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