Episode 4 "A Change of Plans"

5/23/2019

FADE IN:
INT. AMADEUS CAMP - REYGO HOUSE - EARLY MORNING

SUPERIMPOSE: "19 YEARS EARLIER"

Over a valley of mountain tops, the sun rises.

ARTEMIS (O.S.)
   I already know how to defend myself, Yan.

      KRONTICOUS
   This will be different than our daily sparing. If
   you can survive this, then you will be able to survive
   any skill your enemy possess. Understood.

      ARTEMIS
   (smiles, nods)
   Falo.

Artemis and Kronticous sit across from each other at a wooden table. Both only half dressed, with their swords leaning on the table beside them.

LEA (O.S.)
   The first thing you must do to survive is keep
   your strength up.

A shapely LEA REYGO, 28, stands around the corner adding berries to two plates of cooked meat and sliced bananas on the long wooden counter.

LEA
   The morning meal is the most important one
   may have.

Lea picks up both plates and waddles around the corner with them. She sets them in front of the boys. Lea and Kronticous kiss as she sits on his lap, throwing her dark purple hair over her shoulder. Kronticous' hand slowly caresses her stomach.

      LEA
   It's almost time.

Lea giggles, nuzzling his forehead.

ARTEMIS
   When will I get to met her?

      KRONTICOUS
   Her?

Artemis nods, picking up the slab of meat. Kronticous and Lea are both curious.

      KRONTICOUS (CONT'D)
   How can you be so sure it is a girl? What
   if you have a brother? The Reygo men
   have born sons for generations. It has have
   never changed.

      ARTEMIS
   No, but I saw her in my dreams.

Lea and Kronticous exchange glances and a smile.

      LEA
   (teasing)
   Oh really? And what did she look like?

Kronticous begins devouring the food on his plate. Lea picks off one of his slices of banana to eat.

ARTEMIS
   She was as small as a jaguar cub and
   she was bathed in a dress. We sat in
   my bed with Alta Xeno. There was singing...
   And she had hair like you, Pan. Uncle
   Amadeus and the Xenos stood over her
   with their packs behind them.

Artemis pauses. He stares at his hands.

      ARTEMIS
   She was as light as a feather and
   as soft as a duckling. Her eyes had
   a shine in them, like the stars.

Lea and Artemis talk and laugh. Kronticous furrows his brow. His skin goes pale. A breeze of anxiety sweeps across his face.

      KRONTICOUS
   Eat quickly my son.

Their laughter stop. Both stare at a serious Kronticous.

      LEA
   Jontunka?

Lea runs her hand across Kronticous' chest.

      KRONTICOUS
   It is a man's duty to protect his lifeblood.
   When this young one comes into this world,
   they will need you. The people of this
   world will need you someday. Eat. Fill your
   body with strength so we may train.

      ARTEMIS
   Falo, Yan.

Lea stares at Kronticous. She rubs her stomach gently. Her eyes never leave her husband.

INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD- COUNCIL ROOM

SUPERIMPOSE "PRESENT DAY"

Chairman Richard signs the last paper and adds it to the pile under a dim lamp. He leans back in his chair and looks around the oval room. A giant self portrait with his legs crossed, hangs across from him. Next to it, a picture of former Viceroy Hector Hayter with his family followed by the previous Chairmen and their respective Viceroys. Richard stares at the empty chair next to him. Closing his eyes, he FLASHES BACK to

SUPERIMPOSE "29 YEARS EARLIER"

An exuberant, yet exhausted, MARY HAYTER, 26, smiles at the other council members at the table. Her hair flows like the waves of a gentle stream.

Her eyes enchant Richard. His longing gaze never leaves her.

Councilman ALEXANDER STEWART's, 24, eyes are wide as he looks Mary up and down. His eyes trail off in every direction. He rubs his arms as he questions Mary.

      ALEXANDER
   You about ready to pop any day now, aren't you?

MARY
   Yes. Any day now. Oh!

Mary looks down at her stomach, bulging in her yellow sundress.

MARY
   Does that make you uncomfortable, Professor?

      ALEXANDER
   (takes a breath)
   Just don't do it here, okay.

Mary laughs. Alexander lets out a small chuckle.

   SUNNY
   Can I touch?

MARY
   Of course. He's over here today.

SUNNY MAYS, 31, kneels beside her. Mary moves Sunny's hand toward the side of her stomach.

   MARY
   How old is your son now? Seven?

   SUNNY
   Almost. Two more months. He's
   so excited. Yesterday he complained
   about not having anyone to play with
   after three straight hours of tag between
   me, his dad, and Uncle Ryan. I told him
   he'll have someone to run ragged real soon.

ALEXANDER
   I'd love to see that.

Alexander laughs at the both of them.

   SUNNY
   What's so funny over there?

   ALEXANDER
   Chase having a little brother. One
   of him is enough to wear out 20 men...
   in less than an hour... on a good day. Can
   you imagen the kind of hell that would
   be unleashed with two of them running,
   jumping, wrestling, puking, eating, hair
   pulling, puking, wrestling, questioning,
   and not to mention running and puking
   everywhere on anyone all day? You and
   Greg can barely get a break on your off days.

SUNNY
   Well parenting is a full time job.

ALEXANDER
   More like a life changing workout with
   the way they run you to the ground.

      SUNNY
   You know, he's only that hyper when he's
   around you.

   ALEXANDER
   I doubt it.

      MARY
   It's true. When Hector and I watch him, he's
   a quiet as can be. He just sits and plays with
   his toys. He's a lot more talkative and active
   with you. He really-

Richard clears his throat.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Have you decided who will take your place
   while you rest, Mary?

Richard's words are almost a whisper. He gently reaches for her fingers on the table, but quickly pulls away at the sound of the double doors swinging open. Hector takes his seat across from Richard. He tries to straighten the grin on his face.

      MARY
   Yes. Leanne Groves and Daniel James. They
   agreed to--
SUNNY
   (in disgust)
   Ugh. I hate him.

Sunny and Mary giggle as she moves around the table to her seat.

   MARY
   (sarcastic)
   Why ever so Mrs. Mays?

Sunny glares at her.

ALEXANDER
   How's it going Hector?

Alexander and Hector bump fists. Hector adjusts the golden dragon shaped Viceroy pin on his blue sweater.

      HECTOR
   Just finished baby proofing the
   kitchen. Linus wont be getting
   into anything.

      ALEXANDER
   Preparing for Doomsday early?

Hector and Alexander strike up conversation.

Richard lowers his head. He picks at his nails. He places his hands under the table. The Councilmen voices drown out. He takes a deep breath.

      CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Well, lets begin shall we?

The council members sit upright in their chairs. Richard adjusts his tie.
END FLASHBACK

Richard is brought back from his memories by commotion outside the double doors. He looks toward the empty chair once more.

INT. HALLWAY

Two male security guards stand outside the doors in the long white hallway. They push back the frail Doctor BLANK THORTON, 51, who stumbles to the floor. The doors open behind the soldiers. Richard, confused by what he sees, rushes to help Blank up.

      CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   What is the meaning of this? Step aside.

SECURITY GUARD #1
   Sir please, go back inside and finish your
   paper work. Everything is under control here.

Security guard #1 grabs Richard's arm, but he pulls away.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Unhand me! I asked a you question. Now
   answer me. What is the meaning of this?

Richard approaches Security Guard #1. Blank brushes himself off behind Richard.

BLANK
   (angry)
   I came here for answers, but these muscle
   headed idiots refuse to let me in!

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Answers?

BLANK
   Why is my research team being denied
   access to the land outside the walls? I thought we agreed-

   SECURITY GUARD #2
   Sir, please.

Security guard #2 steps between Richard and Blank while Security guard #1 places a hand on his shoulder. Security guard #2 uses a tone with more command than respect.

SECURITY GUARD #2
   Go back inside and finish your paper work.

Richard looks from one man to the other, then directs his attention back to Blank. He quickly turns from confused to defensive as he tightens his fists. Blank takes a step back.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Step aside or the both of you will be severely
   disciplined for your disobedience.

Neither guard say a word.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   I am your Chairman. Now, I order you both to
   stand down.

Richard tries to walk around Security guard #2, but he steps in front of him. Richard looks the guard up and down.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   I said stand down.

SECURITY GUARD #1
   I'm sorry Sir, but we just can't do that.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
Allow me to help you then.

Security guard #1 tries to pull Richard back into the council room by the arm. Richard pulls away.

Security guard #2 quickly removes his HANDCUFFS from his waist and takes hold of Richards wrist, slapping only one on.

Security guard #1 reaches for Richard again, but the old man punches him in the face. BLOOD oozes from his nose as he falls back and hits the ground.

Richard turns around to the other guard and headbutts him twice, knocking him out cold.

As security guard #1 gets to his feet, Richard straightens his blazer behind him. Blood falls between his eyes. The guard turns around to Richard's hand taking him by the neck and lifting him up against the wall.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   I pray, for your sake, you're not the fool I take
   you for. Now speak, boy. Who put you up to this idiocy?

Blank watches in awe with his mouth wide open, at Richard's strength.

INT. ELIZA'S CAMP - NIGHT

Burly lays on the ground. He looks up at the sky, staring at the stars with RINGING EARS. He looks over at the bullet hole in the ground next to his head. Taking a deep breath, he rolls over on his side. The decapitated bodies spread out before him. He looks almost like he might cry.

BURLY
   You don't know what you're messing with kid.

He rises to get to his feet.

   BURLY (CONT'D)
   She's no normal woman.

Burly stands with his hand over his ringing left ear. He heads back inside Command Post Two's tent.

INT. ELIZA'S CAMP - COMMAND POST ONE - NIGHT

Two soldiers stand guard at the door while several others try to make sense of the CHATTER over the radios muffled by STATIC and GUN SHOTS. In the middle of the tent two soldiers, DONNA RAIDER and Donovan Train, sit at the main radio on the table next to a map of the land. The Raider adjusts the radio for a clear signal while the Train looks over the map.

   MAN #1 (O.S.)
   Attention at General Fields.

Eliza storms through the door of the tent in rage. Every man and woman in the room stands at attention.

   ELIZA
   We have orders from Mother Bird?

The Raider stands to salute Eliza.

Raider
   Yes Sir.

ELIZA
   Patch me through.

RAIDER
   Yes Sir.

ELIZA
   (shouts)
   Now!

The Raider sits down and hands Eliza a headset. Eliza snatches it from her and makes her way around the table.

INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD - SECURITY ROOM

Linus slowly paces the floor behind Chase with his hands behind his back. He keeps his head down in thought. Commander Chase stands at the command post, impatiently tapping his fingers on the podium. The entire room is silent, anxious. STATIC COMES IN OVER THE RADIO. A woman quickly adjusts to the signal and nods to chase.

   COMMANDER CHASE
   General Fields, come in.

A beat. Everyone waits for a response. Linus stops and makes his way towards the podium.

COMMANDER CHASE
   General Fields do you read?

   ELIZA (O.S.)
   Go ahead for General Fields.

Linus releases a breath of relief and begins pacing again.

COMMANDER CHASE
   General Fields, update on Eradication AX6.

INTERCUT BETWEEN ELIZA/LINUS/ AND CHASE

Eliza inhales. She tries to calm herself, tilting her head from side to side.

ELIZA
(irritated)
   We are in position for take over.

COMMANDER CHASE (o.s.)
   We are set up to receive on this end.

Chase looks back at Linus. Crossing his arms, Linus nods and starts gnawing on his thumb nail.

   COMMANDER CHASE
   You are cleared to begin take over.

Eliza shakes her head and slams her hands on the table.

ELIZA
   (hesitates)
   It may take a little longer than expected.

Surprised Chase looks to the already concerned Linus.

COMMANDER CHASE (O.S.)
   (uncertain)
   Wh-? Repeat, General.

Eliza paces around the tent.

   ELIZA
   We are being delayed, but I can assure
   you it is being taken care of as we speak.

Linus pulls Chase back by the shoulder and takes command.

   LINUS HAYTER
   Dammit Eliza, what's going on? Have
   they spotted you?

   ELIZA
   No.

LINUS HAYTER
   Are you under attack?

ELIZA
   No, Sir.

LINUS HAYTER
   Then what the hell is the hold up?

Eliza stops in the center of the tent. She leans on the table.

ELIZA
   One of the rats found his way into
   camp, but he's surrounded. Major
   Green is taking care of him now. We
   will be back on task soon Viceroy.

Linus walks away. He covers his mouth with his hand. His face burns with furry. He paces around for a moment, then heads back to the podium. Linus leans into the radio.

   LINUS HAYTER
   (almost whispering)
   Eliza I did not pull you from the slums
   to watch you screw me over. We had a
   deal you wily wretch! You make one
   mistake on this and I promise you will
   never get the taste of freedom or even
   breath fresh air again. I will throw you
   back into the pit I found you in faster
   than the troops you train turn tail and
   abandon you.

ELIZA (O.S.)
   Understood, Sir.

LINUS HAYTER
   Then bring them to me now! I don't
   care if you call yourself making an
   example out of one or ten of them.
   Burn a child alive if you have to! Just
   make sure you bring me every last
   warrior they have!

Linus storms away. Chase motions for the transmission to be ended.

Eliza waves a hand to Raider to cut the transmission on her end. She throws the headset down and pulling her gun, shoots it three times. She flips the table and throws a chair as she screams. All of the soldiers remain quiet. The a female soldier shakes in her chair.

ELIZA
   (shouting)
   I wont stand for this! I will not be
   made a fool of by some jungle feral!

Eliza takes a knife from her back and throws it at a random soldier standing near the wall. It impales him in the head. He drops to the floor, dying instantly.

ELIZA
   (to Raider)
   Call for my Lieutenants.

Eliza rips the blade free, slowly licking the blood on one side. She turns around and looks at everyone one in the tent. Everyone frightened, avoiding eye contact. Her voice is the calm before the storm.

ELIZA (CONT'D)
   It's time for war.

Eliza walks out.

INT. ELIZA'S CAMP

Black boots pound the dirt.

KRONTICOUS (V.O.)
   You must keep your mind as healthy as
   your body in the midst of battle.

Artemis runs between the tents, dodging soldiers lfet and right.

KRONTICOUS (V.O.)
   Stay focused. Use your surroundings.

Artemis breaks left from two soldiers in front of him. He dives into a tent as they open fire, forcing them to shot two of their own.

KRONTICOUS (V.O.)
   Knowing your environment will give you an edge.

In the tent four guards immediately stop what they are doing and reach for their guns in a panic. It is close quarters. Artemis has the upper hand.

He throws his knife at the first guard straight across. A direct hit to the heart.

Guard two is spun around and kicked outside the tent door, blocking the other soldiers coming in.

Grabbing the chair close to him, Artemis throws it at guard three as he shoots. Forcing him to stumble back into guard four's line of fire.

Guard four pushes the man aside. Artemis uses the distraction to cut an X through the back of the tent with his swords and jumps through.

Porter and Grey appear on the other side with their weapons drawn. Grey is aimed to kill. Porter is nervous, sweating and Artemis sees it.

PORTER
   Surrender! Now!

GREY
   Lay your weapons down on the
   ground and I promise we won't kill you.

A soldier jumps through the X, giving Artemis a way out. He quickly takes the soldier by the neck using his blades and slowly makes inches around Porter and Grey.

   GREY
   Let him go!

Artemis keeps walking until he is behind them. Grey takes a step forward.

GREY
   (shouts)
   I said let him go! Now!

Grey aims at the soldiers chest and slowly starts to squeeze the trigger.

PORTER
   Don't!

Porter inches closer beside him.

PORTER
   You'll kill him!

GREY
   He'll kill him!

PORTER
   He's one of us!

AARON (O.S.)
   Then consider it a mercy killing.

Behind Grey and Porter Aaron and Alicia stand on both sides of the tent. Neither hesitate or show any sign of regret as they raise their guns. Artemis pushes the soldier away and dashes behind the nearby tent as they pull the trigger, killing the man. A bullet grazes his left shoulder.

Aaron shoots straight through the tent as Artemis runs behind it, barely dodging each shot. In the tent we can see blood line the walls as bodies drop.

Aaron empties his clip. He quickly reloads and shoots one of the soldiers behind Porter in the head.

AARON
   (to soldiers)
   Either kill him or I kill you!

The soldiers take off after Artemis. Aaron approaches Grey and Porter.

AARON
   If you can't do this, I don't need you.

He stands face to face with Porter. Porter avoids the eyes staring him down under a furrowed brow.

AARON
They are our enemies. They don't get mercy and second chances. Not when they have kept our people living in fear and hiding for over 400 years. They walk this land like they own it! But not for much longer. I will not allow one man to stop our cause. Will you?

PORTER
   (mumbles)
   No, Sir.

Aaron stands nose to nose with him.

AARON
   (shouts)
   I can't hear you soldier!

PORTER
   Sir! No, Sir!

AARON
   Then follow me!

The three fall in line beside Aaron as he walks on toward the SHOTS and SHOUTING.

Two soldiers met up in front of a tent.

SOLDIER #1
   Any sign of him?

SOLDIER #2
   Not yet.

   SOLDIER #1
   Dammit!

      SOLDIER #2
   Come on.

The soldiers take off between two tents, stepping over five bodies piled together. As the soldiers run ahead, Artemis slowly emerges from underneath the bodies. He crouches down against the tent.

Blood drips from his left shoulder and his right leg. Grunting, Artemis opens the small pouch around his waste. He takes out white flower pedals and plugs both wounds. The bleeding stops temporarily. He tries to catch his breath.

Two more soldiers creep past the tent.

Artemis follows behind, grabbing the soldier bringing up the rear. Artemis puts him in a head lock and quickly stabs him in the neck with his dagger. The soldier ahead crouches at the tent before them and waves her partner ahead. A swift and steady hand snatches her up by the hair and slits her throat.

Artemis stumbles to his feet.

KRONTICOUS (V.O.)
   A man must be ready to protect his people
   at any cost.

Artemis looks to the NORTH STAR behind him.

SOLDIER (O.S.)
   (shouts)
   Over here!

A group of soldiers appear before him, raising their guns. Artemis breaks through the tents.

Aaron and the Lieutenants appear from the row of tents as the soldiers chase after Artemis.

Aaron kneels beside the dying woman. She covers her throat with her hands, but it doesn't help. Porter kneels beside them.

PORTER
   Let me...

AARON
   Leave her.

Porter freezes, watching Aaron loot her body for bullets.

AARON
   Everyone came here, knowing they might die.

PORTER
   I can save her!

   AARON
   She's already dead.

PORTER
   I can at least--!

Aaron grabs Porter's wrist as he reaches out to the woman.

AARON
   We have medics in the camp. They
   can deal with this. We go after him.

Aaron stands. He distribute the clips between the Lieutenants. Porter looks at the woman. Dead. He covers her face with the handkerchief tucked in his side pocket.

ALICA
   (to Aaron)
   He wont get away. The snipers are
   perched up in the trees through there.

AARON
   Have them immobilize the boy.

GREY
   Now we're not killing him?

AARON
   No (a beat), you're not.

Aaron continues to lead the soldiers after Artemis.

RAIDER (O.S.)
   (over radio)
   Major Green come in.

Aaron holds the button down on the radio over his shoulder.

AARON
   Green.

Porter gets to his feet.

FEMALE SOLDIER (O.S.)
   Command to begin operation Eradication
   AX6 has been received. All Lieutenants are
   to report to their primaries.

AARON
   Copy that.

ALICA
   What about him?

AARON
   Like I said, I'll take care of him. Go. Gather
   your men.

GREY
   (sarcastically)
   If they're still alive.

Grey kicks the woman's body.

      PORTER
   Hey!

Porter pulls Grey away.

GREY
   (to dead soldier)
   So sorry to offend you, Ma'am.

He shrugs at Porter

ALICA
   Knock it off.

Aaron watches the Lieutenants head off the way they came. He looks to the sky as he walks on. As he pauses, staring at the North Star. Aaron looks back at the Lieutenants and again at the direction Artemis ran.

GREY (O.S.)
   (over radio)
   This is Lieutenant Grey, commanding
   all assault unit members to return to
   their posts. I repeat...

Aaron's eyes widen.

AARON
   (chuckles)
   You clever little wretch.

Aaron sprints off through the tents.

AARON
(in radio)
   All units stand down.

The Lieutenants stop in their tracks, looking to each other.

EXT. FOREST - NEAR RIVER'S BANK - ELIZA'S CAMP

Eliza stands at the edge of the camp loading her guns. As she picks up her umbrella she hears Aaron's voice.

AARON (O.S.)
   All units stand down. I repeat, stand down.

ELIZA
   (in radio)
   Aaron-- What the hell are doing?

AARON (O.S.)
   General tell your men chasing the intruder,
   to stand down.

ELIZA
   I want his head, Major Green!

AARON (O.S.)
   It's a diversion. He's luring all of our men
   away from the front line. They're wasting what
   little ammo we have! He's running into a snipers
   nest. They'll get him. Tell the rest to stand down.

Aaron stops and looks at the stars.

Eliza's breathing is heavy, squeezing her umbrella. Her hand begins twitching as she closes her eyes, gritting her teeth.

Aaron speaks low. His words ride with the nightly breeze in her ears.

AARON (O.S.)
   Liz... I got you.

Eliza relaxes. She looks back at the stars over the camp.

ELIZA
   (in radio)
   All units stand down. Return to your
   positions. I repeat all units stand
   down and return to your positions.

INT. ELIZA'S CAMP

Artemis sees an opening into the forest just ahead.

As he gets there a group of soldiers cut him off. He looks to his left, but there are soldiers there. More appear to his right. Artemis turns to go back, but those chasing have caught up. Artemis is tired, surrounded, and bleeding out.

The soldiers raise their few guns. Artemis pulls both swords from his back.

ELIZA (O.S.)
(over radios)
   All units stand down. Return to your positions.

The soldiers look from one another. They question each other: SHOULD WE KILL? WE HAVE HIM SURROUNDED. WHAT DO WE DO? WE GOT HIM!

AARON (O.S.)
Stand down!

The soldiers make a hole for Aaron to walk through.
male SOLDIER

We have him surrounded!

AARON
   Return to your positions.

MALE SOLDIER
   But we can...!

Before the man across from Aaron can finish his sentence, his throat is pierced by bullet. Aaron hands the gun back to the soldier beside him.

Artemis doesn't move, but his eyes follow Aaron as he walks around the gathering. Aaron smiles at him as he addresses the small crowd.

AARON
   This boy? He's nothing, but a distraction
   to break our camp and throw us off course.

Aaron paces around the soldiers, never once looking back at Artemis.

AARON
   Now, if I'm not mistaken, our General
gave an order. And, well, as the Major
   of this army, I feel that it is my duty to
   enforce it. So, that being said my over
   zealous brothers and sisters

Aaron stops before a female soldier and places his hands on her shoulders. He squeezes tightly.

AARON (CONT'D)
   I suggest you all get back to work. We
   all know how cruel and unforgiving she
   can be. If not I'll have to punish each and
everyone of you myself.

Aaron flicks a man's nose and continues walking around.

AARON
   And I just don't wanna have to do that.

Aaron pauses before another female soldier and pulls his gun on her. There is no hesitation as he pulls the trigger. The man next to her looks on in disbelief as her blood splatters across his face. Aaron glances at the rest of the soldiers. They all quickly disband.

Aaron slowly approaches Artemis.

AARON
   What's your name boy?

Artemis says nothing. His legs shaking. His vision slowly starts to blur.

   AARON
   I said what's your name? You. Name?
   Hell, maybe you don't understand me.

Aaron stands in front of Artemis, blocking his way into the forest. Artemis tightens the grip on his blades

AARON
   Right. I'm a fighter myself.

Aaron tosses his gun away and rolls up his sleeves.

   AARON
   Show me how you boys get down
   in jungle town.

EXT. FOREST - NEAR RIVER'S BANK - ELIZA'S CAMP

The Second Lieutenants stand side by side at the camps edge before the small army.

From right to left, arms length apart

The young and petite Alica grips her life sized MODIFIED M82 BARRETT SPECIAL APPLICATIONS RIFLE with both hands. Her lean calves glow in the moonlight. The pink highlights give color to her black ponytail through the back of her hat. Her short bangs fall to the right of her emerald eyes on her lightly freckled face. She looks ahead into the forest with determination.

Burly mutters words of encouragement to himself with his eyes closed, bouncing in place on his heels. He flexes his fingers as he slips on the navy fingerless gloves with metal covering the knuckles and backs of his hands. Briefly lifting his hat, Burly brushes his hand across his brown buzz cut. His hazel eyes reflect the stars. His rosy checks impossible to distinguish from his flushed face.

   GREY
Calm yourself Lieutenant Allen.
      These wolves can smell fear.

Grey's silver stare is locked straight ahead on Eliza who paces back and forth before her army. The veins on his bald head show as much as the ones on the mountains he calls arms. With two loaded colt .95's in each hand, Grey stands with no fear. He is excited, grinning. His short sleeves show the 32 cuts up his right arm and the 16 on the left.

Porter says not a word. He glances back at the wounded. He holds a pistol in his left hand, but grips the small medicine bag on the back of his belt with his right. His short brown hair is almost blond in the moonlight. Grey turns his nose up at him.

GREY
   They're fine. Focus.

Porter reluctantly turns his attention back toward Eliza who is twirling her black umbrella in her hand. His lip quivers into a snarl.

With outstretched arms she leans her head back. Eliza bathes in the moonlight.

   ELIZA
   Oh, my sweet brothers and sisters.
   As we stand here under this beautiful
   starlit sky, I keep asking myself this one
   question; How badly do you want your
   freedom? How much of yourself are you
   Willing to give in order to gain control this
   self sustaining new land? How much have
   you already given to obtain it? And then I
   think; Tonight--

Every soldier stands before her hungry for human flesh. Those armed stand in back. Those without guns clench knives, nightsticks, tazers, and riot shields.

ELIZA (CONT'D)
   The Viceroy wants them captured alive, but
   I say 'What would he say we should do we
   do to murders and mad men? Surely he wouldn't
   want them behind our walls. Surely he wouldn't
   want them near our families and friends would
   he?' Of course not. No one would be mad enough
   to want such dangerous creatures in their own
   home. Especially not when we are dealing with
   the most violent life forms on the face of the
   planet. This is not some 'taming of the crowds'.
   This is not a break up 'violent protesters'. This is
   war and we are the heroes of tomorrow. Tonight
   we drink the blood of mighty men and devour the
   flesh of the innocent!

The soldiers, including Grey, cheer General Fields on. Porter is disgusted by his barbaric gestures. Alica is unaffected by her words or the men around her. Burly takes steady breaths with his eyes closed.

Cheering goes on as Eliza speaks.

   ELIZA
   No more sneaking around like snakes in the
   grass. We do not cower like possums. We are
   the Predators! And those wild dogs stomping
   around in our backyards need to be put down.
   We've lost too many men tonight to just let them
   walk away without feeling our pain! We are not
   savages. We avenge our dead! March for your wives.
   March for your sons and daughters. March for
   your freedom. March for Arcadia.

Eliza turns toward the forest, glaring into the darkness.

ELIZA
   Feed the earth with their blood!

Eliza walks with the Lieutenants by her sides, while the eager soldiers run into the forest like mad men.

INT. ARCADIA - BUTTERFLY BUILDING - HEAD - SECURITY ROOM

The oval room is silent as they wait to hear from Eliza's army. Linus anxiously paces around the entire room questioning any strange frequencies over the radios or outside surveillance monitoring units.

Chase leans back on the rail at the Command Post, staring at the podium in front of him. He taps his fingers on his crossed arms.

LINUS HAYTER
   What is that?

Linus points to a blinking red dot on one of the radars, leaning in over a man's shoulder.

   MAN #1
   What?

   LINUS HAYTER
   That! There! What is that? Is it one of them?

   MAN #1
   No, Sir. That's coming from the southern desert.

Linus stares at the radar as if looking directly at whatever is moving.

COMMANDER CHASE
   What's the weather report?

Chase doesn't move at all, nor does he really seem to care. Linus walks briskly toward the four at the end of the third row in the center of the room.

   MAN #2
   The activity in the area is picking up greatly.

   WOMAN #1
   A powerful storm rolled in from the seas in
   the Southwest and is pushing its way through
   the sands.

WOMAN #2
   The people close to that area may be suffering
   from its affects.

COMMANDER CHASE
   It's about that time of year for them to migrate
   inland, right?

Chase looks to the Security Commander, who nods. Chase then turns to Linus and watches, as he makes his way toward every monitor and communication station.

   LINUS HAYTER
(to himself)
   What's taking her so long?

The light above the automatic door glows red as an alarm sounds in the room. A loud BEEPING disrupts everyone.

   LINUS HAYTER
   What is that?

Linus rushes up the ramp toward the command post panicked.

   LINUS HAYTER
   What the hell is that?

GUARD #1
   Someone's trying to get in, Sir.

One of the guards at the door pulls up the cover over the screen to the outside camera.

INT. HEAD - HALLWAY

Blank stands back from Richard, while he looms over the shoulder of the crying female guard. Blood from her nose drops on her shaking hands. She slides her card into the scanner. It FLASHES RED.

Richard speaks low, but his commands are clear.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   I said, open this door.

   FEMALE GUARD
(frantic)
   I can't. It-it's locked from the inside.
   I-I don't have the override cle--

Blank cuts her off. His arms are crossed. He curiously stares at the body of another guard on his stomach with his head bashed in. One of the arms is barely attached by loose hanging skin over broken bones. BLOOD covers the body and the floor. The same BLOOD that covers Richard's shoes, blazer, and hands.

   BLANK
   That is not an intuitive retort on your part
   young lady.

INT. HEAD - SECURITY ROOM

The guard pulls away from the screen as Linus approaches.

GUARD #2
   It's the Chairman.

Linus stops in his tracks. Under his breath.

LINUS HAYTER
No!

ON THE SCREEN Richard is tired of the empty attempts of the female guard trying to open the door. He grabs her by the back of her head and starts smashing her skull into the door repeatedly. He lets her drop as he pulls his own GOLD SECURITY CARD from his breast pocket and swipes it.

   LINUS HAYTER
   No. No, no, no, no.
   (to Chase)
   Find out where she is!

Linus and Chase slowly inch away from the door.

COMMANDER CHASE
   Not a good idea.

LINUS HAYTER
   (shouts)
   Do it!

Chase hurries over to the radio at the podium. As he goes to push the button, the light above the door flashes GREEN as it slides open. The entire room is mute. Blood drains from Linus' face. His eyes widen. Chase stumbles back from the podium.

Blank enters first, stepping aside. His eyes never leave Linus. He has no words, but the knowing smirk on his face speaks volumes. Richard enters behind him. There is no tell of emotion on his face. Richard searches the entire room before bringing his attention to Linus.

Linus swallows hard.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   I would ask what you are up to, but I have a
   strong feeling you are going to lie to me.

Richard takes a step forward and Linus takes a step back.

   LINUS HAYTER
   What do you expect?

Richard's neck involuntarily jerks to the side. He squints at Linus.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   What did you say to me, boy?

LINUS HAYTER
   All these years you forced us to sit by

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Us?

Richard glances around the room again. Chase hangs his head as most others turn towards their equipment. Richard takes another step forward. Linus, again, steps back.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   (intrigued)
   And just how many of my people do you
   have playing this little game of Cowboys
   and Indians, exactly?

LINUS HAYTER
   None. The volunteers I sent out

      CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   (chuckles)
   Volunteers? Don't lie to me, son.

Richard approaches Linus. Linus inches back. Richard turns slowly turns toward Chase.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   What's wrong Mays?

Chase keeps his head down and away.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   I hope there is no shame in your actions now,
   Commander. Especially not after you've been
   tasked with keeping your disobedient little
   brother in line. Be a man. Speak up. I welcome
   you to.

As Richard talks, he continues approaching Linus until he is in arms reach. Linus backs into the podium. Richard takes Linus by the neck with his bloody hands.

Without a second thought, Chase immediately grabs one of Richard's arm and elbows him in the face. It doesn't affect him in the least bit. Chase goes to punch him.

Richard, still holding Linus with one arm, hits Chase's fist away with the other. He strikes Chase in the chest and nose before taking hold of him by the collar.

Chase is stunned by a swift headbutt and drops to the floor.
Richard turns his attention back to Linus.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Call my people back.

Linus holds Richard's stare as his face turns red.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Why must you always be this way with me?
   I love you. You can understand that, can't you?

Chase rolls over on his stomach, holding his bleeding forehead.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD (V.O.)
   Do you really believe that I don't know the pain
   you all feel? Having to sit behind these walls
   day in and day out watching the free-runners
   of the world live wildly while we have to stay
   behind the walls. We are safe here. We have
   everything we could ever need and more. Starting
   a war with foreigners in their own turf will
   not give you the freedom and excitement you're
   looking for.
   (whispering)
   The agony of losing Mary was great for many of us.

Chase pounds the ground with a single fist. As he slowly gets to his feet, he removes a knife hidden in his jacket.

Richard looks around the room at the frightened faces.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Starting a war with a people who can barely
   stay alive is a waste of our resources and lives.
   All of the untrained 'volunteers' you sent are most
   likely already dead. Those people are someone's
   children, husbands, wives...

Chase comes at Richard again, swinging. The first punch is a miss as Richard tilts his head back to dodge it. He looks disappointed at Chase.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Truly not your best effort, son.

Chase swings again with his knife in hand. Richard tilts his head back again to dodge. The blade kisses his cheek. Richard frowns. He gently wipes away the blood.

Richard pulls and twists Chase wrist around, forcing him to his knees. Chase holds in any screams of pain a weaker man would possess as his wrist CRACKS. He GROANS from the pain.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   (to Linus)
   Call my people back.

Linus remains silent, his eyes focused on Chase.

Richard turns to face Chase, still holding them both. He looks to Linus one more time to give him a chance to cooperate.

Linus silently glares at Richard

Richard gives Linus a slight nod before giving Chase's shoulder a hard STOMP. The pain is felt through Chase's scream.

   LINUS HAYTER
   Stop!

Richard smiles and stomps Chase's shoulder again. It CRACKS.

   LINUS HAYTER
   (contd, shouts)
   Stop it!

Richard rests his foot on Chase's neck and looks to Linus once more.

A single tear roles down Linus' cheek.

   LINUS HAYTER
   (whispers)
   Please. Don't.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Call my people back.

Richard slowly begins pulling Chase close by his arm, choking him.

   LINUS HAYTER
   (shouts)
   Enough!

Richard's attention stays with Chase.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   (to Linus)
   I gave you an order.

   LINUS HAYTER
   Yes!

Richard releases Chase, letting him collapse to the ground. Richard slams Linus' head on the podium and presses the button near the mic for Linus to speak. Richard loosens his grip on his neck.

   CHAIRMAN RICHARD
   Call them. Now.

Chase coughs and gasps for air, holding onto his shoulder. He curls up into a ball. He watches Linus and Ricard through watery eyes under a furrowed brow.

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Artemis and the Armada
Season 1 A Call to War