Star Saga: A Clash of Empires

"Star Saga: A Clash of Empires"




BY MICHAEL HARRIS

FADE IN:


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER MARUNE, ALPHA SQUADRON ACADEMY

The colossal structure of Alpha Squadron serves as a guard to the vibrant and blue planet of Marune (pronounced Ma-rune-nay). Lights on the structure from a great distance blink in and out.

In the cruiser holdings of the Squadron, several capital ships are being outfitted and serviced.

Groupings of fighters fly from the structure itself, and head away from it.

The pilots are Langdon Hughes, Iris Grisham, and Jesse Faundoo, along with two other cadets, a MALE CADET and a FEMALE CADET. They speak to one another through their helmets.


LANGDON
Our orders are to circle around the edges of ALPHA SECTOR and then make our way back towards the Academy.

JESSE
Man, oh man, they didn't have anything better for us to do than lousy patrol? We've liberated a world and repelled an invasion on a colony and this is what we're tasked with? Omega Squadron has seen better days.

IRIS
(laughing playfully)
He's your friend, Langdon.

The Nameless Cadets laugh to themselves.


LANGDON
Yeah, yeah. Just because you weren't around when he got transferred that doesn't mean that I have to take all the responsibility for him. He's just as much your friend as he is mine.

JESSE
Let's just get this over with as soon as possible. The INTERSTELLAR WRESTLING FEDERATION will be on in thirty.

Langdon shakes his head. The fighters continue on in the blackness.


EXT. MARUNE, EXTENDED VIEW OF HIGH COMMAND - MIDDAY

High Command stands mightily above the other Marune structures, a several tiered structure that is tinted black and reaches past the clouds.


INT. HIGH COMMAND, CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The conference room is shaped in the form of a dome and when looked upon from above is in the form of a horseshoe. It is packed with officials from Earth and the three colonies, both male and female.

Czar Shepard this time sits in the circular pattern housing a chair, as he discusses the issue of the Bulgata with his diplomats.

At the bottom of the seating arrangement sits Commander Wecker along with another Commander, the one in charge of Alpha Squadron. A black man in his middling years with a little graying hair. He is COMMANDER STANFIELD. A FEMALE DIPLOMAT coated in blue speaks up.


FEMALE DIPLOMAT
This rest period has allowed us to recover substantially from the destruction received during previous attacks, so in many ways it is a blessing.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
In many ways, you are right. However, I cannot help but feel powerless in knowing that throughout this conflict we have been at the mercy of the Bulgata. In any and everything that arises, they originate it.

MALE DIPLOMAT #1
Commander Stanfield is correct. We cannot continue in this regard.

CZAR SHEPARD
In some ways this period of inactivity has served its purpose well, but being in the dark as we have these two months is not conducive to running a good campaign.

MALE DIPLOMAT #2
Sire, are you and the Commanders suggesting that we move our satellites outside of the Sectors?

COMMANDER STANFIELD
It may prove fruitful. For a time we'd lose any activity happening within the Sectors but it would allow us to monitor activity outside our realms of influence.

COMMANDER WECKER
We can always launch more satellites to patrol the sectors.

FEMALE DIPLOMAT
Now that I see it for the best, I have no reservations. We would be susceptible to attack for only the briefest amount of time, until we are able to reorient ourselves with more satellites.

CZAR SHEPARD
Do we have any other objections?

Silence engulfs the conference room. Czar Shepard stands.


CZAR SHEPARD
(CONT'D)
Then it is decided. This meeting is adjourned.

Diplomats rise and speak to one another privately. Commander Wecker and Commander Stanfield stride towards Czar Shepard.


COMMANDER WECKER
I did not believe they would take it as well as they did.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
I think the Congress understands that we are doing our very best given the circumstances that we have been dealt.

CZAR SHEPARD
Indeed. But if by any chance we can improve our lot then we must take it. It is high time we dealt the Bulgata a blow, instead of constantly being on the defensive and intimidated by cravens.

Just then, an alert system rings throughout the dome and a FEMALE VOICE gives the message.


FEMALE VOICE
(O.S)
Alpha Sector has been breached! I repeat, Alpha Sector has been breached! All military personnel are to report to their stations. All diplomats and government officials are to report to the bunkers to maintain...

The Female Voice goes on indistinctly. Diplomats hurriedly make their way amid commotion to the underground bunkers. Commander Stanfield speaks as if to himself.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
(in shock)
They've discovered the location of High Command and Marune.

CZAR SHEPARD
(to both of them)
Get in contact with Sordaan for reinforcements. They are the closest colony. If what happened on Dorridion is any indication this could be a great challenge. I entrust the defense of Alpha Squadron and Marune to you two.

The two salute and head for the sliding door on the floor of the dome. Czar Shepard, along with other diplomats, makes his way to double doors leading to the bunker.


EXT. DEEP SPACE, NEAR THE EDGE OF ALPHA SECTOR

Langdon, Iris, Jesse, and the two other nameless cadets, travel through the blackness near the edge of the Alpha Sector border. They all generally fly bunched together.


LANGDON
Alright, cadets. We've done our scouting for the day. It's time we headed on back to base.

IRIS
Oh, do we really have to? I do enjoy a good flight through outer space now and then, even if it's just patrolling Alpha's border. It's always so very peaceful.

Just then the invading Bulgata force exits hyperspace a great distance away from them, though they can see clearly just how imposing and overwhelming a force they are. Great capital ships and swarms of fighters, with the Intimidator serving to lead the advance.


JESSE
(in shock)
Speak of the devil...

FEMALE CADET
Oh no, what are we to...

LANGDON
(exasperated)
Everyone, don't try anything rash. Just--stay out of harm's way until we get back to the defenses of Alpha Squadron.

The cadets reorient themselves and u-turn themselves upwards (not sideways). A few Bulgata fighters can be seen sneaking up on them.


MALE CADET
They're coming. They're coming! Oh my God, what are we going to do?

LANGDON
Calm down, soldier. Just--evade. Anything! But don't lose your wits.

A few Bulgata fighters begin firing on them, and they embrace evasion tactics. The Male Cadet generally swerves about (as does everyone) but he is whimpering as he does so.


MALE CADET
I never should have joined the military. I knew this would happen. I just knew it!

JESSE
He's breaking down.

Suddenly, laser fire erupts into one of his wings and his ship is then consumed by a convergence of laser fire from other Bulgata fighters. He screams as he dies.


INT. INTIMIDATOR WARSHIP, BRIDGE

Fedos and Fedora stand on the lower bridge as Raphsidy commandeers the controls. They look on through the viewing screen with determination in their eyes. They speak in an alien language. Illzar does not stand in the bridge.


FEDOS
We've given them eons to recuperate. Time to see how these impotent, insolent fools handle the might of the Bulgata armada.


EXT. SPACE, BULGATA ADVANCE

We see that Illzar is leading the charge against Langdon and co. He is one of the Bulgata fighters attacking them with laser fire in his sleek fighter.


ILLZAR
Converge on and destroy them.

Langdon and co. continue to evade as they try to stay away from laser fire. In the distance, Alpha Squadron and Marune can be seen, and what looks like small advancing dots.


IRIS
We're almost there.

Through their helmets they can hear the following from Commander Stanfield.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
Patrol, this is ALPHA SQUADRON COMMAND. What's the situation?

LANGDON
An endless wave of the Bulgata, sir. That's about the best I can describe it. There's so many, always so many...

COMMANDER WECKER
We've got forces coming from Sordaan to reinforce our numbers. But we'll have to hold them off until they get here. You cadets get back to the safety of Alpha Squadron and get yourselves reoriented for battle.

They all reply with a ‘Yes, sir.’

The foursome embrace a method of boost and continue at it for some time. Illzar and the other Myrmidions now regroup with the whole of the Bulgata advance, Langdon and co. being too close to the enemy to pick off any longer.

The foursome now find themselves flying past an advancing Alpha Squadron, with fighters and capital ships flying past them, and they get themselves reoriented for battle.


INT. INTIMIDATOR WARSHIP, BRIDGE

Fedos and Fedora watch through the viewing screen as the distance between they and Alpha Squadron's forces deteriorates.


FEDORA
Disengage several arms of forces to assault their base of operations.

RAPHSIDY
As you wish, my mistress.

Raphsidy presses an array of buttons on the control panel, relaying the message.


EXT. SPACE, BULGATA ADVANCE

Several bunched together cruisers as well as groupings of fighters are moving away from the Bulgata contingent and heading toward Alpha Squadron.


EXT. SPACE, ALPHA SQUADRON ADVANCE

Langdon speaks through his helmet to other cadets.


LANGDON
They're beginning an assault on the Academy.

IRIS
It'd be just like what happened to Delta Squadron.

LANGDON
We can't let that come about. Everyone, form up!

Langdon takes his leading place in a formation of fighters and cruisers. Similarly, Jesse and Iris do the same, taking leading places in formations.

Each contingent streaks towards an aforementioned arm of Bulgata forces.

Jesse and his troupe fly into a Bulgata contingent with guns-a-blazing, breaking formation as they do so.

Jesse pursues a Bulugata fighter. He gets hints of locking on to him but the Myrmidion is adept at escaping being shot down, swerving and the like.


JESSE
You won't get away so easily from me.

Just then Jesse locks on to him and sends a photon torpedo his way, exploding his craft.

Iris ducks her craft to the floor of space as she tries to avoid laser fire from a Bulgata pursuer. Laser blast scars the wing of her craft. She swears under her breath.

She then pulls up and leads the Bulgata fighter into the laser fire of an Alpha Squadron capital ship.

Langdon is being chased by two Bulgata fighters. He bobs and weaves repeatedly throughout the chaos of battle. He banks towards Alpha Squadron Academy and flys through the creases and crevices of the superstructure. One Bulgata fighter is not as skilled and crashes into an abutment of the structure.

Langdon veers away from the Academy and the Bulgata fighter has somewhat lost him as Langdon loop-de-loops behind him and blasts his fighter into smithereens.


INT. INTIMIDATOR WARSHIP, BRIDGE

Fedos and Fedora observe the chaos of the battle through the viewing screen.


FEDOS
Steer the Intimidator into attack position, along with a sizeable escort. We shall fire the pulse cannons on this planet.

RAPHSIDY
There are several endless cities situated on the surface of the planet.

FEDOS
Fire at them all.

RAPHSIDY
As you wish, Lord Fedos.


EXT. SPACE, INTIMIDATOR ADVANCE

The enormous Intimidator warship dwarfs the smaller capital ships accompanying it as it moves ever closer into attack position of Marune.


EXT. SPACE, HEART OF BATTLE

Langdon speaks almost to himself as the battle rages on.


LANGDON
What are they doing?

JESSE
Beats me.


EXT. SPACE, INTIMIDATOR ADVANCE

The Intimidator now moves in position. A brilliant light begins to emanate on the lower half of the bow, as if energy is gathering. Suddenly, radiant pulses of light fall from the ship in succession and head straight for Marune.


EXT. SPACE, HEART OF BATTLE

The cadets react to this new development.


IRIS
No!

JESSE
This can't be good...


EXT. MARUNE, ENDLESS CITY - MIDDAY

High Command stands in the midst of the deep and endless city, with buildings that seem to extend beyond the clouds. Radiant pulses of light fall from the sky and crash into buildings throughout the city.

Rubble from the destroyed buildings falls into the path of flying vehicles, causing them to crash into the distant ground, pieces of buildings and vehicles of which flattens a select few.

Pulses of light now fall onto the splendor that is High Command, breaking apart the very top of the structure and also tearing apart a lesser building of the complex.


INT. HIGH COMMAND, BUNKER - CONTINUOS

Czar Shepard along with other diplomats stumble as the building quivers and the lights flicker.


INT. INTIMIDATOR WARSHIP, BRIDGE

Fedos and Fedora observe from the Deep Scanner the destruction caused by the pulse cannons.


Fedora
Again. Strike them again.

Raphsidy preps the cannon for another round of fire.


INT. ALPHA SQUADRON, COMMAND CENTER

Commander Wecker and Commander Stanfield observe as the pulse blasts continue to fall toward Marune.


COMMANDER WECKER
Is there nothing we can do? We must try <u>something</u>.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
(in reflection)
There is something.

Stanfield turns towards the MALE OPERATOR.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
(CONT'D)
Patch me through to the LIEUTENANT on ground in BASE 3.

The link is made after brief moments and a male Lieutenant speaks through the viewing screen.


LIEUTENANT
Yes, Commander Stanfield?

COMMANDER STANFIELD
I'm giving you the coordinates to enemy capital ships. Use the BREAKAWAY MISSLES.

LIEUTENANT
Yes, sir.


EXT. MARUNE, BASE 3 - MIDDAY

People scurry to and fro trying to get into the base as an alarm blares, letting them know that missles are about to be fired. A sweeping amount of large sliding doors reveal themselves on the ground as missle launchers. They crane just right and fire into the atmosphere.


EXT. SPACE, INTIMIDATOR ADVANCE

The pulse cannon is drawing energy to itself once more as the swarm of Breakaway Missles approach. They then (predictably) break apart, blasting into the hull of the Intimidator and taking down a handful of capital ships and plenty of fighters that accompanied the warship and leaving 'wounds' on the Intimidator itself.


INT. INTIMIDATOR WARSHIP, BRIDGE

Fedos, Fedora, and Raphsidy stumble as the Intimidator shivers in a sustained manner. Fedos motions with his arm.


FEDOS
(CONT'D)
Cancel the attack! Get us away from here!

Raphsidy obeys.


EXT. SPACE, HEART OF BATTLE

The cadets respond to the latest happenings.


LANGDON
Yes!

JESSE
They got em!

Iris tries to bob and weave from an attacker.


IRIS
(stammering)
We're--not out of the woods yet. I'm being trailed hard.

LANGDON
Hang on, Iris. I'll save you.

Iris is being trailed by Illzar, who will not be denied. He scars her craft several times and she swears under her breath again.

She dips evasively toward the floor of space and then V-shapes her way upward, but he still follows. She banks towards the Academy and tries to lose him in the creases and crevices but he maintains pursuit.


ILLZAR
You will be mine.

Suddenly, laser blasts descend from above and destroys one of Illzar's wings beyond reparation. He seems taken at a loss at first, his craft spinning out of control, but then activates the escape pod built into the ship and flys in a little bubble of a craft, heading high and away from the chaos of battle and towards the saftey of Bulgata advance.


JESSE
Pestering Myrmidion scum; let’s see how he likes playing the victim.

IRIS
Thank you, Jesse. I almost died back there.

JESSE
Hey, don't mention it.

Suddenly, a nameless MALE CADET speaks through his helmet to anyone that will listen.


MALE CADET
The calvary has arrived! The calvary has arrived!

In one area of the distant blackness a contingent of fighters and cruisers can be seen jumping out of hyperspace and heading straight for the Bulgata, reinforcing Alpha Squadron. They are, of course, the Sigma Squadron reinforcements from Sordaan.

JESSE
Yee-haw!

LANGDON
Just in time.


INT. INTIMIDATOR WARSHIP, BRIDGE

Fedos and Fedora observe as the new arrivals pepper space. Fedora speaks to Raphsidy.


FEDORA
Can we sustain our offensive with these new pests in the equation?

Raphsidy stammers.


RAPHSIDY
(CONT'D)
I...I do not think that we can. We lost a lot of units to those blasted contraptions during the attack on the Intimidator, and this planet had a sizeable defense established as it is.

Fedora looks towards Fedos.


FEDORA
(CONT'D)
Well?

Fedos balls his fist and brings it to his face, seething.


FEDOS
(CONT'D)
We shall retreat for now. Give the command, Raphsidy.

RAPHSIDY
As you wish, my lord.

EXT. SPACE, VIEW OF RETREATING BULGATA

The Bulgata collectively pull away from Alpha Squadron, and enter hyperspace.

The celebration of the cadets is one of great joy, including several nameless cadets, whose faces we see.


JESSE
Woo-hoo!

MALE CADET
Yeah!

FEMALE CADET
Alright!

LANGDON
Thanks, Sigma. You guys showed up at just the right time.

The voice of someone in their mid thirties answers; a deep voiced MALE SOLDIER.


MALE SOLDIER
(O.S)
Anytime, Omega. An-ny-time.

Commander Stanfield speaks to the cadets.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
(O.S)
Good work, cadets. Report back to Alpha Squadron.

All of the crafts careen towards the Academy.


EXT. SPACE, IN VIEW OF DORRIDION.

A line of dropships are cruising from the planet Dorridion towards a MOON BASE. A repairs-in-progress Delta Squadron can be seen as they pass. One-fourth of the space station is completely repaired, and the rest is in progress.


EXT. MOON BASE, SHIP PORT

The Moon Base is like a mini city. It extends sweepingly across the surface of the moon, a jumbled mass of interconnected structures.

The dropships land and out comes many youngsters who are Initiates, but our point of interest lies on Simon Bridges (white male, late teens) Simone Bridges (white female, late teens), they are twins.

Out also comes the characters we know as Jason (black, curly haired) and Matt (white, freckle faced, red haired). Both of which are also in their late teens.

The Initiates look about wideyed. Commander A. P. Holton approaches them as they gather their luggage and orient themselves.


COMMANDER HOLTON
Welcome, young Intiates. Or should I say my soon-to-be cadets? The transition from Initiate to cadet is a tough one, I will not mislead you, but you are all aware of the dire circumstances that Delta Squadron has been faced with. We need to replenish our system, and you were chosen. Any questions before we begin the precedings?

Nobody seems to want to air concern, until Simon speaks.


SIMON
Yeah, I have one. Will having my genes manipulated, hurt?

COMMANDER HOLTON
There is some slight nausea and lightheadeness but apart from that there aren't any sideffects. Now, if there are no more questions, let us get started.

The Initiates all gather their things and head for the large sliding door.


EXT. BULGATA HOMEWORLD, VIEW OF BLOCK A

Block A is a technological wing near a Bulgata Confinement House. It is a multi tiered structure being spread out and covering much land.


INT. BACK OF TESTING FACILITY, ARID FIELD

Gray skinned Gindred Falcos along with a Myrmdion exit the Testing Facility through the sliding door. Gindred is about to demonstrate how to operate a newly designed weapon to the Myrmidion named SAMNEL near an expansive open field. The field is sweeping, extending far beyond where the eye can see.

The sun's light scarcely penetrates through the thick dark clouds of a very industrialized Bulgata homeworld.

The weapon is similar in shape to any two handed sub machine gun, though it carries with it a very alien aura.

The two stride away from the sliding door leading back into the facility.


GINDRED
We haven't decided on a name for it yet. But it's certainly one of the most powerful weapons that we've ever created.

Gindred now begins to prep the weapon.


GINDRED
(CONT'D)
I'll just set THE ANNIHILATION METER, adjust the pitch, and...

The weapon begins to seemingly draw energy in unto itself. Suddenly, it fires and a great ball of energy is arched high into the sky. It takes a while for it to strike, but when it crashes into the ground it expands into a dome of energy and sends sand flying everywhere. The wind from the impact makes its way back towards Gindred and Samnel, whipping at their loose clothing.


SAMNEL
(in awe)
You-you could take out whole multitudes of enemies with that thing.

GINDRED
I know. The only thing is, it's so powerful, we haven't been able to produce one that doesn't overheat.

Samnel takes it in his hands lightly and holds it reverently.


SAMNEL
(in reflection)
Maybe--maybe it's a good idea if you all kept this to yourselves. The commanding couple have enough instruments of terror as is...

Gindred observes Samnel while he is in deep reflection, and seems to be on the cusp of responding but it never comes. Samnel aims the weapon and scopes his eyes.


SAMNEL
(CONT'D)
Because of Fedos and Fedora's arrogance, they haven't employed some of the more potent weapons in our arsenal. But I think they're starting to see just how strong of a resistance these Earth peoples pose.

Gindred considers.


GINDRED
(CONT’D)
So you're telling me that colony called Dur--Dur--

SAMNEL
(looking up)
Dorridion? Yes, the commanding couple were beaten back on that planet as well, after occupying it. Imagine that.

Gindred considers once more with a hand to his chin. Samnel stops aiming the weapon and brings it to his side, looking towards Gindred.


SAMNEL
(excited)
How about we call her THE LITTLE INTIMIDATOR?

Samnel breaks Gindred's reverie as he hands it back to him.


GINDRED
A fine name. I'll pass it along to the others and see what they think.

SAMNEL
(sighing)
Well, we should probably get back to work.

Samnel heads for the sliding door and Gindred hefts the weapon and follows him.


INT. ALPHA SQUADRON ACADEMY, LIGHTED HALL

Langdon walks through the lighted hall along with both Iris and Jesse. Other cadets careen past them, going separate ways. Langdon lags behind, with seemingly something on his mind, until Jesse confronts him.


JESSE
Are you coming?

LANGDON
(looking up)
Yeah, I am. Hol-hold the drop ship for me, will you? I just want to talk to Monafia for a bit.

Iris looks at him, her eyes revealing much. Langdon glances towards her, and then looks away.


LANGDON
(CONT'D)
I'll be right back.

He turns back the way he came.


INT. ALPHA SQUADRON, DORM QUARTERS

Langdon walks through the hall until he makes it to a gray sliding door. He enters a code on a panel and the door slides open.

Langdon goes through the apartment until he finds Monafia in the bedroom. She stands from a sitting position on the bed as Langdon stands in the entrance.


MONAFIA
Langdon, you are ok.

She rushes towards him and they embrace. Langdon appears in deep reflection. Monafia pulls away from him.


MONAFIA
(CONT'D)
I had not heard from anyone that you had survived. I was very worried.

LANGDON
(pausing)
Things were a little touch and go for a moment, but--we managed to repel the Bulgata.

MONAFIA
(concerned)
You do not look well though. In truth, you haven't in some time. I did not want to say anything at first, but is there something the matter?

Langdon considers, and then paces the floor a bit.


MONAFIA
(considering)
Does it have anything to do with your friend Iris?

Langdon speaks while looking away from Monafia.


LANGDON
(CONT'D)
I feel, confused. Like I'm being pulled through two different and magnetic paths. It's all, just so very difficult...

Monafia somehow brightens.


MONAFIA
You will find your way in time. I believe in you.

Langdon looks at her.


LANGDON
Listen, we're going to take a dropship and see how badly the Bulgata damaged the surface of the planet, and to check on Czar Shepard. Do you want to come?

MONAFIA
I would very much like to get out and get some fresh air, if I could.

LANGDON
Ok. Follow me to the dropship.

The two exit through the sliding door and walk over us, heading for the ship port.


EXT. MARUNE, ENDLESS CITY - AFTERNOON

A somewhat wounded High Command stands crippled in the midst of a much wounded city. Great structures have been toppled, trapping many individuals under the rubble. Dust billows towards the clouds.

A few individuals move about on the ground, looking around with great apprehension in their eyes.


INT. HIGH COMMAND, HALLWAY

Czar Shepard is walking through an extended hall, being escorted by Commander Stanfield, Wecker, and TWO MALE AIDES. They speak on the circumstances of the attack.


CZAR SHEPARD
Has there been any estimation on how much damage was caused?

COMMANDER WECKER
All of the cities were attacked. Early estimates hover somewhere around a thirty five percent surface catastrophic rate.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
Whatever weapon they used, it was very potent.

They turn a corner to a rising ramp.


CZAR SHEPARD
We must quickly respond to the needs of those trapped in the rubble.

AIDE #1
Rescue units are in the process of being dispatched.

COMMANDER WECKER
We also have cadets and other, traditional soldiers who will assist in rescue operations.

CZAR SHEPARD
Good. I will address the public. They need to know that leadership has not been crippled.

Commander Stanfield stops.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
(CONT’D)
Sire, if I may?

The others stop and stare.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
(CONT’D)
I think we need to consider presenting amendments to the Constitution that allows you to stay in office longer than your term permits.

Czar Shepard considers.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
(CONT’D)
We are facing a crisis. We must be allowed to have continuity in government.

CZAR SHEPARD
PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE ANDERSON of the NORTH AMERICAN ZONE will not take this sitting down.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
Yes sire, but it is for the good of the Empire.

AIDE #2
Allow me to draw up the amendments, sire. The Earth Empire could scarcely handle an election during this chaos.

Czar Shepard looks towards Wecker.


CZAR SHEPARD
What do you think, Wecker?

COMMANDER WECKER
I think the Commander is correct. We only need to run the proposition by the Congress. I’m sure we can get Anderson and the others from Earth to listen to reason.

Shepard considers one final time. He turns towards the Aide who spoke up as he resumes walking. They follow.


CZAR SHEPARD
Draft the proposals for presenting to the Congress.

They enter the adjoining structure of the ship port of High Command, heading for a dropship.


CZAR SHEPARD
(CONT’D)
If it takes all the wherewithal I have within my being, we <u>will</u> win this conflict.

Czar Shepard, his Commanders, and his Aides get more distant as the skyline of the partially crippled endless city comes into view.


EXT. BULGATA, VIEW OF FEEDING HOUSE - NIGHT

Night has fallen as we get an extended view of the Feeding House. A variety of multi-hued and altered faced slaves are being rounded up to feed, with Myrmidions spaced regularly about them.


INT. FEEDING HOUSE

A Myrmidion stands in the midst of the elongated, grimy room, holding a handheld terminal, as slaves await their names to be called.

Tinted blue Wynn Glynn picks up her tray of food and heads towards the grimy and elongated table and the congregated gray skinned Gindred Falcos and green tinted Atla Borges. She sits across from them.


ATLA
So, Gindred, you had something to tell us?

Gindred appears lost in thought as he twirls through his vegetables.


GINDRED
Huh? Oh, right, right. Well, I told you both that the Bulgata was an occupier of an Earth colony called Dorridion.

WYNN
Yes, that was some time ago. Do you have the latest intel?

GINDRED
I do in fact. It seems that the Bulgata were driven back, forced to retreat, at the hands of these united peoples.

Atla appears lost in thought as she hovers her fork over her food.


ATLA
That is, quite the revelation.

WYNN
(hunched over)
Do you two have any idea what this foretells?

The two stare at her.


WYNN
(CONT’D)
This could finally be it. The time that we have been waiting for. The Bulgata, it seems, have met their match.

Gindred takes a bite of bread that crunches and speaks with a mouthful.


GINDRED
(CONT’D)
I’m not so certain of that fact. The Myrmidion I spoke with, Samnel, mentioned that the commanding couple has not relied on some of their more potent weaponry in this conflict. It’s almost as if they...believe they can win using the more primitive fair.

WYNN
Exactly! Their arrogance is beyond imagining. Listen, I know that some of my proclamations have been a little...out there...


GINDRED
To say the least...

Wynn stares at him for only a moment.


WYNN
...But what I propose now is something that I think we could accomplish, given your connections, Gindred. Why can’t we use the contacts you have and worm our way to an escape?

Silence engulfs the table as both Atla and Gindred consider. Atla almost speaks to herself.


ATLA
It’s far more practical then rallying together and liberating ourselves and others from the hands of those who enslave us.

GINDRED
Not to mention assassination plots.

ATLA
I actually like this idea.

Wynn looks hopeful.


GINDRED
Atla!

ATLA
What? Gindred, you of all people should be able to understand the import of the current happenings. The Bulgata has not lost not just one conflict, but two, two in a row, one of which saw them as occupiers. Occupiers! Have you ever thought you would live to see such a day?

Gindred considers with a piece of meat on his fork. He hesitantly bites it and cringes.


GINDRED
Admittedly, I never thought I’d live to see such a day, but still...

ATLA
But still what?

Atla looks around to make sure no one is watching.


ATLA
(CONT’D)
You could get the locations of Earth and its colonies, we could escape, give the Earthlings the location of the Bulgata home world, and they could liberate everyone else.

WYNN
Everything hinges on whether or not Gindred has enough favor won with his Myrmidion contact. Well? Do you, Gindred?

Gindred considers, and every time he looks to be on the cusp of speaking he stops. Finally he does speak.


GINDRED
I’ll admit, that I have been thinking more and more about doing...if not this, then something. But what you two are proposing is that I risk my life in confiding with my Mymidion contact? That could have...grave consequences for me.

ATLA
Gindred...

GINDRED
No. I do see that this is a very rare opportunity that has presented itself before us. I so terribly want to see my family again, and that can only happen if everyone everywhere is liberated. This is...a very sound plan. And I will do what I can to see if there are any substantial chinks in this Myrmidion’s armor.

Wynn is visibly enthused. Atla simply smiles.

Gindred
(CONT’D)
But don’t get your hopes up. I’ll have to be very, very crafty with Samnel. I can’t just come out and say it. But I will try. That’s all the assurance I can give you.

ATLA
Truthfully, Gindred, that’s all we ever really wanted from you.

Gindred smirks and re institutes the task of eating his meal. Atla and Wynn do so as well.


EXT. MARUNE, RUINED ENDLESS CITY

A line of dropships touch down in varying points on the depopulated streets of a sparsely ruined endless city. Langdon, Jesse, Iris, and Monafia exit a dropship and are greeted by a traditional uniformed SOLDIER, a man who looks to be in his middle years.


SOLDIER
Welcome, cadets. As you can see, things are looking pretty grim. I’ll lead you to some of the more devastated areas. If you’ll follow me.


Iris and Jesse begin to follow. Langdon lags behind and begins speaking to Monafia.


LANGDON
Would you feel better waiting in the dropship?

Monafia appears as if in reflection.


MONAFIA
I feel, as if there are people crying out to me. I can sense them. Langdon, I could help you locate them.

Langdon considers.


LANGDON
Alright. Let’s get moving.


The two follow on after Iris, Jesse, and the Solider.


INT. DELTA SQUADRON MOON BASE, GENE SPLICING LAB

Simon, Simone, Jason, and Matt enter through the sliding door into the Gene Splicing Lab to have their genes altered. They wear tight and white garments.


JASON
Well, this is it, guys. I don’t know about any of you, but I’m all creeped out.

SIMON
Commander A. P. Holton said there wouldn’t be any side effects, so there’s nothing to worry about.

A MALE SCIENTIST that was standing near them speaks.


MALE SCIENTIST
They’re used to be side effects: loss of vision, trouble sleeping, impotence. But we’ve had this science perfected to the tee for more than fifty years.



MATT
Did you say impotence? Oh man, I don’t know if I want to go through with this.

Simone elbows Matt.


SIMONE
Come on, Matt. Don’t be such a wuss.

MALE SCIENTIST
If you youngsters will take your places we can begin.

There are four man sized open cylinders lined against the wall and a bevy of complex computer terminals shielded by a wall of glass with scientists on the other side.

The foursome head towards and enter into their separate open tubes and FOUR ASSISTANTS hook them up to wires connected with needles on the end of them that penetrate flesh. Jason and Matt flinch upon penetration.

They then pull down breathing masks from above and fasten them in place.

The Assistants back away, and they along with the Male Scientist leave through the sliding door.

The tubing comes down, encapsulating them in. The lights dim. The tubing begins to fill up with a blue liquid that rises to the top of the cylinder. Bubbles spring up all about them.

Scientists on the other side of the glass huddle together and track their gene advancement looking at computer modeled diagrams that map the inside of their bodies.

After a time, the bubbling stops, the lights flash back on, and the blue liquid recedes. The Four Assistants return with the Male Scientist and the shielded tubing retreats to the ceiling. They uncouple the wires and take off the masks and the foursome come stumbling out of the tubing, all with their hands on their heads.


MALE SCIENTIST
So, how do you feel?

MATT
I feel dizzy.

SIMONE
Nauseated.

JASON
Lightheaded.

The Male Scientist smiles.


MALE SCIENTIST
The price for having your genes manipulated. Now come, you must rest, and begin your mentoring as cadets.

The foursome trail after the scientist, all generally swaying but managing nonetheless.


EXT. MARUNE, RUINED ENDLESS CITY - EVENING

The sun is soon to set in the sparsely ruined city. Langdon, Iris, Jesse, and teams of TRADITIONAL SOLDIERS dig through the rubble in hopes of finding people who are trapped.

Langdon with his team of soldiers has Monafia stationed to the very back of them, away from the rubble, while Jesse and Iris with their team of soldiers is some ways away from them.

Langdon turns towards Monafia and approaches her.


LANGDON
Are you absolutely certain that someone is buried down here?

MONAFIA
(nodding)
I’m positive. I can, feel her presence. She’s unconscious.

Langdon turns back around and continues digging through the rubble. Suddenly, one of the soldiers (a male) screams at the top of his lungs.


MALE SOLDIER
I’ve found a hand!

Both teams converge on the spot and those at the forefront begin to dig the woman out. Soft moans escape out of her mouth as the Male Soldier and another FEMALE SOLIDER hold her up.

Jesse and Iris observe from some ways away, while Langdon approaches the woman.


LANGDON
Let’s get her to a hospital.

The Male Soldier picks her up in his arms and takes her to a flying ambulance that’s out of the way of the rubble.

Langdon looks towards Monafia and she puts a hand to her head. She speaks to Iris and Jesse’s team, and points.


MONAFIA
There’s a man trapped in a cavity in your group’s vicinity, near that crippled, rising tower.

The team hustles back the way they came. Iris as she goes back sees that Langdon has approached Monafia and is conversing with her. She looks about longingly.

The team gets to the spot and begins digging.

IRIS
Jesse, I never got a chance to properly thank you for saving me from that Myrmidion.

Jesse seems taken aback at first, but then waves her statement away.


JESSE
Huh? Oh, don’t mention it.

They continue to dig about the rubble.


JESSE
So, how long have you and Langley been friends?

IRIS
(reminiscing)
Langdon? All our lives really. From primary school, to secondary, from secondary to Initiate school, all the way to cadetship.

Iris considers while leaning against the shovel.


IRIS
We’ve always been close, but maybe--just not close enough...

Jesse just looks at her as she reminisces. Suddenly, another MALE SOLDIER screams at the top of his lungs.


MALE SOLDIER
Someone’s down here!

The duo head towards him and begin to assist. Langdon and Monafia observe from afar.


LANGDON
You’ve really got a gift.

MONAFIA
I just want to help in any way that I can.

Langdon looks around with seemingly something on his mind.


LANGDON
Listen, Monafia, there’s something I have to tell you.

Monafia looks at Langdon curiously.


LANGDON
(CONT’D)
I...kissed Iris.

Monafia appears as though a hole just opened up in her heart, as she looks about for an answer, not looking at Langdon.


MONAFIA
I...see. I knew something was wrong but...I did not know that you wanted to be with Iris. You told me that...

Langdon speaks without looking at her.


LANGDON
That’s just it...I’m confused. I don’t know who I want to be with. I’ve known Iris for a very long time. I’ve never felt this way about her before, until I learned that she still lived. I don’t want to hurt you, but I can’t help the way I feel. I just felt that...you should know...

The Male Soldier who assisted the trapped woman from earlier approaches Monafia and speaks with her entreatingly.


MALE SOLDIER
We still need you and your precious power, Princess Monafia. There may be many more trapped under the rubble.

He escorts her by the arm and she doesn’t look back. Langdon looks saddened.


INT. CZAR’S STAR CRUISER, BRIDGE

Czar Shepard, along with his two Commanders, Wecker and Stanfield, enter through the sliding door into the bridge of the star cruiser and head towards the MALE OPERATOR.


MALE OPERATOR
You really need to see this, sir.

The Male Operator brings up a somewhat blue planet with spots of desert shown here and there on the viewing screen for Shepard and the Commanders perusal.


MALE OPERATOR
This is what Sordaan’s scouting satellites picked up beyond the Soradneese perimeter, three parsecs to be exact.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
Are you saying that the Sordaneese believe this to be a Bulgata colony?

MALE OPERATOR
They’ve scanned the planet and come up with much evidence in support of it, sir.

The Male Operator presses a few more buttons on the control panel and show satellite imagery of warships and fighters, all of Bulgata make.


CZAR SHEPARD
Recall the cadets on the surface. We will head to Sordaan immediately, and launch a surprise attack on this colony.

COMMANDER WECKER
It may be that we can learn some very valuable information in occupying this planet, such as the location of the Bulgata homeworld.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
At the very least we should come away with an idea as to their colonial might.

CZAR SHEPARD
My sentiments exactly, gentlemen. Let us prepare for departure.

The three head for the sliding door and exit.


EXT. BULGATA, VIEW OF PALACE AND PALACE DISTRICT

The Bulgata palace stands magnificently amidst the sprawl of the palace district, being the color of sand and having many domes and spires.


INT. PALACE, THRONE ROOM

The throne room is most exquisite, being extravagantly long with murals painted across its walls and high ceiling.

Fedos and Fedora sit on their thrones speaking with several HEADS OF STATE as Raphsidy enters into the giant double doors at a rush. The Heads of State begin to leave and disperse. Illzar stands to the right side of Fedos. They speak in the alien language.


RAPHSIDY
My lord, my mistress, I have most urgent news. I have discovered the location of another Earth colony. It is called Sordaan by the Earthlings, and I am very positive that it is the last of their colonized worlds.

FEDORA
Excellent work, Raphsidy. Now that we have a complete view of their presence militarily, what might our reaction to this be?

Fedora looks towards her husband who seems to be mulling over the proposition. Raphsidy appears anxious and speaks.


RAPHSIDY
My lord, my queen? If I may?

FEDOS
(looking up)
You may speak, Raphsidy.

Raphsidy paces back and forth.


RAPHSIDY
(CONT’D)
What if we attack all of their planets in succession, in an effort to dampen their collective spirits? It will cause mass confusion and panic among the inhabited worlds as it is broadcast, and would leave leadership in disarray.

Fedos and Fedora consider the suggestion, and finally air their thoughts.


FEDORA
A very good military tactic. The relative calm before the massive overflow, so to speak. What do you think, my love?

FEDOS
I am in agreement, my darling Fedora. Take care of the preparation, Raphsidy. After the fallout of these expeditions we shall waste no more time teasing the Earth Empire. They will be bought into subjugation, and all will know that the Bulgata has no equal in the universe.

Raphsidy bows, visibly excited.


RAPHSIDY
It shall be done, my lord and mistress.

He exits the throne room in a hustle.


INT. BLOCK A, TESTING FACILITY

Gray skinned Gindred Falcos is walking down an empty hall of the Testing Facility. He has a handheld computer terminal in his hand and he checks it as he walks.

He walks by a sliding door that is tinted blue. He stops, and looks both ways down the aisle. He approaches and the door slides before him.

The room is empty, save for computer terminals populating most of the walls, barring where a giant wall screen is.

He hustles towards a terminal on the other side of the rectangular room, a great deal away from the sliding door, and takes a seat.

He presses a few buttons on a touch sensitive GUI and Earth and its colonies comes into view in succession, with coordinates showing themselves. He takes his handheld computer terminal and begins to wirelessly sync the information.

He seems to be on edge as he impatiently waits. Suddenly, the door behind him slides open without making a sound and Samnel approahces.


SAMNEL
There you are.

Upon hearing this, Gindred manages to control himself and begins to pound away on the terminal, attempting to conceal what he was doing.


SAMNEL
(CONT’D)
My superiors were just wondering how long it would take you all to build a replica of PROJECT LIGHTNING STORM and send to colonies other than TULISTA.

Samnel now notices that Earth and the other colonies has just blinked out of existence.


GINDRED
Bu-building a replica of Lightning Storm has been difficult for us. It seems as if we were extremely lucky in getting the first prototype in working order. Yet we are making progress.

SAMNEL
What were you just doing?

GINDRED
(stammering)
I was...only being inquisitive. I wanted to see what their colonies looked like.

Samnel takes the handheld computer terminal from Gindred, presses a few buttons, and 3D projections of Earth, Sordaan, Marune, and Dorridion come into view, along with small numbers and lettering, which are coordinates.


SAMNEL
You were thinking of escaping, weren’t you?

GINDRED
It...it’s not what you think, Samnel. I...

SAMNEL
Don’t be afraid. I won’t tell anyone. I...want to help you.

GINDRED
You...do?

Just then a MYRMIDION enters in silently, sees the both of them, stops, and observes.

Samnel nods.


SAMNEL
I do. I can’t stand to see what the Bulgata have become. We used to be a very noble race of people, until Fedos and Fedora ascended to the throne. Now, we’re collectively monsters.

GINDRED
I...I had inklings about you and others but I never knew for sure that you felt this way.

SAMNEL
There are probably others like me, but they are just too afraid to admit it. I...am only one Myrmdion though, and I can’t do anything as extraordinary as deposing the commanding couple. But, the little I can do, to make life easier for those who are enslaved, I do. So I want to help you escape.

The Myrmdion in the doorway looks shocked at this revelation.


GINDRED
There are two others who wish to go along with me.

SAMNEL
Don’t worry. We’ll come up with something.

GINDRED
I was thinking...

Gindred goes on indistinctly. The Myrmidion at the doorway walks back through the sliding door, with a wicked expression on his face.


INT. CZAR STAR CRUISER, CABINS

Langdon walks passed other cadets in the lighted hall of the dormitory. He makes it to a white sliding door and rings the buzzer.

After a brief amount of time, the door slides open before him. He steps inside of the medium sized room and Iris sits motionless on a sofa watching a three dimensional news hologram. The two look towards one another.


LANGDON
Hey.

IRIS
Hi.

LANGDON
Can we talk for a bit?

Iris nods. Langdon takes a seat beside her on the sofa.


LANGDON
I’m told we’re almost to Sordaan. When we get there we’ll be escorted by half of Sigma Squadron to a colony of the Bulgata’s called Tulista.

IRIS
Is it a very populated colony?

LANGDON
The Sordaneese seem not to think so. Commander Wecker says they believe it’s sparsely populated, but there is a lot of military equipment and the planet is defended by encampments of Myrmdions.

IRIS
I see.

Silence encompasses the room as they both stare at the three dimensional anchor woman.


LANGDON
Listen...I know that I’ve been difficult to be around the last few weeks. But...I came here because I want to comfort you in some way. I noticed your concern when I was speaking with Monafia.

Iris looks at him seemingly in surprise.


IRIS
Well, can you blame me? I know this must be hard for you, but it is hard for me too. I’ve...always cared for you.

Now it’s Langdon’s turn to show surprise.


LANGDON
You have? Why...why didn’t you say something earlier?

IRIS
I didn’t want to chance ruining what we had.

Langdon reflects.


LANGDON
Whatever I decide, I want you to know that I will always have feelings for you. You understand that, right?

Iris nods slightly. Langdon places the very tips of his fingers on her cheek, caressing her softly.


LANGDON
I...

The two stare into each other’s eyes.


IRIS
You...what?

LANGDON
I...I should go...

Langdon stands hesitantly, looking back towards Iris, and heads back the way he came. Iris places her hands over her heart as she exhales.


EXT. SPACE, HIGH ORBIT OVER SORDAAN - SUPER - SIGMA SQUADRON AT SORDAAN

Sordaan from space looks to be a large planet, densely populated with vegatation. Sigma Squadron, similar to the other academies, is a monstrously constructed space station that serves as a guard to the green planet.

Czar Shepard’s contingent of Omega and Alpha Squadron escorts exits hyperspace and moves to join with the already assembled Sigma Squadron forces. Gathered, the swarms of dropships, fighters, and cruisers all enter hyperspace, causing the universe to bend.


INT. MOON BASE, TRAINING FACILITY

The new cadets watch as black and curly haired Jason spars in a boxing match with another MALE CADET. The two wear headgear and have mouth pieces. The fight has been going on for an extended period of time.

Many cadets have come to watch the festivities, among them being Simon, Simone, and Matt, who stand around the ring beside one another. The cadets are very much into the match, with cheering, shouting, and flailing of limbs.

The opponents circle about each other in that customary boxing fashion, until Jason gets close enough to reach the Male Cadet with a right jab, which the Cadet sways away from, countering himself with a right hook that lands squarely on Jason’s head. He stumbles, but recovers. The crowd shows their delight, except Jason’s trio of friends. They speak over the tumult.


MATT
Don’t worry, guys. It’s been a seesaw of a match, so he’s hanging in there.

SIMONE
He didn’t want to do this though. Maybe you or Simon should have taken his place instead.

Simon reflects.

The two continue to circle each other, when the Male Cadet approaches, and this time goes for a left jab, right uppercut combo. He misses with the jab, and grazes with the uppercut. Jason responds with right and left jabs, both of which connect. The two opponents go on a mini blitzkrieg with the Cadet’s back pushed against the rope. His trio of friends, as well as others, light up.
The referee gets in between and breaks it up.

Now the two circle each other once more, both appearing wore down.


SIMONE
Boxing’s never been Jason’s strong point, but he’s showing an adeptness that he didn’t have before. Maybe gene splicing has something to do with it.

Jason and the Male Cadet are hugging one another, and the referee gets in between. When he does this, the Male Cadet, who is generally frustrated, goes for a swing at Jason and grazes him on the head. This excites the crowd.


SIMON
Foul play! Foul play!

Chaos spills forth as the two try to reach each other. The referee calls for an end to the match. The bell rings, and the cadets all become deflated, dispersing and whatnot, except Jason’s trio of friends.

After the referee has managed to calm them down, he orders them to kiss and make up. Which they do, punching each others gloves and hugging one another.

Jason approaches his friends on the outside of the ring. A female PERSONAL TRAINER begins to untie the boxing gloves. Simone rushes towards him.


Simone
Are you all right, Jason? You were never very good at the conditioning of a boxer while you were an Initiate. I was worried.

Jason tries to speak with the mouthpiece still in his mouth and it comes out garbled. He spits it out.


JASON
I’m fine. It was nothing. Really, I’m doing okay.

MATT
I told you he’d be fine, guys. There was nothing to worry about.

SIMON
It’s the gene manipulation. It has altered our talents, made us stronger than we really are.

Simone considers.


SIMONE
I suppose so.

MATT
But isn’t that a good thing?

Simon looks towards him.


SIMON
I never said that it wasn’t. If we didn’t have gene splicing, we probably would have lost to the Bulgata a long time ago.

The trio consider. By now the Personal Trainer has removed the gloves, and leaves.


JASON
Let’s go see what their serving in the Mess Hall. I’m famished.

Simon nods, and they all follow after him.


EXT. TULISTA, VIEW OF MILITARY BASE, MIDDAY - SUPER - TULISTAN MILITARY BASE


The Tulistan military base is surrounded by a steppe, a vast open field without any tree in sight. It has an air of intimidation about it, jet black, gargantuan, a monolith, having many interconnected layers, and pointed at its tip. A carrier comes out of a docking entrance near the top of the structure accompanied by fighters.


INT. MILITARY BASE, COMMAND CENTER

The command center is populated with many Myrmidions at interconnected computer terminals, all generally going about their jobs. The commanding Myrmidion, COMMANDER SAUSSLER (many medals wearing, middle aged), inquires of his THREE TECHNICIANS, two male, one female. They all speak in English.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
Well? How does she fair?

MALE TECH 1
Heat index is at five thousand TOKARS.

MALE TECH 2
Durability thinly maintained.

COMMANDER SAUSSLER
Still can’t work out the kinks, eh?

FEMALE TECH
Everything goes fine so long as we don’t push her too hard.

Commander Saussler sighs.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
Perhaps we shouldn’t have been so eager to try her out. Maybe we should have given those geniuses at Block A the liberty of a little more time.

Suddenly, an alarm blares letting them know that the Tulistan perimeter has been breached. A male OPERATOR gives the message and other Myrmidions go about their business excitedly.


OPERATOR
Commander Saussler, we’ve got...an armada approaching. They’re many, sir.

COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(in shock)
An armada? Wha-who? A foreign empire perchance?

OPERATOR
The Deep Scanner has revealed the invaders to be of human origin.

Commander Saussler walks towards the screen and considers with a wicked grin on his face.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(CONT’D)
So, those human weaklings have found one of the Bulgata colonies. No matter.

He speaks to his Operator.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(CONT’D)
Coordinate the offensive with the other bases. Rally the foot soldiers. Launch the carriers and fighters.


EXT. TULISTAN MILITARY BASE, VIEW OF DOCKING PORT

Many carriers and fighters begin to pour out of the wide mouth of the docking port as the alarm blares even on the outside.

On the ground, Myrmidions begin to assemble and they all come into formation.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER TULISTA, EARTH EMPIRE ADVANCE

The capital ships and fighters of the Earth Empire begin to descend on the planet of Tulista, with the drop ships in the background, being accompanied by a cadre of fighters.

Now the Tulistan armada emerges from the surface of the planet, and the two forces engage.


INT. CZAR STAR CRUISER, BRIDGE

Czar Shepard watches the beginning stages of battle through the viewing screen with his two academy commanders, Wecker and Stanfield.


COMMANDER WECKER
Sordaneese intelligence almost guaranteed that this planet’s forces were not much at all. From the looks of things they have a sizable fleet.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
Perhaps their bases were spread out on the surface, and Sordaan was not able to find them all.

CZAR SHEPARD
In any case, we can’t fret about that now. We have a genuine opportunity set before us.

Czar Shepard turns to his male OPERATOR


CZAR SHEPARD
(CONT’D)
Ensure that our dropships are accompanied by a sizable escort. The sooner we take control of their command centers the better.

OPERATOR
Yes, sire.


EXT. TULISTA, EXTENDED VIEW OF COMMAND CENTER - MIDDAY

The Myrmidions all stand in rank and file, stoic and unmoving, their bulky figures awaiting the arrival of the Earth Empire dropships.

Suddenly, in the distance, hordes upon hordes of dropships begin to present themselves in the blue and clouded sky. The sky is bespotted with them. The Myrmidions are outnumbered, considerably.

The cadets begin to land a great distance away from the stoic Myrmidions and cadets with unique uniforms from all three attacking academies (Omega, Alpha, and Sigma) rush towards the stoic Myrmidions with their jagged and silver Killimari weapons in hand and laser guns strapped along their thighs. Langdon, Iris, and Jesse are three of those cadets.


INT. TULISTAN MILITARY BASE, COMMAND CENTER

Commander Saussler looks through the viewing screen at the oncoming cadets as they rush to engage the Myrmidions, who continue to remain stoic. He has a look of outrage on his face as he says the following.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
Why, why, why do they resist?

He turns towards his Technicians.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(CONT’D)
Activate Project Lightning Storm.

ALL THREE TECHNICIANS
Yes, sir.


EXT. PINNACLE OF MILITARY BASE, ROOF - CONTINUOUS

A sliding door opens on the floor of the roof of one of the pinnacles of the military base and a metal instrument begins to rise from inside of the base. It has lights that blink in and out on its structure and has a disk situated at its crown akin to a giant satellite that is able to bend inward and unto itself. It bends, positions itself just right, and points skyward.


EXT. TULISTAN MILITARY BASE, AT THE HEART OF THE ADVANCE - CONTINUOUS

Langdon, Jesse, and Iris all run together and are surrounded by other cadets as the light from the sky suddenly begins to fade to a very dark. They and cadets around them suddenly halt what they are doing and consider the dark clouds and the rather strange occurrence. Now the wind begins to pick up, whipping hair and loose clothing about.

Suddenly, lightning in many places issues forth from the sky, great jagged bolts that come into contact with the ground, shooting up dirt and grass, killing cadets in the process. Thunder peals and clashes, great booms of discomfort echoing throughout the steppe in succession.


JESSE
(exasperated)
You have got to be kidding me.

Cadets let loose death cries about them as the bolts fall down before them.


LANGDON
(loudly)
Let’s head back to the safety of the dropships.

The trio head back.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER TULISTA, VIEW OF CZAR STAR CRUISER

The Czar’s Star Cruiser sits placidly, surrounded by other smaller cruisers and supporting fighters, while the battle in the stars rages on.

INT. CZAR STAR CRUISER, BRIDGE

Czar Shepard learns what’s happening on the surface of the planet from his Operator.


OPERATOR
Sire, I’m getting strange reports of...of a lightning storm hindering cadets.

Czar Shepard shows a look of concern.


CZAR SHEPARD
(CONT’D)
Have you traced where the readings are coming from?

OPERATOR
I have, sire. It is near one of their bases, and it looks like some kind of satellite weapon.

Czar Shepard has a confused look on his face.


CZAR SHEPARD
(CONT’D)
Use the HEAT RAY.

OPERATOR
Yes, sire.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER TULISTA, VIEW OF CZAR STAR CRUISER

On the lower half of the bow of the Czar’s Star Cruiser the Heat Ray presents itself, and let’s loose a single extended thin orange blast that heads straight for Tulista.


INT. TULISTAN MILITARY BASE, COMMAND CENTER

Commander Saussler looks through the viewing screen with a look of disgust as many cadets are strewn about on the ground and others are moving about wildly, trying to retreat towards the many dropships.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
The weak and insolent fools. It is too late to submit now. They see for themselves the true power and advancement of the Bulgata. But their apprehension came unawares.


EXT. PINNACLE OF MILITARY BASE, ROOF - CONTINUOUS

Project Lightning Storm continues to manipulate the weather when the beam from the Heat Ray meets it and begins to warm it up.


INT. TULISTAN MILITARY BASE, COMMAND CENTER

The Myrmidion Commander gets the latest happenings from his two male and one female technicians.


FEMALE TECHNICIAN
Temperature reached 10,000 tokars and climbing, sir!

MALE TECHNICIAN 1
Structural integrity breached!

MALE TECHNICIAN 2
Readings are off the charts. We’re going to lose her!

COMMANDER SAUSSLER
Wha-but how?

FEMALE TECHNICIAN
It seems to be a weapon used against Lightning Storm, sir. Of human origin.

Commander Saussler is seething as he beats against a computer console.

COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(CONT’D)
Blasted!


EXT. PINNACLE OF MILITARY BASE, ROOF - CONTINUOUS

Project Lightning Storm explodes from the laser beam of the Heat Ray.


EXT. TULISTAN MILITARY BASE, AT THE HEART OF THE ADVANCE - MIDDAY

The dark clouds begin to dissipate, the wind slows down, and the clouds are replaced by the white. Cadets as a whole begin to arc their glances upward. Langdon, Iris, and Jesse do the same.


IRIS
It’s stopped.

JESSE
Thank God.

Langdon looks about him at those surrounding him.


LANGDON
There’s still a battle to be won, cadets. Rally to me!

All the cadets begin to rally, screaming at the tops of their lungs, and heading towards the still outnumbered Myrmidions.

The Myrmidions now too begin their charge. After a time the two forces collide.

Jesse dances the game of death with a Myrmidion. The Myrmidion swipes frantically with his Tuskan arm weapons, but Jesse is adept at dodging and avoiding being swiped.

In the background we can see that some cadets and Myrmidions are engaged in laser battles.

Finally, Jesse flips entirely over the Myrmidion like a cartwheel and as he does so plants his Killimari weapon into his abdomen. He removes it and goes looking for his next victim.

Iris measures up her first opponent, the Myrmidion doing the same.

He charges her and she sidesteps his swipes, ducks and dodges, flips backwards, and somersaults her way to safety. The Myrmidion is seething.

Now they enter into a tussle of wills, with Iris’ Killimari weapon locking blows with the Myrmidions Tuskan weapons. After an extended exposition, Iris sweeps the Myrmidion who falls in a heap and she brings her Killimari up in a thrust to meet his heart.

Langdon is engaged in a tense display of martial arts skill with a Myrmidion. The two both duck, dodge, and evade each others attacks.

Langdon faces him sideways and blocks his Tuskans with his Killimari weapon, then with his left arm free he elbows the Myrmidion in the face.

The Myrmidion staggers back. Langdon tries to take advantage. He pulls out his laser gun from his thigh and fires, but the Myrmidion manages to recover and brings up his Tuskan arm weapons as a cross shield successfully.

Langdon rushes towards him, returning his laser gun, and the Myrmidion manages to recover his faculties from the blast, the two of them becoming locked in combat once more. Near misses, nicks, and avoidance maneuvers are the order of the day it seems.

Finally, Langdon back-flip-kicks the Myrmidion and causes him to collapse. Langdon rushes towards him and plants his Killimari weapon in his abdomen.

Langdon now rallies the cadets to him as he goes about searching for his next victim.


LANGDON
To victory!

Those in the vicinity give off battle cries.


INT. MOON BASE, MESS HALL

In the Mess Hall, cadets are lined up to get their meals and some cadets are already situated at one of the many extended tables.

Simon and Simone walk away from having received their meal and join up with Jason and Matt who are already situated at the table. They eat sparingly while talking.


MATT
So, I’ve been thinking.

JASON
That’s not something you do everyday, is it?

Matt glares at him and then continues.


MATT
This gene manipulation thing we just went through, it’s really having an impact on us, isn’t it?

SIMONE
Well, yes. Weren’t you paying attention during the seminars?

Both Jason and Matt look at Simone as if she’s just spoken in a different language. Simone sighs.


SIMONE
(CONT’D)
Basically, anything and everything related to being a cadet or soldier in our genes has been given a...boost, so to speak. We should notice things getting easier, but it won’t be a cakewalk. It’s not magic. You have to have had a reasonable amount of talent in whatever field your genes were manipulated in.

Jason considers.


JASON
I guess that’s why when this was first discovered people gifted in science and technology were the first to show forth fruits, because they were already gifted.

SIMON
Exactly. That’s some good reasoning skills there, Jason.

MATT
(wryly)
I guess they must have secretly manipulated his reasoning genes too.

Jason glares at him. Suddenly, the alarm and voice of a FEMALE blares letting them know that war is coming.


FEMALE VOICE
All cadets report to your ships immediately. This is not a drill. All cadets report to your ships immediately.

SIMONE
The Bulgata...

SIMON
Come on, let’s go.

They and other cadets vault towards the two exits.


INT. MOON BASE, SHIP PORT

The Moon Base ship port is extremely long, wide, and high, having glass at its ceiling, allowing for a view of the stars of the universe.

The cadets come pouring into the ship port. Simon, Simone, Jason, and Matt head for their respective fighters. They all flip a few switches and along with others enter hover mode. The crafts now head towards a zero gravity adjoining area of the port and fly out into the expanse of space.


EXT. SPACE, MOON BASE ADVANCE

The quartet of heroes leads the way against the encroaching Bulgata forces, who appear in the distance of space and are actually heading for the planet Dorridion. Commander A. P. Holton speaks to his cadets through their helmets.


COMMANDER HOLTON
The Bulgata must believe we were rendered impotent after they destroyed Delta Squadron. They must think Dorridion can be subdued. Let’s show them that we as a people are far from being overwhelmed.

The four heroes respond with a ‘Yes, Sir!’

Now the Myrmidion fighters realize that there is an enemy to be had here in space. The two opposing forces begin to shorten the distance between one another and during that time we see the faces of our four heroes, set and determined. Finally, the two forces collide, with laser fire emanating from both sides.

Matt chases after a Bulgata fighter. The Bulgata fighter seemingly flies his fighter recklessly through space, taking sharp turns, veering upwards at odd angles, all in an effort to evade from being locked on.


MATT
Well aren’t you something special.

After a bit more exposition, Matt manages to lock on and sends a photon torpedo his way, destroying his craft.

Jason is being trailed hard by a Bulgata fighter. Laser fire hugs him but he continues to manage to escape injury.

He loop-de-loops his way through space in an effort to disengage the fighter and he still follows him.

JASON
You just won’t get the message, will you?

He embraces a method of boost and u-turns hard left, manages to fly straight towards the Bulgata fighter, and sends a photon torpedo his way, ducking his own craft afterwards, but destroying the Bulgata fighter.

Simone is in pursuit of a Bulgata fighter.
The Bulgata fighter, in an effort to avoid being shot down, veers towards the Moon Base.

Simone follows after him faithfully, continuously shooting laser fire his way. The Bulgata fighter does something unexpected, he sends a torpedo at the Moon Base, damaging a part of its structure.


SIMONE
(in shock)
So if you have to go down then you’re taking everybody else with you, is that it?

Simone manages to lock on to him, and sends continuous laser fire his way, shredding the Bulgata craft.

Simon bullets through space as he is being trailed hard by two Bulgata fighters.

He dips evasively towards the floor of space, weaving, spinning, and just generally trying to avoid laser fire. The laser fire from the two Myrmidions crafts however scar his craft in some instances, despite evasive maneuvers.

SIMON
For goodness sakes!

Simon pulls up, his craft ascending through the chaos. Suddenly, one of the Myrmidions flies straight into another Bulgata fighter, and the Myrmidion who remains has to angle his craft to avoid debris.

SIMON
Now that’s a little more even.

Simon continually flies through the tumult, the Myrmidion shooting laser fire when he can get a clear shot, but he’s generally having a tough time keeping up with Simon’s evasive tactics.

Simon veers hard left and u-turns his way through chaos. The Myrmidion tries to follow and comes into near contact with a Moon Base fighter, dodging just in time. Now he looks about him for Simon and a photon torpedo descends from above exploding his craft. Simon flies through the remains.


SIMON
Yeah!

By now the Myrmidion fighters have been severally thinned out and are in retreat mode.


SIMONE
They’re retreating.

MATT
Hopefully they don’t come back.

COMMANDER HOLTON
That’s a good way to start off your cadetship, young ones. Report back to Moon Base.

All of the crafts veer back towards the distant Moon Base.


EXT. OUTSIDE TULISTAN MILITARY BASE - MIDDAY

The Bulgata have been beaten into submission, and the Myrmidions lie grouped together on their knees, bound with futuristic handcuffs of light. The cadets from the three academies walk around with laser guns holstered on their shoulders as they patrol.

Carriers are positioned on the vast stretch of steppe-land here and there. The large Czar Star Cruiser hovers over the land and a dropship escapes out of it. The dead from both the Bulgata and Earth Empires are rounded up and placed in dropships to be buried later.

The Tulistan military base is some distance away and several military issue hover crafts capable of holding four people emerge coming from its destination. The vehicles travel on a clear path. They are: Langdon and Iris together and Jesse together with a FEMALE CADET.

The dropship lands and Commander Wecker exits. The four cadets rendezvous with him and exit their hover crafts.


COMMANDER WECKER
Report.

Langdon salutes.


LANGDON
(CONT’D)
Commander Wecker, sir, we’ve scoured the entire structure, used guides, and their leadership is nowhere to be found.

Wecker considers.


COMMANDER WECKER
(CONT’D)
We cannot afford to let this Commander Saussler go. He has access to high level information that his subordinates do not. He could very easily leave this planet and warn Fedos and Fedora of what transpired here. Other military bases have yet to come under our influence. Nevertheless, we have to find and capture this Saussler.

IRIS
We have some idea of where he might have escaped to, as our radars picked up two opposing signals, one going east and the other west.

COMMANDER WECKER
Good. You’ll have to split up. Langdon, you go along with CARLA, Iris, you partner with Jesse.

All four cadets reply with a ‘Yes, sir.’ They mount up on their hover crafts and take off in opposite directions while Wecker watches.


EXT. ARID DESERT - CONTINUOS

Commander Saussler speeds through an area that is rapidly becoming a desert as he journeys along in a hovering Bulgata military issue craft. He has sweat on his brow, wiping it away.


EXT. HILLY AREA - CONTINUOUS

Iris and Jesse speed along in an area that is quickly becoming hilly. Their craft hovers up and down over the hills. Mountainous regions can be seen in the distance, towering above the land. Jesse pilots while Iris sits in a passenger section looking at the radar. They speak over the loudness of the hover craft.


IRIS
(loudly)
Radar shows that whomever we’re following went straight for those mountains.

JESSE
(loudly)
There might be a hideaway built into them. Like Commander Wecker says, we can’t allow them to leave this planet.

Jesse turns up the throttle and they go even faster over the hilly areas.


EXT. ARID DESERT - CONTINUOUS

Langdon and Carla speed through the same area that Commander Saussler was going through. Langdon sits in the pilot seat while Carla pilots and tracks him using the radar system. They speak over the noise of the craft.


CARLA
(loudly)
He’s dead ahead. Deeper in the desert, for certain, but we should be able to catch him.

LANGDON
(loudly)
Just in case we aren’t making good time.

He--like Jesse--speeds up the craft and the hover craft rockets.


EXT. ARID DESERT - CONTINUOS

Commander Saussler is now fully inside of the desert, and wind is beginning to pick up. He stops his craft and gets out of it. He begins looking towards the distance intently and can make out what is best described as a wall of sand in the far horizon. It is an approaching sandstorm.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(flustered)
By the gods, I must get through. I must.

He remounts his vehicle, starts it up again, and chances a look behind him. He notices that in the horizon a craft is approaching, and fast, kicking up dirt in the process.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(in shock)
They’ve...found me.


EXT. MOUNTAINOUS REGION - CONTINUOUS

Jesse and Iris are now in the vicinity of the mountainous region and now they halt and survey the field using advanced binoculars.

We can see what they see and we find that what they see is digital, with computer determinations and red letterings. We see through Iris’ perspective. She speaks to Jesse as she locates a cave along the face of the mountain.


IRIS
There’s a cave at the base there. I think that’s where he went.

Jesse takes off his binoculars.


JESSE
(CONT’D)
I think you’re right. There’s nowhere else he could be, unless he went up into the mountains.

IRIS
Let’s check out the cave first, and then if he’s not there maybe we can find some path up the mountains.

JESSE
Right.

The two remount their craft and head for the cave opening.


EXT. ARID DESERT - CONTINUOUS

Commander Saussler is closer to the sandstorm now, and it is vast and menacing. A giant of
encroaching uncertainty in the near vicinity.


COMMANDER SAUSSLER
I’ll just have to go through the confounded thing then.

Now he chances a look behind him and sees the rapidly approaching hover craft, which has cut the distance in half. He squirms.

Back where Langdon and Carla are, they speak to each other over the noise made by the craft.


CARLA
(loudly)
What is that? Another one of their weapons perhaps?

Langdon considers.


LANGDON
(loudly)
No...it’s...a sandstorm. We have to hurry.

They continue on.


INT. CAVERN - CONTINUOUS

Iris and Jesse move along through the mouth of the cavern, which has stalactites hanging from its ceiling and stalagmites populating the cavern floor. Droplets of water fall before them. Cascading water can be heard in the distance.

Both of them have flashlights attached to their laser guns and they walk through the cavern with them hoisted.

Iris looks at a portable device displaying heat signatures. There are two signals that the device shows. She mentions this.


IRIS
I’m getting two signals coming from inside of here, relatively in the same vicinity of one another. Weird.

JESSE
Maybe there is a hideaway situated inside here somewhere. Either that or whoever we’re following needed the comfort of a little body heat.

Iris shakes her head, completely focused and dismissing Jesse’s joke. He looks at her with drooping features. They continue on into the deepness.

They turn a corner and the darkness begins to oppress them. Soon they enter an area that very much looks like a honeycomb in terms of the paths available to them.

Jesse seems flustered. Iris continues to observe her portable device. Jesse throws up his arms.


JESSE
(CONT’D)
Great. Now where do we go?

IRIS
Let’s try...the path on the left.

JESSE
Fine. You’re the one with the HEAT SIGNATURE. Lead the way, princess.

She takes the left passage, as he follows behind her.


EXT. ARID DESERT - CONTINUOUS

Langdon and Carla are now in firing range of Commander Saussler, both crafts looking to be soon swallowed by the moaning of the approaching sandstorm.

Saussler continues to look behind him apprehensively as he pilots his craft, swerving left and right as he does so.

Carla pulls out her laser gun and steadies herself on the dashboard of the craft as she begins to fire at Saussler’s craft. She misses for the most part, due to Commander Saussler’s wild piloting. After attempting to incapacitate the craft in some way, she seemingly gives up.


LANGDON
(loudly)
I’ll pull up alongside him.

Langdon speeds up the craft a bit more and maneuvers the craft alongside Saussler’s right. Saussler looks at the two with contempt and outrage. Just before Carla has a chance to fire, Saussler rams his craft into them, rocking them all. He does it again, having the same effect. Then he does it a third time, and Langdon prepares himself, jumping into Saussler’s passenger side. Carla scoots over and takes the reigns.

Langdon and Commander Saussler go at each other’s throats. Due to this conflict, the craft begins to move about zigzag-like.

Langdon punches him and tries to take control of the craft, and when Saussler recovers he gives Langdon a right elbow to the face.

Now he tries to push Langdon out of the craft and is close to doing so when the massive wall of sand swallows the craft.

Langdon recovers and they go on fighting, even in the chaos of the storm. Langdon tries to take control of the reigns again, to steer them backwards. He does so for a while, but then Saussler gives him another elbow to the face. Now Saussler again tries to push Langdon into the storm.

Langdon holds onto a thread, then brings his knee to meet Saussler’s face and Saussler groans in pain.

Langdon has seemingly given up on the former strategy, and now tries to push Saussler out of the craft. Langdon has good standing, and Saussler screams. Saussler is close to falling out. Now Langdon takes control of the zigzagging craft and u-turns it hard, capsizing it, the two of them spilling out.

The both of them lay motionless as the winds and sand swirl about them, clouding visibility. Saussler begins to grope about on the ground, and Langdon lifts his head to see this. Langdon crawls about, bringing himself to an uncertain gait.

Langdon approaches the now standing dumbly Saussler in the chaos of the swirling sandstorm. Saussler turns and sees him, swinging at him, Langdon ducks, and punches him in the stomach. Because of the sandstorm and crash, they don’t fight at premium efficiency.

Saussler holds his abdomen in pain, and Langdon gropes about towards him and brings his knee up to his face. Saussler falls to the ground, panting.

Now Langdon pulls out the handcuffs of light which are able to bend and expand and locks them in place around Saussler’s legs.

Carla comes motoring through the sandstorm, parking the craft near them, and screams at the top of her lungs.


CARLA
Langdon, come on. Let’s get out of here.

Langdon picks up Saussler over his shoulder and labors towards their craft. He sets him in the back seat and he too sits in the back with his laser gun pulled, to keep a watch over Saussler, whose breathing hard with eyes closed.


LANGDON
(loudly)
Do you know your way out of here?

CARLA
(loudly)
We’re about to find out.

Carla U-turns her way back the way she came and puts on the speed. After a time, the craft comes plunging out of the sandstorm.


INT. CAVERN

Iris and Jesse walk cautiously through the pathways of the cavern, which has luminescence on its highly elevated ceiling. Iris leads and turns a corner that itself has many passageways and they come upon a Myrmidion at the back of the passageway, a soldier with his back towards them trying to use handheld communication equipment.





MYRMIDION
Is there anyone there? I repeat, this is Tulista, we have been attacked and are now occupied by the Earth Empire.

Iris and Jesse exchange glances and then Jesse gives the Myrmidion the message as they point their lasers guns at him.


JESSE
Throw down that communication device, buddy. It’s over.

He turns and sees them. He throws his hands up and pleads his case.






MYRMIDION
(CONT’D)
I’ll do anything. Please, just don’t kill me.

Iris and Jesse approach. Jesse kind of relaxes as he pulls out the handcuffs of light.


JESSE
Now why would we kill someone who can provide us with information? Just hand over that communication device and we can be on our way.

MYRMIDION
It doesn’t work. It’s broken.


The Myrmidion gives it to Jesse, while Iris remains set and determined, convinced that he’ll try something.

Jesse cuffs him and turns towards Iris.


JESSE
(CONT’D)
Alright, let’s go.

The two escort the Myrmidion to the exit, and suddenly, rather inexplicably, the ground begins to shake.


MYRMIDION
Do...do you hear that?

JESSE
Probably just a tremor or something.

The shaking continues and appears to get louder.


MYRMIDION
(exasperated)
I don’t think it’s a tremor. We have to get out of here.

JESSE
Relax. If not a tremor, what else could it possibly...

Suddenly, he is cut off by a great roar that stops them all dead in their tracks.


MYRMIDION
I told you! Something’s coming!

The Myrmidion bolts for the exit, and Jesse and Iris reach out to stop him.


JESSE
Hey, wait a minute!

Just then a four armed, one-eyed, two legged beast with red hair on his chest and standing about twenty five feet tall, very thick and with razor sharp teeth comes striding from another passageway, blocking them all in. The Myrmidion has gone too far. He tries to back up, on the cusp of screaming but it never comes out.

Then the creature spots him and sends a large hand to swat him against a far cavern wall. His head snaps back and he lays motionless.

Iris and Jesse observe with their mouths gaped wide open as the creature now spots them. Jesse drops the communication device. The creature begins its slow advance, rumbling the cave as it progresses.


JESSE
Crud!

IRIS
What...are we going to do?

JESSE
Use your laser gun. Maybe that’ll make him second guess taking us on.

The two fire their laser guns in rapid succession. Burn marks begin appearing on the body of the creature, and he roars and roars, flailing his four limbs all over the place, but it doesn’t seem to be enough to kill him.

The creature moves towards a boulder, picks it up, and hurls it at the congregated pair. It hits the cavern floor with a boom and parts Iris and Jesse, the two diving out of the way just in the nick of time.

Jesse and Iris continue to backpedal and soon they find that they’ve run out of room. Everything looks hopeless with their backs against the cavern wall and the laser’s having not nearly enough effect.

JESSE
(exasperated)
I just need time to think.

Now the creature has shortened the distance considerably between them.


IRIS
We’ll think quickly, otherwise...

JESSE
Ha!

Jesse pulls out his jagged and silver Killimari weapon, looks at it, flings it with much force, it spinning end over end, and it comes into contact with the beast’s one eye. Green blood oozes from the wound, and great death moans escape out of the creature’s mouth.

Jesse grabs Iris by the hand.


JESSE
Come on!

They hurry around the creature and just as they get from within its shadow it tumbles backwards with one last great moan of pain and crashes into the ground with a thundering, causing them to stumble themselves and dusk to kick up in the air.

They both remain motionless for a time, until Jesse recovers and begins checking on Iris. He helps her to her feet.


JESSE
Are you alright? He didn’t fall on your foot or anything, did he?

Iris looks about dazedly with a hand to her head.


IRIS
No...I’m fine.

Jesse then begins to cradle the stunned Iris’ cheek in his palm and plants a short kiss on her lips.

After he does so, Iris just looks at him blankly for a moment. He looks at her expectantly. She glances at the motionless Myrmidion.


IRIS
The...Myrmidion is dead. We have to report back to Commander Wecker.

She turns and strolls awkwardly away from him with a hand to her head. Jesse looks devastated, with his head lowered and all. He snatches his Killimari weapon out of the creature’s eye, making a slushing sound, and then he follows after her.


EXT. BULGATA, OUTSIDE CONFINEMENT HOUSE - NIGHT

The Confinement House is a multi storied, multi tiered structure which houses the slaves of the Bulgata home world. Several Myrmidions patrol its outside entrance borders, with laser guns propped on their shoulders.


INT. CONFINEMENT HOUSE, LIGHTED HALL

The Myrmidion Samnel walks through a lighted hall leading to adjoining cells. He carries with him something resembling a laptop, though it has an alien aura about it and it doesn’t flip open, and a bulbous blue bag strapped along his shoulder.

He enters a combination of buttons on a touch sensitive display and the door slides open before him.

A Myrmidion guards sitting, half asleep, and he gives a start when Samnel comes through the door.


SAMNEL
If you like, I could take over the remaining of your shift. Working overtime in Block A has screwed up my sleeping patterns, so I can’t sleep. Might as well do something useful.

The Myrmidion looks at him meekly.


MYRMIDION
Wha--what are doing with all that stuff?

SAMNEL
Oh, this? I thought I’d keep tabs on the war.

He presses a button, activating the device, and it begins to float in the air. A three dimensional hologram begins broadcasting images of the war with the Earth Empire.


SAMNEL
(CONT’D)
And I also brought along a few snacks.

He sets down the bag, reaches into it, and pulls out a package of cured meat, offering it to him.


SAMNEL
(CONT’D)
Would you like some?

The Myrmidion considers, and takes the meat.


MYRMIDION
Yes, I would. Thank you. And I think I’ll take you up on your offer.

He heads for the sliding door, initiates a combination of button presses, and starts to leave.


SAMNEL
Sleep well.

The Myrmidion waves behind his back. Samnel leaves the three dimensional projection device behind and takes the bag and goes down the aisle of the cell.

There are rows of lighted cell bars on each side of him, and a mounted computer terminal in the middle. He begins by speaking to Gindred, Atla, and Wynn. Atla and Wynn share a cell, Gindred has a separate one beside them. All of the other slaves are asleep. They all speak in hushed tones.


SAMNEL
Well, I’m here.

GINDRED
Yes, you made it. Is there any chance of someone discovering what you are up to?

SAMNEL
I don’t think so. And in any case, it’s a risk that I’ll just have to take.

Gindred considers. He then refers to Atla and Wynn who are watching with bated breath.


GINDRED
These are the two others who wish to go along with me; Atla Borges and Wynn Glynn.

WYNN
(wistful)
You must have some idea of the struggle we face day in and day out. I would like to be able to, but, we’ll probably never be able to repay you for this.

SAMNEL
Me being able to positively effect all of your lives is compensation enough, if I may say.

Wynn smiles.


ATLA
How exactly do you plan to get us out of here?

SAMNEL
You’ll have to scale your way down. I’ve brought some ADHESIVE CORDS.

He moves over to his bag and pulls out the thick cord.


SAMNEL
(CONT’D)
One end sticks to wherever you want it to, and you can scale down with the rest of it. But first, I’ll have to deactivate your cells.


He goes towards the computer terminal and begins pounding away at the display. The hazardous lighted bars of Gindred’s cell flash out of existence, even the ones barring the exit to the outside world.


SAMNEL
(CONT’D)
Now I just have to attach the Adhesive Cord to the wall and you three can leave this place.

He takes the Adhesive Cord with him and places one end on the wall and it sucks itself against it. He goes back towards the bag and pulls a handheld computer terminal out of it.


SAMNEL
(CONT’D)
I managed to get a ship placed in the open field near Block A. It’s one of my own. Use this to track and decloak it.

He hands the device to Gindred. Gindred looks towards him and smiles. Samnel places a hand on his shoulder. Gindred moves to begin his descent when an alarm blares throughout the Confinement House.

Slaves in other cells wake up and begin moving towards their lighted cell bars. Gindred looks towards Samnel with fear.


SAMNEL
I--don’t understand. How could they have...

Suddenly, the Myrmidion who overheard Samnel and Gindred’s conversation from earlier comes storming through the sliding door, armed with a laser gun and with several other Myrmidions.

They come to Gindred’s cell and hold their laser guns at the ready.


MYRMIDION
How could you, Samnel? How could you betray the commanding couple?

Samnel seems to be at a loss for words. Gindred looks deflated.


SAMNEL
LAJETS...

LAJETS
I overheard your conversation with Gindred and I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to poor, dear Samnel that he’d feel he has to liberate our subdued enemies. Oh, you’ll rot for this, Samnel. You’ll rot for a long time, and then, you’ll die.

Lajets exits the cell and moves towards the mounted computer terminal. Samnel tries to exit as well, but the other Myrmidions hold their laser guns up at him, and he halts.


LAJETS
Oh, by the way. Who were the other two slaves who wanted to escape? They too will pay dearly.

Gindred looks towards Samnel sadly. In the adjoining cell, Atla and Wynn cower in fear. Samnel looks towards the floor of the cell.


LAJETS
(CONT’D)
Not willing to talk? That’s fine. I’m sure there’s something we can do to force your hand.

Lajets enters a sequence of button presses on the terminal and the shafts of barring light return, blocking in both Gindred and Samnel.


LAJETS
(CONT’D)
Enjoy your time with the slaves, Samnel. You’ve certainly earned it.

He walks back the way he came, followed by the other Myrmidions. Gindred looks towards Samnel in despair.


EXT. PALACE BALCONY - NIGHT

Raphsidy leads Fedos and Fedora to the splendor of the palace balcony, allowing for a view of their assembled fleet.

There are hoards upon hoards of battleships and fighters bespotting the sky above the lavish square. Fedos and Fedora observe their glorious hoard with pleased looks in their eyes. They all speak in the alien language.


RAPHSIDY
There will be noting spared in this onslaught, as per your command, Lord Fedos.

FEDORA
How much longer until the forces from other colonies arrive?

RAPHSIDY
Three days at the least for the closest three planets to get here. Perhaps seven for the remaining two.

FEDOS
We shall see these peoples kneel before us. The time for toying and teasing of the Earth Empire to the fullest extent of our whims is now fully past. The time of assimilation, has begun.

Fedora smiles assent, and Raphsidy nods his head in assent.


INT. CZAR’S STAR CRUISER, BRIDGE

Czar Shepard stands with Commander Wecker in the bridge. The viewing screen then blinks into existence and Commander Stanfield stands in the Tulistan Command Center with Commander Saussler, who looks dejected. Commander Stanfield holds a handheld computer terminal in his hands. A cadet with a laser gun hoisted along his shoulder can be seen along the side of the screen.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
I’m linking the locations of the Bulgata home world and all colonies to the Star Cruiser’s mainframe, as well as the confinement camps.

CZAR SHEPARD
Good. Report back to the Cruiser afterwards, so that we can begin to construct our offensive.

COMMANDER SAUSSLER
(abjectly)
Are you all happy now? I’ve given you what you want, but in the process I’ve betrayed my people.

CZAR SHEPARD
Your leaders are driven to see all sentient life bowing to their command. This madness must be brought to cessation. Stanfield, I’ll be expecting you shortly.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
Yes, Czar Shepard.

The screen blinks out of existence. Czar Shepard speaks to the male Operator.


CZAR SHEPARD
Patch me through to Commander A. P. Holton on Moon Base.

OPERATOR
Yes, sire.

The Operator goes through the button commands and Commander Alex Pailey Holton is presented on screen.


COMMANDER HOLTON
Yes, sire?

CZAR SHEPARD
Holton, I’m requesting you to send several companies of cadets in what I hope will be the final conflict with Bulgata command.

COMMANDER HOLTON
Several companies? We’d have to rely on the more traditional soldiers to protect Dorridion but I think I can manage it.

COMMANDER WECKER
Ensure that you send some of your best and brightest. We’re going to assign two of which who will infiltrate confinement camps and liberate alien peoples. The assignment is up to you.

COMMANDER HOLTON
Delta Elite has all but been impoverished. I will send two newborn cadets who I highly believe in.

CZAR SHEPARD
We await their arrival. The attack on all of the colonies was I believe a prelude to an even bigger assault to come. We must strike quickly. If all goes as planned this will be the last major conflict between the Bulgata and the Earth Empires.


INT. CZAR STAR CRUISER, CABINS

Langdon walks through the cabin of the Cruiser with a covered plate in his hand. He makes it to his dorm door and pounds away at the keypad. The door slides open before him and he advances through the cabin until he finds Monafia sitting on the bed in the bedroom. She doesn’t rise at his arrival this time.


LANGDON
I thought you might like something to eat. It’s shrimp. Remember shrimp?

Monafia nods. Langdon advances and places the plate on the desk.


LANGDON
(CONT’D)
We haven’t really talked much since we were on the surface of Marune. I...know what I said hurt you. But I just felt that you needed to know the truth.

MONAFIA
I did not know that you were so conflicted. I...if you do not choose me, then I will understand.

Langdon has a distressing look on his face.


LANGDON
If...if only things didn’t have to be this way. If only I didn’t have to hurt anyone.

Langdon looks at Monafia passionately, advances, and caresses her hair.


LANGDON
(CONT’D)
I don’t want to hurt you, Monafia.

MONAFIA
I know.

Langdon considers a little more, and then he backtracks. Then he stops as the door slides open, takes another longing look at her, and leaves. Monafia has a tear streaking down her cheek.


INT. MOON BASE, AUDIENCE HALL

The audience hall is big enough to seat around 700 cadets. Everyone sits around and speaks amongst themselves as they await Commander Holton’s arrival on the stage.

Simon, Simone (the twins), Jason (black, curly haired), and Matt (freckle faced, red haired) take their seats near one another and speculate.


SIMONE
All of the cadets gathered together, and for what?

MATT
Who knows?

JASON
Maybe the Bulgata haven’t given up their aspirations of occupying Dorridion.

Now Commander Holton comes walking up on stage. He has a headset microphone, allowing for his voice to be broadcast around the entire hall. The murmuring continues.


COMMANDER HOLTON
I’m going to have to ask for your attention.

Silence begins to encapsulate the chamber.


COMMANDER HOLTON
(CONT’D)
Very good. I’ll make this brief. As you all know, we have been in the dark since the inception of this conflict, not knowing where the Bulgata’s colonized worlds are, let alone their home planet. But we have now come across a repository of information linking us to all of that.

The murmuring returns. The foursome exchange glances with one another.


COMMANDER HOLTON
(CONT’D)
Czar Shepard has asked us to help solidify an attack on the Bulgata home world, an attempt to try to cut off the head of the snake, so to speak. Cadets will be split up into two groups, one of which will serve as a team of special forces, to help liberate captives. Simon? Simone? Please stand.

Simon and Simone immediately stand at attention.


COMMANDER HOLTON
(CONT’D)
You two will serve as the leaders of the special forces unit. The rest of you will be split up between the two tasks. As it was during the attack on Dorridion, you have been sent emails assigning you to either infantry or dogfighting. Those piloting fighters are to rendezvous with the Czar’s Star Cruiser and the rest of the congregated forces, using your UNIVERSAL POSITIONING SYSTEM. That is all. You are dismissed.

The remaining cadets stand and begin to disperse.


EXT. MOON BASE, OUTSIDE SPACE PORT

Many dropships and fighters begin to pour out of the mouth of the space port, and continuously enter hyper space, causing the universe to bend and many streaks of light to present themselves, the crafts heading straight for Tulista.


EXT. BULGATA HOME WORLD, OUTSIDE VIEW OF CONFINEMENT HOUSE - MORNING

The morning sun tries to penetrate through the thick polluted clouds of the Bulgata home world, but generally very little light comes through. A few Myrmidions move about on the outside, patrolling the premises.


INT. CONFINEMENT HOUSE - LIGHTED HALL

Two MYRMIDIONS carry a hunched over, battered, and bruised Samnel through the adjoining hall leading to the cell block.

The one on the left gives full possession to the one of the right as he begins to enter the code to unlock the door. It slides open before them and they begin to carry Samnel through the opening.

Slaves begin to jeer and leer as they watch Samnel, a Myrmidion, being carried into the cell. Wynn Glynn places a hand over her heart and Atla Borges has a gaped mouth when they see the countenance of Samnel (bruised, battered, and sorry) who manages to look in their general direction.

One Myrmidion activates the mounted computer terminal and the shafts of light barring Gindred in flash out of existence. Then they both hurl him into the cell. Gindred bows to assist Samnel.

Lajets strolls into the cell block and stands in the midst of the Myrmidions.


LAJETS
Still not willing to divulge any information? No matter. We can afford to be patient with you, Samnel, after all you’ve done for us. We'll see you tomorrow.

Lajets backtracks and the other Myrmidions follow after him. Now some of the slaves begin asking for Samnel’s head.


SLAVE 1
Kill him!

SLAVE 2
Don’t let him live to see another day!

The trio of Myrmidions exit. Wynn Glynn speaks over the tumult.


WYNN
How can you all be so heartless? He was trying to liberate us all. He doesn’t agree with what the Bulgata has done.

SLAVE 3
He’s one of them, he doesn’t care about us.

Now there is uproarious agreement.


ATLA
Listen to yourselves. Do you want to emulate the ones who’ve enslaved you? Be as hardhearted as they are?

Silence engulfs the cell block.


GINDRED
Are you all right, Samnel?

SAMNEL
(panting)
Gindred, I do not...know how long I will be able to...hold out...

GINDRED
Atla and Wynn are understanding, Samnel. If...in the event you cannot hold back, they will understand.

SAMNEL
When, Gindred? When will this...dark cloud pass over the Bulgata?

Gindred reflects inwardly, and then helps Samnel to a bed.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER TULISTA, EARTH EMPIRE ADVANCE

The mighty forces of Alpha Squadron, Omega Squadron, and Sigma Squadron are in hover mode as the first of the Delta Squadron Academy, and now all of the Academy, exit hyperspace to join them.

One dropship heads for the ship port of the massive Czar’s Star Cruiser and lands inside, while the rest of the dropships and fighters simply join the other crafts in hover mode.


INT. CZAR’S STAR CRUISER, LIGHTED HALL

Simon and Simone are being shot up through an elevator and then begin to be lead by a FEMALE CADET through the lighted hall of the Star Cruiser as they come to their sought after floor. Having laser guns strapped along their thighs, they take a left then a right, and finally make it to a sliding door leading into the conference room.


INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

Czar Shepard stands looking out one of the windows, into the expanse of the universe, while Commander Wecker and Commander Stanfield sit opposite each other at the long table.

Langdon sits opposite Jesse, and Iris sits next to Langdon. Jesse looks towards Iris, who when she sees this turns away from him.

Simon and Simone take their seats across from Langdon and next to Jesse.

Czar Shepard turns towards the amalgamated bunch.


CZAR SHEPARD
So we are all here? Then we can begin. We’ll try to make this brief as we give you all the layout of our plan. Wecker?

Wecker stands and activates a projector situated in the middle of the room and away from the table that broadcasts a three dimensional view of the Confinement House, views of which come about sweepingly and cinematically as he speaks.


COMMANDER WECKER
This is the Confinement House. There are other Confinement Houses throughout the Bulgata home world, but this is the one that you two, Simon and Simone, will be liberating. We expect resistance, and you two will be accompanied by nimble, not ungainly forces. Simon, you’ll be fed the mapping of the Confinement House through your helmet visor. Once you have freed the prisoners, you are to escort them to the dropships where they can be shuttled to safety.

SIMONE
And after that?

COMMANDER STANFIELD
You yourselves will be shuttled to infantry duty.

SIMON
When will the other Confinement Houses be liberated?


Commander Wecker
After we put down all resistance on the planet, we will send teams of cadets across the surface of the globe to liberate those who are enslaved.

Silence encompasses the conference room.


CZAR SHEPARD
Nothing else? Then we can move on to the other operation.

Commander Wecker loads another three dimensional image, this time of the Bulgata Palace. It too is presented sweepingly and cinematically.


COMMANDER WECKER
This is the Bulgata Palace. Omega Elite’s task will be to infiltrate and assassinate the commanding couple, by any means necessary. We expect there to be several layers of resistance, congregated forces of Myrmidions, but you, Langdon, Iris, Jesse, will be escorted and accompanied by a quick and decisive presence of cadets. Langdon, you’ll be fed the mapping of the palace, through your helmet visor.

LANGDON
So we are to storm the palace, basically, assassinate Fedos and Fedora, and rejoin the assault?

COMMANDER STANFIELD
That is the gist of what we hoped to accomplish. With leadership in disarray the Bulgata will be hardly capable of keeping up with any kind of sustained offensive. There will still be their colonies to deal with, but that is what we hope to achieve.

JESSE
What about concerns of casualties? How populated is the palace with retainers?

Jesse turns towards Iris, and this time their gaze holds for a bit, until she breaks it.


COMMANDER WECKER
There is of course considerable risk in any operation of this kind, but as with all things it comes with the territory. You are to of course respond to civilians with the utmost care.

IRIS
Are there any kinds of...mounted instruments in the palace? Death traps? Meaning, instruments designed to eliminate intruders?

COMMANDER STANFIELD
We discovered nothing of the sort. You’ll only have to contend with armed Myrmidions.

Silence again envelops the area.


CZAR SHEPARD
If there is nothing else then we can leave for the Bulgata home world immediately. Cadets you are dismissed.

The cadets stand and begin heading for the exit. Commanders Wecker and Stanfield approach the Czar.


COMMANDER STANFIELD
They have all been taught well. We should be so lucky to place our future in the collective hands of the cadets.

CZAR SHEPARD
I was a cadet once. Their duty will be carried out, no matter what obstacles lie before them.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER TULISTA, EARTH EMPIRE ADVANCE

The combined might of capital ships and fighters of the Earth’s Omega Squadron, Marune’s Alpha Squadron, Sordaan’s Sigma Squadron, and Dorridion’s Delta Squadron Moon Base cadets begin to enter hyperspace, a vast display of military might, heading for the Bulgata home world.


EXT. BULGATA HOME WORLD, PALACE BALCONY - MORNING

Fedos, Fedora, and Raphsidy enter the palace balcony and observe as now three of their closest colonies have arrived, adding their armadas to the home world armada, the combined might of the congregated forces of which pepper the polluted sky. They speak in the alien language.


RAPHSIDY
We now have forces from three of the five colonies. It will be some time before the others arrive.

FEDOS
No matter. We will not attack the Earth Empire until forces from all colonies have been amassed.

RAPHSIDY
In my tinkering with our communications equipment I have discovered a way to interfere with devices the humans call satellites. My lord, my queen, I was thinking you could broadcast a message of fear to rattle the population of the colonies.

FEDORA
A very sensible idea and a useful tactical advantage to have, Raphsidy. Giving some kind of declaratory pronouncement would unsettle humanity an untold fold.

FEDOS
Yes, give us the Interpreters and we shall activate them before we leave Bulgata.

Raphsidy appears visibly enthused. He reaches within the compartments of his garments and gives his lord and mistress the two Interpreters. They place them in their ears.


INT. DROPSHIP

Simon and Simone sit beside one another in the presence of other nameless cadets as the dropship cruises along in hyperspace, bound for Bulgata.


SIMONE
Are you worried?

Simon considers.


SIMON
(CONT’D)
I don’t think there’s anything else that the Bulgata can do to rattle us. Whatever awaits on the surface, we’ll be able to handle. And if it comes to losing my life, well, there’s nothing more noble that I can die for.

Simone nods. Silence encompasses the dropship. Simon turns towards his sister.


SIMON
What about you?

Simone hesitates and then reflects.


SIMONE
(CONT’D)
Like you say, everything we have been through up to this point seems as if it has steeled us mentally, prepared us in a way. The destruction of Delta Squadron, the attack and occupation of Dorridion, the resistance...but through it all we’ve managed to survive. I’ve learned a lot throughout this conflict...mostly I just feel like we have right and truth on our side, and that somehow, someway, we’ll come out victorious.

Now more silence encompasses the dropship until a message from the MALE PILOT garners everyone’s attention.


MALE PILOT
(O.S.)
We’ll be exiting hyperspace shortly. Prepare yourselves.

The twins steel themselves even the more.


INT. DROPSHIP

Langdon, Iris, and Jesse sit near one another, Iris between the two of them, as the dropship cruises along through hyperspace. The FEMALE PILOT speaks over the P.A. system.


FEMALE PILOT
(O.S.)
We are now exiting hyperspace and are prepared to descend toward the planet.

Langdon stands and addresses his troupe.


LANGDON
Listen up, everyone. This is what we’ve all been waiting for, a chance to end this conflict. Our mission is crucial. This opportunity cannot be missed, as it may never come again. We shoulder the fate of the entire human race, and what lies before us and the rest of the galaxy is freedom, or slavery. We have chosen freedom, now, let’s go and defend it.

Nameless cadets steel themselves, some nodding at Langdon’s proclamations and others looking set and determined. Langdon repositions himself.


JESSE
Let’s do this!


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER BULGATA, EARTH EMPIRE ADVANCE

The massive Earth Empire armada (fighters, dropships, and star cruisers) set its collective sights on Bulgata.

Jason and Matt in their fighters pass by us.


JASON
I don’t think they know we’re coming.

MATT
Good. It’s about time we had the advantage going into a battle.


INT. BULGATA PALACE, EXTENDED HALL

Raphsidy hustles through the extravagant hall, his garments moving about him, and passing many an on-comer. He makes it into the throne room, where Fedos, Fedora, and Illzar are present, Illzar standing to the right side of Fedos. Raphsidy is out of breath. They speak in the alien language.


RAPHSIDY
My lord--my queen, a massive fleet--is descending! It is the Earth Empire!

Rage comes across Fedos’ face, and even Illzar shows some concern.


FEDORA
How...how could they have...

RAPHSIDY
I know not, my queen. But they have come-- with much brute force. I have already set our forces into motion.

Fedos stands at the foot of his throne.


FEDOS
(CONT’D)
The audacity of these fools. They still hold out hope that they can ultimately defeat us. It is futile to resist assimilation into the Empire. Come, Fedora. We must direct the offensive.

ILLZAR
I shall organize the Myrmidions of the palace in the case of an assault.

Illzar hustles out of the throne room, while Fedos and Fedora follow after Raphsidy to the palace Command Center.


INT. CZAR’S STAR CRUISER, BRIDGE

Czar Shepard looks through the viewing screen along with Commander Wecker and Stanfield as the first of the Bulgata forces come into contact with the Earth Empire fighters and cruisers. Czar Shepard speaks to the MALE OPERATOR.

CZAR SHEPARD
Ensure that our special forces have adequate escorts to lead them to the surface of the planet.

MALE OPERATOR
Yes, sire.

COMMANDER WECKER
Do either of you think they have any idea what we have planned?

COMMANDER STANFIELD
We managed to capture Commander Saussler, so no message was broadcast concerning Tulista’s occupation, as far as we know. I would venture to say no.

CZAR SHEPARD
I agree with that assessment. This is the best position we have ever been in during this conflict. We must take full advantage.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER BULGATA, HEART OF THE BATTLE

Matt pilots his craft through space, trailing after a Bulgata fighter. The immense chaos of battle rages on around them, but somehow they manage to avoid coming into contact with other fighters.

Ahead, there is a Bulgata cruiser firing on humanity’s fighters. The Myrmidion leads his fighter to straddle the cruiser.


MATT
Oh, you’re a smart little cookie, aren’t you?

Matt decides to continue following after him, and does an array of twists to avoid the cannon fire of the cruiser.

Despite the maneuvering, he remains on the Myrmidion’s tail. Now he gets hints of locking on to him, the buzzer beeping for a second here or there, but it doesn’t last. Finally, he does get a good shot and sends a photon torpedo his way, exploding his craft.

Jason flies through the pandemonium of battle, in pursuit of a Bulgata fighter. He continually fires his lasers, and from time to time scars the Myrmidion’s craft.

The Myrmidion banks hard left, and Jason follows after him, when he becomes fired on from behind by a Bulgata fighter.


JASON
Calling in the reinforcements, are you?

Somehow, Jason manages to continue to trail after the Myrmidion while using deft maneuvers to evade being locked on to the fighter that tries to shoot him down.

Finally, he gets a clean shot and sends unwavering laser fire the Myrmidion’s way, breaking apart one of his wings and sending the craft to the floor of the universe.

Now he puts on the speed in the midst of being fired on and amazingly doesn’t crash into any foes or allies and u-turns his way upwards to send a photon torpedo the pursuing Myrmidion’s way. He angles upwards to avoid the debris.


EXT. BULGATA, AERIAL VIEW OF ARID FIELD - MIDDAY

Simon, Simone, and the cadets accompanying them on their mission all stand while they are strapped in to the side of the dropship as it comes within landing distance of the planet, piercing the dark clouds. There is a wide opening in the back of the dropship that wasn’t there when it was flying through the universe, allowing the cadets to look at the polluted planet of Bulgata. A few fighters accompany them.

The dropship begins to land, and the fighters return back to space. In the distance we can see the Confinement House. A good number of Myrmidions from the Confinement House begin to approach with their laser guns hoisted and they start to fire on the exiting cadets (the cadets numbering about 7).

Simon and Simone lead the charge. Laser fire erupts from the cadets in a wave and shoots down the Myrmidions. Now the cadets hustle to make it to the Confinement House, with Simon and Simone leading the way.


EXT. BULGATA, AERIAL VIEW OF PALACE AND DISTRICT - CONTINUOUS

The dropship carrying Langdon, Iris, and Jesse similarly has its back bare, and they along with the other accompanying cadets are also strapped in.

The dropship now approaches the wide entranceway of the profusely constructed palace, and several Myrmidions open fire on the craft.

The craft lands, and the cadets unstrap themselves, pouring out of the dropship and engaging the Myrmidions, Langdon, Iris, and Jesse leading the charge.

After dispatching them, they all (numbering about 9 cadets) make the ascent into the high double doors of the palace. Once inside, Langdon calls for a halt.


JESSE
Where to now?

Langdon consults his helmet visor for directions.

LANGDON
I’m guessing a good place to start would be the Command Center. It’s this way. Be on the lookout for anything. Let’s go.

The cadets hustle down a corridor (being led by Langdon), make a right and are greeted by a few retainers who put them on edge, each carrying bundles of baskets. The retainers show fear and even speak in the alien tongue but do not try to stop them as the go passed.

Now they turn another corner (left this time) and enter into an intersection and are greeted by Illzar and a cadre of Myrmidion warriors on the other side of the intersection, armed with rifled lasers with their Tuskans pulled up high along their arms where they can’t be used. The cadets stop dead in their tracks.


JESSE
Uh-oh. Looks like we ran into some trouble.

Illzar speaks in the alien language.


ILLZAR
Dispose of these intruders.

Laser fire comes rushing towards the cadets, and they all collectively spin out of the way and hide behind giant war statutes lining both sides of the corridors. They return fire on the Myrmidions and some of them go down.

Illzar also hides behind one of the statues and he fires and takes down one of the cadets, leaving them with eight left.

Langdon, Iris, and Jesse each take down a Myrmidion apiece leaving only two left, not to mention the ones the nameless cadets have managed to elminate. Now there is just one unnamed and the other being Illzar. Finally, Langdon takes down the nameless Myrmidion leaving only Illzar. Illzar, using the cover of the great statue, begins to remove his Tuskan arm weapons and extracts out a small rod, pressing a button on it allowing it to extend.

Langdon instructs the other three cadets to go on ahead.


LANGDON
The Command Center is just down that intersection. Go on ahead, we’ll be right behind you.

The cadets bolt down the side of the intersection, away from where Illzar is. Illzar has removed his Tuskan arm weapons and they are now connected to the rod. He comes from behind the statue, putting his finger into his ear to activate the Interpreter.


ILLZAR
Your foolish expedition is at an end.

He presses a button on his newfound weapon and something akin to electric energy begins to envelop all along the rod. He advances towards them.


JESSE
Blast him!

The three begin firing at him and he holds his weapon up in the air and it attracts the laser fire to it like a magnet. Illzar remains safe, with a sneer on his face.


LANGDON
We’ll have to use our Killimaris.

Langdon pulls out his Killimari weapon, and Iris and Jesse follow suit. They pace about Illzar, as he paces about them. Finally, Illzar charges them and the four of which become locked in combat.

Illzar manages to deftly dodge and counter each of the cadets attacks, getting in attacks of his own that connect. Several times Illzar swipes and nicks at one of the three cadets, sending a small electric charge into them. If it were a direct hit, he would electrocute them.

Illzar high kicks Langdon into oblivion, sending him sliding away from him. He manages to stymie both Iris and Jesse’s attacks while Langdon is away on the ground. He kicks Iris in the stomach, sending her crashing a good way away from him, and back-smacks Jesse, sending him crumpling to the ground.

Langdon rushes towards Illzar just before Illzar is able to send Jesse a death blow and the two enter into a fierce display of wills. The two duck, dodge, and parry each other’s attacks seemingly without effort.

Illzar tries to sweep Langdon with his Tuskan rod weapon and Langdon back flips out of the way. Now Illzar charges Langdon and begins to spin his weapon circularly using both hands. It whooshes and whooshes in the air while Langdon back peddles.

Langdon feints and feints and quickly approaches where Iris and Jesse are recovering. Illzar suddenly stops spinning his Tuskan rod weapon and jeers at the all of them. He extends the weapon towards them and a jagged stream of electricity comes crashing towards them, the three of them tumbling out of the way. He stops and jeers again.

They all look at one another.


JESSE
This is some kinda challenge.


They look away from one another and charge towards him. Illzar is well prepared.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER BULGATA, HEART OF THE BATTLE

Jason and Matt are a part of forces of wing men flying through the blackness and trying to take down a Bulgata capital ship. The cadets speak through their helmets.


JASON
She’s a whale of a ship, boys. Think we can take her on?

MATT
You just sit back on the sidelines, Jason, if you’ve got the willies.

FEMALE CADET
We’ve taken down a couple of its ilk before. If we get good support there shouldn’t be any problems.

JASON
You’re right. I think I’ll check into this fight, Matt, if you don’t mind me doing so.

MATT
Well, you know what they say: ‘With Delta fly boys on your tail chaos can’t be far behind.’

The two cadets kick it into high gear and engage the carrier as it fires back at them from several cannon positions, both fighter crafts of which launch photon torpedoes towards its hull. They fly over the cruiser and into us amid the explosions.


INT. BULGATA, PALACE COMMAND CENTER

Fedos and Fedora observe through the viewing screen the goings on of battle. The cadets that Langdon told to go ahead are strewn about on the floor. They speak in the alien language.


FEDORA
Report.

RAPHSIDY
Things are...not going well.

FEDOS
Elaborate.

Raphsidy, using the controls, flips through a torrent of different view screens.


RAPHSIDY
We’ve lost forty percent of our fighters, and that number continues to rise. Our capital ships are showing strain and are spread thin, allowing the Earth Empire to converge on and destroy them using large numbers of fighters. And we have already lost...3 Command Centers across the surface of Bulgata, with more looking to follow. I...suggest a retreat.

Fedos and Fedora show anger.


FEDORA
Unacceptable.

FEDOS
We are not abandoning the home world. We shall repel these invaders.

RAPHSIDY
It would be temporary, my lord and my mistress. Just until the remaining forces from the other colonies arrive. Then we can crush them.

FEDORA
We have made our decision, Raphsidy. Now, focus your efforts on repelling the insolent Earth Empire.

Raphsidy looks withdrawn but nonetheless refocuses.


INT. CONFINEMENT HOUSE, EXTENDED HALL

Simon and Simone lead the charge through the corridor, taking cover behind occasional abutting structures that leak out of the wall. There are many congregated Myrmidions down the hall and they do the same.

Simon is on one side while Simone is on the other. One of their own gets shot down some distance behind them. They speak over the tumult of the laser fire.


SIMONE
There’s just too many of them. We have to do something, and quick!

SIMON
I’ll use a PULSE GRENADE.

Simon un-clips a spherical metallic weapon from his belt and flings it down the hall. The Myrmidions observe. It then let’s loose a clear gelatinous like force that lights up the hall and that encompasses them and only them, the Myrmidions squirming within it and falling in a heap after it dissipates. Simon speaks to the remaining cadets.


SIMON
Let’s go.

The cadets hustle down the corridor.


INT. BULGATA PALACE, EXTENDED HALL


Langdon, Iris, and Jesse’s tussle with Illzar has gotten bloody. All of the cadets show blood in places (arms, legs, lips) and Illzar is rife with nicks and cuts.

Illzar manages to defend himself against all three attackers at the same time. They each attempt to get in blows that are either blocked, parried, or countered.

Both Langdon and Jesse rush him from beside one another and bring their Killimari weapons crashing into his Tuskan rod weapon and he blocks them both at the same time, holding his weapon in the air horizontally, while Iris rushes towards him in an attempt to finish him off. He puts force on his weapon, knocking the two male cadets off balance, then he extends his leg to meet Iris before she can begin her attack.

Both Langdon and Jesse retreat to where Iris is sprawled out on the ground.


LANGDON
Are you ok?

IRIS
...Yeah, I’m fine...

Illzar approaches them from a distance.


ILLZAR
(CONT’D)
You should observe your opponent at all times. Didn’t your masters ever teach you such a simple statement of fact?

Illzar stretches his Tuskan rod weapon with a sneer like he is about send the electricity again, and Langdon and Iris brace themselves, but not Jesse.


JESSE
Not this time, buddy.

He hurls his Killimari through the air and it comes out through the back of Illzar, puncturing his heart. He stumbles, clutching at where the blade is, drops his rod, and barely can get the words out.


ILLZAR
My lord...my queen...I’ve...failed you...

He falls to the ground in a heap. Langdon, Iris, and Jesse converge on him. Iris checks his pulse.

JESSE
Hey, it came in handy.

IRIS
He seems to be dead.

LANGDON
He was, a worthy opponent...

The three cadets think on that. Suddenly, Iris is reminded of something.


IRIS
What about the others who were sent to the Command Center? They haven’t returned yet.

LANGDON
You’re right. They could be in trouble. Let’s go.

Langdon and Iris hustle down the hall, while Jesse halts.


JESSE
I’ll be taking this off your hands now if you don’t mind.

He pulls the Killimari weapon out of Illzar, making a slushing sound.


INT. CZAR STAR CRUISER

Czar Shepard observes the chaos of battle through the viewing screen and gets the latest happenings from his Male Operator.


MALE OPERATOR
We’ve successfully taken control of another Command Center, sire. That makes four in total.

Shepard looks towards his Commanders with relief.


COMMANDER WECKER
Things are looking to be going as good as we’d hoped. It seems we’ve really caught them at an opportune time.

CZAR SHEPARD
Yes, it would seem so. Keep me abreast of the latest developments on the planet.

MALE OPERATOR
Yes, sire.


INT. BULGATA PALACE, EXTENDED HALL

Jesse makes it to the hall where the Command Center is, he sees Langdon and Iris waiting patiently for him. They all look toward one another and nod, finally they go through the sliding door and behold Fedos, Fedora, and Raphsidy directing the Bulgata Empire’s offensive around the computer terminals, with dead cadets strewn about on the spacious floor.

Fedos and Fedora turn towards them and activate the Interpreters in their ears.


FEDOS
Look, Fedora, more of the brazen have arrived.

LANGDON
We’ve come to end this.

Fedora laughs wickedly.


FEDORA
(CONT’D)
If your prowess in battle is akin to these misfits strewn about here, then you won’t be ending anything. But by all means, give it your very best.

FEDOS
The previous engagement was not to my liking in the slightest. We toyed with those others to the greatest extent of our whims. They flew from wall to wall with barely any regard for their well being. It was sad, really, when you take time to think about it. My love, let’s be a little more...inefficient with these three.

Fedora laughs wickedly again.


FEDORA
(CONT’D)
If that is what your soul craves, my dear, then so shall it be.

The two stand beside one another and turn towards the three cadets, holding their hands out, and drawing weapons from man sized statues. They look like staves, but have long, jagged, serrated edges on one side. And they are metallic instead of wooden.


FEDOS
Raphsidy, carry on in our absence. It will be some time before we are satiated with this bout.

Raphsidy looks fearfully towards the three cadets.


RAPHSIDY
As you wish, my lord.

Raphsidy presses a button on the control panel and a clear and crystal like force field envelops him, blocking any chance for the three cadets to kill him.

Fedos and Fedora approach them. The Command Center is spacious, computers lining a portion of the walls and man sized military figures occupying other areas.

Langdon leads the charge as both he and Jesse go after Fedos and Iris battles Fedora.

Iris enters into a fierce display of sweeping high kicks, back flips, punches, blocks, and avoidance maneuvers with Fedora. The two very much fight as if they hadn’t engaged in any kind of conflict earlier.

Iris jabs her Killimari weapon towards Fedora’s mid section, and Fedora parries the attack and counters with a stiff blow to Iris’ head using the metallic staff portion of her weapon. Iris staggers.

Iris recovers just as Fedora brings the serrated portion of her weapon to swipe at Iris’ throat, crouching out of the way and managing to sweep Fedora in the process. She comes tumbling down and Iris brings her weapon up then down to strike while Fedora manages to block the attack using her serrated staff.

The two stay in this position of wills for a time until Fedora plants a swift kick into Iris’ stomach and sends her backwards a bit, giving her a chance to stand again.

They approach each other once more and the metal of their weapons clash on.

Langdon and Jesse’s battle with Fedos is a great display of martial arts perfection. In the beginning, the two opposing forces manages to get in small nicks and bruises, but for the most part nothing major happens.

Fedos finally spins kicks Jesse, sending him spinning and crashing away from him, and then punches Langdon with his free hand and follows up with a swift kick in the stomach. The both of them try to recover near one another.

Fedos looks towards an area high and up on the wall and an idea introduces itself unto him. He points towards the wall where sharp weapons are on a rack and speaks to the duo.


FEDOS
A little something for your...insolence.

He guides the weapons towards them and they begin to block them with their Killimari weapons, knocking them off course. Fedos roars and roars at their attempts to survive. Many jagged and deadly weapons pepper the floor, and others of which come at the pair wildly.

Suddenly, Langdon rushes towards him and manages to deflect any and all weapons that comes his way and jump kicks Fedos in the face, sending him crashing into the ground.

Fedos wipes the blood from his lip, looking at the set and determined Langdon and Jesse with contempt and derision and addresses his queen, who has Iris on the defensive on the floor.


FEDOS
Fedora, let’s take this to the throne room, where we can pronounce judgement.

Fedos stands, and has a calming look on his face, as he disappears from where he is. Langdon and Jesse look at each other shockingly.

Iris rushes towards Fedora and Fedora smiles and disappears just before Iris swipes her. They all stand bewildered.


LANGDON
Let’s go.

JESSE
What about him?

Langdon pulls out his laser gun and tries to blast Raphsidy, but it won’t pierce the shield. Raphsidy just looks at them.


LANGDON
We can come back for him later. Hurry.

The trio hustle out of the corridor.


INT. CONFINEMENT HOUSE, HALL LEADING TO CELL
BLOCK

Simon, Simone and their troupe come hustling around a corner with their laser guns propped up along their shoulders. The ones in the back of the infiltrating advance ensure that Myrmidions don’t try to sneak up behind them and attack them from their rear.

They get to the sliding door and are impeded by the keypad requirement. They stand perplexed, while the other cadets stand guard down both sides of the aisle.


SIMONE
Well? What now?

Simon considers.



SIMON
Let’s just blast our way in.

The two step back and let loose unwavering laser fire on the door. It blackens in some areas, but when Simon tries to kick it down it remains.


SIMONE
It must be reinforced with some kind of metallic material.

SIMON
I know. We have to think of something else.

Suddenly, the door slides open before them and Lajets stands in surprise flanked by two Myrmidions who are armed. They draw their weapons and Simon and Simone immediately fire at them before they can do the same, dispatching them.


LAJETS
Wha...what is going on? Who are all of you?

SIMON
We are cadets of the Earth Empire. And we’ve come to liberate the captives here. You’ll be doing the honors, or you’ll pay with your life.

Lajets has a sneer on his face, but begrudgingly turns back the way he came, leading them deeper into the cell. Simon turns and speaks to several cadets who were stationed near the entrance.


SIMON
Wait here.

They nod to one another. Simon and Simone follow after Lajets. The slaves look at them in utter curiosity, murmuring to one another. Wynn and Atla speak to one another.


WYNN
What is going on? Who are they?

ATLA
I...don’t know.

Finally, they make it to the mounted computer terminal and Lajets begins pounding away at the panel. The lights barring the slaves in flash out of existence and they all move outward as a unit, hesitantly, wondering at the latest happenings. Simon turns and faces them.


SIMON
(loudly)
We’re cadets from the Earth Empire. You’re all free people now. You don’t have to live your lives in slavery anymore.

The alien peoples look towards one another and begin celebrating, jumping for joy and the like. Simon addresses Lajets.


SIMON
We’ll be needing your help to free the slaves on the other levels.

Lajets looks towards him despairingly, but eventually nods.

Gindred holds Samnel in his arms after a recent beating and he looks up towards the pair in awe. Samnel has his eyes closed and appears unconscious. Wynn and Atla approach Simon and Simone, hugging the both of them.


WYNN
(CONT’D)
I...can’t believe it.

ATLA
Is this a...dream?

Simon and Simone look at one another amidst the celebration and smile to themselves.


INT. BULGATA PALACE, COMMAND CENTER

Raphsidy still stands alone orchestrating the offensive against the Earth Empire, with the giant energy shield barring him in.

He flips a few switches and continues to bring up differing results via the Deep Scanner showing that the Bulgata are losing the battle (such as an occupied Command Center here, a capital ship being blown out of the sky there). He shakes his head and speaks to himself.


RAPHSIDY
We are going to lose this battle, and Bulgata along with it.

He looks around the room, with the fallen weaponry clattered all over the place, and the cadets strewn about.


RAPHSIDY
(CONT’D)
I have to get out of here...

He presses a few buttons on the console and deactivates the shield. He looks about him sourly, and heads for the exit.

The sliding door opens before him. He looks down both aisle ways and hustles down an empty pathway.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER BULGATA, HEART OF BATTLE

Jason and Matt continue their piloting exploits from before, taking down the enemies capital ships, with a little help of course. They fly side by side and lasers from a capital ship try to bring them down but they manage to evade out of harm’s way. Matt sends a photon torpedo the capital ships way and a portion of its backside begins to crumple.


MATT
Woo-whoo! We’re sendin’ em’ to the land of the Dinos, boys! Yee-haw!

JASON
Hey, don’t get too carried away. I don’t want to have to explain to Simon and Simone that you were shot down because you lost your focus.

MATT
Relax, Jason. I’m about as laid back as a frog chillin’ on a lily pad. I’m about as focused as a sniper perched in a tree, with prey in sight. Besides, what could possibly go wrong now that we’ve pretty much...

An alarm buzzes and blares, letting Matt know that he has been locked on.


MATT
(CONT’D)
Oh, for Pete’s sake.

JASON
What? A Myrmidion locked on to you? Tra...try to get out of his cross hairs.

MATT
I’m trying, Jason, geez.

Matt storms his way through space, all in an effort to lose his pursuer. The buzzing lessens at times as Matt manages to dislocate himself from his aim, but it seemingly always comes back. The Myrmidion remains on his tail, chasing after him like a shadow through chaos.


JASON
Hold him off a bit longer, I’ve got him in my sights.

Matt angles past an Earth Empire cruiser, hoping the firepower from the capital ship will destroy his pursuer. But the Myrmidion manages to evade the cannon fire.


MATT
Persistent bast...

Now the craft pursuing Matt explodes into smithereens.


JASON
I took care of him. Maybe now you won’t get so bigheaded.

MATT
Yeah, yeah.

The two cadets go searching for their next target.


INT. BULGATA PALACE, THRONE ROOM

Langdon, Iris, and Jesse come storming into the throne room, and spot Fedos and Fedora sitting in their twin thrones, seemingly ready to pronounce judgement.

The throne room is expansive, insanely long, with giant warrior statues populating its sides and friezes depicting ancient Bulgata glory its high ceiling.

The trio of cadets approach them, set and determined. A mounted and mini computer terminal stands in the midst of both Fedos and Fedora.

Fedos teases them with the pressing of a red button on the terminal, bringing his hand and finger from his head, then snatching it away again. He does it once more, and all the while the cadets continue to advance, hesitantly. Now he finally presses the button and encircled pits begin to reveal themselves sporadically throughout the throne room.

The trio stop to consider what the bottoms hold. They see jagged and serrated fork-like instruments in the company of skeletons in water pits. They collectively look up towards the commanding couple, who are standing and descending their throne, taking their jagged and serrated staffs with them.


FEDOS
Consider it a kind of amusement that we choose to partake in. Warriors from all over the Empire clash before us, in a game of life, and death. One lives, and finds glory, the other capitulates, under the forces of destruction.

FEDORA
It is, quite simply, extremely entertaining.

IRIS
(disgusted)
You two are sick.

The two smile to themselves, and Fedos shrugs.


FEDOS
What is unhealthy to one may yet prove healthy to another.

FEDORA
Competition. We simply thrive on it. And now, you three shall see for yourselves just how much we hate losing.

The two of them suddenly disappear before them and reappear right in front of their faces. The cadets are shocked at first, but they quickly begin to reorient themselves and engage in battle.

Iris and Fedora’s opposing weapons at first clash and connect with speed and grace. Now Fedora seems willing to show off. Iris swipes and swipes at Fedora while Fedora manages to duck, dodge, and evade each and every one of Iris’ attacks, not even bothering to use her serrated weapon, moving at lightning speed in the process.

Iris continues with her offensive and sees that she is pushing Fedora unconsciously towards one of the pits. She turns up her aggression and just as Fedora is about to fall through the pit, she spins and spins, rather effortlessly out of harms way.

Iris looks about frustrated and faces her from a distance.


FEDORA
Unfortunately for you and your two comrades, it will take your deaths before you learn of this axiom: the Bulgata have no equal in the known Universe.

She puts on a small smile as Iris charges her, screaming at the tops of her lungs. Now Fedora begins using the serrated edge of her weapon and the two become locked in weapons combat once more.

Fedos displays a similar level of adeptness. He manages to block, parry, and counter each and every one of Langdon and Jesse’s attempts at his life. Langdon after a brief exposition with him is punched squarely in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to collapse to his knees, a good deal away from him.

Jesse now rushes towards Fedos, and swings his Killimari weapon about wildly in an effort to connect with something of Fedos’ possession. Fedos manages to block and counter each of his moves, but instead of using the serrated edge he uses the metallic staff portion of the serrated weapon, and pops Jesse in the head, shoulders, arms, all over. Fedos draws back, punching Jesse in the stomach and high kicking him away from him, Jesse crashing into the ground.

Now a smile comes across Fedos’ face, and he points towards Jesse, and Jesse is lifted up off the ground. He slowly leads him to the nearest pit, and has a satisfied expression on his face. Suddenly, Langdon sideswipes Fedos, causing him to drop Jesse, who holds on by a thread from falling into the pit.


LANGDON
Hang on, Jesse!

FEDOS
You won’t be saving anyone!

Fedos backhands Langdon and sends him falling a good deal away from him. Now he calmly walks towards where Jesse is hanging on by a thread.

Jesse looks down while Fedos smiles.


FEDOS
Looks like you’ll be the first.

Fedos raises his weapon high into the air, giving Jesse just enough time to withdraw his laser gun. He does so, and blasts Fedos in the hand, causing him to cry out shrilly in pain, dropping his weapon in the process, it coming down with a clang.

Iris is situated with her back against the floor a good ways from Fedora. Fedora turns around to see what happened to her husband.


FEDORA
Beloved?

She begins to approach him, taking her eyes off Iris. Iris sees her opportunity. She leaps to her feet and rushes behind Fedora and plants her Killimari weapon inside her back. Fedora exhales deeply, and has a look of shock on her face.

Fedos looks up and sees this, and a torrent of emotions begin to display themselves on his visage. Fedora reaches out to Fedos.


FEDORA
My...love...

She falls in a heap and Iris removes her Killimari weapon, it slushing in the process, Iris breathing heavily afterwards. Langdon and Jesse observe from a distance. Fedos is on his knees.


FEDOS
Fedora? Fe-dora? FE-DOR-A!

He suddenly stands and raises his arm high into the air and Iris’ feet leave the ground instantly. She struggles and struggles in mid air, until he sends her cruising along the great length the throne room, crashing near a pit, barely managing to stay afloat.


FEDOS
You took my queen. MY QUEEN! There is nothing left in me but despair. Now you’ll bear witness to unbridled fury!

Langdon and Jesse charge after him, Fedos sees this, and stops them dead in their tracks. He uses both arms to lift them high into the air, and flings them a great deal across the throne room. The two come crashing down with a thud.

Iris has recovered her faculties and starts rushing towards Fedos. Fedos sees this, and recalls his serrated staff and the two become locked in combat. Fedos parries everything that she attempts to do with ease, with violence even, staggering her a great many times, leaving her open for attacks, then he begins to hit her along the face with metallic portion of his staff.

Now she appears dazed and he lifts her up again using the Bulgata’s Gift and she kicks and scrambles in mid air.

Langdon now comes from behind Fedos and crashes into him, Fedos managing to send Iris a good deal away from him. The two go down in a heap. While on top of him, he begins to punch and punch Fedos in the face, Fedos looking at him angrily and disgustedly.

Fedos flips Langdon off of him, and regains his serrated staff when Jesse from behind blasts him with the laser gun in his back. He screams out in pain, turning towards Jesse.

Langdon now comes rushing towards him, jumps up into the air, and takes off Fedos’ head. It falls to the ground and rolls a good deal away from the body, the body now crumpling towards the ground. He breathes heavily.


LANGDON
It’s...over.

Langdon goes to where Iris is, while Jesse moves to inspect the deceased Fedos. Suddenly, the large double doors of the palace swing open, and a FEMALE RETAINER along with Fedos and Fedora’s son, Feros, enter in. He speaks in the alien language, but what he says appears onscreen.


FEROS
Mother, father...there are strange people outside...

He gasps, beholding his dead father and mother, and those standing in the room. The Female Retainer puts a hand over Feros’ eyes and leads him back out the way he came.
Langdon and Iris exchange glances.


LANGDON
Their son?

IRIS
Most likely. It’s...not right that he had to see this...

LANGDON
I know. But...it had to be done. Let’s...get out of here.

With much effort, the two begin heading for the exit, Jesse catching them and following behind.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER BULGATA

A lone craft heading away from the planet of Bulgata begins flying into deep space. There is no military conflict on this side of the planet. Inside we see Raphsidy. He speaks to himself.


RAPHSIDY
Forgive me, my lord and mistress.

He enters hyperspace, causing the universe to bend.


EXT. BULGATA, SKY VIEW OF CZAR STAR CRUISER

The Czar’s Star Cruiser hovers over the Bulgata Palace and palace district.


INT. CZAR STAR CRUISER, BRIDGE

Czar Shepard, Commander Wecker, and Commander Stanfield discuss among themselves what is to happen now.


CZAR SHEPARD
So what now?

COMMANDER WECKER
We’ll liberate the slaves on the rest of the Bulgata colonies and they’ll all go back to their homes.

Czar Shepard paces about.


CZAR SHEPARD
(CONT’D)
There is also the matter of the remaining resistance who will be loyal to the end to the will of the assassinated commanding couple. We need to be prepared for swift reprisals.

COMMANDER STANFIELD
Agreed. We also have to be cognizant of the fact that we have just gained access to a multitude of different cultures and races. Nothing will ever be the same.

CZAR SHEPARD
Indeed.

Czar Shepard reminisces for a time.


COMMANDER WECKER
Sire, no matter what happens next, it has been an honor to serve under you.

He salutes, Stanfield doing the same.

Czar Shepard smiles, and places his hands on the both of their shoulders.


CZAR SHEPARD
Come, gentlemen. I am eager to hear Omega, and Delta Elite’s mission briefings.

Commander’s Wecker and Stanfield follow after Czar Shepard.


EXT. MARUNE, HIGH COMMAND - NIGHT

The wounded structure of High Command has been somewhat repaired. The whole of the structure stands in the night sky.


INT. HIGH COMMAND, AUDITORIUM

Cadets Langdon, Iris, Jesse, Simon, Simone, Jason, and Matt stand on the stage and receive medals for their heroic efforts in the battle on Bulgata. Heroic music plays on in the background.

After the last medal down the long line of cadets is presented, those in attendance break out in applause, and give them a standing ovation.


INT. CZAR STAR CRUISER, CABINS

Langdon walks alone through the cabins of the Czar Star Cruiser. He makes it to one gray sliding door and punches in through the keypad, the door sliding open before him.

Iris sits alone on the sofa watching holographic television. He approaches her.


LANGDON
Hey.

IRIS
Hi.

LANGDON
I just thought I’d come to tell you...

IRIS
...You’ve decided to take the assignment on Unisee? To watch over and train those that are willing to embrace fighting?

Langdon is speechless. He approaches her.


LANGDON
Iris, I want you to know that it took me forever to come to this decision. It has been, just as hard on me as it has been on you.

Iris stands.


IRIS
(CONT’D)
You don’t have to worry about me, Langdon. I...accept your decision.

LANGDON
(in surprise)
You...do?

She places a hand on his cheek.


IRIS
(CONT’D)
Yes, it was hard at first, but...I may have already found someone to help to...soften the blow so to speak.

LANGDON
Really? Anyone I know?

Iris shakes his statement away.


IRIS
It’s...not important. But I don’t think I will ever fully be able to get over you.

Langdon cups her cheek in his hand.


LANGDON
(CONT’D)
I told you before that whatever happens I will always care for you. You know I meant that, right?

Iris nods. Langdon, still cupping her face, kisses her on the lips, ever so softly. He then rearranges her hair. He turns, and goes back the way he came.


LANGDON
Don’t fret. You’ll see me again.

IRIS
(with tears)
I certainly hope so.

Langdon smiles, he then exits the room.


EXT. HIGH ORBIT OVER UNISEE

A plethora of dropships deploy from the gigantic Czar’s Star Cruiser and begin heading for the planet of Unisee.


EXT. UNISEE, PALACE SQUARE

Many dropships land in the sizable palace square. Cadets from all four academies (Omega, Alpha, Delta, and Sigma) exit the dropships, carrying luggage with them.

We focus on one where Langdon exits, with Monafia by his side. Iris and Jesse remain in the dropship, strapped in. Langdon and Monafia turns towards them.


IRIS
I...guess this is goodbye.

LANGDON
(smiling)
For now.

Iris smiles.


JESSE
Hey, Langley, you take it easy on these would be Uniseeian warriors.
Try not to push them too hard. They’re just rookies.

LANGDON
I won’t, Jesse. And, you take it easy on Iris. Treat her right, otherwise you’ll have some answering to do, to me.

Jesse has his mouth gaped wide open. Iris’ mouth moves but nothing comes out. Langdon winks at the both of them.

The dropship begins to ascend, and that breaks Jesse and Iris’ spell of bewilderment. The two couples begin to wave and wave at one another, until Jesse begins holding Iris and Langdon begins holding Monafia.

The dropship, along with others, begin heading back to the Star Cruiser. Langdon and Monafia observe until it supersonics its way out of the atmosphere. They then turn towards one another, and kiss, ever so softly. They put on small smiles, and Monafia accompanies Langdon into the Uniseeian Palace.


FADE OUT: