Episodes 1 & 2 "Pilot" & "Not An Option Part 1"

,                                                        FADE IN


     EXT. FLOWER FIELD - MORNING

     SUPERIMPOSE: "19 Years Earlier"

     Covered in scars, the burly KRONTICOUS REYGO, 32, creeps
     barefoot through the waist-high field of white roses. An old
     longbow in hand. Kronticous’ long black hair shines in the
     rising sunlight on his brown back. His face hardened. His
     breath steady.

     He crouches in the center of the field. He lays the bow down.
     Kronticous wipes his hands on his tattered pants. He closes
     his eyes. He smiles.

     He mumbles to himself. His voice husky.

                          KRONTICOUS
               You have to be better than that
               Artemis.

     Young and aggressive, ARTEMIS REYGO, 7, leaps at the giant
     with a wooden spear in hand. Kronticous balances his body on
     his hands. He swiftly dodges.

     Artemis impales the ground.

     Kronticous smiles at the furious boy.

                          KRONTICOUS (CONT’D)
               Were you aiming at me?

     Kronticous kicks the boy hard in the chest.

     Artemis kicks up off the ground. He pulls the two daggers
     from his pant legs.

     Kronticous is gone.

     Artemis puts his daggers away. He pulls his spear from the
     ground. Artemis lays down. He puts an ear to the Earth. He
     closes his eyes. Listens.

     A TWITCH of a broken twig forces Artemis’ eyes open. He
     scowls at the stillness of the flowers. He breaks left at top
     speed.

     Artemis stops in his tracks. He checks his surroundings.

     One of the stems is missing its flower.

     Artemis follows the tracks. He creeps through the flowers.

     The grass split from heavy steps. The leaves barely hang on
     the stems. Artemis follows the trail to the end of the field.
     He stands at the edge of the forest.

     Kronticous sits on a branch above Artemis.

                          KRONTICOUS (O.S.) (CONT’D)
               It’s foolish to follow an obvious
               trail.


     EXT. FOREST

     Kronticous lands behind him. He punches Artemis in the face.

     Artemis back flips to gain distance. Kronticous stays on him,
     swinging.

                          KRONTICOUS
               You can’t protect anyone by running
               away, Artemis.

     Artemis tries to run. Kronticous tackles him to the ground.

                          KRONTICOUS (CONT’D)
               Fight for your people, Artemis.

     Kronticous beats Artemis in the ribs.

                          KRONTICOUS (CONT’D)
               Fight for your mother.

     Kronticous swings at Artemis’ face. Artemis raises his arms
     to block.

                          KRONTICOUS (CONT’D)
               They’ll die if this is all you are
               willing to sacrifice!

     Artemis grabs his giant fist with both hands.

     Kronticous grins. He takes hold of Artemis’ wrists.

     Kronticous throws Artemis over his head into the dirt.

     Artemis looks up at the clear sky, through the trees. One of
     his eyes already swollen.

     The gentle breeze brushes a leaf across his hand.

                          KRONTICOUS (O.S.) (CONT’D)
               Will you at least try...

     Artemis wipes the blood from his mouth and nose. He kicks off
     the ground. He turns to face Kronticous.

                          KRONTICOUS (CONT’D)
               If you can’t win for your people or
               your mother,

     Kronticous steps forward.

                          KRONTICOUS (CONT’D)
               Fight for your unborn brother. Give
               him a new world to live in.

     Artemis spits blood. He stares Kronticous down. The
     determination in his eyes and voice make Kronticous smile.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               I will. I will make a new world for
               everyone. Our people will have
               peace!

     Kronticous raises his fist. Both wait for the other to move.

                          KRONTICOUS
               Then stop running and fight. You
               cannot free our people by hiding
               from your enemies. You must face
               them. They come for blood. You must
               be the one who gives it to them.

     Artemis looks from Kronticous’ feet to his arms. He analyzes
     his stance. They charge each other, both fists aimed at the
     others face.


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING HEAD - SECURITY ROOM - DAY


     SUPERIMPOSE: PRESENT DAY

     Two armed guards stand beside a metal door. Several men and
     women tirelessly TALK OVER RADIOS about ongoing activity on
     the monitors. The keyboards CLICK under thieir fingers.

     The light above the door flashes green. It automatically
     slides open.

     In walks the clean-cut and irritated LINUS HAYTER, 29,
     adjusting his grey suit and tie. He approaches the command
     post in the center of the room. The ceiling lights give color
     to his pale skin.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               How is everything coming along,
               Commander?

     The SECURITY COMMANDER salutes Linus.

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
               Sir, so far so good. No sign of
               unusual activity in or outside the
               walls. There was a small leak in
               the acid containment area, but
               maintenance patched it right away.
               Medical has been a little...

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Any sign of Armada presence?

     The SECURITY COMMANDER pauses. Shocked by the disruption.

     Linus has no patience for small talk.

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
               No Sir. There’s been nothing on the
               monitor for three...

     Before the Commander can get another word in, Linus cuts him
     off.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Keep looking.

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
               Yes Sir.

     Linus makes his way towards the door frustrated and
     disappointed. A WOMAN in communications calls the Security
     Commander over.

                          WOMAN (O.S.)
               Commander, Sir!

     The Commander rushes down the steps to the Woman sitting
     against the wall. Linus anxiously behind him.

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
               What’s the situation?

                          WOMAN
               We’ve received a radio
               transmission.

     She catches sight of Linus in all his beauty. His sea blue
     eyes stun her. She presses the button near her microphone.

     There is some STATIC.

                          WOMAN (CONT’D)
               Repeat soldier.

                          CAPTAIN #1 (O.S.)
               We’ve picked up movement 15 meters
               just beyond the brush.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Is it them?

     The woman takes note of Linus’ desperation and excitement.

     He starts tapping his foot.

                          WOMAN
                    (into the radio)
               Do you have a visual?


     EXT. FOREST

     CAPTAIN #1 slowly creeps forward, resting his assault rifle
     on his shoulder. He steadies his breathing.

     Staying close to the trees, he signals another, a few feet to
     his right to move forward. Before him stands two exhausted
     HUNTERS preparing to carry off a dead brown bear in the small
     ravine below, tying ropes around its arms.

                          CAPTAIN #1
                    (into radio on his
                     shoulder)
               Two hostiles spotted in the ravine.
               Anyone else have a visual?

                          FEMALE CAPTAIN #1 (O.S.)
               No sightings.

                          CAPTAIN #2 (O.S.)
               We got nothing down here, near the
               Dead Lands.


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD- SECURITY ROOM

     Linus crosses his arms. He starts gnawing on his thumbnail.

     The suspense builds in his chest.

                          CAPTAIN #1 (O.S.)
               Unit one is in position for
               takeover. Awaiting command from
               Mother Bird.

     The Security Commander looks to Linus who, with no hesitation
     nods.

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
               Command is giving. Take them down
               and return to the nest, Foxhound.


     EXT. FOREST

     Captain #1 looks to his left and gives a quick signal of the
     hand. They begin to open fire on the Hunters.

     Two more hunters appear from the trees startled by the SHOTS.
     The Hunters fire back with their arrows but aren’t fast
     enough. The firing doesn’t last long. Captain #1 rises and
     staggers down the ravine calling out to his men.

                          CAPTAIN #1
               All clear! Everyone good?

     One of the soldiers stands from his crouched position near a
     bush.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1
               Yes, Sir!

                          CAPTAIN #1
               Then get down here.

     Captain #1 hesitantly checks the necks of the two bodies by
     the bear, neither moving. The bear’s mouth wide open, it’s
     teeth like razors. Its eyes staring through his soul.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1 (O.S.)
               Sir!

     Captain #1 gets to his feet as two of his men carry down an
     injured man, MOANING in pain. An arrow stuck in his stomach.

     Captain #1 checks the wound.

                          CAPTAIN #1
               It’s deep, but not fatal. Give me
               some bandages.

     Captain #1 pulls out his knife and takes hold of the injured
     man’s shirt. They hear faint MOANING.

     Captain #1 looks back at the Hunter lying against a rock and
     makes his way over to him. His body leaks blood as he
     struggles to crawl away. Captain #1 blocks his path and for a
     brief moment, takes in the Hunter’s agony.

                          CAPTAIN #1 (CONT’D)
               Sorry, but your people started
               this.

     Captain #1 removes a handgun from his side holster, a beat.

     Before it can go off, the wounded soldier lets out a heavy
     GRUNT as an arrow pierces the center of his back, going right
     through his chest. He dies almost instantly. The two men drop
     him. Frightened they focus their aim on the trees at the top
     of the ravine, SHOOTING wildly.

                          CAPTAIN #1 (CONT’D)
               Take cover!

     Captain #1 ducks behind a tree as one of the men use the dead
     bear as cover in a panic. The other two hide behind a large
     rock just in time for an arrow to hit the ground, narrowly
     missing their feet. The soldiers fire back.

                          CAPTAIN #1 (CONT’D)
               Anyone with eyes on?


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING HEAD- SECURITY ROOM

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
                    (to woman)
               What’s going on?

                          WOMAN
                    (surprised)
               Th-they’re taking fire. Unit one
               respond... This is Mother Bird,
               respond.

                          CAPTAIN #1 (O.S.)
                    (in radio)
               We’re taking fire from high ground.
               No eyes on the enemy yet.

     Linus injects himself into the exchange. His voice deep and
     his hand twitching.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Send units their way. Kill every
               last one of those savages!

     The Security Commander says nothing seeing the bloodlust in
     his eyes, but nods to the Woman instead.

                          WOMAN
               Units two and three come in. This
               is Mother Bird do you read.

                          FEMALE CAPTAIN #1 (O.S.)
               Loud and clear Mother Bird.

                          WOMAN
               Unit one is taking fire, with no
               visual on the enemy.

                          CAPTAIN #2 (O.S.)
                    (concerned)
               Roger that. The Ravens are headed
               their way.

                          FEMALE CAPTAIN #1 (O.S.)
                    (excited)
               Crane copies. Heading out.

     Linus paces back and forth with fists clenched so tight, a
     trickle of blood seeps through his fingers.


     EXT. FOREST

     One of the men behind the rock stops firing, he has a plan.

                          REYES #3
                    (to the man by the bear)
               Try to draw their fire. We’ll head
               around.

     The man behind the bear nods as he fires in the trees and
     sprints toward a knocked over tree near him. The other two
     men break around the trees and head up the ravine. Captain #1
     empties his clip and takes cover behind the tree to reload.
     Shaking from the adrenaline, he turns back to fire but
     notices the injured Hunter’s body is gone. He looks around in
     confusion, but sees nothing. Suddenly he is struck on the
     side of the head and blacks out.

     The arrows stop. The man by the rock sees and hears nothing.

     The man slowly peaks up the ravine at the trees.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1
                    (into his radio,
                     terrified)
               Are they down? Reyes, Flender you
               copy?

     Male Soldier #1 cautiously gets to his feet, still with his
     aim on the trees. With his legs shaking, the soldier slowly
     makes his way up the ravine. As he gets to the top one of the
     soldiers appear before him, both pull their weapons on each
     other out of fear.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1 (CONT’D)
                    (lowering gun, relieved)
               Reyes?! Where’s Flender?

                          REYES
                    (breathing heavy)
               I don’t know. We were together one
               second then he was just gone. We
               chased... whatever that was to a
               hill, but they just vanished. He
               was too fast. When I turned around
               Flender was gone too. Where’s the
               Captain?

     A beat as both men realize they haven’t heard from their
     Captain. They quickly head back down the ravine calling out
     for their Captain and FLENDER. REYES spots a leg sticking out
     behind a tree and dashes over in a panic.

                          REYES (CONT’D)
               Captain!?

     The soldiers run over to a bloody severed leg and an eye stuck
     to the tree with a knife.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1
               Oh my God!

     Disgusted, Male Soldier #1 gags as he staggers back into a
     rope hidden in the leaves on the ground, tightening around
     his leg and pulling him off across the forest floor.

     Reyes follows after as fast as he can while his comrade
     screams in terror, but he isn’t fast enough. The soldier’s
     screams become faint as Reyes loses sight of him and trips in
     the mud, losing grip of his pistol.

     Reyes frantically jumps to his feet. As he reaches for his
     gun a YOUNG HUNTER, 26, covered from head to toe in all black
     torn rags slides across the forest floor kicking it away.
     Crouched to the ground like a beast, he stares Reyes down.
     The Young Hunter’s face is covered by a black hood and scarf
     around his mouth and nose, but the hatred in his hazel eyes
     are clear as day.

                          REYES
               You really wanna do this kid?
               Alright, come on.

     A beat as Reyes cautiously puts a hand on the assault rifle
     hanging across his back. He tries to shoot, but the Young
     Hunter grabs the gun and cuts the strap from Reyes’ body,
     tossing it aside. The young Hunter knocks Reyes down with a
     swift kick to the chest. Reyes pulls his own knife and the
     two dance around the forest floor with their blades.

     The Young Hunter flawlessly disarms Reyes, putting him in a
     headlock between his lean, muscular arms. Reyes struggles to
     get free, but it’s no use. He knows this is it.

                          REYES (CONT’D)
                    (chuckles)
               Go to hell.

     The Young Hunter snaps Reyes’ neck with no effort and sprints
     off into the forest.


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING HEAD - SECURITY ROOM

     Linus breathes heavily, brushing his brown hair back from his
     face. He starts to sweat from all the tension.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Where are they?

                          WOMAN
               I don’t know Sir.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Find out!

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
               Viceroy...

     Linus begins to pace the floor again, his face burning red.

     The Security Commander is nervous. Linus’ short temper is
     nothing to play about.

                          SECURITY COMMANDER (CONT’D)
               We will find them, Sir.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               When? Today? Tomorrow? Another
               three days from now?! I want them
               all dead! I want their leaders
               heads as a chandelier in my
               bedroom! Now!

     Linus leans into the Security Commander. The hairs on the
     back of his neck stand, but he hides his fear.

                          LINUS HAYTER (CONT’D)
                    (whispering)
               Or I’ll have yours.

     The Security Commander lets out a deep breath of relief as
     Linus storms out.


     EXT. FOREST

     Flender shakes violently, trying to free himself from the
     ropes that bind him to a tree. A giant dark-skinned Hunter
     dressed in the hide of a mountain lion, calmly stands before
     him pacing back and forth, half his face painted a deep red.

     The lion’s head resting over his right shoulder pad. Two more
     Hunters stand behind him almost as statues.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1
               Either kill us or let us go.

     Male Soldier #1, scared and frustrated gets to his feet. His
     foot still bound by the rope wrapped around another tree. He
     hops forward, bleeding from his head.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1 (CONT’D)
               I said let us go!

                          YOUNG HUNTER (O.S.)
               Gligo. (No)

     Male soldier #1 looks at their weapons laid against a tree,
     then toward the frightened Flender who slightly shakes his
     head. A warning that Soldier #1 takes to heart.

     The Giant Hunter quickly turns and kneels before the Young
     Hunter covered in mud and leaves, approaching from behind
     Flender as silent as the spider creeping across his feet.

     His face with black paint around his left eye, as if he’d
     been clawed in the face.

                          MALE SOLDIER #1
                    (drained, to young hunter)
               If you won't let us go, then kill us
               already. Were not telling you
               anything!

     The Young Hunter needs no invitation.

                          YOUNG HUNTER
               Alta, blegado. (Stand, Alta)

     ALTA, 56, rises, his long black hair dangles behind his back
     he shows no emotion to the Young Man.

                          ALTA
               Brinka volda cho en gresa don
               zestos? (What would you like done with these two)

                          YOUNG HUNTER
               Sinco kosca zestos. Cho salga ven
               andro anda. (I'll take care of these two. You take the food back)

     The Young Hunter takes the sword from his back. Both soldiers
     frantically struggle to get free. Alta nods to the Young
     Hunter and takes his leave with the other two giants.

     The Young Hunter approaches the standing male soldier slowly.

                          YOUNG HUNTER (CONT’D)
               You say you won't talk...

     The Young Hunter runs his fingers across the blade, locking
     eyes with the soldier...

                          YOUNG HUNTER (CONT’D)
               But I am a very persuasive man.


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD - COUNCIL ROOM

     Linus storms through the double doors of the oval room where
     four men and two women in suits are having a casual meeting
     around a large round glass table.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Richard!

     The conversation is put to a halt, everyone in shock. The
     elderly man at the head of the table motions a pale hand
     toward the chair beside him.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Viceroy Hayter, please join us. We
               were just discussing the best
               course of action in distributing
               funds for Doctor Cali’s research.

     The long-haired Latina woman, Doctor CALI THRONDRESS, 27,
     smiles and nods. Linus briskly walks down the two steps and
     slams his hands on the table.

                          LINUS HAYTER
                    (leaning into Richard)
               I need approval.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Linus...?

                          LINUS HAYTER
               We found four of them in the...

     The silver-haired CHAIRMAN CLIFF RICHARD, 72, bangs the table
     with his fist to shut Linus up.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Linus!

     Linus stands, taking a deep breath and calms down while
     straightening his blazer. He glances around the table at the
     startled faces. Richard easily switches back to the collected
     man that started the meeting.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
                    (smiling)
               If you all will excuse us.

     The men and women leave the room as Linus takes a seat,
     crossing his legs and stroking his chin while trying to keep
     calm.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               Linus...

                          LINUS HAYTER
               I need approval to start the
               eradication.

     Chairman Richard sighs, clasping his hands together. Annoyed
     by Linus’ demands of murder.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Linus I told you...

                          LINUS HAYTER
                    (leans forward)
               Listen to me. We found four of them
               in the forest. Our men attacked,
               took some out, but we lost contact
               with the first unit.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               You did what?

                          LINUS HAYTER
               When the other units got there,
               they were gone. They have to be
               hiding close by to disappear that
               fast. Now is the time to act.

     Chairman Richard stands and walks around the table. With his
     head down and hands clasped together behind his back, he
     contemplates what course of actions he should take.

                          LINUS HAYTER (CONT’D)
               Let me send my army.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Linus...

     Linus moves around the table and stands face to face with
     Chairman Richard.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               That’s what they were made for. To
               wipe them off the face of this
               planet once and for all.

     Chairman Richard tries to step around Linus, but Linus places
     his hands on his shoulders pleading.

                          LINUS HAYTER (CONT’D)
               Richard...

     Chairman Richard grabs Linus’ wrist and glares at him,
     offended by Linus’ disrespect. Richard quickly turns to
     anger.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               I’ve told you a thousand times.

     Chairman Richard forces Linus back with a tight grip of his
     wrist as he talks. He is not the leader of his people just
     for show. Linus’s face burns red.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               I will not waste my people’s lives
               on those beasts. That army is not
               for you to play with! They are our
               only hope, our only force against
               an assault from the Titans.

     Linus immediately regrets touching Richard, but can’t get
     free from Richard’s grip. He tries to persuade the old man

                          LINUS HAYTER
               The Titans haven’t appeared in over
               almost forty years. The Armada...

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Linus I will not allow you to start
               another war! There has been enough
               bloodshed on both sides.

     Chairman Richard lets go of Linus, who jerks his hands away.

     Linus flexes his fingers, holding his hand close to his
     chest. Linus speaks softly, almost whispering.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               They live to kill. We lost our
               families. They willingly sacrifice
               their warriors to keep us behind
               these walls. We lose ten for every
               one of them.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
                    (shouts)
               I’ve heard enough!

     A beat, as the phone on the table rings. Chairman Richard
     walks over and answers it.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
                    (looks to Linus)
               I understand. Viceroy Hayter will
               be there shortly.

     Chairman Richard hangs up and steps toward Linus.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               You will go into the training field
               and speak to the new recruits.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Richard...

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               You will then meet Major Collens at
               the East Gate to give instructions
               to the gathering team and we...
               will not have this conversation
               again. That is an order.

     Linus fixes his lips to speak, but Richard’s deathly stare
     stops any attempt to talk back. Linus reluctantly walks out
     mumbling to himself trying to contain his rage...

                          LINUS HAYTER
               No, we won't.


     EXT. AMADEUS CAMP

     The Young Hunter meets up with Alta just as he and the other
     two Hunters approach the wooden gate of their camp, dragging
     the bear and the wounded over stretchers. Alta stops just
     outside the gate, between the rustling trees.

                          ALTA
                    (to the young hunter)
               Cho fres ka anda. (You made it back)

     Alta takes note of the blood-drenched clothes. The blood of
     his enemies drip from his bare arms.

                          YOUNG HUNTER
               How are they?

     Alta looks at the Young Hunter who slows down to check the
     men on the ground, removing the scarf and hood from his
     smooth tan skin. His short curly black hair drops just over
     his forehead and ears.

                          ALTA
               Three were dead when we arrived.
               They stood no chance. Only the one
               lives.

     A single hunter lays lifelessly on the stretcher. His blood
     draining from his body.

                          YOUNG HUNTER
                    (to the two Hunters)
               Take him to the healers.

     The Young Hunter turns to walk away.

                          ALTA
               Artemis.

     The Young Hunter stops but does not turn around.

                          ALTA (CONT’D)
               You did well.

     ARTEMIS REYGO, 26, walks through the gate with clenched fist
     and a scowl on his face. Alta is concerned for him.

                          ALTA (CONT’D)
               Where will you go, Artemis?

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
            Amadeus so va. (To see Amadeus)


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP

     As Artemis enters the camp he spots

     A SERIES OF SHOTS

     Young boys practicing with wooden swords and spears,
     pretending to fight off enemies. Not a single one laughs or
     smiles.

     A small group of little girls are carrying baskets of flowers
     and berries into a small hut.

     Two hunters carry a deer across Artemis’ path. A chicken runs
     between them with two small boys chasing after it.

     Artemis walks into the largest wooden hut in the center of
     the camp. Two giants stand outside the doorway. They nod at
     Artemis as he enters.


     INT. AMADEUS HUT

     Artemis approaches the large brown man in the center of the
     room, sitting on a round stone chair sharpening his machete
     with a stone. The bulky man takes a drink out of the canteen
     of water from the floor. Artemis takes a knee, and bowing his
     head, he places his right fist over his heart.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Overseer Amadeus.

     AMADEUS, 61, lays the machete on the floor and lays the sword
     that was leaning beside him across his lap and begins to
     sharpen it. Never looking at Artemis.

                          AMADEUS
               Artemis ingra vosh. (Welcome home Artemis)

     Artemis’ voice is deep.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Ven cruzanda lenda fenlo (The hunters have returned)

     Amadeus stops sharpening his blade, his face is blank until
     he looks toward Artemis. For a brief moment, he allows himself
     to show a type of concern that he could never show his
     people, like a father would a son he hasn’t seen in years. He
     collects himself before he speaks.

                          AMADEUS
               Blegado. (Stand)

     Amadeus approaches Artemis, his neck stares him down.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Did I not order you to stay in
               camp?

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Yes, my Overseer.

                          AMADEUS
               Then why did you leave?

     Amadeus paces around Artemis, who keeps his head and
     shoulders high, trying to hide his shaking hands.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               To watch over our people.

                          AMADEUS
               Is that not the duty of mine, the
               leader of the Armada?

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Yes, Overseer Amadeus.

                          AMADEUS
               So then why did you leave?

     Amadeus stops in front of Artemis, again forcing him to
     behold the muscle under his head. Artemis’ hands stops
     shaking. His breaths are steady. His stare is focused on
     Amadeus’ eyes.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Because our people are being
               murdered.

     Amadeus makes his way back over to his seat. For a brief
     moment, Artemis allows himself to look at the ceiling of the
     hut. A colorful painting of a hawk, soaring over a field of
     white roses covers the entire tarp on the ceiling. Two small
     children, a boy, and a girl sit under it, their heads
     unfinished, but Artemis knows the picture all too well. A
     memory from his past. He swallows hard.

                          AMADEUS
               I understand your passion to
               eliminate our enemies in honor of
               your father, but if we attack they
               will find our home. Our people will
               be wiped out. We can not risk the
               many for a few stray lambs in the face of great storms.

     Artemis clenches his fist and lets out a deep breath. He
     tries to control the flood of anger that washes across his
     face.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Our people are already being wiped
               out.

                          AMADEUS
               And you believe it is the doing of
               the Arcadians.

     Artemis goes and kneels at Amadeus’s feet, placing one hand
     on Amadeus’ knee. He speaks low.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Uncle, the four that went out were
               attacked by Arcadian warriors...

                          AMADEUS
               How can you be sure of this?

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               I saw them. I fought them.

     Amadeus fills his chest with air but keeps his cool. His
     steely eyes meet Artemis’.

                          AMADEUS
               You endangered our home.

     Amadeus rises to his feet, narrowing his eyes. Artemis stands
     with no fear or regret for his actions.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               I saved our family. The hunters
               were just outside of camp in the
               ravine. If I had let them live,
               they would’ve continued on their
               path and ended here.

                          AMADEUS
               Even so...

     Amadeus steps past Artemis and into the doorway of the hut,
     pulling back the tarp.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Look at our people Artemis.
               Every day we wake, we risk our
               lives. They know this.


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP

     Amadeus and Artemis walk through the camp. Amadeus steps echo
     from the many blades he carries on his waist and back.

                          AMADEUS
               Each man, woman, and child that
               passes those gates is at the mercy
               of the hands of death. War has long
               passed and yet many clans still
               hold hatred toward our people.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Our people shouldn’t have to live
               so cautiously. Our children should
               be able to run free. Even our young
               daughters and sisters prepare for
               war.

     Artemis glances to his left at the young, petite woman in a
     long sky blue dress coming out of a large hut with Alta. Her
     long veil holding her ponytail back from her tanned face.

     She catches sight of Artemis. As they talk and heads back
     inside, while Alta heads off toward a group of young men
     practicing making bows. Artemis continues on behind Amadeus.

                          AMADEUS
               No...

     Amadeus and Artemis stop at the camp gate.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Our daughters and sisters prepare
               to live. We step outside these
               walls so they never have to. We
               teach them to fight so when we are
               gone they can carry our next
               generation into the next world you and
               your father fight so heavily for.
               Our enemies will never stop hunting
               us, but that does not mean we have
               to give up everything to chase
               them. The few lives lost today,
               give the living a chance to grow
               stronger.

     Amadeus places his hands on Artemis’ shoulders. Artemis looks
     away from him. Angered by the mention of his father.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Meso trounda erba odier de craska
               trivas. (Our people are tired of losing
               lives) Freedom. That’s what
               Kronticous fought for... died for.
               He knew they would not stop. They
               are coming for us.

     Artemis walks off. A beat, as Amadeus watches him, before
     heading over to the hunters at the walls of the gate.


     INT. HEALING HUT - AFTERNOON

     Artemis walks into a hut with beds lined on each side of the
     walls around him with tarps hanging around everyone.

     Several people walk around replacing bandages and nursing the
     wounds of the moaning hunters. Artemis spots the hunter
     brought back to camp by Alta and makes his way over to him
     just in time for the beautiful young woman in the sky blue
     dress to cover him with a sheet. Artemis pauses with a sadden
     face.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
                    (voice low)
               When did he pass?

     The woman looks back at Artemis and sighs. Her hazel eyes
     avoid his.

                          BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
               Are you hurt?

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               No.

                          BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
               Then why are you bleeding?

     The woman reaches for Artemis’ cheek, but he stops her,
     gently lowering her hand. Her concern for him is deep. He
     speaks to her with a soft, caring tone.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Selene. (I'm fine Selene)

     SELENE REYGO, 19, hugs Artemis tightly, whispering gently
     over his shoulder.

                          SELENE REYGO
               I wish you’d stop disappearing.

     Artemis places his hands on Selene’s shoulder, pushing her
     away.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               I have to be out there.

                          SELENE REYGO
               No, you don’t.

     Artemis looks past Selene at the motionless body.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Falo sin gre. (Yes I do)

      INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - UPPER LEFT WING -
     BARRACKS HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

     In the cold steel hallway stands COMMANDER CHASE MAYS, 35,
     against the wall, watching the other soldiers come and go in
     his white tank and black cargo pants. He brushes his short
     blond hair back over his head while putting a cigarette in
     his mouth. His muscles pulsing through his shirt.

                          LINUS HAYTER (O.S.)
               There’s no smoking in the halls,
               Commander.

     Linus stops short of Commander Chase. Chase removes the
     cigarette and walks down the hall with Linus beside him
     speaking quietly, keeping an eye on everyone around them.

     They speak low.

                          LINUS HAYTER (CONT’D)
               Did you hear back from the scouts
               we sent?

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               Yeah. They found some of the body
               parts of the first unit hung up on
               trees.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               What?

     The Commander stops and waits for the hall to clear. Nodding
     at passing soldiers. They continue on.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               All soldiers were accounted for.
               Their gear was missing and their
               hearts were removed...


     EXT. FOREST - DAY

     Two trees drip blood as the limbs of five soldiers dangle in
     the fall breeze. Between the trees, the five heads sit in a
     circle facing each other on a giant rock just a few feet from
     the mouth of the waterfall. The blood from the heads paint
     the rock red. The gentle breeze blows the leaves across the
     ground. Each face shows the fear and agony the soldiers felt
     upon their deaths.

                          COMMANDER CHASE (V.O.)
               Placed in their mouths.

      INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - UPPER LEFT WING -
     BARRACKS - COMMANDER CHASE’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON

     Commander Chase holds the door open for Linus who takes a seat in front
     of the desk and crosses his legs.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               We didn’t catch any of them?

     Chase sits behind the desk and rests his arms on the table.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               We didn’t catch them there, but...

     Linus takes a deep breath and tilts his head to the side as
     his temper starts to flare.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Don’t play games with me, Mays.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               Based on the lack of blood at the
               site and all the injuries
               sustained, They were placed near
               the waterfall for a reason.

     The confusion on Linus’ face shows.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               And we believe that is what,
               exactly?

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               To throw us off. I sent a unit of
               trackers out. A team of two.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               They’ll need back up, in case...

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               It’s too risky to send out a large
               task force. Richard made it very
               clear he doesn’t want anyone going
               out there. He doesn’t want a war.

     Linus scoffs and begins biting his thumb.

                          COMMANDER CHASE (CONT’D)
               Who can blame him being so
               cautious. Think about it. You kill
               someone and string em up like that,
               you’re trying to send a message...
               But going out of the way to stage
               the bodies somewhere else, also
               sends a message.

     Linus slowly rises from the chair, grinning. He realizes
     instantly what it means. His heart races from the
     satisfaction.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               We finally have the last of them.


     EXT. AMADEUS CAMP - NIGHT

     Selene sits just outside the gate inhaling the intoxicating
     aroma of the white roses. Her ponytail over her shoulder,
     allowing the full moon to illuminate the violent streaks in
     her black hair. Her skin glows like the stars in the sky.

     Alta approaches from behind. Her moment of bliss cut short.

                          ALTA
               Lady Selene, Artemis searches for
               you.

     Back from her fantasy, Selene doesn’t move.

                          SELENE REYGO
               They’re beautiful. Full of
               innocence and life.

     Alta looks to the stars as he recalls a more peaceful time,
     nodding.

                          ALTA
               Like you.

     Selene picks one of the roses and stands, brushing the dirt
     from her dress.

                          ALTA (CONT’D)
               Its dangerous at night. Come back
               inside.

                          SELENE REYGO
                    (scoffs, staring at the
                     flower)
               It is dangerous everywhere. That’s
               why Artemis fights isn’t it.

     Her sarcasm obvious.

                          ALTA
               He fights for the same reason your
               father did...

     Alta places a gentle hand on Selene’s shoulder.

                          ALTA (CONT’D)
               They fight for peace.

     Selene and Alta head back into camp.

                          SELENE REYGO
                    (smiles, shaking her head)
               Artemis fights for love.

     Alta pauses and looks back into the black forest, squinting
     his eyes at the darkness. A cautious hand reaches for the
     dagger on his waist. He knows something is lurking. A rabbit
     runs out from behind a bush and stares at Alta before running
     off. Alta exhales and heads back inside, keeping his hand on
     the blade.


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP

     Artemis makes his way hastily towards Selene and Alta with
     his dagger in hand. His face full of anger.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Where were you?

                          SELENE REYGO
               Calm down, brother.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Selene...

                          ALTA
               She was just at the gate, sitting
               by the roses.

     Artemis sighs and paces around in front of her, frustrated.

     He is unsteady, breathing heavily before them.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Selene I told you...

                          SELENE REYGO
               Artemis...

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               It is dangerous out there! Our people
               are being hunted, don’t you
               understand that? Or do you want to
               die?

     Selene smiles, trying to brush off his concern.

                          SELENE REYGO
               Artemis you can’t truly expect me
               to spend my days hidden behind
               these walls.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Yes, I do! Our mother died to give
               you life! Degrada died so you could
               live not...

                          ALTA
               Artemis!

     Alta grabs Artemis’ arm and pulls him back from Selene.

     Selene twirls the rose in her hand, avoiding her brother’s
     glare. Artemis puts his knife away and pulls Selene close,
     pressing his nose to her forehead.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
                    (whispering)
               I can’t lose you too. I won't.

     Artemis’ holds back the water in his eyes.

                          SELENE REYGO
               I’m not going anywhere Artemis. I
               promise.

     Selene quickly kisses her brother’s cheek and walks away
     toward the campfire, wiping a single tear from her eye.

                          ALTA
               You will have to let her go
               eventually.

     Artemis looks over at the uneasy horses tied down. The
     farmers try to calm them.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Not tonight, I won't.

     As Artemis heads toward the fire. He is stopped by commotion at the front gate. A
     wounded Hunter staggers through holding his bloody stomach.

     Artemis places a hand on the sword on his back as he
     cautiously heads over.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Alta.

     The guards at the gate quickly catch the Hunter as he falls.

     A single SHOT rings out as one of the guards fall, a beat.

     Alta turns around and YELLS to the people as Artemis rushes
     the gate.

                          ALTA
               We’re under attack!

     Everyone scatters in panic grabbing any weapons they can
     find. Selene, hastily, starts directing children inside their
     homes. An EXPLOSION shakes the ground, stopping Artemis in
     his tracks as one of the walls is blown away.

     Artemis peers through the flames and smoke and his confusion
     quickly turns to rage.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Arcadians...
                                                                                      PILOT END

     INT. AMADEUS CAMP - NIGHT

     An EXPLOSION shakes the ground. It blows away part of the
     camp’s wall. Artemis peers through the flames and smoke. His
     confusion quickly turns to rage.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Arcadians...

     Artemis charges the soldiers storming through the smoke with
     masks. Alta and others take the ones at the front gate.

     Bullets fly everywhere. Armadanites fire back with spears and
     arrows.

     Artemis makes quick work of two soldiers with his sword. He
     stabs the first through the chest, ramming him into the
     second piercing both their hearts.

     Alta and the other Hunters are easily out numbered five to
     one. Some soldiers break through the front gate firing
     indiscriminately. One of the soldiers throws a grenade as
     Alta thrusts his hook shaped dagger up his spine.

                          ALTA
                    (yelling)
               Artemis!

     The grenade lands a few feet from Artemis. He spots it and
     runs for cover. Artemis is sent flying from the blast.


     INT. HEALING HUT

     Selene runs through the tarp, frantically looking around at
     all the injured brought in. Her face stained with dirt and
     tears. One of the medics, a pale skinned
     dwarf man covered in blood, runs up to Selene in a panic.

                          TROY
               Selene! Selene!

     Selene snaps out of her trance and takes note of the
     blood trickling down TROY’S, 32, head and tries to cover the
     wound with her shaking hands.

                          SELENE REYGO
               Troy, you’re hurt.

     Troy pushes Selene’s hand away. As he speaks, he stops two
     farmers carrying a dead man.

                          TROY
               I’m fine. Hey! Lay him there.
               We need these beds for the living!

                          SELENE REYGO
               Troy let me help you.

                          TROY
               After we help our people. That’s
               how we survive this, by making sure
               they can fight. Come.

     Troy heads over to a boy screaming and kicking the one leg he
     has left as his mother tries to calm him. Selene takes a deep
     breath. She looks back at the entry way where people are
     cramming through. She cries silently.

                          SELENE REYGO
               Don’t die yanda. Please.


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP

     Artemis starts to regain consciousness. With ears ringing, he
     pushes a soldier’s body off and rolls over on his stomach.
     Across from him one of the horses falls from the shooting.
     Bodies fall all around him. A little girl runs in front of
     Artemis screaming as a soldier chases her.

     Artemis forces himself to his feet. He tackles the soldier
     down just as he grabs at the girl’s dress, ripping her
     sleeve. Blinded by rage and the blood from drippin from his
     forehead, Artemis beats the soldier to death.

                          AMADEUS (O.S.)
               Artemis! Artemis! Artemis!

     Amadeus slams Artemis to the ground.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               He’s dead Artemis!

     Artemis looks at the soldier and around at the chaos. He
     tries to get up, but Amadeus holds him down.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Artemis listen to me!

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Get off!

                          AMADEUS
               Artemis!

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Our people need help!

                          AMADEUS
               And we will help them, but blind
               fury will get you killed!

     A beat. Artemis realizes that although he may have saved a
     little girl she was staring at him with eyes full of fear and
     uncertainty. Amadeus stands and takes both blades from his
     back. He drops one beside Artemis.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Our children are our lifeblood. Get
               her to safety. Then you come for
               blood.

     Artemis takes a moment to collect himself and for a brief
     moment he catches a glimpse of a shooting star while laying
     on his back. Again Artemis forces himself up and crawls
     towards the frightened girl who backs away, crying.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               It’s okay. It’s okay. I’ll take you
               from here. Come.

     Artemis picks up the blade and holds his hand out. The girl
     hesitates before taking it. Artemis picks up the girl and
     runs toward the healing hut, slicing down soldiers on the
     way.


     INT. HEALING HUT

     Troy frantically scurries around the hut gathering bandages
     and herbs, giving directions to everyone. He rushes over to a
     women in a burned blue dress, screaming as she tosses and
     turns on the bed. Other medics try to hold the woman down.

     Troy tries to examine her burns and gun shot wounds.

                          TROY
               Hold her still!

     Troy cover the woman’s bleeding chest. A soldier
     runs through the tarp. Everyone freezes, including the
     soldier. The soldier readies his pistol. He is snatched out
     the doorway. The room is near silent besides the moans of the
     wounded. The people still able to fight quickly grab anything
     they can use as weapons and slowly close in on
     the entrance.

     Artemis plows through the tarp, carrying the little girl in
     his arms. Everyone is relieved, but only in that instant as
     they quickly get back to work.

                          TROY (CONT’D)
               Artemis!

     Troy rushes over to Artemis and immediately questions the
     little girl as Artemis sets her down. Troy looks over the
     girl. Artemis scans the room. He catches eye of the woman in
     the burned blue dress lifeless on the bed. Her head turned
     away. The medics clear away from the woman, covering her with
     a sheet.

     Artemis approaches the still corpse. The world around him
     dies out. Artemis stands beside the bed, suffocating.

     Everything seems to move around him in a slow motion
     nightmare. A shaking and hesitant hand touches the blanket.

     He swallows hard.

                          TROY (O.S.) (CONT’D)
               Artemis...

     Artemis looks away with closed eyes and gently slides down
     the sheet.

                          TROY (O.S.) (CONT’D)
               Artemis... Artemis!

     Troy pulls Artemis back before he has a chance to look.

                          TROY (CONT’D)
               Artemis, it’s not her...

     Artemis turns his head. His face still full of fear and
     uncertainty. A breath of relief slips through his lips. It’s
     not his sister...

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Where’s Selene? Why isn’t she here
               helping with the wounded?

     Troy contemplates the possibilities as he answers.

                          TROY
               She left. Said she we didn’t need
               her here.

     Artemis’ face turns pale. His stomach churns.

                          TROY (CONT’D)
               She worries for the rest of the
               children.

     Artemis sprints out of the hut in a panic, his heart racing.


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP

     Artemis’ eyes search the burning camp. He doesn’t find
     Selene. He makes his way toward Amadeus’ hut and checks
     inside. She’s not there either. The bodies of five soldiers
     lay in a pool of blood in the center of the hut, with their
     heads on the table. Artemis storms out.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
                    (panicked)
               Where are you?

     In the distance Artemis sees a woman in a sky blue dress
     being shot at. She rushes children into another hut.

     The soldiers make their way into the entrance. Selene shoves
     a chair through, Forcing the soldiers back. She knocks one to
     the ground.

     She swings at the other with a knife, but misses. The soldier
     pushes her down with his rifle. A beat. The soldier raises
     his gun toward Selene. She sees Artemis running over from
     across camp.

     Artemis jumps over a burning wagon. He pulls two daggers from
     behind his back and lands on the soldier, driving the blades
     through his chest. Artemis reaches for Selene as she
     runs back into the hut after the other soldiers.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Selene!

                          SELENE REYGO
                    (in tears)
               There are children inside!

     Artemis pauses for a split second, then pulls his sword and
     runs in. Selene follows close behind, taking the rife from the
     soldier's body.


     INT. HUT

     Two small children cower in a corner. A teenage boy tries to
     fight off one soldier. The other lay lifelessly on the
     ground. A knife in his neck. The boy is overpowered. Slammed
     to the ground. The soldier chokes him.

     The third soldier catches his breath. He gets to his feet.

     He pulls a pistol on the two crying children.

     Artemis spears soldier three in the head with his sword. He
     throws soldier one off the boy. They wrestle. Selene helps
     the boy up. She aims the gun at the soldier. She can’t get a
     shot without hitting Artemis.

     Artemis slams soldier one down. He puts him in a head lock,
     choking his life away. Artemis drops the soldier. He looks at
     Selene. Both relieved to see the children and each other
     safe. The teenage boy holds his siblings tight as they cry.

     Artemis approaches Selene and takes her hand. He leans in.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               It wont be safe to stay here. Get
               them to the healing hut quickly. I
               will watch for you as you go.

     Selene nods. She turns to gather the children. Artemis pulls
     her close.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               When you get there, stay there.

     Selene says nothing. She squeezes the gun. She takes hold of
     the of the teenage boy’s shoulder

                          SELENE REYGO
               Come. I’ll get you somewhere safe.

     The boy picks up his brother. He pulls the knife from the soldier's throat.
     Selene carries his sister. They follow Artemis out.


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Go!

     Outside the hut Artemis heads toward a group of soldiers
     tying up woman and children. They toss the bodies of men in
     the campfire.

     Alta and Amadeus, along with several other hunters, clear out
     the soldiers from the gate. They spot the group by the fire.
     Alta runs over. Amadeus stops him.

                          AMADEUS
               Alta! Artemis can handle it. The
               rest of you, check the huts and the
               outer area of the camp. Leave no
               survivors!

     Alta pauses and watches Artemis.

     Artemis sneaks behind the prisoners and slits one soldiers
     throat. He disarms the other before she can use her gun or
     even scream. Artemis delivers a blow to her throat. He cuts
     his people free as she suffocates.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Get out of here. Go! Now!

     Artemis turns his rage on the soldiers at the fire. He cuts
     clean through soldier one’s leg with a sword near the body of
     a hunter. The others open fire.

     To close for comfort, soldier two tries to back away from
     Artemis. He pulls her close. He uses her as a shield to get
     close to two soldiers standing side by side. Artemis kicks
     the woman’s stomach and slices soldier three’s head clean
     off.

     Artemis takes soldier four’s arm and breaks it as he spins
     around him and delivers a kick that sends him into the fire.

     Artemis throws the sword into the neck of a soldier across
     the camp beating a young girl in the face. Using the full
     weight of his body, Artemis spins around and drops an elbow
     on the back neck a female soldier behind him, trying to crawl
     away.

     Only two left. Both have their guns locked on Artemis, but
     neither move.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Come!

     The female soldier drops her shotgun. She pleads for her
     life. She knows it’s over. Artemis ignores her. He slides
     across the ground fast. The male soldier can’t keep up. The
     man backs away. Artemis thrusts one of his daggers up into
     his heart and pushes him down.

     Artemis looks back to the woman. She goes for the shotgun.

     He flicks a knife, hidden in his pant leg, into the woman’s
     knee as she turns. Artemis kicks the blade deeper in. He
     stands before the kneeling woman with his dagger in hand,
     dripping blood. The woman reaches for a grenade on her belt.

     Artemis grabs her hand in time and kneels with her. Now eye
     to eye. He leans in...

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               You come for blood. I am here to
               spill it for you.

     Artemis forces his dagger into the soldier’s stomach and up
     into her chest. She tries to speak, but chokes on her own
     blood.

                          AMADEUS (O.S.)
               It is done.

     Artemis watches the soldier before him. She suffocates.

     Several bodies of soldiers lay about the fire. Amadeus stands
     beside Artemis.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               We need to check the outer areas.

     Artemis tries to leave. Amadeus stops him.

                          AMADEUS
               Alta is leading the groups.

     Artemis and Amadeus look around at

     1. The many bodies of soldiers and Amadanites lining the
     ground.

     2. People carry the dead from the Healing Hut and carry the
     injured inside.

     3. Some of the huts are completely destroyed from the blasts
     of the grenades. Others still burn.

     4. All of the horses, but one lay in a pool of blood. The
     one, Esscha has been shot in her hind leg.

     5. Hunters give direction to people to check the huts for
     injured people or soldiers in hiding.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Go to Selene. I’m sure they could
               use a hand with the wounded.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               I would better serve the scouts.

                          AMADEUS
               You want to save our people? Then
               make sure we have people to save.

     Artemis looks toward the ground, then back at the bodies
     being brought from the hut. Most of the young men he knows.

     He doesn’t want to see them.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Alta can handle whatever is out
               there. I will take charge here.

     Amadeus touches Artemis’ shoulder.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               Go to your sister, Artemis. Help
               her...

     Artemis slowly makes his way toward the gate, trying to hide
     his limp.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               ...or at least let her help you.

     Amadeus lowers his gaze to the blood seeping through Artemis’
     clothes. Artemis places a hand over the bullet wound in his
     side.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               I’m fine. Like you said, ’Our
               enemies will never stop hunting
               us’...

     Artemis straightens his posture and walks off.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Their safety is in your hands,
               Overseer de Armada...


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - UPPER LEFT WING - LINUS’


     OFFICE - NIGHT

     Linus sits at the glass desk in the center of the dimly lit
     room, signing papers. He looks over at the grand piano
     between the bookshelves in the corner. He stacks the papers
     in the center of the desk and makes his way over to the
     piano, leaving his blazer on the chair. His white shirt
     unbuttoned, revealing his bare chest. Linus takes a deep
     breath as he runs his hand across the piano keys.

     Commander Chase walks through the glass double doors in full
     uniform with a folder in hand. He salutes.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               Viceroy.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               How did it go?

     Linus sits.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               The Intel we received was accurate.
               We found their camp and sent in a
               small assault unit to measure the
               enemies defenses.

     Linus picks up the picture sitting on the piano seat.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Did we get most of their warriors?

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               Form the looks of it. Our scouts
               sent these...

     Commander Chase lays several pictures across the piano,
     before Linus.

                          COMMANDER CHASE (CONT’D)
               We believe this one is the camp
               leader.

     A picture of Amadeus speaking to a group of hunters.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               He still lives?

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               For now. None will survive the next
               attack. Our Generals are preparing
               as we speak.

     As Linus continues looking through the surveillance photos he
     notices a common factor.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               What about this one?

     Commander Chase looks at the photo as he flips through the
     folder in his hand.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               We have nothing on that one yet.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               He’s in every picture. Here.

     Linus gives Chase one of the photos.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               There’s a possibility he’s the
               second in command. Some kind of
               general or captain...

     Linus begins playing a classical song on the piano.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Find out before we hit again. If we
               kill the leader and he’s second in
               command, he may still lead them to
               fight back. They’ve already killed
               50 men.

     Commander Chase stares at the photo of Amadeus and Artemis
     standing side by side back in the folder. He looks at the
     picture of eight year old Linus and his parents on the piano.
     Commander Chase can feel the sadness in Linus’ soul through
     his music. He gives Linus his privacy.


     INT. HALLWAY

     Chase spots Chairman Richard heading straight for him. As
     they pass, Chase steps aside to salute Chairman Richard.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Commander Chase.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               Sir.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               You just saw my son?

     Chase stays silent, but nods. There is a sense of resentment
     in his his.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               How was he?

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               Calm. Peaceful, for the moment.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               He usually is when he’s playing
               that thing.

     Chase is quick to correct him. The attitude in his voice loud
     and clear.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               His mother’s piano.

     Chairman Richard stares Chase down with a devious smirk on
     his face.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Right. His mother’s piano.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
               If you’ll excuse me Sir, I need to
               get back to work.

     Chase continues on down the hall.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Before you do Commander... wont you
               mind debriefing me on the
               unauthorized attack on the Armada
               Clan?

     Chase pauses a moment, wondering how the Chairman found out
     about the attack.


     INT. LINUS’ OFFICE

     Chairman Richard steps into the office. Linus’ heart is
     plunged deep into the music.

     Richard paces around. He admires the bear rug in the center
     of the floor and the medals on the walls. The papers on the
     desk are neatly stacked. The large window behind the desk
     illuminates the office with the moons light. The flowers in
     the garden beneath the window dance in the night outside.

     The bookshelf is full of books on music, art, psychology, war
     strategies, and manipulation.

     Richard picks up the book, MIND CONTROL. The music stops.

                          LINUS HAYTER (O.S.)
               Is there something I can help you
               with Chairman Richard?

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               I just stopped by to check on you.

     Richard returns the book. He drops on the black leather couch
     against the wall across from Linus. He crosses his legs.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               You seemed very... agitated
               earlier.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               A unit of our people was killed
               today. If you cared for someone,
               you would be agitated to.

     Linus stares at the picture of his family on the piano. His
     face is drained from the tears.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Sounds like you think I don’t care
               about our people.

     Linus wipes his face on his sleeve before heading to his
     desk.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               You did nothing to avenge them.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               They wouldn’t need to be avenged if
               they were not outside our borders
               to begin with.

     Linus leans back in his chair, clearly offended by Richards
     comment. The fuse now lit yet again.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               You have been on a role as of late.
               Disobeying orders, performing
               unauthorized scouting missions, and
               now sending an assault force on the
               Armada Clan’s camp.

     Richard grins at the shock on Linus’ face.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               Did you forget who raised you?

                          LINUS HAYTER
               How?

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Not everyone you recruit agrees
               with your methods. Now, I have been
               over looking the scouting ops, but
               I draw the line at sending our
               people to get massacred.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               A sacrifice those men were willing
               to make for the greater good of
               Arcadia.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               Greater good?

     Richard mocks Linus in disgust.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Gathering Intel on our enemies
               battle strategy, their numbers, the
               base camp. The next attack will be
               sure to

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               There will be no next attack.

     Richard stands before Linus at his desk.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               I have over looked your obsession
               for far to long. I gave you the
               position of Viceroy for Hector’s
               sake. I promised your mother that I
               would keep you close, but that does
               not mean you are free to do as you
               please.

     Linus stands, resting his hands on the desk as he leans in.

     His arrogance bleeds through his voice, only to fall on deaf
     ears.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               I am in this position, because I
               earned it.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               The decision was mine to make.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               The people voted me in. The council
               endowed me with the title of
               Viceroy. The casualty count has
               dropped tremendously due to my
               efforts. My so called ’obsession’
               has made our people feel safer. It
               has kept the other clans in check.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               You were eligible for nomination
               only through my recommendation. It

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               is through me that you were able to
               continue living in your mother’s
               home. It is because of me that
               people listen to you. Do you really
               believe that so many of my people
               follow you? I am the Chairman here.
               I am the leader of these people. I
               am the one who taught you how to
               stand on your own two feet after
               your parents death. You were a
               disgraceful mess... and without me
               you will crumble beneath your own
               fears and hatred. You are nothing
               but a pathetic little boy who was
               handed the bronze medal for all
               your pain and suffering. Not so
               long as I breath this air, will you
               ever be first.

     Linus stands straight, staring down Richard. If only his eyes
     shot bullets... Richard remains unfazed by Linus’ huffing.
     Turning his back on Linus, Richard slowly makes his way
     toward the piano, his eyes focused only on the family photo.
     Richard carries nothing, but confidence in his voice.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               Killing these people will not put
               your family back. You will only
               drive yourself into chaos and
               eventually...

     Richard picks up the picture and runs his thumb across the
     beautiful honey blond in the dark blue scrubs.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD (CONT’D)
               ...get yourself killed.

     Linus storms over and snatches the photo from Richard and
     lays it face down on his desk. He speaks low with his head
     down and back turned, but Richard can hear the threats in his
     words.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               I suggest you leave now, Chairman
               Richard. After all, I’m sure you
               have many things to attend to that
               can’t wait. Especially since
               tomorrow is not promised to us all.

     Chairman Richard takes his leave. At the door he pauses.

                          CHAIRMAN RICHARD
               I will not allow you to put anymore
               of my people at risk... remember
               that.

     As the door shuts, Linus takes the photo and throws himself
     across the couch. On his back, he covers his eyes with his
     arm and places the photo of his parents across his chest.


     EXT. FOREST - MORNING - THREE DAYS LATER

     Just outside Amadeus’ Camp, Alta stands at a nearby river,
     watching over Artemis in the water.

     The water is as still as Artemis’ breathing. The water
     brushes up against the bare skin at his waist. The R shaped
     burn on his right ribs bakes in the light of the sun. His
     short curly black hair hangs over his forehead. Artemis
     balances both his daggers on his wrist with his fists pressed
     together in meditation. Everything is silent around him.

                          HELIX APHERDOX (O.S.)
               Alta Xeno? (Master Alta)

     Alta turns around to the thin one eyed, HELIX APHERDOX, 16,
     standing in the shadow of the trees. All, but his brown face
     is covered by the long dark brown hood. He keeps his head
     down, trying to hide the deformed face underneath.

                          ALTA
               Helix... Novack ton. (Come here)

     Helix doesn’t move, instead he lowers his head more.

                          ALTA (CONT’D)
               Ka-z heir. (It's alright)

     Helix steps forward, but only by an inch still hugging the
     tree.

                          HELIX
               Overseer Amadeus je olga som undos. (Overseer Amadeus is calling for everyone)

                          ALTA
               Heir. (Alright)

     They turn to Artemis. Artemis practices his technique with
     his blades. He moves flawlessly. The water barely touches
     him. Artemis’s focus is strong. He envisions his enemies
     before him. With every slash, punch, and kick, he recalls
     the attack on his people two nights prior. He HEARS THE
     SCREAMS of his people. He sees the blood pouring over their
     crops. He hears his fathers voice in his ears.

                          KRONTICOUS (V.O.)
               A man must be ready to protect his
               people at any cost. Every life is
               precious. Every moment counts. The
               day you let your guard down, in
               that moment... in that small
               instant all can be lost forever.
               You must do what you believe is
               right. Even if it goes against the
               words of our leaders. Even if you
               are hated for it. You must save
               your people. You must always do
               what is right in your heart.

     Artemis thrusts his daggers into the water before him.

                          ALTA
               Artemis!

     Artemis inhales deep. He looks up, surprised to see the young
     man behind Alta.

                          ALTA (CONT’D)
               Ka-z Cros! (It's time)

     Artemis places one of the blades in his mouth and pulls a
     giant fish as big as he from the waters. He lugs it to the
     bank. His second dagger in the fish’s eye. Alta laughs and
     looks back, Helix is gone.

     Artemis laughs at his catch. He lets it drop to the ground
     and takes his clothes from Alta.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               One for the road.

                          ALTA
               You always find a way to make it a
               game.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Game? My sister has to eat.

     They laugh.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Who was it with you?

     Alta looks again at the tree where Helix stood.

                          ALTA
               Helix Apherdox.

     Artemis hauls the fish over his back. They head home through
     the forest.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Apherdox? The deformed boy.

                          ALTA
               Yes.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               He is a good hunter.

     Alta scoffs and stops, looking Artemis in the eye.

                          ALTA
               You give some of these boys to much
               credit.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               You don't give them enough. These boys are the future. I have
               faith in them.

     Artemis shrugs and laughs as Alta’s eyes widen.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Most of them. We have to.

     Alta smiles and shakes his head. They continue on.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Besides, this one truly has skill
               and talent. He just has yet to learn how
               to use it.


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP

     Artemis and Alta walk through the gates of the camp. Their
     smiles and laughter quickly fade. Artemis is reminded of his
     pains as he watches his people run through the camp,
     gathering their belongings. Alta takes the fish and heads
     toward a group of men herding the few livestock left.

     Artemis finds Amadeus, who stands at the campfire with two
     hunters. As Artemis approaches, Amadeus sends them away.

                          AMADEUS
               We will be setting out shortly.
               Everyone’s almost ready.

     Amadeus can see the sadness in Artemis’s eyes as he looks
     around.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               This isn’t right.

                          AMADEUS
               You know we can’t stay here. If we
               do, they will come again.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               We should prepare our people for
               when they do, not continue to hide.

     Amadeus steps close. They speak low.

                          AMADEUS
               We don’t have enough warriors for a
               war Artemis.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Every time our numbers drop we run.
               We build our people back up and
               we get attacked again. It
               repeats over and over. Instead of
               only surviving we should be
               building our own army up. Build our
               warriors back to what they once
               were.

                          AMADEUS
               That was before either of our
               times. Before your grandfather’s
               and mine. Our people may never be
               that strong again.

     Amadeus watches a child pass, holding onto a small ragged
     doll.

                          AMADEUS (CONT’D)
               It is wiser to repeat that cycle,
               then chance all being annihilated
               by an army of fifty men. Fifty is
               what attacked us. Fifty is all they
               lost to our eighty-three. Most of
               our people left, are women and
               children. This is what’s right, for
               now.

     Artemis shakes his head and walks away.

     Amadeus closes his eyes. He sighs. He doesn’t want to run
     either, but they have no choice.


     INT. AMADEUS’ HUT

     Artemis pauses in the doorway. He stares at Selene. Her arm
     wrapped, but he can still see the blood making its way
     through.

     Selene is wrapping Artemis’ blades together with their
     belongings. Her face drained of emotion. She feels a hand
     creep over her shoulder.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (O.S.)
                    (low)
               Erba cho heir? (Are you alright)

     Selene jumps, snatching one of the knives of the table. She
     spins around. Artemis grabs her wrist. The knife falls to the
     floor. It is the only sound in the room.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               I’m sorry.

     Selene says nothing, but the look in her eyes speaks volumes.
     She is happy to see her brother. He relaxes her, makes her
     feel safe. She holds him tightly, crying softly into his
     chest. Artemis hesitates comforting her. He knows that he is
     the reason for her tears, but he holds her anyway.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO (CONT’D)
               Selene... All will be well, I
               promise.

                          SELENE REYGO
               You can’t promise that.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               Selene.

                          SELENE REYGO
               You can’t promise that any more
               than Amadeus can promise we will be
               safe if we leave.

     Selene locks eyes with Artemis, throwing all of her pain onto
     him. He looks away.

                          SELENE REYGO (CONT’D)
               So many people die and we can’t
               save them. We can barely hold on to
               each other. Hiding can’t be our
               only option, can it?

     Artemis wants to agree, but he could never involve his sister
     in any war or violence.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               For now, it is our best option.

                          SELENE REYGO
               Artemis.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               We don’t have the men to fight
               back. Everyone is grieving right
               now. Their spirits are low. Amadeus
               is making a wise decision.

     Selene knows her brother. She knows something is weighing
     heavily on him.

                          SELENE REYGO
               Is it a decision you would make?

     Artemis is silent. It is obvious she supports him as she
     picks up the knife and hands it to him. Artemis stares at it.
     It is bent out of shape, worn, and rusted.

                          ARTEMIS REYGO
               We need to rebuild our people first
               before we can do anything else.
               Fleeing is the right decision.

     Alta walks into the hut.

                          ALTA
               Artemis. Selene. It is time.

     Alta leaves.

     Selene gathers her things.

     Artemis tucks the knife away with the rest of the weapons.

                          SELENE REYGO (O.S.)
               Amadeus is not the only one our
               people follow.

     Selene leaves. Artemis is right behind her, snatching up his
     bags and weapons.


     INT. AMADEUS CAMP
     Amadeus stands in the center of the people, speaking.

     Selene finds Alta and stands close to him.

     Artemis loads his bags on his horse, Esscha.

     Helix watches Artemis from across camp.

                          AMADEUS
               Brothers and Sisters, in the peace
               of the night our people were
               attacked by the Arcadian
               warriors... an enemy that has
               hunted us for far to long. They try
               to wipe us from the Earth, but to
               no avail. Our people are far too
               many for their few, so they come
               with body armor...

     The Armadanites gather together and head out the camp,
     leaving everything they have built behind. Amadeus and
     Artemis are the last ones through, standing at the gate,
     making sure no one is left behind.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.)
               Our people are too strong for their
               men so they come with metal
               weapons. Their efforts all in vein.

     The women who still have husbands left cry in their arms as
     they trek through the forest. The children now orphaned stay
     close to their siblings.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)
               Today many of us still live. We
               live for our lost loved ones, who
               died champions protecting their
               people.

     The wounded are carried in the very back on stretchers.

     Selene and Troy lead them.

     Artemis and Alta stand on each side of the group.

     Amadeus leads the front.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)
               We live for our fathers, to carry
               on their names.

     Helix looks to Artemis, gripping his sheathed sword tightly.

     One of the teenage hunters pats Helix’s shoulder.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)
               For our mothers to pass on their
               teachings.


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD - RESTROOM

     Linus stands in the mirror of the cold white restroom staring
     himself down with water dripping from his face. His eyes red
     with rage. He catches a glimpse of Commander Chase walking in
     through the mirror. Linus knows its now or never.

     The attendant hands Linus a towel.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.)
               Today we will follow the river
               West, toward Rejuvenation Pass.
               There, the Lape Clan will help our
               wounded.


     INT. HALLWAY

     Linus Walks down the hall, escorted by Chase and three other
     officers, into the Security Room and centers himself at the
     command post.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.)
               There we will mourn our lose and
               pray for peace and strength.


     EXT. FOREST

     The boots of soldiers line the forest floor, quickly sneaking
     through the trees. A female soldier, GENERAL ELIZA FIELDS,
     32, halts the charge just outside Amadeus’ Camp.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.)
               I know many of you want
               retaliation.

     The soldiers charge in, but no one is home. Eliza stands at
     the gate. One of the men approach her. He points to the
     forest. She sends the scout off. Gathering her troops she
     leaves as swift as she came. Her long red hair dances in the
     wind behind her. She rests her arms on the black umbrella she
     carries over her shoulders.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)
               You want blood... as do I. But the
               truth is we lack the man power to
               do it. This is why we must go.

     Artemis knows he is being watched. He looks over his shoulder
     at Selene who gently nods, smiling.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)
               Today we leave our home, not to
               hide, but to survive. To give our
               warriors of tomorrow a chance to
               grow. Our children are our
               lifeblood.

     A group of young boys, hunters in training, walk together in
     the center of the group, leading the smaller children. All
     with weapons in unsteady hands.

                          AMADEUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)
               Today we leave to give them a
               future to live.

     Just a few yards away, Eliza stands behind one of her snipers
     crouched at a tree.

                          ELIZA
               Do you have visual?

     The sniper nods. Through his scope he scans the battlefield
     and in his


     POV:

     The injured are in the back. Alta and a few hunters armed one
     side. In the front Amadeus is surround by four other men.

                          SNIPER
               The leader is surrounded.

                          ELIZA
               Can you get a shot?

                          SNIPER
               Not from this angle.

     Eliza grins and looks to her left at one of the other
     soldiers. Her blue eyes speaks volumes under her long lashes.
     The soldier knows what to do.

                          SOLDER
                    (into radio)
               Any sniper team with a shot on the
               leader?

                          FEMALE SNIPER (O.S.)
               Team two has got the solution.

     The soldier looks to Eliza, who raises a single hand.

                          SOLDIER
                    (still in radio)
               Hold position.

     Eliza holds a hand out to her right and immediately one of
     the soldiers hands her a radio and backs away.


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD - SECURITY ROOM

     Linus patiently stands at attention with his focus solely on
     the main camera, fixated on Chairman Richard in the
     conference room.

                          MAN (O.S.)
               Sir, we have transmission.

     One of the men at the radios yells over. The Security
     Commander looks to Linus who, without removing his eyes from
     the monitor, nods.

                          SECURITY COMMANDER
               Patch it through.

     The transmission comes directly to Linus at the Command Post.

                          ELIZA (O.S.)
               Lady Death to Mother Bird.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Go for Mother Bird.

                          ELIZA (O.S.)
               We have visual of the enemy,
               heading West.

     Linus inhales deeply, relaxing his hands on the podium. He
     closes his eyes, recalling Chairman Richards words again.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Do you have sight of the leader?

                          ELIZA (O.S.)
               Sniper team two has him in full
               view.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               And the other one. Their possible
               second.


     EXT. FOREST

     Eliza looks to her sniper. He shakes his head as he checks
     over the radio. No one can find Artemis. Through binoculars
     in Eliza’s


     POV:

     The Armadanites push forward in the forest. No one seems to
     notice their presence. The people march together. All of the
     livestock with them, but a single, lonely horse in the very
     back of the group. She walks slowly.

                          ELIZA
                    (into radio)
               No sign of him.


     INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD - SECURITY ROOM

     Commander Chase leans in over Linus’ shoulder.

                          COMMANDER CHASE
                    (softly)
               Sir, he was injured in the last
               attack. If he was alive I’m sure
               he’d be there. There was no one in
               there village and if he had lagged
               behind with a group of warriors,
               Liza’s men would have spotted them
               already.

     Linus smiles. He looks once again at Chairman Richard on the
     monitor, than back to the radio.

                          LINUS HAYTER
               Take them all.

                                                       FADE OUT