Nirsus
08-01-2003, 11:03 PM
v 2.0
I made changes based on the excellent critiques from Banshee and Beejunk. Thanks guys!
Also, and more importantly, there is a new scene (3 pages).
Nirsus
-------------------------------
StarCrossed Vol. 1, Issue 1
©2003 Dave Anderson
Note to Artist:
The slashes ( / ) indicate an approximation of where new panels begin.
Characters:
Princess Isolei: a beautiful, green skinned, humanoid alien with large red eyes.
Goneril: Isolei's robotic servant and body guard.
Page 1
Scene: Threat
Note: All dialog in this scene is in Kharaqin. Translation brackets "<>" should encapsulate all dialog and a note should be made in the first panel.
/Long shot. The blackness of space is decorated with sparkling stars, scattered recklessly like diamonds on yards of black velvet. They are concentrated along a linear path, marking an arm of the galaxy, the Milky Way. /From this concentration of stars an orb of light, much like a star itself, floats toward us. /The orb drifts closer and it becomes apparent that this is not star but star craft. /As it floats past, through the cockpit window GONERIL can be seen piloting the craft. /The view shifts to follow the orb and beyond the orb MNENGIS outpost looms impressively like a thunder cloud on the horizon. MNENGIS looks like a glistening white, Queen Anne's Lace flower with tiny bees buzzing around it. Inside the space craft PRINCESS ISOLEI sits behind GONERIL, legs crossed in a sophisticated pose. She is studying text from a hand reader. A small holographic screen, with alien text on it, floats above the device in her hand. ISOLEI does not look at GONERIL as she speaks.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: I shall not have enough time to fully prepare. You are a poor pilot to bring me to Mnengis so late, Goneril.
/New angle. GONERIL does not respond but makes adjustments to the controls. ISOLEI sighs.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Why are we off schedule, Goneril? It was unnecessary to stop at Jarit.
GONERIL: Forgive your servant Princess Isolei, I should have explained sooner. When we left Kharaq territory I noticed two ships following us. I... felt it would be safest to discover who pursued us.
/Facing GONERIL over-the-shoulder. ISOLEI looks up from her hand reader.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: The prices for tarrin silk were outrageous! I only bothered to purchase two dresses-- a waste of time.
GONERIL: Yes.
/Same angle. ISOLEI returns to her texts.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Continue, Goneril.
GONERIL: As you wish, my lady. As we landed so did the two ships. While you were shopping I... dispatched our pursuers and had their ships impounded.
/Close on GONERIL.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: You left me unattended, Goneril. A beggar child actually dared to touch me. What if I was surrounded by beggars and you were not there to protect me?
GONERIL: Of course you are right, Princess. But these men were a greater threat to your well being.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Did you discover their identities?
GONERIL: No your Majesty, I could not... convince them to speak.
Page 2
Scene: Threat (cont'd)
As MNENGIS outpost grows larger in the viewport two foo-fighters approach the PRINCESS' ship, the OSIKIRI. They are scruffy looking fighters and it is obvious to both the PRINCESS and GONERIL that they do not belong to the Empire. The fighters fire upon the OSIKIRI and GONERIL evades. GONERIL radios MNENGIS.
GONERIL: Mnengis outpost, this is Empire craft Osikiri, we are under attack. Requesting immediate assistance.
MNENGIS CONTROL: Osikiri, fighters have already been dispatched and will be there shortly.
GONERIL fires back as the foo-fighters get closer but his shots do little damage. Suddenly one of the fighters explodes. Three Empire foo-fighters arrive flying in formation, guns ablazin' at the last rebel fighter. They make short work of the second one as well and fall in around the OSIKIRI.
FOO-FIGHTER LEADER: Osikiri, we will escort you to Mnengis. Sorry about the drama, we've had problems with a rebel incursion lately. Those two fighters must have gotten away from the battle.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: I will report this lax security to my father! They should have warned us and sent an escort before we were close enough to be attacked!
GONERIL: Yes Princess, a most grievous error indeed.
Page3
Scene: Threat (cont'd)
Splash. MNENGIS is colossal filling most of the page and spilling off the right and bottom edges. Traffic is heavy, as star craft of various size and shape come and go. Landing and docking bays, command decks, large cannons, and alien machinery are bunched in clusters around the outer edges of MNENEGIS, like the petals of Queen Anne's Lace. Off to the left, far away, battle has broken out among specks of foo-fighters. The OSIKIRI'S escort arc away as it nears MNENGIS.
GONERIL: Mnengis control, this is Empire Craft Osikiri requesting landing for one ship. Empire code MJ12.
MNENGIS CONTROL: Request granted, landing bay 37 is open.
In the cockpit of the OSIKIRI. The danger having past, the PRINCESS leans back into her seat.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Incursion? Who would rebel against the peaceable Empire?
GONERIL: Beyond the edge of the Empire savage cultures rule themselves. Once the Empire would have enslaved them, now they are offered probationary citizenship. Perhaps, neither approach is always effective.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Savages are potentially as sophisticated as we, our superiority is one of circumstance and time. Slavery was inappropriate, Goneril. However, it would benefit all if these savages had guidance.
The landing bay is seen through the cockpit window. It's blue force-wall is falling to allow access.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: I have only an hour before I meet with the humans. You must find a quiet room for my preparations.
GONERIL: As you wish, majesty. But do you not suppose the battle will delay their arrival?
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Any race worthy of citizenship should be capable of keeping an appointment.
Page 4
Scene: Mess
Note:
THE ADVENTUROUS looks like a cross between a flying saucer and a doughnut. It is light-gray with identifying numbers and its name on its hull. There are ten portholes the largest is the bridge view port which is a semicircle that extends upward giving the bridge crew a forward and overhead view. The smaller portholes are oval. THE ADVENTUROUS' gravity drive creates an intense linear gravitational field which warps space-time. The effect is only illustrated when the ship is traveling at it's highest speeds.
/Establishing shot. THE ADVENTUROUS is cruising through space its top pointed in the direction of travel. The F/X of its gravity field are visible, an elongated envelope.
/Close shot. Standing in THE ADVENTUROUS' mess hall COMMANDER VASILY GREDENKO is holding an empty jewelry box. LIEUTENANT SIRK HELLER stands before him holding out her left hand which has a diamond engagement ring on her pinky (her own wedding band and engagement ring are on her ring finger).
LIEUTENANT SIRK: It's beautiful, Vasily! When are you going to ask her?
COMMANDER VASILY: As soon as I can get her alone. I can't wait any longer--
/Over-the-shoulder shot. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA CAUFIELD walks into the mess grinning from ear to ear. SIRK shoves her hand, with the ring, into her pocket and looks big eyed over VASILY'S shoulder. VASILY is surprised and closes his fist around the jewelry box which snaps shut.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Vas, you'll never guess who we are going to meet!
SFX: SNAP!
/VASILY turns around to talk to KESA while holding out the jewelry box to SIRK behind his back.
COMMANDER VASILY: Kesa! Aheh... hi!
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: We just got our first orders from the Empire.
/SIRK grabs the box from VASILY.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Guess who they are sending us to meet!
COMMANDER VASILY: Um...uh, meet?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: We're on our way right now.
/SIRK carefully moves away from VASILY AND KESA. VASILY tries to watch her through the side of his head.
COMMANDER VASILY: Um... on our way to meet someone?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Vas! Are you listening?
/SIRK has her back to VASILY and KESA as she puts the ring back in its box. LIEUTENANT J.G. TARRIK FARHA saunters into the mess. Kesa notices for the first time that VASILY looks really tired.
COMMANDER VASILY: Sorry, I guess I'm a bit tired from my last shift.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Oh! You look beat.
Page 5
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/TARRIK grins deviously as he gives SIRK a lively smack on the butt. Which startles her and she accidentally throws the box in the air.
SFX: SMACK!
/KESA and VASILY turn toward the noise. The jewelry box lands on the floor. It goes rolling under one of the tables as SIRK turns around, fist clenched, ready to deck TARRIK. /KESA sees SIRK'S anger boiling and steps between her and TARRIK. TARRIK cringes.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Woah, Sirk. Calm down, you're tired and you don't have control of your emotions.
LIEUTENANT SIRK: Give me a couple-a minutes with Junior Grade here and then I'll be just fine.
LIEUTENANT JG TARRIK: Hey! What'd I do?
/VASILY crawls under the nearest table looking for the jewelry box. SIRK is seething while KESA turns on TARRIK. TARRIK cowers.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Tarrik, that was extremely rude and disrespectful! You'd better apologize to Sirk right now cause I don't know if I will stop her if she really wants to hit you.
/Close shot worm's-eye-view (W-E-V). VASILY is still searching the floor for the box, scrambling from table to table in a frenzy. /Medium shot, in the background TARRIK is making what looks like an half-assed apology. SIRK still looks angry as KESA tries to hold her back. /Close shot W-E-V. The Jewelry box lies on its side next to a futuristic looking fork. /VASILY crawls toward the box.
Page 6
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/VASILY closes his hand around the box as KESA'S boots step next to him.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Vas, what are you doing?
/VASILY, startled by KESA, bumps his head on the table.
SFX: BANG!
/Medium shot. VASILY stands facing KESA and rubbing the back of his head there is a bulge in his pocket the size of the jewelry box.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: What were you doing under there?
COMMANDER VASILY: Uh... I was...
/VASILY lifts up his other hand, in it is a fork.
COMMANDER VASILY: I dropped a fork... earlier.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Oh. Well, I didn't get to tell you...
/VASILY puts the fork on the table and looks around.
COMMANDER VASILY: Where's Sirk?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: I sent her off to get some sleep-- something you should do.
/VASILY takes one of KESA'S hands.
COMMANDER VASILY: We have to talk--
/TARRIK walks over to the table VASILY and KESA are standing beside from the food prep area of the mess.
COMMANDER VASILY: --alone.
Page 7
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/TARRIK sits down with a tray of food.
LIEUTENANT JG TARRIK: Hey, this is the mess and I'm eating here! You need privacy, go somewhere private.
/KESA smiles.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: We can talk later, Vas. I just came for a bite to eat, I'm on shift break. But I want to tell you about the Princess.
COMMANDER VASILY: Princess?
/TARRIK stuffs his mouth with some unrecognizable mush and talks at the same time.
LIEUTENANT JG TARRIK: Yeah, we're on our way to meet with an Empire Princess. She's gonna brief us on our first mission.
/KESA smacks the back of TARRIK'S head causing TARRIK to spit out some of his mush. KESA is obviously upset that her surprise was spoiled.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Shut up, you!
/VASILY leads KESA, by her elbow, away from the table.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: He spoiled it. I was going to tell you-- a real Princess, Vas.
/Close shot, VASILY and KESA are close together, face to face.
COMMANDER VASILY: Kesa, do you remember training for this mission?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Don't remind me, I was a mess!
COMMANDER VASILY: Yes, you had no confidence, you always second guessed yourself and you couldn't stand up to anyone.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: I said, "don't remind me."
COMMANDER VASILY: But you've changed. The way you stood up to Tarrik and stopped Sirk from smearing him. You never second guess your decisions anymore...
Page 8
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/VASILY put his hand to KESA'S cheek and KESA looks into his eyes.
COMMANDER VASILY: What I'm trying to say is that I'm proud of you. You've become the woman I always believed you could be.
/Medium shot, VASILY and KESA embrace and kiss. TARRIK looks on hungrily. /Close shot, KESA musses VASILY"S hair.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: I love you. Now, go get some sleep before you pass out.
COMMANDER VASILY: Ok, I will. But we still need to talk, alright?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Sure, we'll find some time alone later.
/VASILY exits the mess as KESA watches him go. /TARRIK has come up behind KESA with the same devious grin. He smacks her on the butt. /Close-up, KESA'S face is red with anger.
Page 9
Scene: General's Greeting
/GENERAL KIRTHA looks out a of window on MNENGIS watching the battle outside. Even from behind, his strength and authority are evident in the build of his frame and the way he holds himself. /KIRTHA turns from the window to look down at a desk. A screen floats above the desk and he studies the projected report. He is Kharaqin, which is unique because it is unheard of for a member the ruling class (all Kharaqin are royalty) to have such a low position. A scar runs from above his left eye down through his upper lip making it curl up in a mock snarl. /KIRTHA pulls open a drawer in the desk. The drawer is more or less a junk drawer and he sticks a hand into it and fishes around for a moment. /When he pulls his hand out he is holding a large ring. /Close up, the ring in his hand is intricate and looks very valuable. Filigree of two or three different color metals, a large red jewel, and several smaller jewels decorate the band. This ring represents the authority of a system King. KIRTHA starts to put the ring on but stops before it's past the first knuckle. /He pulls it off again and studies it a moment longer. A buzzer sounds from his desk. /KIRTHA drops the ring into the drawer and closes it. He waves his hand through the holographic screen and it disappears. /Touching a spot on his desk he speaks.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes Fuske, send them in.
Page 10
Scene: general's greetings (cont'd)
/A door slides open and GONERIL enters the office followed by PRINCESS ISOLEI. /They stand in front of KIRTHA'S desk ISOLEI a little behind GONERIL There are two chairs on their side of the desk.
GONERIL: General Kirtha, may I present Princess Argonovus Neutrinid Isolei.
/GONERIL steps slightly to the side to present the PRINCESS. /KIRTHA steps forward holding out his hand which ISOLEI ignores. She seems displeased and uncomfortable with his presence.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Princess Isolei, it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: General Kirtha.
/GENERAL KIRTHA deflates almost imperceptibly at ISOLEI'S coldness but turns and sits at his desk beckoning ISOLEI to sit as well. /ISOLEI obliges, crossing her arms and legs as she sits. Goneril stands next to Isolei.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Can I offer you a refreshment?
GONERIL: General, the Princess has little time before her meeting with the probationers from Earth. It would be of great service to her if a conference room and access to law, navigation, and history libraries could be provided.
/GENERAL KIRTHA looks at ISOLEI as GONERIL speaks.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Of course, anything you need will be made available. I will have my assistant take you to a private conference room as soon as you are ready. ...is there anything else?
/GONERIL begins to speak but is interrupted by the PRINCESS.
GONERIL: Yes--
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Yes there is, General. Two ships attacked us as we approached Mnengis outpost. I want an explanation.
Page 11
Scene: General's Greetings (cont'd)
/KIRTHA sighs.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes, you have my sincere apologies. Those responsible for this have been reprimanded. My men have been distracted lately and I have been contending with forces beyond my control.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: These rebels, the Gutah I believe they are called, were the once under your rule?
/The GENERAL shifts in his seat.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes indeed.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: They were the ones who... ended your reign were they not?
/KIRTHA is mildly upset by this line of questioning and decides to nip it in the bud.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes, the Gutah rebelled against the slavery I imposed on them. They killed many Kharaqin people including my two wives and six children and now they are attacking this station because they believe we have been raiding their system. An accusation I'm not entirely sure is false.
/PRINCESS ISOLEI is stunned to silence by the bluntness of the GENERAL'S statement.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Well, if that is all--
/The GENERAL touches that same spot on his desk. A voice replies from above him.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Fuske, please show the Princess to a private conference room and give her anything she requires.
FUSKE: Yes sir, General.
/KIRTHA lifts his hand from the desk and stands. ISOLEI stands as well.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Princess, if there is anything else you need, please ask my assistant Fuske.
/ISOLEI turns and leaves the room, followed by GONERIL, without another word. /When the door has closed Kirtha turns back to look out the window. Same shot as first panel.
I made changes based on the excellent critiques from Banshee and Beejunk. Thanks guys!
Also, and more importantly, there is a new scene (3 pages).
Nirsus
-------------------------------
StarCrossed Vol. 1, Issue 1
©2003 Dave Anderson
Note to Artist:
The slashes ( / ) indicate an approximation of where new panels begin.
Characters:
Princess Isolei: a beautiful, green skinned, humanoid alien with large red eyes.
Goneril: Isolei's robotic servant and body guard.
Page 1
Scene: Threat
Note: All dialog in this scene is in Kharaqin. Translation brackets "<>" should encapsulate all dialog and a note should be made in the first panel.
/Long shot. The blackness of space is decorated with sparkling stars, scattered recklessly like diamonds on yards of black velvet. They are concentrated along a linear path, marking an arm of the galaxy, the Milky Way. /From this concentration of stars an orb of light, much like a star itself, floats toward us. /The orb drifts closer and it becomes apparent that this is not star but star craft. /As it floats past, through the cockpit window GONERIL can be seen piloting the craft. /The view shifts to follow the orb and beyond the orb MNENGIS outpost looms impressively like a thunder cloud on the horizon. MNENGIS looks like a glistening white, Queen Anne's Lace flower with tiny bees buzzing around it. Inside the space craft PRINCESS ISOLEI sits behind GONERIL, legs crossed in a sophisticated pose. She is studying text from a hand reader. A small holographic screen, with alien text on it, floats above the device in her hand. ISOLEI does not look at GONERIL as she speaks.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: I shall not have enough time to fully prepare. You are a poor pilot to bring me to Mnengis so late, Goneril.
/New angle. GONERIL does not respond but makes adjustments to the controls. ISOLEI sighs.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Why are we off schedule, Goneril? It was unnecessary to stop at Jarit.
GONERIL: Forgive your servant Princess Isolei, I should have explained sooner. When we left Kharaq territory I noticed two ships following us. I... felt it would be safest to discover who pursued us.
/Facing GONERIL over-the-shoulder. ISOLEI looks up from her hand reader.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: The prices for tarrin silk were outrageous! I only bothered to purchase two dresses-- a waste of time.
GONERIL: Yes.
/Same angle. ISOLEI returns to her texts.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Continue, Goneril.
GONERIL: As you wish, my lady. As we landed so did the two ships. While you were shopping I... dispatched our pursuers and had their ships impounded.
/Close on GONERIL.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: You left me unattended, Goneril. A beggar child actually dared to touch me. What if I was surrounded by beggars and you were not there to protect me?
GONERIL: Of course you are right, Princess. But these men were a greater threat to your well being.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Did you discover their identities?
GONERIL: No your Majesty, I could not... convince them to speak.
Page 2
Scene: Threat (cont'd)
As MNENGIS outpost grows larger in the viewport two foo-fighters approach the PRINCESS' ship, the OSIKIRI. They are scruffy looking fighters and it is obvious to both the PRINCESS and GONERIL that they do not belong to the Empire. The fighters fire upon the OSIKIRI and GONERIL evades. GONERIL radios MNENGIS.
GONERIL: Mnengis outpost, this is Empire craft Osikiri, we are under attack. Requesting immediate assistance.
MNENGIS CONTROL: Osikiri, fighters have already been dispatched and will be there shortly.
GONERIL fires back as the foo-fighters get closer but his shots do little damage. Suddenly one of the fighters explodes. Three Empire foo-fighters arrive flying in formation, guns ablazin' at the last rebel fighter. They make short work of the second one as well and fall in around the OSIKIRI.
FOO-FIGHTER LEADER: Osikiri, we will escort you to Mnengis. Sorry about the drama, we've had problems with a rebel incursion lately. Those two fighters must have gotten away from the battle.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: I will report this lax security to my father! They should have warned us and sent an escort before we were close enough to be attacked!
GONERIL: Yes Princess, a most grievous error indeed.
Page3
Scene: Threat (cont'd)
Splash. MNENGIS is colossal filling most of the page and spilling off the right and bottom edges. Traffic is heavy, as star craft of various size and shape come and go. Landing and docking bays, command decks, large cannons, and alien machinery are bunched in clusters around the outer edges of MNENEGIS, like the petals of Queen Anne's Lace. Off to the left, far away, battle has broken out among specks of foo-fighters. The OSIKIRI'S escort arc away as it nears MNENGIS.
GONERIL: Mnengis control, this is Empire Craft Osikiri requesting landing for one ship. Empire code MJ12.
MNENGIS CONTROL: Request granted, landing bay 37 is open.
In the cockpit of the OSIKIRI. The danger having past, the PRINCESS leans back into her seat.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Incursion? Who would rebel against the peaceable Empire?
GONERIL: Beyond the edge of the Empire savage cultures rule themselves. Once the Empire would have enslaved them, now they are offered probationary citizenship. Perhaps, neither approach is always effective.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Savages are potentially as sophisticated as we, our superiority is one of circumstance and time. Slavery was inappropriate, Goneril. However, it would benefit all if these savages had guidance.
The landing bay is seen through the cockpit window. It's blue force-wall is falling to allow access.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: I have only an hour before I meet with the humans. You must find a quiet room for my preparations.
GONERIL: As you wish, majesty. But do you not suppose the battle will delay their arrival?
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Any race worthy of citizenship should be capable of keeping an appointment.
Page 4
Scene: Mess
Note:
THE ADVENTUROUS looks like a cross between a flying saucer and a doughnut. It is light-gray with identifying numbers and its name on its hull. There are ten portholes the largest is the bridge view port which is a semicircle that extends upward giving the bridge crew a forward and overhead view. The smaller portholes are oval. THE ADVENTUROUS' gravity drive creates an intense linear gravitational field which warps space-time. The effect is only illustrated when the ship is traveling at it's highest speeds.
/Establishing shot. THE ADVENTUROUS is cruising through space its top pointed in the direction of travel. The F/X of its gravity field are visible, an elongated envelope.
/Close shot. Standing in THE ADVENTUROUS' mess hall COMMANDER VASILY GREDENKO is holding an empty jewelry box. LIEUTENANT SIRK HELLER stands before him holding out her left hand which has a diamond engagement ring on her pinky (her own wedding band and engagement ring are on her ring finger).
LIEUTENANT SIRK: It's beautiful, Vasily! When are you going to ask her?
COMMANDER VASILY: As soon as I can get her alone. I can't wait any longer--
/Over-the-shoulder shot. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA CAUFIELD walks into the mess grinning from ear to ear. SIRK shoves her hand, with the ring, into her pocket and looks big eyed over VASILY'S shoulder. VASILY is surprised and closes his fist around the jewelry box which snaps shut.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Vas, you'll never guess who we are going to meet!
SFX: SNAP!
/VASILY turns around to talk to KESA while holding out the jewelry box to SIRK behind his back.
COMMANDER VASILY: Kesa! Aheh... hi!
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: We just got our first orders from the Empire.
/SIRK grabs the box from VASILY.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Guess who they are sending us to meet!
COMMANDER VASILY: Um...uh, meet?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: We're on our way right now.
/SIRK carefully moves away from VASILY AND KESA. VASILY tries to watch her through the side of his head.
COMMANDER VASILY: Um... on our way to meet someone?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Vas! Are you listening?
/SIRK has her back to VASILY and KESA as she puts the ring back in its box. LIEUTENANT J.G. TARRIK FARHA saunters into the mess. Kesa notices for the first time that VASILY looks really tired.
COMMANDER VASILY: Sorry, I guess I'm a bit tired from my last shift.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Oh! You look beat.
Page 5
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/TARRIK grins deviously as he gives SIRK a lively smack on the butt. Which startles her and she accidentally throws the box in the air.
SFX: SMACK!
/KESA and VASILY turn toward the noise. The jewelry box lands on the floor. It goes rolling under one of the tables as SIRK turns around, fist clenched, ready to deck TARRIK. /KESA sees SIRK'S anger boiling and steps between her and TARRIK. TARRIK cringes.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Woah, Sirk. Calm down, you're tired and you don't have control of your emotions.
LIEUTENANT SIRK: Give me a couple-a minutes with Junior Grade here and then I'll be just fine.
LIEUTENANT JG TARRIK: Hey! What'd I do?
/VASILY crawls under the nearest table looking for the jewelry box. SIRK is seething while KESA turns on TARRIK. TARRIK cowers.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Tarrik, that was extremely rude and disrespectful! You'd better apologize to Sirk right now cause I don't know if I will stop her if she really wants to hit you.
/Close shot worm's-eye-view (W-E-V). VASILY is still searching the floor for the box, scrambling from table to table in a frenzy. /Medium shot, in the background TARRIK is making what looks like an half-assed apology. SIRK still looks angry as KESA tries to hold her back. /Close shot W-E-V. The Jewelry box lies on its side next to a futuristic looking fork. /VASILY crawls toward the box.
Page 6
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/VASILY closes his hand around the box as KESA'S boots step next to him.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Vas, what are you doing?
/VASILY, startled by KESA, bumps his head on the table.
SFX: BANG!
/Medium shot. VASILY stands facing KESA and rubbing the back of his head there is a bulge in his pocket the size of the jewelry box.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: What were you doing under there?
COMMANDER VASILY: Uh... I was...
/VASILY lifts up his other hand, in it is a fork.
COMMANDER VASILY: I dropped a fork... earlier.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Oh. Well, I didn't get to tell you...
/VASILY puts the fork on the table and looks around.
COMMANDER VASILY: Where's Sirk?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: I sent her off to get some sleep-- something you should do.
/VASILY takes one of KESA'S hands.
COMMANDER VASILY: We have to talk--
/TARRIK walks over to the table VASILY and KESA are standing beside from the food prep area of the mess.
COMMANDER VASILY: --alone.
Page 7
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/TARRIK sits down with a tray of food.
LIEUTENANT JG TARRIK: Hey, this is the mess and I'm eating here! You need privacy, go somewhere private.
/KESA smiles.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: We can talk later, Vas. I just came for a bite to eat, I'm on shift break. But I want to tell you about the Princess.
COMMANDER VASILY: Princess?
/TARRIK stuffs his mouth with some unrecognizable mush and talks at the same time.
LIEUTENANT JG TARRIK: Yeah, we're on our way to meet with an Empire Princess. She's gonna brief us on our first mission.
/KESA smacks the back of TARRIK'S head causing TARRIK to spit out some of his mush. KESA is obviously upset that her surprise was spoiled.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Shut up, you!
/VASILY leads KESA, by her elbow, away from the table.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: He spoiled it. I was going to tell you-- a real Princess, Vas.
/Close shot, VASILY and KESA are close together, face to face.
COMMANDER VASILY: Kesa, do you remember training for this mission?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Don't remind me, I was a mess!
COMMANDER VASILY: Yes, you had no confidence, you always second guessed yourself and you couldn't stand up to anyone.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: I said, "don't remind me."
COMMANDER VASILY: But you've changed. The way you stood up to Tarrik and stopped Sirk from smearing him. You never second guess your decisions anymore...
Page 8
Scene: Mess (cont'd)
/VASILY put his hand to KESA'S cheek and KESA looks into his eyes.
COMMANDER VASILY: What I'm trying to say is that I'm proud of you. You've become the woman I always believed you could be.
/Medium shot, VASILY and KESA embrace and kiss. TARRIK looks on hungrily. /Close shot, KESA musses VASILY"S hair.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: I love you. Now, go get some sleep before you pass out.
COMMANDER VASILY: Ok, I will. But we still need to talk, alright?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KESA: Sure, we'll find some time alone later.
/VASILY exits the mess as KESA watches him go. /TARRIK has come up behind KESA with the same devious grin. He smacks her on the butt. /Close-up, KESA'S face is red with anger.
Page 9
Scene: General's Greeting
/GENERAL KIRTHA looks out a of window on MNENGIS watching the battle outside. Even from behind, his strength and authority are evident in the build of his frame and the way he holds himself. /KIRTHA turns from the window to look down at a desk. A screen floats above the desk and he studies the projected report. He is Kharaqin, which is unique because it is unheard of for a member the ruling class (all Kharaqin are royalty) to have such a low position. A scar runs from above his left eye down through his upper lip making it curl up in a mock snarl. /KIRTHA pulls open a drawer in the desk. The drawer is more or less a junk drawer and he sticks a hand into it and fishes around for a moment. /When he pulls his hand out he is holding a large ring. /Close up, the ring in his hand is intricate and looks very valuable. Filigree of two or three different color metals, a large red jewel, and several smaller jewels decorate the band. This ring represents the authority of a system King. KIRTHA starts to put the ring on but stops before it's past the first knuckle. /He pulls it off again and studies it a moment longer. A buzzer sounds from his desk. /KIRTHA drops the ring into the drawer and closes it. He waves his hand through the holographic screen and it disappears. /Touching a spot on his desk he speaks.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes Fuske, send them in.
Page 10
Scene: general's greetings (cont'd)
/A door slides open and GONERIL enters the office followed by PRINCESS ISOLEI. /They stand in front of KIRTHA'S desk ISOLEI a little behind GONERIL There are two chairs on their side of the desk.
GONERIL: General Kirtha, may I present Princess Argonovus Neutrinid Isolei.
/GONERIL steps slightly to the side to present the PRINCESS. /KIRTHA steps forward holding out his hand which ISOLEI ignores. She seems displeased and uncomfortable with his presence.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Princess Isolei, it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: General Kirtha.
/GENERAL KIRTHA deflates almost imperceptibly at ISOLEI'S coldness but turns and sits at his desk beckoning ISOLEI to sit as well. /ISOLEI obliges, crossing her arms and legs as she sits. Goneril stands next to Isolei.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Can I offer you a refreshment?
GONERIL: General, the Princess has little time before her meeting with the probationers from Earth. It would be of great service to her if a conference room and access to law, navigation, and history libraries could be provided.
/GENERAL KIRTHA looks at ISOLEI as GONERIL speaks.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Of course, anything you need will be made available. I will have my assistant take you to a private conference room as soon as you are ready. ...is there anything else?
/GONERIL begins to speak but is interrupted by the PRINCESS.
GONERIL: Yes--
PRINCESS ISOLEI: Yes there is, General. Two ships attacked us as we approached Mnengis outpost. I want an explanation.
Page 11
Scene: General's Greetings (cont'd)
/KIRTHA sighs.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes, you have my sincere apologies. Those responsible for this have been reprimanded. My men have been distracted lately and I have been contending with forces beyond my control.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: These rebels, the Gutah I believe they are called, were the once under your rule?
/The GENERAL shifts in his seat.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes indeed.
PRINCESS ISOLEI: They were the ones who... ended your reign were they not?
/KIRTHA is mildly upset by this line of questioning and decides to nip it in the bud.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Yes, the Gutah rebelled against the slavery I imposed on them. They killed many Kharaqin people including my two wives and six children and now they are attacking this station because they believe we have been raiding their system. An accusation I'm not entirely sure is false.
/PRINCESS ISOLEI is stunned to silence by the bluntness of the GENERAL'S statement.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Well, if that is all--
/The GENERAL touches that same spot on his desk. A voice replies from above him.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Fuske, please show the Princess to a private conference room and give her anything she requires.
FUSKE: Yes sir, General.
/KIRTHA lifts his hand from the desk and stands. ISOLEI stands as well.
GENERAL KIRTHA: Princess, if there is anything else you need, please ask my assistant Fuske.
/ISOLEI turns and leaves the room, followed by GONERIL, without another word. /When the door has closed Kirtha turns back to look out the window. Same shot as first panel.