SILVER SURFER EPISODE #1875-07
"ANTIBODY" (FIRST DRAFT)
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. A DISTANT NEBULA
A breathtaking nimbus stretched across the velvet of space.
A comet sweeps across our vista and we FOLLOW its path.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The universe shines with splendors
unknown even to me, majestic in its
promise of infinite possibilities.
WITH THE COMET
In a burst of refracted starlight, a dazzling display of
scintillating color cascades from its frigid surface.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I should gaze at it with awe, my spirit
exultant in knowing that all living
souls in its realm play an equally
intrinsic role, the destiny of each
immutably shared by the fate of
another. But I feel not such awe.
Under which the comet "drops" off silently as the SILVER
SURFER sails past and pitches from its cosmic wake TO:
TWIN STARS
Spinning gracefully around each other on a mutual axis,
linked by a span of torrid gases.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
A strange disparity fills me like a
dark parasite bloating within, wringing
whatever hope of which I am custodian
to husk.
INCLUDE SILVER SURFER
Along the face of a COSMIC WAVE he starts to circumnavigate
the two stars, watching them, forlorn.
SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE TWIN STARS
Their molten atmospheres mingle.
SILVER SURFER (V.O)
In twin suns as these, where once I
might envision lovers enaged in some
grand celestial waltz, today I see
only the flicker of a fading pyre.
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
Completes the orbit, soaring faster. He chops wide and
sweeps back around on a new heading.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Perhaps it is my own!
NEW ANGLE
He slips inside a COSMIC WAVE and stoops to ride it out.
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE TWIN STARS
Looming large in front of him and nearing with increasing
rapidity. He's on a direct collision course!
THE SURFER'S BOARD
Its silver nose starts to glow hot.
CLOSE ON THE SILVER SURFER
Unflinching. Firmament reflected off his stern face.
CLOSER ON THE SURFER'S BOARD
Its nose white-hot.
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE TWIN STARS
Rushing to fill the screen, duel cauldrons ROARING!
THE SILVER SURFER
He squeezes his eyes close, leans in farther.
TIGHT ON BOARD NOSE
Melting beads of it rippling away. The torrent DEAFENING.
WIDE ANGLE
Silver Surfer plunges into the inferno as, suddenly, a RED-
HOT STREAK whips in from O.S to intercept him at the last
possible instant and pull him safely TO:
NOVA (O.S.)
What're you, char-broil takeout?
EXT. SAFE SPACE - SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
In the harsh glare of the now distant twin stars, Surfer
shakes off his grim reverie. The new Herald of Galactus,
NOVA, regards him incredulously.
SILVER SURFER
I felt such... hopelessness.
NOVA
No kidding! I tracked your thoughts
here. You'll never cut it writing "get
well" cards for a living.
SILVER SURFER
You came looking for me, why?
NOVA
In case you haven't noticed, you're
sick. Both of us are. Obviously, I'm
sicker than I thought to come looking
for you to save us.
SILVER SURFER
Save us, from who?
NOVA
Not who. From what. I'll show you.
NEW ANGLE
They foreshorten into WARP, Nova leading the way.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER BLACK PLANET
A dead world beneath the warm glow of a healthy sun.
NOVA (O.S.)
Look familiar? It's the boss'--a.k.a.
your ex-employer's--last supper.
NOVA AND SILVER SURFER
Skim high above the planet. Surfer's disgusted by it.
SILVER SURFER
I have seen enough worlds destroyed to
last a thousand lifetimes.
NOVA
You mean you helped destroy enough
lives to outlast a thousand worlds,
don't you?
(off his look)
Unlike you, Mr. Socio-Serial-World-
Killer, I use my powers to find only
uninhabited planets for Galactus to
eat. What did you do?
SILVER SURFER
I enabled you to be given that choice.
Then I retired.
NEW ANGLE
NOVA
Yeah? Well, you're about to lose your
severance package!
We WIDEN to find the giant feeding cables of Galactus'
ship, some still plugged into the core of the black planet.
They hang inert like a thicket of dead spider legs, soupy
contrails of FADING BLACK NOTHINGNESS seeping from them.
With an awful SQUAWK, a pterodactyle-like buzzard called a
Harpey Rasp swoops in for a beakful of BLACK NOTHINGNESS.
NOVA AND SILVER SURFER
React instinctively. Surfer blasts an ENERGY BOLT, and
Nova, a FIREBALL, that incinerates:
FAVORING THE HARPEY RASP
It EVAPORATES in a puff of awful WARBLING.
SILVER SURFER
If razor blades had wings, they would
be Harpey Rasps.
NOVA
Totally grossola!
WIDER
The skulking creatures are everywhere. Several spat over
scraps of their disintegrated brethren's effluvium.
SILVER SURFER
Odd. They usually feed only on the raw
energy of dying powers.
NOVA
Ironic, huh? The diner who became the
dinner.
SILVER SURFER
Enough with your coy inferences! Nova,
tell me why you have brought me here!
NOVA
Galactus, Silverado...
She steers him TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CENTRAL HATCH
The huge ship dark and ponderous above the tiny approaching
figures of Surfer and Nova.
NOVA (CONT'D)
Galactus is dying!
A HARPEY RASP
SCREECHES, a strip fo dead energy hanging off its beak.
CUT TO:
INT. GALACTUS' SHIP - A TUBE
Nova and Surfer emerge. A THUNDEROUS BEAT reverberates
throughout the vessel. It is Galactus' failing heart.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Get him out!
They look up to find:
INT. GALACTUS' CRIB - GALACTUS
Or at least as much as we can see of him, looking pale and
somehow puny. His gargantuan form lays upon a FIELD OF
ENERGY the size of a small sea. He COUGHS horribly.
NOVA
He's here to help!
GALACTUS
Of course, my sensitive First Herald,
obliged evermore to helping those that
do not ask for your service--nor wish
it!
(a cough; then)
Leave me!
SILVER SURFER
It is not for your sake that I have
returned, Galactus!
GALACTUS
Come to dance at the grave of the
fallen mighty, have you?
NOVA
I asked him to come. You won't let me
help--I don't think I could if you did.
He's the only one who can save us.
GALACTUS
For whom is it you serve then, Surfer,
your successor? Or is it yourself?
SILVER SURFER
No tears will moisten our final breath.
He turns to leave.
NOVA
What? Where're you going?
SILVER SURFER
End it now, here! Perhaps it is best
we die so that others can embrace a new
beginning without fear of his tyranny!
GALACTUS
Ahh, yes, the strangers who loathe you,
but whose existence you so cherish. Be
warned, when I cease to exist they and
all else in my domain cease with me!
CLOSE ON THE SILVER SURFER
This stops him cold. He turns to the shadow of Galactus'
reaching hand folding over him, and we TIGHTEN, under:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Deep inside me lies a sinister rot, its
origin I know not where. You must find
it. You must purge it from my soul.
GALACTUS' EYE
As the Surfer is lifted before it in Galactus' hand.
SILVER SURFER
A soul, Galactus, you do not possess.
GALACTUS
That, Silver Surfer, will you soon see!
ENERGY SPARKS from Galactus' eye, his heart POUNDING as
BOLTS lash out at the Surfer, who shrinks as CAMERA PUSHES into
the fathomless black orb that envelops us wholly.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - FEEDING CABLES
Harpey Rasps scatter and squawk as, beyond them --
EXT. SPACE OVER BLACK PLANET - VESSELS WARPING IN
Dozens of them begin STREAKING OUT OF WARP. Mostly hard-
worn and piecemealed together, it is the motley assemblage
comprising the Wanderers' fleet. Near the forefront is the
enormous Draconian flagship of Lord Glenn.
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE - A VIEWSCREEN
The bulk of Galactus' vessel fills the screen.
LORD GLENN (O.S.)
Somewhere in that once impenatrable
fortress resides but a phantom of the
most destructive force in the universe.
As Wanderer ships form a loose perimeter around Galactus,
we WIDEN TO FIND crewmembers watching, two prominent:
FIRST MINISTER IVAR
Let us hope news of its demise is
accurate, Lord Glenn.
REVERSE ANGLE
They are Draconian robotic humanoids LORD GLENN and FIRST
MINISTER IVAR. Glenn nods, suppressing his optimism.
LORD GLENN
Even had I the capacity to dream, Ivar,
never would I dare of willfully
encountering Galactus in his prime.
(a beat; then)
Order the fleet to hold position and
launch a probe.
A panel in Ivar's chest opens and he stabs a series of
buttons within, which BEEP. Another SOUND signals --
MAO JIHAAK (O.S.)
Lord Glenn, why are we stopping?
THE VIEWSCREEN
The image of Galactus' ship is replaced by that of MAO
JIHAAK. A female of the species, hers is that of the
typically "warm-fuzzy" spin on the Earth-going Neonates,
petite and long-limbed, with strikingly large, doe-like
dark eyes. She pulls off her bejeweled turban and shakes
it at Glenn.
MAO JIHAAK
I advise we assume attack formation.
Strike Galactus while he is weak!
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - BRIDGE
Super sleek with two subordinates monitoring the jewel-
like controls. Glenn placates on the haloscreen:
LORD GLENN
Mao Jihaak, whatever became of the
patience for which your illustrious
species is legendary?
MAO JIHAAK
My species was exterminated by that
monster out there! I am what's become
of it -- me! And I lost my patience the
instant you so contemptuously had me
removed as commander of this fleet!
LORD GLENN
A fleet bound for extinction had it
instead indulged your lust for revenge.
MAO JIHAAK
For justice!
This hangs in the vacuum between them a moment. Then:
LORD GLENN
Nonetheless, you will wait until our
probe can assess Galactus' status.
Glenn's image dissolves and Galactus' ship is seen.
MAO JIHAAK
Santimonious robomination!
She throws her turban across the bridge at --
JIHAAK'S HALOSCREEN
One of the turban jewels CRACK against it leaving a sinewy
fissure that renders the image of Galactus' ominous vessel
into a distorted doppelganger.
NOVA (O.S.)
Silverado, can you hear me in there?
CUT TO:
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - THE SILVER SURFER
Materializes in mid-air from a COALESCENCE OF PARTICLES.
He drops to the ground near his board to find all around
him, at every conceivable angle, kaleidoscopic shards of
Nova's worried face reflected from outside.
NOVA (O.S.)
Are you okay?
He pushes up, unsteady, but before answering, reacts to --
SILVER SURFER'S POV - GALACTUS' IMMUNE SYSTEM
Fatty, spider-like globules emerge from the "reflecting
walls." They spring out at him!
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
SILVER SURFER
Board!
ON THE BOARD
WHIP PAN with it as it leaps into Surfer's hand.
WIDER - SERIES OF ANGLES
Using his board as a shield, Surfer bats several globules
away with it, and, with his free hand, takes out the
remainder in a rapid succession of ENERGY BLASTS The
assault is over as suddenly as it began. Finally:
SILVER SURFER
Galactus' auto-immune system sensed my
presence as a threat.
EXT. GALACTUS - CLOSE ON NOVA
Brow pinched as she telepathically listens to Surfer.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
(continuing)
I had no choice but to neutralize it.
He is very weak. It was not difficult.
NOVA
Looks like things are gonna get real
difficult in a minute, if you don't get
a move on.
WIDER
An array of holo displays show the hundred-some-odd ships
of the Wanderer fleet gathering. Waiting.
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - SILVER SURFER
atop his board, sails slowly through an anfractuous chasm
that we ANGLE TO FIND covered by oily black splotches.
The splotches are the INFECTION.
SILVER SURFER
The infection is all around me.
HOLD ON INFECTION
It quivers as Surfer sails past, slithering after him and
vesicating all fresh tissue it touches.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
It seems to be responding to my
presence, stalking me.
NOVA (O.S.)
I sense it. It's drawn to your life
force --
EXT. GALACTUS - NOVA
She throws up a hand, as if Surfer were in front of her --
NOVA
Whatever you do don't touch it!
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
It has attached itself to the cellular
tissue, consuming its energy.
NOVA
There's gotta be a trail leading to the
source. Lemme see through your eyes...
CAMERA PUSHES PAST Nova's eyes and INTO:
INT. NOVA'S VISION - WHAT SILVER SURFER SEES
The FOG of telepathic connection clears and we MOVE through
a conduit mottled by infection. MATCH CUT to:
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - CONDUIT - MOVING
Healthy tissue blisters NOISILY at the infection's touch as
Surfer glides into frame.
NOVA (O.S.)
And I thought pictures of smokers'
lungs were disgusting! Hang a left at
that slimy gland-thing...
REVERSE ANGLE
Surfer obeys and comes to an immediate stop. The SOUND of
Galactus' heartbeat POUNDING LOUDER than before.
NEW ANGLE - A VASCULAR MAZE
A junction of countless off-shoots winding in completely
improbably perspectives -- like a rendering by Escher on
crack! Wind HOWLS through it.
SILVER SURFER
We could wander this maze forever and
still not find the right path! This is
not the way.
Under which:
THE INFECTION
A glob reaches out for the Surfer --
NOVA (O.S.)
Yes it is, I'm sure of it!
CLOSE ON SILVER SURFER
He sees it -- spins around and blasts an ENERGY BEAM.
NEW ANGLE
The infection absorbs the ENERGY BEAM, unaffected. If
anything, fueled by it. It stretches out even farther.
SILVER SURFER
I am going another direction!
He curls away from the maze as the infection draws nearer.
EXT. GALACTUS
Nova scrambles across Galactus' chest, adamant, with:
NOVA
No, go forward! It's the only way!
Under which, above and behin Nova, on several holo
displays, we ZOOM IN to see a small probe approaching.
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - THE PROBE
Attaches to the hull with a soft CLANK!
FIRST MINISTER IVAR (O.S.)
We are receiving a transmission from
the probe, Lord Glenn.
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
The picture from the probe's transmission: levels of
Galactus' ship's hull peeling away to REVEAL AN OVERHEAD
SHOT of Nova, unaware of its presence. Lord Glenn turns to
the screen, intrigued as the AUDIO kicks in:
NOVA
(filtered)
Listen to me. I know what I'm doing.
LORD GLENN
To whom is she talking, I wonder?
INT. ESSENCE OF GLACTUS - LOW ANGLE ON SILVER SURFER
He looks up at an ancient stony crease stretching for what
seems like miles above the towering walls of the maze.
SILVER SURFER
I am going to punch through the
lineament above and find another route.
NOVA (O.S.)
It's too thick. It's like a wall or
something, but I can't get a fix on
what's behind it. It's like...
Surfer tilts his head, as if listening carefully. He
reacts to what he feels lurking beyond the lineament above.
SILVER SURFER
Like the absolute being of Galactus
himself! Yes, I also feel its
presence.
EXT. GALACTUS - NOVA
NOVA
Whatever it is, it's not the infection,
alright? You have to trust me on this.
I won't let you down.
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - THE SILVER SURFER
He throws a look back INTO --
SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE VASCULAR MAZE
Quivers like a live wire with rampant infection.
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
SILVER SURFER
I trust you, Nova.
EXT. GALACTUS - NOVA
Manages a smile.
NOVA
Whoever said Earth girls were easy?
Now follow the passage on your left!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - VASCULAR MAZE
Surfer passes through the opening to find a cul de sac.
SILVER SURFER
This is a dead end.
EXT. GALACTUS - NOVA
She realizes too late:
NOVA
It's a trap! Get out now!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - VASCULAR MAZE - CUL DE SAC
The mouth SNAPS shut behind the Surfer. Infection swarms
in, vibrating hungrily.
SILVER SURFER
I have been cut off!
He BLASTS ENERGY at the former opening but infection
intercepts to absorb it. Another strand reaches out.
Surfer ducks under and bolts to the far wall of the
cellular structure.
EXT. GALACTUS - NOVA
She can't believe her mistake.
NOVA
It's like the infection has a mind of
its own!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - CUL DE SAC - THE INFECTION
slathers in from all sides. Galactus' heart POUNDING!
WIDER
Surfer presses hard against the cellular wall. Upon closer
inspection, it resembles some biomechanical pipeline,
pulsating to the very BEAT of Galactus' heart.
SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE INFECTION
getting closer!
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
A quick pirouette. Black infection rearing up steadily
behind him. From Surfer's eyes an ENERGY BEAM shoots --
THE CELLULAR PIPE
The BEAM cuts a slit through the tissue, viscous liquid
gushing out.
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
He slips through the hole --
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - VEIN
A ROARING, racing current of life-fluid sucks Surfer in,
tears him from his board and shoots him along! Surfer
HOWLS out over and under --
EXT. GALACTUS - CLOSE ON NOVA
She senses the Surfer's folly. Totally at wits end:
NOVA
Ohmygodohmygod, what have I done?
Silver Surfer!
A HALOSCREEN
The ELEVATED IMAGE shows Nova panicking, albeit distorted
by a sinewy crack running through it.
NOVA
(filtered)
SILVER SURFER!
PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - BRIDGE
Mao Jihaak is out of her seat at the mention of his name.
MAO JIHAAK
The vandal that declared genocide on
our people, the Silver Surfer is here!
Arms, cannons full about!
ARMS
Alay, Mao Jihaak. Full about.
MAO JIHAAK
Helm, attack posture!
HELM
Aligned and awaiting your order.
CLOSE ON JIHAAK
MAO JIHAAK
On this eve forward will all the
universe revel in the expulsion of the
loathed aberration, Galactus, as well
his treasonous emissary...
NEW ANGLE
Lord Glenn's image materializes onscreen.
LORD GLENN
Commander, power down your weapons.
That's an order!
MAO JIHAAK
As in the end of global annihilation
that has plagued this galaxy for
millennia and more -- is that the
"order" of which you speak?
LORD GLENN
Mao Jihaak, you're not being rational --
Jihaak jabs a jewel on her console and Glenn's image
FIZZLES out to be replaced again with that of Nova.
MAO JIHAAK
The probe slipped through a hole in
Galactus' defense matrix, find it!
A grid overlay forms around the image of Glactus' ship.
CUT TO:
INT. GALACTUS' CRIB - AN ALARM
FLASHES as we PULL BACK HARD to Nova's face, reacting.
NOVA
We're being scanned! What're they,
crazy? Silverado, where are you?
INT. ESSENSE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF - ESTABLISHING
An immense cavern in which float corral-like crystalline
masses. Slicing through the middle is a thin span of the
same substance. At its middle is movement...
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF - SPAN
It is the Silver Surfer, regaining consciousness.
SILVER SURFER
This place...
His words ECHO as he goes to stand. A chunk of the span
beneath his foot crumbles into the abyss.
NEW ANGLE
Surfer moves gingerly. His board nowhere to be seen.
SILVER SURFER
There is no sign of the infection, but
something else... Deeper. Resolute.
He looks around:
INT. NOVA'S VISION - WHAT SURFER SEES
The largest floating masses resemble entire planets.
NOVA (O.S.)
Silverado, I see it. It's the essence
of worlds consumed by Galactus.
EXT. GALACTUS - CLOSE ON NOVA
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
I feel them sealed within, unable
to convey their anguish.
Nova is troubled by the revelation. And something else...
NOVA
You really do feel it! I didn't think
you could... You have to get out of there!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF
Circulating particles adjust course, slowly drifting toward
the Surfer.
SILVER SURFER
Though I do not hear their voices, I
feel the tears of lost souls upon me.
The particles stick to Surfer like crystalline ash. Bigger
pieces start moving toward him.
NOVA (O.S.)
Get off the bridge now!
SILVER SURFER
Such ruin I have wrought; civilizations
erased from existence by my call...
NOVA (O.S.)
Galactus's been doing this a lot longer
than us. It's his legacy, not yours!
SILVER SURFER
No port can shield my shame...
EXT. GALACTUS - CLOSE ON NOVA
NOVA
Block it out of your mind, you hear me?
She sticks her fingers in her ears -- an impudent child
refusing to hear:
NOVA
I'm not listening -- nanananana!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF - SILVER SURFER
He sits, resigned to his fate as the layers of crystalline
dust cling steadily to his skin in a thickening layer.
SILVER SURFER
So tired am I of running...
EXT. GALACTUS - NOVA
She SCREAMS:
NOVA
NO!
CUT TO:
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HELM
Shield breach located.
MAO JIHAAK
Attack Galactus!
EXT. JIHAAK'S SHIP
The bulbous vessel rolls over to expose its massive laser
cannons glowing hot. It dips swiftly from the fleet.
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
Glenn and Ivar watch the events unfold.
LORD GLENN
If ever the wrath of Galactus were
tempted, witness now its awful grace.
EXT. SPACE ABOVE BLACK PLANET
Jihaak's ship races forward. A BRILLIANT FLASH erupts as
it penetrates Galactus' defense shield.
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - TIGHT ON MAO JIHAAK
Spittle flies from her mouth.
MAO JIHAAK
Eat cannon fire, Galactus!
EXT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - CANNONS
A volley of LASER CANNONFIRE BLASTS forth --
NEW ANGLE - EXPLOSIONS
erupt across the surface of Galactus' vessel.
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - LORD GLENN AND IVAR
cast in FLASHES of battle, stand slack-jawed.
LORD GLENN
Can this be?
FIRST MINISTER IVAR
She is determined, Lord Glenn.
INT. GALACTUS' CRIB
The great ship shudders. Nova, stunned.
NOVA
Galactus, they don't know what'll
happen if you die. Do something!
ON GALACTUS' MOUTH
He can barely form the words.
GALACTUS
...Too weak...
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF - SILVER SURFER
Crystalline ash blankets him, bigger chunks hitting harder,
as if drawn by a magnet.
NOVA (O.S.)
Silverado, wake up! Wake up! Move
your chromey butt and save your master!
Surfer gathers his feet.
SILVER SURFER
Yes! Which direction, Nova? Nova?
EXT. GALACTUS
Nova reels at the assault SEEN on the holo bank. Another
EXPLOSION rocks the ship, as --
NOVA
What do I do?!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF - WITH ROCKS
A relentless torrent weakening the Surfer with every
impact, where we HOLD. He tries to dodge them but there's
too many coming too fast. His options are few:
SILVER SURFER
It is my call.
NEW ANGLE
He breaks one direction just as another outside EXPLOSION
rocks the span, completely disintegrating behind him and
cutting off that route. Surfer freezes as the sight of --
SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE INFECTION
appears at the far end of the span. Galactus' heart POUNDING!
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
SILVER SURFER
The infection!
WIDER
The idle instant is more than enough time for the
crystalline rocks to move in. A barrage pummels Sufer,
adhering to his skin until he is unable to move. Galactus'
heart QUAKES like it's going to burst!
EXT. GALACTUS - GALACTUS' BACK
arches violently. He's going into what can only be
described as cardiac arrest!
ON NOVA
About to pop an artery herself:
NOVA
Silverado? Silverado!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF - SILVER SURFER
like a statue, encased solidly in a crystalline coffin.
FADE OUT.
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
Firestorms rage from impact points waged by Jihaak's cannon
blasts. Her ship swoops in for another strike.
LORD GLENN (O.S.)
Could it be, First Minister, that our
impetuous Commander Jihaak was correct?
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
WIDEN as the destruction plays out. Glenn regards Ivar.
LORD GLENN
(continuing)
That Galactus is indeed without
defenses and vulnerable to attack?
IVAR
reacts to his BLINKING chest circuitry.
FIRST MINISTER IVAR
I'm detecting an energy surge.
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - JIHAAK'S SHIP
banks past to REVEAL, streaking out from under Galactus'
vessel, a brilliant STREAK that is none other than --
NEW ANGLE - NOVA
NOVA
Back to the cheap seats, guys. And
take some of my cosmic crepe flambe
with you!
She throws out her arms, spewing --
WIDER
A sprawling WALL OF FLAME stretches out, shielding
Galactus' ship from further attack, however briefly.
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - MAO JIHAAK
Glowing stones of her command seat SPARK and SIZZLE from
the intense heat.
MAO JIHAAK
Break away!
EXT. SPACE NEAR GALACTUS' SHIP - JIHAAK'S SHIP
turns hard away from the inferno, at the center of which --
NOVA
struggles to sustain her waning Cosmic Power.
NOVA
Silverado, my power's fading! I can't
keep it up very long!
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - MORAL G-REEF - SPAN
ZOOM IN on the crystalline hump that encases Surfer. The
flurry of attacking particles has waned, and now the
lingering silence is broken only by the SOUND of --
THE INFECTION
lapping nearer to the span.
BACK TO SILVER SURFER/HEAP
A BLUE GLOW ignites inside, pierces through. TILT UP with
Surfer's TRACKING BEAM, scanning, searching for --
ANGLE ON SURFER'S BOARD
crashed on distant crystalline rocks.
CLOSER ON BOARD
The Surfer's TRACKING BEAM finds it. The board responds,
leaps O.S. just before oily infection lathers over it!
NEW ANGLE
The board blasts past the Silver Surfer/heap, as --
THE INFECTION
reaches the span, cutting a vile swath of dissolving
crystalline as it moves swiftly toward -- WIDEN TO REVEAL --
the unbudging Silver Surfer/heap!
SHOT - ATOP THE BOARD
The nose hooks around, swerving to avoid crystalline masses
and gaining speed. It rockets directly toward the Silver
Surfer -- point blank!
NEW ANGLE
The board SMASHES into the heap and ricochets DIRECTLY INTO
SCREEN!
WITH THE INFECTION
It laps at the base of the frozen heap. TILT UP FAST to
the top. Still, the Surfer is frozen inside!
THE BOARD
comes to a stop with a shudder, shakes some sense into
itself and blasts O.S. for another attempt.
THE SILVER SURFER/HEAP
The board CRASHES into it with hellacious force, disappears
O.S. as infection nears the top. Suddenly the heap
EXPLODES in a shower of crystalline shrapnel. Surfer
reaches through to grab his board on its final pass!
He pulls himself up, but the still-ascending infection
lashes out a lethal tongue, grazing the Surfer's foot!
WITH SILVER SURFER
Soaring off he CRIES out, crouching to grapple --
THE SURFER'S FOOT
Infection instantly taints his chrome skin, which bubbles
and POPS! It begins creeping up his leg.
BACK TO SILVER SURFER
He hunches over the board, takes it firmly in both hands to
guide its nose straight up.
SILVER SURFER
Galactus, now you will know my shame!
The board blasts skyward, Surfer holding on for dear life
as it spins wildly, like some tornadic drill bit bolting to
punch through the heavens in a DEAFENING WHIR. Surfer
SCREAMS over and under --
ANGLE ON MORAL G-REEF CEILING
At sonic speed the Surfer SLAMS into the ancient rock and
bores through with a CATACLSMIC SMASH!
DISSOLVE TO:
NOTHINGNESS
from which EXPLODES the formation of the universe. And
from out of this convulsive maelstrom a mouth forms. And
from out of the mouth a familiar form is expelled, tumbling
toward us from afar, pudgy like a Shar Pei puppy, naked.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
A memory unfolding... The beginning of
time and the genesis of Galactus, cast
by creation's cold cauldron to roam
frigid among the tides of space. A
child born without mother or father...
It is the infant Galactus. And we have just witnessed his
birth. And as the angry-faced baby hurls onto SCREEN its
mouth gapes wide in a silent, terrified wail that renders
us --
CUT TO:
BLACK SCREEN
Whereupon we PAN to find the Surfer doubled-over his board,
suspended motionless in the vacuum. Over:
SILVER SURFER
I understand now: Infinity's orphan,
you are innocent and alone, compelled
to do only that which you are incapable
of not doing. Forever longing for...
WE SEE that the infection now spreads over most of his
body. He hugs himself tightly, a grizzled traveller lost
in the cold. Is he hallucinating? He lifts his head.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
A companion? A lover? A son. For me
it is too late to hate you any
longer...
EXT. GALACTUS - GALACTUS' EYE
peels back glistening. A SPARK POPS meekly over it.
GALACTUS
First Herald...
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - THE FIRE WALL
FLUCTUATES, steadily regressing with Nova's fading power.
NOVA
The infection has you surrounded,
Silverado!
ON NOVA
She struggles to sustain the weakening FIRE WALL, failing.
NOVA
You gotta fight it!
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE - FAVORING VIEWSCREEN
Onscreen the flaming wall gets smaller.
LORD GLENN
Commander Jihaak!
Jihaak's stern mug flashes on.
LORD GLENN
(continuing)
Now is the time to prepare a successful
assault, with a united fleet, for which
to strike on all fronts.
MAO JIHAAK
(nods; smiling)
Alay, Lord Glenn!
CUT TO:
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - SEA OF SOULS
The vacuum coalesces to form a roiling sea of faceless,
petroleum souls, horribly emaciated, with twisted, writhing
arms clawing out at Silver Surfer, suspended just above
them out of reach. Surfer addresses them, shaking his
unaffected fist:
SILVER SURFER
(weakly)
The torment that corrupts this soul,
tell me why? What is it you seek?
The essence of the Black Planet itself, it speaks as a
chorus of tortured wails that form a single voice:
THE BLACK PLANET
I am the decay of the black planet
below on which your master had fed!
Mine is the deceit of a lush world
contaminated by avariciousness and the
pursuit of idle pleasures, a world
gutted by its children. I am their vile
spawn. I am industry amok!
NEW ANGLE
SILVER SURFER
You are the germ and I your
disinfectant!
Surfer BLASTS A VOLLEY OF COSMIC ENERGY into the Sea of
Souls. But it's no use, the Black Planet's appetite is
only further whetted.
THE BLACK PLANET
Ahh... Pitiable life. Give me more!
Completely drained of strength the Surfer collapses to his
board.
CLOSE ON SILVER SURFER
He almost whispers:
SILVER SURFER
I have failed you, Galactus. Forgive
me...
The gnashing souls swarm in and pull him under!
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - NOVA
NOVA
Galactus!!!
Nova snuffs out. The FIRE WALL disappears completely!
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - MAO JIHAAK
Eyes wide.
MAO JIHAAK
Kill him!
EXT. SPACE OVER BLACK PLANET - THE WANDERER FLEET
The attack ships pour in.
INT. GALACTUS' CRIB - GALACTUS' HAND
forms into a fist.
GALACTUS' MOUTH
form the words:
GALACTUS
I forgive you.
INT. ESSENCE OF GALACTUS - SEA OF SOULS - SILVER SURFER
consumed beneath the violent tide one arm stretches
skyward as infection moves higher, corroding all that
remains untainted of the Surfer's gleaming armor.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
From my vacant spirit to the shame that
fills you, I deliver the Power Cosmic!
Fingers reaching, as if in a desperate grapple for some
vestige of God --
CLOSE ON SILVER SURFER'S HAND
Infection saturates the palm. Then, suddenly, a brilliant
BOLT OF ENERGY CRACKS down from above -- a main circuit
cable plugged directly into the awesome Power Cosmic -- which
floods into the Silver Surfer's extended finger!
NEW ANGLE - WIDE
And just as abruptly as it began the SHAFT OF POWER COSMIC
is gone. But a new RING OF BLUE ENERGY can be seen, an
expanding pinpoint glowing hot beneath the angry surface
where the Surfer submerged. As the GLOW RIPPLES AND
SPREADS the wretched petroleum Souls are SEEN being sucked
into its vortex with increasing force, like some incredible
Power-Vac consuming the infection at its very source!
And as the Sea of Souls continues to be "sucked" up, a
robust brightness illuminates the Essence of Galactus.
EXT. GALACTUS - GALACTUS' CHEST
heaves high.
GALACTUS' EYES
blink back wide. Rejuvenated ENERGY SIZZLES across them as
they focus on --
A HARPEY RASP
drooling hungrily in a corner, GULPS loudly. It's promptly
vaporized by a BLAST of Galactus' energy!
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - NOVA
Her dim eyes FLASH brightly -- she, too, feeling her powers
renewed.
NOVA
Huh?
REVERSE ANGLE
as Wanderer ships close in. Suddenly --
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CENTRAL HATCH
Harpey Rasps flee as the feeding cables buck and retract
and we PAN with Silver Surfer streaking out of the vessel
to --
ATTACK VESSEL CANNONS
FIRE!
NEW ANGLE - SILVER SURFER
intercepts, slicing in front of Nova to deflect the BLASTS
harmlessly off the bottom of his board!
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - LORD GLENN
about shits his pants --
LORD GLENN
What's this?! Mao Jihaak, abort the
attack!
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - MAO JIHAAK
-- as does Jihaak:
MAO JIHAAK
The Silver Surfer!
LORD GLENN
(filtered)
I repeat, abort! Abort!
MAO JIHAAK
No! I want silver blood!
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
NOVA
What happened?
SILVER SURFER
I have contained the disease only
temporarily. It must be dispatched
into that nearby star!
NOVA
Won't that be, like, bad?
SILVER SURFER
I do not know. Alert the Wanderers.
They must leave this place or risk
being destroyed!
NOVA
Silverado?
NEW ANGLE
Surfer hesitates a beat as Nova tugs self-consciously on
her flaming hair. Finally:
NOVA
You know, I was wrong about you. I
thought Galactus loved you best just
because you were his first.
SILVER SURFER
You are pretty hot stuff yourself,
Nova!
Off a lingering smile, Surfer pops atop a COSMIC WAVE and
is off, as --
EXT. SPACE - JIHAAK'S SHIP
lurches around as other members of the Wanderer fleet
hurriedly head the opposite direction.
HELM (O.S.)
Mao Jihaak, the Silver Surfer is
heading for that nearby star.
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - MAO JIHAAK
MAO JIHAAK
Stay on him. I will not lose him now.
LORD GLENN (O.S.)
(filtered)
Jihaak, enough of this insanity!
NEW ANGLE
Lord Glenn on the cracked halo screen.
LORD GLENN
(continuing)
Leave the Surfer for another day and
retreat with us while there is still
time!
MAO JIHAAK
Lord Glenn, if it's not now, then when?
If not me, who?
She fingers a gemstone terminating the transmission. The
growing speck of Silver Surfer appears as the ship closes
in.
MAO JIHAAK
Power up cannons!
INT. LORD GLENN'S FLAGSHIP - BRIDGE - LORD GLENN AND IVAR
FIRST MINISTER IVAR
Transmission terminated, Lord Glenn.
LORD GLENN
Very well. We will again find occasion
to interface with the great Galactus.
EXT. SPACE
The Silver Surfer WHOOSHES past. A second later, Jihaak's
ship follows directly in his wake.
HELM (O.S.)
The Surfer is in target range, Mao
Jihaak.
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - VIEWSCREEN
The shimmering bead of the Surfer's form pales before
the majestic glow of the nearing sun.
MAO JIHAAK (O.S.)
Lock target.
WIDEN
Jihaak takes a step toward the screen, delicate fingers
balling into tight fists as Helm punches in the command.
HELM
Target confirmed.
EXT. SPACE NEARING SUN - WITH SILVER SURFER
Travelling at a fierce velocity, viscous heat spraying off
molten skin, he musters the DARK ENERGY contained inside
him to produce two BALLS OF THE INFECTION.
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - MAO JIHAAK
A sick grin parts her lips.
MAO JIHAAK
FIRE!!!
EXT. SPACE NEARING SUN - SILVER SURFER
He hurls the INFECTION into the sun.
INT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - THE HELM'S FINGER
presses the firing jewel.
EXT. JIHAAK'S SHIP - CANNONS
BLAST away!
EXT. SPACE OVER BLACK PLANET
The last Wanderer ships FORESHORTEN INTO WARP and vanish as
the distant sun goes NOVA! A BLINDING SHOCKWAVE envelops
the dead black planet, Galactus' ship, and us, as we --
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TWIN STARS
burning brightly in their graceful dance. TILT DOWN to
find Silver Surfer and Nova watching serenely.
NOVA
I been meaning to ask, I mean, you
actually got inside Galactus' mind,
connected to him in a way nobody else
possibly could... Did you at least ask
where he hid Zenn-La?
SILVER SURFER
I did.
NOVA
(off resolute silence)
Yeah, and?
SILVER SURFER
For fear of following his hunger, he
flung Zenn-La so deep into the heavens
that he himself has no idea where it
came to rest.
NOVA
You telling me Galactus forgot where he
put a planet?
SILVER SURFER
No. Only that he remembered to keep
his word, so I must continue my search.
With this, the Surfer drops into a COSMIC TUBE and splits,
leaving Nova to ponder their potential fate.
FADE OUT.
THE END