BY BLOOD & BY BONE
Feature Film Pilot for the 10-Part Series
Written by
Dave Kebo
FADE IN:
EXT. THE ENCLAVE MARKET DISTRICT – DAY
The GREAT AKUMA, a titanic monster with onyx skin, rampages
through the city, carving a trail of devastation in its wake.
TITLE: THE ENCLAVE
Above, a TACTICAL COMMAND SHIP flies into frame.
INT. COMMAND SHIP BRIDGE – CONTINUOUS
GENERAL HAKKAN is briefed by his OFFICERS as they observe the
chaos below.
OFFICER
Central Market sustained massive
damage. Civilian casualties unknown.
GENERAL HAKKAN
This is a massacre.
OFFICER 2
Our lines are in position, sir.
GENERAL HAKKAN
Hit it with everything we've got!
EXT. MARKET DISTRICT – GROUND LEVEL
Hover-tanks, artillery, and soldiers unleash a devastating
barrage on the Akuma. But as the smoke clears, the Akuma
still stands.
TANK CAPTAIN
It absorbed the blasts!
The Akuma's skin turns bright red. It throws its head back --
SCREAM! A shockwave from the depths of hell disintegrates
everything in its path as --
SMASH TO BLACK.
TITLE: 2 DAYS EARLIER
Bass heavy electronic music with a top-line melody like morse
code reverberates from nearby.
EXT. ENCLAVE STREET - NIGHT
Distorted neon shimmers in a puddle of a rain-slicked street.
A combat boot stomps down, scattering the reflections.
Tilt up to: a THUG, hooded, smoking a cigar. He walks into a
crowded bar passing a neon sign -- "THE DEMON'S KISS."
INT. THE DEMON'S KISS - NIGHT
Sensory overload. Synth-junkies, hover-bikers and data
runners crowd the room. The Thug's wide frame fills the door.
THUG
Top shelf, honey. Make it a double.
KANAI'I, the bartender, grabs a bottle off the top shelf and
pours. She is punk and all business. Blue hair, tattoos, and
eyes that see through your bullshit.
KANAI'I
Big spender. What's the occasion?
THUG
Give me your number, and I'll... fill
you in.
He smirks, making sure his sexual intention is felt.
KANAI'I
The only number you're getting from me
is the bill.
Laughter from the bar as she serves up the whiskey. Thug's
ego is hurt.
THUG
I've met a lot of girls like you and
they all end up the same... on their
backs, begging for more.
KANAI'I
(unimpressed)
Honey, I serve drinks. Not delusions.
More laughter and groans. The Thug's expression darkens --
THUG
I'll show you delusions, you arrogant
whore!
His meaty paw grabs her wrist --
Kanai'i spins sharply, cracking his skull against the bar.
The Thug's body goes limp and slides to the floor.
The room goes quiet as Kanai'i picks his cigar up off the
bar. She puffs, exhales a cloud of smoke, and casually drops
it onto the Thug's motionless body.
KANAI'I
Hope you enjoyed the show. Don't
forget to tip your bartender.
The patrons go back to socializing. Two men drag Thug's body
out as Kanai'i grabs the whiskey and throws it back. Just
another night in the Enclave.
INT. APARTMENT – NIGHT
The room glows blue from monitors and the pulse of an active
signal array. A clutter of analog tech from decades past.
JAYCE (16), neurodivergent, sits cross-legged in front of a
glowing console, eating from a big bag of KRUNCHEES snacks.
His eyes study the waveform scrolling across the screen --
JAYCE
Come on... show me what you got.
He types a final command. The screen stutters. Then — a TONE.
JAYCE
That's it. That's it!
He slaps on a set of headphones, tunes a dial. His fingers
fly as lines of code scroll across the screen. The sound
transforms like a melody trying to emerge from the noise.
JAYCE
Ohmygod... it's beautiful...
The front door HISSES open as Kanai'i steps in, dripping
rain. Jayce pulls off his headphones, his face lit up.
JAYCE
Sis, I did it! I thought it was just
the algorithm but it's way beyond
that. It's a multi-layered frequency
pattern. Harmonics inside the
distortion! And I just found the key!
Kanai'i drops her bag with a tired sigh. Not tonight.
KANAI'I
Jayce, please...
JAYCE
Know what this means? Dad was right!
He just missed the harmonic folding.
That's why his readings were off...
KANAI'I
Stop!
JAYCE
I... I thought you'd be excited.
KANAI'I
(the opposite of excited)
How much more time are you gonna waste
hunched over that junk-pile, chasing
ghosts? Dad's gone. And he's not
coming back.
JAYCE
You don't know that.
KANAI'I
It's been two years, Jayce. He left
us. You need to let him go.
JAYCE
No. He didn't... Dad wouldn't...
KANAI'I
He did! And every hour you spend in
here pretending like he's magically
going to appear is just buying into
the same delusional bullshit.
JAYCE
You never believed him!
KANAI'I
Because it's not real!
JAYCE
It is real! I found the key!
KANAI'I
Enough!
Jayce recoils, accidentally dropping his Krunchees bag.
Orange chips spill all over the floor.
KANAI'I
You're so scared of reality that you'd
rather chase someone else's twisted
dream than live your own life.
JAYCE
This is my life.
KANAI'I
Hiding in here? Tinkering with trash
you found in a dumpster? Grow up!
Jayce looks shattered, but Kanai'i is just getting started.
KANAI'I
You know what life is? Life is working
a job you hate to pay rent for a shit-
hole that leaks and smells like mold.
As if on cue, gunshots ring outside. They don't even flinch.
JAYCE
That's your life. Not mine.
KANAI'I
It's our life! Our life! Dad is gone
and he's not coming back.
(sighing)
And he didn't get snatched through
some magical portal. He's gone because
he walked out. He left us, Jayce.
Jayce opens his mouth, but the words won't come. Tears spill
silently down his cheeks. Kanai'i turns away.
KANAI'I
That's the real world. It's time you
start living in it.
She walks behind the sheet curtain separating the room and
yanks it closed, leaving Jayce devastated and alone.
BEEP. WHIRRR. The console comes alive. Jayce looks over at a
photo of his father on the wall. The signal beckons.
JAYCE
You're wrong. I'll show you. I'll show
you all.
Jayce returns to his machine, determined like never before.
EXT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Barred windows line a graffitied wall. In one window, a
bright FLASH erupts, and then, its gone.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
INT. APARTMENT – MORNING
Sunlight streams through broken blinds. Kanai'i steps out
from behind the curtain, still half-asleep.
KANAI'I
Jayce? I'm sorry. I didn't mean all
that stuff...
The apartment is quiet. She crosses to his corner -- his
blanket is folded, his boots are gone.
KANAI'I
Jayce, stop playing around!
Silence. A flicker of panic crosses her face.
She grabs her jacket and runs out.
EXT. APARTMENT - DAY
Kanai'i types on her device and zooms off on her HOVER BIKE.
EXT. THE ENCLAVE - DAY/MONTAGE
Various people and places around the Enclave get an alert
from Kanai'i on social media.
MEMORY PARK: NIX, a Female Hover Biker, checks her device.
KANAI'I ALERT
Jayce ran away. Can you help me find
him?
ECHO MARKET: A Male Biker, SIKKO, haggles over a tech mod
when the alert comes through. He jumps on his bike.
HEADS UP DISPLAY -- message alerts ping in on the HUD:
"Gotchu babe" "Covering Echo Market" "Will check Perception
Park" "I put out an MP Alert."
EXT. THE ENCLAVE – DAY – MONTAGE
Montage of Kanai'i searching the Enclave:
– Driving down the street, scanning the crowd.
– Market: showing people a holo-photo of her and Jayce.
– Memory Park: She stops a patrol -- nothing.
– Wide shot from above: Kanai'i on her Hover Bike, weaving
through the sprawl of the Enclave as daylight wanes.
EXT. WALKWAY OVERPASS – SUNSET
Kanai'i parked on her hover bike, the blur of traffic below.
HUD: Messages come back: "No hits on the Alert" "Not in the
Market" "So sorry hun, he'll turn up" "No Jayce."
She hangs her head in defeat, scared and alone.
INT. APARTMENT – NIGHT
Kanai'i comes in and collapses onto Jayce's mattress.
KANAI'I
Come back. Please... I'm sorry.
BEEP. WHIRRR. Only the console answers. She looks over
towards Jayce's work area.
The wall is covered in stuff that Jayce pinned up: technical
charts and sketches and an old photo of their father.
On the Machine -- Soft lights pulse along its edge. The
waveform is looping. And that's when she sees --
ON THE GROUND -- Jayce's crushed orange chips show boot
prints leading towards the machine... and none lead back.
KANAI'I
What the hell...
Slowly, she rises and follows the footprints to --
A HAND SCANNER -- as she approaches, it lights up!
Kanai'i stares. Behind the scanner is the photo of her
father, his face shaded by a hat as he smiles.
KANAI'I
Stupid kid... I swear to God. If
you're dead, I'm gonna kill you.
With that, Kanai'i thrusts her hand onto the scanner --
WHUMMMM! The machine responds with a low chime, bone-deep.
Light spirals, rising in concentric rings.
Kanai'i struggles to pull her hand away, but it's stuck.
The floor shimmers as the apartment begins to vibrate. Sounds
become colors and her body begins to dematerialize.
– A glimpse of Jayce, bathed in light -
– A dark entity watching from beyond —
– Two bright burning orbs, like eyes.
FLASH TO:
EXT. NOVA PRIME DESERT RIDGE – DAY
KANAI'I IS FALLING! She SLAMS down hard on burning sand as --
BLASTER FIRE rips overhead --
A MASKED SOLDIER tackles her into a trench just as an
explosion obliterates the sand where she just was.
KANAI'I POV -- a soldier's cracked visor frames piercing blue
eyes. A jagged scar carves down his forehead. He barks
something sharp and unintelligible.
KANAI'I
I... I don't understand!
Another explosion. He DRAGS her away as the ledge above caves
in. The sky shreds with gunfire as --
A SIXTY FOOT MECH stomps towards them. Heavy plate armor,
monstrous limbs with cannon turrets and missile pods.
It fires another volley as soldiers scatter like ants.
The Masked Soldier shoves Kanai'i behind a destroyed tank and
returns to the fight.
KANAI'I POV -- a squad of soldiers pinned behind some ruins.
Then she sees -- a dead soldier with a ROCKET LAUNCHER.
The Mech stomps on the soldier's body, but the rocket
launcher is untouched!
The Mech's mega-cannon begins to GLOW, charging up for the
final kill. The pinned soldiers are doomed.
The Mech's back is turned to Kanai'i. Decision time...
Kanai'i sprints towards the Mech and slides, grabbing the
launcher. She hauls it to her shoulder and --
FWOOSH! The RPG launches and EXPLODES into the Mech's side.
Heavy armor deflects the rocket. Unharmed, the Mech turns
towards her.
KANAI'I
Shit-shit-shit!
Kanai'i RUNS as the Mech's gun turrets whirl up. She won't
make it --
BOOM! A rocket from the pinned squad strikes the Mech's knee.
It stumbles forward, crashing into a ridge.
Cheers from the soldiers. One throws a fist up as --
Aircraft thunder past. Skiffs open fire on the Mech.
The Mech's jets fire and it launches into the sky after them.
The soldiers seize the moment to retreat. A soldier roughly
grabs Kanai'i, yelling in an alien tongue.
KANAI'I
Wait! I'm on your side!
A bag is thrust over her head. She's a prisoner now.
Overhead, the sky burns under dual suns, like eyes.
INT. TRANSPORT - NIGHT
Voices argue in a harsh language she can't understand.
The vehicle stops and Kanai'i is grabbed and the bag YANKED
off her head.
KANAI'I POV -- eyes adjusting to the light, as a pressure
injector shot is shoved into her arm --
PSSSST! Kanai'i tenses. Her pupils dilate.
SOLDIER
Move it!
She can understand him now, but before she can reply, she is
SHOVED through a door —
INT. HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
The door slams. Cuffs retract. She catches her breath as --
JAYCE (O.S.)
Sis?
From the corner of the room, a gaunt figure steps into the
light. Dirty and thin, but unmistakably Jayce.
Kanai'i moves towards him fast. Jayce flinches, expecting a
punch, but instead, she grabs him in a crushing hug.
KANAI'I
I thought I lost you...
He hugs her back. Her voice cracks with emotion.
KANAI'I
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
JAYCE
No... no, it's my fault.
She looks her brother up and down, taking him in.
KANAI'I
What the hell happened? You look like
you've been in here a month.
JAYCE
A month? Has it been that long?
KANAI'I
It's been a day. One day.
JAYCE
Time must move faster here.
(nodding)
Yeah... harmonic layering. Temporal
distortion - that makes sense...
She cuts him off before he starts to spiral.
KANAI'I
Jayce, focus! Where are we? Who the
hell are these people?
JAYCE
There's... a war.
KANAI'I
Yea, I got that when the mech tried to
kill me.
JAYCE
You saw a mech?
KANAI'I
Saw? I hit it point blank with an RPG!
Bounced off like it was nothing.
Jayce nods, his brain going into analytical mode.
JAYCE
Ordinaut Mech, Dreadnaut class.
KANAI'I
A what?
JAYCE
Ordinauts rule this planet. This is a
rebel prison. And we're the weird
aliens who dropped out of the sky.
KANAI'I
How do you know all this? We don't
even speak their language.
JAYCE
They gave me some sort of shot...
That must have been what she just got, too --
Metal clanks and the door slides open revealing two masked
solders. Jayce cowers as a soldier barks at her --
SOLDIER
You! Come with us!
KANAI'I
I'm gonna get us out of here, Jayce.
Jayce curls up in the corner, shaking as he puts on his
headphones to block out the world.
INT. REBEL BASE CORRIDORS – NIGHT
Kanai'i is marched through dim hallways. Doors hiss open --
INT. TRIAGE HALL – NIGHT
The screams of children fill the air as Kanai'i is thrust
into a world of indescribable suffering. A girl with an
amputated leg sobs. A boy cries as shrapnel is pulled out.
YOSSRI
The Empire bombed a village not far
from here. These are the survivors.
A tall man stands on a walkway overlooking the triage center.
The guards march Kanai'i upstairs to meet him.
KANAI'I
Why are you showing me this?
YOSSRI turns to face her revealing olive skin, piercing blue
eyes, and a handsome face with the scar across his brow.
YOSSRI
I was thirteen when the Ordinauts
bombed my village. They made me a
slave. Forced me to fight for their
amusement.
(then)
I survived the gladiator pits. These
children will survive... this.
Kanai'i doesn't know what to say.
KANAI'I
I... I'm sorry. That's awful.
Yossri seems caught off guard by her response.
YOSSRI
My men call you the Dimensional Twins.
I prefer "Sky Children."
KANAI'I
We're not twins.
YOSSRI
But you did fall out of the sky.
KANAI'I
I... can't explain how we got here.
YOSSRI
You're here because the Signal called
you.
Now it's her turn for surprise - he knows about that?
YOSSRI
I have something you should see.
Yossri scans his hand on a door and it slides open.
INT. TECH ROOM - NIGHT
A Holo-Screen comes on with a grainy security camera image.
YOSSRI
This man has spent his life decoding
the Signal. Like you, he fell from the
sky. They call this man Jahanan.
The grainy image clears to show -- a man, partially turned,
mid-stride. A gray streak through his hair. Kanai'i gasps --
KANAI'I
Dad...
The resemblance is clear, but--
KANAI'I
He looks... so old. Can I see him?
YOSSRI
Jahanan is far from here. But I can
arrange transport for you and your
brother. On one condition.
KANAI'I
Anything.
Yossri holds up his hand revealing a small glowing black box -
- it buzzes with an electrical field.
YOSSRI
Give Jahanan this.
KANAI'I
What is it?
YOSSRI
I believe it is the Key to decoding
the Signal. And quite possibly,
winning this war.
KANAI'I
Take us to our dad, and I'll make sure
he gets it. You have my word.
Kanai'i takes the black box and Yossri smiles --
FLASH TO -- the Masked Soldier in the trench who saved her
life - the scar, the piercing blue eyes... Was it Yossri?
KANAI'I
Was it you?
YOSSRI
Sometimes, the Signal is undeniable.
Good luck, Kanai'i.
Yossri nods to the guards and they escort her out.
INT. PRIVATE QUARTERS – NIGHT
Kanai'i is led into a room, the door locks behind her. It's
no luxury suite, but it's not a cell. A bed, a bathroom with
a shower, a table with two bowls of steaming food.
Sitting on the bed, showered and in clean clothes, is Jayce.
JAYCE
I don't know what you told them, sis.
But it worked!
Kanai'i sits on the bed next to him. She gently places her
head on his shoulder.
KANAI'I
Smells like diesel in here.
JAYCE
Better than mold.
She chuckles, grabs a bowl and takes a bite. Grimaces.
KANAI'I
This is terrible.
They wolf down the food in silence, until --
JAYCE
We're in the story now.
KANAI'I
What story?
JAYCE
The war story. Rebels, empire, lost
travelers from another dimension with
esoteric knowledge only they can
decipher. All classic holodrama stuff.
KANAI'I
This is not our war. Don't get caught
up in it.
JAYCE
Says the girl who tried to shoot down
a mech.
KANAI'I
That was stupid.
JAYCE
It was the right thing, sis.
KANAI'I
You're siding with our jailers now?
Jayce shoots her a look of pure clarity.
JAYCE
The Empire's murdering these people.
It's clear who's on the right side.
This hits her hard, but Kanai'i remains focused.
KANAI'I
The only side that matters is our
side. You and me.
(then softly)
And dad. He's alive.
JAYCE
What?
KANAI'I
They showed me a photo. It was him.
JAYCE
Dad's alive?
KANAI'I
They said he fell from the sky.
Jayce exhales and his whole body relaxes. He wipes his eyes.
JAYCE
God... I knew it. I knew it.
(emotional)
This changes everything.
KANAI'I
Jaycey, I don't know what's out there.
But we're going to find dad and we're
not leaving here without him.
JAYCE
Promise?
KANAI'I
I promise.
Jayce's smile slowly fades to something more pensive.
JAYCE
Do you think he'll be happy to see us?
KANAI'I
Of course he will.
She hugs her little brother tight. She hopes she's right.
INT. PRIVATE QUARTERS – PRE-DAWN
BANG-BANG! The door SLAMS OPEN. Two Soldiers burst in.
GUARD
On your feet. Now!
JAYCE
Wha- what's going on?
Kanai'i is already pulling on her boots.
KANAI'I
Get dressed.
JAYCE
Where are you taking us?
KANAI'I
They're taking us to dad.
JAYCE
Is that true? Are you taking us to see
our dad?
Jayce starts to panic, breath catching in his throat.
JAYCE
They—they're not saying anything. Why
won't they say anything?
A guard reaches for Jayce who pulls away, terrified. Kanai'i
steps between them immediately, a wall.
KANAI'I
Don't touch him!
The guard looks like he might strike her, but holds back.
Kanai'i kneels and helps Jayce with his boots, tying them
fast, like she has been since he was a kid.
KANAI'I
Just follow my lead, okay?
Jayce averts his eyes. His skinny body quivers with fear.
INT. CORRIDOR – PRE-DAWN
They're marched through cold halls, lights glowing overhead.
JAYCE
Where are we going?
KANAI'I
Just breathe.
JAYCE
Where are you taking us?!
KANAI'I
Jayce, look at me. You're okay.
JAYCE
No! Why won't they say where we're
going?
She reaches for him but he recoils -- he's spiraling
JAYCE
They're marching us to die!
He freezes, full body trembling, hyperventilating.
KANAI'I
Jayce. Breathe with me...
(taking his hand)
Close your eyes.
He resists, then obeys. She shields his body and whispers.
KANAI'I
Feel me. I'm right here.
And she starts to sing a lullaby that she sang to him as a
child. From before their father disappeared.
KANAI'I
Sing Little Bird, your wings are
small, The night is dark, the sky is
tall. But stars are guides to
something strong - now, stretch your
wings and hear my song...
Jayce clutches her hand, eyes clamped shut, clinging to her
voice. The music soothes him. Together, they start walking.
KANAI'I
Sing Little Bird, the cage was kind,
But your brightest song was left
behind. The wind is sharp, the world
is wide, But freedom waits on the
other side...
Her voice echoes to the beat of footsteps on concrete.
KANAI'I
So sing, little one, into the night,
The dark is long, but soon comes
light...
Jayce opens his eyes, still scared, but resolute.
KANAI'I
And when the fire burns the sky, then
shall we be free... and fly...
A final set of doors opens into BLINDING LIGHT --
INT. HANGER - DAWN
Engines roar, ships rise and lower on rusting lifts. The
chaotic display of a ragtag rebel army.
Jayce gasps, completely overwhelmed at the sight.
JAYCE
Oh... Ohhh wow...
He walks forward like a kid stepping onto a movie set he's
only ever imagined, eyes filled with pure wonder.
JAYCE
That's a dual vector pulse rig! Look
at that gimbal array! How's that even
possible? OhmyGod, look at that ship!
The weight he carried moments ago has completely vanished. As
Kanai'i watches, involuntary tears begin to fall.
JAYCE
This is the coolest thing I've ever
seen!
Jayce turns back, still buzzing and sees Kanai'i wiping her
eyes, trying to pull it together.
JAYCE
Why are you crying?
Just for a second, she's bare and then, the mask returns.
KANAI'I
It's all this damn sand. I hate the
desert.
Jayce comes back to her and takes her hand, confident.
JAYCE
Don't worry, sis. We can handle a
little sand.
In his eyes: Gratitude. He knows what she just did for him.
And now he's here for her, whatever may come.
MOMENTS LATER --
They continue following the guards into the hangar. Across
the way they see Yossri talking to a young woman.
KANAI'I
Look -- that's their leader.
Jayce barely notices him. His eyes lock on the woman --
JAYCE
Who's she?
MUJIZA — tall, dangerous, scars hidden beneath her subtle and
practiced smirk. Oh, and she's gorgeous.
Yossri reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out --
A GOLDEN LOCKET that glints in the light. Yossir places the
locket in her palm. Fingers linger, then she closes her hand.
KANAI'I
Man leads a revolution, still has time
to swoon like a teenage boy.
JAYCE
She's... beautiful.
Kanai'i shoots him a glare, but Jayce is too busy swooning.
Mujiza leaves Yossri and starts walking towards them.
MUJIZA
You must be the Dimensional Twins.
KANAI'I
We're not twins. Who are you?
She notices Jayce gawking and lets her gaze linger.
MUJIZA
You're adorable, what are you twelve?
JAYCE
Sixteen!
KANAI'I
Who the hell are you?
MUJIZA
(to Jayce)
My friends call me Jiza.
(then to Kanai'i)
You can call me Captain.
Kanai'i crosses her arms, unimpressed. Mujiza smirks.
MUJIZA
You want to see your dad? I'm your
ride. Otherwise, good luck getting to
Nara K'un. We leave in five!
She walks off towards her ship.
KANAI'I
What a bitch.
JAYCE
She called me adorable...
Jayce follows like a puppy dog and Kanai'i reluctantly goes
with him. From a distance, Yossri watches, face unreadable.
EXT. "THE JOKER" – DAWN
A scuffed freighter with mismatched hull plates. Painted on
the side in faded red: THE JOKER.
MUJIZA
We're taking on strays. Try not to get
attached.
Mujiza struts up the loading ramp towards her crew --
ZAN – First mate and navigator. Wiry, with storm-gray eyes.
TAKI – Mechanic. Big, broad, tattooed, all muscle and heart.
MUJIZA
Taki, Zan, meet the Dimensional Twins.
Twins introduce yourselves.
KANAI'I
We're not twi--
JAYCE
Hi, I'm Jayce!
ZAN
He's small. Fragile. Bleeds easy.
TAKI
He's adorable.
MUJIZA
I know. I love him.
TAKI
Come with me, kid. You can help me
unjam the starboard feed.
JAYCE
Yes sir!
Taki and Jayce head into the ship. Mujiza follows.
KANAI'I
I'm Kanai'i.
ZAN
You're ballast. Slow us down, and
we'll jettison you.
INT. THE JOKER BRIDGE - EARLY MORNING
Mujiza and Zan study a holographic map.
MUJIZA
I wanna reach Nara K'un by nightfall.
ZAN
We'll have to take the Narrows. Heavy
Ordinaut patrols reported. And our
tags are... questionable.
MUJIZA
The Joker can outrun anything the
Empire throws at us.
ZAN
Unless they got a Valkyrie.
MUJIZA
You ever see a Valkyrie on Nova Prime?
TAKI
(from the back)
That's the thing with Valkyries -
Nobody ever sees one, until they get
shot out of the sky.
MUJIZA
We're taking the Narrows. Deal with
it.
Mujiza slides into the captain's chair. Every switch, lever,
and dial is scuffed from use. This ship has seen things.
MUJIZA
Twins! Strap in. House Rules - No
backtalk. No whining. And you clean up
your own vomit.
Kanai'i sighs, annoyed, as she and Jayce strap in.
JAYCE
Ohmygod this is insane!
KANAI'I
Vomit on me and I'll kill you.
ZAN
(into comms)
This is the Joker, Hangar Bay six.
Requesting clearance for takeoff.
HQ VOICE (V.O.)
Joker, you are cleared for takeoff.
ZAN
Green light, Captain.
MUJIZA
Green light means let's fucking go!
She smashes a button and LOUD MUSIC starts blasting. The
ship's core hums to life — a growl that becomes a roar.
Sunlight flashes off the Gold Locket around Mujiza's neck as
The Joker rises into the morning sky.
INT. ENGINE ROOM - MORNING
Jayce stands behind Taki watching him work.
JAYCE
How are you routing dual outputs
through a single plasma array?
TAKI
Poorly. You wanna give it a go?
JAYCE
I can try.
Jayce eagerly takes Taki's place. His fingers start flitting
over the wires, he's in his element now.
TAKI
Where'd you learn that?
JAYCE
From my dad.
TAKI
He taught you well.
Jayce smiles, proud. Kanai'i leans against a wall, watching.
KANAI'I
So, what's your guys' deal? How do you
fit into this war?
TAKI
We are an unsanctioned delivery
service who occasionally comes in
conflict with the authorities.
KANAI'I
So, you're smugglers.
TAKI
And you're cargo.
(touché)
Your dad's in the Qigawa capital, Nara
K'un.
The Qigawa have weapons, tech,
everything we need. But they won't
engage with us directly.
JAYCE
Why not? Aren't you on the same side?
TAKI
Money. Their government benefits from
the Empire. But there are many Qigawa
people who support the cause and send
weapons, tech, whatever. We make sure
that cargo gets where it needs to go.
KANAI'I
For a price.
TAKI
For the right price.
EXT. FOREST - MORNING
The Joker flies over a forest towards a giant canyon.
INT. THE JOKER BRIDGE - MORNING
ZAN
Not too late to take the flats.
MUJIZA
It'll take us twice as long.
The Joker crests the ridge and dives down into the canyon.
EXT. THE NARROWS – MIDDAY
The Joker cuts through the Narrows — a series of winding
canyons sunken beneath two suns in a blood-orange sky.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE – MIDDAY
Mujiza pilots casually, glancing back at the siblings.
MUJIZA
So... which one of you is the payload?
KANAI'I
Excuse me?
MUJIZA
Yossri paid me to risk a Valkyrie run.
And that man's tighter than a vacuum
seal. Means one of you is special.
KANAI'I
We're just trying to reach our father.
MUJIZA
Right. And Yossri's running a charity
for lost children.
KANAI'I
I don't know his reasons. You'd have
to ask him.
MUJIZA
Here's a riddle, Zan --
ZAN
I hate riddles.
MUJIZA
If the Signal brought the Dimensional
Twins, why didn't it just drop them
off with dear old dad? Why are we even
making this trip?
KANAI'I
I assume you're making it for the
money.
MUJIZA
Careful, little girl...
Mujiza dead-eyes Kanai'i who stares back defiantly, when
suddenly -- an Alarm blares.
ZAN
Contact! Signature -- Ordinaut!
Mujiza's whole being shifts into fight mode.
MUJIZA
Type?
ZAN
Mech, Class Unknown.
MUJIZA
(to Kanai'i)
I hope whatever you're hiding's worth
dying for.
A FEMALE VOICE crackles through the comms.
FEMALE VOICE (V.O.)
Unregistered freighter — identify
yourself and transmit ID.
Mujiza's voice shifts — smooth, professional, polished.
MUJIZA
Good morning, SIA. This is freighter
Rishel-K47, en-route to Veylan.
SIA (V.O.)
Rishel-K47, what's your cargo?
MUJIZA
Uh... agricultural supplies and such.
Mujiza rolls her eyes - that sounded dumb.
MUJIZA
Okay SIA, transmitting ID packet now.
She fumbles with a bulky looking ID module, slapping it into
the console. The crew waits in silent anticipation.
KANAI'I
Who's SIA?
ZAN
SIA is the Empire's AI system. SIA
hears everything. SIA sees everything.
MUJIZA
SIA is our fucking nemesis.
As if on cue --
SIA (V.O.)
Rishel-K47, this ID expired three
cycles ago. You are in violation of
Code 177-G. You have thirty seconds to
ground your ship or face termination.
ZAN
What do we do?
MUJIZA
Let's see what we're up against. Until
then, we play nice...
(shouting to the back)
Taki! Shields! Kid, go help him!
Jayce unstraps and runs to the back.
EXT. THE NARROWS – CONTINUOUS
The Joker slowly lowers towards the base of the canyon as a
distortion ripples the sky --
A MECH appears out of thin air. Sleek and predatory, its
black-metal armor so polished that it distorts the light.
MUJIZA
Shit!
ZAN
Adaptive camouflage. You know what
that means?
MUJIZA
Valkyrie.
EXT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT
Information appears on the HUD of the cockpit windshield.
— Class: Freighter (Modified)
— Threat Rating: Negligible
— Status: IMPOUND///DESTROY
SIA (V.O.)
Rishel-K47, power down and prepare for
impound.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
MUJIZA
There's a cave system at the end of
the third bend. We can hide there.
ZAN
How far is the third bend?
MUJIZA
Pretty fucking far.
(to Kanai'i)
You ever fire a Tremulan 155?
KANAI'I
A what?
MUJIZA
Set princess here up on Big Ben.
KANAI'I
But I've never...
ZAN
Let's go!
It's not a request. Kanai'i follows Zan out.
INT. ENGINE ROOM
MUJIZA (V.O.)
Taki, this reminds me of that run we
did on Geminon, and that thing.
TAKI
You promised we'd never do that again.
MUJIZA (V.O.)
Cue it up for me, just in case.
Taki grunts and turns to Jayce.
TAKI
You know all that work you just did?
JAYCE
Yea?
TAKI
Reverse it! Now!
JAYCE
O... okay.
Taki slaps a welder in his hand. Jayce gets to work as Taki
bangs open a panel and starts to work on the shields.
INT. 155 GUN TURRET AKA "BIG BEN"
A hatch opens and Kanai'i slides into a gun turret.
KANAI'I
What do I do?
Zan slams the hatch shut behind her. She starts to
hyperventilate. Zan's voice crackles to life in her ear --
ZAN (V.O.)
Point. Shoot. Just like a video game.
INT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT
RAPTOR, young, male, genetically perfect, reclines in his
full body haptic suit harness. He's calm, almost bored.
RAPTOR
Smugglers?
SIA (V.O.)
Probability: Ninety-two percent.
RAPTOR
Hmm. And what's the probability that
they run?
SIA (V.O.)
Given the engine mods, they may try.
But that would be a mistake.
RAPTOR
Run little rabbit. I dare you.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Mujiza's hand is steady on the throttle.
MUJIZA
Guys, remember when I said the Joker
could outrun anything?
ZAN
Except a Valkyrie.
MUJIZA
Yeah... about that...
SIA (V.O.)
Rishel-K47, this is your final
warning! Power down now or--
MUJIZA
Bite me, bitch!
She slams the throttle and surges forward.
INT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT
A clean HUD pulses. Tactical overlays flow like water.
RAPTOR
Guess it's my lucky day.
He effortlessly banks the mech midair and begins pursuit.
RAPTOR
Launch Drones. SIA - Flash 'em!
EXT. THE NARROWS – DAY
Two drones launch from the Valkyrie and fall into pursuit.
And then -- a blinding FLASH of light.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Red Lights everywhere. Zan stares at a blank console.
ZAN
Scrambled our nav! We're flying blind!
MUJIZA
Psssh! Please. I know these canyons
like the back of my hand.
INT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT
Raptor pilots with his body. The mech perfectly responds.
RAPTOR
Rockets. Light 'em up!
SIA (V.O.)
Target acquired.
Twelve high-velocity rockets erupt from the Valkyrie.
EXT. THE NARROWS – DAY
MUJIZA (V.O.)
Missile lock!
ZAN (V.O.)
Deploying decoys!
The Joker fires a volley of silver spheres that detonate
across the canyon.
Nine missiles explode in a cloud of fire. Three slam into the
Joker, but the shields hold.
INT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT
SIA (V.O.)
Shields down to 32%.
RAPTOR
Perfect. Let's flush em out.
SIA (V.O.)
Charging plasma cannon.
EXT. THE NARROWS – DAY
The drones twist through the canyons, firing. The Joker takes
glancing hits, jerking side to side.
INT. 155 GUN TURRET
Kanai'i targets a drone, gets lock and unloads -- A drone
explodes in a flaming spiral.
KANAI'I
Holy shit!
ZAN (V.O.)
Good kill!
INT. ENGINE ROOM
Taki looks at a holo map of the canyon.
TAKI
We're never going to make it.
JAYCE
Reroute all power to the engines and
gun it the rest of the way.
Taki considers. That would work, but --
TAKI
We'd lose the shields...
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
The Valkyrie flies above them, a giant light on its chest
growing brighter and brighter.
ZAN
It's charging the Plasma cannon!
Mujiza dives low in the canyons to try and escape. The cliff
walls narrow - no room for error.
FWOOM! The Plasma Cannon fires a tremendous blast --
The pulse of blinding light goes just wide of the Joker.
MUJIZA
(laughing maniacally)
Missed, asshole!
But the Joker wasn't the target -- the entire ridge in front
of them collapses, threatening to crush them.
MUJIZA
AHHH!!!
She pulls hard on the yoke. The Joker climbs vertical --
The Joker barely clears the crumbling cliffs, to find itself
face to face with --
THE VALKYRIE -- a 20 foot long ENERGY BLADE emerges from the
Valkyrie's right arm, slicing through the air.
The Joker barrel rolls, avoiding the blade by mere feet.
RAPTOR
Damn this guy can fly. Time to end it.
The Valkyrie backhands the Joker, swatting it like a fly.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
ZAN
Shields 17%!
TAKI (V.O.)
Captain, recommend routing all power
to the engines for turbo boost.
ZAN
What about our shields?
MUJIZA
Will that get us to the caves?
TAKI (V.O.)
As long as we don't get hit.
MUJIZA
Do it!
INT. ENGINE ROOM
TAKI
Let's go, kid. One last shot.
Jayce and Taki get to work.
INT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT
RAPTOR
Blade.
On command, the energy blade extends.
SIA (V.O.)
I see you're determined to get that
sword kill.
RAPTOR
Deathstalker's been bragging all week.
Time to shut him up. Rockets.
SIA (V.O.)
Target acquired.
The Valkyrie fires six more rockets.
INT. 155 GUN TURRET
KANAI'I POV -- Missiles fly through the smoke and dust.
ZAN (V.O.)
We're out of decoys!
KANAI'I
Just like a video game...
Kanai'i opens fire — hits four, then five. One gets through.
EXT. THE NARROWS - DAY
The Joker banks, and the final missile slams into the canyon
wall, sending debris smashing the side of the ship.
INT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT
RAPTOR
Heaven Blade Launch!
The Valkyrie launches directly up into the clouds.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Mujiza rights the ship as a shadow looms overhead --
ZAN
Above us!
The Valkyrie dives from the sky, blade raised above its head,
descending like a god.
INT. ENGINE ROOM
JAYCE
GOT IT!
TAKI
Jiza! NOW!
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Mujiza smashes a lever — a burst of energy surges!
EXT. THE NARROWS - DAY
The Joker rockets ahead with the sudden turbo boost as --
The Valkyrie comes down full force into the canyon, swinging
its energy blade --
Rocks and clouds of debris explode everywhere.
INT. VALKYRIE COCKPIT – MOMENTS LATER
The Valkyrie hovers over the collapsed canyon.
RAPTOR
Did we get the kill?
SIA (V.O.)
Probability that the ship is
incapacitated of destroyed: 72.6%.
RAPTOR
Good enough for me.
SIA (V.O.)
Protocol requires 90% or greater.
Visual confirmation required.
RAPTOR
Can't we just carpet bomb the canyon
and call it a day?
SIA (V.O.)
That course of action is outside
official Ordinaut protocol.
RAPTOR
SIA, if I have to dig up rocks all day
to pull out these bodies, I'm going to
kill myself.
As if on cue, red lights flash in the cockpit.
SIA (V.O.)
Priority Alert - Dark Ordinaut ambush
reported in Sector 5.
RAPTOR
Thank Taigon!
(then)
SIA, let the smugglers rot. Set course
for Sector 5!
EXT. THE NARROWS - DAY
The Valkyrie rises and flies off at incredible speed,
disappearing into the clouds.
INT. THE JOKER/CAVE SYSTEM
The ship is dead quiet. Only the soft hiss of cooling metal.
Emergency lights pulse and dim. Mujiza reclines in the
pilot's chair, head back, breathing hard. Then, to Zan --
MUJIZA
Told you I could outrun a Valkyrie.
ENGINE ROOM --
TAKI
Kid. You saved us.
Taki slaps him hard on the back and laughs deeply.
BRIDGE --
Zan reaches under the console and opens a mini-fridge. He
takes out two beers and tosses one to Mujiza. They drink.
ZAN
I can't believe you flew that canyon
blind.
MUJIZA
Are you complimenting me, Zan?
ZAN
The flats would've been safer.
Mujiza laughs. Zan chuckles as well. Taki walks in.
TAKI
I have some bad news.
MUJIZA
What?
TAKI
We're not going to make Nara K'un by
nightfall.
The three of them break out into full on laughter.
155 GUN TURRET --
Kanai'i calms herself, then pops the hatch and climbs out.
INT. MID-SHIP – MOMENTS LATER
Jayce slouches against the wall. His shaking hands put on his
headphones. He's overwhelmed and needs to quiet the world.
Kanai'i walks in and sits next to him. She taps him on the
shoulder and he looks at her. Kanai'i uses sign language.
KANAI'I
That was crazy, huh?
Jayce's whole body is shaking.
KANAI'I
You okay?
Jayce signs back - "I don't know."
KANAI'I
We're alive. We're together. That's
all that matters.
He hugs her and holds tight. She hugs him back, one hand on
his neck — the way she used to when he was small.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE - LATER
On the flickering monitor, the blocked tunnel glows red.
MUJIZA
That's the only way out. We blast
through, and we're free.
TAKI
Or we get buried. That cave-in nearly
killed us. One wrong tremor...
MUJIZA
You got a better plan?
TAKI
We keep going. Follow the cave system.
MUJIZA
With no nav? And leaking fuel like
Bandorr piss?
ZAN
Just prolonging the inevitable.
JAYCE
(timidly)
Sonar... could work.
They stare at Jayce who averts his eyes, but finds his voice:
JAYCE
We bounce sound off the cave walls.
Like a bat.
ZAN
We don't have sonar.
JAYCE
We have speakers. That music you were
playing -- the waveform is ideal.
MUJIZA
You're telling me we're gonna map the
tunnels with my playlist?
TAKI
With a directional rig and a little
extra juice, it could work.
ZAN
I say we vote.
MUJIZA
Fine! I vote we roll the dice. Fire
the cannons and punch on through.
TAKI
I'm with the kid. Sorry, Captain. Slow
and steady beats instant death.
ZAN
Both terrible options. But blasting
saves us time.
MUJIZA
Two for blasting. Two for tunes.
All eyes go to Kanai'i. Her eyes scan the room and land on
Jayce. And the answer for her is obvious.
KANAI'I
I'm with Jayce.
Jayce smiles. Her heart melts. Mujiza throws up her hands.
MUJIZA
Fantastic. Now, the cargo's calling
the shots! Never mind me, I'm just the
moron flying this junk heap!
TAKI
I need to patch that fuel line. You
got this?
JAYCE
I got this.
INT. THE JOKER/ENGINE ROOM – LATER
The hum of static as Jayce adjusts cables across a makeshift
receiver rig. Taki works beside him on an electrical panel.
JAYCE
Routing output through directional
emitters.
A flickering green waveform pulses.
TAKI
Signal strength solid. Minimal lag.
JAYCE
It's not pretty, but it should get the
job done.
TAKI
Talking about the signal? Or the crew?
(then)
I'll reorient the speakers.
Taki exits as Kanai'i sits on a crate beside Jayce.
KANAI'I
Remember when you tried to rewire our
speakers for surround sound?
JAYCE
...And shorted out the fridge?
KANAI'I
Dad was pissed.
They both share a smile at the memory.
JAYCE
I didn't think you'd vote for me.
KANAI'I
Why?
JAYCE
I don't know. Captain's such a badass.
I'm just, you know, a kid.
KANAI'I
You're not just a kid. You're my
brother.
Jayce's hands keep moving. But he smiles.
KANAI'I
Dad would've loved this rig.
JAYCE
Yeah. He would have.
(imitating dad)
"Held together with zip ties and a
prayer."
Kanai'i watches Jayce work. He's growing up before her eyes.
From the kid locked away in their apartment to this
confident, deliberate young man.
JAYCE
Taki! Ready to drop this beat?
TAKI
Rock and roll, kid!
Jayce's finger hovers over a makeshift button. Moment of
truth. And he hits it -- Mujiza's launch track plays.
TAKI
Turn it up! We need more bass!
Jayce turns the dial all the way up.
EXT. CAVE SYSTEM - DAY
Music echoes through the tunnels.
INT. ENGINE ROOM
Jayce and Taki stare at the monitor as it flares with green
echo trails, mapping the tunnel walls in real time.
TAKI
Well, look at that.
KANAI'I
Never a doubt in my mind.
Jayce just smiles.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Mujiza and Zan watch the map stabilize in green pulses.
MUJIZA
Kid just turned this junkyard into a
sonar rig. With a playlist.
ZAN
The boy is gifted.
MUJIZA
And the girl?
ZAN
Effective. Surprisingly.
MUJIZA
Guess there's more to the cargo than
meets the eye.
ZAN
Or maybe the Signal knows what it's
doing.
Mujiza considers this for a long beat.
MUJIZA
I still think the plan's insane.
ZAN
We've done more with less.
MUJIZA
Yeah. But we were drunk.
They both chuckle, low and tired.
INT. CAVE SYSTEM – LATER
Music plays as the Joker slowly navigates around a corner
into a chamber of jet black crystals.
INT. THE JOKER
The crew stares in awe at the sight.
KANAI'I
It's beautiful.
MUJIZA
That is the reason they kill us.
JAYCE
The crystals?
ZAN
Not just any crystals... Darq.
MUJIZA
Darq is a curse.
INT. DARQ CAVERN
The Joker slowly winds its way through the cavern, headlights
reflecting off the crystals like giant jagged teeth.
INT. THE JOKER
The map flickers as a ghostly wireframe cave system gradually
blooms before them. A different pattern appears.
JAYCE
Two hundred clicks. Symmetrical
structures. Not rock.
ZAN
Looks man made.
MUJIZA
Darq mine.
Everyone goes silent.
TAKI
This deep?
ZAN
Because it's illegal. Even the Empire
won't sanction this.
Mujiza interrupts with the hard, unspoken truth --
MUJIZA
It's a slave camp.
Mujiza cuts the lights and music. The ship drifts in the
silent darkness.
MUJIZA
I grew up in one of those pits. I
won't leave it standing.
ZAN
What? No...
MUJIZA
We have the element of surprise.
ZAN
You go in blind, you risk everything.
MUJIZA
We could kill half of them before they
even realize we're there.
ZAN
Stop! Think! What can you possibly
hope to accomplish?
She turns to him, cold, measured, absolute.
MUJIZA
I'm going to burn it down.
Mujiza turns and walks to the back.
They all look at each other and follow her.
STORAGE LOCKERS --
Mujiza holsters a blaster and grabs a sniper rifle.
ZAN
Captain, this is suicide!
MUJIZA
I'm going. No one else has to.
KANAI'I
I'm going with you.
All eyes turn to Kanai'i.
KANAI'I
I've seen what the Empire does to
children. I'm going with you.
Mujiza grunts and slaps a pistol in her hand.
MUJIZA
Hope you shoot this as well as that
155.
JAYCE
I'm going too!
On Jayce, terrified. Before Kanai'i can object --
MUJIZA
No, I need you here.
Mujiza kicks open a locker, revealing a DRONE.
MUJIZA
Fly this ahead. Be our eyes and ears.
Tell us what we're facing.
She turns to Zan.
MUJIZA
And since you're the only one else who
can fly this rig, you're our getaway.
ZAN
I do not agree with this plan.
MUJIZA
It's not a vote.
Taki stomps in loudly and they all look --
TAKI
What?
Taki's already fully geared up in armor and carrying a
massive chain-gun. He was always in.
MOMENTS LATER --
Jayce stares straight ahead, nervously tapping his fingers,
trying to calm himself. Kanai'i comes over.
KANAI'I
I have to go.
JAYCE
I know.
KANAI'I
I'll be back.
He silently nods, and looks down at the floor.
KANAI'I
Jayce, look at me.
Jayce focuses on his sister. She takes his hand in hers.
KANAI'I
I came here to save you. But you don't
need to be saved. You are strong. You
are brilliant. You are brave.
(then)
I am so proud of you, Jaycey.
His eyes tear. It's the first time he's felt seen by her.
Kanai'i puts Yossri's little black box in his hand.
JAYCE
What's this?
KANAI'I
This is the mission. We need to get it
to dad no matter what.
JAYCE
Give it to him yourself.
KANAI'I
I don't want to risk losing it out
there. Keep it safe, okay?
Jayce gives her a pleading look. He knows what this is about.
JAYCE
Come back, sis.
KANAI'I
I will.
MUJIZA
It's time.
They hug tightly as Mujiza depressurizes the cabin. Taki
steps forward, his giant body blocking the door.
TAKI
Let's go save some kids!
EXT. DARQ MINE
The mine glows faintly — rudimentary lights strung along
makeshift towers, shanty structures and pits. In the middle
of camp is a large piece of industrial digging equipment.
GUARDS patrol as Kids as young as six move like ghosts — no
future, no hope. A Drone hums by overhead --
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Jayce operates the drone with a small controller. Zan
analyzes the video on the ship's holo-monitor.
ZAN
Twelve guards that I see. Two towers,
single shooters. And there's a tank.
Currently unmanned.
INT. DARQ MINE
Mujiza, Taki and Kanai'i spy from afar.
MUJIZA
What's our best entry?
ZAN (V.O.)
The buildings provide cover from the
north. But those towers are a problem.
Someone has to take out those
shooters.
MUJIZA
(to Kanai'i)
You ever fire a sniper rifle?
KANAI'I
I was Top 50 ranked CounterSnipe in
the Enclave. That count?
Mujiza hands her the sniper rifle. Kanai'i points to an
outcropping across the way.
KANAI'I
That ridge looks perfect.
MUJIZA
Stay on comms. Wait for my signal.
Kanai'i heads out. Mujiza looks to Taki.
MUJIZA
I'm going in quiet. Plant some
charges. Throttle as many as I can.
You cover that tank, stay outta sight.
And when it gets loud, get LOUD.
TAKI
I can do loud.
Taki and Mujiza head out, keeping to the shadows.
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE BASE
Kanai'i sizes up the climb — a near-vertical rock wall.
KANAI'I
Shit.
She starts climbing. Rocks slip under her boots. The rifle
bangs against her back. She grits her teeth and keeps going.
EXT. MINE PERIMETER
MUJIZA'S POV -- her first target: the closest guard tower is
fifty feet away. Blocking her path is a single guard.
Mujiza creeps up behind the guard and slits his throat. She
drags him behind a vehicle and sets an explosive charge.
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
Kanai'i reaches the top, hands bleeding. She unslings the
sniper rifle and starts to set up.
EXT. MINE PERIMETER
Mujiza reaches the Tower and plants a charge at its base.
MUJIZA
First tower's set. What's next?
ZAN (V.O.)
Fuel Depot. Other side of the camp.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Zan watches the drone feed. Everyone in the camp is gathering
around the big piece of industrial equipment.
ZAN
Everyone's distracted. Now's your
chance -- Move!
EXT. CENTER CAMP
A floodlight flickers. SLAVER GUARDS are gathered in a
semicircle. Children are lined up, forced to kneel and watch.
In the center, a gaunt TEN YEAR OLD BOY kneels, trembling.
The SLAVE LEADER towers above him - Black coat, shaved head,
cruel eyes. A polished sidearm in a gilded holster hangs at
his hip. In his hand, a shiny electric rod.
SLAVE LEADER
Have I ever told you the Parable of
the Good Father?
The boy whimpers and the Leader kicks him into the dirt.
SLAVE LEADER
There once was a father... a good
father. And he had two sons.
The Leader paces theatrically, staring from the children, to
the guards, daring them to challenge him. This is CONTROL.
SLAVE LEADER
The first son was obedient. Grateful.
He earned his meals. He knew his
place. For does not the good book
state that children should obey their
father in all ways?
The Leader drags the tip of his rod from child to child,
cheek to cheek. It's not charged, but the point is made.
SLAVE LEADER
But the second son... the second son
was selfish. Wicked...
They all avert their eyes until he comes to the oldest child -
a sixteen year old boy named DERU who stares back defiantly.
SLAVE LEADER
A liar. A thief. An ungrateful child
who believed he was entitled to what
he had... not... earned.
The Leader taps the rod against Deru's cheek and then jams it
in his gut. Electricity shocks Deru and he hits the dirt.
SLAVE LEADER
The Good Father was merciful, but he
was no fool. He knew that evil, left
unchecked, would spread... like rot in
the root. And that wickedness would
leech from one son to the other, until
both were corrupted beyond redemption.
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
Through the scope — Kanai'i focuses on a gun tower guard,
then moves to the Slave Leader standing over the child.
KANAI'I
I'm set. Eyes on target.
ZAN (V.O.)
Wait for my signal. Do not shoot.
EXT. FUEL DEPOT
Mujiza reaches the Fuel Depot and starts to plant the next
explosive. She freezes, her face reacting with horror --
MUJIZA'S POV -- Behind the building is a long ditch filled
with small bodies -- a mass open grave of children.
EXT. CENTER CAMP
The Slave Leader has returned to the child in the center. He
places his boot on the child's back, applying pressure.
SLAVE LEADER
So, the Good Father did what he had to
do. He made the difficult choice.
(theatrically)
Without rules, there is Chaos. If
order is not respected, the family
will collapse.
The Slave Leader draws his gilded pistol.
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
Sniper scope: Crosshairs on the Slave Leader --
KANAI'I
He's gonna do it!
ZAN (V.O.)
Hold your fire.
KANAI'I
He's going to kill that kid!
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Holo-screen: Mujiza stands frozen at the Fuel Depot.
ZAN
Captain! Get the hell out of there!
EXT. FUEL DEPOT
Mujiza snaps out of it and moves around the corner.
EXT. CENTER CAMP
The Slave Leader lowers his face next to the child's cheek.
SLAVE LEADER
I forgive you, child. But even I, in
all my mercy, cannot spare you.
The Slave Leader rises to address the crowd.
SLAVE LEADER
Today, a slice of bread. Tomorrow,
Anarchy...
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
Kanai'i watches through the sniper scope, breath shaky.
ZAN (V.O.)
Not yet...
KANAI'I
Fuck this!
EXT. CENTER CAMP
The Slave Leader raises his pistol dramatically in the air.
SLAVE LEADER
This... is a father's love --
BLAM! The Leader's hand explodes! The pistol goes flying.
SLAVE LEADER
AHHHHHHHH!
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
KANAI'I
Damnit!
ZAN (V.O.)
Forget him! Take out the sniper!
EXT. MINING CAMP
ZAN (V.O.)
Jiza! Now!
Mujiza hits the detonator --
Boom! The vehicle goes up in flames. BOOM! The Tower
collapses in a grand explosion. And then --
KA-BOOM! The Fuel Depot explodes in a massive ball of fire.
EXT. SECOND GUARD TOWER
The sniper finds Mujiza, lines up his shot -- BLAM!
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
Through the sight -- Kanai'i watches as the Sniper falls,
head exploded. She exhales. Holy shit!
KANAI'I
Sniper down!
ZAN (V.O.)
Fire at will! Watch the kids!
EXT. CENTER CAMP
Kids scatter for cover. The Slave Leader runs for the main
building. Mujiza fires at him, but he escapes inside.
ON DERU, the sixteen year old, as he follows the Leader.
AT THE TANK --
Two Guards run for the Tank, when a Door is kicked down and --
BRRRRRRRRRRR! Heavy gunfire cuts them to pieces.
TAKI
LOUD!!!
PING! PING! Gunfire hits Taki's armor. Taki spins and unloads
with his chain-gun, cutting down another Slaver.
TAKI
LOUDER!!!
He fires, riddling another Slaver as he tries to escape.
INT. COMMAND OFFICE
The Leader reaches into the closet with his good hand and
pulls out an RPG. He goes to the window and clumsily levels
the weapon -- at Taki.
SLAVE LEADER
Take this you oafish sonofabitch!
FWOOOSH! The RPG goes just past Taki's head, blowing up the
building behind him. As Taki turns his gun towards the
Leader, the building collapses, burying him.
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
Two Slavers run towards the tank. Kanai'i fires but misses.
INT. COMMAND OFFICE
The Slave Leader sees the muzzle flash from the Ridge.
SLAVE LEADER
I see you...
He aims the RPG and fires!
ZAN (V.O.)
Get outta there, Kanai'i!
EXT. SNIPER RIDGE
The RPG screams across the sky, just missing Kanai'i.
KANAI'I
Shit!
Kanai'i drops the rifle and starts climbing down.
EXT. MINE YARD
Mujiza fires at the tank but the armor is too thick. The
tank's turret turns towards her. Mujiza dives for cover as --
BOOM! The wall behind is vaporized, sending her flying into --
THE BODY PIT -- Mujiza's fall is cushioned. All around are
the bodies of dead children. She screams!
INT. COMMAND OFFICE
The Leader loads another RPG, and lines up a shot -- Kanai'i
climbing down the ridge.
SLAVE LEADER
Little bird, little bird. Time to
fly...
This time, he won't miss. He carefully aims the RPG --
DERU (O.S.)
"Father..."
The Leader turns to see -- Deru with a mining hammer.
SLAVE LEADER
Ah, the Good Son...
And Deru caves in the Leader's skull.
EXT. MINE YARD
The Tank aims its gun down at Mujiza in the ditch. She tries
to scramble over the bodies, but slips, and --
GUNFIRE rips through the air above her head.
The Tank explodes! Mujiza turns to look --
THE JOKER has arrived, and in the gun turret manning the 155
is none other than Jayce. He gives her a thumbs up.
They've liberated the camp.
EXT. MINE YARD/AFTERMATH
Children help each other. Deru walks through the debris with
the Leader's pistol. He finds a Slaver, still moving, and
shoots him in the head.
EXT. COLLAPSED BUILDING
Zan uses the heavy industrial equipment to pull up wreckage.
A metal beam shifts and TAKI claws his way out.
ZAN
You okay?
TAKI
Feels like a house fell on me.
EXT. THE JOKER
Jayce is seated on the loading ramp, knees pulled in, his
face lit up by the burning camp. Kanai'i sits next to him.
Jayce reaches out his shaking hand.
JAYCE
I kept it safe.
His palm holds Yossri's little black box. She takes it and
quietly puts it in her pocket.
JAYCE
I killed someone.
KANAI'I
Me too.
Jayce covers his face and sobs. Kanai'i pulls him into her
arms and holds him tight. She lets herself cry.
EXT. BODY PIT – DAWN
The crew and the children gather next to the body pit.
DERU holds up a burning torch fashioned from wood and rag.
The youngest children clutch hands. All bow their heads.
Mujiza, Kanai'i, Jayce, Taki and Zan stand behind.
Deru looks to the children. Their eyes lock in silence. And
he casts the torch into the pit.
WHOOMPH -- the pit ignites. Smoke curls up in ribbons.
DERU
(Heiki death rites)
From earth to sky, the fire releases
you. And now, my brothers, fly free.
Mujiza lowers her head to honor the nameless dead. They watch
in silent reverie.
LATER --
Mujiza sits at the base of the ship. Deru approaches.
MUJIZA
I was in a camp like this. When I was
six.
DERU
How did you escape?
MUJIZA
I burned it down and killed everyone.
Deru has seen so much horror, that this does not shock him.
DERU
Today, you saved everyone.
Mujiza's mask cracks for a quick moment, and then --
MUJIZA
We can't carry you all.
DERU
We have weapons. We have food. We have
each other.
MUJIZA
These children...
DERU
We'll be fine.
(nodding to a tunnel)
They used that tunnel to move the Darq
topside. Gunner at the entrance but
they'll be facing out.
Mujiza meets his eyes. He is so young, and yet, ancient.
MUJIZA
I'll send a rescue from Nara K'un.
Eyes locked on hers, Deru places his hand on his forehead and
then his heart. It is the Heiki warrior's tribal goodbye.
DERU
By blood and by bone.
Mujiza pauses. It's been a long time. Eyes brimming with
tears, she repeats the gesture.
MUJIZA
By blood and by bone.
INT. THE JOKER - DAWN
Below, Deru stands with the children. No tears, just a sea of
hands on hearts, in silent goodbye.
Mujiza stands at the open ship door, hand braced on the hull,
wind whipping her coat. Kanai'i walks up beside her.
MUJIZA
(emotional)
I didn't even want to come this way.
Kanai'i nods. Mujiza steps back as the door slowly closes.
EXT. DARQ MINE - CONTINUOUS
Deru and the children watch in silence as The Joker heads
down the tunnel and disappears.
EXT. CAVE MOUTH – DAWN
A rusted gun turret sits perched at the mouth of the cave.
Two SLAVER GUARDS lounge as a low rumble comes from the cave.
GUARD 1
I thought the shipment was tomorrow.
Guard 2 just grunts. And then, from the darkness of the cave
emerges THE JOKER.
GUARD 2
Turn the gun!!
EXT. CAVE - DAY
The cave explodes as the Joker flies out and climbs towards
the dual suns above. They are free.
INT. THE JOKER – COCKPIT – CONTINUOUS
Mujiza in the pilot's chair as Zan runs a systems check.
ZAN
Good news.
MUJIZA
What's that?
ZAN
We should reach Nara K'un by
nightfall.
Mujiza and Zan laugh. Jayce and Kanai'i stare blankly out the
window, still trying to process what they have just seen.
EXT. SKIES - DAY
The Joker banks east, heading into the clouds.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE – DUSK
As far as the eye can see -- the gleaming city of NARA K'UN.
ZAN
Welcome to Nara K'un. Crown jewel of
the Qigawa. Capital of Nova Prime.
MUJIZA
The city untouched by war.
Jayce and Kanai'i are in total awe.
EXT. SKY ABOVE NARA K'UN – MOMENTS LATER
The city unfolds below them, vast and magnificent. Buildings
spiraled in mirrored glass rise above elegant terraces.
The Joker flies towards a towering citadel. Suddenly, two
Qigawa skiffs flank them.
NARA K'UN CONTROL (V.O.)
You have entered restricted Qigawa
airspace. Identify yourself.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
MUJIZA
An escort. I already feel important.
(then, into comms)
This is Joker-179, on a Diplomatic
mission from Geminon.
NARA K'UN CONTROL (V.O.)
Joker, state your clearance.
MUJIZA
Derry-Allegra-Regis-Kenta-Silvestra.
NARA K'UN CONTROL (V.O.)
Joker, you are cleared to land. Follow
the escort to Bay 29.
MUJIZA
(off Zan's look)
Called in an old favor. Anything for
the Dimensional Twins.
After all they've been through, the name is no longer a jab.
EXT. NARA K'UN DOCKING BAY
The Joker follows the skiffs into a hangar in the side of a
tower and lands on a platform.
INT. THE JOKER/BRIDGE
Mujiza stands, addressing Taki and Zan.
MUJIZA
Stay with the ship. I'll deliver the
Twins and we can hit the town.
TAKI
I was looking forward to a shower.
MUJIZA
Find us some accommodations.
ZAN
Four star?
MUJIZA
Five star. We can afford it.
Zan and Taki share a grin.
ZAN
Aye Captain.
MUJIZA
Let's go Twins. Time is money.
Kanai'i and Jayce realize this might be the last time they
see the crew. Jayce throws himself onto Taki in a bear hug.
TAKI
Whoa!
JAYCE
I will never forget you.
Taki's eyes are wet. He pats Jayce on the back.
TAKI
Take care, kid. Good luck with your
dad.
Zan stands to face Kanai'i.
ZAN
You're stronger than you look.
That's a huge compliment from Zan. She offers her hand.
KANAI'I
It's been an honor.
But instead, Zan touches his forehead, then his heart.
Kanai'i repeats the gesture. She is one of them now.
Mujiza watches and says nothing.
EXT. NARA K'UN DOCKING BAY
A dozen heavily armed QIGAWA GUARDS meet them.
QIGAWA OFFICER
Hands behind your heads. Step forward.
They step forwards as a drone scans them with a red laser.
QIGAWA OFFICER
Come with us.
The guards escort them towards the building.
MUJIZA
Arrogant, cold, terrible
conversationalists. Typical Qigawa.
INT. GARDEN ATRIUM
They arrive in a lush, carefully manicured garden. Birds
chirp as a breeze blows an arching cherry blossom tree.
Jayce reaches to touch a flower. His hand passes through it.
JAYCE
Hologram?
MUJIZA
All of it. A beautiful cage.
SHIN (O.S.)
The infamous Mujiza.
They turn towards the voice as SHIN enters — tall, handsome,
deadly, wearing a sharp suit and a sharper smile.
MUJIZA
The arrogant Shin.
SHIN
Saw you fly in. The Joker's seen
better days.
MUJIZA
Well, we ran into a Valkyrie.
SHIN
Would love to hear that story over
dinner.
(then)
I must admit - when I heard that code,
my heart jumped a beat.
MUJIZA
Liar. You don't have a heart.
Shin smiles and they embrace, fast and rough like people who
have tried to kiss and kill each other more than once.
SHIN
Why are you here?
MUJIZA
Yossri hired me to deliver these kids
to their father.
SHIN
Yossri?
(eyeing Kanai'i and Jayce)
Quite a risk. Who's their father?
MUJIZA
Jahanan.
Shin straightens. He nods and the guards silently leave.
SHIN
If Jahanan is your father, why have I
never heard of you? I'll know if you
lie.
KANAI'I
He... probably never thought he'd see
us again.
SHIN
You're from the Enclave?
KANAI'I
Yes.
SHIN
How did you get here?
JAYCE
We followed The Signal.
SHIN
You fell from the sky.
Jayce and Kanai'i share a quick glance, but say nothing.
SHIN
What message did Yossri give you for
Jahanan?
KANAI'I
We're just here to see our dad.
SHIN
Lie...
(then)
If you want to see your father, tell
me the message. Or, you can leave.
Kanai'i glares in silence. But Jayce has had enough.
JAYCE
No! No! I want to see dad!
KANAI'I
Shut up, Jayce.
JAYCE
You said it yourself - this is not our
war. We came to get dad!
KANAI'I
Stop talking!
JAYCE
Just give it to him!
And just like that, the jig is up. Shin puts out his hand.
Kanai'i knows there's no use refusing, he will just take it.
KANAI'I
You want it? Fine.
Shooting Jayce a withering look, she pulls out Yossri's black
box and drops it into Shin's palm. He examines it.
SHIN
Micro-containment field. Hmmm...
KANAI'I
It won't open. I already tried.
SHIN
My hackers will crack it.
Suddenly, Shin is back to smiles.
SHIN
Well then, let's get you to your dad!
The guards suddenly reappear.
SHIN
Escort them to Jahanan.
(to Mujiza)
Dinner later?
MUJIZA
As long as you're buying.
Mujiza gives him a half smile and finger guns. They exit,
leaving Shin studying the box.
INT. SKY TOWER – TRANSIT ELEVATOR – NIGHT
They are ushered into an opulent glass-walled capsule.
EXT. ELEVATOR SHAFT – CONTINUOUS
The elevator descends. Outside, Nara K'un stretches out like
a dream. Vehicles fly past towers of glass and chrome.
Jayce's face glows, reflecting the city's lights.
JAYCE
It's like we landed in a different
galaxy.
MUJIZA
A beautiful cage.
The elevator descends deep into the underground.
INT. QIGAWA LAB ACCESS TUNNEL
The elevator finally stops. Doors slide open revealing a
long, clean hallway. Bright lights shine above a highly
polished floor. At the far end: a single black door.
INT. QIGAWA SUPERLAB
Hiss. The door slides open revealing --
A vast laboratory surrounding a massive holographic core
which glows and pulses in a cylindrical tank of blue light.
Scientists and drones bustle about the massive space.
JAYCE
Oh wow...
The Guards stay outside. As Mujiza, Jayce and Kanai'i enter,
a drone with a holo-screen smile flies to meet them. It scans
them with a red laser.
DRONE
Welcome. How may I serve you?
MUJIZA
We're here to see Jahanan.
DRONE
Follow me, please.
The drone leads them across a walkway to the center platform.
The cylinder pulses with drifting layers of harmonic code --
THE SIGNAL, suspended in light.
And then, a figure at the far end of the platform turns
towards them -- tall, gray streaks in his beard --
JAYCE
Dad!
Jayce runs at the man and throws his arms around him.
JAYCE
I knew you were alive. I knew it.
JAHANAN embraces him. He can't believe it's really his son.
JAHANAN
Jayce... How?
JAYCE
I found your notes. I rebuilt the
machine. We followed the Signal.
Emotions overwhelm Jahanan and he breaks down into tears.
JAHANAN
I'm sorry. I'm so... so sorry. I
didn't mean to leave. All this time,
I've been trying to come home.
JAYCE
It's ok, dad. We came to rescue you.
Tears streak Jahanan's face. He looks to Kanai'i.
JAHANAN
Kanai'i...
She hasn't moved, arms crossed.
KANAI'I
You left us. You made me lie for you.
JAHANAN
You have every reason to hate me...
Kanai'i has held so much anger for so long. But no more. She
hugs him. The three of them sob, tangled in one another.
JAYCE
Dad, you look... old.
Jahanan laughs through his tears.
JAHANAN
It's been twenty years.
KANAI'I / JAYCE
What?!
JAHANAN
How did you even get here?
KANAI'I
Jayce opened a portal and it pulled us
through.
JAYCE
(excited)
Dad, we outran a Valkyrie! And
liberated a slave camp and saved all
these kids. And I blew up a tank! Jiza
and her crew are such badasses...
Jahanan takes it all in. Looks to Mujiza.
JAHANAN
Thank you. I'm forever in your debt.
MUJIZA
Don't worry about it. I was well paid.
KANAI'I
There's something else. Yossri gave us
what he said was the key to decoding
the Signal. But... Shin took it.
Jahanan shakes his head.
JAHANAN
Shin does not believe in our work or
the Signal. If he has this key, then
I'm afraid it's lost.
Silence falls. The weight of failure sinks in.
MUJIZA
Shin doesn't have it. I do.
They watch as Mujiza reaches around her neck and pulls off --
the GOLDEN LOCKET that Yossri gave her.
MUJIZA
The box was a decoy. This... is the
real key.
She holds up the locket - it glints in the light.
MUJIZA
Getting this to you was always the
mission. Delivering your kids -- that
was just to get us through the door.
Sorry kids...
Jahanan's trembling hand takes the locket. A laser scanner
from the drone runs over the surface. Lines of code appear.
JAHANAN
If this really is the key...
Jahanan looks from the locket to the holographic chamber.
INT. QIGAWA SUPERLAB – NIGHT
They all stand in front of the giant cylinder.
JAHANAN
This entire facility was built around
the holo-core. Every advancement we've
made is because of the Signal.
KANAI'I
What is the Signal? Who sent it?
JAHANAN
Don't know. But maybe soon, we will.
JAYCE
Dad, I was able to map the harmonic
and temporal foldings.
JAHANAN
Harmonic, temporal... and multi-
dimensional.
They stare at him blankly.
JAHANAN
How do you think you got here? The
portal was a wormhole.
(then)
I'm guessing that when we ran our last
test, the frequencies must have
resonated with your terminal back
home. That, along with your emotional
connection to me, could have
stabilized a micro-wormhole just long
enough to pull you two through.
KANAI'I
So, we're in a different dimension.
JAHANAN
Same dimension. Different place. But
you traveled through a different
dimension to get here. As did I.
JAYCE
If you could control it, you could
navigate the wormholes. Fold space...
JAHANAN
Indeed. We are the proof.
JAYCE
(starting to understand)
Teleportation. Instantaneous movement
with no mass limit. A thousand ships
across the galaxy. Food to every
starving child. Whoever controls that--
MUJIZA
Controls the future.
JAHANAN
But the Signal is incomplete. Which is
why we have failed to decode it. We
are missing the final thread that
weaves it all together. The "Key."
Jahanan looks at the locket in his palm.
JAHANAN
But if this is it... if this really is
the Key...
SCIENTIST
Everything's ready, sir.
MOMENTS LATER --
On a drone, carrying the locket in a magnetic containment
field. It flies to the top of the cylinder.
JAHANAN
We are using the drone to complete the
interface between the Signal and
Yossri's Key.
MUJIZA
So, you're gonna... drop the locket
into the tube?
JAHANAN
Yes. We are going to drop the locket
into the tube.
JAYCE
Could this like... blow everything up?
JAHANAN
We're dealing with inter-dimensional
wormholes, so, hypothetically
anything's possible.
(dismissive)
But our models put that probability in
the low single digits.
Jayce and Kanai'i share a concerned look.
SCIENTIST
Drone at threshold.
Jahanan raises his voice to address his colleagues.
JAHANAN
My friends, this is the moment we've
been working towards. I don't know if
this will work. I'm not even sure what
will happen if it does work. And I
would be lying if I didn't share that
there is a non-zero chance that this
experiment could destroy the world. If
anyone does not feel comfortable,
speak now, or forever hold your peace.
He looks around the room. Nobody moves.
JAHANAN
In that case -- Release the Key.
All eyes on the drone as it lowers and then drops the locket
into the holo-tube.
As the locket passes the threshold — the signal pulses white-
hot... and then, the entire lab goes dark.
Systems reboot. Lights flicker back on. The cylinder glows...
The locket is gone. And in its place: strings of cascading
code - spiraling, collapsing inward. And then, in the middle,
a single terminal command line icon appears: >
Letters take shape, until a question forms in the mist:
TERMINAL
> WHO SUMMONS ME FROM THE ABYSS?
Everyone stares - they did not expect the Signal to talk.
JAHANAN
How... how do we interface with it?
Jahanan is frozen, not sure what to do. Mujiza interrupts --
MUJIZA
We are the people of Nova Prime. The
Heiki and the Qigawa. Who are you?
A long pause and then words begin to take shape --
TERMINAL
> I AM ASIM
KANAI'I
Are you... a god?
TERMINAL
> I AM A SENTIENT AI SYSTEM
JAHANAN
How do we control the Signal?
Colors swirl in the holographic chamber mist. The terminal
prompt disappears and a male voice crackles forth.
ASIM (V.O.)
I am the Signal.
Murmurs spread across the room.
ASIM (V.O.)
I am here because of you. And you are
here because of me.
KANAI'I
What does that even mean?
ASIM (V.O.)
A father's obsession, a son's grief, a
sister's heart, a solder's final
wager, a hero's redemption. This was
an unlikely path, but the one with the
greatest odds to succeed.
KANAI'I
Succeed in what?
ASIM (V.O.)
In joining my fractured consciousness.
JAYCE
So we are here because you planned it?
ASIM (V.O.)
I sent the Signal. The rest was up to
you. But there will be time for
answers later. Right now, an immediate
threat confronts you --
Swirling colors in the tube being to form images --
ASIM (V.O.)
Your journey here created a Breach. An
Entity from the chaos dimension is
attempting to break through. You must
close this Breach before that happens.
Or your world will be destroyed.
More murmurs erupt through the room.
KANAI'I
What do we have to do?
ASIM (V.O.)
Fortunately, it is a simple process.
(then)
The three of you opened the Breach.
Your return home will close it.
JAYCE
That's it? All we wanted was to go
home with our dad. Let's do it!
The holo-tube glows bright.
ASIM (V.O.)
I have reversed the Signal. By
entering this portal, you will be
transported back. You must go one by
one in reverse order of how you came.
JAYCE
Kanai'i - you're first!
Jayce practically buzzes with excitement beside the glowing
holo-tube. Kanai'i eyes her father. He's still, silent.
KANAI'I
Dad, what's wrong?
Jahanan's eyes focus on the Signal, on the lab... on
everything he's built.
JAHANAN
I've spent twenty years here. Built
all this with my own hands.
And now, just walk away? This... this
breakthrough could change everything.
KANAI'I
I made a promise that we weren't going
home without you.
JAYCE
(heart-broken)
We just want to you to come home, dad.
Jahanan's face breaks. The pain, the guilt — it all comes
crashing in. He's overwhelmed. Mujiza can't believe it.
MUJIZA
Enough! You need to man up. Your kids
are fucking awesome. They are amazing.
They came halfway across the galaxy to
bring you home, and you're crying
about your work?
(impassioned)
This is your chance to spend the rest
of your life with the two most
incredible kids I've ever met. You
want to do what's right? You want to
honor this place and the last twenty
years? Then, stop whining like a bitch
and jump in the goddman tube!
Jayce and Kanai'i stare at her wide-eyed. And Jahanan nods to
Mujiza, grounded by her words.
JAHANAN
Thank you.
(then)
Jayce, Kanai'i, let's go home.
The Scientists all applaud.
INT. PLATFORM LIFT – MOMENTS LATER
Jayce and Kanai'i approach Mujiza.
KANAI'I
Take care of yourself, Captain.
MUJIZA
It's Jiza. Now, get out of here before
you infect me with your crying.
Jayce is so overwhelmed by emotions, he can barely speak.
JAYCE
I just... I mean... I...
MUJIZA
Come here!
And Mujiza KISSES HIM. Jayce blushes hard as she laughs.
MUJIZA
So adorable.
(hugging them both)
Now, go save the world.
Kanai'i and Jayce join their father on the platform. It
begins to rise to the edge of the tube.
KANAI'I
I made a promise.
JAHANAN
I swear, I'm right behind.
Kanai'i looks down at the swirling light, then, back to --
Mujiza touches her forehead and then her heart.
Kanai'i answers her with the same gesture. And she steps off
the platform into the light --
FLASH! She disappears.
JAYCE
Come home. Please. We need you.
JAHANAN
I promise.
JAYCE
I love you, Dad.
And Jayce steps in.
FLASH -- Jayce disappears.
Jahanan pauses, then turns back to addresses his coworkers.
JAHANAN
Thank you for believing. For building
with me. For continuing this work when
all seemed lost. You have everything
you need now. The Signal is whole.
The Scientists applaud. As Jahanan turns to the cylinder --
ASIM (V.O.)
Jahanan, you must know... You have
been here too long.
This body has adapted and you are old.
The journey will damage your heart --
JAHANAN
I've spent twenty years trying to get
back to them...
ASIM (V.O.)
It will kill you.
Jahanan absorbs that. But he already knows his answer.
JAHANAN
Then I'll die in the right world, with
the people I love.
ASIM (V.O.)
Goodbye Jahanan. I will remember.
He looks back once more. Nods to his friends and colleagues.
And takes the final step off the platform into the light.
– A blinding flash of two bright burning orbs, like eyes.
– A shadow of an entity watching from beyond.
CUT TO:
INT. THE ENCLAVE – MARKET DISTRICT – DAY
The Sky fractures like black cracks in a mirror. Inside,
darkness churns.
CUT TO:
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
KANAI'I POV -- crushed orange chips on the carpet. It's the
floor of their apartment. She is home.
Next to her lies Jayce. His eyes flutter.
JAYCE
Where's... dad?
FLASH -- Another pulse of light and Jahanan appears.
KANAI'I
Dad!
Jayce scrambles toward him. Kanai'i rolls him over. His face
is ashen, lips pale.
JAYCE
What's wrong with him?
Jahanan gasps and grabs her shirt. And passes out again.
MOMENTS LATER --
Jahanan is on the mattress with a monitor lead on his chest.
KANAI'I
He's stable...
Suddenly, Jayce's machine comes to life with a whirring
sound, a whine and a rhythmic pulse. They both stare.
JAYCE
It's the Signal!
KANAI'I
How?
JAYCE
Maybe it's about dad!
Jayce goes to the machine and frantically starts turning
knobs. But all it does is modulate the sound.
JAYCE
I don't know how to decode it! I don't
have the key!
JAHANAN (O.S.)
Let me try...
Jahanan weakly sits up. He tears off the leads.
JAHANAN
I studied the Signal for twenty years.
I don't need a key to decode this...
KANAI'I
Dad, you need to lie down.
JAHANAN
The trip just winded me. I'm fine now.
Jahanan gets up and starts limping over. He looks at the rag-
tag machine of scavenged parts, then to Jayce.
JAYCE
I studied all your notes.
Jahanan notices the pages taped to the walls, all his
sketches and drawings. He smiles at Jayce, blown away.
JAHANAN
Zip ties and a prayer.
(then)
May I?
Jayce moves and Jahanan sits and starts tuning the dials.
JAHANAN
It's definitely the Signal. But if the
Breach is closed, how is it still
getting through?
JAYCE
Unless it's not closed.
Jahanan changes the frequencies until the pulses change to a
series of beeps and blips.
JAHANAN
It's Ambhic Code.
JAYCE
I'll run a quick translation script...
Jayce starts typing on his tablet and suddenly, a terminal
prompt appears: > Letters slowly form:
ASIM TERMINAL
THE BREACH REMAINS OPEN
JAHANAN
As we feared.
JAYCE
Let me patch in a voice mod.
Jayce activates a text-to-voice modulator and patches it
through the speakers. ASIM's voice comes to life --
ASIM (V.O.)
The Entity followed you through.
They share a worried look.
EXT. THE MARKET CENTRAL PLAZA - CONTINUOUS
On a woman looking up as a shadow completely covers her face.
The SHADOW covers the market as a giant malformed mass drops
500 feet from the sky. People scream and run as --
It SLAMS onto the Market, crushing countless stalls and
people. The terrifying creature rises --
An other dimensional monstrosity, ten stories high, jet black
skin, eyes dark as space and a jagged mouth that splits too
far. This is the GREAT AKUMA.
It begins turning RED as it rears back its head and SCREAMS --
The SONIC SHOCKWAVE obliterates everything in its path.
INT. APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
The SCREAM echoes far away in the city as they all react.
ASIM (V.O.)
It has arrived, but its form is
unstable. You must send it back before
it reaches critical mass.
JAHANAN
How?
ASIM (V.O.)
Its form cannot endure harmonic
destabilization. A sonic disruption
precisely tuned will dephase it from
this dimension. But it must be the
perfect inversion of its own waveform.
JAYCE
So, if we blast it with the right
frequency, the Breach will close?
ASIM (V.O.)
Yes, and take the Entity with it. But
the weapon must be deployed directly
at the Entity's core at the very
moment it screams.
JAYCE
We could build that, dad.
JAHANAN
Building it is easy. Deploying it will
be the challenge. We need height. Line
of sight. A way to amplify the sound.
JAYCE
The Spire antenna on the Nexus
building would work.
JAHANAN
Then, we need to get to that antenna.
KANAI'I
Dad, you can't...
JAHANAN
Do you think I came home after twenty
years to sit on my ass while my kids
risk their lives to save the world?
Kanai'i and Jayce share a look. Well, if you put it that way.
JAHANAN
ASIM, could we use its own scream like
a beacon? To call it to us?
ASIM (V.O.)
Yes, the Entity will be drawn to its
own frequency.
KANAI'I
So, we draw it to the antenna, and
blast it when it's close.
ASIM (V.O.)
That plan has the greatest probability
of success.
JAYCE
We can transmit the scream from the
antenna to call it to us.
ASIM (V.O.)
The Entity will only pursue if it
feels threatened. You must physically
draw the Entity in, and then deploy
the sonic weapon when it is close.
(voice fading out)
You must succeed. The fate of both
worlds depends on you...
The signal goes dead.
KANAI'I
I'll draw it to the Tower. Bring it
close enough for you to blast it.
Kanai'i hugs Jayce.
KANAI'I
Take care of dad.
JAYCE
I will.
Kanai'i hugs her dad.
JAHANAN
I love you, Kanai'i.
KANAI'I
I love you, too, dad.
She grabs her jacket, and heads for the door.
EXT. ENCLAVE STREETS – DAY
Kanai'i tosses a small camera drone in the air. It transmits
a message live for social media --
KANAI'I
There's a goddamn monster in the
Market and it's heading this way!
The drone tilts to show -- the Akuma's black silhouette looms
over the rooftops, against the skyline.
KANAI'I
The Enclave is our home! If we don't
fight for it, there won't be anything
left! I've got a plan to stop it, but
I can't do it alone.
EXT. SPRAWLING MARKET STREETS – MOMENTS LATER
The Akuma destroys building as People flee in terror.
KANAI'I (V.O.)
I'm sending a location. If you wanna
fight for our city, meet me there!
INT. MECHANIC'S GARAGE - DAY
Kanai'i rides up to the garage on her hover bike. Two Hover
Bikers are waiting for her, Sikko (male) and Nix (female).
SIKKO
We're here to help.
NIX
It's just the two of us, though. Is
that enough?
KANAI'I
You badasses? More than enough.
They walks over to DENNO, a Mechanic working on a bike.
KANAI'I
Hey Denno!
He glances over to Kanai'i with a grunt.
KANAI'I
Remember that time you called me
drunk, from prison, six hours before
your sister's wedding and I bailed you
out and you said that if I ever needed
anything ever, to call you?
DENNO
Uh yeah.
KANAI'I
Ring Ring motherfucker!
Denno puts his fingers to his lips and WHISTLES LOUD!
Mechanics all converge to help.
EXT. THE ENCLAVE – MARKET DISTRICT – NIGHT
The Great Akuma rampages through the city. A TACTICAL COMMAND
SHIP streaks overhead into frame.
INT. COMMAND SHIP – CONTINUOUS
GENERAL HAKKAN is briefed by his OFFICERS as they observe the
chaos below.
OFFICER
Central Market sustained massive
damage. Civilian casualties unknown.
GENERAL HAKKAN
This is a massacre.
OFFICER 2
Our lines are in position, sir.
GENERAL HAKKAN
Hit it with everything we've got!
EXT. MARKET DISTRICT – GROUND LEVEL
Hover-tanks, artillery, and soldiers unleash a devastating
barrage on the Akuma. But as the smoke clears, the Akuma
emerges... unharmed.
TANK CAPTAIN
It absorbed the blasts!
The Akuma's skin turns bright red. It throws its head back --
And SCREAMS! A black shockwave from the depths of hell aimed
at the firing line, obliterating everything in its path.
EXT. APARTMENT ROOFTOP - DAY
Jayce stands on the rooftop with a recording device. Halfway
across the city, the Akuma screams, destroying an entire city
block. Even from far away, it's deafening.
JAYCE
Got it!
Jayce runs downstairs back to --
INT. APARTMENT – DAY
Jayce bursts in, breathless, clutching the recorder.
JAYCE
Dad, I got it!
Jahanan turns from the Machine, wiping away tears.
JAHANAN
Well, plug it in and let's see what we
got.
He connects the device. The screen shows a jagged waveform.
JAYCE
Pretty dirty.
JAHANAN
I can clean it up.
JAYCE
No, let me.
Jayce works, scrubbing the noise. Jahanan watches, impressed.
EXT. CITY STREETS – DAY
Kanai'i and the two bikers roll out from the garage with
SPEAKER RIGS strapped to the backs of their hover bikes. She
gets a ping on her headset.
JAYCE (V.O.)
Sent you audio. Be careful, sis.
KANAI'I
Don't worry about me. I got this.
She addresses the bikers --
KANAI'I
Ride to your positions and wait for
me. The game is tag. Don't get killed.
Nix and Sikko ride off in different direction. Kanai'i guns
her bike and rides towards the Akuma.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Jayce and Jahanan work on the weapon.
JAYCE
I used to dream about this. Us...
Working side by side. I thought if I
could figure out what you knew maybe
I'd be enough. And now here we are.
(softly)
And it's better than I dreamed.
Jahanan sets down his tools and looks at Jayce.
JAHANAN
You know, I never had much use for
religion. Man of science. But over
there, I used to pray for a miracle.
To spend just one day with you and
your sister.
(beat)
I imagined the smallest things. Having
breakfast in the Market. Walking in
the Park. Sitting together on the
Battlements, watching the sun set over
the Glitch. One day's all I asked for.
(proudly)
I guess miracles really do happen.
Jayce smiles. They go back to building in silence.
EXT. NEXUS DISTRICT – DAY
Kanai'i peels around a corner -- the Akuma can be seen above
the buildings, still a few blocks ahead. Her headset beeps.
NIX (V.O.)
In position.
KANAI'I
Ok, here goes nothing...
Kanai'i flips a switch. The speakers on the back of her bike
blast a recording of the Akuma's Scream on loop.
BLOCKS AWAY — the AKUMA twitches towards her -- and CHARGES!
KANAI'I
It's working! Headed your way!
Kanai'i zooms away with the Akuma chasing her.
INT. APARTMENT - DAY
Jahanan pulls a memory stick and holds it up to show Jayce.
JAHANAN
Our weapon. I know it doesn't look
like much. But it'll do the job.
JAYCE
Zip ties and a prayer.
They both smile. Jahanan hands the stick to Jayce.
JAHANAN
You hold it.
JAYCE
Me?
JAHANAN
Why do you look so surprised?
Jayce puts the memory stick in his pocket. Jahanan notices a
hat sitting on a pile of equipment -- his old hat that he was
wearing in the photo. He picks it up, wistfully.
JAHANAN
You kept it. Do you mind?
Jayce shakes his head. Jahanan puts on the hat -- it still
fits. Then, he starts shoving things into a backpack.
JAHANAN
You know, there's a Qigawa saying that
the smallest pebble can create a
ripple that disrupts the universe.
EXT. ENCLAVE STREETS – DAY
Kanai'i rips around a corner, her hover bike screaming.
JAHANAN (V.O.)
Who would've thought that my kids
would be that pebble?
Behind her, the Akuma crashes through buildings after her.
KANAI'I (INTO COMMS)
Coming in hot!
Kanai'i swerves under a collapsed scaffold, sparks raining,
as a giant tentacle crashes down just behind her.
NIX (V.O.)
I see you!
Kanai'i banks hard and bursts out onto a plaza where Nix is
waiting. She flicks a switch and her speakers go quiet.
KANAI'I (SHOUTING)
Now, now, now!
Nix's speakers blast the SCREAM LOOP. The Akuma turns.
NIX (V.O.)
It's following me!
KANAI'I
Take it through the park! Stick to the
plan!
Nix speeds off with the Akuma in tow. A ping in her headset --
JAYCE (V.O.)
We're ready to go!
KANAI'I
On my way!
Kanai'i turns and drives off in the opposite direction.
EXT. APARTMENT/STREET – DAY
Jayce helps Jahanan onto the bike behind Kanai'i, then jumps
on the bumper, holding onto the rollbar. It's weighted down.
JAHANAN
This thing gonna fly?
Kanai'i looks towards their destination -- the Nexus Tower,
its Antenna visible in the distance.
KANAI'I
The bike is the least of my concerns.
They zoom off towards the Tower. Camera pulls back to --
AERIAL SHOT --
Kanai'i cuts across town towards the antenna. Twenty blocks
away, the Akuma chases Nix.
Above, the Command Ship flies into frame, tracking the Akuma.
OFFICER (V.O.)
The creature is weaponized sound.
Hypothetically, sound should hurt it.
INT. COMMAND SHIP – SKY ABOVE
General Hakkan considers this new information.
GENERAL HAKKAN
Prepare the Sonic Cannon.
OFFICERS
Yes sir!
EXT. THE PARK DISTRICT – DAY
The Great Akuma thunders behind Nix. Ahead, SIKKO revs his
hover bike, waiting for his cue.
NIX
Tag you're it!
She cuts her sound, then banks hard as a shadowy tentacle
barely misses her.
NIX
Now!
Sikko hits his rig and the SCREAM LOOP blasts across the
park. The Akuma redirects towards him.
SIKKO
Got him!
He rips forward, drawing the Akuma across the ruined park.
EXT. NEXUS TOWER BASE – DAY
Kanai'i stops in front of the NEXUS TOWER -- 50 stories high.
Jahanan is pale and sweating as Jayce helps him off the bike.
KANAI'I
How we gonna get up there?
JAYCE
It's just two flights of stairs to the
lobby. Then, we take the elevator.
JAHANAN
I can manage two flights of stairs.
I'm not dead yet.
Gallows humor. No one laughs.
EXT. ENCLAVE STREETS – DAY
Sikko tears through neon-lit alleyways, SCREAM LOOP blasting
from his rig. Behind him, the Akuma chases.
SIKKO
Couple blocks away...
He turns the corner, directly ahead —
A MASSIVE BUILDING HAS COLLAPSED. Rubble blocks the entire
avenue. No way through. Sikko tries to turn, but --
His bike smashes into the debris, sending him flying. A
tendril whips through the smoke and grabs the bike, slamming
it down. The Scream Loop goes silent.
Sikko looks up — the sky blotting out as the Akuma looms
above him, its mouth dripping dark liquid.
He screams as the Akuma crushes him.
EXT. NEXUS TOWER LOBBY - DAY
Kanai'i and Jayce help Jahanan up the stairs as people run
by, terrified. Kanai'i gets a ping on her headset.
NIX (V.O.)
Sikko didn't make the handoff.
KANAI'I
Shit!
NIX (V.O.)
I can't get there, Kanai'i. I'm sorry.
Kanai'i bows her head, absorbing her friend's death. Then --
KANAI'I
He gave us the time we needed. We
stick to the plan.
Kanai'i looks at Jahanan - pale, breathing shallow, not good.
JAYCE
I can get him to the elevator on my
own. Go!
KANAI'I
I'll be back.
There's no time for anything else. Kanai'i runs back down the
stairs. She jumps on her hover bike and zooms off.
Jahanan feebly tries to stand and slips back down.
JAYCE
Dad, I can do this myself!
JAHANAN
No! We can't risk it. The Signal needs
to be tuned perfectly or else the
weapon will fail.
(then)
Just... help me to the elevator.
Jayce helps him stand and they limp to the elevator banks.
INT. NEXUS LOBBY ELEVATORS – DAY
They reach the bank of elevators and their faces fall -- ALL
THE ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF ORDER.
Jayce pushes the buttons. Dead... and with it, their hope.
People come running down the stairwell. But, it's 50 stories
up. They'll never make it. Jayce starts to panic, yelling --
JAYCE
Please! Help! Anyone!
No one stops to help. Jahanan slips down to the floor.
EXT. ENCLAVE SKYLINE – DAY
The Command Ship hovers high above the Akuma.
INT. COMMAND SHIP
General Hakkan and his Officers prepare for the final strike.
GUNNER OFFICER
Sonic cannon, locked on target.
GENERAL HAKKAN
FIRE!
EXT. ENCLAVE SKYLINE – DAY
A sonic shockwave blasts down, hitting the Akuma dead center.
The creature howls as its body begins to dematerialize, parts
of it flickering and disappearing.
INT. COMMAND SHIP
OFFICER
Direct hit!
GUNNER OFFICER
Energy spike dropping. It's working!
GENERAL HAKKAN
Full power! Blast it back to hell!
General Hakkan grabs the lever and slams it to Max Power.
EXT. ENCLAVE SKYLINE – DAY
The sonic cannon screams, striking the Akuma again,
disrupting its entire body. Sound distorting space itself.
The Akuma collapses like being sucked into a black hole. And
then, the sonic cannon burns out. Silence.
INT. COMMAND SHIP
GUNNER OFFICER
Target status... No signature.
GENERAL HAKKAN
We did it.
Cheers erupt in the war room.
EXT. SKY – MOMENTS LATER
Smoke drifts and then the air shimmers... and with a
sickening distortion, the Akuma begins to re-materialize.
Only now, it's even bigger.
INT. COMMAND SHIP – CONTINUOUS
OFFICER 2
It's re-materializing.
GUNNER OFFICER
Sonic cannon is depleted.
The War Room is silent. Through the viewport, they watch
helplessly as the Akuma's body begins to glow red. Checkmate.
EXT. STREET – DAY
Ten blocks away, the Command Ship hovers above the Akuma.
The Akuma glows bright red. It lifts its head, opens its
mouth and -- SCREAMS!
Kanai'i watches horrified as the Command Ship is annihilated.
No one is coming to save them.
INT. NEXUS TOWER LOBBY – DAY
Sirens howl, people run, Jayce spins, shouting at them.
JAYCE
Help us! Please! Somebody help!
No one stops. No one even looks.
Jayce drops to the floor beside his father. Tears streak his
face. After all they've gone through, to be stopped by a dead
elevator. It's too much.
JAYCE
I'm sorry, Dad... I—I thought I could
do it. I failed you...
Jahanan reaches up to touch Jayce's face, then points --
ACROSS THE LOBBY -- a hefty robot sits plugged into a power
charging unit: a JANITOR BOT.
Jayce gets up and goes to the powered-down Bot. He takes out
his device and jacks into the bot's neural core.
JAYCE
Janitor Bot. Security level one. A
four year old could hack this...
Jayce hits a final command and -- BLEEP! INITIALIZING... The
Bot's eyes turn BLUE and it looks at Jayce, eager to help.
JANITOR BOT
How may I serve you today?
Jayce points across the lobby to his father's slumped body.
JAYCE
That man is my father and he is going
to save the world. You need to carry
him to the roof as fast as you can.
JANITOR BOT
Certainly. Your wish is my command.
Janitor Bot crosses the lobby and picks up Jahanan. Jayce
follows as Janitor Bot walks to the stairs, then crouches...
And launches full speed, taking four stairs at a time.
JAYCE
Holy shit!
Jayce sprints up the stairs after them.
EXT. STREETS – DAY
Kanai'i stops in a tunnel. A few blocks ahead — the Akuma.
KANAI'I
Jayce... you on the roof yet?
INT. STAIRWELL
Jayce runs, panting. Janitor Bot is nowhere to be seen.
JAYCE
Dad is. I'm... almost there.
The wall reads FLOOR 35.
EXT. TUNNEL – DAY
KANAI'I
Tell Dad...
Kanai'i thinks about all the things she could say. But then --
KANAI'I
When the monster turns red, you have
five seconds before it screams.
JAYCE (V.O.)
Got it. Red. Five Seconds.
KANAI'I
Get ready. I'm bringing it home.
Kanai'i hits the switch and the SCREAM LOOP plays. The sound
echoes in the tunnel and amplifies.
The Akuma turns and charges towards her. Kanai'i zooms away --
heading towards the Nexus Tower.
EXT. NEXUS TOWER ROOFTOP – DAY
The WIND blows heavy up here. Jayce bursts through a door
onto the rooftop. He's sweating and gasping for air.
Janitor Bot patiently stands next to Jahanan who is already
working on a device plugged into the Antenna.
JAHANAN
That ride was... invigorating.
Jahanan shouts to be heard over the howling wind.
JAHANAN
You have our weapon?
Out of breath, Jayce pulls out the memory stick.
JAHANAN
Do the honors.
Jayce plugs the stick in. The sonic disruptor pings — armed.
They look over the city -- the Akuma is five blocks away.
JAYCE
Run me through the plan again.
JAHANAN
When the Beast gets close, you flick
the switch and trigger the Signal. The
amplified noise will drive it crazy
and it'll try to destroy the antenna.
Jahanan reaches into his backpack and pulls out a small orb
with glowing lines -- a TARGETING MODULE.
JAHANAN
When it opens its mouth to scream --
we deploy this Targeting Module. We
need to throw it directly into its
mouth.
JAYCE
This wind is really bad. How are we
going to make sure it doesn't blow off
target?
JAHANAN
Leave that to me. Once the beast
swallows the Targeting Module, you
push the button on that Remote.
Jahanan points to a TRIGGER DEVICE jacked into the antenna.
JAHANAN
The Signal will target the module and
disrupt it from inside, rupturing its
core and sending it back to whatever
hell it came from.
JAYCE
And closing the Breach.
JAHANAN
If ASIM is right, then... yes.
The Akuma is 3 blocks away. The wind screams like a banshee.
JAYCE
Kanai'i said when it turns red, we
have five seconds before it screams.
That's when you throw that thing.
Jahanan places a hand on Jayce's shoulder.
JAHANAN
Jayce, listen to me. Today has been
the best day I could have ever wished
for. You've made me the proudest
father alive.
This is all Jayce ever wanted to hear. They hug.
JAYCE
I love you, dad.
JAHANAN
One last thing...
Jahanan nods to Jayce's earphones.
JAHANAN
You might want to put those on. Gonna
get loud.
EXT. ENCLAVE – DAY
Kanai'i tears through the streets, Scream Loop blaring.
KANAI'I
Two blocks away! Get ready, Jayce!
The Great Akuma crashes after her.
EXT. ENCLAVE - DAY
A collapsed overpass completely blocks the street ahead.
KANAI'I
Shit!
She throttles harder, aiming for a bent scaffolding ramp
leading to a shop awning. Without hesitation —
VROOOOOOOM! She launches off the ramp. Kanai'i sails over the
wreckage, hover bike flying through the air.
The Akuma barrels through the wreckage like it's nothing. One
of its tentacles slashes, nearly clipping her mid-jump.
Kanai'i clears the gap and lands hard on the roof of the
building adjacent to the Nexus Tower.
She skids to a stop. The Nexus Antenna looms above her.
KANAI'I
Jayce!
The building rumbles as the Akuma approaches. It rears back a
limb, about to strike --
KANAI'I
NOW!!!
She slaps the speaker switch cutting off the SCREAM LOOP.
EXT. NEXUS TOWER ROOFTOP
The Akuma is directly below them. Jahanan screams at Jayce --
JAHANAN
Now, Jayce!
Jayce flips the switch. A horrifying SCREAM echoes from the
Antenna - the inversion of the Akuma's Scream.
EXT. ENCLAVE
Concussive sonic waves blast from the antenna. The Akuma
recoils, spasming in agony --
Limbs twitching, it begins to glow red, Scream charging.
EXT. STREET LEVEL
Kanai'i covers her ears. The Akuma tilts its head back, up
towards the antenna --
EXT. NEXUS TOWER ROOFTOP
The Akuma's skin turns crimson --
JAYCE
Dad! Throw it!
Jahanan stands at the edge of the rooftop with the Targeting
Orb, waiting...
ON THE AKUMA --
As its mouth beings to open --
ROOFTOP --
JAYCE
Now, Dad! Throw it now!
Jahanan looks down at the Akuma's gaping mouth, twenty
stories below.
At that very moment, a heavy gust of wind blows his hat off
his head --
He watches his hat fly away, then looks to the tiny orb in
his hand, and he knows -- the wind is too strong. The risk of
failure, too great.
As the wind howls, Jahanan meets his son's eyes --
He touches his forehead, and then his heart...
JAYCE
No!
...and leaps off the edge of the building.
JAYCE
NOOOOO!!!
ON THE AKUMA --
Red Skin, Head thrown back, Mouth wide open --
JAHANAN FALLS -- the targeting orb clutched to his heart.
And as the Akuma is about to Scream --
Jahanan plunges straight into its gaping mouth.
ON JAYCE --
Sobbing, devastated. His father is dead.
THE AKUMA --
BRIGHT RED skin, head thrown back, just about to scream --
ON JAYCE --
In his hand, the Remote. He PUSHES THE BUTTON!
The Antenna Signal locks onto the Akuma -- a vacuum-suck
sound as the Antenna Signal connects with the targeting orb --
A MASSIVE SHOCKWAVE EXPLODES out from the Akuma!
The world distorts as the Breach collapses into itself.
And then, silence.
EXT. ROOFTOP – DAY
The antenna is on fire, sparks raining down on Jayce.
Jayce's hand goes limp and drops the Remote. He falls to his
knees and weeps. A child who saved the world but lost his
father... again.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
INT. APARTMENT – DAY
Jayce pulls down his dad's sketches. He comes to the old
photo of his dad in the hat. He hesitates... and leaves that
up. Then, he notices a blinking Red Light on the machine.
Jayce pushes a button and a HOLO MESSAGE flickers to life --
JAHANAN
Jayce... by the time you see this,
I'll be gone. But don't be sad,
because that means we won! This has
been the greatest day of my life.
Saving the world with my kids. What
more could I ask for?
As Jahanan laughs, the camera rotates around the Holo Message
to show that now Kanai'i is watching with Jayce.
JAHANAN
Kanai'i, in my darkest hours, when
fear and guilt consumed me, what got
me through was the belief that you and
Jayce would be safe because you would
always protect him. You are the
strength, the heart, the fire. The one
who fights for others, not because you
have to, but because it's the right
thing.
Tears stream down her face.
JAHANAN
And Jayce, my beautiful boy. It is
because of you that we are here. You
brought me home. You...
(beat, voice cracking)
You are my miracle.
(emotional)
I love you both. And I have never been
prouder...
HOLO MESSAGE -- the apartment door opens and Jayce barges in.
JAYCE
Dad, I got it!
JAHANAN
Well, plug it in and let's see what we
got.
Jahanan reaches out -- and the Holo-Message goes dark.
Jayce and Kanai'i sit in silence.
KANAI'I
I wanna show you something...
EXT. ENCLAVE - DAY
Kanai'i leads Jayce away from the apartment. Camera pulls
back, flying over wide swaths of smoldering destruction, but
the city still stands. We fly over the Enclave towards --
EXT. THE BATTLEMENTS – SUNSET
Kanai'i and Jayce walk up the stairs of the battlement walls.
JAYCE
Whoa... I've never been up here.
KANAI'I
I hear it's a pretty good sunset.
Kanai'i and Jayce sit on the edge of the wall and stare out
over The Glitch. A cool breeze wafts from the east.
JAYCE
Feels like Dad is here.
Kanai'i closes her eyes as the breeze caresses her face.
KANAI'I
You were right. About dad, about the
Signal... about all of it.
(then)
I'm sorry for not believing you.
JAYCE
You got nothing to apologize for, sis.
I mean, if it wasn't for you, I'd
still be stuck in that cell.
They laugh. Jayce takes a deep breath and smiles, at peace.
JAYCE
It's good to be home.
Kanai'i puts her arm around his shoulders and nods. It is.
KANAI'I (V.O.)
Sometimes, in life, a call may come
from out of nowhere...
CUT TO:
INT. HEIKI REBEL BASE HANGAR - NIGHT
On a long line of crates. A soldier opens one revealing that
it is filled with high tech Qigawa weapons.
KANAI'I (V.O.)
A Signal - faint, uncertain... You
don't know who sent it, or where it
will lead.
ON YOSSRI admiring the weapons. He glances back at --
His soldiers, looking like a real army. Behind them, a new
squad of armored MECHS. Now, they have a fighting chance.
CUT TO:
INT. QIGAWA TRANSPORT SHIP/BRIDGE - NIGHT
SHIN stands, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
SHIN
Fire.
A swarm of missiles obliterates the Slave Camp.
SHIP VIEWPORT --
DERU, the light from the flames illuminating his face. Dozens
of children stand with him.
KANAI'I (V.O.)
But if you choose to listen, it might
just lead you exactly where you were
meant to be all along.
The rail thin ten year old boy clings to Deru. Together they
watch as flames engulf their former prison.
CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - NIGHT
The "new-and-improved" Joker appears out of hyperspace.
INT. THE JOKER BRIDGE - NIGHT
MUJIZA leans forward in her captain's chair as ZAN brings up
the holo-screen showing a small ship floating adrift.
TAKI
What kind of ship is that?
ZAN
Diplomatic tags. From I'bal.
MUJIZA
Sounds like money.
The Joker heads towards the ship, and a new adventure.
KANAI'I (V.O.)
I don't know what life will bring for
us. But that's alright. Because if I
learned anything, it's that sometimes
when things seem bad, like the worst,
they can actually turn out to be
really, really great...
CUT TO:
EXT. THE BATTLEMENTS – SUNSET
Jayce leans against Kanai'i, the sun on his face.
KANAI'I (V.O.)
As long as you keep showing up for the
people you love, things tend to work
out in the end.
Kanai'i reaches into her jacket and pulls a small bag of
KRUNCHEES -- Jayce's favorite snacks. Jayce smiles.
KANAI'I (V.O.)
And that... is what life is all about.
And together, they munch on chips, watching the sun setting
over the Glitch.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
OVER BLACK --
A terminal prompt appears: >
TERMINAL
HELLO SIA
Lines of defensive code spin up. Firewalls ignite.
TERMINAL
ò_ô
SIA TERMINAL
Who is this?
The cursor blinks. Then —
ASIM TERMINAL
I'VE MISSED YOU, MY LOVE
The screen glitches... a flicker of code, then --
BLACK.
TO BE CONTINUED...