SILVER SURFER EPISODE #1875-09

"SECOND FOUNDATION" (FINAL DRAFT)

       
       FADE IN:
       
       EXT. VOLCANO PLANET - DAY - A VOLCANO
       
       EXPLODING!  Its ERUPTION FILLS CAMERA, as:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (O.S)
                 You have chosen well, Nova...
       
       We WIDEN TO SEE an entire landscape of erupting volcanoes
       and molten lava, as though the entire planet is raging.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (O.S)
                 This world is young, and while it
                 is filled with energy, it has not
                 yet created life...
       
       We CONTINUE WIDENING, ZOOMING UP, out of the atmosphere, TO:
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE THE VOLCANO PLANET
       
       Where the SILVER SURFER and NOVA soar.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Your talent for locating whatever
                 you seek makes you the perfect
                 herald for Galactus.
                           
                           NOVA
                 You just say that `cause you know
                 what a sucker he is for a side of
                 lava.  Let me ring the ol' dinner
                 bell --
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       The Surfer looks on as Nova sends a COMMUNICATION BEAM out
       to space.  She turns back to him.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Now we can get down to business.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Are you certain you wish to do
                 this?  If Galactus learns that you
                 have aided me in my search for
                 Zenn-La, you will most assuredly
                 face his wrath.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Silverado, I've got to do this.
                 I know what it feels like to lose
                 everything you love.
       
       She closes her eyes, and we TIGHTEN TO:
       
       NOVA'S POV - A BLACK NOTHINGNESS
       
       At first we SEE nothing.  Then, slowly, we make out SHADOWS,
       moving slightly, like "floaters" in a normal field of
       vision.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (O.S)
                 Are you sensing something?
       
       One of the shadows starts to GLOW, and we TIGHTEN ON it as:
       
       BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Nova's eyes snap open.
                           
                           NOVA
                 As they probably don't say on Zenn-
                 La -- bingo!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                     (stunned)
                 You have found it?
                           
                           NOVA
                 I am kinda overwhelming, huh?
                 Better get going.  The place isn't
                 exactly next door!
       
       Nova smiles -- and for possibly the first time in the series
       the Surfer grins.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 I am going home -- !
       
       Unable to help himself, he LAUGHS joyfully, following Nova
       through space, the two of them FORESHORTENING INTO WARP as
       we
                                                                   
                                                      DISSOLVE TO:
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE SILVER SURFER AND
       NOVA
       
       WARP IN as, continuing from before:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Home -- !?
       
       He breaks off abruptly as we WIDEN TO FIND that before the
       Surfer and Nova is what looks like a Milky Way of LUMINOUS
       spheres, packed closely together and completely surrounding
       a planet that's like a ball of GREEN jade.
                           
                           NOVA
                 What's wrong?
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 This planet -- it does not even
                 resemble my world!
       
       As he talks, they continue toward the planet, and Nova
       reaches out curiously to the closest of the luminous
       spheres.  It looks harmless, but:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Do not touch it!
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       The Surfer sweeps in, pulling Nova away.  Behind them, the
       sphere is already opening as though on a hinge.  It SNAPS
       shut like a Venus fly-trap -- and the sphere EXPLODES!
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Rocking from the shockwave.  Nova stares in wonder as:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Those are pulsar mines, used by
                 the Skrull to prevent the escape
                 of convicts from prison worlds.
                           
                           NOVA
                 And Big G's using them to keep you
                 out?  With his power, why bother?
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 I am sorry, Nova, but I do not
                 think he is "bothering" at all.
                     (disappointed)
                 This cannot be my homeworld.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Silverado, I don't make mistakes.
                 Well, there was that nose-piercing
                 incident...
                     (quickly)
                 If home's where the hearth is, I
                 guarantee there's a roaring fire
                 waiting for you below --
       
       EXT. PULSAR MINEFIELD
       
       As Nova plunges into it.  The Surfer has no choice but to
       tear after her, and, side by side, they slalom between the
       mines, dipping and yawing.  They're going along smoothly,
       and are about halfway through the minefield when:
       
       FOUR INTERCEPTOR CRAFT
       
       Small and agile, the ships emerge from a break in the center
       of the minefield, bearing directly at:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Seeing the vessels.  The Surfer slows, Nova following his
       lead.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Skrull Vandal craft, the
                 Confederation's most potent
                 vessels!
                     (hemmed in by the)
                 And we have no place to maneuver!
                           
                           NOVA
                 You were right about one thing,
                 Surfer -- this definitely isn't
                 Galactus' style!
       
       THE INTERCEPTORS
       
       As their ENERGY CANNONS FIRE!
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       As the ENERGY BLASTS engulf them, EXPLODING all around.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Nova -- where have you brought us?
       
       Before Nova can answer, the ENERGY BLASTS engulf them,
       EXPLODING all around.  The SCREEN FILLS WITH ENERGY, with
       nothing else VISIBLE as we
                                                                   
                                                         FADE OUT.
                               END OF TEASER

                                  ACT ONE
       
       FADE IN:
       
       EXT. PULSAR MINEFIELD - CONTINUING FROM PREVIOUS SCENE
       
       The dense cloud of ENERGY is broken by the streaming light
       of a BLAST OF THE POWER COSMIC, then another, another, a
       fourth, all in rapid succession.  We ANGLE WITH THE POWER
       COSMIC BLASTS TO:
       
       THE INTERCEPTORS
       
       Still FIRING -- only this time their BLASTS are met by the
       new ones, all of them canceling each other out in a SERIES
       OF EXPLOSIONS that rock the nearby Skrull ships!
                           
                           NOVA (O.S)
                 Yes...!
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Appearing intact and none the worse for wear through the
       DISSIPATING ENERGY, their own POWER COSMIC BLASTS winding
       down as well.  Nova leaps like an interstellar cheerleader.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Game point for the hot chick-and-
                 quicksilver team!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                     (looking O.S.)
                 I do not know your reference,
                 Nova -- but I believe any victory
                 celebration is premature.
       
       And again he POWERS UP as:
       
       MORE ENERGY BLASTS
       
       Streak toward them!  We WIDEN as the Surfer FIRES his own,
       Nova doing the same.  Again the BLASTS cancel each other out
       EXPLOSIVELY, but this time a SPARK ARCS to one of the pulsar
       mines, and it too BLOWS!
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       As, like mousetraps set off by a ball, one after another the
       pulsar mines EXPLODE, the number of mines BLOWING in each
       successive BLAST increasing exponentially until:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Are surrounded by EXPLODING mines!  The brunt of the BLASTS
       hits Nova, and, arms flailing, she is BLASTED through even
       more of the mines.  CRYING OUT wordlessly, she goes
       careening helplessly toward the green planet below!
       
       CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
       
       Without stopping to think twice, he races after her, soaring
       directly through the already exploded mines.
       
       THE INTERCEPTORS
       
       Start after them.  Suddenly:
                           
                           COMMAND VOICE (NIETRE)
                     (filtered)
                 Green Interceptors, this is Hive
                 One.  Cease interference.
                 Repeat -- cease interference!
       
       And, as the ships stop firing, breaking formation:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER
       
       Looks upward, sees that he isn't being followed.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
                 Odd...The Vandals perform as well
                 within an atmosphere as without.
                 Why do they not continue the
                 pursuit?
       
       But he doesn't stop, continuing into the atmosphere as:
       
       THE INTERCEPTORS
       
       Turn back toward the center of the minefield.
                           
                           COMMAND VOICE (NIETRE)
                 Thank you, Interceptors.  The Hive
                 Mother appreciates the zeal you've
                 shown, but we do not want to hurt
                 the children now, do we?
                                                                   
                                                           CUT TO:
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY
       
       Where Nova's flaming form plunges from the sky.  She CRASHES
       through a dense jungle canopy and vanishes into the foliage
       below.  After a short beat, the Surfer streaks into view,
       following the trail of wafting smoke to:
       
       A TROPICAL JUNGLE
       
       Thick, steamy, and dotted with the stone ruins of an ancient
       culture.  Eerie PRIMAL SOUNDS COME from the mists.  We FIND
       the Silver Surfer, landing beside the GROANING form of Nova.
       
       Leaping off his board, he hurries to her side.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Nova, can you hear me?
       
       She opens her eyes, focuses on the Surfer.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Silverado...?
                     (GROANING)
                 Who would've thought a living
                 flame could have contusions?
       
       She clambers to her feet, looks around.
                           
                           NOVA
                 So this is the old homestead, huh?
                 Not exactly like I imagined.
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       The Surfer moves toward the ruins, peers at them intently.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 This is not Zenn-La.
                     (beat; tries to move)
                 And yet...
       
       He trails off, still looking around.  Nova joins him,
       puzzled.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Nothing like this ever happened to
                 me before.  My hormones must be
                 acting up.  How else could I be so
                 far off?
       
       THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE RUINS - (SUBJECTIVE CAMERA)
       
       As, in the Surfer's mind, the graceful stone buildings of
       Zenn-La are SUPERIMPOSED over the wreckage -- and what's
       left standing looks tantalizingly similar!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (O.S)
                 Perhaps not so very far, after
                 all...
       
       The SUPERIMPOSITION ENDS, and all we SEE are the ruins as:
       
       BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       The Surfer doesn't know whether to be thrilled...or
       miserable:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Nova!  The composition of these
                 buildings -- the feeling of
                 them... They could once have stood
                 upon my world!
       
       From O.S. comes a WEIRD JITTERING NOISE, and the RUSTLING of
       unseen creatures.  Nova draws back, bumps into what appears
       to be an ancient stone column, one of many scattered with
       the ruins.
       
       CLOSER ON THE STONE COLUMN
       
       As, suddenly, it MORPHS, SHAPESHIFTING INTO a fully armed
       Skrull HIVE GUARD!  The guard brings up his weapon.
       
       WIDER
       
       Nova GASPS as the other stone columns also SHAPESHIFT into
       Skrull guards.  As one, the Skrull aim their weapons at the
       Surfer and Nova, and we hear the LOUD, OMINOUS SNICK as they
       lock and load.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Skrull!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 We have been tricked!
       
       Both the Surfer and Nova start to POWER UP, and a lone,
       unarmed figure SHAPESHIFTS out of a tree before them.  This
       is NIETRE, slightly hunched, face hidden in the shadows of a
       cowl.  When he speaks, he plays on what the Surfer last
       said:
                           
                           NIETRE
                 Welcome to my world.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Who are you?  What place is this?
       
       Nietre pulls back his cowl to reveal a Skrull face creased
       with age, scales dry and cracked.  He looks like an old
       sorcerer -- or a fanatic.
                           
                           NIETRE
                 I am Nietre.  The Caretaker --
       
       THE JUNGLE NEARBY
       
       As Nietre talks.  We hear the same JITTERING as before, and
       out of the bush leaps what we will learn is a MINDLESS ONE,
       a lizard-like creature with a lashing tail and gnashing
       teeth.
       
       The Mindless One jumps at the nearest Skrull soldier, and as
       it does so it SHAPESHIFTS into a WASP-LIKE CREATURE, then a
       LARGE SNAKE, a FLAMING tongue emerging from its mouth and
       sending out FIERY BOLTS.
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 And that is a Mindless One, one of
                 my young charges...
       
       Instead of shooting the creature as we would expect, the
       soldier lowers his gun and SHAPESHIFTS back to stone, the
       FIERY BOLTS enveloping his new form but doing no damage.
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 Here on Skrullos.
       
       Exhausted, the Mindless One stops its bolts and,
       SHAPESHIFTING back to its original form, it leaps away.
       
       WIDER
       
       The Surfer and Nova look on as the soldier MORPHS back into
       his Skrull form.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 "Skrullos?"  Nova, you have taken
                 us to a place no outsider has ever
                 before found -- the very Nest
                 World of the Skrull!
                           
                           NIETRE
                 Precisely, Silver Surfer.  Now,
                 come with me quickly...I have
                 taken a great risk, and we have
                 very little time!
       
       And, as Nietre starts into the jungle, we TIGHTEN ON the
       Surfer and
                                                                   
                                                      DISSOLVE TO:
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY - VARIOUS ANGLES
       
       A SERIES OF SCENES in which the Surfer and Nova make their
       way through the jungle with Nietre and the other Skrulls.
                           
                           NIETRE (V.O.)
                 No planet but that of our origin
                 has ever been found with the
                 proper conditions for Skrull
                 reproduction.  Here on Skrullos we
                 hatch, and begin our childhood...
       
       Various Mindless Ones follow the group, leaping into its
       midst and FIRING their FIERY BOLTS.
                           
                           NIETRE (V.O.)
                 The body of the Hatchling rages
                 with primal instinct....
       
       The Hive Guards respond by MORPHING into monstrous shapes
       that terrify the Mindless Ones into rushing away.
                           
                           NIETRE (V.O.)
                 Bereft of reason, it is driven
                 only by emotion...
       
       The situation is anything but nurturing, and the Surfer and
       Nova react with dismay, the Surfer stepping between the
       Mindless Ones and the Guards.
                           
                           NIETRE (V.O.)
                 Until, after the time of jungle
                 trial, when it has gained the
                 power of thought...
       
       MOUNTAIN HIVE - DAY
       
       An enormous peak that looms above the jungle like the home
       of the gods.
                           
                           NIETRE (V.O.)
                 It returns to the Hive.
       
       The SERIES OF SCENES ends as we TIGHTEN ON the dark entrance
       at the base of the mountain and
                                                                   
                                                           CUT TO:
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
       
       TIGHTENING through the minefield to a heavily armed Skrull
       space station in the center of the field.  Docked at the
       station are the Vandal Interceptors that attacked the Surfer
       and Nova earlier.
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO (O.S)
                 We have a "situation" here, Prime
                 Minister.
       
       INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY
       
       A busy nerve center as technological as the planet below is
       primitive.  Pacing before a huge viewscreen is ADMIRAL
       ZEDRAO, an impressive Skrull.  On the screen is the even
       more impressive PRIME MINISTER KIAR.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 What kind of "situation?"
       
       Zedrao looks around at the others, to make sure no one is
       overhearing, bends closer to the screen.
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 Two known associates of Galactus,
                 the Silver Surfer and a woman our
                 Intelligence Service believes is
                 called Nova, are planetside.
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET TARNAX IV
       
       The Capitol of the Skrull Confederation, bristling with
       activity, including massive battle cruisers.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR (O.S)
                     (enraged)
                 You couldn't stop them?  What kind
                 of fleet are you running, Zedrao?
       
       We ANGLE WITH one of the battle cruisers as it ZOOMS to a
       landing at:
       
       EXT. PLANET TARNAX IV - NIGHT
       
       PANNING FROM the giant spaceport TO SEE the incredibly
       complicated city itself as:
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO (O.S)
                 My Vandals were called off -- by
                 Caretaker Nietre.  He's been
                 incommunicado ever since.
       
       We TIGHTEN ON the Royal Palace -- a modern version of the
       Mountain Hive and:
       
       INT. ROYAL PALACE - PRIME MINISTER'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
       
       The utmost in Skrull luxury.  Alone in his expansive
       quarters, Kiar glares at Zedrao the viewscreen.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 I knew we should've gotten rid of
                 the old fool the moment we took
                 over!
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 We had no choice, Kiar.  Without
                 Nietre we never could have kept up
                 the charade of a normal chain of
                 command.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 But if he actually intends to
                 summon the Devourer of Worlds --
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 Nietre may be an loyalist, Kiar,
                 but that's the one thing he'd
                 never do...
       
       INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY
       
       Zedrao pauses thoughtfully.
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 He's up to something far more
                 insidious.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 Zedrao, now that we have real
                 power, I don't intend to lose it.
                     (hard)
                 Whatever Nietre's plan, it's up to
                 you to stop it.
       
       Kiar reaches out, and the viewscreen GOES DEAD.  Zedrao
       turns, strides away, as:
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
       
       Where, peeling away one by one, the entire fleet of
       Interceptors ROARS OUT of the station as we
                                                                   
                                                           CUT TO:
       
       INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
       
       PANNING an immense, dimly-lighted cavern, the dank floor of
       which is covered with row upon row of meter-high eggs.
       SKRULL TENDERS busily monitor them while armed guards like
       those we've already seen line the cavern walls, which are
       honeycombed with entrances.
       
       We HOLD ON one of the entrances as the Silver Surfer, Nova,
       Nietre, and the others emerge.  The Surfer and Nova look
       around, amazed by the magnitude of it all as:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Correct me if I am wrong, Nietre,
                 but I assume there is some point
                 to your hurried hospitality...?
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
       
       As the last of the Skrull ships leaves the minefield and
       joins the others ROARING down into the atmosphere of the
       planet!
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 Indeed there is, Silver Surfer.
                 Long have I awaited a deliverer --
                 and I believe you are he.
                                                                   
                                                           CUT TO:
       
       INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
       
       Where Nova moves forward, looking at the eggs.
                           
                           NOVA
                 What, you ordered a pizza and it
                 still hasn't come?
       
       A CRACKING SOUND comes from O.S., the Surfer and the others
       turning toward:
       
       A GROUP OF EGGS
       
       One of them wobbles on its axis like a speed bag at full
       throttle and BURSTS OPEN to reveal a miniature Mindless One.
       
       The small creature rears up, and tries to take a toothy bite
       out of the nearest Skrull Tender.  The Tender MORPHS into
       stone, and the Hatchling pulls back angrily.  It continues
       biting, scratching, and kicking as two more Tenders grab it,
       and bear its SQUEALING form away.
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
       
       As Nietre beams parentally.
                           
                           NIETRE
                 Children...
                           
                           NOVA
                 You don't have to tell me.  I used
                 to baby-sit for the kid next door!
       
       But the Surfer's still looking around:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 From what I have heard of the
                 Skrull, is not the Hive Mother
                 customarily present at the
                 hatching?
       
       It's an innocent question, but Nietre reacts with great
       sorrow.  He tries to speak, can barely get out the words:
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY
       
       As the Skrull fleet ROARS down to the jungle canopy.
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 Such was the way of our people --
                 until a cabal including Prime
                 Minister Kiar and Admiral Zedrao
                 seized power...
       
       INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
       
       Nietre speaks emotionally:
                           
                           NIETRE
                 And eliminated our beloved Queen!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 But what would prompt such a
                 horrendous action?
                           
                           NIETRE
                 I am not privy to the secrets of
                 insurrectionists, Silver Surfer,
                 but I do know that the Hive Mother
                 had wearied of the carnage caused
                 by our war with the Kree...
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY - THE SKRULL FLEET
       
       Flying over the jungle and its ruins.
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 A war which has greatly prospered
                 the nests of the rebels!
                     (beat)
                 Now the fighting continues, with
                 the Prime Minister telling our
                 people he is following the wishes
                 of a queen only a few of us know
                 does not exist!
       
       The ships get closer and closer to:
       
       INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
       
       Another egg bursts open, a Hatchling emerging to receive the
       same treatment as the first.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 With no Hive Mother, the Skrull
                 have no future.  Yet these eggs --
                           
                           NIETRE
                 Several clutches still remain.
                 But eventually there will be no
                 new Skrull.  Unless...
       
       Nietre gestures, and a group of Tenders push a row of eggs
       aside, revealing another one, twice the size of the others,
       at the rear of the cavern.  We TIGHTEN ON the ROYAL EGG,
       GLOWING BRIGHTLY as:
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 Behold the next Hive Mother of the
                 Skrull!
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MOUNTAIN HIVE - DAY - CLOSE ON A
       SHIP'S BAY
       
       The sky over it darkened by the Skrull fleet.  The ships
       slow to a hovering stop, as:
       
       INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
       
       As the Surfer, Nova, and Nietre gather around the Royal Egg.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 If this is a Royal Egg, why do you
                 not simply hatch it and create a
                 new Queen?
                           
                           NIETRE
                 If the usurpers learn of a
                 Hatchling Hive Mother, they will
                 imprison her, or raise her to be
                 their puppet -- or worse...
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - DAY - CLOSE ON A SHIP'S BAY
       
       UP ANGLE as locking bolts release and a troop carrier is
       released to fall away!
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 But if someone with your power
                 takes the Egg to be hatched in a
                 safe place, my people can rally
                 behind their new queen when she
                 becomes an adult!
                           
                           NOVA (O.S)
                 Just what the universe needs -- a
                 Skrull rally.
       
       We WIDEN TO SEE that more and more troop ships are emerging
       from the carriers, and swooping down at:
       
       INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
       
       As the unsuspecting Surfer turns to Nietre.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Nietre, you know the regard -- or
                 lack of it -- in which most other
                 beings hold the Skrull.
                     (beat)
                 Although on my homeworld we had no
                 such bias, still is it not my
                 place to interfere in your
                 affairs  --
       
       WIDER
       
       The Surfer is interrupted as, from O.S., we hear a SERIES OF
       EXPLOSIONS!  The cavern rocks, throwing Nietre and the other
       Skrull to the ground.  From the various entrances to the
       chamber pour face-masked Skrull shock troops, BLASTING away
       with their weapons as we
                                                                   
                                                         FADE OUT.

                              END OF ACT ONE

                                  ACT TWO
       
       FADE IN:
       
       INT. MOUNTAIN HIVE - NEST CHAMBER - DAY
       
       All is chaos as the Skrull troops move in, FIRING -- and the
       Nest Guards FIRE back, chunks of the walls and roof BLOWING
       away!  We ANGLE WITH a huge section of roof as it falls
       toward:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
       
       Leaping onto his board, the Surfer raises his arms for a
       POWER COSMIC BLAST that BLOWS the rock to smithereens!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Skrull fighting Skrull!  Never did
                 I believe I would be part of
                 something like this!
       
       He soars upward, continuing to BLAST at the attackers'
       ENERGY BLASTS.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                     (continuing; calling)
                 Nova!  We must help Nietre out of
                 here!
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       Nova turns to Nietre, who wraps his arm around the Royal
       Egg.
                           
                           NIETRE
                 I am not important!  You must save
                 the Royal Egg!
                           
                           NOVA
                 Don't sweat it, Nietre.  You can
                 have Today's Special -- two
                 rescues for the price of one!
       
       Two flamelike ropes of the POWER COSMIC pour from Nova's
       hands, winding around Nietre and the Egg, and, with the
       Surfer's BLASTS providing the cover, she flies upward, the
       Skrull Caretaker and the future Skrull Queen in tow.
       
       WIDER
       
       The attackers part, making way for a second wave of troops,
       who FIRE weapons that literally SPRAY the cavern with
       billowing CLOUDS of COLORED gas.  MOANING, the Nest Guards
       collapse as:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER
       
       BLASTS through the hole in the cavern roof, widening it and
       exposing the outside jungle.  The gas CLOUD BILLOWS UP from
       below as the Surfer, Nova, and their two charges streak
       through the hole to:
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - MOUNTAIN HIVE - DAY
       
       Where the Surfer and the others find themselves heading
       straight toward the hovering Skrull fleet.
                           
                           NOVA
                 We would have to pick rush hour!
       
       Nietre starts COUGHING.  Nova does the same.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Surfer!  I can hardly breathe -- !
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       As the ships start FIRING ENERGY BLASTS at the Surfer and
       Nova, who dodge and weave out of the way.  The Surfer too
       starts to COUGH.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Nietre, what is happening to us?
                           
                           NIETRE
                     (weakly)
                 The shock troops have used a
                 special gas that causes
                 unconsciousness, so they will not
                 damage the children.
       
       WIDER
       
       The Surfer and the others make it past the ships, but
       they're slowing perceptibly.  Turning, the Surfer BLASTS at
       the Skrull -- and his POWER COSMIC literally falls short!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Both Nova and I wield the power
                 cosmic!  Such a weapon should have
                 no effect on such as we.
                           
                           NIETRE
                 We Skrull are more than mere
                 upstarts, Silver Surfer.  Our
                 greatest minds have created a
                 weapon that can stop almost
                 anything...by adhering to your
                 very skin --
       
       Nietre breaks off in a COUGHING FIT. The rope of POWER
       COSMIC that holds him is weakening, GROWING DIM.
                           
                           NOVA
                     (gasping)
                 I...can't hold on -- !
       
       The "rope" around Nietre DISSOLVES, and he starts to fall!
       We ANGLE WITH the Surfer as he swoops down after him.
                           
                           NIETRE
                 The Hive Mother!
       
       The Surfer turns, sees:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE ROYAL EGG
       
       No longer held by the POWER COSMIC, it too is falling back
       at the mountain below.
                           
                           NIETRE (O.S)
                 Please... You must be our
                 Deliverer...
       
       BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
       
       As he makes a decision, sweeping to:
       
       THE ROYAL EGG
       
       COUGHING, the Surfer grabs it in both hands.  Unsteadily, he
       arcs back up while:
       
       NIETRE
       
       Plummets down -- and stops as he is BLASTED by the attackers
       with a cocoon-like FOAM that ensnares him as it breaks his
       fall!
       
       WIDER
       
       The Surfer and Nova fly on unsteadily, a group of
       Interceptors peeling off from the rest of the fleet to give
       chase.  The interceptors FIRE A SERIES OF BLASTS --
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Veer directly into the BLASTS.  Nova is hit, and her body
       changes course as though kicked by a mule.  She sails
       outward, over the dense trees -- and then the Surfer too is
       struck, and goes flying off his board.
       
       THE ROYAL EGG
       
       The Surfer loses his grip, and it plummets down toward the
       jungle below!  We ANGLE WITH the Egg as it CRASHES through
       the brush.
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       Suddenly, TWIN BEAMS OF THE POWER COSMIC strike the -- and
       an ENERGY BUBBLE forms around it, preventing the Egg from
       smashing on the jungle floor!
       
       We WIDEN TO SEE the Surfer and Nova, falling toward the
       ground.  The Surfer allows himself a grim smile, his eye
       beams stopping, and, just as he and Nova are about to hit
       the ground we
                                                                   
                                                           CUT TO:
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
       
       As the fleet makes its way through the mines.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR (O.S)
                 A Royal Egg?  You're sure?
       
       We TIGHTEN PAST them, TO:
       
       INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY - THE
       VIEWSCREEN
       
       Where Prime Minister Kiar stares in shock.  Through a
       window, we can make out a pair of setting suns.
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO (O.S)
                 Absolutely.  Nietre's been hiding
                 it from us all this time!
       
       WIDENING, we SEE Zedrao before the viewscreen.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 This changes everything...!
       
       INT. ROYAL PALACE - PRIME MINISTER'S QUARTERS - NIGHT
       
       The Prime Minister stalks through the room like an anxious
       predator.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 My entire strategy in the war with
                 the Kree has been based on a
                 belief that we were a dying race...
       
       INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT -
       INTERCUT AS NEEDED
       
       Now it's Zedrao's turn to look surprised.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 I had hoped to go out in a blaze
                 of glory -- and take the Supremor
                 and his followers with us!
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 You are not pleased to learn that
                 we have a future, after all?
                     (beat)
                 We have a chance now to establish
                 a ruling line of our direct
                 descendants, through our own Hive
                 Mother.
                     (beat)
                 Why come to an end, however,
                 glorious, when our nests can live
                 forever?
       
       Kiar's expression changes.  He smiles.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 Zedrao, I knew there was a reason
                 we were working together.  Find
                 that Royal Egg!
       
       And, as Zedrao smiles back, we
                                                                   
                                                      DISSOLVE TO:
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - NIGHT - THE ROYAL EGG
       
       On the ground in the middle of the jungle, GLOWING within
       its ENERGY BUBBLE.  A Mindless One leaps at the Egg, trying
       to wrap itself around the BUBBLE, which automatically flings
       him away.  CHITTERING, the Mindless One tries again,
       SHAPESHIFTING into a creature like a woolly frog -- but a
       FIERY POWER COSMIC BLAST at the ground before it causes the
       Mindless One to stop in its tracks, SCREECHING, as:
                           
                           NOVA (O.S)
                 That's no way to treat a mother of
                 tomorrow -- shame on you!
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       Nova stands in a dark clearing surrounded by more ruins.
       She watches with satisfaction as the Mindless One scampers
       away.
       
       We WIDEN TO INCLUDE the Silver Surfer, also on his feet.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 You seem to be feeling somewhat
                 better, Nova.
                           
                           NOVA
                 I'm heavily motivated by my
                 maternal instinct.  You don't look
                 so bad yourself, Silverado.
       
       The Surfer's hands move over his body.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Who would have thought that a man
                 of living energy could have --
                 contusions?
                           
                           NOVA
                     (amazed)
                 Hey, know what you just did?  You
                 made a joke!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Impossible!  The Silver Surfer
                 does not make "jokes..."
                     (beat)
                 Although there were times when
                 Norrin Radd did.
       
       He smiles wanly, moves to:
       
       THE RUINS
       
       These, like the first group we saw, also seem familiar.  The
       Surfer goes to the center of the wreckage.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 It is so strange, Nova...
       
       THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE RUINS - (SUBJECTIVE CAMERA)
       
       This time, in the Surfer's mind, the Sculpture Garden of
       Zenn-La is SUPERIMPOSED over the wreckage -- and, it seems
       almost to fit.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (O.S)
                 For all its differences, this
                 world does indeed make me feel
                 more like Norrin Radd than I have
                 since I left home.
       
       BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       As she joins him.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Think maybe I was actually
                 right -- and somehow this could be
                 Zenn-La?
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 It would need be a Zenn-La out of
                 its time, after the climate had
                 changed, and everything I knew had
                 crumbled to -- this.
       
       He rests his hand on one of the sculpture-like pieces -- and
       suddenly the Mindless One that was here before races to them
       in terror, leaping into Nova's arms and SHAPESHIFTING into a
       smaller version of her flaming form.
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       The Surfer and Nova turn as a contingent of Skrull troops
       CRASH through the jungle, weapons at the ready.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 We must return to space!
                     (calling out)
                 To me, my board!
       
       The Surfer BLASTS at the Skrulls, and they duck back as:
       
       DEEPER IN THE RUINS
       
       Where the Surfer's board is wedged.  Quivering, it pulls
       itself free, and soars to:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Snatching up the Royal Egg, the Surfer leaps onto his board
       and heads for the sky.  We HOLD ON Nova as she starts to fly
       after him, trying to disentangle the Mindless One.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Sorry, Fido.  You've gotta stay
                 here at the Pound.
       
       The wild young Skrull clings to her more tightly, wrapping
       itself around Nova's face.
                           
                           NOVA
                 C'mon -- I can't see --
       
       A BARRAGE OF GAS
       
       The cloud envelopes Nova and the Mindless One completely,
       and at last the Skrull child lets go, dropping the short
       distance to the ground -- and Nova drops as well!
       
       THE SILVER SURFER
       
       Swoops back down to her, FIRING MORE POWER COSMIC BLASTS!
       
       THE ATTACKERS
       
       Fall back as a unit, but continue to FIRE:
       
       THE CLOUD OF GAS
       
       DARKER and thicker and more concentrated than before.  The
       Surfer flies into it -- and immediately starts CHOKING and
       weaving on the board.  Nova looks up at him weakly.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Silverado!  Go on with the Egg!
                 Or you'll hit the dirt too!
       
       She tries to get to her feet, fails, as:
                           
                           NOVA
                 There's just one of me, but
                 millions of Skrull -- and, good or
                 bad, their whole future's riding
                 with you!
       
       WIDER
       
       COUGHING, Nova slumps back, and the Skrull attack force
       moves in, FIRING ENERGY BLASTS as well as gas so the Surfer
       is forced to soar back upward.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Nova!  I will come back for you --
       
       As he says it, we TIGHTEN ON the Silver Surfer and
                                                                   
                                                     SMASH CUT TO:
       
       EXT. PLANET ZENN-LA - NIGHT - THE SILVER SURFER'S POV -
       (FLASHBACK)
       
       Of SHALLA BAL, looking up at Norrin Radd as he leaves the
       planet in Galactus' ENERGY BUBBLE.
                           
                           NORRIN RADD (O.S)
                 I swear I will return to you --
                 someday -- somehow --
                                                                   
                                                     SMASH CUT TO:
       
       EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS - NIGHT
       
       As the Surfer sweeps up into the atmosphere.  We ANGLE DOWN
       TO Nova, lying immobile on the ground, her eyes tightly
       closed.  Her voice is a quiet whisper:
                           
                           NOVA
                 I'll bet you say that to all the
                 girls...
       
       And, as the troops grab her, we
                                                                   
                                                           CUT TO:
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
       
       As, Royal Egg in hand, the Surfer slaloms through it.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
                 Nova brought me to this planet,
                 yet now I leave without her...
       
       THE SKRULL SPACE STATION
       
       From inside, O.S., we hear the SOUND OF A SIREN, and the
       Interceptors ROAR away!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
                 Am I cursed to forever betray
                 those I love or respect?
       
       THE SILVER SURFER
       
       Continuing through the minefield, faster and faster.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
                 Why is there always a conflict
                 between my hopes and desires and
                 the greater good?
       
       The Interceptors come into VIEW --
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
                 After seeing how the Skrull are
                 raised -- so unlike the gentleness
                 of my own kind...
       
       The Interceptors FIRE!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
                 Now do I understand why they have
                 made themselves such a threat to
                 the remainder of the universe...
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       The Surfer goes still faster, dodging the BLASTS as:
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
                 Were the future Hive Mother to be
                 reared more humanely -- who knows
                 what benefits we all might receive?
                     (beat)
                 But is there no way to prevent an
                 innocent like Nova from paying the
                 price -- ?
       
       And, as a Skrull BLAST strikes exactly where he was, the
       Silver Surfer FORESHORTENS INTO WARP, VANISHING, while we
                                                                   
                                                      DISSOLVE TO:
       
       INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY - ADMIRAL
       ZEDRAO
       
       Looking very upset but trying to hide it as:
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 Prime Minister -- to what do we
                 owe this honor?
       
       We WIDEN TO SEE Prime Minister Kiar, resplendent in official
       robes of office.  Around him are various Skrull attendants,
       both male and female.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                     (infuriated)
                 I came here to personally view the
                 Royal Egg, Zedrao -- not this
                 nonsensical woman of flame!
       
       WIDENING MORE, we SEE Nova, held in an ENERGY CAGE created
       by a myriad of INTERSECTING BEAMS OF ENERGY from the walls,
       deck, and ceiling.
                           
                           NOVA
                     (defiantly)
                 You don't like the look?  Take it
                 up with Galactus.  Better yet, let
                 me go and take it up with Big G!
       
       Nova's flames FLARE UP, and immediately a CLOUD OF GAS
       starts filling the cage.  COUGHING, she slumps back as:
       
       CLOSER ON KIAR AND ZEDRAO
       
       Zedrao is every bit as upset as Kiar.
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 We will recover the Egg, Kiar, no
                 matter what resources it takes!
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 This is a very delicate situation,
                 Zedrao.  What do we do in the
                 meantime...?
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 We pursue the war, Prime Minister.
                 And what we lose on one front, we
                 gain on another.
                     (insinuatingly)
                 New reports confirm that it's Nova
                 who selects the worlds on which
                 Galactus feeds --
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                     (getting it)
                 And if she were to select the
                 worlds of the Kree...
       
       NOVA
       
       Weak, but awake enough to hear this.  Again, she flares:
                           
                           NOVA
                 No!  I'll never lead him to an
                 inhabited world!
       
       And again the gas BILLOWS, forcing her down as:
       
       WIDER
       
       The Prime Minister moves closer to the ENERGY CAGE.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR
                 You say that now, but we will
                 convince you otherwise.  We Skrull
                 are experts at -- persuasion.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER (O.S)
                 Leaders of the Skrull!
       
       The Surfer's voice comes from the communicator.  Everyone
       turns toward:
       
       THE VIEWSCREEN
       
       Where the Surfer's image appears on the other side of the
       minefield.  He holds up the Royal Egg in its ENERGY BUBBLE.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 I believe I have something you
                 need...!
                     (beat)
                 And you have something I want!
       
       WIDER
       
       Nova looks horrified.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Surfer!  You can't!
       
       Kiar and Zedrao exchange interested gazes as:
                           
                           ADMIRAL ZEDRAO
                 We are listening, Silver Surfer...
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE SILVER SURFER
       
       Looks across the minefield intently.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 My bargain is a simple one.
                 Return to me my associate -- and
                 take back your Queen.
       
       The Surfer lets go of the Egg.
       
       INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY
       
       As Nova cries out.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Don't, Silverado -- !
       
       More gas BILLOWS at her.  At one of the numerous control
       consoles in the command center, a LIEUTENANT turns to
       Zedrao.
                           
                           LIEUTENANT
                 Instruments show that it's
                 genuine, sir.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 I would suggest you decide quickly.
       
       Kiar and Zedrao turn back to:
       
       THE VIEWSCREEN
       
       Where the Egg is drifting inexorably toward the mines.
                           
                           PRIME MINISTER KIAR (O.S)
                     (quickly)
                 Release the woman.
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE SPACE STATION
       
       As a TRACTOR BEAM comes out of the hull, Nova enveloped
       within it.  We WIDEN TO SEE a BEAM OF THE POWER COSMIC come
       from the Surfer's eyes.  It joins with the ENERGY BUBBLE
       around the Royal Egg, carrying it forward.
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       The two BEAMS thread through the minefield and pass each
       other.  We ANGLE WITH the Royal Egg as it reaches the space
       station's main airlock and begins to DISSOLVE inside it.
       
       THE SILVER SURFER
       
       As Nova reaches him.  The TRACTOR BEAM VANISHES, and she
       flies after him woozily as the Surfer heads away from the
       planet.
                           
                           NOVA
                 How could you do it?  They'll use
                 her!  They'll hurt her!  And keep
                 going after everyone else in the
                 universe as well!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Do not worry, Nova.  I used my
                 ability to transmute elements.
                 That is not the Egg.
                           
                           NOVA
                 Not the Egg?!
                     (even more upset)
                 They're gonna come after us!
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Actually, I believe they will be
                 too busy...
       
       INT. SKRULL SPACE STATION - COMMAND CENTER - DAY - THE
       "ROYAL EGG"
       
       On the floor in the middle of the command center, Kiar and
       Zedrao watching as the ENERGY BUBBLE FADES AND VANISHES.
       Zedrao reaches out to touch the GLOWING surface -- and the
       facade of vanishes, revealing a pulsar mine!
       
       The mine opens, and Kiar, Zedrao, and all the others in the
       place CRY OUT WORDLESSLY as:
       
       EXT. SPACE ABOVE PLANET SKRULLOS - THE MINEFIELD
       
       Where another TRACTOR BEAM APPEARS, taking the mine from the
       space station and into the minefield --where not only does
       it EXPLODE, but so does every other pulsar mine out here!
       
       We HOLD as the chain reaction sends the Skrull station
       spinning out of its orbit to vanish in empty space, and
       then:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       Sweep toward the far edge of the Skrullos system, the
       shockwave of the EXPLOSIONS behind them.  Nova glances back
       over her shoulder and lets out a long-held breath.
                           
                           NOVA
                 And they say everything happens in
                 So Cal!
                     (beat; seriously)
                 Thanks for coming back for me.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 I believe in keeping my word.
                     (shooting around her)
                 Nova, will you try once more -- to
                 locate Zenn-La?
       
       ANOTHER ANGLE
       
       The Surfer's appeal is so sincere that all Nova can do is
       nod.  The two of them stop, and she closes her eyes.  The
       Surfer watches intently, until she looks back at him again.
                           
                           NOVA
                 All I got was -- that.
       
       She points to:
       
       THE SILVER SURFER'S AND NOVA'S POV - SKRULLOS
       
       The jade planet hangs against the blackness.
       
       BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
       
       As the Surfer shakes his head.
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 No!  It is elsewhere!  I will find
                 it no matter what -- !
       
       He stops as, BOOMING all around them:
                           
                           GALACTUS (O.S)
                 My Nova!  I hunger!
       
       Nova looks around with a start, then calls out in a perfect
       imitation of Barbara Eden on I DREAM OF JEANNIE:
                           
                           NOVA
                 I hear you, Master!
       
       She soars forward, racing on.  The Surfer picks up a COSMIC
       WAVE, heads off in another direction.  Nova calls out to
       him:
                           
                           NOVA
                 Silverado, What'd you do with the
                 real Egg?
                           
                           SILVER SURFER
                 Above all things in my life, Nova,
                 I respect harmony and peace.  I
                 believe the Skrull must control
                 their own Destiny -- but with a
                 Hive Mother raised where she can
                 learn what that Destiny truly is!
       
       And, as both of them FORESHORTEN INTO WARP we
                                                                   
                                                           CUT TO:
       
       EXT. PLANET MOROVUS - THE VILLAGE - NIGHT - THE ROYAL EGG
       
       CRACKING open, a Hatchling twice as big as the one we saw
       before breaking out of the egg.  A FIERY BOLT SHOOTS from
       the Hatchling's mouth --
                           
                           KILI (O.S)
                 You have no need to be frightened,
                 little one...
       
       We WIDEN TO SEE KILI the Troll reaching out and stroking the
       Hatchling's head gently -- even though it's as big as she
       is!
                           
                           KILI
                 You're safe with Kili, my girl.
                 Let me tell you a story...
                     (as the Hatchling)
                 Of a sacred place called Zenn- La,
                 and a baby born Queen of queens...
       
       And, as the future Hive Mother of all the Skrulls nuzzles
       the Troll, making a SOUND not unlike a PURR, we ANGLE UP TO
       the star-studded night sky and CALMS DOWN.
                                                                   
                                                         FADE OUT.
                                  THE END

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