SILVER SURFER EPISODE #1875-09
"SECOND FOUNDATION" (FINAL DRAFT)
FADE IN:
EXT. VOLCANO PLANET - DAY - A VOLCANO
EXPLODING! Its ERUPTION FILLS CAMERA, as:
SILVER SURFER (O.S)
You have chosen well, Nova...
We WIDEN TO SEE an entire landscape of erupting volcanoes
and molten lava, as though the entire planet is raging.
SILVER SURFER (O.S)
This world is young, and while it
is filled with energy, it has not
yet created life...
We CONTINUE WIDENING, ZOOMING UP, out of the atmosphere, TO:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE THE VOLCANO PLANET
Where the SILVER SURFER and NOVA soar.
SILVER SURFER
Your talent for locating whatever
you seek makes you the perfect
herald for Galactus.
NOVA
You just say that `cause you know
what a sucker he is for a side of
lava. Let me ring the ol' dinner
bell --
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer looks on as Nova sends a COMMUNICATION BEAM out
to space. She turns back to him.
NOVA
Now we can get down to business.
SILVER SURFER
Are you certain you wish to do
this? If Galactus learns that you
have aided me in my search for
Zenn-La, you will most assuredly
face his wrath.
NOVA
Silverado, I've got to do this.
I know what it feels like to lose
everything you love.
She closes her eyes, and we TIGHTEN TO:
NOVA'S POV - A BLACK NOTHINGNESS
At first we SEE nothing. Then, slowly, we make out SHADOWS,
moving slightly, like "floaters" in a normal field of
vision.
SILVER SURFER (O.S)
Are you sensing something?
One of the shadows starts to GLOW, and we TIGHTEN ON it as:
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Nova's eyes snap open.
NOVA
As they probably don't say on Zenn-
La -- bingo!
SILVER SURFER
(stunned)
You have found it?
NOVA
I am kinda overwhelming, huh?
Better get going. The place isn't
exactly next door!
Nova smiles -- and for possibly the first time in the series
the Surfer grins.
SILVER SURFER
I am going home -- !
Unable to help himself, he LAUGHS joyfully, following Nova
through space, the two of them FORESHORTENING INTO WARP as
we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE SILVER SURFER AND
NOVA
WARP IN as, continuing from before:
SILVER SURFER
Home -- !?
He breaks off abruptly as we WIDEN TO FIND that before the
Surfer and Nova is what looks like a Milky Way of LUMINOUS
spheres, packed closely together and completely surrounding
a planet that's like a ball of GREEN jade.
NOVA
What's wrong?
SILVER SURFER
This planet -- it does not even
resemble my world!
As he talks, they continue toward the planet, and Nova
reaches out curiously to the closest of the luminous
spheres. It looks harmless, but:
SILVER SURFER
Do not touch it!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer sweeps in, pulling Nova away. Behind them, the
sphere is already opening as though on a hinge. It SNAPS
shut like a Venus fly-trap -- and the sphere EXPLODES!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Rocking from the shockwave. Nova stares in wonder as:
SILVER SURFER
Those are pulsar mines, used by
the Skrull to prevent the escape
of convicts from prison worlds.
NOVA
And Big G's using them to keep you
out? With his power, why bother?
SILVER SURFER
I am sorry, Nova, but I do not
think he is "bothering" at all.
(disappointed)
This cannot be my homeworld.
NOVA
Silverado, I don't make mistakes.
Well, there was that nose-piercing
incident...
(quickly)
If home's where the hearth is, I
guarantee there's a roaring fire
waiting for you below --
EXT. PULSAR MINEFIELD
As Nova plunges into it. The Surfer has no choice but to
tear after her, and, side by side, they slalom between the
mines, dipping and yawing. They're going along smoothly,
and are about halfway through the minefield when:
FOUR INTERCEPTOR CRAFT
Small and agile, the ships emerge from a break in the center
of the minefield, bearing directly at:
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Seeing the vessels. The Surfer slows, Nova following his
lead.
SILVER SURFER
Skrull Vandal craft, the
Confederation's most potent
vessels!
(hemmed in by the)
And we have no place to maneuver!
NOVA
You were right about one thing,
Surfer -- this definitely isn't
Galactus' style!
THE INTERCEPTORS
As their ENERGY CANNONS FIRE!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
As the ENERGY BLASTS engulf them, EXPLODING all around.
SILVER SURFER
Nova -- where have you brought us?
Before Nova can answer, the ENERGY BLASTS engulf them,
EXPLODING all around. The SCREEN FILLS WITH ENERGY, with
nothing else VISIBLE as we
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. PULSAR MINEFIELD - CONTINUING FROM PREVIOUS SCENE
The dense cloud of ENERGY is broken by the streaming light
of a BLAST OF THE POWER COSMIC, then another, another, a
fourth, all in rapid succession. We ANGLE WITH THE POWER
COSMIC BLASTS TO:
THE INTERCEPTORS
Still FIRING -- only this time their BLASTS are met by the
new ones, all of them canceling each other out in a SERIES
OF EXPLOSIONS that rock the nearby Skrull ships!
NOVA (O.S)
Yes...!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Appearing intact and none the worse for wear through the
DISSIPATING ENERGY, their own POWER COSMIC BLASTS winding
down as well. Nova leaps like an interstellar cheerleader.
NOVA
Game point for the hot chick-and-
quicksilver team!
SILVER SURFER
(looking O.S.)
I do not know your reference,
Nova -- but I believe any victory
celebration is premature.
And again he POWERS UP as:
MORE ENERGY BLASTS
Streak toward them! We WIDEN as the Surfer FIRES his own,
Nova doing the same. Again the BLASTS cancel each other out
EXPLOSIVELY, but this time a SPARK ARCS to one of the pulsar
mines, and it too BLOWS!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As, like mousetraps set off by a ball, one after another the
pulsar mines EXPLODE, the number of mines BLOWING in each
successive BLAST increasing exponentially until:
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Are surrounded by EXPLODING mines! The brunt of the BLASTS
hits Nova, and, arms flailing, she is BLASTED through even
more of the mines. CRYING OUT wordlessly, she goes
careening helplessly toward the green planet below!
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
Without stopping to think twice, he races after her, soaring
directly through the already exploded mines.
THE INTERCEPTORS
Start after them. Suddenly:
COMMAND VOICE (NIETRE)
(filtered)
Green Interceptors, this is Hive
One. Cease interference.
Repeat -- cease interference!
And, as the ships stop firing, breaking formation:
THE SILVER SURFER
Looks upward, sees that he isn't being followed.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Odd...The Vandals perform as well
within an atmosphere as without.
Why do they not continue the
pursuit?
But he doesn't stop, continuing into the atmosphere as:
THE INTERCEPTORS
Turn back toward the center of the minefield.
COMMAND VOICE (NIETRE)
Thank you, Interceptors. The Hive
Mother appreciates the zeal you've
shown, but we do not want to hurt
the children now, do we?
CUT TO:
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY
Where Nova's flaming form plunges from the sky. She CRASHES
through a dense jungle canopy and vanishes into the foliage
below. After a short beat, the Surfer streaks into view,
following the trail of wafting smoke to:
A TROPICAL JUNGLE
Thick, steamy, and dotted with the stone ruins of an ancient
culture. Eerie PRIMAL SOUNDS COME from the mists. We FIND
the Silver Surfer, landing beside the GROANING form of Nova.
Leaping off his board, he hurries to her side.
SILVER SURFER
Nova, can you hear me?
She opens her eyes, focuses on the Surfer.
NOVA
Silverado...?
(GROANING)
Who would've thought a living
flame could have contusions?
She clambers to her feet, looks around.
NOVA
So this is the old homestead, huh?
Not exactly like I imagined.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer moves toward the ruins, peers at them intently.
SILVER SURFER
This is not Zenn-La.
(beat; tries to move)
And yet...
He trails off, still looking around. Nova joins him,
puzzled.
NOVA
Nothing like this ever happened to
me before. My hormones must be
acting up. How else could I be so
far off?
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE RUINS - (SUBJECTIVE CAMERA)
As, in the Surfer's mind, the graceful stone buildings of
Zenn-La are SUPERIMPOSED over the wreckage -- and what's
left standing looks tantalizingly similar!
SILVER SURFER (O.S)
Perhaps not so very far, after
all...
The SUPERIMPOSITION ENDS, and all we SEE are the ruins as:
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
The Surfer doesn't know whether to be thrilled...or
miserable:
SILVER SURFER
Nova! The composition of these
buildings -- the feeling of
them... They could once have stood
upon my world!
From O.S. comes a WEIRD JITTERING NOISE, and the RUSTLING of
unseen creatures. Nova draws back, bumps into what appears
to be an ancient stone column, one of many scattered with
the ruins.
CLOSER ON THE STONE COLUMN
As, suddenly, it MORPHS, SHAPESHIFTING INTO a fully armed
Skrull HIVE GUARD! The guard brings up his weapon.
WIDER
Nova GASPS as the other stone columns also SHAPESHIFT into
Skrull guards. As one, the Skrull aim their weapons at the
Surfer and Nova, and we hear the LOUD, OMINOUS SNICK as they
lock and load.
NOVA
Skrull!
SILVER SURFER
We have been tricked!
Both the Surfer and Nova start to POWER UP, and a lone,
unarmed figure SHAPESHIFTS out of a tree before them. This
is NIETRE, slightly hunched, face hidden in the shadows of a
cowl. When he speaks, he plays on what the Surfer last
said:
NIETRE
Welcome to my world.
SILVER SURFER
Who are you? What place is this?
Nietre pulls back his cowl to reveal a Skrull face creased
with age, scales dry and cracked. He looks like an old
sorcerer -- or a fanatic.
NIETRE
I am Nietre. The Caretaker --
THE JUNGLE NEARBY
As Nietre talks. We hear the same JITTERING as before, and
out of the bush leaps what we will learn is a MINDLESS ONE,
a lizard-like creature with a lashing tail and gnashing
teeth.
The Mindless One jumps at the nearest Skrull soldier, and as
it does so it SHAPESHIFTS into a WASP-LIKE CREATURE, then a
LARGE SNAKE, a FLAMING tongue emerging from its mouth and
sending out FIERY BOLTS.
NIETRE (O.S)
And that is a Mindless One, one of
my young charges...
Instead of shooting the creature as we would expect, the
soldier lowers his gun and SHAPESHIFTS back to stone, the
FIERY BOLTS enveloping his new form but doing no damage.
NIETRE (O.S)
Here on Skrullos.
Exhausted, the Mindless One stops its bolts and,
SHAPESHIFTING back to its original form, it leaps away.
WIDER
The Surfer and Nova look on as the soldier MORPHS back into
his Skrull form.
SILVER SURFER
"Skrullos?" Nova, you have taken
us to a place no outsider has ever
before found -- the very Nest
World of the Skrull!
NIETRE
Precisely, Silver Surfer. Now,
come with me quickly...I have
taken a great risk, and we have
very little time!
And, as Nietre starts into the jungle, we TIGHTEN ON the
Surfer and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY - VARIOUS ANGLES
A SERIES OF SCENES in which the Surfer and Nova make their
way through the jungle with Nietre and the other Skrulls.
NIETRE (V.O.)
No planet but that of our origin
has ever been found with the
proper conditions for Skrull
reproduction. Here on Skrullos we
hatch, and begin our childhood...
Various Mindless Ones follow the group, leaping into its
midst and FIRING their FIERY BOLTS.
NIETRE (V.O.)
The body of the Hatchling rages
with primal instinct....
The Hive Guards respond by MORPHING into monstrous shapes
that terrify the Mindless Ones into rushing away.
NIETRE (V.O.)
Bereft of reason, it is driven
only by emotion...
The situation is anything but nurturing, and the Surfer and
Nova react with dismay, the Surfer stepping between the
Mindless Ones and the Guards.
NIETRE (V.O.)
Until, after the time of jungle
trial, when it has gained the
power of thought...
MOUNTAIN HIVE - DAY
An enormous peak that looms above the jungle like the home
of the gods.
NIETRE (V.O.)
It returns to the Hive.
The SERIES OF SCENES ends as we TIGHTEN ON the dark entrance
at the base of the mountain and
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
TIGHTENING through the minefield to a heavily armed Skrull
space station in the center of the field. Docked at the
station are the Vandal Interceptors that attacked the Surfer
and Nova earlier.
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO (O.S)
We have a "situation" here, Prime
Minister.
INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY
A busy nerve center as technological as the planet below is
primitive. Pacing before a huge viewscreen is ADMIRAL
ZEDRAO, an impressive Skrull. On the screen is the even
more impressive PRIME MINISTER KIAR.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
What kind of "situation?"
Zedrao looks around at the others, to make sure no one is
overhearing, bends closer to the screen.
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
Two known associates of Galactus,
the Silver Surfer and a woman our
Intelligence Service believes is
called Nova, are planetside.
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET TARNAX IV
The Capitol of the Skrull Confederation, bristling with
activity, including massive battle cruisers.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR (O.S)
(enraged)
You couldn't stop them? What kind
of fleet are you running, Zedrao?
We ANGLE WITH one of the battle cruisers as it ZOOMS to a
landing at:
EXT. PLANET TARNAX IV - NIGHT
PANNING FROM the giant spaceport TO SEE the incredibly
complicated city itself as:
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO (O.S)
My Vandals were called off -- by
Caretaker Nietre. He's been
incommunicado ever since.
We TIGHTEN ON the Royal Palace -- a modern version of the
Mountain Hive and:
INT. ROYAL PALACE - PRIME MINISTER'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
The utmost in Skrull luxury. Alone in his expansive
quarters, Kiar glares at Zedrao the viewscreen.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
I knew we should've gotten rid of
the old fool the moment we took
over!
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
We had no choice, Kiar. Without
Nietre we never could have kept up
the charade of a normal chain of
command.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
But if he actually intends to
summon the Devourer of Worlds --
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
Nietre may be an loyalist, Kiar,
but that's the one thing he'd
never do...
INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY
Zedrao pauses thoughtfully.
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
He's up to something far more
insidious.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
Zedrao, now that we have real
power, I don't intend to lose it.
(hard)
Whatever Nietre's plan, it's up to
you to stop it.
Kiar reaches out, and the viewscreen GOES DEAD. Zedrao
turns, strides away, as:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
Where, peeling away one by one, the entire fleet of
Interceptors ROARS OUT of the station as we
CUT TO:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
PANNING an immense, dimly-lighted cavern, the dank floor of
which is covered with row upon row of meter-high eggs.
SKRULL TENDERS busily monitor them while armed guards like
those we've already seen line the cavern walls, which are
honeycombed with entrances.
We HOLD ON one of the entrances as the Silver Surfer, Nova,
Nietre, and the others emerge. The Surfer and Nova look
around, amazed by the magnitude of it all as:
SILVER SURFER
Correct me if I am wrong, Nietre,
but I assume there is some point
to your hurried hospitality...?
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
As the last of the Skrull ships leaves the minefield and
joins the others ROARING down into the atmosphere of the
planet!
NIETRE (O.S)
Indeed there is, Silver Surfer.
Long have I awaited a deliverer --
and I believe you are he.
CUT TO:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
Where Nova moves forward, looking at the eggs.
NOVA
What, you ordered a pizza and it
still hasn't come?
A CRACKING SOUND comes from O.S., the Surfer and the others
turning toward:
A GROUP OF EGGS
One of them wobbles on its axis like a speed bag at full
throttle and BURSTS OPEN to reveal a miniature Mindless One.
The small creature rears up, and tries to take a toothy bite
out of the nearest Skrull Tender. The Tender MORPHS into
stone, and the Hatchling pulls back angrily. It continues
biting, scratching, and kicking as two more Tenders grab it,
and bear its SQUEALING form away.
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
As Nietre beams parentally.
NIETRE
Children...
NOVA
You don't have to tell me. I used
to baby-sit for the kid next door!
But the Surfer's still looking around:
SILVER SURFER
From what I have heard of the
Skrull, is not the Hive Mother
customarily present at the
hatching?
It's an innocent question, but Nietre reacts with great
sorrow. He tries to speak, can barely get out the words:
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY
As the Skrull fleet ROARS down to the jungle canopy.
NIETRE (O.S)
Such was the way of our people --
until a cabal including Prime
Minister Kiar and Admiral Zedrao
seized power...
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
Nietre speaks emotionally:
NIETRE
And eliminated our beloved Queen!
SILVER SURFER
But what would prompt such a
horrendous action?
NIETRE
I am not privy to the secrets of
insurrectionists, Silver Surfer,
but I do know that the Hive Mother
had wearied of the carnage caused
by our war with the Kree...
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY - THE SKRULL FLEET
Flying over the jungle and its ruins.
NIETRE (O.S)
A war which has greatly prospered
the nests of the rebels!
(beat)
Now the fighting continues, with
the Prime Minister telling our
people he is following the wishes
of a queen only a few of us know
does not exist!
The ships get closer and closer to:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
Another egg bursts open, a Hatchling emerging to receive the
same treatment as the first.
SILVER SURFER
With no Hive Mother, the Skrull
have no future. Yet these eggs --
NIETRE
Several clutches still remain.
But eventually there will be no
new Skrull. Unless...
Nietre gestures, and a group of Tenders push a row of eggs
aside, revealing another one, twice the size of the others,
at the rear of the cavern. We TIGHTEN ON the ROYAL EGG,
GLOWING BRIGHTLY as:
NIETRE (O.S)
Behold the next Hive Mother of the
Skrull!
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MOUNTAIN HIVE - DAY - CLOSE ON A
SHIP'S BAY
The sky over it darkened by the Skrull fleet. The ships
slow to a hovering stop, as:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
As the Surfer, Nova, and Nietre gather around the Royal Egg.
SILVER SURFER
If this is a Royal Egg, why do you
not simply hatch it and create a
new Queen?
NIETRE
If the usurpers learn of a
Hatchling Hive Mother, they will
imprison her, or raise her to be
their puppet -- or worse...
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY - CLOSE ON A SHIP'S BAY
UP ANGLE as locking bolts release and a troop carrier is
released to fall away!
NIETRE (O.S)
But if someone with your power
takes the Egg to be hatched in a
safe place, my people can rally
behind their new queen when she
becomes an adult!
NOVA (O.S)
Just what the universe needs -- a
Skrull rally.
We WIDEN TO SEE that more and more troop ships are emerging
from the carriers, and swooping down at:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
As the unsuspecting Surfer turns to Nietre.
SILVER SURFER
Nietre, you know the regard -- or
lack of it -- in which most other
beings hold the Skrull.
(beat)
Although on my homeworld we had no
such bias, still is it not my
place to interfere in your
affairs --
WIDER
The Surfer is interrupted as, from O.S., we hear a SERIES OF
EXPLOSIONS! The cavern rocks, throwing Nietre and the other
Skrull to the ground. From the various entrances to the
chamber pour face-masked Skrull shock troops, BLASTING away
with their weapons as we
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
All is chaos as the Skrull troops move in, FIRING -- and the
Nest Guards FIRE back, chunks of the walls and roof BLOWING
away! We ANGLE WITH a huge section of roof as it falls
toward:
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
Leaping onto his board, the Surfer raises his arms for a
POWER COSMIC BLAST that BLOWS the rock to smithereens!
SILVER SURFER
Skrull fighting Skrull! Never did
I believe I would be part of
something like this!
He soars upward, continuing to BLAST at the attackers'
ENERGY BLASTS.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing; calling)
Nova! We must help Nietre out of
here!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Nova turns to Nietre, who wraps his arm around the Royal
Egg.
NIETRE
I am not important! You must save
the Royal Egg!
NOVA
Don't sweat it, Nietre. You can
have Today's Special -- two
rescues for the price of one!
Two flamelike ropes of the POWER COSMIC pour from Nova's
hands, winding around Nietre and the Egg, and, with the
Surfer's BLASTS providing the cover, she flies upward, the
Skrull Caretaker and the future Skrull Queen in tow.
WIDER
The attackers part, making way for a second wave of troops,
who FIRE weapons that literally SPRAY the cavern with
billowing CLOUDS of COLORED gas. MOANING, the Nest Guards
collapse as:
THE SILVER SURFER
BLASTS through the hole in the cavern roof, widening it and
exposing the outside jungle. The gas CLOUD BILLOWS UP from
below as the Surfer, Nova, and their two charges streak
through the hole to:
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - MOUNTAIN HIVE - DAY
Where the Surfer and the others find themselves heading
straight toward the hovering Skrull fleet.
NOVA
We would have to pick rush hour!
Nietre starts COUGHING. Nova does the same.
NOVA
Surfer! I can hardly breathe -- !
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the ships start FIRING ENERGY BLASTS at the Surfer and
Nova, who dodge and weave out of the way. The Surfer too
starts to COUGH.
SILVER SURFER
Nietre, what is happening to us?
NIETRE
(weakly)
The shock troops have used a
special gas that causes
unconsciousness, so they will not
damage the children.
WIDER
The Surfer and the others make it past the ships, but
they're slowing perceptibly. Turning, the Surfer BLASTS at
the Skrull -- and his POWER COSMIC literally falls short!
SILVER SURFER
Both Nova and I wield the power
cosmic! Such a weapon should have
no effect on such as we.
NIETRE
We Skrull are more than mere
upstarts, Silver Surfer. Our
greatest minds have created a
weapon that can stop almost
anything...by adhering to your
very skin --
Nietre breaks off in a COUGHING FIT. The rope of POWER
COSMIC that holds him is weakening, GROWING DIM.
NOVA
(gasping)
I...can't hold on -- !
The "rope" around Nietre DISSOLVES, and he starts to fall!
We ANGLE WITH the Surfer as he swoops down after him.
NIETRE
The Hive Mother!
The Surfer turns, sees:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE ROYAL EGG
No longer held by the POWER COSMIC, it too is falling back
at the mountain below.
NIETRE (O.S)
Please... You must be our
Deliverer...
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
As he makes a decision, sweeping to:
THE ROYAL EGG
COUGHING, the Surfer grabs it in both hands. Unsteadily, he
arcs back up while:
NIETRE
Plummets down -- and stops as he is BLASTED by the attackers
with a cocoon-like FOAM that ensnares him as it breaks his
fall!
WIDER
The Surfer and Nova fly on unsteadily, a group of
Interceptors peeling off from the rest of the fleet to give
chase. The interceptors FIRE A SERIES OF BLASTS --
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Veer directly into the BLASTS. Nova is hit, and her body
changes course as though kicked by a mule. She sails
outward, over the dense trees -- and then the Surfer too is
struck, and goes flying off his board.
THE ROYAL EGG
The Surfer loses his grip, and it plummets down toward the
jungle below! We ANGLE WITH the Egg as it CRASHES through
the brush.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Suddenly, TWIN BEAMS OF THE POWER COSMIC strike the -- and
an ENERGY BUBBLE forms around it, preventing the Egg from
smashing on the jungle floor!
We WIDEN TO SEE the Surfer and Nova, falling toward the
ground. The Surfer allows himself a grim smile, his eye
beams stopping, and, just as he and Nova are about to hit
the ground we
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
As the fleet makes its way through the mines.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR (O.S)
A Royal Egg? You're sure?
We TIGHTEN PAST them, TO:
INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY - THE
VIEWSCREEN
Where Prime Minister Kiar stares in shock. Through a
window, we can make out a pair of setting suns.
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO (O.S)
Absolutely. Nietre's been hiding
it from us all this time!
WIDENING, we SEE Zedrao before the viewscreen.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
This changes everything...!
INT. ROYAL PALACE - PRIME MINISTER'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
The Prime Minister stalks through the room like an anxious
predator.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
My entire strategy in the war with
the Kree has been based on a
belief that we were a dying race...
INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT -
INTERCUT AS NEEDED
Now it's Zedrao's turn to look surprised.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
I had hoped to go out in a blaze
of glory -- and take the Supremor
and his followers with us!
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
You are not pleased to learn that
we have a future, after all?
(beat)
We have a chance now to establish
a ruling line of our direct
descendants, through our own Hive
Mother.
(beat)
Why come to an end, however,
glorious, when our nests can live
forever?
Kiar's expression changes. He smiles.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
Zedrao, I knew there was a reason
we were working together. Find
that Royal Egg!
And, as Zedrao smiles back, we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - NIGHT - THE ROYAL EGG
On the ground in the middle of the jungle, GLOWING within
its ENERGY BUBBLE. A Mindless One leaps at the Egg, trying
to wrap itself around the BUBBLE, which automatically flings
him away. CHITTERING, the Mindless One tries again,
SHAPESHIFTING into a creature like a woolly frog -- but a
FIERY POWER COSMIC BLAST at the ground before it causes the
Mindless One to stop in its tracks, SCREECHING, as:
NOVA (O.S)
That's no way to treat a mother of
tomorrow -- shame on you!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Nova stands in a dark clearing surrounded by more ruins.
She watches with satisfaction as the Mindless One scampers
away.
We WIDEN TO INCLUDE the Silver Surfer, also on his feet.
SILVER SURFER
You seem to be feeling somewhat
better, Nova.
NOVA
I'm heavily motivated by my
maternal instinct. You don't look
so bad yourself, Silverado.
The Surfer's hands move over his body.
SILVER SURFER
Who would have thought that a man
of living energy could have --
contusions?
NOVA
(amazed)
Hey, know what you just did? You
made a joke!
SILVER SURFER
Impossible! The Silver Surfer
does not make "jokes..."
(beat)
Although there were times when
Norrin Radd did.
He smiles wanly, moves to:
THE RUINS
These, like the first group we saw, also seem familiar. The
Surfer goes to the center of the wreckage.
SILVER SURFER
It is so strange, Nova...
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE RUINS - (SUBJECTIVE CAMERA)
This time, in the Surfer's mind, the Sculpture Garden of
Zenn-La is SUPERIMPOSED over the wreckage -- and, it seems
almost to fit.
SILVER SURFER (O.S)
For all its differences, this
world does indeed make me feel
more like Norrin Radd than I have
since I left home.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
As she joins him.
NOVA
Think maybe I was actually
right -- and somehow this could be
Zenn-La?
SILVER SURFER
It would need be a Zenn-La out of
its time, after the climate had
changed, and everything I knew had
crumbled to -- this.
He rests his hand on one of the sculpture-like pieces -- and
suddenly the Mindless One that was here before races to them
in terror, leaping into Nova's arms and SHAPESHIFTING into a
smaller version of her flaming form.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer and Nova turn as a contingent of Skrull troops
CRASH through the jungle, weapons at the ready.
SILVER SURFER
We must return to space!
(calling out)
To me, my board!
The Surfer BLASTS at the Skrulls, and they duck back as:
DEEPER IN THE RUINS
Where the Surfer's board is wedged. Quivering, it pulls
itself free, and soars to:
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Snatching up the Royal Egg, the Surfer leaps onto his board
and heads for the sky. We HOLD ON Nova as she starts to fly
after him, trying to disentangle the Mindless One.
NOVA
Sorry, Fido. You've gotta stay
here at the Pound.
The wild young Skrull clings to her more tightly, wrapping
itself around Nova's face.
NOVA
C'mon -- I can't see --
A BARRAGE OF GAS
The cloud envelopes Nova and the Mindless One completely,
and at last the Skrull child lets go, dropping the short
distance to the ground -- and Nova drops as well!
THE SILVER SURFER
Swoops back down to her, FIRING MORE POWER COSMIC BLASTS!
THE ATTACKERS
Fall back as a unit, but continue to FIRE:
THE CLOUD OF GAS
DARKER and thicker and more concentrated than before. The
Surfer flies into it -- and immediately starts CHOKING and
weaving on the board. Nova looks up at him weakly.
NOVA
Silverado! Go on with the Egg!
Or you'll hit the dirt too!
She tries to get to her feet, fails, as:
NOVA
There's just one of me, but
millions of Skrull -- and, good or
bad, their whole future's riding
with you!
WIDER
COUGHING, Nova slumps back, and the Skrull attack force
moves in, FIRING ENERGY BLASTS as well as gas so the Surfer
is forced to soar back upward.
SILVER SURFER
Nova! I will come back for you --
As he says it, we TIGHTEN ON the Silver Surfer and
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. PLANET ZENN-LA - NIGHT - THE SILVER SURFER'S POV -
(FLASHBACK)
Of SHALLA BAL, looking up at Norrin Radd as he leaves the
planet in Galactus' ENERGY BUBBLE.
NORRIN RADD (O.S)
I swear I will return to you --
someday -- somehow --
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - NIGHT
As the Surfer sweeps up into the atmosphere. We ANGLE DOWN
TO Nova, lying immobile on the ground, her eyes tightly
closed. Her voice is a quiet whisper:
NOVA
I'll bet you say that to all the
girls...
And, as the troops grab her, we
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
As, Royal Egg in hand, the Surfer slaloms through it.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Nova brought me to this planet,
yet now I leave without her...
THE SKRULL SPACE STATION
From inside, O.S., we hear the SOUND OF A SIREN, and the
Interceptors ROAR away!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Am I cursed to forever betray
those I love or respect?
THE SILVER SURFER
Continuing through the minefield, faster and faster.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Why is there always a conflict
between my hopes and desires and
the greater good?
The Interceptors come into VIEW --
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
After seeing how the Skrull are
raised -- so unlike the gentleness
of my own kind...
The Interceptors FIRE!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Now do I understand why they have
made themselves such a threat to
the remainder of the universe...
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer goes still faster, dodging the BLASTS as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Were the future Hive Mother to be
reared more humanely -- who knows
what benefits we all might receive?
(beat)
But is there no way to prevent an
innocent like Nova from paying the
price -- ?
And, as a Skrull BLAST strikes exactly where he was, the
Silver Surfer FORESHORTENS INTO WARP, VANISHING, while we
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY - ADMIRAL
ZEDRAO
Looking very upset but trying to hide it as:
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
Prime Minister -- to what do we
owe this honor?
We WIDEN TO SEE Prime Minister Kiar, resplendent in official
robes of office. Around him are various Skrull attendants,
both male and female.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
(infuriated)
I came here to personally view the
Royal Egg, Zedrao -- not this
nonsensical woman of flame!
WIDENING MORE, we SEE Nova, held in an ENERGY CAGE created
by a myriad of INTERSECTING BEAMS OF ENERGY from the walls,
deck, and ceiling.
NOVA
(defiantly)
You don't like the look? Take it
up with Galactus. Better yet, let
me go and take it up with Big G!
Nova's flames FLARE UP, and immediately a CLOUD OF GAS
starts filling the cage. COUGHING, she slumps back as:
CLOSER ON KIAR AND ZEDRAO
Zedrao is every bit as upset as Kiar.
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
We will recover the Egg, Kiar, no
matter what resources it takes!
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
This is a very delicate situation,
Zedrao. What do we do in the
meantime...?
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
We pursue the war, Prime Minister.
And what we lose on one front, we
gain on another.
(insinuatingly)
New reports confirm that it's Nova
who selects the worlds on which
Galactus feeds --
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
(getting it)
And if she were to select the
worlds of the Kree...
NOVA
Weak, but awake enough to hear this. Again, she flares:
NOVA
No! I'll never lead him to an
inhabited world!
And again the gas BILLOWS, forcing her down as:
WIDER
The Prime Minister moves closer to the ENERGY CAGE.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR
You say that now, but we will
convince you otherwise. We Skrull
are experts at -- persuasion.
SILVER SURFER (O.S)
Leaders of the Skrull!
The Surfer's voice comes from the communicator. Everyone
turns toward:
THE VIEWSCREEN
Where the Surfer's image appears on the other side of the
minefield. He holds up the Royal Egg in its ENERGY BUBBLE.
SILVER SURFER
I believe I have something you
need...!
(beat)
And you have something I want!
WIDER
Nova looks horrified.
NOVA
Surfer! You can't!
Kiar and Zedrao exchange interested gazes as:
ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
We are listening, Silver Surfer...
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE SILVER SURFER
Looks across the minefield intently.
SILVER SURFER
My bargain is a simple one.
Return to me my associate -- and
take back your Queen.
The Surfer lets go of the Egg.
INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY
As Nova cries out.
NOVA
Don't, Silverado -- !
More gas BILLOWS at her. At one of the numerous control
consoles in the command center, a LIEUTENANT turns to
Zedrao.
LIEUTENANT
Instruments show that it's
genuine, sir.
SILVER SURFER
I would suggest you decide quickly.
Kiar and Zedrao turn back to:
THE VIEWSCREEN
Where the Egg is drifting inexorably toward the mines.
PRIME MINISTER KIAR (O.S)
(quickly)
Release the woman.
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE SPACE STATION
As a TRACTOR BEAM comes out of the hull, Nova enveloped
within it. We WIDEN TO SEE a BEAM OF THE POWER COSMIC come
from the Surfer's eyes. It joins with the ENERGY BUBBLE
around the Royal Egg, carrying it forward.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The two BEAMS thread through the minefield and pass each
other. We ANGLE WITH the Royal Egg as it reaches the space
station's main airlock and begins to DISSOLVE inside it.
THE SILVER SURFER
As Nova reaches him. The TRACTOR BEAM VANISHES, and she
flies after him woozily as the Surfer heads away from the
planet.
NOVA
How could you do it? They'll use
her! They'll hurt her! And keep
going after everyone else in the
universe as well!
SILVER SURFER
Do not worry, Nova. I used my
ability to transmute elements.
That is not the Egg.
NOVA
Not the Egg?!
(even more upset)
They're gonna come after us!
SILVER SURFER
Actually, I believe they will be
too busy...
INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY - THE
"ROYAL EGG"
On the floor in the middle of the command center, Kiar and
Zedrao watching as the ENERGY BUBBLE FADES AND VANISHES.
Zedrao reaches out to touch the GLOWING surface -- and the
facade of vanishes, revealing a pulsar mine!
The mine opens, and Kiar, Zedrao, and all the others in the
place CRY OUT WORDLESSLY as:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
Where another TRACTOR BEAM APPEARS, taking the mine from the
space station and into the minefield --where not only does
it EXPLODE, but so does every other pulsar mine out here!
We HOLD as the chain reaction sends the Skrull station
spinning out of its orbit to vanish in empty space, and
then:
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Sweep toward the far edge of the Skrullos system, the
shockwave of the EXPLOSIONS behind them. Nova glances back
over her shoulder and lets out a long-held breath.
NOVA
And they say everything happens in
So Cal!
(beat; seriously)
Thanks for coming back for me.
SILVER SURFER
I believe in keeping my word.
(shooting around her)
Nova, will you try once more -- to
locate Zenn-La?
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer's appeal is so sincere that all Nova can do is
nod. The two of them stop, and she closes her eyes. The
Surfer watches intently, until she looks back at him again.
NOVA
All I got was -- that.
She points to:
THE SILVER SURFER'S AND NOVA'S POV - SKRULLOS
The jade planet hangs against the blackness.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
As the Surfer shakes his head.
SILVER SURFER
No! It is elsewhere! I will find
it no matter what -- !
He stops as, BOOMING all around them:
GALACTUS (O.S)
My Nova! I hunger!
Nova looks around with a start, then calls out in a perfect
imitation of Barbara Eden on I DREAM OF JEANNIE:
NOVA
I hear you, Master!
She soars forward, racing on. The Surfer picks up a COSMIC
WAVE, heads off in another direction. Nova calls out to
him:
NOVA
Silverado, What'd you do with the
real Egg?
SILVER SURFER
Above all things in my life, Nova,
I respect harmony and peace. I
believe the Skrull must control
their own Destiny -- but with a
Hive Mother raised where she can
learn what that Destiny truly is!
And, as both of them FORESHORTEN INTO WARP we
CUT TO:
EXT. PLANET MOROVUS - THE VILLAGE - NIGHT - THE ROYAL EGG
CRACKING open, a Hatchling twice as big as the one we saw
before breaking out of the egg. A FIERY BOLT SHOOTS from
the Hatchling's mouth --
KILI (O.S)
You have no need to be frightened,
little one...
We WIDEN TO SEE KILI the Troll reaching out and stroking the
Hatchling's head gently -- even though it's as big as she
is!
KILI
You're safe with Kili, my girl.
Let me tell you a story...
(as the Hatchling)
Of a sacred place called Zenn- La,
and a baby born Queen of queens...
And, as the future Hive Mother of all the Skrulls nuzzles
the Troll, making a SOUND not unlike a PURR, we ANGLE UP TO
the star-studded night sky and CALMS DOWN.
FADE OUT.
THE END