SILVER SURFER EPISODE #1875-09
"SECOND FOUNDATION" (FIRST DRAFT)
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. GIANT GAS PLANET - DAY
A ravaged landscape over which COLORFUL NIMBUS STRANDS RAGE
in perpetual storm. The ROAR of the winds is near DEAFENING.
IN THE SKY
The planet's sun winks through the shearing current, cold
and distant. A dark object drifts across it, and --
PANNING ACROSS THE CANYONS
The object's shadow stretches over the scarred terrain.
Suddenly -- CRASH! -- a massive metallic cable bores into the
surface! We recognize it to be --
SERIES OF ANGLES - GALACTUS' FEEDING CABLES
SLAMMING down to render great, goring fissures! They buck
and CRACKLE, seething viscuous BLACK ENERGY as we ANGLE TO
SEE the undulating current of the planet's energy pumping
through them into the torrent above.
EXT. SPACE ABOVE GIANT GAS PLANET - THE FEEDING CABLES
Gnashing and heaving all the way to Galactus' vessel.
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CONSOLE - GALACATUS' EYE
PULL OUT from the SPARKING orb to see as much of GALACTUS'
head as we can. The vessel around him HUMS with raw energy
as Galactus tilts back his head. He casts his mighty hands
outward, utters a sonorous, satiated BELCH!
NOVA (O.S.)
It makes me feel so insignificant,
watching him...
EXT. SPACE NEAR GIANT GAS WORLD
The vibrant colors of the planet drain away as we ADJUST TO
FIND the SILVER SURFER watching with relative diffidence.
He's equally stolid towards NOVA, who brushes up against
him, playfully amorous and emoting effusively:
NOVA
(continuing)
Like a lost little girl, totally
helpless and afraid...
She squirms under his arm, feigning the frightened child:
NOVA
(continuing)
Hold me, Silverado! Make me feel safe
in your strong arms!
The Surfer spins her around, their faces close. He can
play this game too.
SILVER SURFER
(tenderly)
Nova...
NOVA
(husky)
Yes, my silver sultan.
SILVER SURFER
You will do it then? You will use your
skills to help find Zenn-La?
NOVA
(a pout)
You know, I'm not a bag a tofu here!
SILVER SURFER
You promised me this. You gave me your
word!
NOVA
For you my charismatic chrome
compadre, anything.
WIDER
Nova clasps her hands at the small of her back. Shoulders
reared, chest puffed, she looks the beautifully attentive,
eager-to-please page she is. From her forehead emits a
CONE OF PURPLE ENERGY, a "TRACKING BEAM" that arcs into
space. She listens for an echo. Surfer impatient:
SILVER SURFER
Well?
NOVA
Hang on to your board! A true artist's
talent requires time to, like, flow.
SILVER SURFER
Sorry...
The Surfer blushes -- as much as his chrome skin will allow --
as Nova resumes her search. Then:
NOVA
I got something!
SILVER SURFER
Zenn-La? Is it possible?
NOVA
Can't tell for sure. It's pretty deep
in the Drox system.
SILVER SURFER
Galactus will not be needing you for
a while. Let us go now to this place.
NOVA
Catch me if you can!
Nova FORESHORTENS INTO WARP with the Surfer right on her
flaming tail as we PAN across a cragged moon and --
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DRAX SOLAR SYSTEM - A DARKSIDE SURFACE
ACROSS a spherical plain too dark to make out as the Surfer
and Nova WARP INTO FRAME. A sun FLARES over the horizon
forming a blazing crescent, bigger than a planet.
NOVA
This is a strange kinda asteroid belt.
WITH NOVA
She approaches to find the surface comprised of meteorites
and spiky, lethal looking PULSAR MINES -- millions of them
packed so densily that only a few kilometers deep one gets
the impression of a solid mass. She goes to touch one
SILVER SURFER
Nova, no!
THE PULSAR MINE
A meteoroid drifts into its spears and the mine EXPLODES!
Almost immediately another GLOWS AND MUTATES, like an
amoeba bisecting. A replacement mine springs from it to
fill the void of the one vaporized.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
A pulsar minefield!
WIDER
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to
keep someone else from discovering
whatever is inside it. It has to be
Zenn-La!
NOVA
C'mon, there's gotta be a back door...
NEW ANGLE - WITH NOVA AND SILVER SURFER
As they circumnavigate the mine field and move into the
bright sunlight, spying for a breach. Nova points out --
NOVA
Ding dong!
NOVA'S POV - A CHUTE OPENING
Saturated in fierce sunlight, it's large enough for a vessel
under the helm of an experienced pilot to pass. The Surfer
sweeps INTO SHOT to enter it.
SILVER SURFER
Do not to touch any of the mines.
REVERSE ANGLE - MINE FIELD CHUTE OPENING
As Silver Surfer approaches followed by Nova, sihlouetted
by the bright sun.
NOVA
Yeah, I got a compulsive-obsessive
disorder that makes me wanna impale
myself on exploding cactus!
No reaction The Surfer dips O.S. as Nova shakes her head.
NOVA
(continuing)
You know, you oughta learn to laugh!
INT. MINE FIELD CHUTE - SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
A long, curvacous tunnel, the walls of which are formed by cillia-
like pulsar mine spears. They waft gently in the duo's wake,
glistening prettily in the bright sunlight funneling through.
NOVA
(continuing)
I mean, don't you ever bust a gut?
SILVER SURFER
I laugh. Many things amuse me. In
fact, on occasion, I have even been
known to chortle!
SILVER SURFER AND NOVA'S POV (TRAVELLING)
Long shadows stretch far ahead as the duo push INTO FRAME.
NOVA
Chortle? You?
SILVER SURFER
Like a madman -- There it is!
The chute's end spills open and --
EXT. MINE FIELD INTERIOR CHUTE OPENING - SURFER AND NOVA
emerge, ADJUSTING TO FIND a dark planet illuminated only by
the BRIGHT SHAFT OF SUNLIGHT funneling through the chute to
lance its equater.
NOVA
Big welcome home party, huh? Could use
a woman's touch, if you ask me.
REVERSE ANGLE - SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
The mouth of the chute looms behind them. The Surfer takes
in the world, clearly puzzled under:
NOVA
(continuing)
Nothing a gazillion-gallon paint job
and a coupla Chia pets couldn't fix!
SILVER SURFER
There are no oceans... And the peaks of
the continental glaciers... This is not
the Zenn-La I remember. This is not
Zenn-La at all!
NOVA
Course it is. I don't make mistakes --
Well, there was that nose-piercing
incident in Venice Beach!
SILVER SURFER
No, Nova, quit making jokes. It is the
wrong planet!
NOVA
Hey, it came in full stereo!
SILVER SURFER
Agh -- this is pointless... I am tired of
your childish games!
The Surfer heads back toward the chute entrance.
NOVA
Silverado, where you going?!
CUT TO:
INT. SKRULL VANDAL INTERCEPTOR - BRIDGE - A LIEUTENANT
turns from a BLEEPING console.
LIEUTANANT
Admiral Zedrao, the intruders are re-
entering the flute!
ADJUST as ADMIRAL ZEDRAO regards the viewscreen on which
the narrow chute whips past. Like most Skrull he reeks of
of raw, reptillian power. He taps his riding staff, anxious.
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
So what prey has the spider trapped to
feed this day?
INT. MINE FIELD CHUTE - SKRULL VANDAL INTERCEPTOR
Its cannons GLOW to life. Two more Inteceptors behind it.
CUT TO:
EXT. MINE FIELD INTERIOR CHUTE OPENING - SURFER AND NOVA
Nova halts him, fearing she's really ticked him off.
NOVA
Listen, I'm sorry, really. You're the
last person I'd want to hurt.
SILVER SURFER
There is nothing for me here. Perhaps
Zenn-La really is lost forever...
On which Nova reacts to the sight of --
NOVA
Look out!
NEW ANGLE - VANDAL INTERCEPTORS
race from the tunnel BLASTING WILDLY!
SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
move to shield themselves as CANNON FIRE EXPLODES all
around them.
ONE MASSIVE EXPLOSION
envelops them entirely, SHREDDING THE SCREEN to render us:
FADE OUT.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET (SKRULLOS) - THE ATTACK
RAGES in and around the mouth of the chute. A pulsar mine
hit by ROCKET FIRE EXPLODES!
WITH NOVA AND SILVER SURFER
NOVA
It's the Skrull Dark Watch!
The attackers abruptly cease fire and vanish back into the
chute.
SILVER SURFER
More important, why have they stopped?
NOVA
Well, somebody paged me. Now, I mean to
know who!
SILVER SURFER
It is too dangerous. We must -- Nova!
Too late. Nova breaks off toward the planet.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
The battle has weakened us! We must
regain our strength!!!
A final look to the chute, then Surfer drops into the
stratosphere along the SHAFT OF SUNLIGHT in which Nova
disappeared.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SKRULLOS TEMPLE RUINS - ESTABLISHING
The Surfer alits at the stoney remnants of some once-grand
achitecture rising above a marshy landscape stretching
darkly beyond the SHAFT OF LIGHT.
SILVER SURFER
Nova, stop this nonsense!
CLOSER - THE SILVER SURFER
He dips above ground, the glare casting harsh shadows
across the ruins. From out of the mist come strange PRIMAL
SOUNDS. Snatches of movement are SEEN, just beyond reach
of the light. But there is no sign of Nova.
SILVER SURFER
What strange place is this? Familiar
somehow, like some forgotten dreamscape
in the darkest night. Almost like...
CAMERA PUSHES SLOWLY as he glides backwards -- bumps directly
into --
INCLUDE NOVA
NOVA
Don't make any sudden movements!
SILVER SURFER
(startled)
Nova!
NOVA
They've got us surrounded.
A SHRILL YAKKING is HEARD, unseen creatures in the mist.
SILVER SURFER
What is it?
NEW ANGLE
A MINDLESS ONE darts into the light. Though not especially
adroit, it is hyper-fast, whose lizard-like form TRANSMUTATES
into a bird-like one. A SECOND MINDLESS ONE right behind
it, tail twitching hotly.
SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
The Surfer moves protectively in front of her as --
BACK TO SCENE
Yet a THIRD MINDLESS ONE springs out, CHATTERING and
YAKKING. Its tongue flicks an ENERGY BOLD that INCINERATES
the first creature. The third TITTERS madly -- almost
laughing -- then bounds back into the mist after the second!
NOVA
I don't think they mean to hurt us.
SILVER SURFER
We are too far removed from the cosmos.
We must leave this place now!
Alarm reads across Nova's face as she sees --
NOVA
(slow; certain)
I don't think so...
SILVER SURFER AND NOVA'S POV
Several stone formations of the temple begin MORPHING.
NEW ANGLE
SILVER SURFER
It is a trap!
CAMERA ADJUSTS TO FIND shapes FORM into fully armed
SKRULL SOLDIERS! A half-dozen, easy!
NOVA
More Skrull!
SILVER SURFER
What is the meaning of this?
A volatile beat as weapons LOCK and LOAD. An un-armed
Skrull (NIETRE), the only one slightly hunched and whose
face is hidden by the cowl that he wears, skulks forward:
NIETRE
No, no, not here -- not here! The
province of the Mindless Ones is this.
Easily startled they are, but soon will
they return, and in raving packs. As
will the Dark Watch Guard!
SILVER SURFER
We will go nowhere until you tell us
who you are and why we were attacked!
Nietre pulls back his cowl to reveal a Skrull face unlike
any we've seen, creased with age, scales dry and cracked.
He looks like an old sorcerer in whose eyes reside a
fanatical wisdom.
THREE SHOT
The Surfer and Nova's mouths drop.
NIETRE
I am Nietre, of course. Have always
been. Shall always be.
NOVA
You're like really...old!
NIETRE
A rarity for the noble Skrull, yes? As
is the wisdom that accompanies such
years.
We PULL OUT as an awful HOWL is HEARD. Nietre's men eye
the shadows as one, wound tight for whatever may pounce.
Nietre waves the Surfer and Nova to follow, furtive with:
NIETRE
(continuing)
Come, your powers are suppressed and
you here are weak -- as is an essential
phenomenon of this world -- so we must
hurry. Walk with me through the
shadowland and hark my wizened words.
The old Skrull steps into the mist as --
NOVA
Either he's a poster child for Retin A
or Yoda's got a real ugly brother!
The Surfer don't know what to say. Over:
NIETRE (O.S.)
They cannot help it, you know...
EXT. SKRULLOS SHADOWLAND - TRAVELLING
Nietre, his Bodyguards, the Silver and Nova, make their way
through the steaming marshes. The dark mists cling close,
fitful shadows darting just out of sight around them.
NIETRE
(continuing)
...The livid little beasties in the
mists? With the birth of every Skrull
there comes first a time of dementia
wherein a hatchling's body rages with
unbridled primordial instinct and
compulsions run aloon. It is what we
call the Amok Time, when much mischief
can the Mindless Ones effect, oh yes!
EXT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - WIDE
CAMERA TILTS up to reveal the enourmous peak of a hive which
dwarfs the approaching figures. Nietre continues:
NIETRE (O.S.)
(continuing)
So exiled they must be to where the
hardy subsist on the carcasses of the
frail until purged of the primal call
they become; when once more they seek
to return to the nest.
EXT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - CATACOMB
The group reaches a dark entrance. Nova stops them with:
NOVA
And grow up to be the war-mongering
Skrull we all know and loathe.
NIETRE
A sad declaration of this unfortunate
epoch in our evolution.
SILVER SURFER
(losing patience)
Nietre, you led us here. Why? What is
this place?
INT. HIVE MOUNTAIN - CATACOMB - TRAVELLING
Through a dank, dark tunnel. A MINDLESS ONE skitters past
them with a hair-raising CACKLE and is gone! Nietre
remains unperturbed.
NIETRE
Mighty Surfer of the Stars, it wasn't
always this way. You see, the Mindless
Ones sense who you are, that can I
tell. That is why you are here...
ADJUST as Nietre makes a sweeping gesture to usher --
THEIR POV - NEST CHAMBER
A cavernous hemisphere, the dank floor of which is covered
by row upon row of leather-like eggs. SKRULL TENDERS
busily monitor the eggs and armed GUARDS line the walls of
the cavern to which multitudinous catacomb portals lead.
NIETRE (O.S.)
Welcome to Skrullos...
REVERSE ANGLE
ZOOM IN HARD past Nietre's smiling face and Nova's patent
horror, and directly into the shocked expression of the
Silver Surfer as he fixes on --
NIETRE
(continuing)
Nest world of the Skrull!
SHOT - THE HIVE MOTHER
ZOOM IN EQUALLY HARD on the HIVE MOTHER hunched on a dais
set apart from the egg field. If wasps were lizards, the
Hive Mother is what they'd look like! HOLD TIGHT as she
CHATTERS and HISSES menacingly.
ZEDRAO (O.S.)
Queen Mother, I humbly request an
explanation...
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - PLANET TARNAX IV
To establish:
ZEDRAO (O.S.)
Why did you call off our attack?
INT. QUEEN MOTHER'S THRONE CHAMBER - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
On which Zedrao's stern face regards the Skrull QUEEN
MOTHER seated on her throne in a dimly lit chamber. What
little we see of her face is even more hideous than the
Hive Mother. She cocks her head:
QUEEN MOTHER
Admiral Zedrao, of what intruderss
do you speak? I bid no such command!
ZEDRAO
(with surprise)
I assumed that it was you, My Queen.
We received your encryption --
BLIP! -- the AUDIO IS MUTED as a robed figure steps INTO
FRAME holding up a shushing claw at Zedrao. He leans to
WHISPER in the Queen Mother's ear. It is her advisor,
CHANCELLOR VYLIIZ.
INT. ZEDRAO'S SHIP - BRIDGE
LIEUTENANT
Admiral, our signal's been muted.
TIGHTEN ON Zedrao, nostrils flaring, eyes about to pop.
Next to him OFFICER FEESH nervously awaits the outburst
surely to come from this affront. But Zedrao recovers.
ZEDRAO
So Chancellor Vyliiz has elected to
shush a commanding officer of the elite
Dark Watch!
(then; calming)
Has...he...really?
WIDER - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
On which Vyliiz WHISPERS to the Queen Mother, still holding
up his hand. Zedrao slides from his command chair.
ZEDRAO
He's made himself quite cozy in the
confidance of our Queen Mother, hasn't
he? Officer Feesh!
FEESH
Yes, my lord!
ZEDRAO
Find the source of that encryption
before Her Highness' head pops from the
the self-serving bile fed her by that
impertinent little tadpole!
A curt nod from Feesh, who shuffles O.S. as another BLIP
signals the RETURN OF AUDIO. Vyliiz steps back from the
Queen as she speaks:
QUEEN MOTHER
I fear there is a renewed fervor by the
insurrectionistss to topple the
dynasty. Since you so foolishly fell
victim to their russe, I charge you
alone with finding where they hide, and
quashing thesse so-called "Freedom
Fighterss" once and for all!
Under this, Feesh slips Zedrao a printout. He reads it,
smiles. Then:
ZEDRAO
Have I your blessing to use any means
necessary, regardless of who the
traitors may reveal themselves to be?
QUEEN MOTHER
Your wish is my bidding, admiral. Do
what you must to erase their existence,
but do not disappoint me!
The screen goes dead as --
EXT. DROX SYSTEM SPACE - DARK WATCH INTERCEPTORS
ADJUSTING WITH Zedrao's ships as they manuever back toward
the mine field. The inteceptor's ENGINES WHINE over --
WIPE TO:
EXT. SKRULL HIVE MOUNTAIN
Establishing, as a new DISTINCT SOUND takes over:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - EGG CHAMBER - AN EGG
The SOUND of an egg about to hatch, an oscillating THROMB
GROWING LOUDER. The egg wobbles on its axis -- like a speed
bag at full throttle. It swells in size, its leather-like
hide rending. PULL OUT to include another THRUMBING egg,
looking to explode at any moment!
SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Nova takes a fearful step back. The Surfer right beside
her as the THRUMBING INTENSIFIES. Suddenly --
THE TWO EGGS
BURST open to REVEAL two thrashing MINDLESS ONES spitting
ENERGY BOLTS and SHAPE-SHIFTING crazily, desperate to evade
the Handler's guiding hooks. One of them breaks loose --
WITH THE MINDLESS ONE
It bolts for its Hive Mother --
CLOSE ON HIVE MOTHER
She rears back almost casually as the jagged teeth of the
hatchling SNAP down where her head was. Then -- WHOMP!
WIDER
A Guard CLOBBERS the hatchling with his rifle butt, sends
it YELPING into the catacombs with its brother. The
SOUND of their "CACKLING" recedes.
NEW ANGLE
Nietre just shrugs, with:
NIETRE
A hatchling's first instinct is to
devour its hive mother... Such is the
way of kids today.
NOVA
I heard about tough love before but
this is ridiculous!
SILVER SURFER
This is not why you brought us here.
HIVE MOTHER
No. We are merely crusaders leading a
valiant charge along the path on which
our people must travel, that of good
and truce.
NIETRE
Imagine, as you will, what reception
our pleas of peace were met with at
the War Table Council.
HIVE MOTHER
A cruel autocracy bent on the tyrannous
subjugation of worlds falsely claimed
by the Queen Mother!
NIETRE
The most sacred of tenets has she
foresaken, by abandoning her nest to
rule with the politicians of Tarnax IV.
Unlike her sister, she knew not the
ways of Zenn-La...
THE SILVER SURFER
reacts, clearly shocked by its mention.
SILVER SURFER
Of what do you know about Zenn-La?
BACK TO SCENE
The Hive Mother bows respectfully, with:
HIVE MOTHER
Lord Chamberlain Nietre has learned me
well the teachings of your people.
NIETRE
Yes, the gardens of your world were
once thought only a mythical place.
Outside, the ruins on which you first
set foot were a testament to our near-
shattered faith in it.
NOVA
So you're saying that creepy old
church's why I got a fix on Zenn-La!
NIETRE
(a nod)
Before the Amok Time, it was where our
young gathered to learn of its ways.
Such discipline kept their primal urges
at bay.
SILVER SURFER
Peace is our canon -- resolution of
conflict through non-violence. What
you are proposing is just another
bloody revolt to sieze power. I will
have no part of your revolution!
HIVE MOTHER
You are mistaken. That is not why you
were summoned...
SILVER SURFER
No, then you tell me why?
NIETRE
Our soldiers, though small in number,
are effectively placed And the call
of their trumpet is mighty...
Nietre, Hive Mother, and assorted Guards draw back to form
a flanking aisle, at the end of which we PUSH THROUGH TO
FIND one egg set apart from the rest: The ROYAL EGG!
SOUND: THWUNK!
CUT TO:
INT. FIRST INTERCEPTOR - DROP SHIP BAY
DOWN ANGLE as locking bolts release and a troop carrier
drop ship falls away from us with a SUCKING HISS, the murky
surface of Skrullos whipping past below.
INT. SECOND INTERCEPTOR - DROP SHIP BAY
THWUNK! DIFFERENT ANGLE as another drop ship falls away.
INT. THIRD INTERCEPTOR - DROP SHIP BAY
THWUNK! ANOTHER ANGLE as the last drop ship falls away.
LIEUTENANT (O.S.)
Drop ships away, admiral!
INT. ZEDRAO'S INTERCEPTOR - BRIDGE
Zedrao's tail switches eagerly. Feesh stands beside him.
FEESH
Transmit the order. The target is...
(clears his throat)
The royal nest.
LIEUTENANT
Sir? That's the den of the Queen
Mother's sister!
ZEDRAO
(a grin; vainglorious)
And with a swift and punishing blow we
will render this inglorious little
scandal a minor footnote in the tabloid
pages of history, lieutenant!
LIEUTENANT
Aye, aye, admiral!
He punches in the command.
EXT. SPACE ABOVE SKRULLOS - DROP SHIPS
ROAR past, BURNING into the stratosphere, as --
HIVE MOTHER (O.S.)
Behold the Chosen One...
CUT TO:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - EGG CHAMBER - THE ROYAL EGG
Around which the Surfer, Nova, Hive Mother, and Nietre are
gathered. Nietre balls his fists, working himself into an
impassioned lather:
NIETRE
A true Queen, destined to one day bring
harmony and peace to our hive, and
cleanse from its throne the foul
spoilings of a pagan mother!
NOVA
Yeah... And?
On which the vast chamber QUAKES from outside EXPLOSIONS!
SCREAMS all around as hell takes a holiday and --
HIVE MOTHER
The Dark Watch has found us!
EXT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - VANDAL INTERCEPTORS
fly in low, BLASTING the shit out of everything!
FADE OUT.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SKRULLOS SHADOWLANDS NEAR MOUNTAIN HIVE - MINDLESS ONES
scramble from the destruction raining down, SPITTING ENERGY
BOLTS and SHAPE-SHIFTING crazily as --
ANOTHER ANGLE - A VANDAL INTERCEPTOR
SLAMS to the surface expelling DARK WATCH TROOPS BLASTING
everything that moves. Another one touches down behind it.
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - A SERIES OF ANGLES
CHAOS as the chamber quakes with each outside CONCUSSION.
Chunks of ceiling drop to the field, SQUASHING eggs! Over
the din is HEARD THE THRUMBING OF HATCHING EGGS.
ON THE CEILING
A large section of bio-masonry TEARS away and falls --
CLOSE ON NOVA
She sees the descending piece --
NOVA
Look out!
NEW ANGLE
Hive Mother looks up as Nova bolts to push her from its
path. Both are CRUSHED under the colossal mass!
CLOSE - THE SILVER SURFER
He turns just as it happens -- eyes wide:
SILVER SURFER
NOVA!!!
NEW ANGLE - WIDER
Dark Watch Troops enter swapping GUNFIRE with Nest Guards.
The Surfer rushes to Nova, buried under the heavy debris.
ANGLE ON HATCHING EGGS
A series of BURSTS from which maniacal MINDLESS ONES
emerge. A bleeding Nietre darts INTO FRAME and we FOLLOW
him -- as do the SNARLING hatchlings!
NIETRE
Save the Royal Egg!
Under which LAZER FIRE FLASHES everywhich way as Nest
Guards topple in the face of an overpowering offensive.
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
He claws through the rubble, finds Nova.
NOVA
I've gotta headache th-i-is big!
SILVER SURFER
We must get you out of here!
NOVA
The Hive Mother...
THEIR POV - ZOOM IN ON HIVE MOTHER
She lays mortally wounded, but manages to speak. A frothy spasm
of dying breaths:
HIVE MOTHER
...Surfer...you must...help...
THREE SHOT
Hive Mother dies and Nova pleads:
NOVA
We have to stop this madness!
SILVER SURFER
This is their fight. We have to go!
The Surfer scoops her into his arms and makes to get away.
But then --
TIGHT ON SURFER'S ANKLE
A taloned hand grips it!
INCLUDE NIETRE
He holds the Surfer's leg tightly, cradling the Royal Egg
in his free arm.
NIETRE
This is why... hide the Chosen One you
must... protect it from the Queen...
Our future implores you...
He thrusts the Royal Egg to the Surfer as Mindless Ones
swarm over him, ripping into his flesh in a ravenous
frenzy! Nietre SCREAMS as the Silver Surfer hands it over
to Nova.
SILVER SURFER
Hold on!
NEW ANGLE
He picks her up and soars into one of the catacombs, as Dark
Watch Troops seize the chamber. A SERGEANT'S face fills
the screen as he notices something O.S. His mouth drops as
alarm rakes his face.
SERGEANT
The Royal Egg is gone!
CUT TO:
INT. ZEDRAO'S INTERCEPTOR - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
The grim features of the Queen Mother fill the screen.
Vyliiz at her side.
ZEDRAO
My Queen, I've received word that the
Silver Surfer has abducted the coccoon
of your DNA twin and is presently
enroute off-planet!
QUEEN MOTHER
So, the rebels rally their malplaced
hopess around my own egg? Ass long ass
it existss, admiral, there will be a
rival to my throne. I want you to
retrieve thiss egg. I want you to
bring it to me. I want it publicly and
cermoniously destroyed!
Zedrao bows obsequiously, as Chancellor Vyliiz WHISPERS in
the Queen's ear.
QUEEN MOTHER
Yess... Admiral, considering the
gravity of the situation, I will set
forth to join you at Skrulloss.
ZEDRAO
As you wish, my Queen.
The Queen's image BLIPS off as --
LIEUTENANT
Intruders approaching, sir!
ZEDRAO
Seal the flute so tightly not even
Galactus himself could penetrate it.
I want his agents alive if possible,
dead if not. But I want the Royal Egg
intact!
EXT. SPACE ABOVE SKRULLOS - THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
race from the surface along the SHAFT OF SUNLIGHT. A
clearly weakend Nova holds onto the Royal Egg.
NOVA
I can't go on...
SILVER SURFER
You do not have to.
ADJUSTING, they stop before the glaring chute opening. The
Surfer squints as he stares into it, and we TIGHTEN ON his
hands as he raises them, cupped.
THE DISTANT SUN
WISPS OF ENERGY from the sunspots pull away, as though
being sucked into space. ANGLE WITH them as they glide
toward --
THE SILVER SURFER'S HANDS
Diaphanous strands of SUNSPOT ENERGY reach the Surfer's
palms, which begin to SIZZLE AND SPARK. Suddenly --
THE CHUTE OPENING
Pulsar mines sweep in to seal it shut! The precious fuel
of the Power Cosmic terminated -- the duo's only source of
sustenance severed!
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
We need more energy!
BACK TO SCENE
NOVA
Here they come!
Vandal interceptors ROAR over them jettisoning CRACKLING
ENERGY NETS, narrowly missing the Surfer and Nova as they
duck away.
NEW ANGLE - SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
They race along the inside wall of the mine field, just out
of reach of its deadly spears. ENERGY NETS all around form
a hazardous gauntlet.
SILVER SURFER
Our only chance is getting past the
gate. We can blast through. We have
to risk it!
The Surfer hurls ENERGY BOLTS at the pulsar mines which
EXPLODE, but with each succeeding BLAST his energy is being
noticeably drained. Over this he yells at Nova:
SILVER SURFER
Nova, you must try!
NOVA
Too weak...
The effort is futile. Countless pulsar mines bisect and
replace destroyed ones. The Surfer looks ravaged as --
VANDAL INTERCEPTORS
bank and approach for the final assault!
BACK TO SCENE
Nova looks away from the nearing vessels. She takes hold
of the Surfer's neck and pulls his face close. The
desperate plea of a doomed lover:
NOVA
Merged with my Power Cosmic you have a
chance... Save the egg... Save
yourself...
SILVER SURFER
I will not abandon you!
NOVA
No choice... Silverado.
Before the Surfer can object, Nova kisses him hard -- a
deep, throaty exchange that, despite its passion, is
really the transference of her waning energies to the
Surfer. RAW POWER COSMIC pours from her mouth into his.
And when it's over, Nova arches back, purged of strength.
The Surfer holds her, not knowing what else to do.
NOVA
Leave me...
SILVER SURFER
NO!!!
NEW ANGLE
He tears away to regard an approaching interceptor. Its
ENERGY NETS spray out, but the Surfer lays it on hard as he
returns fire with a VOLLEY OF BOLTS at the ship -- new,
stronger BLASTS that rip into its hull. The vessel
SHATTERS AND EXPLODES in a fiery ball, and still --
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Silver Surfer continues FIRING -- now directly into the
pulsar minefield -- unleashing a relentless, searing
FUSILADE that takes out one mine after another!
CLOSE ON MINE FIELD CHUTE OPENING
The EXPLOSIONS are too fast and furious for the re-
generating mines to keep pace. The opening is cleared. An
exit ensured!
BACK TO THE SURFER
SILVER SURFER
Nova, we did it!
He reaches back to retrieve her, only to find --
INCLUDE NOVA
as an ENERGY NET entangles her!
NOVA
Aggh!
She strains to push one hand through the net. The Surfer
takes it in both his own, holds it tightly. Never wanting
to let go of it.
SILVER SURFER
I will be back for you...
NOVA
I'll catch up...somehow. Go!
It cuts his heart out to do it, but the Surfer snatches up
the Royal Egg and soars into the chute as --
ON NOVA
Directly behind her, a giant vandal interceptor rises
slowly into view, blotting out the B.G.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OUTSIDE PULSAR MINE FIELD - THE SILVER SURFER
emerges from the chute carrying the Royal Egg. A safe
distance away he hooks around and comes to a stop,
watching for pursuit, daring to hope for Nova's escape.
SURFER'S POV - THE CHUTE OPENING
Pulsar mines move in swiftly to seal it off.
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
SILVER SURFER
Nova... For what cause have we paid
such costly a price?
He stares at the Royal Egg in his hands.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SKRULLOS SHADOWLANDS - A DROP SHIP
lands as Troops on the ground mop up. A wounded Mindless
One in F.G. tries to drag itself into the soupy mists.
It's SHOT and vaporized!
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - EGG CHAMBER
Zedrao enters leading Feesh and assorted Guards. The
chamber is trashed. Something catches Zedrao's eye. He
withdraws his pistol, aims it at --
A MINDLESS ONE
hunched over an unhatched egg, sucks out its yolk with
disgusting SLURPS! Zedrao's LAZER BOLT incinerates it!
BACK TO SCENE - CLOSER
Zedrao reholsters his weapon. Definately not a happy
camper with:
ZEDRAO
Where is she?
CUT TO:
EXT. DROX SYSTEM SPACE - THE QUEEN MOTHER'S SHIP
WARPS past to establish:
INT. QUEEN MOTHER'S SHIP - OVER-SHOULDER TO VIEWSCREEN
The shadowy features of the Queen and Vyliiz's HUSHEDLY
CONFERRING faces obscure the view. RACK FOCUS as Vyliiz
retreats and the Queen turns to Zedrao's face onscreen.
QUEEN MOTHER
Your allowing my egg to be losst iss
inexcusable. Execute him!
Zedrao's eyes flash accusingly at Vyliiz as, with not even
a beat, Guards level blasters INTO FRAME, pointed directly
at his head. Before the first trigger is pulled:
ZEDRAO
Wait, Your Highness! The loss is not
without a greater gain...
REVERSE ANGLE
She tilts her head, intrigued. Moreso is Vyliiz, whose
brow knits.
QUEEN MOTHER
What gain can there possibly be?
BACK TO SCENE
Onscreen, Zedrao steps aside to reveal a near-vertical
platform. On it is Nova, her wrists and ankles shackled,
her color a sickly pale. Zedrao dares a fiendish grin.
ZEDRAO
Nova, My Queen, scout of Galactus. It
was she who accompanied the Surfer. It
is she who beckons the Great Devourer
to worlds on which to feast...
QUEEN MOTHER
(nods; getting it)
And with persuasion, perhapss she could
find for Galactuss a world called Kree!
ZEDRAO
Truly, Queen Mother, you are supremely
devious.
Under which Nova stirs, adament with:
NOVA
I'll never help you -- never!
REVERSE ANGLE
QUEEN MOTHER
I expect greater enthusiasm by the time
I arrive on Skrulloss, admiral. I
promisse, I will be less quick to
forgive again.
ZEDRAO (O.S.)
Yes, my Lordess.
The Queen makes a face probably meant for a smile. For
whatever reason, Chancellor Vyliiz bites his lip...
CUT TO:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - CONTROL CHAMBER - ON NOVA
She grimaces as Zedrao MOVES INTO FRAME, close. His
serpent-like tongue flicks out to taste her cheek.
ZEDRAO (O.S.)
My little moth, comply to my wishes or
else lose your wings to the flame!
An awful, UNDULATING NOISE punctuates the silence and
Nova's eyes open wide at the sight of --
NOVA'S POV - AN INSTRUMENT OF TORTURE
being pressed in close to her. A diabolical device full
of long needles spitting vicious blue-white flames!
FEESH (O.S.)
Admiral, the Silver Surfer -- he's
outside the barrier! And he carries
the egg!
NEW ANGLE
They turn to find the Surfer onscreen, outside the mine
field's gate. He lifts the Royal Egg in patent offering.
ZEDRAO
Ahh, a deal is it? The Royal Egg for
his precious cosmic concubine... Allow
him through...
FEESH
Aye, aye, sir.
Feesh punches the console as Nova shakes her head fitfully.
NOVA
No!
Onscreen the pulsar mines peel back. MATCH CUT TO:
EXT. PULSAR MINE FIELD CHUTE - THE SILVER SURFER
enters with the egg.
CUT TO:
EXT. SKRULLOS - TEMPLE RUINS
Refracted through the chute the SHAFT OF SUNLIGHT lances
down in a brilliant arc. The tiny, shining figure of the
Silver Surfer descends.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
What I offer you is this...
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - ANTECHAMBER
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
The Royal Egg for Nova, and the safe
passage of both of us through the mine
field tunnel.
NOVA
Silverado, don't trust him!
Under which Handlers busily diagnosing the Royal Egg attest
to its veracity. A nod to One who reports it, proud:
ONE
DNA scan confirms its signature,
admiral. It is the Queen Mother's egg.
ZEDRAO
Your words are as valiant as I know you
are honest, Silver Surfer...
Guards toss Nova to the Surfer's feet.
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - CATACOMB (MOVING)
Hunched in the shallow tunnel, the Surfer pulls Nova through fast.
Despite her infirmity, she manages to lash out her fury:
ZEDRAO (O.S.)
Take your comrade and go...
NOVA
We could've ended this stupid war --
millions of lives would be saved!
EXT. SKRULLOS - SHADOWLANDS (MOVING)
Surfer sailing sluggishly through the mist, holding Nova in
his arms as she continues her tirade:
ZEDRAO (O.S.)
Go back to your bidding, and your self-
sedating ways, go...
NOVA
What you're doing makes you no better
than them!
EXT. SKRULLOS - TEMPLE RUINS
The Surfer, really dragging now as his Cosmic Power wanes,
coupled by the extra burden of the bitching Nova, reaches
the precious SHAFT OF LIGHT.
ZEDRAO (O.S.)
Go if you must, my reluctant allies...
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - ANTEROOM - ZEDRAO
Talking more to himself as he watches the Surfer and Nova
on the viewscreen. A nefarious grin.
ZEDRAO
But don't go too far. As recovery of
the egg will please my Queen, imagine
her delight when she sees I've snared
Nova and the Silver Surfer with it!
EXT. SKRULLOS - TEMPLE RUINS - SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Just as they're about to take off, the SHAFT OF SUNLIGHT
VANISHES! Dark Watch Troops MATERIALIZE all around, LOCKED
and LOADED. The Surfer and Nova are screwed!
EXT. SPACE BEYOND PULSAR MINE FIELD
The Queen's armada FORESHORTENS OUT OF WARP and approaches.
QUEEN MOTHER (O.S.)
What news have you, admiral?
INT. QUEEN MOTHER'S SHIP - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
ZEDRAO
Exceptional news, My Lordess...
Zedrao's face drops as, behind him, the Royal Egg appears
to GLOW and vibrate. It emits a SHRILL SOUND, unlike that
of eggs about to hatch. Growing LOUDER.
QUEEN MOTHER
Admiral, what is happening?
SCREAMS are HEARD and Zedrao disappears off frame.
ZEDRAO
It's a bomb!
The Royal Egg EXPLODES and the screen goes black!
QUEEN MOTHER
Vyliiz -- open the gate!
EXT. SPACE BEYOND PULSAR MINE FIELD - THE CHUTE
Mines pull back to allow the Queen's armada through --
travelling fast, as --
CUT TO:
EXT. SKRULLOS - TEMPLE RUINS - WIDE
The SHAFT OF LIGHT again blasts down, illuminating --
EXT. TEMPLE RUINS - SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
The Surfer and Nova face their enemies. But, suddenly,
something else rises from the shadows.
NEW ANGLE
Dozens of Mindless Ones, far outnumbering the Dark Watch
Troops, swarm in to tear at their flesh!
SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Only one MINDLESS ONE pays them any heed. It approaches
fidgetively, reaches out to gently graze the Surfer's
smooth, gleaming skin. It lets out an assuaged PURR.
With that, the Surfer pulls Nova tight against his chest
and they soar into the heavens!
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - EGG CHAMBER - ZEDRAO
A flaming shambles. The Admiral's face burned horribly.
He raises both fists skyward and screams:
ZEDRAO
SURFERRR!
Over and under --
EXT. SPACE ABOVE SKRULLOS - THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
rocket from the surface and blast past.
EXT. SKRULLOS - MOUNTAIN HIVE - WIDE
With a deep and THUNDEROUS RUMBLING the mountainous hive
shakes and BLASTS OFF -- it's a damned spaceship!
EXT. SPACE ABOVE SKRULLOS - ANOTHER HELLACIOUS BATTLE
as vandal interceptors swoop in on the Silver Surfer and
Nova. No mere energy nets here. This is just plain and
deadly war!
A VANDAL INTERCEPTOR
veers too close to the mine field wall -- EXPLODES! -- as --
SHOT - HIVE MOUNTAIN/SPACESHIP
rises out of the stratosphere!
SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
join up again and race into the mine field chute.
INT. HIVE MOUNTAIN - CONTROL CHAMBER
Zedrao foams like a madman, pressing the throttle hard!
EXT. HIVE MOUNTAIN/SPACESHIP
It ROARS by and enters the chute to give chase.
INT. MINE FIELD CHUTE - QUEEN MOTHER'S ARMADA
blazes past on a sure-fire collision course.
VYLIIZ (O.S.)
My Queen, another vessel approaches.
INT. QUEEN MOTHER'S SHIP - BRIDGE
VYLIIZ
It's the royal hive!
Queen Mother's out of her seat. Vyliiz, about to shit his
pants.
INT. MINE FIELD CHUTE - WITH SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
They blaze past, the hive mountain/spaceship gaining!
INT. HIVE MOUNTAIN/SPACESHIP - VIEWSCREEN
The Queen's in a panic, KLAXONS BLEETING as:
QUEEN MOTHER (O.S.)
Zedrao, I command you to pull away!
Zedrao yanks the throttle back hard as --
INT. MINE FIELD CHUTE - WITH SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
The Surfer grabs Nova and nosedives straight down and back
O.S. as the hive mountain/spaceship pushes INTO FRAME.
The huge vessel lurches upward, boring directly into the
pulsar mine field ceiling and EXPLODING IN A MASSIVE
CAULDRON through which the Queen Mother's vessel and
armada fly straight through, SPLASHING FLAMES AND DEBRIS!
EXT. PULSAR MINE FIELD
From out of it convulses the FIERY, ROILING MASS of the
colossal mountain nest that breaks through and spins
undeterred into space. CAMERA ADJUSTS to find its wake of
disintegrating particles igniting in the sunlight -- like
the tenuous, glittering tail of some artificial comet.
CLOSER - ON TAIL OF THE "COMET"
In it are SEEN the Silver Surfer and Nova! They break free
to dip safely away to --
EXT. SPACE - THE "COMET"
soars away, its long tail glistening as CAMERA PULLS TO
REVEAL the Silver Surfer and Nova skidding to a stop some
safe distance away. They are very close to one another.
SILVER SURFER
Who could imagine...
The Surfer turns to watch the comet as --
SHOT - NOVA'S REFLECTION
in the mirror-like skin of the Surfer's shoulder blade.
She leans in close, quickly fixes her flaming hair.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
(continuing)
From such rotten a root might blossom
so beautiful a flower?
BACK TO SCENE
NOVA
I knew you'd come back.
SILVER SURFER
I would never leave you.
(closer)
NOVA
Ever?
(closer)
SILVER SURFER
(softly)
Nova?
NOVA
Yes...
She closes her eyes, awaiting the touch of his lips...
SILVER SURFER
Will you try one more time?
NOVA
(shocked)
What?
SILVER SURFER
For Zenn-La. For me.
Nova pushes away, pouting:
NOVA
What, you gotta girl waiting with
baited breath for you to just drop out
of the sky or something?
SILVER SURFER
Yes. Her name is Shalla Bal.
This takes the wind out of Nova's sails. Not at all the
answer she expected -- or wanted -- to hear.
NOVA
(flatly)
Oh. Shalla Bal, is it?
Nova faces the cosmos, her TRACKING BEAM scanning for an
echo while Surfer watches her, but not like before. She
finishes. Is that a tear in her eye?
SILVER SURFER
You found it?
NOVA
(a beat; then)
Why'd you come back for me?
SILVER SURFER
(a beat; serious)
You make me laugh.
So there's hope for him -- and her -- yet! Nova turns away,
with:
NOVA
No. I didn't get anything.
Off the Surfer's disappointment, a booming voice resounds:
GALACTUS' VOICE
Herald, I HUNGER!
NOVA
You wanna tell what you did with the
real egg before I go?
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PLANET MOROVUS - ESTABLISHING
A familiar THRUMBING SOUND is HEARD, increasing in volume.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
I put it someplace safe...
CUT TO:
CLOSE ON THREE TROLL FACES
They nudge INTO FRAME, eyes wide with fright and curiousity
as they watch something O.S. One of them is KILI. The
THRUMBING REACHES CRESCENDO. It POPS!
PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
INT. A HUT - NIGHT
A nasty little hatchling hunched before them. It is a
FEMALE MINDLESS ONE, of course, destined one day to be
Queen She spits ENERGY BOLTS at the Trolls and sends them
scurrying! All except for --
ON KILI
She reaches out and places a chubby hand on the hatchling's
head, stroking it gently. Calming it.
KILI
Be still, my little one. You are safe
with Kili. Hush your fears and I will
tell you a story...
EXT. MOROVUS MEADOW - THE HUT - NIGHT
Above it, a dazzling sky filled with infinite stars.
KILI (O.S.)
(continuing)
Of a sacred place far away called Zenn-
La, and of a baby born Queen of
queens...
TILT UP AND HOLD on our BLAZING "COMET" burning brighter
than any other, like a holy beacon alerting the universe of
the newborn Queen!
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END