped off of the map, only to reappear three years later to kill Hans Staedler

Mark Edwards

How many times do I have to tell you, I didn't kill him, I haven’t killed in three years!

Seth Stevens

You just couldn’t stand to see Staedler as the new leader of our “perfect” society

Mark Edwards

How did a man like Staedler get into politics? The last I had known, he had run off to lower America to escape being caught by me and the other associates. Why would a wanted man resurface to become the new leader?

Seth Stevens

You tell me, you were the expert on Staedler, you studied him so deeply, you knew him better than he did! It makes perfect sense, you killed him to complete your mission!

Mark Edwards

No! I have been set up, the Associates found me and now they want me killed, that’s why I’m here as part of this experiment, the others are here just as witnesses. They think I’m a double for the Corporates, that’s why I dropped off, when you become an enemy to the government you work for, than it’s time to get out, and that’s what I did! I got out! Then they sent you out to kill Staedler so that they could pin it on me, and then sleep easy at night, don’t worry, I also know Terrence Roberts all to well, I studied him too remember, no everything about the ones you’re against, but know your own better

Mark begins to leave



Seth Stevens

So what will you do, you can’t prove that I did it, because I didn’t, and they want you dead, so you see, you’re in a bit of a position. Instead of leading experiments, you’re now in one, what will you do?

Mark continues to leave

Mark Edwards

That’s the one thing they forgot, I know how to run experiment’s and so I’m going to run this one, in the direction I want!

Mark exit the scene

Scene - 9

Int: The main section of the Carolina. Mark enters

Anna Marlow

Well, is it him?

Mark Edwards

Yes it is

Charles Burke

He’s the killer, isn’t he?

Mark Edwards

Yes he is. But everything is okay, he won’t be leaving the cargo bay

Mark picks up his gun and loads it

Anna Marlow

You, you’re not going to kill him are you?

Mark Edwards

No, I’m just preparing, just in case

Charles Burke

Well, I wish you would kill him. That would prolong our oxygen supply, and we might make it out of here faster

Mark Edwards

No, there’s no point in it, tell them

Riley Dodge

He’s right, even if we got rid of him, there still wouldn’t be enough oxygen for the rest of us

Charles Burke

Then we should get rid of somebody else, for the greater good, you know, kill one to save the others

Mark Edwards

All right, and who would you kill to save your skin? Hm, me? I’m no benefit to society. Or what about Anna, we don’t know what she is, she’s probably a hooker for all we know, oh wait, kill the pilot, you can fly the ship yourself! The decision’s yours, who do you want to kill?

Anna Marlow

Mark, don’t do it this way, he’ll kill you!

Mark Edwards

Is that who you think, kill me because I’m the poor one, answer me Charles Burke!

Charles Burke

I, I

Mark Edwards

Look, I volunteer, I give you your chance, here

Mark hands the gun to Charles Burke, then makes him put it to Mark’s head


Mark Edwards

Go on, you might have a chance at breathing for an extra day, maybe two if you’re lucky, go on, do it!

Everybody waits in fearful anticipation

Mark Edwards

Go on you selfish idiot, go on, you make all these radical suggestions, now act on them! Kill me! or are you even capable of doing it?

Charles Burke shakily puts the gun down

Charles Burke

I can’t

Mark takes the gun from Charles Burke

Mark Edwards

I didn’t think so.

Mark sits back while everybody looks at him in a fearful way

Anna Marlow

So what now?

Riley Dodge

We die

Mark Edwards

Not necessarily

Charles Burke

What, what can you do, what can any of us do?

Mark Edwards

More than you think. It’s actually a good thing you didn’t kill me, I’m more of a help alive

Anna Marlow

What is it that you propose we do?

Mark Edwards

This, this is an experiment, all of it, every scenario that we’ve been through thus far

Charles Burke

Including the last one?

Mark Edwards

No, that was my conditioning you

Anna Marlow

What do you mean an experiment, this is real, isn’t it?

Mark Edwards

Yes and no, you see, they give us scenarios to deal with. There’s a purpose to it though

Charles Burke

What can killing all of us achieve?

Mark Edwards

They wanted to find out who was the killer

Anna Marlow

What killer?

Charles Burke

The one who killed the Leader of course!

Mark Edwards

Exactly. In the holding bay of this ship is their prime suspect.
Riley Dodge

But how does it work?

Mark Edwards

You see, they gave us a hopeless situation, except, the only way was for if all of us but one died. You see, do the math, we’re a couple of weeks out from the nearest substation, we only have two days of air left, but if all of us but one was killed, there’d be enough air for one to survive the journey

Riley Dodge

And that’s how they judged if one of us was an assassin?

Mark Edwards

Yes and no, you see, this is a set-up, it’s not a legit experiment

Charles Burke

How do you know all of this anyways, you’re just a peasant!

Mark Edwards

That’s what it appears, I’m not who you think

Anna Marlow

What do you mean?

Mark Edwards

I am an assassin

Everybody looks at Mark with a strange look

Scene - 10

Int: The headquarters for the experiment. Terrence Roberts is watching the screens

Terrence Roberts

This isn’t good, you weren’t supposed to catch on this fast Edwards! It’s time we take a new strategy.
Terrence Roberts hits a button, activating the comm

Terrence Roberts

Dark Star Rising, this is Experiment Headquarters, do you copy?

Captain (Voice)

This is Dark Star Rising, we are awaiting your orders

Terrence Roberts

Good, are you within range of the Carolina?

Captain

Yes we are, we are prepared to take your suspect into custody

Terrence Roberts

Uh, we’re not quite ready for that yet, we’ve had a change of plans, they know what’s happening, they know it’s an experiment

Captain

I assume that you want me to initiate plan delta B?

Terrence Roberts

Yes, you’re target is Mark Edwards, I’m sending you all data on him now. Use extreme caution, he is a trained killer

Captain

Copy that, over and out!

VFX: The Dark Star Rising reveals itself, by flying outside of a nebula or cloud or something. It begins to go after the Carolina, and is much, much bigger than the Carolina

Scene - 11

Int: The Carolina. Riley Dodge looks at his console, and his face brightens up



Riley Dodge

It looks like things may not yet be lost!

Everybody else comes over to see the Dark Star Rising

Riley Dodge

Hello, hello, this is the Carolina, we need assis...

Mark Edwards cuts him off

Mark Edwards

Are you crazy?!?!

Charles Burke

What are you talking about? They’re a good thing, they’re here to help! Maybe you really do want us to die!

Mark Edwards

Don’t you understand? That’s an Associate ship, they aren’t here to help. They’ll come, pretending to be of assistance, then they’ll take us all aboard, take whichever one they suspect, take them for trial, and kill the rest of you!

Captain (Voice)

Hello, this is the Dark Star Rising, we have detected that you require assistance, our docking bays are open and we welcome you

Riley Dodge

This is the Carolina, we acknoledge...

Mark punches Riley Dodge across the face, knocking him out of the pilot’s chair

Anna Marlow

What are you doing?

Mark Edwards

We have to out-maneuver them! That’s a warship, and unless this ship is hiding some secrets that I don’t know about, our best bet is to run!

Charles Burke

But you’ll use up all of our fuel, then we’ll never make it out of here! Besides, we’re dead anyways, where can we run that’s safer? At least on the Dark Star, we’ll have a chance!

Anna Marlow

He’s right Mark, listen to him

Mark looks around at everybody

Mark Edwards

So that’s what you all want is it? Fine, fine, we’ll do it your way. Dark Star Rising, this is the Carolina, we are preparing to dock

VFX: The Carolina comes up into the DSR, preparing to dock

Mark Edwards

Here, take the wheel!

He hands it back to Riley Dodge. He then goes to where his luggage was and picks up the gun and ammunition

Anna Marlow

Is that really necessary?

Mark Edwards

Trust me, I’ve been hiding from them for three years, this is necessary

Riley Dodge

All right, we’re docking!

VFX: The Carolina docks

Int: The Carolina. Mark goes to the door to the cargo bay


Charles Burke

What are you doing?

Mark Edwards

We’re going to need help!

Anna Marlow

Surely you don’t think that they really intend to kill you

Mark Edwards

No, I don’t think, I know!

Scene - 12

Int: The cargo bay, Seth Stevens is still sitting there, waiting. Mark enters

Seth Stevens

So they’ve caught up to you, haven’t they

Mark Edwards

I need your help, the others, they don’t know the Associates as well as I, or you do

Seth Stevens

And what do I get out of it? You get to live, to fight another day, but I, what do I get? I get to be wrongly convicted for a crime I didn’t commit, I was there, trying to stop it! But no, they thought it was me

Mark Edwards

And now they’re using it to get to me, to kill me, and I know who’s behind it too! Help me, I can’t do this alone!

Seth Stevens

I want to be set free



Mark Edwards

I, I don’t know if I ca

Seth Stevens

Set me free, or I can’t help

Mark comes over and frees Seth Stevens

Mark Edwards

I’ll get you a gun

Scene - 13

Mark and Seth Stevens enters. Everybody looks around, shocked, fearful and a little horrified. Mark goes and gets a gun and gives it to Seth Stevens.

Seth Stevens

All right, so where are we at?

Riley Dodge

Uh, oh right, we’ve docked with the Dark Star Rising

Seth Stevens

Dark Star Rising, hm, that’s one of their capital ships, heavily defended, a frontal assault wouldn’t go over well

Mark Edwards

If I could get to Earth, I could sort out this whole issue, the case would be settled once and for all

Seth Stevens

This ship would never make it there in time, this doesn’t have a hyperspace drive does it?

Man 3

No, but it was designed to hold one

Mark Edwards

We could try and take theirs

Seth Stevens

Their’s is too big, we could never hold it

Captain (Voice)

Carolina, we are waiting for you, feel free to come over when you can!

Riley Dodge

This is the Carolina, we’re just getting ready, we’ll come aboard in a few minutes

Mark Edwards

Riley Dodge, how long would it take to install all the software for a hyper-engine?

Riley Dodge

The better part of an hour

Mark Edwards

Get to it, we’re going to get us a hyper-engine

Anna Marlow

What about us? What do you want us to do

Mark Edwards

I don’t care, you want to go with them, try and convince them that you don’t need to be killed, or experimented with more.

Captain

Carolina, surely you aren’t going to be much longer?

Riley Dodge

No, we’re opening the hatch now!

VFX: The Carolina completely attaches to the DSR, and an entry tube connects with the ship

Riley Dodge

Good luck!

Riley Dodge activates the software download, then gets up and goes to the entry hatch and opens it. Him and Anna and Charles Burke go through the tube

Mark Edwards

Now it’s time for us to go to work!

Mark and Seth Stevens go back to the cargo bay and hide.

Scene - 14

Two DSR guards come aboard the Carolina

Guard 1

I don’t see Edwards, or Seth Stevens

Guard 2

Perhaps they’re in the cargo bay?

Guard 1

I’ll check it out

Int: Experiment HQ

Terrence Roberts

Don’t screw this up, they’re both extremely well trained fighters, I want them both alive! I need to take Edwards myself!

Guard 1 (Voice)

Understood

The comm channel closes

Terrence Roberts

Captain, take the others as prisoners, they know too much about the experiments, I want them brought to Earth for conditioning

Captain

They’re already in our custody

Terrence Roberts

Very good Captain. Once your guards have Edwards and Seth Stevens on board, you have hyper-space authorization

Scene - 15

Int: the cargo bay of the Carolina. Guard 1 enters the cargo bay, and activates his flashlight.

Guard 1

Mark Edwards, you’re wanted for the Assassination of Hans Staedler, come out quietly, and this can all go over peacefully

Mark and Seth Stevens come up behind Guard 1 and point their guns at his head

Mark Edwards

I want you to walk out that door, and tell your friend to lower his weapon, you’re then going to take us aboard the Dark Star

Guard 1 puts his weapon down, and then slowly goes into the main section of the Carolina. Guard 2 spins around and points his gun at them, but hesitates

Guard 1

Put your gun down, it’s Ok, they want to go aboard!

Guard 2 puts his gun down

Mark Edwards

That’s very good, now come on

Mark, Seth Stevens and the guard go through the main hatch. The moment they’re in, Guard 2 activates his comm

Guard 2

Captain, they’re aboard the Dark Star, they have a guard with them

Captain

Thank you corporal.

Int: Experiment HQ

Captain

Terrence Roberts, we have them aboard, they’re loose, but we will engage hyper-drive, prepare to have us in one half hour

Terrence Roberts

Very good Captain, we’ll be expecting you

VFX: The DSR goes to hyper-space, with the Carolina ripping off of her hull into space
Terrence Roberts activates another comm device

Terrence Roberts

All security, prepare to board the Dark Star Rising, take Mark Edwards and Seth Stevens into custody!



Scene - 16

Int: Aboard the DSR, Mark and Seth Stevens try to avoid capture

Mark Edwards

I’ve been trying to figure something out, if neither you or I killed Staedler, who did?

Seth Stevens

I’ve been thinking about that too. I was there to protect Staedler from assassination, that’s why they thought it was me initially


Mark Edwards

But then they thought it was me, even though I had been off of their scopes for three years, so they used you to try to get me to kill the others in the experiment

Seth Stevens

But they didn’t count on you realising that you were in an experiment

Mark Edwards

That’s right, that was their only mistake, everything else was perfect, I know for a fact that somebody would have killed to preserve the oxygen supply, it was a matter of everyone dying, or one surviving

Seth Stevens

Than we’re dealing with somebody from Earth

Mark Edwards

I think it’s the Associates, once they had found me, they planned on having me convicted for the assassination of Staedler thus resulting in the death penalty

Seth Stevens

Which leaves it to one of the higher ups

Their is a slight shake, and they go look out a window

Mark Edwards

We’ve exited hyper-space!

VFX: The DSR exits hyperspace and enters orbit around Earth

Int: Experiment HQ

Captain

Terrence Roberts, we're now entering orbit

Terrence Roberts

Very Good, we're sending you our assault teams now
VFX: A marines ship comes up and docks with the DSR
Int: The DSR, Edwards and Seth Stevens hide behind something, as the sound of the hatch opening can be heard. The sound of the troops footsteps can be heard a they run and head in a different section of the ship. Mark nods to Seth Stevens and they run and head into the Marines' ship

Int: The cockpit of the marines' ship. Mark and Seth Stevens come and sit down. Mark is in the pilot's chair. He begins flipping switches, activating the engines and everything

Int: experiment HQ. A console starts beeping. Gov 1 looks down at it

Terrence Roberts

Captain, you haven't got them already have you?

Captain

No, the marines just arrived... hold on, something's happening up here, hold on a minute please

Int: Marines cockpit

Mark Edwards

All right, here we go

Mark flips a switch
VFX: The engines of the marines' ship flares up, and it tries to pull away, but it's stuck

Mark Edwards

Hold on, looks like they're on to us! I can't seem to release the mag-grips

Seth Stevens

I'll see if I can do it manually

Seth Stevens gets up and goes away to the back of the ship
Int: Exp HQ

Captain

Somebody's trying to fly the marines' ship out of here


Terrence Roberts

That's Edwards! He's trying to escape! Don't let them go!

VFX: The marines' ship breaks away, with a little effort, it then turns and starts to fly towards Earth

Int: Exp HQ

Captain

They've broken away! What are your orders?

Terrence Roberts waits, trying to ponder what to do, finally he makes a decision

Terrence Roberts

You know have shoot to kill authorization, destroy them!

VFX: The DSR comes about, aiming at the marines' vessel. It fires a missile at the ship
Int: The marines' vessel, the console start beeping, Mark looks around

Mark Edwards

You'd better get back in here! They're firing on us!

VFX: The missile crashes into the marines' vessel, causing an explosion

Int: The marines' vessel. The lights are flashing on and off, and things start beeping

Mark Edwards

Look, I need you back in here! Seth Stevens?

Seth Stevens comes in behind Mark and outs the gun up to his head

Mark Edwards

So, you were a plant the whole time

Seth Stevens

Yeah, I was never accused of the assassination, it was all part of the experiment.


Mark Edwards

Well, it makes sense, now I know who my enemy is

Seth Stevens hits a button on the console

Seth Stevens

DSR, this is Seth Stevens, I now have Mark Edwards in my custody, what are your wishes?

Captain

This is the DSR, put him into confinement and return him to the DSR

Terrence Roberts's voice cuts in

Terrence Roberts

Belay that order! Bring him to HQ, I want to process him myself

Seth Stevens

Understood. Well, you're at the end of your line Edwards, after three years of hunting, I finally have you

Mark Edwards

Hm, so I was right. If there's something you learn in this business, it's never trust an associate!

Seth Stevens

It's such a pity you didn't listen to your own advice, cause now, I'm the one with a gun to your head!

Mark Edwards

Who said I never listened to my advice? I always trust my gut!

Seth Stevens looks suspicious, the slowly brings the gun down and looks at it, it's not loaded

Seth Stevens

Dammit!

Mark suddenly throws a switch, and the ship lurches, unbalancing Seth Stevens. Mark jumps out of the chair, and a struggle ensues

VFX: The ships starts spiralling out of control

Int: The marines' ship. The fight is getting harsher and harsher as the two trained killers try to find the best way to take each other out

Captain

Seth Stevens, Seth Stevens, what's happening? Why are you out of control?

Seth Stevens is trying to make his way to the controls to respond or fly the ship, but every time, Mark pulls him back and they keep fighting

VFX: The marines' vessel is heading closer and closer to earth, and is speeding up

Int: Exp HQ

Captain

Sir, something has gone wrong, we've lost contact with our agent! They're heading towards Earth

Terrence Roberts

Wait one more minute, if he doesn't respond, destroy their vessel!

Int: Mark and Seth Stevens are in deep combat

Mark Edwards

Tell me, who killed him, if it wasn't you, who was it

Seth Stevens

You're a smart man, figure it out for yourself

Mark Edwards

It was Terrence Roberts, wasn't it? I was set up so that I could be killed now that I was a civilian, that was the purpose of the experiment!



Seth Stevens

You're close, very close, but you're forgetting one thing!

Mark Edwards

And what is that my friend?

Seth Stevens

The others!

Mark Edwards

What about them, they were innocent civilians! They had n idea what was going on!

Seth Stevens

They were a part of it too!

Mark Edwards

They're agents too?

Seth Stevens

Perhaps if you'd stayed in the business, you would have known!

Mark Edwards

I did, I was part of it the whole time, just not for the side that you thought!

Seth Stevens

We suspected that you were working for the Corporates!

Mark Edwards

I was a double, you were right about that, but you didn't do your research! I worked for Staedler!

Seth Stevens

What?!?!

Mark gets in a strong blow, and Seth Stevens goes reeling back, smashing his head and he crumples to the floor

VFX: The DRS starts firing on the marines' vessel again. The missiles home in on the vessel, and gain on it

Int: Mark shoves the body of Seth Stevens in the back of the ship. He goes back to the pilot's chair, and grabs the wheel

VFX: The missiles come closer

Int: Seth Stevens starts to regain consciousness, see that the missiles are just about to hit the ship, Mark looks back, then pulls a lever, closing a door between the two sections and ejects in the cockpit.

VFX: The missiles hit the ship, just as Mark ejects, the ship explodes, and the blast sends the cockpit flying towards the atmosphere of Earth

Int: Mark is fighting the with the controls, trying to regain control of the cockpit.

VFX: The cockpit hits the atmosphere, and begins to burn up

Int: HQ

Captain

It's done, they have been destroyed

Terrence Roberts

Very good, thank you captain

Captain

Pleasure's all mine

Terrence Roberts begins to pack up, readying to leave the experiment's station

VFX: The cockpit is flaming up as it passes through the atmosphere
Int: Mark manages to regain control of the cockpit
VFX: The cockpit rights itself, and passes just above before it hits the cities of the Earth. Mark flies the cockpit to the HQ

Int: Terrence Roberts is packing up, when the lights flicker

Terrence Roberts

What the he...

The power goes off, and everything goes dark

Terrence Roberts

Where's the backup generators? Why isn't their power? Hello, somebody respond!

Terrence Roberts starts playing with the controls, trying to get power back up. The lights come up, but suddenly, there is the sound of gunfire, and the lights shatter and start flickering

Terrence Roberts

What is going on? Somebody answer me!

Mark comes up out of the shadows and puts a gun to Terrence Roberts's head

Mark Edwards

Hello, miss me?

Terrence Roberts

Mark? Is that you? I haven't seen you in years! Why, why don't we go to my office

Mark Edwards

No, here will do fine

Terrence Roberts

Well, what are you doing, this is no way to treat an old friend

Mark Edwards

No, you're right

Mark smashes Terrence Roberts's head into the control panel. There is a trickle of blood on Terrence Roberts's forehead

Terrence Roberts

What is it you want?
Mark Edwards

Why did you try and frame me? Why did you have Staedler assassinated

Terrence Roberts

It was the same as anything else Mark, he knew too much. He worked for the other side, you know how it is, when you know too much, you become a hazard

Mark Edwards

You're right, so what about you?

Terrence Roberts

What about me?

Mark Edwards

You know too much, you know everything! Does that mean I should kill you, it is my job after all!

Terrence Roberts

Yes, I suppose it is, well, go on, shoot me then

Mark Edwards

No not yet, you see, I've been working for the Associates the whole time, I was on a mission

Terrence Roberts

For the last three years? That's an aweful long time to be on a job!

Mark Edwards

You know how it is, these things take time

Terrence Roberts

So, does your mission include killing your boss



Mark Edwards

No, my job was to find out who was leaking info to the Corporates!

Terrence Roberts

And what did you find?

Mark Edwards

I found out some very interesting things, things about you in fact

Terrence Roberts

Oh really, and what did you learn about me

Mark Edwards

That you were a double

Terrence Roberts

You have no way to prove it though, do you, and you don't have authorization to kill me, do you?

Mark Edwards

No, I don't, so I figured I would play out an experiment of my own

Terrence Roberts

And this was it?

Mark Edwards

No, you had caught me a bit off guard at first actually, you see, the assassination of Hans Staedler, well,

Terrence Roberts

That wasn't Staedler that was killed

Mark Edwards

No it wasn't, but we got a nice view of who did kill our plant, you see, Staedler, he isn't real

Terrence Roberts

What do you mean?

Mark Edwards

You see, I'm the real Staedler, and I was there the whole time, and I got a nice view of who killed Staedler

Terrence Roberts

So you saw everything did you?

Mark Edwards

Yes, I and two others, but they mysteriously disappeared, and shortly after, so did I, except, I came back, and now here we are

Terrence Roberts

Yes, here we are. But you see, you've just pulled a fatal mistake

Mark Edwards

And what is that?

Terrence Roberts

You talked way to long, giving me everything!

Terrence Roberts brings his elbow up and hits Mark in the gut, causing him to reel over. Terrence Roberts then runs and shoves Mark into a wall, causing Mark to drop his gun. Terrence Roberts rushes over to get it. He picks up the gun, brings it up and is about to shoot Mark in the head, when a gunshot goes off. Mark looks up, gasping for air. He sees Terrence Roberts standing there, and there is another gunshot, and Terrence Roberts collapses. Mark looks around, not knowing what happened. Out of the shadows, Charles Burke and the rest come out. Charles Burke is holding a gun. He slowly lowers it.

Mark Edwards

Did you hear, do you know


Anna Marlow

We heard it all

Mark Edwards

So what are you going to do now?

Charles Burke

We'll go with you of course

Mark Edwards

You can't do that, you're not...

Anna Marlow

Assassins, we understand that, but we found out what we had in common

Charles Burke

Yes, it took us long enough too

Mark Edwards

And what is it?

Charles Burke

We were victims, victims of a terrible experiment

Mark Edwards

Do you think you can have the experiments shut down?

Anna Marlow

Not now, but in time

Mark slowly gets up and starts to walk away

Several Weeks Later...

Mark drives up to his home. He enters it. It's dark, and the lights are off
Mark Edwards

Hologram?

There is nothing

Mark Edwards

Hologram?

Mark slowly pulls out a gun, but suddenly everything lights up, and hologram activates

Hologram

Welcome home sir, you've been gone a while

Mark Edwards

Yes, yes I have been

Mark puts his gun away

Mark Edwards

Any messages?

Hologram

Just one sir

Mark Edwards

Play it

Landlord

MARK! Where are you? I've been trying to get a hold of you for weeks! I need that rent! I'm kicking you out if you don't...

Mark Edwards

All right, shut it off!

Hologram

Mark, there is a video communication coming in for you, do you want to answer it?

Mark Edwards

Sure, why not

Mark is turned around, so he doesn't see who it is

Seth Stevens

Hello Mark, miss me?

Mark spins around to see Seth Stevens on the comm

Mark Edwards

So, you're still alive, that's OK, I'm coming for you next!

Go into End Credits

Perhaps some of you remember that, except I never posted the end. I just remembered it cause I accidentally clicked on it in the archives and I figured I'd throw the whole thing up. It's 60 pages long when in its proper formatting. It's half decent and I was gonna make this at one point in time. Just proved too costly. As you can see, I have been struggling for years to make a film!

jeepers, I write a lot of scripts. This is one I started based on an RP of this forum which could be fun to restart now that meganew is gone

scene 1

Fade in from black. Special effects shot of mountains.

Delta Van Toren is standing atop a large mountain, overlooking a beautiful sunset on an alien planet. He is there enjoying the cool wind. A man walks up behind him.

Delta van toren

I miss this. I miss the day when it was common to stand and enjoy the cool breeze. You know, we never slow down to enjoy those wonders of nature. It's too bad.

Severus thompson

They're ready now, it is time to go.

DELTA VAN TOREN

Someday Severus, someday I would like to live here, someday, when perhaps we are at peace

Delta takes one last look at the wondrous landscape before. He then turns and heads away

A Raider lifts off, and gains altitude, venturing into space

Scene 2

It is in a bar. People are chanting, as a man slams a glass down on the table. The people cheer. He then goes, and engages into an arm wrestle with a man. It gets silent as the two men duke it out in the form of an arm wrestle. It is close, but Mike Bayhes slams the opponents arm down on the table, just as his phone rings. He flips it out, has a quick look at who's calling. He then gets up and exits the bar. It is outdoors, and he activates a holographic telephone call on his cell

Mike Bayhes

What?

The Chief

Hello Michael. How are you doing?

MIKE BAYHES

Good, until you called

THE CHIEF

Very funny Michael.

MIKE BAYHES

What do you want, I thought I was on vacation

THE CHIEF

You were, but something's come up

MIKE BAYHES

It always does

THE CHIEF

Mike, are you familiar with a rebel group calling themselves The New Order?

MIKE BAYHES

No, not that I recall

THE CHIEF

Hm, no matter. Anyways, they're assembling a team

MIKE BAYHES

Who's assembling a team?

THE CHIEF

The government

MIKE BAYHES

Hold on, I thought we were a private organization, we don't work for the government

THE CHIEF

Yes, well, this isn't strictly a government mission

MIKE BAYHES

Cut to the chase Chief

THE CHIEF

Yes, well, I can't tell you much until you agree. All that I can tell you, is that you'll be working with a select group of people

MIKE BAYHES

Come on, you know me, I don't work well with people

THE CHIEF

Yes, well, you'll have to get over that for this one. So are you in, or aren't you?

MIKE BAYHES

What's the payoff?

THE CHIEF

The usual from us, plus double from the government, providing you return from the mission, and that you've completed the mission to their liking. So, what do you say?

Mike looks like he is deciding in his head. He looks back at the bar, where shouting and fighting can be heard

MIKE BAYHES

Yeah, I'm in, any place is better than here

THE CHIEF

Good, I'll see you at 0600 tomorrow morning, at the usual spot

Mike deactivates his cell, and then pockets it slowly. He looks back at the bar, then shakes his head and starts walking towards his car.

Scene 3

It is a dark room, with very few things in it. There is a table and a chair, and it looks like this could have been a torture room. Lee Watson falls on the table, with another man that has a knife holding him down. They struggle a bit, and Lee tries to point the knife away from his face. He then rolls the man around, and is now lying on top of him. They both struggle for control of the knife. Suddenly, Lee's cell rings. He loses his guard for a second, and then the man gains the upper hand, and shoves Lee into a wall. Lee pulls a short pocket knife out of his pocket, and as the man charges at Lee with his knife, Lee stabs him in the gut. The man slowly crumples to the ground. Lee pushes the sweaty hair out of his face, and takes out his cell. He activates it

THE CHIEF

Hello Lee, how are you doing?

Lee Watson

Good, thank you

(He is breathing heavily, and sort of short of breath when he speaks)

Scene 4

The Raider glides past the scene, heading towards an orbital station, that is located in a dense asteroid belt.

Int. The Raider

Van Toren watches out of a viewscreen, as Severus pilots the raider

DELTA VAN TOREN

Let's make this quick, I never liked dealers

Severus nods his head. The raider lands on a pad from the station. Delta and Severus exit the ship, and enter the station. The Dealer comes and greets them

Dealer

Well, well, well, this must be the infamous Delta Van Toren. What can I do for you?

DELTA VAN TOREN

I'm looking to retrieve some weapons that were purchased a few days ago

DEALER

Ah yes, well, I'm afraid they're gone now

DELTA VAN TOREN

Gone? How so?

DEALER

Well you see, I have a 24 hour hold policy, and then, perhaps, sometimes the merchandise gets resold, to a higher paying customer, it's business.

DELTA VAN TOREN

Well, I understand. Sorry for your time.

Delta and Severus turn around to leave, and the Dealer turns in the opposite direction and starts walking away, but Delta spins around, and shoots the dealer. He falls down, dead. Severus activates a personal comm device

SEVERUS THOMPSON

All right, begin loading it up

DELTA VAN TOREN

All of it, load everything that's here

scene 5

A sporty looking car pulls up in an empty lot. The Chief is there waiting. Mike gets out of the car. He and The Chief start walking

MIKE BAYHES

So, what is it this time, a cargo run?

THE CHIEF

No, this is something a little different

MIKE BAYHES

Yeah, how different?

THE CHIEF

You'll be commanding a black ops unit we've dubbed as the Black Star Elite Squad, BSES for short

MIKE BAYHES

All right, what's the gig?

THE CHIEF

Ever since the collapse of the government on the outer rim, rebel groups have been popping up everywhere, claiming to be the new government. Now, the government has been dealing with these groups accordingly

MIKE BAYHES

So what do they need me for?

THE CHIEF

A new group has appeared, at first, they seemed to be nothing but disorganized, but we've got wind that they have a leader, one who is cunning, and one who might possibly have a chance at succeeding in establishing a new, rebel government in the outer rim.

MIKE BAYHES

Let me guess, this is where I come in

THE CHIEF

Very good, your mission is to have him assassinated. The government doesn't want him alive. They figure, that if he's killed, the rebel group will fall to pieces shortly after

MIKE BAYHES

So then what's with this whole team thing?

THE CHIEF

This new leader, he has devoted followers, and an extremely efficient security force protecting him, that's why you're going in black ops style. The key to this mission's success is stealth. At the moment, we are assembling a team, each with skills and talents in a particular black ops field

MIKE BAYHES

So when do we leave?

THE CHIEF

You leave now. You're going to have to pick up the rest of the team. Coordinates have been given to your pilot.

John Hunter is walking towards the two as this last bit is being exchanged

MIKE BAYHES

And who might that be?

THE CHIEF

Ah, here he comes now

John hunter

Michael Bayhes? May I call you Mike?

John holds out his hand for a hand shake, but Mike just looks at him. John slowly puts the hand down, feeling a little goofy

THE CHIEF

Well, I can see you'll both be fast friends. I'll contact you in seven days, that should give you time to assemble the team

Mike picks up his bags and throws them over his shoulders and starts walking off. John looks at the Chief, and the chief just shrugs his shoulders. John lightly jogs to catch up with Mike, and the chief turns and walks away from the scene.

scene 6

Paul and Mike enters into the hatchway of the Nightcrawler. The lights are off, making it dark. John hits a dim light

JOHN HUNTER

Here, you can throw your bags over there

Mike throws down his bags

JOHN HUNTER

All right, follow me

John leads Mike into the cockpit. John activates the lights. The cockpit is very bland, with a single chair on wheels, and a window looking out into a dark wall.

MIKE BAYHES

Well, I've seen worse...

John begins flipping some switches on a single panel. A holographic display appears

Computer

Voice password required

JOHN HUNTER

Aw come on Charlie, you know it's me

Mike is looking at John very questioningly

COMPUTER

I'm sorry, you designed the safety system, I am required to only activate to your password

JOHN HUNTER

Yeah yeah, I know

John looks over at Mike

JOHN HUNTER

Don't worry, it's just Charlie, the computer

MIKE BAYHES

Ah

JOHN HUNTER

Activation authorization Hunter John P. Password Delta W E Alpha

COMPUTER

Authorization and password confirmed, main controls activating

CNC activates, and is essentially a holographic bridge. It is a mixture of shininess and modification. John looks over at Mike, expecting him to be impressed. Mike's face is very blank

MIKE BAYHES

Like I said, I've seen worse

John shakes his head and sits down in the chair. He pulls out a panel and begins the liftoff procedure.

CGI:A building's roof opens, and the nightcrawler lifts off into the sky

scene 7

Van Toren is standing in the orbital station's command center. He is looking down on the asteroid field. Severus walks up to him

SEVERUS THOMPSON

Delta, they have finished loading everything onto the Raider, is there anything else that you can foresee us using?

DELTA VAN TOREN

No, that is everything. Well, now we begin, this is what we have been preparing for all of these years. Let's go

Delta and Severus turn to leave. Delta activates the distress signal on the orbital station

CGI:The raider takes off from the orbital station. it turns and opens fire, completely destroying the station to rubble. the raider flies off and activates its ftl drive

Scene 8

Delta is sitting in the cockpit of the Raider. Severus is piloting. Delta activates his personal computer display. He types in the name MICHAEL BAYHES. The computer does a quick search, and then displays all of the information on Mike.

SEVERUS THOMPSON

I still cannot understand why you want us to head into the inner rings, especially with the orbital station's distress signasl activated, somebody must surely have received it

DELTA VAN TOREN

Yes, I do hope they have. The success of this mission depends on my capture. Without it, we may be lost

Severus shakes his head

SEVERUS THOMPSON

I just sure hope you know what you're doing

Delta smiles

DELTA VAN TOREN

Don't worry Severus, if I do not return for whatever reason, you'll get what you've always wanted, complete control of the New Order

Severus looks down for a second, but looks up again. Delta just continues to go through the data on Mike Bayhes

scene 9

CGI:the nightcrawler lands on a desolate moon

John Hunter quickly scans the area

JOHN HUNTER

Ok, so I've got us in, no garuntees I can get us out

MIKE BAYHES

Just leave that to me

Mike picks up a long gun and loads it

MIKE BAYHES

See you in ten, keep the engines warm!

JOHN HUNTER

Will do

Mike leaves the ship, keeping his head low. Mike runs through the terrain for a short bit, the falls on the ground behind a small hill. He pulls out a small pair of binoculars and looks at the building. He notices the two security towers that have automated gun turrets.

MIKE BAYHES

I'll never make it through those

Mike reaches through his backpack and pulls out a small missile atachment. He puts it on his gun. He then takes a small missile and loads it into the gun. He points it at one of the towers. He pulls the trigger. The missile detonates on the tower, blowing it up. The other tower points in Mike's direction and starts firing. Mike ducks behind the hill until the tower stops firing. Mike peeks up and looks through the binoculars. The gun re-aims and starts firing again at Mike.

MIKE BAYHES

Damn those things have good aim

Mike starts digging around his backpack again. He pulls out a flare. He looks hesitant for a second, then gets up and starts running. The gun opens fire again, and Mike activates the flare and throws it in the opposite direction of himself. The tower takes aim at the flare and starts firing. Mike sprints and takes cover behind a hill close to the building. The gun stops firing. Mike pulls out his phone. He dials.

MIKE BAYHES

Are you Watson?

Inside the prison compound that Lee Watson was in earlier, Lee pulls out his phone

LEE WATSON

Yeah, who are you?

MIKE BAYHES

Mike Bayhes, I'm here to get you out. Be ready in two minutes, or I'll be going home

LEE WATSON

I'll be ready, I just hope you have the keys to the door

MIKE BAYHES

Don't worry about that, I've got that under control

LEE WATSON

If you say so

Lee flips is phone off.

Mike puts his phone in his pocket. Mike gets up and rams himself into the door of the prison. He breaks it down and stumbles in. He looks around. It is a completely empty room with no doors. A sliding door closes, sealing off the only exit. Mike spins around and starts feeling the walls

MIKE BAYHES

This wasn't part of the plan!

A voice is heard over the pa system

Prison voice

Hello Michael Bayhes, please set down your weapons

Mike looks hesitantly around the room. Suddenly there is a shock that runs through the walls, and electricity runs along the walls

PRISON VOICE

Please set down your weapons Mr Bayhes

MIKE BAYHES

How do I know that you're not a pre-recording?

PRISON VOICE

Because if I was a pre-recording, I wouldn't be having a conversation with you. Please, set down your weapons

MIKE BAYHES

And if I don't?

An electric discharge shoots Mike. He yells out.

PRISON VOICE

Are you convinced yet Mr Bayhes?

MIKE BAYHES

You don't get me without a fight

PRISON VOICE

Very well, it ends this way for most of your type

Electric discharges start shooting out at Mike. He drops to the floor after a while, and then passes out

Fade to black

scene10

John is waiting in the cockpit of the Nightcrawler. He is relaxing, waiting for Mike to return. He looks at his watch. Mike still has five minutes. Suddenly all systems shut off. John snaps into action, and start looking around

JOHN HUNTER

Charlie? Charlie, why have all of the systems shut down?

There is no response. John gets up and heads for the door, which immediately closes in front of him, barricading him in the cockpit. He starts banging on the door

JOHN HUNTER

Hey! Who's out there? What's going on? Hey!

John goes and looks out the viewscreen, to see a large electrical field closing over the ship

JOHN HUNTER

Hey! Hey, aw crap!

CGI:The Electrical field completely encompases the Nightcrawler

John starts shaking as the hull of the ship gets electrically shocked. John collapses and passes out.

scene11

fade in from black

John's watch is beeping. He slowly wakes up and gets up. He puts a hand to his head, and realizes there's a little blood. He looks up and sees that Mike is there watching him

JOHN HUNTER

Long time no see. Ow, what happened?

MIKE BAYHES

We were caught.

JOHN HUNTER

No kidding, did you find Lee Watson?

MIKE BAYHES

No, but I know he's close to here

JOHN HUNTER

Don't suppose you still have your gun...

Mike shakes his head

JOHN HUNTER

Didn't think so.

John looks around

JOHN HUNTER

So, what now? Do we escape?

MIKE BAYHES

Can't

JOHN HUNTER

Well, there must be some way...

MIKE BAYHES

Do you see a door, a window, anything we can get out through?

John gets up to start looking around

MIKE BAYHES

Don't bother, I already tried

JOHN HUNTER

Well, we can't just sit here and do nothing

MIKE BAYHES

Yes we can, it's what I'm doing

JOHN HUNTER

So what then?

MIKE BAYHES

You've obviously never been in prison before, have you?

JOHN HUNTER

Well, I have been held captive before, but never in a place without an entrance or exit.

MIKE BAYHES

Well, I have, and you're best bet is to just sit it out and wait. Somebody will come eventually, to feed or interrogate you.

JOHN HUNTER

ah, I see, we wait for somebody to come to us, to show us the exit, then what?

MIKE BAYHES

Wing it I suppose

JOHN HUNTER

Oh come on, you must have a better plan than that

MIKE BAYHES

Well, I did, but then I was captured and thrown into a room with no doors or windows

JOHN HUNTER

I can see why nobody likes you Mike

MIKE BAYHES

Excuse me?

JOHN HUNTER

I was told you were a recluse, and I can see why

MIKE BAYHES

I don't have time for this

JOHN HUNTER

Well you obviously do, you're just sitting there. Come on, what makes you so cinical? What is it? Lost a kid, fought in the war? Guess what, so did everybody else, you're not the only one who's lost something, whatever it may be

MIKE BAYHES

This is the part where I give you the psychiatric speech about how you won't hold up well in captivity. How about you just shut up and let me do things my way

JOHN HUNTER

Yes, you do that, do things your way

A portion of the floor suddenly electrifies

MIKE BAYHES

Get out of the way, go back to the wall!

Mike and John push themselves against the wall. A large electrical bolt comes through the floor, and a person materializes

PRISON VOICE

Michael Bayhes and John Hunter

MIKE BAYHES

Yes...

PRISON VOICE

You have been cleared. Your papers are authentic

JOHN HUNTER

Excuse me, our papers, what papers?

MIKE BAYHES

The moment you work a mission for the chief, you're tagged. Any legal system can check you so that they don't accidentally take you captive or set you to prison

JOHN HUNTER

So you knew?

MIKE BAYHES

Of course. Now, can you take us to Lee Watson

PRISON VOICE

I'm afraid that we cannot alow that

MIKE BAYHES

Well he must have been cleared too. He's part of our team

PRISON VOICE

Yes I know, but the crimes this man has committed, we cannot allow him to leave this complex. Since he has been imprisoned here, he has killed five of our guards.

MIKE BAYHES

I was told he can be a bit ruthless

PRISON VOICE

That is an understatement. Before his capture, he killed seventeen government officials. Those assassinations has since caused the government on Optica Prime to collapse, leaving a rebel government in place calling themselves the

MIKE BAYHES

New Order, yes I know. That is exactly why we need him though

PRISON VOICE

I'm sorry. You will be transported back to you vessel, and we will give you five minutes to re-activate your vessel and leave this moon

MIKE BAYHES

Very well then

The prison official activates a device on his wrist, and the electrical bolt goes up through Mike and John.

They materialize onboard the Nightcrawler

JOHN HUNTER

What on Earth is that?

MIKE BAYHES

It's an electrical transportation field. It has very limited range, and only a few worlds possess it, mostly prison colonies and such. Well, begin liftoff

John sits in his chair and begins the boot-up procedure

You know... that script is somewhere in the Archived Foruns... Checking... Here:

https://flashtrek.forumotion.co.uk/the-script-f41/script-do-not-post-here-your-post-will-be-deleted-t812.htm

yeah, that's the link I clicked on, except it doesn't have the ending but the one I posted last night does (for the first script, the second is incomplete)

ah yes I remember this when did you first make it again? i think it was late 2008

On this forum? when did this forum start anyway?

13th October 2007.

And yes, JPB posted the link to the old topic just a little bit up.

I remember the first script.

Actually, I still have that on my hard drive somewhere....

The storyline was excellent though. Probably one of your best.

well, wait till the ELZ movie is written. With the massive ideas (which we cannot disclose at this point in time) the script should be very cool