SKULL SOLDIERS 2739
"NEMESIS"
story by
MATTHEW FISHER
teleplay by
MATTHEW FISHER
TEASER
FADE IN.
INT. THE WHITE HOUSE, OVAL OFFICE - DAY
PRESS REPORTERS and JOURNALISTS surround the desk of the current President of The United States, JOHNATHAN BROOKS. Johnathan points to female reporter, who quickly rises from her seat.
FEMALE REPORTER
Mr. President, how will the Skull Soldiers program
help the American people?
PRESIDENT BROOKS
What we have are the best soldiers in the world. They
rank the highest in their class, and are the most elite
division of soldiers in the world. They will ensure
that the people of the United States are well protected.
FEMALE REPORTER
And what of rumors that the soldiers have been experimented
on?
A beat.
PRESIDENT BROOKS
Well, believe me, that is just that...a rumor.
Brooks points to another reporter.
MALE REPORTER
Is it true that one of the key reasons for this program
is to protect us from alien invaders?
PRESIDENT BROOKS
In the ten years we've been exploring the deep reaches
of space, we've come across both hostile and friendly
alien species. We're just trying to be prepared.
A beat.
PRESIDENT BROOKS
Well, I'm sorry. I beleive that's all the time we have.
One of the men standing next to Brooks rushes the reporters out, who just won't give up on trying to squeeze one more question out.
After a moment, the phone rings. Brooks presses a button on the desk, causing a view screen to pop up. We don't see who Brooks is talking to.
He is only refered to as MR. BILLINGS. His identity will be kept secret until the next season.
PRESIDENT BROOKS
Ah, Mr. Billings. How are things?
MR. BILLINGS
Very well. But I wonder, Mr. President, how things on
your end are going?
PRESIDENT BROOKS
Quite well. I hear that the base should be operational
within the week.
MR. BILLINGS
Very good. Now, Mr. President, I wonder if we could have
a...private conversation on one of your soldiers?
PRESIDENT BROOKS
Private?
MR. BILLINGS
Yes. Private.
PRESIDENT BROOKS
Of course, Mr. Billings.
Brooks nods to his security, who exit the room.
MR. BILLINGS
Now, Mr. President, about those experiments...
FADE OUT.
[OPENING CREDITS]
Act 1 Scene 1
EXT. SKULL BASE - DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT of the SKULL BASE.
SUPER: Skull Base. 4:24 PM.
INT. SKULL BASE -- CONTINUOUS
The base, which is close to completion, bustles with activity.
INT. SKULL BASE, BRIEFING ROOM
The room is filled with Skull Soldiers, all decked out in the Skull Soldier uniform. As they stand in attendence, we see AJ MALLIK as he stands behind a podium. AJ is 28 years old with BROWN HAIR.
After a short beat, AJ begins to speak.
AJ MALLIK
Hello. You are all here because you have the
requirements, courage and determination to be
a Skull Soldier.
A beat.
AJ MALLIK
You are all upstanding examples of what a true soldier
should be. In order to protect the people of Earth, our
adventures will lead us to various different worlds. It
won't be the most glamourus job, but it will be a rewarding
job.
A beat.
AJ turns as a man named VINCENT FROST enters the stage. Vincent, nicknamed Frost, is 26 years old. He has long BLACK HAIR. Frost takes the mic.
VINCENT FROST
My name is Vincent Frost, but you can all call
me Frost. It's an honor to stand before all of
you, as I know that you have what it takes to
make the world safe again.
A beat.
FROST
Thank you.
The audience claps and cheers Frost as AJ takes the mic again.
AJ MALLIK
Now, get some rest all of you. We've got a big
day tomorrow.
Act 1 Scene 2
INT. AJ'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
AJ sits at a computer monitor, typing a report. As he types away, his comlink buzzes. He answers it.
AJ MALLIK
Yes?
FROST
(through com)
There's a guy here named Jason Tordal. He
says he's got business with you.
AJ MALLIK
Tell him I'll be right there.
Act 1 Scene 3
INT. SKULL BASE, HANGAR - NIGHT
AJ walks down the hangar, which is filled with SKULL FLYERS. Small nimble ships which are the staple of soldiers. Beside him is JASON TORDAL, founder of TORDAL INDUSTRIES.
JASON TORDAL
I must say that it is quite impressive. If
this venture between my company and Skull
works out, imagine the possibilites.
AJ MALLIK
You know, Jason, you don't need to be so
formal. You're not in a crowded room full
of business partners.
Jason grins.
JASON TORDAL
I know. But AJ, I just want this to work so
bad. If it doesn't, I'll feel like I've failed.
AJ MALLIK
It will, Jason. But I've been wanting to ask
you something.
Jason's curiousity peaks.
AJ MALLIK
Is this merger...government sanctioned?
JASON TORDAL
Somewhat. Mr. Billings has expressed how much
he hates it, but President Brooks is backing
it.
AJ MALLIK
Why is Billings against it?
JASON TORDAL
He thinks that the merger is bad for business,
and he feels that Tordal Industries should...
go their own way.
AJ MALLIK
Sounds like a cover story.
Jason smirks.
JASON TORDAL
What else would you expect from government?
A beat.
JASON TORDAL
Well, I better be going. You and I have a lot
to do tomorrow.
Jason extends his hand. AJ returns the favor and the two shake. Jason gives a slight smile, then exits.
Act 1 Scene 4
EXT. CIA HEADQUARTERS - DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT of the CIA Headquarters.
SUPER: CIA Headquarters. 5 PM.
INT. CIA HEADQUARTERS, DISCUSSION BOARD ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
We see a SMALL ROUND TABLE. THREE men are seated around it. They are all concealed in the SHADOWS. The men speak to each other.
MYSTERY MAN #1
How is Operation 112 coming?
MYSTERY MAN #2
The super-soldier program is underway. We've found
the perfect host for it.
A BROWN FOLDER is SLID out onto the table.
MYSTERY MAN #3
Ah, I see. Quite impressive. Served in the
Nova War, as well as World War 3.
MYSTERY MAN #1
He seems well suited, but I understand he
runs a business now. Tordal Industries, is
it?
MYSTERY MAN #2
Of course. But there are ways to make things
disappear.
The phone on the desk rings. MYSTERY MAN #1 picks it up.
MYSTERY MAN #1
Yes?
A beat.
MYSTERY MAN #1
Hello, Mr. Billings. Yes, we have found a
suitable host. Of course, Mr. Billings. He
has quite a history.
A beat.
MYSTERY MAN #1
Yes. His name is Jason Tordal.
We STEADY on the folder, which has all the personal information of Jason Tordal.
Act 1 Scene 5
INT. SKULL BASE, CAFETERIA
As the cafeteria is filled with people, we STEADY on a CHINESE WOMAN named ROKO HITASHI. She stands with a PRETTY BLONDE named DANIELLE CARVER. Both of them are standing next to a SODA POP DISPENSER.
ROKO HITASHI
I wonder how many soldiers Skull has exactly.
DANIELLE CARVER
200.
Roko gives Danielle a curious look.
DANIELLE CARVER
Don't you read the briefing reports?
ROKO HITASHI
Only when I'm bored. You know me, Danielle, I
just like to be thrown into a situation. No
fancy briefing or intel.
A VOICE is heard OFF-SCREEN.
VOICE
(O.S.)
With an attitude like that, it's a wonder you
made it past recruit.
Roko turns to see AJ with Frost.
AJ MALLIK
Listen, Roko, I'm glad to have you as one of
my commanding officers, but let's not fill
the heads of other soldiers with stuff like
that.
A beat.
ROKO HITASHI
Hey, I only say what's on my mind.
Roko smirks and walks away.
AJ MALLIK
(to Roko)
That's why you're here.
Danielle follows Roko, giving AJ a smile. AJ and Frost walk down the cafeteria.
FROST
You know, there's only one commanding officer
you haven't met.
AJ MALLIK
Yeah. I know. Clara Barnes. Tell her that when
she gets a chance, to come to my quarters.
A beat.
AJ MALLIK
Well, Frost, the first operation begins tomorrow.
Talan Five.
FROST
I hear it's a beautiful planet. Rolling hills and
gigantic oceans.
AJ MALLIK
Well, that's how it used to look. After the Nova
War...things changed on that planet.
FROST
Changed how?
AJ MALLIK
It's different now. War-torn.
FROST
So then why are we going there?
AJ MALLIK
I'll show you.
Act 1 Scene 6
INT. AJ'S QUARTERS - DAY
AJ and Frost sit at AJ's computer, as a briefing file pops up.
FROST
The Lost Soul Of Kandru? I thought that was
a myth.
AJ MALLIK
It is. But as a requirement, the first mission
that Skull goes on has to be sanctioned by the
government.
A beat.
FROST
Billings?
AJ MALLIK
Yeah. He's got some crazy idea that if we use
the information from it, we can use it to defend
ourselves from World War 4.
FROST
Right. The day World War 4 ever happens is the
day I die.
AJ MALLIK
You said the same thing about World War 3.
Frost smirks as there's a knock at the door. AJ answers it as Frost looks over the file. AJ opens the door, only to be greeted with CLARA BARNES, a pretty brunette.
CLARA BARNES
Hi, I'm Clara. You wanted to see me?
AJ MALLIK
Right. Hi. AJ Mallik.
CLARA BARNES
I know. I mean, everybody knows AJ Mallik. You
single-handedly won the Nova War.
AJ smiles.
AJ MALLIK
Well, I wouldn't say I single-handedly won that
war. I had a lot of help.
A beat.
CLARA BARNES
Well, what did you want to see me about?
AJ MALLIK
I've been meeting my commanding officers, and
you're the only one I haven't met yet.
Frost walks up past Clara.
FROST
What AJ means is that he's nervous having three
female officers, and only one male.
AJ smirks.
CLARA BARNES
Oh, well, believe me, on the battlefield, I can
more than handle myself.
AJ MALLIK
We may be able to see tomorrow. You're on the
first operation to Talan Five.
CLARA BARNES
Right. I won't let you down, sir.
AJ MALLIK
Just call me AJ.
A beat.
CLARA BARNES
Right. AJ. Well, I better be going.
AJ MALLIK
I'm looking forward to working with you, Clara.
The two shake hands. Clara exits as Frost smiles at AJ.
AJ MALLIK
Don't say it.
Act 1 Scene 7
INT. TORDAL INDUSTRIES, JASON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
As Jason sits at his desk, FOUR ARMED MEN burst into the room. Jason sits up.
JASON TORDAL
What the hell are you doing here?
We see the SHADOW of Mr. Billings as he enters the room.
JASON TORDAL
Billings.
MR. BILLINGS
Mr. Tordal, you have been drafted, for lack of
a better term.
JASON TORDAL
Drafted?
MR. BILLINGS
Yes. Your government needs you.
Billings snaps his fingers, and one of the amred men rushes up and hits Jason with the butt of his rifle. Jason falls to the floor, out cold.
FADE OUT. END OF ACT 1.
Act 2 Scene 1
INT. SKULL BASE, BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
AJ stands before all the Skull Soldiers. Behind him are Roko, Clara, Danielle and Frost.
AJ MALLIK
Many of you know Talan Five as the planet
that was the final battleground for the
Nova War. What was once a glorious planet,
is now a shell of it's former self. The
higher-ups have now decided that Talan Five
is the location of the infamous Lost Soul
Of Kandru.
There is a hush in the crowd. As AJ speaks, we PAN back to his officers. Roko turns to Danielle.
ROKO HITASHI
So I hear you're on training duty while we're
gone?
DANIELLE CARVER
Yeah. But I'm looking forward to it.
FROST
Looking forward to it? Who looks forward to
training a bunch of green rookies?
DANIELLE CARVER
I do. It'll allow me to get a better sense
of the people I'm working with. I'll be able
to get to know them.
A beat. AJ steps away from the podium and walks towards his officers.
AJ MALLIK
Has Jason Tordal called?
FROST
No. Why?
AJ MALLIK
He was supposed to be back to finalize the
merger.
AJ looks to Danielle, as if asking a question.
DANIELLE CARVER
Yeah. Yeah. I'll take the message.
AJ smiles. Danielle walks off.
AJ MALLIK
Good. Alright, guys, let's hit it.
CLARA BARNES
Oh. Um, AJ, I wanted to talk to you.
AJ looks to Roko and Frost, giving a nod.
AJ MALLIK
We'll catch up with you guys.
Roko and Frost head off.
AJ MALLIK
What's up?
CLARA BARNES
Something's been bothering me.
AJ MALLIK
What?
CLARA BARNES
I've been having these strange...visions.
AJ MALLIK
Visions? Visions of what?
A beat.
CLARA BARNES
Well, me, you, Frost, Roko and Danielle are all
there. We're in a graveyard.
AJ MALLIK
Why are we in a graveyard?
CLARA BARNES
I don't know. It's...it's like we're the only
people left on Earth.
A long beat.
CLARA BARNES
But...I'm holding us up. I...uh...see you on Talan.
Clara walks off as AJ ponders this.
Act 2 Scene 2
EXT. ORION TESTING LAB - NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT of the ORION TESTING LAB.
SUPER: Orion Testing Lab. Roswell, New Mexico. 12:15 AM.
INT. ORION TESTING LAB -- CONTINUOUS
As SCIENTISTS RUN about in a hurry, we SWOOP DOWN and STEADY on Jason in a chair. Next to him is a LARGE MECHANISM. Also next to Jason is a man whom is only known as DR. BLACK. He looks at Jason.
DR. BLACK
Are we comfortable?
Jason doesn't respond.
DR. BLACK
No response? Fine.
Dr. Black turns and presses a button on an intercom.
DR. BLACK
The subject is ready, Mr. Billings.
MR. BILLINGS
(on com)
Very well, Dr. Black. And the serum?
Dr. Black pulls a SMALL TUBE out of his pocket. It is labled "OPERATION 112".
DR. BLACK
Ready.
A beat.
MR. BILLINGS
Do it.
Dr. Black inserts the tube into a SMALL HOLE in the mechanism next to Jason. He types away at the computer panel on the mechanism.