Star Saga: A Clash Of Empires (5) 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
Copyright © 2008 Michael Harris |