Star Saga: Swarm Of The Bulgata (2)
REAGAN It must have been a feint. The Bulgata probably has bigger plans in store for us. We must stay vigilant. IRIS Commander Reagan, I do not wish to overstep my bounds as a cadet, but I am certain that my companion Langdon Hughes believes that I perished during the attack on Earth. If I could, I would like to at this time be shuttled to the alien planet. Other cadets speak up for their desire to also see Unisee. REAGAN Well, you all approach with this notion at a good time. I've arranged for three dropships of cadets from the Omega Squad to be exchanged with three dropships of cadets on Unisee. Pack your things, you're going to see the alien world. Iris smiles to herself, nameless cadets celebrate in the background. EXT. BULGATA, OUTSIDE CONFINEMENT HOUSE - NIGHT A stream of multicolored and altered faced slaves are being rounded up and escorted by a pocketful of Myrmidions who are equipped with stun guns to a Confinement House. Gindred, Atla, and Wynn are in the midst of that stream. INT. IDENTIFICATION ROOM The slaves are processed via a computer system that records their body structure. The device is similar in structure to a doorway. It is metallic and wide in girth and when a slave stands in between the metallic plating the inside of it lights up and their names and a digital representation of them are relayed on the screen of a computer terminal that a Myrmidion is stationed at to the very side of them. One by one they are arranged in a long and continuous line and walk through the structure. Myrmidions are placed throughout the relatively broad identification room. INT. HOLDING CELLS A Myrmidion leads a very long line of slaves into the sliding door of a level of holding cells. He has a stun gun propped up along his shoulder. The cells are all opened and as the line makes its way to the end of the corridor the Myrmidion turns around and all of the slaves enter into their assigned cells. Shafts of light fall down before the prisoners, barring them in. Gindred Falcos is stationed to a cell to the right of Atla and Wynn, who share a cell. All three slaves stand near the lighted bars and as close to the almost see through wall toward the separate cells as possible as they speak to one another. The lights of the cell level are on. GINDRED How are you two holding up? ATLA Late in the afternoon, we were tasked with preparing a meal for a squad of Myrmidions. The meal was to their liking, and they sent for us with the pretense of congratulating us on a job well done, though they had other things in store. WYNN (downcast) They tried to take advantage of us, and we resisted, and were punished, as they didn't allow us to feed. Gindred looks angry. GINDRED (continuing) I wondered why I couldn't find you as they gathered us all together to be fed. So they are trying to starve you into submission. ATLA I don't think it will last that long, at least I have reason to believe it won't. As we were punished, the Myrmidions managed to find a female slave who served them who was willing, so perhaps they'll overlook our 'insolence'. Atla has a confused look on her face. WYNN She seemed frightened at first, but thought on it for a time, and was escorted off with the Myrmidions. Gindred appears to be in instant reflection. GINDRED (continuing) I see. Listen, the longer you remain here the more you become acquainted with when you need to abide by their demands. The Myrmidions will allow you to get away with some defiance, there's just a way you have to go about doing it. They are not that stolid of a race, from what I have gathered, despite what they may appear to be on the surface. WYNN How long have you been here, Gindred? Gindred looks up at the ceiling and reflects. He then looks to the side of him where Wynn and Alta are. GINDRED (continuing) About seven years. Wynn gasps. GINDRED (continuing) Yes, I know, I've been here a long time. My people were attacked by the Bulgata about that same time. I had--a family. We were separated. I don't know if they reside on this planet in another Confinement House or not. I don't know if I'll ever see them again. Gindred looks downcast. Wynn reflects on his statement. WYNN (softly and downcast) I always thought I'd be reunited with my family. I never once doubted that this would continue and that I'd be a slave for the rest of my life... ATLA We are each other's family now. We have to rely on one another and draw from each other's strength and friendship. Wynn looks up with hope in her eyes. WYNN (continuing) I won't accept this fate. Gindred, you say that the Myrmidions are not as stolid as we perceive. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage. Perhaps we can rally and unite and incite a revolt. GINDRED And how would we go about doing that? We have not weapons to arm ourselves. And if we did manage to succeed, we would be crushed eventually. The Bulgata as a force is entirely too big for just one Confinement House to take on. WYNN I know but--we have to try something. The lights of the cell division turn off during the same time that a humming noise can be heard in the distance. WYNN What's that noise? The three slaves head to the back of their cells and look out of the window of light to see that a very large fleet is heading to the atmosphere. ATLA (wistful) They are rallying, heading for Earth or one of its colonies most likely. A Myrmidion walks past their cells and speaks up. MYRMIDION Lights are out! The trio move toward their beds as we begin to see the higher levels of the Confinement House and more and more slaves starring wonderingly outside of their cell openings. EXT. AERIAL VIEW OF BULGATA FLEET - NIGHT A large and all encompassing fleet are in the beginning stages of departing from Bulgata airspace and heading toward the atmosphere, being led by the biggest one of the bunch, a repaired Intimidator warship. INT. INTIMIDATOR WARSHIP, BRIDGE Fedos, Fedora, Raphsidy, and Illzar watch through the viewing screen as their impressive fleet pull further and further away from Bulgata airspace. Raphsidy commandeers the controls, while Illzar stands near the entrance to the bridge with his arms folded and Tuskans ready. Fedos and Fedora stand on the lower deck of the bridge, below Raphsidy. Their words appear onscreen. Fedos looks on in admiration. FEDOS (continuing) Our first meeting with these, Earth peoples, did not go as smoothly as I had hoped. We were able to wipe out their home planet, and yet, they later beat us into retreat. We will now unleash the full breadth of our forces, and nary a human being will escape. FEDORA (excitedly) They will either submit and become subservient to us, or perish. FEDOS Indeed. Such a sad and misfortunate fate awaits these insolent fools. FEDORA They will see with their own eyes just how impotent they are in the face of such an overwhelming onslaught. By this time, the fleet is orbiting the planet. RAPHSIDY Giving the command for the entering of hyperspace...now. The Intimidator leads the fleet as we watch as they all at once enter into hyperspace and vanish, causing the universe to bend. � INT. DELTA SQUADRON INITIATES CENTER - TRAINING FACILITY - MIDDAY Rows upon rows of cadets stand and observe as Initiate Simone Bridges spars with another FEMALE INITIATE. The two are engaged in a fierce martial arts display. The two of course wear protective gear. There are swift kicks that barely miss, punches come within inches, and deft defying leaps and bounds between the two young hopefuls. Finally, after a laborious exposition, Simone puts the Female Initiate on her back with a swift spin kick. The Initiate crashes into the ground with a grunt. Simone offers to pick her up and she accepts. Overseer Jack Hoft has been in a booth adjoining the Training Facility and watching the exploits of his Initiates. The INSTRUCTOR steps forward and Simone and the Female Initiate fall back in line. INSTRUCTOR That's good work, the both of you. Fine fighting indeed. We need to see more of this type of dedication to the arts. When you are on the battlefield and in close quarters with your opponent you will need this kind of discipline. He turns towards Simon. INSTRUCTOR (continuing) Simon? SIMON Yes, instructor? INSTRUCTOR Let's see how you fare against two opponents. Step forth. Simon does so. �� INSTRUCTOR JASON? MATT? Step forth. The two cadets step forth and stand before their Instructor. Both Jason and Matt appear about the same age as the twins, late teens. Jason is black and has curly hair and Matt is white with red hair and freckles. Both are wiry strong. The Instructor falls back to where the Initiates are and now Jason and Matt stand before Simon. They bow before one another and immediately Jason and Matt charge towards Simon, who does an array of spins, sidesteps, and back flips to avoid being hit. Jason ploughs towards Simon alone and Simon back-flip-kicks him, knocking him to the ground. Matt comes charging and the two engage in an exchange of punches, sure kicks, and avoidance maneuvers. Soon, Jason returns to the fray and Simon finds himself fighting off the two of them, managing himself quite well to say the least. Jason punches Simon in the stomach the same time that Simon punches him in the face, and the both of them fall to the ground, though Simon flips back up. Matt comes rushing towards Simon in a takedown maneuver and he flips entirely over him, causing Matt to very nearly fall into the ground. Simon now comes running up behind Matt and flying-kicks him a good deal away from him. Jason returns to the fray and grabs Simon from behind in a choke hold. Simon tries to get out of the hold, but is finding it difficult to release himself. Matt comes running up toward the two of them, Simon sees this, grabs Jason from behind him, and tosses him over his head into Matt, the two crashing into one another. The Instructor blows a whistle, calling for a halt to the action. INSTRUCTOR (continuing) Good, exceptional work, Simon. Jason? Matt? The two stand at attention. INSTRUCTOR (continuing) There was a reason I chose you. Not just to test Simon's skill, but also so you can see how far you need to go. You two will have to work extra hard if you want to achieve Simon's level of fidelity, and in so doing make it into Delta Squadron. Both Matt and Jason seem deflated, Matt drooping his shoulders and Jason shaking his head. INSTRUCTOR (continuing) All right, Initiates. That will wrap up today's lessons. You are dismissed. The Instructor heads for the adjoined booth where Hoft is. Some Initiates begin to huddle in little groups and speak amongst themselves while others move toward a far wall where everyone's duffle bags are lined. Simon, Simone, Jason, and Matt huddle together amongst themselves. ������ Jason speaks to no one in particular. JASON (downcast) Man, I don't know if I have what it takes. I don't think I'm good enough to make cadetship at Delta Squadron. SIMONE This is only your second term, right? You haven't even been here the length of the standard two year preliminaries, the both of you. Matt places his hands on his side. MATT (continuing) Yeah, but it's like we're being pulled through the path of most resistance. It's hard living up to the standards of instructors like him. JASON (towards Simone) And with an Overseer like Hoft, and Commander A.P. Holton taking time out of his busy schedule every term just to check up on us, I don't know how much more leeway I'll be given personally. SIMON Come on guys, it can't be that bad. Simone and I have been here-- MATT (frantically) --Exaclty! This is you guys first term. You haven't even completed an entire semester yet. Just wait. I swear. At the end you'll be wishing you were back home playing VIRTUAREALITY STATION with a few buds. Jason and I started out great at first, but all this preparatory work just to make it into the Academy has taken its toll. Simon and Simone exchange worried glances with one another. Simon then turns towards the thinning crowd and speaks. SIMON (continuing) I say, things will manage to work themselves out one way or the other. For the all of us. Now, we should get going. It's lunchtime. I don't know about any of you three, but I've built up quite the appetite. Jason and Matt labor towards the wall where their duffle bags are and mumble to themselves. Simon and Simone exchange glances once more and head after them. EXT. UNISEE, SKY VIEW NEAR PALACE DISTRICT - DUSK The Czar's Star Cruiser towers over the multicolored palace district. INT. THE CZAR'S STAR CRUISER, CONFERENCE ROOM Commander Wecker is explaining to select members of Omega Elite what was divulged to him and Czar Shepard concerning the origin of the Uniseeian people. Langdon and Jesse sit beside one another on the elongated table while other nameless members fill up the seats. Wecker does not sit. COMMANDER WECKER I say all that to say this, there was a precursor race that shuttled these English speaking peoples from Earth and situated them here on Unisee. JESSE (in shock) Wait a minute--you mean to say, that a race of super beings came to Earth and bought humans to Unisee in an effort to build a peaceful society? COMMANDER WECKER In my reading, this is what I have uncovered, as well as what Lord Dalaysis himself has shared with me. Langdon appears in reflection. LANGDON (continuing) That answers a lot of our questions...It didn't make sense that the people of Unisee look and speak the way we do, despite the in born ability of telepathy. But what I don't understand is, where are these people now? Why haven't they attempted to halt the advance of the Bulgata in any way? It doesn't make sense. COMMANDER WECKER This is not addressed in Uniseeian literature. Perhaps the Bulgata has enslaved them. Perhaps there was a cataclysm on their home planet, a problem that they could not find a solution for, and perhaps it happened so suddenly and violently that the majority of their race did not escape. �A MALE ELITE MEMBER speaks up. MALE ELITE MEMBER How could they just leave a planet and people defenseless? If they were indeed as knowing as the Uniseeians believe them to be, surely they had to be aware that there were dangers in the universe. COMMANDER WECKER From what I have read, this was also not addressed in the literature. It seems probable however that their influence extended beyond the realms of their own worlds, as evidenced by what they did with the Uniseeian people. I would also imagine that being as peaceful and benevolent a race as they were would make them somewhat naive when you consider the grand scheme of things. The members of Omega Elite seem to internalize that news. COMMANDER WECKER (continuing) I have discovered a great many myths--I guess you could call them myths, about these forerunners. They were called by the Uniseeians The Lightbringers, Those Who Open Blinded Eyes, The Peacemakers, and many other descriptors. They were said to be telepathic, like what we know of the Uniseeians, gifted in all realms of science, and capable of what we'd ourselves call magic. JESSE That's one advanced species. LANGDON Perhaps they awakened some kind of hidden potential inside of the humans who were relocated to Unisee, and that's where the telepathy came from. COMMANDER WECKER (in reflection) That's plausible. At least from what I have read, I did not come across when telepathy arose in the Uniseeians, or how it came about. But what you put forth seems likely. Well, in any case, this is what I wanted to share with at least high level members of Omega Elite. Everyone else will find out at some point, but I just felt it prudent that you all have some idea as to the kinds of possibilities that exist in this universe of ours. JESSE Are you saying that you think that it's possible that this race could assist us? Wecker shakes his head and folds his arms. COMMANDER WECKER (continuing) No, Czar Shepard has concluded that we cannot rely on this race to aid us. There's just too many variables, such as whether they are still an existing people or not. They could be situated on the other side of the cosmos for all we know, traveling to world after world, spreading their philosophy across the universe. Langdon addresses the members of his troupe. LANGDON (continuing) How would we go about locating them first and foremost? By the time we established contact, the Bulgata may have enslaved us. It's best if we focus on trying to stay the hand of the Bulgata, and defeating them. We can't rely on beings who may or may not ever show up again. Wecker smiles COMMANDER WECKER (continuing) That's exactly what Czar Shepard said. Langdon smiles. COMMANDER WECKER (continuing) Well, I did not want to keep you all too long. I guess you can retire for the night. If you like, you can read up on the forerunners in the palace library. I have gained permission from Lord Dalaysis himself, servants will assist you. You are dismissed. Everyone stands. Jesse speaks to Langdon. JESSE Well, Langly, that's was some kinda story. I think I'll make the trek to the library and find out more about it. Who knows when we'd come into contact with these people. Jesse pulls away from him. LANGDON (reaching out) Don't forget, Jesse, we still have rebuilding duties to attend to bright and early tomorrow morning. Jesse stops at the door and turns. JESSE (continuing) Don't worry, I'll be there bright and early. I wouldn't miss hanging out with those Uniseeian females for the world. He stops and considers halfway out of the door. JESSE (continuing) Or several worlds. Langdon smiles, as does Jesse. Jesse leaves. Langdon sighs with a droop of his shoulders. He heads toward the exit of the conference room and heads through the lighted hall with his head bent low in reflection when he raises it after a time and beholds Iris. He stops in mid-stride, as does Iris when she lays eyes on him. LANGDON Iris? IRIS Langdon! They rush toward one another and embrace, both shedding tears. LANGDON Oh, Iris--I--I thought you were-- Iris puts a finger to his lip. IRIS (continuing) Shh! Don't say it. The two look into one another's eyes, Langdon wipes the tears away from her face. He begins speaking frantically. LANGDON I don't understand--the Bulgata, they--the laser beam--it--it destroyed everything-- IRIS (a pause) Yes, the--attack on Earth was singularly the darkest day we have ever known. Countless lives were lost, and the planet was ravaged, but--it wasn't as devastating as most originally thought. While the Bulgata did manage to kill a vast majority of surface dwellers, everyone underground and underwater survived. Iris laughs heartily, tears return. Langdon laughs. LANGDON I just can't believe I'm able to hold you in my arms again. They embrace. LANGDON (continuing) Why didn't anybody tell me. We need to celebrate. I've--I've fretted so much over the thought of losing you--you have no idea. The two hold hands and smile into one another's eyes. Their reverie is suddenly broken. MONAFIA (uncertainly) Langdon? Langdon turns around to face a tilted head Monafia. He then looks at Iris and again back towards Monafia. LANGDON (continuing) Mona--Monafia. This--this is the one I was telling you about, the woman who went to Earth in my place during the attack by the Bulgata. She's alive! Langdon remains looking towards Monafia. The expression on Iris's face looks like concern. Monafia pauses for a time and advances. MONAFIA (with a bow) I--I apologize. Where are my manners. My name is Monafia, Monafia Dalaysis. IRIS (stammering) I'm--Iris Grisham. It's--very nice meeting you. MONAFIA Likewise. Langdon doesn't seem to notice their uneasiness. LANGDON Monafia, I was just telling Iris that we needed to celebrate, in light of finding out she still lived. Would you like to join us? Monafia lowers her head and raises it after a time. MONAFIA (continuing) Yes--I--I would like that very much. LANGDON Great, I knew you would. You came just in time, Iris. The retainers in the palace will be serving dinner soon. Lord Dalaysis, Monafia's father, and a great many of the Omega Squadron will be there. Well, we should probably get going. MONAFIA Yes, you are right. We shouldn't keep them waiting. Langdon grabs Iris by the hand and leads her down the hall, while Monafia hesitates. Langdon turns around and sees that she is not following. She just stares longingly after them. LANGDON Come on, Monafia. What are you waiting for? MONAFIA I was just--lost in thought, that's all. I'm happy for you. Langdon smiles. Monafia catches up to them and they head down the lighted hall. EXT. OUTSIDE UNISEEIAN PALACE - NIGHT The Uniseeian palace stands mightily in the night sky. The huge double doors swing open with a creak and Czar Shepard, being accompanied by Aides 1 and 2 as well as Lord Dalaysis, who himself has an entourage of escorts, appears. They talk as they walk down the great steps. CZAR SHEPARD I am sorry to say, Lord Dalaysis, but I must take leave of you this night. It is imperative that I meet with other high level officials of the colonies, so that we can fully come to terms with the task that now lies before us. Lord Dalaysis instantly reflects. LORD DALAYSIS (raising head) I see. Then, it was an honor to have made your acquaintance. I am most grateful for the protection you have bestowed upon my people. Shepard nods. CZAR SHEPARD (continuing) Rest assured that for as long as the conflict remains, we will keep watch over Unisee. And--I think--it would do well to establish some sort of trade between our two civilizations. AIDE #1 I will personally draft up proposals for your perusal when we return to Marune, sire. At this time, Commander Wecker has made his way to the foot of the steps from a stationary dropship. Langdon, Iris, and Monafia also exit. COMMANDER WECKER (to Shepard) We are prepared to launch whenever you give the order, sire. Shepard nods. He then turns towards Lord Dalaysis. He extends his hand. CZAR SHEPARD (continuing) May peace forever favor you and your people. Lord Dalaysis looks on curiously. He then takes his hand. LORD DALAYSIS (continuing) And you as well as yours. Shepard puts on a smile, turns, and is followed by Commander Wecker and Aides 1 and 2. They walk past Langdon, Monafia, and Iris and board the dropship. It hums, hovers, and flies into the ship port of the large star cruiser that is the Czar's Star Crusier. Langdon, Iris, and Monafia approach an engrossed Lord Dalaysis and his administrators, who were watching Czar Shepard's departure. MONAFIA Father, has the meal been prepared? LORD DALAYSIS (with an effort) Yes, my daughter. Come, let us all dine together. Langdon smiles, and the all of them trail after Lord Dalaysis. INT. UNISEEIAN PALACE, GREAT HALL - CONTINUOUS The Great Hall of the Uniseeian Palace is painted white with high windows along the walls and murals below them, presumably depicting the exploits of the forerunners who delivered the Uniseeian people from obscurity. There are elongated tables spaced evenly and the hall is capable of holding a good two hundred people, though at this time about half of that capacity is filled. Uniseeians--both male and female--play soft music in the background as members of the Omega Squadron Academy and other Uniseeians await their meals. Langdon sits in between Monafia and Iris, Lord Dalaysis sits across with two aides flanking him. Iris takes the splendor of the place and atmosphere in. IRIS (looking around) This is all so--wonderful. LORD DALAYSIS You have done for us what we could not do for ourselves. We are repaying the debt as best we can. LANGDON Just wait until you taste the food. They have an amazing variety of delicacies here. Many of us have also been allowed to rest in palace suites. A bevy of servants now begin to place meals before the many tables. They start with Lord Dalaysis and Monafia and work their way from them to the rest of the members at the table. At this time, Jesse makes his way hurriedly through the hall and takes a seat next to Monafia. Throughout this entire time, Lord Dalaysis speaks in hushed tones to his aides. JESSE (continuing) Sorry about being late and all. I was kinda busy reading up on the history of the Uniseeians. A servant places a meal in front of him and he immediately begins eating. LANGDON Jesse, let me introduce you to my companion. This is Iris Grisham. Iris, this is Jesse Faundoo. The two exchange nods and Iris smiles. LANGDON (continuing) Iris was on Earth when the Bulgata attacked. But she was underwater, and everyone underground or underwater survived the attack. JESSE (in shock)
Copyright © 2008 Michael Harris |