Chapter 1 of Part 2 Exterminators

<body> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a href="#curse">The Curse</a><br> <a href="#moment">A Moment Alone</a><br> <a href="#fortress">Fortress</a><br> <a href="#titans">Titans</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> <td> <a href="#cage">Your Cage</a><br> <a href="#fight">Fight</a><br> <a href="#razorback">Razorback</a><br> <a href="#landing">Landing</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a name="curse"></a> <h2>FLASHBACK</h2> <h2>INT- CAVERN</h2> <p>The last hatch whirls close - RHINEBACK and his WIFE going cold from its slam. Under the dim lights, CALISTO wipes the sweat from his brow. His head is down, flushed. His hands are shaking. Behind him, MORGAN and SAMSON stay away, keeping their grim faces in darkness.</p> <p>They are clean. Their clothes are modern though dusty. And all of them are in guilty silence.</p> <p>For, distant from them all, is MAGWITCH, dressed in leather sports wear as he works the RSML console. There's something else: he has no hair, not even eyebrows.</p> <p>But there's no matter, especially when a hologram of Earth glimmers before everyone: it speckled with dozens of target icons.</p> <p>The firing keys turned, methodically doing his deed, Magwitch throws the switches with both hands, tens at a time.</p> <p>To their pained eyes, they watch arched lines curve around the globe to their icons.</p> <p>Outside, the muffled blasts are heard.</p> <p>But, inside, in the red glow of the graphic, is Magwitch, gazing on with his future immortals. Yet, he's not sad.</p> <p>In fact, the only way to describe his expression is of perfect determination.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH (vo)<br> The Biolysis/Exordiri: the beginning of organic transcendence.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Against his belly is the KEY, lovingly clasped in his hand.</p> <h2>EXT- BIANOX- DAY</h2> <p>Shining new, the BIANOX sits amidst a lush metropolis of an age to come.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH (vo)<br> The Bianox: the god generator.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then the missile hits. In a blinding flash, the blast ignites, whiting out everything in sight.</p> <h2>END FLASHBACK</h2> <h2>EXT- BIANOX- DAY</h2> <p>Peaking from the fog, the skeletons can be seen in the distance. A wind brushes that mist away, revealing the decapitated structures surrounding.</p> <p>But still, the BIANOX remains.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH (vo)<br> An eternal reminder of man gone too far.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- ANCIENT CITY- DAY</h2> <p>Beyond the decimated city are the fields, then the mountains.</p> <h2>EXT- SHORE LINE- DAY</h2> <p>The harbor has been eaten away and the freeway lining the beach has all but disappeared.</p> <h2>EXT- EXPANSE- DAY</h2> <p>Civilization is gone, there's nothing left but primal ocean line and forests for endless miles.</p> <h2>EXT- FOREST- DAY</h2> <p>The fate of it all though lies in a single patch of trees.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH (vo)<br> Despite all my efforts, the curse lives on.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- FOREST- DAY</h2> <p>Beneath those trees, a BLACK BEAST flies, having been hit by an ORC's blow. Its screech frames the great writhing fight between BEAST and ORC.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="bvo1wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Beast vs. Orc"> </td> <td> <p>Steel circling; thrusts of arms and teeth: the battle rages from all angles.</p> <p>In fighting flashes: BOB, AGATHA, and even JOHN.</p> <p>Hoisting a beast up like a child, an orc launches it into a tree, cracking it and the wood.</p> <p>Carving one, stabbing the next, jumping over it to kick a third, Bob keeps himself and his sword moving. He whirls back, returning his blades to still active beasts.</p> <p>More orcs carve more beasts. And more beasts bite more orcs.</p> <p>GREYGEN slashes several beasts in a series of whips and spins. But this has bent his long sword flamberge.</p> <p>So, releasing the straps, he unleashes his broad ax. From the battle, the beasts are charging in. Like a golfer, Greygen lowers his blade and coolly waits.</p> <p>With a noted clang, high above the rest, a black beast goes soaring.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Spearing a beast, John still falls beneath it. The thing almost bites his face, but Agatha's blade is already in its throat. She punches the sword, snapping the beast's spine.</p> <p>Looking to the next oncoming beasts, she finds John already chopping. She joins him, opening the beast's face and belly. It drops. Agatha howls.</p> <p>Jumping out, grabbing more swords from the ground, John tosses Agatha one and together, they dive back in.</p> <p>Amidst the chaos, HELGA spots Agatha. She jumps through the crowd, but a beast snatches her. They roll, Helga leaping from it, grabbing a random sword and slashing its face. It doesn't stop. She flees.</p> <p>It catches her again, but now Helga won't have it. Legs clamping around its belly, she dangles under the thing.</p> <p>Her daggers come out and go for its neck. Dancing, twirling, the beast tries to shake her off, bite her. But her thighs are too strong. Her knives are too quick. Soon the black beast collapses on Helga, bled out.</p> <p>She squirms free. Looking up, Agatha is gone from sight. Leaping over the fray, Helga is screaming to her next prey. So ticked, she must take another.</p> <p>The bloody mosh pit goes on, everyone taking their cuts and giving worse: the whole scene enveloped in shrieks and clangs.</p> <p>But then there's a break. The two forces gain a natural separation. Against their instincts, the beasts are backing off, regrouping, snarling with blood and slime of heavy battle.</p> <p>Looking down her own line; to John, Bob, the orcs; Agatha can only smile and wave the horrors on.</p> <p>Again they charge. Again the steel flies. But this time, the beasts, what's left of them, lose.</p> <p>From the fray, a large hand grabs Helga and lifts her out. She smiles though, truly glad to see him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Greygen.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Not saying a word, he takes her in one arm, carrying Helga straight to a mass of gathered orcs. </p> <p>He is not happy.</p> <p>The orcs are circling something, ogling it in perplexed disgust.</p> <p>It's MAGWITCH still pinned to that tree, as rotted and blotched as ever. To help the display, flies have arrived too, looking for soars to lay maggots.</p> <p>Still holding her, he sets Helga before him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Before we were born, a covenant was held with our Lord Aldric. Built on honor between him and my kind.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He brings those gnarled teeth close.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> (cont'd)<br> For three years, three years, you convinced me to end that bond. Over what: a real God. Today I took my kind and broke that covenant - for the sake of a real God.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Eyeing those orcs around him, his hand is kneading, crushing her shoulder. Helga is clenched in his arm, knowing this isn't good.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> (cont'd)<br> So, show me this real God. Please, point for me the new God I sacrificed for.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Okay. Helga is in a bind, really not wanting to tell them that their new real God is the repulsive leper Magwitch. But Greygen jabs a finger at him, hissing every word to her ear.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> (cont'd)<br> Is that dying thing the God I cursed my kind for?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Hi.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She stutters, but...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> You don't like him?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He seizes her by the throat, not choking but close to.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Lying witch! We're are taking you back to Aldric and we will beg for his mercy. Which he's full of, because, if it weren't his love for you, I'd crush your neck to blood.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Stopping, breathing, calming, still seething, Greygen has one last thing to say.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> (cont'd)<br> Not one word. Not one clue. And you and I are going to stay very close.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Squeezing her to him, he makes it very clear that they will be bonded at the hips.</p> <p>With John and Bob, Agatha steps away from the last of the massacre.</p> <p>She sees Helga.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Helga!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Running over, she hugs her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> You did it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha unknowingly turns Helga back to Greygen: back to his wild snarl. Helga keeps her mouth shut.</p> <p>John and Bob walk up to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Don't know how. Don't know why, but thanks.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He extends a hand to Greygen who takes it and squeezes, pulling John close.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> I don't like people.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Noted.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The orc shoves him back to Bob.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> You just don't know nothing, do you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I can speak English.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Shall we go?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She drifts around to Greygen. Grinning to Helga, he says just one thing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> We ride.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You know what? I forgot I was drugged.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And then Agatha falls into John's arms. In the spotlight of Greygen's scowl, he can only shrug. </p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> It's a long story.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Scoffing, the simian leaves and leads.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>Already tightening his gloves and prepping his helmet, SARGOS is on the move.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> I can flank the line, hit fronts and backs, cut them down, maybe trap what you want.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC (os)<br> Sargos.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His enlivened gaze snaps to ALDRIC, finding the man calm, collective.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> After almost a few hundred years, the one thing I've learned is where I stand in a problem. Hang back and we'll see how passionate this rebellion really is.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sargos's head stumbles: frustrated by Aldric's ease. To that, Aldric again smiles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Have your radio ready and expect a call. Lunch?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>This makes Sargos just more speechless.</p> <a name="moment"></a> <h2>EXT- OCEAN- DAY</h2> <p>Across the blanketing blue ocean a ship, a seventy-toner, lurches towards the horizon. Smoke trails its exhaust. Combers smack its pounding nose.</p> <p>The ship's a rugged Goliath, its deck infested with even grittier ORCS.</p> <h2>INT- CABIN</h2> <p>From the companionway, an ORC shoves JOHN into the cabin.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I'm going.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He's left alone, locked in, trapped with an echo of harsh scrubbing. Curious enough, he passes the cabinet, finding AGATHA in a tub, pealing fake skin from her pale hand.</p> <p>Surprised, she sheaths the act in the water, still picking, pretending not to.</p> <p>Her wide eyes are different, now reflecting a golden hue, drawing John in with mystic wonder.</p> <p>Kneeling down, he delves deep for something to say. Then...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> You get a bathtub?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Comes with the stature.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He peaks. She splashes his face.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> You can't look. I won't allow it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Taking her hand, he becomes lost in her new white skin, turning up to those strange eyes. Soft now, almost afraid, Agatha pops the question.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> What would you say to me being from that same caldron as every- thing else: to being just another monster of Aldric's?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I would say he's very talented, making someone like you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She sighs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> It's the thought that counts.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You are the oddest woman.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A scoff.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Most frightening.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her wolf eyes return, smiling, being captured. But...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You used me as a shield.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John stops, putting her within in his hard, thoughtful glare.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I saved your life - twice.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Yes.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> And this is what you remember?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> It's what you did.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He sighs, scowling to being put on the spot.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> It was an accident.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Self-preservation.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> And I made up for it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Not liking this game, he shrugs, being done with it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Look, whatever you're going do, you're going to do. I doubt I could stop you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Nodding, those silver teeth glisten. Her face goes raw.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I'm going to do the worse thing.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Really.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I'm going to make you love me. Then I'll take it away.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Stunned first, then a huff. He smirks. She doesn't know a man. But that grin drops to snatching claws. Both hands grabbing, she takes him like he was a boy, yanking him into her inescapable embrace.</p> <p>And the water goes wild.</p> <h2>EXT- DECK- DAY</h2> <p>AGATHA steps out, still redressing, followed by a damp JOHN. He flings his shirt on, hiding the crisscross of erotic scratches. But he slows down, stumbling on BOB sulking.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Where you've been?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Thinking.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Feeling all right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> I feel like my horse died.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Lucy?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> I've got a reason to see this through.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Having no words to consul with, John simply sits down, rubbing Bob's shoulder.</p> <p>At the front, MAGWITCH is tied, being beaten by the waves. Agatha looms over him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I wanted fresh air. The orcs have a sense of humor.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Squatting, she looks into him, unflinching against the foamy spray.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You and I want the same thing.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> If that's true, you want it in a way that can't be done.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Not if you use the key.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Curling away, he tries to tune her out.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> I know it can work. Aldric told me. Create a loop. The two things destroy themselves - no more Bianox.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then a smirk cuts his cheek.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Is that why you found me: to make your loop?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> There is only one immortal who can use the key. It's inventor.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I know.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He finds her glare again.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> I know. But there's your rub. You'll never get me to open that thing.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> So, the world will always be at risk because you're afraid?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> There's good reason to be.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His grave face is swallowed by a great shadow. The sudden veil draws John's and Bob's faces upward in awe.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob, you and I need to get out more.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob is too dumbfounded to hear, eyes locked on the wall towering over them.</p> <a name="fortress"></a> <h2>EXT- OCEAN- DAY</h2> <p>The seventy-toner is dwarfed by a freighter. Or what was a freighter. The edges are spiked. The deck is lined with boat guns. The hull is shielded with extra plates.</p> <p>Armed and armored, it's a floating fortress.</p> <h2>EXT- LIFEBOAT- DAY</h2> <p>A speck against the steel, iron enforced hull; the lifeboat is hoisted to the ledge - an elevator for our heroes.</p> <h2>EXT- DECK- DAY</h2> <p>Clasping HELGA to his side, GREYGEN welcomes AGATHA to the ship, presenting the ARMY. To her left, DRAGONS are lashed in rows like fighter jets.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I have dragons?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> You have many dragons.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>ORCS haul MAGWITCH off the boat, keeping his putrid smell at arms' length. Stumbling past, JOHN and BOB stagger onto the deck, finding the army's other horrid half at right.</p> <p>Hundreds of ORCS stand in a hunched, shuffling order.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Hey, more orcs.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They go the other way, two orcs flanking them. So John whispers in Bob's ear. But Bob has found something else, marching to it, tuning out everything else.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> This isn't a good thing.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> No it isn't. Watch out for the dragon.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The beast he almost walks into, the dragon tied too firmly to bite, is RAZORBACK. A grizzled old soldier, the thing's lashed as excessively as Gulliver - a sight that moves Bob to touch it.</p> <p>Palm against its skull, Bob has its sense, looking upon it as victim, as comrade. Yet, not as friend, but confusion, Razorback's black boulder eye finds him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You're not trying to talk to the animals again, are you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To that, Bob smiles.</p> <p>Helga clasped to his side, Greygen eyes Agatha, causing suspicion with his confident leer. And then Helga smiles. It's a signal - a hidden one.</p> <p>Agatha's eyes drift, seeing orcs block the ledge, waiting. It's a trap.</p> <p>John scoots closer to Bob, helping conceal his work.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You better know what you're doing?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> We want to get out of here, right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Tugging a good piece of rope, Bob slides out his dagger.</p> <p>Back at Greygen, Agatha is executing her own plan.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You two have become very close.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He barks a laugh.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> You could beat him at swords, you know. He's not that grand.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The grin is gone. Greygen is now put upon to think.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Are you sure you're on the right side?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She's hurting his brain. But what he spots at Razorback is worse. Charging over, he zaps the dragon with a cattle prod, shoving John and Bob away.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> This is Razorback. Ten of my kind it kill. It's not meant for your touch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> How do you know?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Maybe I should just take that hand.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Maybe you should try.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Looking from Helga, Agatha gets John's attention with a stare, pointing with her eyes to the other end of the boat. He sees it's clear.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Hold on.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> He's too old to be tamed... by anyone.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> We'll see old man.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A wink from Agatha, and she and Helga bolt, the entire orc army surging out for them.</p> <p>Greygen slams Bob down. Another orc catches a fleeing John. Magwitch is bear-hugged.</p> <p>Leaping off the simians, Helga and Agatha fly, only to land back in the horde, swallowed in weathered grasps. Still, Agatha surges up - a slippery girl to capture.</p> <p>Thick hands clawing, Greygen hoists Bob and throws him high and far into the army swarm. Taking him by the throat, the Orc King has lifted John high, squeezing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Men!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>All laugh. Except for ALDRIC on the balcony, watching them... watching Agatha. John is choking. Greygen is grinning. She's screaming.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Greygen! Greygen!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John is losing. Fighting to reach him, she gouges an orc's eye, making more attack. They'll crush her. Or rip her apart in this struggle.</p> <p>So, Aldric sighs and raises his copper bullhorn.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Enough!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Hearing the command, Greygen snaps to, loses the grin, and drops John. She gives up the fight, winning enough, letting the simians suck her down.</p> <p>But, over the crowd behind her, comes the rack.</p> <p>The others are being tied but, seeing the emerging steel shaft and rings, Agatha knows what's for her.</p> <p>An orc foot on his chest, still in a daze, John witnesses her spasm in sheer, screeching horror. Degraded to animal panic, she squirms and flails, a dozen orcs straining to pin her mad body.</p> <p>Four finally trap her under weight, wedging the rings around, clamping them. Keeping her still, even trying to soothe her, they slide the rail through.</p> <p>The orcs chuckle, sigh. For them, this is only labor.</p> <p>They stand now, wiping their sweat, leaving her like an asylum sausage: stretched, packed and ready. John sees those wolf eyes, her eyes. The will behind stolen.</p> <p>But now the orcs spread, making way for SARGOS and just behind, practically bringing them to bows, their Lord: ALDRIC, the one man who knows how to rule them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Up! Get them up!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Standing them, presenting them, he goes straight for John. He says nothing though and, instead, meets the hoisted Agatha. Between them, their fire cannot hide.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> So, what did you think: that you could corrupt my children? Turn them against me. Frankly, I don't know which to rely on more: your determination, or your stupidity.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her retort is to spit in his face. No anger, Aldric just wipes it away.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Time for you to come home, get some retraining.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Aldric.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Suddenly, puss and teeth blind-side him, all from Magwitch's slime drooling mouth.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Sign me up too.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sargos punches the festering old man's gut.</p> <p>Wiping off the goo, Aldric moves on, coming towards Greygen and finishing his business.</p> <p>Greygen goes to bow but Aldric, hand seizing the Orc King's shoulder, puts a stop to it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Don't beg. Yes, you did betray. Yes, you do suffer from a serious case of poor decision-making. But you also brought all I need on a silver platter. So all is forgiven. Now get them the hell out of here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Dispelling them with a wave, Aldric orders them away, giving Agatha a glance then forgetting her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Not him.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The one he has fingered out is John. He hangs from an orc's fist, trapped in Aldric's piercing gaze.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Walk with me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The orc walks for John, keeping him dangling next to Aldric.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Every angle here is figured - all planned out for me. Except you. Why are you here?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Hey, that girl...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Agatha.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Look, she's just a thorn in your side. You got the key. You got Magwitch. Let us have a boat - a raft. You can make more... right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric's hand tightens around his hilt.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Nobody leaves this one on their feet.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John shuts up as Aldric ponders to the beating waves.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> What does she see in you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What can I say? I got skills.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Twisting those eyes on target, Aldric smiles at him. Then he comes, never turning his vision from John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> See that dragon?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Trying not to look away, John finds the beast after several glances. There it is on the grates, being surgically butchered by PRIESTS.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> They're applying glands to the ribs, growing them together.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He fingers John's body, using it as an example, boldly touching and grabbing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> The glands form enriched germs, channel it to an ignition in the throat. Boom: a hiccup in progress now can wipe out an army.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He steps closer, the orc bringing John closer to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Things are made into what I need. If I don't need you, you don't need to exist. Find a purpose, for your own sake.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The hilt is released and John is hauled off, still watching Aldric stare at the ocean.</p> <a name="titans"></a> <h2>INT- SHIP</h2> <p>ORC hands are sucking HELGA down the gangway, swallowing her into the bowels. But, to her desperate hope, she spies GREYGEN. Her voice jumps, before it's too late.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Greygen!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His steady glare finds her, unmoved. Quickly, she barks the words to save her self.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> Magwitch isn't rotting, Greygen! He's... he's transcending!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The Orc King is coming over.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> Why do you think Aldric wanted him so much... if he didn't have a power Aldric needed?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To her grin, he stops the orcs, but not to hear her out. Instead, with both those monstrous hands, he grips Helga's facing, wanting to squash it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Answer this, why is Aldric in love with you two witches, always keeps you breathing, when even I can see through you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Because he's only a man.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>That makes him cringe, beaten again by her words. Because, again...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> You know I'm right.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Greygen's squeeze loosens, letting her sink the truth in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> So many ancestors having died his slaves, you're too use to it. It isn't honor, you're just too afraid to finally chance for something good.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Now the hands drop, along with Greygen's head. As much as he hates it, he has always believed her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> I hate you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Because you can't say I'm wrong.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And he can't.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> There is a god here - a real God. But he's going to die before any of us can find that out.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Worse than a thousand swords, her reason has drained him: won the Orc King again.</p> <h2>INT- BRIDGE- DAY</h2> <p>ALDRIC picks one of MAGWITCH's boils, snickering at the goo.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> You're falling apart, old man.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> At least I have soul.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> I know a lot of ghosts that wouldn't say so.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I brought sanity back to human- kind.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Billions of people dead because of your Armageddon, and you call it sanity. I watched those missiles fly. Missiles you pushed the button on. But I'm the evil man, right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Taking in the expanse from the window, he pauses, lamenting deep on ancient decisions.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Finally a purpose a man can sink his teeth into. And you took it away.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Pathetic children waiting for something to make them significant. Gods are the most selfish notion in history.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Is that it? You thought we wanted to be gods?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He leans close, weighing his words in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> We wanted you to be God: riding to the center of the universe, into majesty, on your back. All those you blotted out. We picked you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch smiles to him, whispering gently.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Know what the universe is like, Aldric? It's very cold. Chaos the only reason why it survives. Consciousness is doom. You're a speck, an anomaly: meant to disappear, not to take over. But you hoped. It's not your fault for being fools.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric is quiet for a moment, sad, enraged.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> After the fallout, I went to where I knew my wife was. So I could bury her at the least. She was there but among the other thousands of bones - needle in a haystack. I knew I would never find her. But I hoped.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> And you wasted your time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The answer has left him chilled. He has to step away, regain his focus. Taking out the KEY, Aldric finally faces Magwitch again.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> You're going to show me how this works, but not today. Today you pay homage to all those bones I saw. You pay for my wife.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His eyes shoot to the PRIESTS.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Make him hurt.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He shuts the hatch, leaving Magwitch to the mercies of holy torturers.</p> <h2>EXT- DECK- DAY</h2> <p>ALDRIC slams onto the deck, storming past the ORCS and PRIESTS and DRAGONS. His rage is sharp, but Magwitch's echoed scream soothes slightly.</p> <p>To the rhythm of the waves, Aldric cools, pushing to forget, to move on... to work.</p> <p>He handles the KEY. Groping the smooth, pill form, his fingers flow to understand it. Knowing the level of concentration needed, Aldric closes his eyes.</p> <p>Fleshy tips floating just off the surface, he's striving to connect with the metal, but to no avail. The obvious result has happened - nothing.</p> <p>A sigh and Aldric opens his eyes, caressing the close air around the key.</p> <p>But then it happens. With his finger, but without contact, a dip forms. As if bonded to his skin magnetically, the fluid dent slides with his motion. Like a kid learning a new trick, he repeats this several times.</p> <p>But now, as his finger plays about the key's air, Aldric is sliding, adjusting, moving the working parts of the outer shell: not with touch, but with energy.</p> <p>On a hope, he lets go. And, to his awe, the key remains, held just above his palm.</p> <p>He's too amazed to express anything.</p> <a name="cage"></a> <h2>INT- CAGES</h2> <p>TWO ORCS stab AGATHA's rack into the floor, voices pampering, hands groping.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> See, got your cage the way you like it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Keeping the same, loving tone, he pinches her throat.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> (cont'd)<br> So don't fight, this is a courtesy.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They release her body clamps, hands tearing at her clothes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> (cont'd)<br> Arms up.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sliding the bolero and vest away, they strip a surprisingly willing body.</p> <p>Hugging her up, they slip off the leggings.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> (cont'd)<br> Gotta make sure you don't have any tricks.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Can I have my boots?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Gathering her things, they step out, the one orc dangling the boots at the door, throwing them down the walk.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ORC<br> Fetch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Slamming her in, the next cage opens, JOHN being tossed headfirst. The grate rattles from his thud. His groan follows.</p> <p>Looking over, he sees Agatha almost bare. Muscles rippling tight and knotted under a slick hide, she is truly a wolf. And it becomes clear: she is not a woman, but a thing in that form.</p> <p>Sharp, heroin eyes leering, she cocks a smile to John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I'm home.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- ARMORY</h2> <p>Knives, swords, guns: HELGA straps them all to her body: ankle to shoulder.</p> <p>Draping a cloak over, she saunters out an arsenal.</p> <h2>INT- CAGES</h2> <p>JOHN paces the cage, his chattering steps irritating a morose AGATHA.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Stop. You're attracting the guards.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I'd like to find a way out.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Sit here and relax. Please.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He relents and slides down beside her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Talk to me about yourself.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Well, I want to be a shepherd.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You want to live with sheep?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> A simple life: wool, prairie sunsets... no worries.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Sounds very... dull.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Sometimes I think that's why we do any of this. We're not fighting each other. We're fighting boredom.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> A life without dangers is death itself.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Who told you that one?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> The almighty Aldric.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What did he do to you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I just don't want a god in my life: not Aldric, not anyone. Master and Lord should be forgotten words.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her finger stretches into the cage, hooking his. It's meager but filling enough. Refreshed, she points her chin to the bowels.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> See the caldrons?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John looks to the other side where interconnected grimy tubs sit stacked - dozens of them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> They're making the next supply of black beasts... for the war. I grew up there: educated and trained in that black coffin. Born at sixteen... I'm only ten years old.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Almost dreamy, she answers his perplexed stare.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Aldric didn't want to see us grow up. It ruined it for him. You're lucky. You're going to die. Me, I'm getting put right back in there: to be retrained.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Hey, we're getting out. Don't get lost in whatever this is.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She thumbs his finger, rising from sadness with the sharpest of stares.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You haven't seen the fight in me yet.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then those eyes light up, spotting something new.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Sargos.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <a name="fight"></a> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>Steel clad boots clanking the grated stairs, the ORCS part, letting the man-beast, SARGOS, go where he pleases. He goes to GREYGEN.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Where are they?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> There. Aldric wants them left alone.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Not all of them.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Jagged lips spreading into a mangled grin, Sargos is marching to his prey, screwing the rest.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Just fine, you're what I need.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Looking up, he spies HELGA in the pipes above.</p> <h2>INT- RAFTERS</h2> <p>Swaying in the shadows, HELGA watches SARGOS, biding her time.</p> <h2>INT- CAGES</h2> <p>Tapping AGATHA's and JOHN's cages, SARGOS skulks straight to BOB's. Peering through the grates, John finally sees him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He keeps to the corner, his dead stare unrelenting before Sargos's grin.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> You.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> You.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Wily claws pulling in a GUARD, Sargos hisses.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Open the gate.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Slapping his sword against the railing, he calls the ORCS around.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> (cont'd)<br> Clear the floor! There's going to be a fight!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob is pulled from the cage as Sargos leaps down to the clearing bottom.</p> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>Feet punching with a thunderous clang, SARGOS circles the makeshift arena, barking up the SIMIAN CROWD.</p> <h2>INT- CAGES</h2> <p>Coming to the bars with AGATHA, JOHN sees BOB off, helpless as his friend marches down to the howls.</p> <h2>INT- RAFTERS</h2> <p>From the dark above, HELGA's eyes glint, finding BOB, slinking higher for a better view.</p> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>Already in frenzy, the ORCS are writhing, sucking BOB through with a hundred gnarled hands. He's shoved out, thudding down before SARGOS.</p> <p>Chattering next to him is for the fight the orcs want - a sword.</p> <p>Looking up, he sees Sargos tear away his leathers. Yanking him to his feet, the orcs do the same for Bob, manhandling the man into their rules.</p> <p>He takes the sword, starting the circling with Sargos.</p> <p>Bob stumbles though. THINGS, big things, squeal and pound beneath the grates.</p> <p>No time to wonder. Sargos has set the blade to his nose, set between that shark/hyena stare, giving a fighter's nod.</p> <p>And then he charges. Meeting steel, the rumble is on. Swift and overwhelming, the warriors berate each other with a nonstop clash of strikes and counters.</p> <h2>INT- CAGES</h2> <p>The fight engrosses JOHN but AGATHA has looked up, seeing a flash of HELGA.</p> <h2>INT- TANKS</h2> <p>Concealed by the cheers, HELGA reaches a series of tanks, gaskets and valves. Squeaking open one valve, she makes the gauge marked "Meth" pin.</p> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>Behind the ORCS, in the incubators, a skinless BLACK BEAST opens its dull eyes wide.</p> <h2>INT- TANKS</h2> <p>HELGA jams a lever up, locking it. She then winds a metal clock and releases.</p> <p>It clicks. The countdown has begun.</p> <p>She goes.</p> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>Blades smashing, SARGOS and BOB draw in all the ORCS, even the GUARDS.</p> <h2>INT- CAGES</h2> <p>What the GUARDS miss is HELGA crawling over JOHN and AGATHA. With a smirk, coolly extending her arms, Agatha accepts falling clothes and weapons.</p> <p>While she dresses, John snatches the rest of the supplies. Going from what he's seen, he fumbles the gun to the grate, covering Helga as she slinks down and quietly unlocks the cages.</p> <p>Gesturing the knife at her neck, Agatha points out the two guards. John nods and eases his gate open.<p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA (mouthing it)<br> Run.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then, with a wink, they dive on the orcs, stabbing their necks. And, despite their power, they're redirected into the cages.</p> <p>Still, they howl right back out. One falls. The other manages to fire.</p> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>The GUARD hits nothing, but does draw the attention of all ORCS.</p> <p>Except one ORC who hears thumping from the incubators. Turning to it, he sees the slimy white BLACK BEAST writhe and spasm inside.</p> <h2>INT- TANKS</h2> <p>The clock stops.</p> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>All doors open on all incubators, leading straight to the one in front of that ORC.</p> <p>He has no time. The BLACK BEAST is on him with insane fury.</p> <p>The sudden screams twist BOB and SARGOS to the CROWD. Hundreds of partially formed BLACK BEASTS are flooding over the ORCS... and coming right at them.</p> <p>Swords leaving each other, they carve the stampede.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <h2>INT- SHIP</h2> <p>Escaping the tunnel, AGATHA is racing, JOHN tossing his gun to HELGA.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Get Bob out of there!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>On command, Helga whips around and goes back.</p> <p>Hitting the wall, John and Agatha strap up.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Magwitch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He draws his blade and nods.</p> <h2>EXT- DECK</h2> <p>Hearing the clangs, screams and gunfire, ALDRIC falls cold, focusing on the sheer mayhem echoing up from below. He runs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC (on radio)<br> Bridge, now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> </td> <td> <img src="ag3wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Agatha"> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- BRIDGE- DAY</h2> <p>MAGWITCH grits his gums from the PRIESTS work, banging his skull against the table.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> That didn't hurt.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He squeals through locked jaws.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> That didn't hurt!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But one priest stops them, hearing the muffled shots. Creaking back the hatch, he peers out, his head pierced by lead.</p> <p>Ducking a firing AGATHA, the other priests dive in, swords flashing. But JOHN ambushes them, gutting one. The last finds Agatha landing on top of him.</p> <p>They disappear to a corner, freeing John to untie Magwitch.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Can you make it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Yeah. Who knows? A part of me had this one coming.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Though preoccupied with killing, Agatha still manages to ditto.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You think?!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her priest is still squirming. So she gouges him again. Then she feasts, needing to vent.</p> <p>This has stopped John and Magwitch with each other, being drawn to the shrieks and splatters misting from Agatha's corner. Like a frustrated parent, John smacks the torture table, lulling her howls to growls.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I think he's dead.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She's up, flicking blood from her hair.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Let's go.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Back to the hatch, she steps out.</p> <h2>INT- CORRIDOR- DAY</h2> <p>At the other end, AGATHA is confronted with ALDRIC and ORCS.</p> <p>So she jumps back in.</p> <h2>INT- BRIDGE- DAY</h2> <p>Helping AGATHA seal the hatch, JOHN puts his shoulder to the metal.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> No good?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She spots the windows and gives him a wink.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> No worries.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>No waiting, she shoots one window and smashes through, leaping into open air.</p> <h2>EXT- SHIP- DAY</h2> <p>Slamming into a roll, AGATHA explodes into blazing gunfire, riddling PRIESTS and ORCS with shots. But more are racing in.</p> <p>Spotting a boat gun, her cannon fire goes for it, blasting out the wood stopper.</p> <p>Jumping on, she spins the barrels to the bridge and, with a thudding rattle, pounds whatever enemy cometh.</p> <h2>INT- CORRIDOR- DAY</h2> <p>At the hatch, ALDRIC flinches from the bullets nicking by. He survives, but an ORC is caught in the stream, spasms to the bullets and falls.</p> <h2>EXT- BRIDGE- DAY</h2> <p>Helping MAGWITCH, JOHN works them to the deck, keeping his back turned to the sparking ricochets. </p> <p>And still, AGATHA lights those cannons.</p> <h2>INT- BOWELS</h2> <p>Swords sticking from it, an incomplete BLACK BEAST dives on the ORCS in the shrieking SWARM.</p> <p>Amidst the thrashing chaos, SARGOS is taken, dragged by one of the wild monsters. But he's saved, the beast's head flying from BOB's sword, chopped.</p> <p>He grabs another blade as Sargos draws his favorites, kept back for this more rare and wanted chance: pick and chopper. Twirling both, shark teeth flared, Sargos comes for him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="srg2wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Sargos:pick and chopper"> </td> <td> <p>Ignoring the screams, their steel clashes, bursting into rabid fighting. Dodging beasts, they meet always, never ceasing this relentless duel. Head getting hooked by pick, Bob blocks chopper, escaping both.</p> <p>On the defensive, he struggles to keep from being captured and cleaved by Sargos's two favorites. Tortured howl hacking, the man/beast is enjoying his advantage, whirling those spiked toys at Bob. But Bob is now matching him, sword almost splitting that hyena head. Yet, Sargos is just as quick, letting the metal skim by, the two having to fight on.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>All the while, the amassed chaos is rolling back upon them. An ORC rolls over Bob's shoulder and falls through the grates. The orc catches him self, trying to climb out, but those THINGS pull him below, cracking his bones.</p> <p>That same thing pierces its horn through the floor, knocking Bob on his ass, making him easy prey for Sargos. Pick and chopper flying high, he swings them to Bob. But they only catch beasts, the swarm washing Sargos away.</p> <p>A wave of them is roaring in, about to trample Bob, their fangs rampaging right into gunfire. Ducking the spray, he peers to the towering HELGA, machine-gunning his salvation.</p> <p>She offers a hand. He clasps her forearm - a thank you. But it's over shadowed by a looming GREYGEN.</p> <p>Their faces dart to his infuriated roar.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> He looks pissed.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> I didn't tell him about the black beasts.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Hoisting his ax high, he shrieks wild, striking down to a ringing stop against Sargos's chopper.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> He's mine.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>On the word, Greygen launches him, sending Sargos flying far away again. The orc lurches for Bob and Helga. They're already escaping. Again, the Orc King howls.</p> <p>At their racing feet, a black beast hits the floor, foaming and shaking as they pass: over-dosing on its own chemical imbalance.</p> <h2>EXT- SHIP- DAY</h2> <p>Racing through the rain of shells, BOB and HELGA pass AGATHA's hell storm.</p> <p>JOHN spots them, dropping Magwitch.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Ah!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But Bob charges past them both: going straight for something else, sword hissing out.</p> <p>Helga watches him, but John grabs her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Got a way out of here?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> I think we've got enough to take the boat.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Behind them, Bob is slicing through ropes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Mean that one?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He's pointing to the seventy-toner already far out to sea. Helga cringes.</p> <p>The boat gun stops. Agatha is darting by them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Time to go!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The orcs peek and lurch from cover. Everyone backing off, none notice ropes flying and wings rising behind.</p> <p>But the orcs do. They stop, tightening their forces.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Why are they stopping?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Suddenly, they're thrown down by RAZORBACK's flailing, shrieking head. It's free, spotting John and Helga, diving for a first meal: teeth and all aimed right for them.</p> <p>But it is Bob who lunges before it, arms out and shouting. This stops it, forcing the dragon into an animal's version of "huh?" </p> <p>So, Razorback sniffs Bob, nudges him with its beak. And doesn't react fast enough when he quickly mounts it.</p> <p>Another roar and Razorback is flinging him like a rodeo, Bob attached as the heroic pest.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Okay, what do we do?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Answer: Agatha drops a helmet and fly jacket on him. Grabbing Magwitch, grabbing gear, they scale the dragon's thrashing back.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> They're not shooting?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> They won't.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The beast or the threat of its destructive force keeps the orcs in wait.</p> <p>Reaching commando straps, Helga ties Magwitch in, then herself.</p> <p>There's only one left. He doesn't give her a chance. John straps Agatha in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> What about you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Sighing, he points to Razorback's whipping head.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> You're getting crazier by the minute.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Patting her arm, he scurries to its shoulders.</p> <p>Stumbling onto the balcony, GREYGEN sees Razorback, steaming, but he also sees his dumb orcs, exploding.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Shoot them!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC (os)<br> Wait!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The voice bringing a shutter to them, Greygen's command has been trumped. Aldric has entered the open, looming over the hapless heroes with a cocky smirk.</p> <p>His eyes lock on Magwitch.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> I wanted you to see this.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Out comes his hand and, levitating an inch from his palm, the KEY. The pill shell splits, extending, revealing eloquent mechanics.</p> <p>Every gaze rises to the feral Lord Aldric, weighing dread on Agatha, Helga, and John. Yet, all it does for Magwitch is inspire him to pull down his pants.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Not the time, old man.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Perfect time. Look.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Already, the key is invigorated with a glow.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> You see, not so hard.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha and Helga duck. Even the orcs push back - horrified by the angelic industrial buzz.</p> <p>Magwitch smiles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> I decided I don't need you Magwitch, good bye.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To that, he activates the key and sends out across the crowd...a cute jingle.</p> <p>Blinking, the music, the mocking rhythm, slowly dawns on Aldric. Twisting the singing key to his face, the shock is consuming him.</p> <p>He then sees the real KEY, held high by Magwitch, freshly pulled from his ass.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Waited fifty years, jackass!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha snatches the key from him, pouching it in disgust.</p> <a name="razorback"></a> <p>Exploding, Aldric throws his toy to the ocean and screams.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Magwitch!!!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="rzbk1wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Razorback"> </td> <td> <p>A mistake. Razorback hears his voice. No more tossing Bob, instead, its rage locks on Aldric.</p> <p>Stomping into position, its glands are swelling.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Why does everything hate you, my lord?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Not a word from Aldric, he just leads the charge back into the bridge.</p> <p>An intake, a swell, a blast: Razorback's foes flee or burn.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Diving beneath the billow, Aldric just escapes the flames.</p> <p>The massacre keeping the dragon's neck still, John takes his chance and scurries to Bob. He drops a helmet on his head. Finding the last thing with a buckle, John straps in, manhandling respirators on their faces.</p> <p>Bob's confused.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> What's this for?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Don't know. Just wear it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob sees what John's strapped to.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> I think that's for repelling.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Suddenly, he's thrown as Razorback leaps up and flaps itself into the air. It soars high, just spotted by an appearing SARGOS.<p> <p>Marching to ISAGOTH, he waves other RIDERS to their mounts. The leashes snap. The DRAGONS grab air, pushing themselves high and going after it.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>Despite the cutting wind, HELGA's radio voice crackles clear.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA (radio)<br> Bob, do you hear me?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Clasping his helmet, a startled BOB looks around.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB (radio)<br> Helga?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA (radio)<br> Steer Razorback to the mountains.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB (radio)<br> I don't think he'll let me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA (radio)<br> You have to, before they catch up.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Flames shoot past, drawing AGATHA and Helga to look behind.</p> <p>ISAGOTHA, howling, has already speared her young TWO DRAGON force upon them. </p> <p>Agatha turns back, noticing something else.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA (radio)<br> Where's John?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To her surprise, she sees JOHN shriek by on the repelling cable... and then again.</p> <p>Then everybody leans against Razorback's swerve.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>RAZORBACK rockets across the sky - ISAGOTH and DRAGONS in hot pursuit.</p> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- DAY</h2> <p>Isagoth skidding, SARGOS keeps up his barking orders.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS (on radio)<br> Take the wings. Circle!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Signals flailing, he flogs his team into the chase.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>JOHN, hanging under Razorback's belly, sees the TWO DRAGONS coming. He tries to wiggle to safety but the velocity keeps him pinned.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>Spotting the DRAGONS flanking, RAZORBACK dives for the waters, the beasts and their flames at its tail.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>BOB shields himself from the fire. He's not driving. He's just holding on.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>RAZORBACK skips the water and shoots back up, those TWO DRAGONS right on it.</p> <p>But then it closes its wings and drops, twirling past them. Not losing a beat, they follow, falling straight into Razorback's streamed inferno.</p> <p>The grizzled old beast has out played them, washing the dragons in its blast. One explodes. One escapes, Razorback howling right after it. John is flung along - a hopeless fly on a string.</p> <h2>EXT- DRAGON- DAY</h2> <p>And, like a fly, JOHN lands belly first on the back of the opposing dragon. RAZORBACK is hovering overhead, taunting the RIDER with bites to dodge.</p> <p>A swallow, a shift for balance, and he's running to the head.</p> <p>Desperate to escape Razorback's teeth, the rider pulls his sidearm, only to have it grabbed by John. In his shock, the rider stalls and looks.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Hi.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>No "hi" back, Razorback has bitten. In a lighting strike, the man and his seat are torn away.</p> <p>The line yanks and John again is soaring.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>The DRAGON, now master less, loses its skill. RAZORBACK hooks it, flying the beast right into the rocks. Bones cracking, the dragon skids into a fatal roll.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>Flames slice over HELGA and MAGWITCH, making them curl. Behind them, ISAGOTH is dancing in the sky, launching the heat.</p> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- DAY</h2> <p>SARGOS is back.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>To the mountains, into the air, down to the waters, through the clouds, the dragons - ISAGOTH and RAZORBACK - struggle at the maneuvering game.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>From an upward twist, JOHN is thrown into AGATHA's arms. Her claws dig, clasping him for his life.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA (radio)<br> Hold on before you shred us all!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>HELGA is screaming.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA (radio)<br> Bob, get control!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB (os: radio)<br> I'm trying!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>BOB yanks the control stick. Razorback smacks their skulls together. So Bob lets go.</p> <h2>EXT- SARGOS'S MOUNT- DAY</h2> <p>SARGOS draws his rifle and aims.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>JOHN, desperately holding AGATHA, sees RAZORBACK leer back at him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> He's looking at me!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Shrieking a roar, it rips John from her grasp, whipping him back into the air.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>Swinging around, RAZORBACK lobs JOHN to ISAGOTH and right to SARGOS.</p> <p>Out of sheer panic, John flings out his sword.</p> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- DAY</h2> <p>Spotting JOHN, SARGOS throws up the rifle, blocking the split second collision. John is gone. The rifle is bent. The sword is imbedded.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>JOHN sees his hands, where the sword was, then is flung up and upside down on Razorback's turn.</p> <h2>EXT- ISAGOTH- DAY</h2> <p>Trying to dislodge the blade, SARGOS is ambushed, rammed down by RAZORBACK. Escaping, he dives... right into the water.</p> <h2>EXT- OCEAN- DAY</h2> <p>Sucked into the sea, ISAGOTH flogs the waves for air. Though it floats, it's out of commission. Smacking the stick, SARGOS is beaten.</p> <h2>EXT- OCEAN- DAY</h2> <p>Razorback skims the waters right back to that floating fortress.</p> <h2>EXT- SHIP- DAY</h2> <p>Seeing the dragon return, ALDRIC's jaw drops.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>Past the gawking BOB and AGATHA, still tethered, JOHN screams.</p> <h2>EXT- SHIP- DAY</h2> <p>ORCS and PRIESTS are blown off the deck as explosions rein around ALDRIC. RAZORBACK rockets by again: more flames, more destruction.</p> <p>Ducking the blasts, GREYGEN rises, seeing his orcs burning. He's had enough.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Shoot it down! Damn you!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To Aldric's horrified dismay, Orcs are charging out, missile launchers weighted on their shoulders. They're going to flex their own dragon defense.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Not the missiles.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He runs back to the balcony screaming.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Not the missiles!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Too late, the rockets fly. But all miss the diving dragon, whistling to the ocean, forgotten as the infernos return.</p> <p>From the searing mushrooms, Aldric appears, scaling the bridge to the shouting Greygen. Straining himself over the rail, his grunts break into shouts.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Greygen!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Stumbling up, he reaches the stoic Orc King. Grabbing him, his commands are pleas.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Not the missiles. He has the key!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> And your bitch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Too quick for Aldric's rebuttal, Greygen blares orders across his orcs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> (cont'd)<br> Bring it to flames!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>More rockets. No hits. The old dragon is in air.</p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>But then RAZORBACK turns around, descending nice and easy.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>Against the back, AGATHA and HELGA can't see anything.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> What's he doing?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>Straddling its leg, JOHN can see the beast's ribs. Those implanted glands are swelling. They're swelling big.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>BOB snaps to his legs, glands are pushing them out.</p> <h2>EXT- RAZORBACK- DAY</h2> <p>Eyeing the fall, JOHN knows.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I think I've got an idea.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He's looking at the ship, now in Razorback's direct line of fire.</p> <h2>EXT- SHIP- DAY</h2> <p>All ORCS, all PRIESTS watch the sky, seeing the old RAZORBACK aiming for them.</p> <p>Still ALDRIC works GREYGEN.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Right, they're up there. Agatha... Helga. You know them.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Greygen doesn't flinch. He just watches the missiles soar.<p> <h2>EXT- SKY- DAY</h2> <p>Missiles come, but RAZORBACK simply drops, letting them swoon by. Floating back, its target is reacquired.</p> <h2>EXT- SHIP- DAY</h2> <p>ALDRIC seethes into hisses. GREYGEN can't win this.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Don't play with me. You're not smart enough.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Still Greygen is a rock. More ORCS fire more rockets, RAZORBACK slipping by with the surest of ease.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Stop the missiles!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Greygen roars, smothering his words.</p> <p>Yet, to both their eyes, they see the Orcs racing inside - retreating. Enraged glares meeting, both man and beast surrender to safety.</p> <p>Just in time to leap inside as Razorback's flames crash onto the deck. Wood and metal leap high, rolling with the hot sweep.</p> <p>In one sure stroke, the whole ship is engulfed; consumed as the old dragon soars off to the mountains.</p> <p>Done.</p> <a name="landing"></a> <h2>EXT- HILL TOP- DAY</h2> <p>RAZORBACK glides down and, with several steady flaps, lands on grass. Ripping the belt off, JOHN charges to freedom, crashing safely from the beast. Helmet flung away, he just lays on the lush green, breathing deep his relief.</p> <p>With a big smile, he greets a kneeling, sarcastic AGATHA.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I have a right to be happy.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A loving scratch of his head and she's walking on with HELGA and MAGWITCH. He's up, eyeing the dismounting BOB. Looking back, Bob watches Razorback shake the filth from its hide, getting lost in a thought. John calls to him from the tree line.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob, you coming?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> One bit.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John vanishes, leaving him with the dragon. It finally looks at Bob, leering in its crude curiosity.</p> <p>An attempted thank you: Bob draws his sword and, with the softest spin, kneels behind the steel. He bows before Razorback, offering the only symbol of honor he knows.</p> <p>But it's ignored. Razorback is flying away: moving on without a second thought.</p> <p>Still, Bob isn't bothered, not even surprised. He sheaths his sword, watching that leathery streak in the sky, and goes after John.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>Bob finds John walking away from everyone else. He follows.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>Noses perked from the smell, AGATHA and HELGA carry MAGWITCH arm in arm. She spits to the weight.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Come on, old man, you're not hurt that bad.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> You weren't there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Helga drops him, ignoring his yelp.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Where are those two?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Dammit, girl.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Listening, sniffing, Agatha drops him too. In the dirt, Magwitch flails, shouting to the aches. But when he looks, he stops: Helga and Agatha are gone.</p> <p>His struggle going limp, Magwitch is left to curl up, huff and sulk.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>Popping through the brush, BOB finally reaches a steadily marching JOHN.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Hey, they went back that way.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Good.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His shoulder clasped by an iron grip, John is whipped around.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> You're leaving again?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> This isn't my war, Bob.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> This is my war. For Lucy, this is my war.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Yeah, that was the enemy's fault. You, me, her could of walked away any time, but you chose to fight. Still, it's the enemy's fault, right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>That hit Bob hard. He doesn't talk, doesn't punch John. Bob just walks away.</p> <p>Knowing he's a jerk, John tries...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Bob, I'm sorry.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Dramatic subject change: from the brush a form flashes, taking John to the ground - AGATHA. Trapped underneath, he's at her mercy.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I guess everybody's come to help, huh?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Yeah.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You know, while being flung around that dragon, I started thinking, "Why am I here?" Bob... you. And why you, I don't know.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Feeling the sting of that real thing, John escapes into sarcasm.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> I bet you did curse me: because, that's the thing. This war isn't coming after you. You're chasing it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Yes, and so less fulfilling than sheep and prairies.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> It's a nice life. You should try it sometime.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You're right: this isn't your war. It will never be your war. Who cares about what there is to believe in.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She embraces him, lips caressing his ear, whispering soft her venom.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Truth is, you want me. You know it. I know it. You want me. You just don't have the balls to fight for it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Looming over him, she's proud, arching her chest and nose to snub. But John's a challenge.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I just have enough sense not to fall for your shit.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Yeah, she smacks him. Twice.</p> <p>Giving him a good scratch on his cheek, she leaves him, disappearing into the brush with head held low. And, though he really thinks he's right, John just can't stop the guilt.</p> <p>Eyes hard on sky, John is torn.</p> <p>HELGA meets her. Agatha crosses her arms, still trying to seem in control.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Maybe it would be better if we just let him go.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Wait.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She allows a moment for breeze and birds. In the next moment, John storms past them with Bob, now going their direction.</p> <p>Just too happy, Agatha gives Helga a smiling wink.</p> <p>But facing Helga's sobering stare, her smile stumbles as fragile as it was. Still...</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> He isn't leaving.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Half grumbling, she follows John's lead. Sighing, Helga goes too.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>To his delight, MAGWITCH sees JOHN approaching.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Ah-hah, pick me up. Those witches just left me...</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Yelping to John's grasp, the old man gets the twisted side of his wish. He's yanked up, hoisted like a rag doll and dragged by an over-determined John.</p> <p>HELGA and BOB follow, AGATHA taking their rear. She stops though, appreciating the sight. Through disagreement and bitterness, they're a family.</p> <p>Her lips curl to a sad grin, breathing in that elation, and she strolls.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="760" height="60"> <tr> <td body align="center"> <br></br> <p><a href="brhmpg.htm">Home</a>|<a href="cntctpg.htm">Contact</a>|<a href="aboutit/abtit1.htm">About it</a>|<a href="gallerygatepg/gllrygt.htm">Gallery</a>|<a href="extermgatepg/extgt.htm"> Exterminators</a>|<a href="gdgatepg/gdgt.htm">God Dog</a>|<a href="../index.htm">Gate</a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"> <p>© all rights reserved, artwork and screenplays, E Felter 2003. This website was posted on 2/10/05</p> </td> </tr> </table> </body>