INT. COURTROOM - ALPHA PRIME - DAY
Two parties are standing on either side of the room,
awaiting the decision of the Judge.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Some time long ago, before the
Primitiveness Law had been
introduced, the Universal Telecom
Company was sued for false or
misleading advertising about the
nature of its telecommunications
services. It claimed that its
network reached all of the planets
in the universe. This was however
false because it was impractical to
connect those planets with
civilisations incapable of
interstellar travel, for they had
no need of such a service, being
primitive and disconnected from the
civilised galaxy at large.
The Judge bangs his gavel - a round object which makes
contact with the table, signifying the finality of his
decision.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Nevertheless, the court ruled
against Universal Telecom and
ordered it to fulfill its promise.
EXT. SPACE - UNKNOWN ORANGE PLANET IN VIEW
A small spacecraft moves towards the orange planet and a
package detaches, with a trajectory that sends it down
towards the planet.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It was tasked with providing a link
to every single habitable planet in
the known universe with a present
civilisation, and servicing that
connection far into the future.
While this may have seemed like an
impossible task, it was
accomplished by Universal
distributing small telephone
handsets far and wide. The majority
of the cost was for the travel
expense.
EXT. ORANGE PLANET SURFACE - DAY
The ROOT TELEPHONE - a black rectangular handset device with
a cord connecting the receiver and a small satellite dish
adjacent to it - is seen in the middle of a small crater
where it landed in the sand.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
At first, the root telephones, as
they were known, were just thrown
into a random location on the
planet.
TIMELAPSE of the ROOT TELEPHONE slowly being covered with
sand.
INT. COURTROOM - ALPHA PRIME - DAY
CLOSE ON: A paper booklet of COURT FILINGS is thrown across
the desk of the defendant.
The court officer walks up to the judge and hands him
another copy.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
But eventually, secondary lawsuits,
and the cost of having them found
once the civilisation developed
further, led to Universal
undertaking a more structured and
methodical approach to
distribution.
EXT. SPACE - EARTH IN VIEW
A small spacecraft blisters towards an orb of blue and
green.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Legal Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Presentation of the Root Telephone
EXT. ANCIENT ROME - DAY
Two agents dressed in period clothes ascend stairs leading
to the entrance of the building. Onlookers watch curiously
at the device one of them is carrying - a ROOT TELEPHONE.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Each root phone was entrusted to
the leading civilisation at the
time based on records of the
Scientific Observatory Committee
(later known as the Primitive
Worlds Institute).
INT. ANCIENT ROME - DAY - CONTINUOUS
The agents kneel before the Emperor, offering him the
device.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Their census recorded data on the
civilisation culture, language and
events for historical posterity and
was updated approximately once
every 150 years.
INT. STOREROOMS - MONTAGE THROUGH THE AGES
The root telephone left forgotten in various storerooms
gathers dust for many centuries.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
When the primitiveness reforms and
Basic Primitiveness Law were
introduced, this procedure was
grandfathered in and remained as
one of the last vestiges of a time
when contact with a primitive world
was not seen as culturally
destructive.
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
A Glimpse Across Time
EXT. PLANET - ALPHA CIVILISATION - DAY
TITLE: UNIVERSAL TELECOM
High above the surface. Tall buildings reaching up into the
stratosphere house residences at the edge of space.
Flying spacecraft come and go freely.
INT. AVA'S BEDROOM - ALPHA CIVILISATION
A room cluttered with many items. There is a large window
above the bed with a view of space. The altitude is so high
such that the curvature of the planet is noticeable and the
stars are always visible regardless of if it is night or
day. The surface of the planet ahead is still illuminated by
full sunlight despite the sun having almost set on the area
immediately below.
Adjacent to the bed is a small desk of drawers. On top of
it, among other things, is a landline TELEPHONE, a colourful
model used by a teenage girl.
Laying on the bed, AVA (18), a girl with long blonde hair
longing for adventure, stares up at the stars above with
wonder.
AVA'S MOTHER (O.S.)
Ava, dinner's ready!
EXT. SPACE - EARTH IN VIEW - 1955 AD
A small spaceship pulls up to the planet.
EXT. LONDON, UK - DAY, RAINING, OVERCAST
SUPER: LONDON, UK, 1955
Two AGENTS of the Universal Telecom Company walk in the
street against the backdrop of a wrought iron fence. They
are dressed in early 19th century clothes - trench coats.
Their appearance is that of young men in their late
twenties. Agent #1 glances at a device on his forearm that
is indicating the direction towards where the root telephone
is located. Agent #2 looks at him and he glances back, they
know it must be around here somewhere. He begins to look
around at the nearby buildings. His eyes come to rest at the
upper floor of a nearby building. That is where it is.
EXT. ST JAMES'S PALACE - CONTINUOUS
A fence separates the agents from the brick wall of the
building. Agent #1 outlines with his outstretched arm a
rectangular shape the size of his person on the fence. Once
completed, The enclosed area becomes translucent and
deformed as if it were liquid floating there, but still
retaining a hint of its old shape. The agents pass through
it and make their way to the brick wall. Once through, the
fence behind them now returns back to its original state.
They perform the same maneuver on the brick wall and enter
the building.
INT. AVA'S DINING ROOM - ALPHA CIVILISATION - EVENING
Ava eats dinner with her mother and younger brother.
INT. ST JAMES'S PALACE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
The lights are on in the hallway. Agent #2 looks around the
corner at a T-junction to check that the coast is clear.
They both proceed down the hall to a staircase.
As they skulk up the stairwell, the old wooden stairs creak
underfoot, causing them to quicken their pace.
Upon reaching the top landing, there is another corridor.
They find the door to the storeroom they were searching for.
Agent #1 grasps the door knob, but it's locked. Agent #2
puts his hand over the keyhole, and with a CLICK the door is
unlocked.
INT. ST JAMES'S PALACE - STOREROOM - CONTINUOUS
The door slowly opens to reveal a dark, musty storeroom full
of dust and cobwebs. Bookshelves line the walls. In the
center, boxes stacked containing various items and trinkets
- including clothes, ceramics, and plates. On the far side
is a desk and chair, indicating that this once was a small
study room. Atop that desk, underneath a piece of cloth
draped in cobwebs and dust, is the ROOT TELEPHONE.
INT. AVA'S BEDROOM - ALPHA CIVILISATION
Ava sits on the floor beside her bed, towards the end, with
one leg outstretched. In her lap is a large thick book with
many thin pages. It is a phone book, a directory of all
telephone numbers for root exchanges in the universal
telecom network. In essence, an index of area codes. They
were each telephones themselves, as that is how the network
had grown and developed over time. But their more important
function is as routing nodes. This book served as a map, to
provide directions to different base stations, and paths
that were able to be travelled through the network - a way
to find the area code for any particular planet or locality
sector. The way it works is that from each telephone a
subsequent number can be dialed to then route towards
another location.
Ava has this book not out of necessity in needing to use it,
for it had long since become obsolete. She is fascinated by
it. Here is a physical object that contained within it many
links to distant worlds.
She closes her eyes. Flicking through the book, she opens it
to a random page. Her finger drifts down the page and stops
at a random position. She opens her eyes.
CLOSE ON: Her finger points to an entry in the index,
written in an indiscernable alien alphabet. Slowly she moves
it towards the right side where the area code is located.
Pausing for a moment, she contemplates what that location
could be like. It is a planet. Then she gets up and goes
over to her bedside table where her telephone is located.
Ava hesitates before dialing the number. She knows she might
get in trouble for what she is about to do. But she dials it
anyway.
The first dial tone signifies the initial exchange. From
there, more sequences of numbers are dialed, routing to
further exchanges. She knew what they were without having to
consult the book, because the optimal routing path is more
easily determined by the technological device connected to
her that materialised itself outwardly only as an implant in
her forearm and provided a wide array of other supernatural
capabilities. It is standard in her society, at least for
those who could afford it.
Finally the last sequence of numbers is dialed, and this
time, she double-checks the page of the book which is still
open in front of her on the bed to make sure.
There is a sound that signifies an automated routing
response, a series of quick tones. Then silence on the line
but for faint static as it waits to connect to the final
destination.
EXT. ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE - SUNSET
The two Universal Telecom Agents crest a hill. One of them
carries a large briefcase, a convenient disguise for the
root telephone.
They see the sun begin to set across the English
countryside.
INT. AVA'S BEDROOM - ALPHA CIVILISATION - CONTINUED
There is a CRACK sound over the phone.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
The number you have dialed is
unavailable.
A regular dial tone then resumes. Ava is disappointed, but
also slightly relieved. She hadn't thought about what she
was going to say. It is unexpected that the number is
unreachable. She thinks about trying again, but knows it
won't make any difference. She hangs up the phone.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Unauthorized Access
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
The two Universal Telecom Agents walk along the outside of
the White House fence. They proceed towards the security
checkpoint.
INT./EXT. WHITE HOUSE SECURITY CHECKPOINT - CONTINUOUS
The checkpoint houses a large boom gate for cars to pass
through. A GUARD stands inside a booth next to it. He sees
these strange individuals approaching.
AGENT #2
We have a delivery for the
President.
GUARD
From who? I haven't received notice
of anything.
AGENT #1
We need to speak with him. It's
confidential.
GUARD
(suspicious)
The president doesn't see
unexpected visitors.
AGENT #1
(exasperated)
We don't have time for this. Can
you please let us through?
GUARD
Tell me, what do you have there?
The guard gestures to the briefcase Agent #2 is holding.
After a quick glance to his partner, the agent raises his
right arm to the guard and a brief pulse of energy from the
device causes the guard to freeze in place, motionless in a
pose where he had begun to reach for his firearm.
Agent #1 places his hand on the boom gate and attempts to
move it but it only shakes lightly. It is a strange
installation to him. He abandons his efforts and they both
proceed to comically scale over the top of it, one leg at a
time.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Intrusion and Evasion
INT. WHITE HOUSE - SURVEILANCE ROOM
A row of CRT monitors show black and white surveilance video
from cameras stationed around the White House grounds. A
secret service agent, DOUGLAS DALEY (38) is watching when he
sees two figures on a screen casually cross over one of the
security checkpoints.
DOUGLAS
Ben! Come take a look at this.
BEN HORTON (32), a younger agent and Douglas's partner,
walks over to have a look from where he had been standing
near the doorway smoking a cigarette.
DOUGLAS
(incredulous)
What do these bozos think they're
doing?
Ben and Douglas spring into action, realising they must now
go and confront the intruders. They walk out the door and
quicken their pace as they enter the hallway.
DOUGLAS
(over the radio)
Two unidentified individuals
approaching from the south-east.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS - DAY
The Universal Telecom agents are walking down a path towards
the White House at a leisurly pace.
AGENT #2
I hate this job. How do they expect
us to make a delivery without
intervention? It's impossible!
AGENT #1
Don't worry. It's not like they're
going to audit us. They never do.
Because they know it's impractical.
It's an outdated protocol to keep
up appearances.
AGENT #2
If it's outdated why don't they
abolish it?
Agent #1 shrugs.
Suddenly the secret service agents Ben and Doug come running
towards them from the direction of the building, with guns
drawn.
BEN
Stop! Hands up!
DOUGLAS
Show me your hands!
AGENT #2
(silently to his partner)
Crap...
They duck for cover and make a run for it through the south
lawn. The secret service agents fire at them but they
continue in an arc around them back towards the building.
The secret service gives chase.
As Agent #1 and #2 approach the building's entrance, they
pause. Another two secret service agents appear in the
alcove, blocking their path, and with their guns drawn, they
fire. The bullets would be a direct hit, but before striking
them, slow to a speed not more than that of a small pebble
thrown by hand. An invisible shield is protecting the
universal telecom agents, rendering the shots harmless.
The secret service agent who fired the shots stands
dumbfounded in shock.
Agent #1 takes the opportunity to pull out a small
disc-shaped device from his coat, and attaches it to a
mechanism on his left forearm. With a few precise twists of
the dial, he activates it.
A pulse of energy radiates out from it in all directions for
a distance of 20m before dissipating, causing the two men in
front of them to be initially thrown back and upwards in the
air as if by a shockwave - but then are slowed down to a
speed like as if they are moving through a liquid ten times
as viscous as water.
The same happens to those two behind who catch up to them
and begin to lunge at the intruders.
It is a spacetime disruptor device. The Universal Telecom
agents hurry inside, for they know they don't have much time
until the effect wares off.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Alien Bureaucracy at the White House
INT. WHITE HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
They continued westward at a brisk walk. They come to an
intersection room with a stairway. Another agent is coming
down from the stairs, simultaneously as one emerges from the
hallway. Both of them had been alerted to the presence of
the intruders.
The universal telecom agents dispatch both of them and
continue down the hall.
Finally they reach the President's office. But before it,
there are a few more guards they have to deal with. This
time, silently and quickly before they have a chance to
notice, the universal telecom agents turn the corner and
freeze them in place where they stand. They unintentially
fall to the ground with a thud.
Agent #1 moves one of them to a seating position on a nearby
sofa, dragging his body across the floor. His parter sets
down the briefcase and goes to help him. It will look much
more inconspicous this way.
Then they both return and open the door to the president's
office.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The president stands from his desk, surprised. He had heard
the noise outside but hadn't known what to expect.
Wasting no time, the delivery Agent #2 lays the briefcase on
the desk and unzips it. Meanwhile, Agent #1 pulls out a
folded piece of paper from his coat. He lays it in front of
the president.
AGENT #1
On behalf of the Universal Telecom
Company, please confirm receipt of
the connection device.
He reaches into his coat and hands the president a pen.
AGENT #1 (CONT'D)
By signing, you represent that you
have authority to accept delivery
on behalf of Planet Earth in
subsector 10 of sector LG#57.
PRESIDENT
(confused)
Who are you?
AGENT #2
We are representatives of the
Universal Telecom Company.
PRESIDENT
What's that? Where are you from?
He walks around his desk, eyeing the black root telephone
that Agent #2 just removed from the briefcase. Then he
stares at them, his eyes moving back and forth from one
agent to the other. There is a brief moment of silence.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
(cautious, skeptical)
Are you aliens? From space?
(MORE)
PRESIDENT (CONT'D) (cont'd)
(beat)
How did you get here?
(beat)
What happened to the guards?
AGENT #1
(exasperated)
Just sign the form please.
PRESIDENT
I'm not signing anything until you
answer my questions. How do I know
this isn't some kind of trick? I've
no idea what agreement I'd be
signing.
AGENT #1
It's written in your language isn't
it?
He picks up the piece of paper which had remained on the
desk and passes it to the President, who has now slowly made
his way towards the door.
CLOSE ON: The paper form is indeed in English. At the top is
the text "UNIVERSAL TELECOM COMPANY" and below are fields,
most of which have already been filled in with the details
of the recipient, address and country. Except for at the
bottom, which is where there is space for a signature.
The president contemplates the document before him.
PRESIDENT
Yes... But...
He makes a dash for the door and opens it to see his guards
sitting motionless on the sofa opposite. Before he can
proceed further, his arm is grabbed by Agent #2.
PRESIDENT
What did you do to them!
AGENT #2
Don't worry, they will awake in a
few hours.
PRESIDENT
Let go of me!
AGENT #1
You're right. We're not from this
planet. We're just here to do a
job, which is the delivery of that
device. Or rather, custodial
tranfer. Anyway, the form is not an
agreement, it is just a
confirmation receipt. We can't
(MORE)
AGENT #1 (cont'd)
leave until you've signed it
because it's our evidence that we
completed the job satsifactorily.
PRESIDENT
Why do you have British accents?
How can you even speak English?
AGENT #2
Preliminary reports indicated it is
the same language so there was no
need to recollect. Usually we would
aim to come after the census date
but we must follow the optimally
scheduled route for this region.
The census is due to occur maybe a
few years from now?
(he looks at his partner
for confirmation)
Agent #1 glares at him for revealing potentially protected
information unnecessarily.
PRESIDENT
What census? How many planets are
out there with life and advanced
civlisations like ours?
AGENT #1
We are not at liberty to disclose
details like that.
PRESIDENT
Are there any more of you planning
to come? Do you plan on sharing any
more of your advanced technology?
He again eyes the device on the table.
AGENT #1
No. Contact with primitive worlds
is prohibited and certainly the
sharing of technical information
and knowledge is strictly
prohibited.
PRESIDENT
Then what's that?
(he points at the device
on the desk)
There is a pause as he contemplates a response. There seems
to be no good way to translate it that would make sense. He
locks eyes with his partner, and just as Agent #2 opens his
mouth to speak, Agent #1 cuts him off.
AGENT #1
Again, we cannot disclose
technological information as it
would be in contravention of the
Primitiveness Law. You'll have to
figure it out yourself.
It was a convenient excuse.
The president glares at him suspiciously, in disbelief.
PRESIDENT
Then I'm not signing your receipt.
What use is it to me if you won't
help set it up for operation?
(beat)
How do I know it's not some kind of
weapon?
AGENT #2
(to Agent #1)
Maybe we should go to the Soviet
Union instead.
AGENT #1
(agreeable)
There can be only one central
locality on this planet.
It is a bluff, but the president doesn't want to give up
this perceived advantage. Agent #1 picks up the piece of
paper and moves back towards the desk along with Agent #2.
PRESIDENT
No! Wait, I'll accept the delivery.
Agent #1 moves the paper towards him on the desk and once
again gives him the pen to sign it. After a brief
hesitation, the president signs it.
PRESIDENT
Do I get a copy to keep?
AGENT #1
No.
He pockets the paper within his coat, zips up the briefcase,
and both agents hurriedly proceed out the door without
saying another word.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
The Pursuit and the Device
INT. WHITE HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
The president follows them out and looks on as they quicken
their pace down the hall. Suddenly his guards Ben and
Douglas who had been outside, approach from the other
direction.
BEN
Mr. President are you okay?
PRESIDENT
Follow them!
He goes to check up on the two guards who are still lying
motionless on the couch. Their glassy eyes are open and
fixated staring ahead.
More secret service agents approach from down the hall. The
president indicates the direction they should go and follows
them.
PRESIDENT
They went that way, don't let them
get away!
EXT. WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS
Ben and Douglas run down the steps in pursuit. They can just
about see the two figures making their way down the slope. A
lot of distance had been put between them in a short period
of time.
They seem to be departing the same way they had come. Ben
reaches for his radio and holds it up to his mouth.
BEN
(into radio)
They're exiting out the east gate.
Then they were gone, and he knew it was unlikely anyone
would be able to catch up with them.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - LATE AFTERNOON
The President in his office looks at the strange device they
had left behind. It is a telephone of some kind. There was
no instruction manual or user guide.
To think that extraterrestrials chose the United States out
of all the nations on Earth to make contact with - the
"central locality" as they put it. It made him feel proud.
Today was a special and historic moment. It was lucky they
hadn't chosen the Soviet Union, and it was a boost to his
confidence and perception that the US was definitely
leading, since they had come here first. Supposedly. He
still had his reservations about it and didn't trust them.
There was no surety that they hadn't offered something
similar to his opponents in an effort to stoke conflict.
A figure steps out from the shadows. It is Ben. His partner,
Douglas, is behind him.
PRESIDENT
I'd like you to set up a new top
secret division for the
investigation of this thing. Go to
Nevada and construct a research
facility there. Make sure no one
(MORE)
PRESIDENT (cont'd)
finds out about the true nature of
the events that happened here
today.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Ava's Disappointment
INT. AVA'S BEDROOM - ALPHA CIVILISATION - MONTHS LATER
The holographic map display and objects on Ava's desk is
evidence of the research she has done about the planet she
had tried to contact. Her curiosity had started off small
but gradually grown. It's now become an obsession for her.
She lays on her bed as images and writings flash in her
eyes. There is very limited information about it. And of
what there is, most of it is from quite a while ago, when
the census occurred there.
The combination of natural landscapes but also extensive
cities, as they existed in the early 1800s, is fascinating
for her.
EXT. SCENIC VALLEY OVERLOOKING VILLAGE - DAY
Ava imagines standing at the top of a ridge overlooking a
valley, there is a small medieval village in the distance.
She can feel the wind in her hair.
EXT. OCEAN BAY - SEASIDE TOWN
Ava turns around. She imagines she is near a seaside town,
at the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The waves crash
against the shore.
Suddenly she receives a notification - her father has
messaged her. She knows what it must be about and is
immediately filled with excitement.
INT. AVA'S RESIDENCE - HALLWAY
The trance is broken and she is back in her bedroom. She
walks down the hallway to her brother's room.
AVA
Hey, are you excited for the
vacation to the Omega system? I
can't wait! Dad is coming home next
week, are you excited?
He doesn't hear her, completely immersed in a video game he
is playing. She leaves him and skips down the hallway to the
dining room.
INT. AVA'S RESIDENCE - DINING ROOM
AVA'S MOTHER
Ava, I'm sorry...
The smile and joyful expression instantly vanishes from
Ava's face and is replaced by one of confusion.
AVA
What do you mean?
AVA'S MOTHER
Haven't you heard word from your
father? We've had to cancel the
trip.
AVA
What?? Why!?
She opens the message she had received from her dad only a
few moments before. It wasn't what she had expected.
AVA'S FATHER (V.O.)
My darling, I hope you have been
well and taking care of yourself.
INT./EXT. MINE SITE ON DISTANT PLANETOID - NIGHT
A man who is the manager of the operation looks up at the
stars above.
AVA'S FATHER (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I know you had been looking forward
to our planned vacation, but work
needs me for a bit longer. The
project schedule has been pushed
back so I've had to delay my return
again. I'm sorry, there's not much
I can do about it. I hope you
understand and can forgive me. Hope
to see you again soon. With love,
-Dad.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Family Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Determined Escape
INT. AVA'S RESIDENCE - DINING ROOM - CONTINUED
Ava runs back to her bedroom, shocked and disappointed.
INT. AVA'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
She feels angry and betrayed. Thinking about Earth is an
escape for her from the current situation. She lays there
for a while. Months of waiting and anticipation boil over as
she finally picks up the receiver of the telephone and
decides to call the number once again.
The same sequence of routes, and the same sequence of tones,
with no hesitation she quickly dials the keys.
A brief pause, as the line goes silent with a hint of
static, establishing the connection. Her mind is racing.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
Insufficient authorisation for
sector and connection type. If you
believe this is in error, please
contact the Primitive Worlds
Institute.
It's a different message than before. Why is that, she
thinks to herself. She forcefully hangs up the phone.
A few moments later, Ava's mother appears in the doorway.
AVA'S MOTHER
I've been called for a job so will
be away next week.
Ava is disappointed and collapses onto her bed, burying her
face in her pillow.
AVA'S MOTHER (CONT'D)
I know how disappointed you must be
as you were really looking forward
to the vacation. I'm sure we'll
plan to go again some other time
soon.
AVA
Take care, mom.
Her mother returns to the dining room.
AVA
(muttering under her
breath)
Typical...
She had been let down too many times already. It was always
going to be "another time soon".
The frustration she feels towards her parents emboldens her
to get out of this place, to escape for real, to finally
experience the adventure she had been longing for.
She looks ahead with a new determination on her face.
AVA (V.O.)
I don't need them. I'll make my own
holiday.
The idea of visiting Earth has planted itself firmly in her
mind. It was a much more exotic destination than where they
originally intended to go too. She goes to her desk, the
surface of which becomes a large map. She can see the course
needed to be taken - the destination is in quite a remote
region of space. But it's feasible.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Signals from the Unknown
INT. TOP SECRET UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - UNITED STATES
Ben stands around a table together with the CHIEF SCIENTIST
(57) dressed in a white lab coat. The room has no windows.
On the table is the root telephone, hooked up with some
wires leading to a square pipe on the wall which travels up
to the ceiling. AIDES watch on.
BEN
So Jerry, what have you got for me?
CHIEF SCIENTIST
It's a kind of telephonic device
based on satellite communication.
But the type of signal it's
designed to transmit and receive is
unlike any we've ever seen before.
We tried boosting the signal by
connecting it up to external
satellites, but there's nothing.
I'm at a loss as to how this thing
functions.
BEN
Keep it up. We've only just begun.
INT. AVA'S SPACESHIP
Ava had packed her bag and put it in the back of the small
spacecraft, behind her seat. She settles in her seat,
looking ahead. We see that in fact she is programming the
flight path for spacecraft, using the neural link connected
to it. The translucent display that appears on the
windscreen shows a grid and the path to the solar system
containing Earth.
Determined, Ava sets it into motion. The spaceship begins to
move as it undocks from the port. There is a sense of
excitement as the engines power up. Now having finished
programming the journey, she can rest. It will be a long
journey ahead. The seat retracts into a sleeping position
and she closes her eyes.
CLOSE ON: Earth within the map of the galaxy on the
translucent navigation windscreen. The spaceship enters
hypertravel.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE - EARTH IN VIEW - 1957 AD
Ava in her spacecraft arrive at the planet.
INT. AVA'S SPACESHIP - CONTINUOUS
An indicator flashes on the control panel. A sound indicates
the end of the sleep sequence.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (V.O.)
You have arrived at your
destination.
The seat begins to move back into an upwards position. Ava
groggily gets up and admires the planet through the window.
She smiles excitedly. She steers down to land, now just
beginning to enter the atmosphere.
EXT. NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES - DAY
Establishing shot from above shows a highway in the middle
of nowhere with a lone car travelling on it.
INT. FARMER'S TRUCK - NEBRASKA HIGHWAY - DAY
A young farmer, GEORGE TOOLE (21), is driving his truck
along the highway when he sees what looks like a small
meteorite in the distance descending from the sky. It is on
the left side of his windscreen, travelling rightwards in an
arc. He keeps driving.
INT. CENTRAL MIDWESTERN OBSERVATORY - DAY
A radar operator stands up from his seat to report to the
controller on duty.
RADAR OPERATOR
Sir, we are detecting an
unidentified object entering the
atmostphere in Sector C
CONTROLLER
Soviet?
RADAR OPERATOR
Could be.
CONTROLLER
We need to escalate this so they
can send a team to investigate on
the ground. Send me the coordinates
for its trajectory endpoint ASAP.
RADAR OPERATOR
Yes, sir.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Adventure","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
A Lift from the Unknown
EXT. HIGHWAY, NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES - DAY
Ava is walking along the highway. She has hidden her
spacecraft behind some bushes and turned on the invisibility
cloak. She is amazed by the scenery. It is slightly arid
desert like. But there are little shrubs, and there are
large rock formations and mountains in the distance. It's
the middle of nowhere, but there is this road she had found.
It's a man-made structure, which makes it curious and
interesting to her. She scans the area with a device implant
in her forearm. There is someone else approaching in this
direction just coming over the hill, but currently out of
view.
INT. FARMER'S TRUCK - NEBRASKA HIGHWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS
George sees this girl standing by herself at the side of the
road.
EXT/INT. HIGHWAY, NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES - DAY - CONTINUOUS
The pickup truck comes into view and Ava watches it
approach. It slows down and comes to a stop next to her. The
driver winds down his window to speak to her.
GEORGE
Are you okay? Do you need a lift?
Ava hesitates, taking a few steps forward, marvelling at
this curious machine she sees before her.
George leans over and opens the passenger side door. Ava's
trance is broken as she realises he is inviting her to come
inside.
AVA
Thank you.
She walks around the front side of the vehicle and enters
the passenger seat, closing the door behind her.
GEORGE
So, where are you headed?
AVA
Well, nowhere in particular, I
guess...
GEORGE
(slightly bewildered)
Car troubles?
AVA
Aha, yeah.
Her eyes drift from the road ahead to wander around the
frame of the vehicle, the rearview mirror, and then to the
dashboard with all of its instruments. Then she finds
herself staring at George, whose hands are firmly on the
steering wheel with his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
GEORGE
I'm not surprised. In this kind of
weather, the engine is bound to
play up over a long distance
journey.
(pause)
I'm George by the way.
AVA
Pleased to make your acquaintance.
Call me Ava.
GEORGE
Is your car somewhere down along
this way?
AVA
No.
GEORGE
Oh, did you want me to turn around?
Maybe I can go have a look at it.
Heading in the right direction
would be a good start.
AVA
No, really it's fine. I'm just glad
to be out of the heat.
GEORGE
Are you sure?
AVA
It's fine.
GEORGE
Ok then.
(pause)
You're from England, right? What
brings you all the way out here?
Ava's eyes widened slightly with confusion.
AVA
Errm...
GEORGE
Britain? I assumed, because of your
accent...
AVA
You know, it's nice to have a
change of scenery once in a while.
GEORGE
Yeah, it does get quite dreary over
there doesn't it.
AVA
Well... I mean, where I live, there
are no wide open spaces like this.
(looking across the open
plain)
Not really anyway. Everything is
just so artificial. It's good to
get in touch with nature, if you
know what I mean?
GEORGE
Yes, I understand. I've been to the
city myself a few times.
(chuckles)
It's quite different isn't it.
Although, I never imagined the idea
(MORE)
GEORGE (cont'd)
of a vacation out here would be
appealing to anyone.
The pickup truck continued down the highway.
EXT. GEORGE'S FARM - NEBRASKA - DAY
George's truck pulls up into his driveway.
GEORGE
Here we are - this is where I live.
AVA
(curious)
What do you do here?
GEORGE
I'm a farmer mostly. I grow crops
and raise livestock.
AVA
(intrigued)
That's amazing.
The car comes to a stop and George gets out. He looks back
through the car window at Ava, wondering why she isn't also
exiting the vehicle.
GEORGE
Well? Are you going to come inside
with me or not?
After staring back at him awkwardly for a moment, she turns
her attention to the door, opens it and gets out.
She looks around at her surroundings, taking a moment to
grasp the scenery. There is a large barn shed, some distance
away. Closer, was a large silo. It was relatively flat
terrain. Here by the side of the road was a tree. Then on
the other side of the car, was the structure she presumed to
be his house. And of course, there was that wonderous sky. A
light filled pale blue colour.
GEORGE
Come, let me get you something to
drink.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
A Warm Welcome
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
George and Ava enter through the front foor.
GEORGE
Mom, I'm home.
He goes to the kitchen to get Ava a glass of water. His
mother is in the kitchen, washing dishes.
GEORGE'S MOTHER
Hey Georgie, how was the market?
GEORGE
Oh, you know. The usual. I'll help
dad unload the truck later.
GEORGE'S MOTHER
He's still out working the field. I
keep telling him to take a break
but he doesn't listen.
(noticing Ava)
Oh, who's this nice young lady?
GEORGE
This is Ava, she's here from the UK
on vacation.
GEORGE'S MOTHER
My, that's quite some distance
you've travelled. All on your own?
AVA
Yes...
George hands Ava the glass now filled with water, and she
begins to drink. It has a strange taste - there are some
minerals in it that she's not used to.
Just then, two younger children come running down the hall
to greet George - a boy and a girl.
GEORGE
These are my siblings: Jack and
Barbara. This is Ava. Say "Hi Ava!"
The children don't say anything and just stare at her. Then
they run back down the hall. Ava smiles. They are adorable.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - BACK VERANDAH - DAY - CONTINUOUS
George and Ava exit out the back of the house and onto the
verandah where they sit on a wooden bench next to each
other.
GEORGE
Are you sure you don't want me to
take you back to find your car?
Maybe I could tow it here.
AVA
Don't worry about it. It's quite
some distance away now. I wouldn't
want to get back too late.
GEORGE
You must have been walking for a
while then. Did you have anything
to eat?
AVA
No, not really.
GEORGE
That makes sense now.
AVA
(hesitantly)
I hope I'm not imposing by asking
if I could stay the night...
GEORGE
Not at all! I was just going to
offer if you wanted to have dinner
with us.
AVA
Thank you. I really appreciate it.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Perceptions and Misunderstandings
EXT. HIGHWAY, NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES - LATE AFTERNOON
A black car with tinted windows pulls up to the side of the
road. Two CIA AGENTS exit the vehicle, along with the
OBSERVATORY CONTROLLER. A military vehicle that had been
following closely behind continues a bit further up ahead
before it also stops and a group of military personell get
out.
CIA AGENT #1
Is this the location?
CONTROLLER
Yes.
CIA AGENT #2
(speaking to the military
commander)
Establish a half mile perimeter and
search the area. Look for any
craters, landing sites or
suspicious objects that could have
been a satellite.
CIA AGENT #1 uses his binoculars to scan the immediate area.
It's relatively flat, making the task easy.
CIA AGENT #1
(to the radar controller)
Are you sure these coordinates are
correct? There doesn't seem to be
anything out here.
CONTROLLER
I'm quite sure, sir. I double
checked.
CIA AGENT #1
Double check them again please.
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
George's family and Ava sit at the dining table eating
dinner, which is spaghetti and meatballs.
GEORGE'S FATHER
So, Ava - what do you think about
this Sputnik thing?
Ava, slightly bewildered and confused, doesn't know what to
say.
GEORGE'S FATHER
You have heard of it right? The
satellite the Soviets put in orbit.
Do you think they're spying on us?
(he looks up at the
ceiling)
Watching us from up above right
now?
GEORGE'S MOTHER
Come on Harry, don't scare the poor
girl.
AVA
(pause)
Who are the Soviets?
They pause eating momentarily and look at her strangely.
GEORGE'S FATHER
(cough)
Uhm, you know, the Soviets... The-
the Russians.
(to George, silently)
Where did you find this girl, has
she been living under a rock all
her life?
George's mother elbows him. Ava is slightly embarassed - but
she did know who the Russians were. They had been in the
database.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
The Invisible Encounter
EXT. HIGHWAY, NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES - NIGHT
MILITARY COMMANDER
(to CIA AGENT #2)
Sir, we've completed the search. No
sign of a crater or any satellite
debris. However, we did discover
something we think might be of
interest to you. Come with me.
EXT. SPACESHIP LANDING SITE, NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES - NIGHT
MILITARY COMMANDER
When my men tried to walk through
this area, they encountered a hard,
invisible barrier.
He picks up a rock from the ground and throws it in front of
him. It hits a hard metalic surface with an audible sound
and for a brief moment, a small part of the spaceship in
that area is visible before the electrostatic invisibility
field recovers from the impact and restores itself to once
again hide the spaceship completely.
CIA AGENT #1
(incredulous)
There's something there.
MILITARY COMMANDER
Indeed.
CIA AGENT #2
This isn't the Soviets we're
dealing with...
CIA AGENT #1
Set up a secure zone. We'll start
interviewing the neighbours in the
morning to see if anyone saw
anything.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Revelation in the Guest Bedroom
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - GUEST BEDROOM - NIGHT
Ava stands near the doorway, as George finishes showing her
the room.
GEORGE
Alright, here is where you'll be
sleeping. Let me know if you need
anything. Goodnight.
As he moves toward the doorway to leave, she sidesteps,
blocking his path.
AVA
Listen, I feel bad.
Ava begins to slowly advance toward him. George, for the
first time today being with her, felt like she was more than
just a strange, odd girl. He felt fear, and dread.
AVA
I don't think it's fair that I
haven't been quite honest with you.
He began to back away slowly as she advances toward him, his
eyes locked onto hers. He got a distinct, uncanny feeling
that she was not human.
AVA
But I'm going to tell you the truth
now.
Was his mind playing tricks on him, or was her mouth moving
out of sync with the sounds that were coming out of it? He
blinks a few times and the anomaly is gone. She is right in
front of him now, her face centimetres from his, and he is
at the edge of the bed, so he can move back no further. The
only thing he could do was scream.
AVA
Shhh! Stop it.
She had anticipated him and had put her hand over his mouth
before any sound could escape from it - in the same motion,
throwing him back onto the bed, with herself on top of him.
He tries to wriggle free but she pins him down with
supernatural strength, keeping her hand over his mouth.
After a moment of realising the futility of his efforts, he
stops struggling, though his panicked eyes continue to dash
back and forth while his heart races.
AVA
I'm an alien. I'm not from this
planet, Earth.
(pause)
Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt
you. Just don't make a fuss, okay?
She slowly raises her hand from his mouth.
GEORGE
(afraid)
W-what do you want?
Ava sits up straight and looks upward, slightly annoyed.
AVA
I already told you... I want to
experience something new,
different. To be honest, I ran
away. I just wanted to go on an
adventure. I couldn't stand staying
there, it was just so bland and
boring.
GEORGE
Why do you have a british accent?
Where are you really from?
AVA
I am from a plant called-- well,
there isn't actually a word for it
in your language, so I will just
refer to it as Alpha. The reason
why I seem to have a british accent
to you is because of the census.
(MORE)
AVA (cont'd)
It's not conducted very frequently
by your timescale. The automatic
translator can only use the data it
has. It's only done for one major
civilisation at the time.
It was one hell of a story. George wouldn't have believed it
otherwise had he not seen what she could do with his own
eyes. It was completely beyond his understanding and yet
somehow was possible, just like the technology on Earth
today would have seemed to civilisations in ages past.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Unexpected Visitors
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - GUEST BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Ava groggily awakes to the sound of knocking at the front
door downstairs.
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - ENTRANCE - EARLY MORNING
George's mother opens the front door. Standing there agents
Ben and Douglas.
GEORGE'S MOTHER
(surprised)
Oh. How can I help you officers?
BEN
Sorry to bother you, Ma'am. This is
Agent Daley and I'm Agent Horton,
with the FBI. We were wondering if
you noticed any suspicious activity
in the past day.
DOUGLAS
Any strange visitors, foreigners,
and the like? Either around here at
your premises or in town?
GEORGE'S MOTHER
I wasn't in town yesterday, though
my son George was. Funny that you
mention it, but we did have a
foreigner over last night. An
English girl. Her car broke down
and my son drove her here. But I
doubt that would count as
suspicious.
BEN
Where is she now?
GEORGE'S MOTHER
Oh, she's still asleep upstairs.
BEN
Do you mind if we speak to her?
The agents push past Mrs. Toole and into the house. She
turns around.
GEORGE'S MOTHER
(slightly shocked at
their rudeness)
Not at all...
Ava had been slowly descending the stairs, aware of the
agents' presence, and wanting to get a closer look at them.
When she sees them, she stops in her tracks, and
simultaneously they see her - both their gazes locked on
each other through the stairwell railing. For her, it is a
curiosity what these men would want with her, and how they
even knew of her existence. For them, it is the realisation
that the unfathomable technology she possessed would render
her able to do whatever she wanted to them.
She could tell they were nervous.
George and his father enter the living room from out back,
breaking the tension. They had been working on farm chores.
GEORGE
What's going on here?
BEN
(to Ava)
Miss, we're going to need to ask
you a few questions.
Ava descended the rest of the stairs to face them directly.
AVA
I guess you know I'm an alien.
BEN
(hesitant)
Errm... yes.
DOUGLAS
(over Ben)
--Yes.
AVA
Well, what do you think?
Mr Toole's jaw drops.
BEN
Why did you come to Earth?
AVA
I'm here on a holiday.
They are speechless for a brief moment. George's mother and
father remain still in shocked silence.
DOUGLAS
We're going to need you to come
with us.
AVA
Why?
BEN
Please? It's not like we can force
you, but we'd really appreciate it.
You're not in any trouble. We just
need your help.
AVA
Alright. But only as long as he can
come with me.
(indicating to George)
George's eyes widened. Douglas went over to grab his arm.
BEN
Let's go.
INT. CIA CAR - NEBRASKA HIGHWAY - DAY
George and Ava are seated in the back seat, while Ben and
Douglas are up front. Ben is driving.
GEORGE
(to Ava)
Why did you have to drag me into
this?!
AVA
Come on, it's going to be fun.
The car hit a bump in the road. Ava giggles.
There are a bunch of military vehicles up ahead. People have
set up tents nearby on the plain. The car slows down to
proceed through the checkpoint.
AVA
(to George)
Look, that's where I left my
spaceship.
(she points out the
window)
GEORGE
I can't see anything.
AVA
It's hidden by invisibility.
The car continues to speed past. They are not stopping
there.
EXT. TOP-SECRET RESEARCH FACILITY - UNITED STATES - DAY
The car arrives at the secure compound. It is a concrete
structure enclosed by a fence on all sides from some
distance away. Nearby are large adjustable radio telescope
dishes.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Activation and Assurance
INT. HALLWAY, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - UNITED STATES - DAY
Ava and George walk down the hallway, escorted by the CIA
agents Ben and Douglas. On either side are rooms, some with
large glass windows, where scientists and researchers can be
seen tending to tape deck machines, computer terminals,
radio and telecommunications equiptment and control panels.
They come to a door which one of the agents opens, escorting
them inside.
INT. PHONE ROOM, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Like an interrogation room, it has on one side one-way
glass. There is a small rectangular table with a few chairs.
There are no windows. On the table is the ROOT TELEPHONE,
connected via some cables to the wall.
DOUGLAS
Have a seat.
Ava and George sit. As soon as Ava enters the room, she can
tell what the device on the table is. To her it was like an
antique - one of the original root telephones.
BEN
Like I said before, we need your
help. We believe this device here
was given to us by your people, for
use as a means of communication
between us. But as much as we have
tried, we haven't been able to get
it to operate.
Ava looks at him blankly, then back at the phone.
BEN
If you could help at all, we'd be
extremely grateful.
AVA
(moving her hand towards
the telephone)
May I?
Ben nods.
Ava picks up the root telephone and looks on the underside.
Indeed, it really is what she had suspected. They had made a
crude hole in the case where the wires went into. It must be
to connect it to an external antenna and power source rather
than using the small in-built one. Although that had nothing
to do with why it wasn't working.
AVA
You haven't switched it on...
BEN
How do you do that?
Ava feels the switch on the side. It was not obvious -
simply a section of the case that looked like any other. It
is not only a mechanical switch, but required a code. The
code is plainly obvious for her to sense, but would have
also been found on the original instruction manual that came
with the device - a book that had no doubt been lost long
ago.
Ava activates the switch using the telekinetic code. A
depression in the surface, for the first time in thousands
of years, revealed the grime and dust that had accumulated
over all that time within the crevice between the switch and
the rest of the case.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - DAY
In the room on the other side of the one-way glass, a
scientist observes a measuring device. Electrical signals
are starting to be sent by the device along the cables.
SCIENTIST
(excited)
It's working...
The lead scientist who had been seated watching through the
one-way glass, stands, speechless - his eyes fixed on Ava
and the device.
EXT. DISH ANTENNA ARRAY, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - DAY
The dish antennas begin to rotate their position and move
into place according to the signals sent by the root
telephone.
INT. PHONE ROOM, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
The root telephone had a small red indicator that is now
illuminated, showing it is active. Ben picks up the
receiver. There is no sound, only a faint static. He looks
back at Douglas.
INT. DORMITORY, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - NIGHT
Rows of empty bunk beds lined the walls. Moonlight streamed
in from a nearby window. Ava lay in the top of a bunk bed,
George in the bed below her. She sits up, unable to sleep.
GEORGE
(quitely)
You're not asleep?
Ava leans over the edge of her bed to look down at him.
GEORGE
Do you think they'll ever let us
out of this place?
AVA
(amused by his concern)
Seriously? Enjoy it while you can.
There's nothing keeping you here. I
can tell them to let you go in the
morning.
GEORGE
No, it's okay.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
The Call to the Unknown
INT. LABORATORY, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - THE NEXT DAY
A young scientist holds a peculiar measuring device in
front, moving it around Ava who has her arms outstretched by
her sides. Another scientist takes measurements nearby
through observing a panel on the wall.
George is seated at a chair against the wall, wondering what
the point of all this is.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - DAY
The President observes Ava and George enter the room next
door through the one-way glass.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT
Sir, are you ready?
PRESIDENT
Yes. Let's go.
INT. PHONE ROOM, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
The President enters the room and greets Ava.
PRESIDENT
On behalf of the people of Earth,
we welcome you to our home.
He shakes her hand, after a slight hesitation by her.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Thank you for being here, and for
your assistance.
They all take a seat at the table. The president is handed a
piece of paper containing a short phone number from one of
the nearby secret service guards. Just like he had imagined
doing many times, he picks up the receiver of the telephone
and begins to dial.
PRESIDENT
Today, we make history...
The final key is pressed. Then a pause. Then a sequence of
tones in quick succession is heard down the line. Then
static, followed by a CLUNK, before silence, and the
processes repeated a few more times, each building in
anticipation. The auto-routing mechanism did its work.
Finally, it begins to ring, and soon another voice comes
through from the other line. The audio quality is bad.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Universal Telecom customer service
center, how may I help you?
PRESIDENT
Uhh, this is the President of the
United States, from planet Earth.
It's a pleasure to meet you. We
were just wondering if we could
learn more about your civilisation
and our place in the universe.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Let me see... Earth... Sector 57.
Your signal is quite weak. Hmm,
that's strange. Your planet is
currently under designation by the
Primitive Worlds Institute.
Unfortunately this means we will be
unable to dispatch a technician to
your location to assist you with
any upgrades.
PRESIDENT
Is there anything you can tell us
that would help us improve our
technology ourselves? Any
instructions or schematics you can
send over?
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Sorry, but the sharing of
technology or assistance to those
under designation is strictly
forbidden.
PRESIDENT
Where are you located?
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
We are based in Sector 1 at our
headquarters.
PRESIDENT
How far away is that?
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
From you? A very long distance
away.
PRESIDENT
Would it be possible to send a map?
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Actually, that is something we can
do for you. 1400x1000...
Transmitting now.
The President indicated to the one-way glass behind him to
make sure the scientists in the control room were capturing
this.
INT. CONTROL ROOM, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
The dot matrix signal began to come through over the line as
a series of high and low tones. The whole conversion was
being recorded on tape, and the team of scientists are
excited. They would have fun decoding it later.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Tangled Lines
INT. PHONE ROOM, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
The transmission had finished after a few minutes.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Apologies, but I do have to warn
you that your free initial credit
will be expiring shortly. Unless
you top-up your account, you will
have to wait in the queue for any
further customer service enquiries.
PRESIDENT
How can I do that?
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Please consult your authorised
local dealer or make direct payment
through to your account. Thank you
for choosing Universal Telecom and
we hope you have had a positive
experience with us today. Goodbye!
PRESIDENT
Wait!
He was too late - the representative had already hung up the
line. He looks over at Ava.
PRESIDENT
Is that something you could help us
with?
He begins to re-dial the phone.
AVA
(slightly shocked)
No, if I deposited to your account
they would be able to trace it back
(MORE)
AVA (cont'd)
to me. I'm not even supposed to be
here!
The illegality of what she had already done thus far began
to dawn on her. If she was caught, the consequences were
severe. She looks over at George, hoping he will back her up
in this.
The phone connects - there is an immediate response.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
Please hold for a customer service
representative...
(pause)
You are position... #123,320 in the
queue...
(pause)
Estimated waiting time... 1415
Earth days.
The President is shocked. Had he misheard?
DOUGLAS
That's almost 4 years...
He hadn't. He slams down the phone in frustration. Then, he
stares down Ava.
PRESIDENT
You can help us, maybe, by sharing
your technology.
Ava looked at him in disbelief, furious. They weren't
grateful at all, and were just using her, getting her to
break the law for their own benefit. She stands from her
seat.
AVA
How many times do I have to explain
why I can't do that!?
PRESIDENT
Yes, we know. You want to maintain
your superiority over us.
AVA
That's not it. Do you know how much
trouble I could get in for even
being here? Let alone sharing
advanced technology with you... I
already helped you activate the
telephone, isn't that enough?
Surely you can't be expecting me to
do everything for you.
BEN
(snickering)
Well, you've already come this
far...
She walks over to face Ben near the door.
AVA
I'm leaving.
Another CIA agent puts his hand on the door handle, keeping
it closed shut.
CIA AGENT
We can't let you do that.
AVA
Try and stop me.
PRESIDENT
Look, just transfer a small amount
of funds to us before you go,
please?
Ava glares back at him, then quickly overpowers the guard,
swings open the door and leaves.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Ava's Escape
INT. HALLWAY, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Ava runs down the hallway. She shoves past a group of
scientists. The place is a labyrinth of corridors.
Her run slows to a walk. She pauses and sees scientists in a
nearby lab. They are afraid, cowering behind some
equiptment, having heard the commotion down the hall.
Ava scans the surrounds, looking for a way out. With
advanced technological implants, she is able to sense and
visualise a path passing through the lab, through a door at
the far side, and then up some stairs. The exit is nearby
there.
Ava tries to open the door of the lab but it's locked.
INT. LAB, TOP-SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
The glass within the door shatters as Ava breaks it open.
She walks towards the scientists.
SCIENTIST
Please... We --
Ava walks right past them to the door at the back of the
room. She breaks open the door.
INT./EXT. TOP SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Another corridor leads to a staircase which Ava ascends up.
Then finally, a few more corridors before finally through
the exit of the building.
Ava looks around at the open plain. Then she runs off into
the wilderness.
EXT. NEBRASKA WILDERNESS, UNITED STATES - LATE AFTERNOON
Ava stands atop a craggy peak, looking out towards the
horizon. She has located the direction of her spaceship. She
knows where she needs to go now.
EXT. SPACESHIP LANDING SITE, NEBRASKA, UNITED STATES -
EVENING
The place is still swarming with guards, as Ava eyes it from
a distance. But that doesn't bother her. Even if they might
be expecting her, there is nothing they can do to stop her
from boarding it.
She flies over to it. The guards stand between her and the
ship. A few of them run towards her and try to restrain her,
but she throws them off - one lands a few metres away.
A few guards draw their guns and fire, but the bullets don't
injure her. She reaches the ship and boards - the remaining
guards are stunned into silence.
INT. AVA'S SPACESHIP - EVENING
Ava initiates the engine startup sequence and the spaceship
lifts off from the ground. It quickly picks up speed as it
leaves the atmosphere.
EXT. SPACESHIP LANDING SITE - EVENING
The military personnel on the ground watch as the spaceship
enters hypertravel, disappearing with a twinkle in the sky.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Action","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Echoes of Contact
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - GUEST BEDROOM - DAY
DAYS LATER:
George returns to his house. Opening the door to the guest
bedroom, he remembers how Ava had slept here and what a
sureal experience it had been meeting her.
He sees a note on the desk that she had left for him:
Call me
893475-3754-6373424-3475
It is her phone number.
EXT. SPACE - EARTH IN VIEW - 1961 AD
SUPER: EARTH, 1961
A small space probe approaches the planet. It conducts a
scan. The census update of Earth by the Primitive Worlds
Institute is now complete.
EXT. US CAPITOL, WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
President John F. Kennedy is being sworn in. Video cameras
capture the event.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
Ben conducts a briefing for the new president on the
top-secret research facility. He uses a wooden stick to
point to the large astronomical map displayed before them.
BEN
... And as you can see, the map we
received was highly detailed with a
more or less complete overview of
their known universe. Here is
Earth, in Sector 57. Over here in
Sector 1 is the civilisation I will
refer to as Alpha, which we have
been in contact with.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
How far away is it?
BEN
Unfortunately we were not able to
determine a reference point we
could use to measure the distances
involved. For all we know, it could
be in a different galaxy. But we
believe it is extremely far away.
And as you can see, from their
perspective, we are not that close
to them either.
There is a brief pause as the new president Kennedy
considered the ramifications of what had just been disclosed
to him.
OTHER CIA AGENT
Recently, we observed a change in
the dialect they use to communicate
with us, suggesting they have
recently scanned the planet to
gather more up-to-date information.
This is consistent with other
readings from radiotelemetry data
we have received.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
That's concerning. Although, now
that I think about it, Eisenhower
did mention something to me about
this. Something about a census?
BEN
Yes, that's right. We have been
expecting this and don't believe
it's any cause for concern.
OTHER CIA AGENT
Mr. President, something you should
know is that in a few months time,
or thereabouts, we will have the
opportunity to speak with them
again. A key issue we feel needs to
be discussed, is the issue of
payment for the telecommunication
service.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
Payment? What kind of payment could
they be expecting from us?
OTHER CIA AGENT
That's why we need to ask them
about it.
INT. BEN'S HOUSE - WASHINGTON D.C. - LATER
Ben arrives home from work and closes the front door behind
him. He hangs up his coat.
BEN
Honey, I'm home.
BEN'S WIFE
(greeting him)
How was your day?
BEN
You know, exhausting. How's Emily?
BEN'S WIFE
She's having a nap.
Ben sits down on the couch, lighting a cigarette. He
relaxes.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
A Mysterious Encounter
INT. MILITARY AIRCRAFT HANGAR - NEBRASKA - DAY
George and his friend RORY, airforce cadets, talk as they
walk through the hangar. They have just returned from a
practice flight.
RORY
How did it go?
GEORGE
I think I'm finally getting the
hang of it.
RORY
I knew you'd get there eventually.
Say, what made you want to become a
pilot in the first place?
GEORGE
Well, it's compilcated... There was
this girl...
RORY
Aha! I knew it! Tell me, what's she
like. What's her name?
GEORGE
You wouldn't believe the story even
if I was able to tell you.
(checking his stopwatch)
I have an appointment. See you
later!
RORY
Catch you then.
INT. HALLWAY, MILITARY FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
George walks down the hallway, there are other officers who
acknowledge him as they pass by. He is distinctly aware that
he is being watched.
He turns a corner, and knocks on the door of the room that
is his destination - the optometrist's office.
OPTOMETRIST (O.S.)
Come in!
INT. OPTOMETRIST'S OFFICE, MILITARY FACILITY - LATER
The optometrist shines a light into George's eyes, one after
the other.
OPTOMETRIST
Well, Mr. Toole, everything seems
to be in order.
GEORGE
Thank you, doctor.
Turning away from the eye chart on the wall in front of him,
George leaves the room.
INT. HALLWAY, MILITARY FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
As he is walking back down the hallway, a man hurriedly
bumps into him from behind.
CIA AGENT
Sorry, excuse me.
The CIA agent sliped a card into his hand as he did this.
Before George can ask any questions, he is gone, down the
hall and turned a corner. George knows better than to try
and pursue. He reads the card - it contains a message:
Rm 233.
Come now
He looks around, slipping the card into his pocket as he
considered the direction he needed to go. It is in a part of
the building he rarely visits, but he knows where it is. He
had been there before.
Genres:
["Sci-Fi","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Deadline and Discontent
INT. ROOM 233, MILITARY FACILITY
The door is open. Inside, Douglas sat at a desk, smoking a
cigarette. George enters the room.
DOUGLAS
Close the door.
He puts out the cigarette on an ashtray at his desk. George
closes the door and takes a seat in front of him.
DOUGLAS
Have you heard anything from her?
GEORGE
(exasperated)
No. What do you expect? It's been 4
years, she's not going to suddenly
reappear. Just accept that she's
gone. Maybe it's time we tried --
DOUGLAS
I didn't come here to discuss that.
There's been a development. The
Soviets have launched the first man
into space - in orbit around the
Earth. It'll be in tomorrow's news.
(pause)
We have reason to believe they were
contacted just like we were. Did
she tell you anything about that?
GEORGE
No... But why don't you just ask
her yourself, give her a call.
DOUGLAS
(sigh)
Look, there's no guarantee we'd be
able to reach her. And with only 3
months or so left until our time in
the customer service queue is over,
it'd be stupid to try now.
GEORGE
Not now, but maybe afterwards.
DOUGLAS
We can try. But for now, the
President is focused on what's
coming up in 3 months. I want you
to be there as well.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Anticipation at the Research Facility
EXT. TOP-SECRET RESEARCH FACILITY - UNITED STATES - DAY -
MONTHS LATER
President Kennedy arrives at the facility where the root
telephone is kept. He gets out of the black car, together
with Agent Ben Horton.
INT. HALLWAY, TOP-SECRET FACILITY
Douglas greets Ben and the President.
DOUGLAS
Agent Horton, good to see you
again. It's been a while.
BEN
Likewise, Agent Daley. It's good to
be back.
They embrace and shake hands.
DOUGLAS
Come this way.
INT. PHONE ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Douglas opens the door. There on the table is the root
telephone, with the receiver attached to a device that would
record any updates on the queue status. The President goes
in to get a closer look.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
You are position... #35.. in the
queue...
(pause)
Estimated waiting time... one...
Earth days...
DOUGLAS
It was at 40 the last time I
checked.
SCIENTIST
The pace has been quickening over
the past few hours. We'll continue
monitoring it and let you know when
it gets nearer to first.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
I'll look forward to it.
INT. HOLDING ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY
George sat at the table. He had lost track of how long he
had been waiting. Agent Daley had left him here, it must
have been at least half an hour ago? There are no windows in
this room, so it is hard to keep track of the time.
Then, Douglas re-enters the room, followed by Ben.
GEORGE
What's going on?
DOUGLAS
The President just arrived. Come,
let me show you to your room. We'll
wake you if it's time.
Scene
26 -
Presidential Frustration: A Call for Clarity
INT. PHONE ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY - TIMELAPSE
The clock ticked by. The overlaid sounds of the telephone's
status updates merged into one.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
You are position #29 in the
queue...
(beat)
Position #25 in the queue
(beat)
Position #23...
(beat)
Position #20..
The scientist entered the room momentarily.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
Position #18... In the queue...
(beat)
Position #15
(beat)
#12
(beat)
Position #10
(beat)
Position #7
(beat)
Position #5
(beat)
Position #3....
INT. BEDROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY - NIGHT
The alarm rang, waking George from his sleep.
INT. HALLWAY, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY
President Kennedy with his guards strides down the hallway.
He enters the phone room.
INT. PHONE ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Removing the covering device from the phone handset, the
President places it up to his ear.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
You are position #1 in the queue...
(pause)
Estimated waiting time... One --
**Beep** **CLUNK**
Please hold...
(pause)
**Brrr** **Brrrrrrrrr**
(pause)
**Brrrrrrrrrrrrr**
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Hello, how may I help you?
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
Hello, I am interested in how to
top-up telephone credit for the
service.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Well, you can of course make a
deposit into your account. That is
our preferred method of payment.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
How do I do that?
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
Uhm, you simply make a transfer to
the encoded receiver in your
account file.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
What's that? What if I don't have
an account?
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (V.O.)
You must have, because you are
making use of the service.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
No, I mean an account from which I
can make a transfer from, like a
bank account. What if I don't have
that. Are there any alternative
methods of payment? What about
physical materials, such as gold,
silver or platinum? What currency
do you use?
INT. UNIVERSAL TELECOM CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE - CONTINUOUS
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP.
(surprised)
Ah, of course, gold or platinum are
acceptable, but it would have to be
converted into standard monetary
units at a local exchange outpost.
You see, these materials are
exceedingly rare in the universe
and highly valuable. We wouldn't
deal directly in any quantity of
them.
Her tone is slightly hushed, as she eyes those around her.
At the end of the row of desk cubicals, TODAR's interest is
piqued. He is a young man about 25 years old.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (O.S.)
Is there anything else I can do for
you today?
TORDAR
(hushed)
Janice, are you receiving this?
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP - COMMUNICATIONS POD - OUTER SPACE -
CONTINUOUS
JANICE
Yes Tordar, keep tracking it.
It is quite a small room, with space enough only for 2
people. Beside JANICE, another young woman, LIVIA, watches
the display shift and distort from the signal being
received.
INT. UNIVERSAL TELECOM CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE - CONTINUOUS
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (O.S.)
(background)
Sorry, I am unable to answer that
due to restrictions from the
Primitiveness Law.
Tordar frantically scans the network to track the signal of
the call. It is far away, very far.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. (CONT'D)
Visiting your nearest outpost would
also lift the restrictions imposed
by the Primitiveness Law.
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP - OUTER SPACE - CONTINUOUS
TORDAR (V.O.)
Got it!
On the display is a somewhat grainy outline of a planet:
Earth. Janice smiled. She got up and exited the dark room to
return to the bridge of the spacecraft.
INT. COMMAND CENTRE - JANICE'S SPACESHIP - CONTINUOUS
JANICE
Set a course.
PILOT
Yes, captain.
INT. PHONE ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
President Kennedy hangs up the phone.
CUT TO BLACK
INT. HOLDING ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY
Douglas enters the room where George had been waiting
throughout the call.
GEORGE
How did it go?
DOUGLAS
Come. It's time for you to make
your call.
INT. PHONE ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY
George pushes the keys on the dial pad as he entered Ava's
number. But the phone did not ring.
AUTOMATED RESPONSE (V.O.)
Your call could not be connected.
Insufficient funds.
Dismayed, he looked back at Douglas and the other agents
standing by the door.
DOUGLAS
Told you so.
George hadn't wanted to believe it.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
A Tense Briefing on Extraterrestrial Strategy
INT. BRIEFING ROOM, ROOT TELEPHONE FACILITY
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
It is clear that we have no other
option now than to rely upon our
own devices and advance our
capabilities in space travel to
reach that outpost. Once there,
we'll be able to exchange currency
and claim our place as the leading
nation on Earth. We can't fall
(MORE)
PRESIDENT KENNEDY (cont'd)
behind in this mission. The Soviet
Union is continuing to develop and
were first into space before us.
Why do they place such high
importance on it?
(pause)
We can't let them get there before
us. America is the land of the
free. We need to be transparent. We
need to show the public the
importance of this. I propose we
declassify this operation and
announce to the public that we've
had correspondance with
extraterrestrials.
There were looks of shock from some of the agents in the
room.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY (CONT'D)
The Soviets will be forced to come
clean about it too. If they deny
it, we will be perceived as much
more honest and dependable by the
rest of the world. Even just by
being the first to do so, we will
have gained a lot of credibility.
AGENT GERRARD
Respectfully, sir, I do not think
that's such a good idea.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
Why?
OTHER CIA AGENT
The public is not prepared for such
a revelation.
AGENT MITCHELL
We would need to develop contigency
plans.
AGENT GERRARD
It is a highly risky course of
action. I highly advise against it.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
Alright, I will discuss it further
with the Vice President.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
A Tense Determination
INT. BEN'S HOUSE - WASHINGTON D.C. - EVENING
1 YEAR LATER:
Ben sits watching his television.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY (V.O.)
We choose to go to the moon in this
decade, and do the other things,
not because they are easy, but
because they are hard.
Ben leaves his cigarette in the ashtray by the sofa as he
gets up.
INT. BEN'S CAR - WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
Ben drives in his car to the White House.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY
There is a flurry of activity as Ben walks through the
hallway. Analysts scramble to collate and prepare
information on the latest that is going on near Cuba.
He makes his way to the President's office, before pausing
outside the door. He can hear the President is on the phone
with someone inside.
INT. PRESIDENTIAL MOTORCADE - RAINING
SUPER: 1963
Ben drives the President back to the White House.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - RAINING
Frustrated, President Kennedy slams his hands down onto his
desk. In the room are Ben and other CIA agents.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
It's not making a difference. We're
falling behind. Until the people of
this country know the truth, they
won't truly be motivated to achieve
the goal that we have set.
CIA AGENT
It's not up to you alone.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
I am the President! I was elected
by the people!
The CIA agent turns around and leaves the room. Only Ben and
another guard of the President remain.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY
Before my term is up, I will reveal
the truth to the world, whether
they like it or not.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
The Conspiracy Unveiled
INT. UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
Ben walked through a narrow corridor - pipes and cables hung
from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows on the walls by the
light of flickering fluorescent lamps.
He paused at a junction - there is inaudible chatter up
ahead. He overhears a group of 3 agents talking.
CIA AGENT (O.S.)
Is Lyndon on board with it?
DOUGLAS (O.S.)
Yes
CIA AGENT (O.S.)
Good.
(inaudible)
DOUGLAS (O.S.)
(inaudible)
INT. BREAKROOM, GOVERNMENT FACILITY
Ben pours himself a glass of water. He is startled by
Douglas who appears in the doorway behind him.
DOUGLAS
You made the right decision.
BEN
(feigning confusion)
What --
DOUGLAS
It's okay, Ben. I know that you
know. You don't have to pretend.
INT./EXT. WINDOWSILL, TEXAS SCHOOL BOOK DEPOSITORY - DAY
The gunman aims his rifle, ready to fire as the President's
motorcade passes by.
DOUGLAS (V.O.) (CONT'D)
You don't have to be a part of it.
Because I know how close you are to
him. That's why I wasn't going to
tell you.
The gunman is revealed to be Douglas.
DOUGLAS (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It's not your fault.
(echo, echo, echo)
**BANG**
CUT TO BLACK
Genres:
["Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
First Contact: A Diplomatic Encounter
INT. RADIO TELESCOPE OBSERVATORY, UNITED STATES - DAY
SUPER: 1965
The man responsible for monitoring the radio telescope
receives a printout from the computer. A strange reading - a
signal. He adjusts his glasses, to make sure of what he is
seeing.
INT. SMALL SPACE SHUTTLE TRANSPORT - ABOVE EARTH
JANICE
I'll try again.
(transmitting)
Requesting permission to land.
PILOT
I'm not receiving anything. Are you
sure these people have radio
capability?
JANICE
Yes. Wait for it.
INT. PENTAGON COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE
A telephone rings, and is answered by a MILITARY COMMANDER.
MILITARY COMMANDER
Yes.
(pause)
Understood.
(pause)
I'll let the president know.
EXT. NEVADA DESERT - AFTERNOON
The spaceship lands, observed by a group of CIA AGENTS some
distance away. Two figures emerge and walk towards them. The
CIA AGENTS, led by DOUGLAS, walk over to greet them.
JANICE
We come in peace.
INT. STATE MEETING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Janice and her companion are seated at a large table
opposite President Johnson and CIA agents, a couple of which
are also standing around the room.
JANICE
Let me first thank you for agreeing
to meet with us, and explain our
reason for being here. As you may
be aware, your planet contains
large quantities of gold and other
precious metals, which are rare and
highly valuable commodities in the
(MORE)
JANICE (cont'd)
universe. Given your lack of
technological development, you are
vulnerable to poachers. That's why
we're here. We are an organisation
known as the Primitive Planet
Protectors.
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
So, you will help us to improve our
technology?
JANICE
No... We can't do that. But we will
help defend your planet against any
who may come here to harm you or
steal from you.
A CIA agent who had been standing whispered something to the
one next to him, evidently not placing much trust in Janice
after what she had just said.
JANICE
(having heard him)
No, the reason is not because we
are selfish or want to maintain
superiority over you. If the
universal government were to find
out, we would be severely punished
and your planet wouldn't be allowed
to join the universal community
anyway.
DOUGLAS
Isn't it illegal for you to be here
at all?
JANICE
(slamming her hands down
on the table in
frustration)
Yes. Look - do you want our help or
not?
DOUGLAS
It would be far more effective if
we had --
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
Yes. We would appreciate any help
you have to offer us.
AGENT MITCHELL
Should we be worried? Have
adversaries been detected on their
way here?
JANICE
No. We haven't detected anything
yet - this is all precautionary.
Even our presence here may be
enough to deter some.
DOUGLAS
Or, it could make it more obvious
that we are a juicy target.
Janice stares at him through gritted teeth, annoyed.
JANICE
We do not advertise our positioning
here, if that's what you mean to
imply.
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
What if you were to merely
transport a few of our
representatives to the local
outpost. Then we would be able to
trade some of our mineral wealth
for technology, legitimately. You
wouldn't need to share any of your
technology with us to do that. Of
course, this would all be only for
self defence, like you said.
JANICE
I don't think you understand. If we
brought you there, we would be
caught and charged for a violation
of the Primitiveness Law. Even if
we somehow managed to evade them,
they would know you didn't arrive
there legitimately without a
spacecraft of your own. It would be
futile. They would not be
considered legitimate
representitives of Earth, and would
be sent back.
DOUGLAS
What about this then: you help us
to build a spacecraft, secretly,
but make it so that it's primitive
enough that it could be passed off
as if we had made it completely on
our own.
Janice sighed. She tried to think of a reason to argue back
against that, but couldn't. It actually might work.
JANICE
Well... That is something that may
be feasible.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
A Day of Celebration
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
There is chatter among the people who are seated. The groom,
Rory, waits at the altar. It is his wedding day. George is
there as his best man.
The doors open and everyone hushes quiet as the music begins
to play.
GEORGE (V.O.)
There's Mary, Rory's soon-to-be
wife. She worked as an engineering
technician on the base. She's
extremely intelligent and also
beautiful. They'll make such a
wonderful couple.
Mary meets Rory as she finished walking up the isle. They
hold hands and look at each other lovingly.
INT. AFTERPARTY RECEPTION HALL - EVENING
George holds a glass of champagne as he stands around the
ballroom. Others around him are dancing or talking in
groups. He sees Rory and Mary with a group of other people.
Then, a familiar face comes over to greet him.
VINCE
Ah, George! Nice to see you here.
GEORGE
Vince - is it?
VINCE
Yes. I was in squadron 2.
GEORGE
That's right. You were in
engineering. What's been going on?
I haven't seen you around much.
VINCE
I was transferred to the new space
program. We've been working on
designing enhancements to rockets
that will hopefully, in the next
few years, take us to the moon!
GEORGE
That sounds really exciting.
Rory and Mary come over to join them.
RORY
Hey George! How's the party?
GEORGE
It's great.
RORY
So, I'm looking forward to yours
next. When's it going to be? Have
you found someone yet?
GEORGE
No...
RORY
Cheer up! I'm sure you will soon.
Genres:
["Romance","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Trust and Tension at the Airforce Base
INT. LARGE WAREHOUSE, AIRFORCE BASE - MONTHS LATER
Janice walks alongside Douglas, observing the aircraft and
rockets present in the warehouse. Behind her is MIGAR, an
engineer from her ship, carrying a cylinder of schematic
plans.
DOUGLAS
From your perspective, it may not
look like we've accomplished much
here. But we managed to put a man
into orbit around the Earth.
INT. DRAWING ROOM, AIRFORCE BASE - CONTINUOUS
Vince is waiting for them in the room. Janice unfurls the
plans on the table.
JANICE
Here it is.
Vince pours his eyes over the diagrams. It is way too
complex for him to understand at first glance.
MIGAR
Now, it is highly important that
the shielding and structure is done
properly to withstand the effects
of hypertravel.
He points to the an area of the diagram, circling it with
his finger.
MIGAR
The most complex aspect however, is
of course the engine itself.
JANICE
We will try and help to clarify any
questions you may have as best as
possible.
(turning to Douglas)
All we ask for in return is some
precious rare materials, like gold
or platinum, that we can use to
sustain ourselves and our ship.
DOUGLAS
You're asking us for money?
JANICE
Well, we have running costs - food,
fuel, wages for our people...
DOUGLAS
Okay... I'll speak to the president
about it.
INT. BREAKROOM, GOVERNMENT FACILITY - LATER
Agent Mitchell sits on the sofa, smoking a cigarette.
DOUGLAS
Can you believe it?
AGENT MITCHELL
What did I tell you? Bunch of space
pirates, that's what they are.
(pause)
Give us some bogus diagrams to gain
our trust, while robbing us blind.
DOUGLAS
Well, we are the ones who asked for
their help.
AGENT MITCHELL
Do you really believe that? They
came here, supposedly to 'protect'
us, and now demand payment for such
'protection'.
DOUGLAS
You're right. We have no way of
knowing otherwise.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
The Summons
INT. RORY'S HOUSE - EVENING
Rory picks up a letter addressed to him and opens it. It is
from the government. He reads it quickly, then walks over to
the kitchen, where his wife Mary is preparing dinner. She is
8 months pregnant.
RORY
Here, let me help you with that.
He opens the oven and pulls out the pie which has finished
cooking.
MARY
Thanks dear.
RORY
They've called me back into work
tomorrow. Some important meeting.
MARY
Oh?
She eyes the letter that he had discarded on the countertop.
RORY
I have no idea what it's about.
Seems really strange, from some
Agent D.K.D. of the CIA.
INT. ROOM 233, MILITARY FACILITY - DAY
Rory is ushered inside by the agent who had led him to this
location upon his arrival at the facility. He is surprised
to see George also sitting there opposite the desk.
DOUGLAS
Have a seat. I presume you're
already familiar with George - he's
the one who recommended you for
this position.
RORY
Yes.
(jovially he pats George
on the back)
Old friend, what have you gotten me
into?
DOUGLAS
We've selected you both to form
part of the crew for a top secret
mission. You're both excellent
pilots - but space is a whole
different ball game. You'll need to
start undergoing rigorous training
for what lies ahead.
RORY
Space? Are we going to the moon?
DOUGLAS
Further details will be revealed in
due course.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Tensions in the Drawing Room
INT. DRAWING ROOM, AIRFORCE BASE
JANICE
These are the latest designs. We've
made some modifications to the hull
so that it will hopefully be more
feasible for you to produce with
your current technology.
VINCE
Substance 014? What's that?
MIGAR
Refer to page 16, there is a
schematic for a plant and the
relevant production techniques
required in order to produce it.
He begins to remove the large diagram from the centre of the
pile to put it on top. Vince analyses it intently.
DOUGLAS
Wouldn't it be easier if you just
gave us some of this substance?
Surely it's easy enough for you to
make yourself.
JANICE
(frustrated)
It's not that simple.
(glaring at him)
If they detect it being of a purity
that we would make using our
process, they will know it would
not have been feasible for you to
make yourself.
DOUGLAS
So reduce the purity then.
JANICE
(angrily)
It's not just that!
DOUGLAS
Okay, okay! I just hope it won't
affect the reliability of the
craft.
JANICE
It's the only option you have.
We're already essentially making
the hypertravel engine for you. Be
grateful for that. You will need to
contribute some effort in other
areas.
Calming herself, she changes her tone.
JANICE
By the way, did you manage to
convey our request to the
President?
DOUGLAS
Err, yes. It's still being
considered.
She can tell he isn't being sincere.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Negotiation Fallout
INT. SMALL SPACE SHUTTLE TRANSPORT
Janice and Migar were returning to their ship.
MIGAR
You don't think they will give us
anything, do you?
JANICE
Unfortunately not.
MIGAR
What are you going to do?
The small shuttle transport docks to the mothership.
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP - CONTINUOUS
PPP MEMBER #1
The captain is back!
A few crew members gathered to greet Janice.
PPP MEMBER #1
So, what did they say?
JANICE
They haven't agreed to anything
yet.
PPP MEMBER #2
What?! How are we supposed to keep
going on like this!
PPP MEMBER #3
I have family members back home who
depend on me!
PPP MEMBER #2
We'll have to start rationing
energy usage soon!
PPP MEMBER #1
And they expect us to build the
whole hypertravel engine for them?
With what resources and funds?
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Mission to LG#57: Secrets Unveiled
INT. AQUA SPACE TRAINING CENTRE - DAY
George and Rory are submerged in a large tank of water. As
part of their training, it is the best way to experience the
weighlessness of space without actually going there.
They both emerge from the surface, to see a man in a suit
together with someone else, staring at them from a distance.
INT. SECURE MEETING ROOM
DOUGLAS
This is Dr. Kurt Schumann, the
chief engineer of the project.
He'll be accompanying you on the
mission, as your captain. His
assistant will also be joining you.
He'll be here soon.
RORY
Ok. When is it scheduled for?
DOUGLAS
Uhh, we don't have an exact date at
this time. It may not be for a
couple of years yet. But I just
wanted to brief you on some of the
key details of the mission plan.
Vince opened the door and entered the room.
VINCE
Hey guys!
GEORGE
Oh? Vince, I didn't know you were
involved in this as well.
VINCE
It's good to see you two here.
How've you been?
RORY
Great! We must really be lucky to
be chosen for this huh?
DOUGLAS
Anyway... It goes without saying,
that what I'm about to say must
never leave this room.
They all nodded in agreement.
DOUGLAS
Your mission will comprise a
duration of 20 years in flight. You
will --
RORY
Wait wait wait... 20 years? Did I
hear that right?
DOUGLAS
Yes.
RORY
Aren't we just going to the moon?
DOUGLAS
No. The moon is and always was a
cover story. You are going to
travel to a place known as outpost
LG#57 to make contact with an alien
civilisation.
RORY
But I have a wife and young child!
DOUGLAS
It's too late for you to back out
now. You know too much - we'd have
to kill you.
RORY
What?!
DOUGLAS
You should have read the disclosure
documents when you signed up.
RORY
You can't be serious!
George felt guilty about having roped him into this.
GEORGE
Maybe they could come too. Rory's
wife is a skilled engineer.
KURT
(chuckle)
DOUGLAS
(sigh)
(to Kurt)
This is George, he'll be the
ambassador or envoy of the group,
considering he has prior experience
in such matters with these people.
He paused for a moment to let them absorb that revelation.
DOUGLAS
(to Rory)
So, I suppose since I'd rather not
have to kill you, and George our
ambassador thinks it'll be fine,
your family can come along.
Rory is relieved, and after first being skeptical, accepts
it.
DOUGLAS
Where was I? The spacecraft - which
is currently under construction -
is where you will eat, sleep and
(MORE)
DOUGLAS (cont'd)
live together for 20 years or so.
First though you will take it to
the dark side of the moon, where
our friends who are helping us
build it have a much bigger
spaceship. There they will add some
core components necessary for
faster-than-light travel, and send
you on your way.
VINCE
Why does it have to take so long?
DOUGLAS
Tell me about it. But there's
nothing I can do. They won't agree
to give us any better technology
for a shorter journey, out of fear
of being discovered to have aided
us. Their civilisation deems
sharing technology with primitive
worlds like ours to be illegal.
RORY
Who are 'they'?
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Tensions in Negotiation
INT. COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE, JANICE'S SPACESHIP
Janice sits at the terminal, ready to begin transmission.
She picks up the phone. It is not a call she is going to
enjoy making. Maybe, there might even be no answer, which
would frustrate her even more.
JANICE
(transmitting)
Do you hear me?
DOUGLAS (V.O.)
Yes. Go ahead.
JANICE
I'm really going to have to insist
on receiving some kind of
resources. We can't proceed with
developing the engine without them.
DOUGLAS (V.O.)
Sorry, but we don't agree. How can
you expect us to surrender
materials that we have no idea the
true value of? If you had agreed to
take us there, we might have
considered it. But this whole
roundabout proposal was your idea.
Twenty years? It's a farce. Until
we are there, the answer is no.
JANICE
I already told you why that's
impossible!
She hangs up the phone in frustration.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, SECRET FACILITY - CONTINUOUS
Douglas removes his headset and places it back on the
console, walking over to take a seat at the table.
AGENT HILL
Maybe we shouldn't be so harsh. The
PPP have been honest and
forthcoming with us so far. We
should take them at their word.
AGENT MITCHELL
Are you kidding me, Hill?!
(muttering sarcastically)
Honest and forthcoming...
AGENT CONNOR
Aliens come here to our planet, and
demand payment for our own
protection! I say we tell them to
get lost and take our chances with
nukes.
AGENT MITCHELL
Completely agree Connor. We can
defend ourselves.
AGENT CONNOR
And if they refuse to leave, we can
call their buddies at the customer
service center or whatever it's
called and alert them to the breach
of their own laws they are
committing by being here!
DOUGLAS
Or, we can use that as a threat to
ensure they deliver the technology
we seek.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Ethical Dilemmas in Space
INT. COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE, JANICE'S SPACESHIP
Janice has been listening in on their conversation, with a
targetted analysis beam. It is shocking to her that they
would even think about doing that, considering all she was
doing for them.
JANICE
(whispering to herself)
They have no idea their primitive
technology would be useless against
the enemies out there.
She exits the room and emerges into the main area of the
spaceship.
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP - CONTINUOUS
Evidently, the entire crew had been listening in on the
conversation happening down below between the CIA agents.
PPP MEMBER #1 (AIRON)
Captain, did you hear what they
said?
PPP MEMBER #2 (SALVALERO)
How can they even be considering
that?
PPP MEMBER #1 (AIRON)
We need to seize the root telephone
from them to prevent them from
doing that.
PPP MEMBER #3
May as well take some gold while
we're at it.
PPP MEMBERS #1,2,7,8,9
Yeah!
PPP MEMBER #4
Seriously? You would make us as bad
as poachers...
PPP MEMBER #10
That would be an outrage!
PPP MEMBER #5
(to #2,3)
I can't believe you would even
consider that. Captain, please
don't listen to them.
PPP MEMBER #10
If that's the route we're going I
refuse to take part in it and will
actively try and stop you.
JANICE
We're definitely not going to stoop
to the level of poachers. But we
can't remain here like this. If
they won't help us, we'll have to
leave.
PPP MEMBER #8
I suppose it's the only option.
PPP MEMBER #4 (LIVIA)
No - we should stay regardless. I
don't care if we receive any gold
or not. We can make do with what we
have.
PPP MEMBER #2
Easy for you to say.
A few of them snigger.
JANICE
There's something I want to try
first.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Unexpected Communications
INT. ELECTRONICS STORE - DAY
Janice, dressed in appropriate period clothes, enters the
store and looks around, then walks over to the television
sets. She eyes one carefully, then smiles, placing her hand
on top of it.
STORE CLERK
Ma'am, may I help you?
JANICE
(startled, she retracts
her hand)
Oh, no thanks. I'm just looking.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
President Johnson sits on the sofa, watching TV. Suddenly,
the image begins to turn grainy, replaced by an image of
Janice up in her spaceship, with the Earth visible through a
window behind her.
JANICE (V.O.)
Mr President, can you hear me?
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
(hushed)
Janice, is that you? What are you
doing?
JANICE (V.O.)
Sorry, I can't hear you very well.
She fiddled with some dial on the control panel to the side.
JANICE (V.O.)
It's unfortunate that I've had to
come to you directly like this, but
I just wanted to make sure you were
aware of the decision.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
President Johnson rises from his desk to face Douglas who
had been summoned there.
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
Why am I only hearing about this
now!? And from Janice herself? I
can't believe you would risk
everything we've been working on
here! Just give them the gold, give
it to them!
Douglas was still, with a smug expression on his face.
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
I am the President! That's an
order!
After a brief pause, Douglas raised his hands to calm the
president down.
DOUGLAS
Okay!
He calmly walks out of the room.
President Johnson's hands were trembling. He returns to his
seat, glaring back out towards the door where Douglas had
just left.
PRESIDENT JOHNSON
(to himself)
If they had wanted to take it from
us, they could have already done
so.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Launch and Encounter: A Journey Begins
INT./EXT. SPACESHIP CONSTRUCTION STAGING GROUND
Pieces of the spaceship are moved into place with the
assistance of a crane. Various parts are transported by rail
to the site, where they are assembled.
INT. ROCKET TEST OBSERVATION ROOM
Scientists observe a test of the rocket booster modules. A
fiery blaze spews from the end of the module back out
through the tunnel. The thrust force is measured. The
scientists are happy - it was successful.
EXT. CAPE CANAVERAL LAUNCH SITE - DAY
SUPER:
The day of departure
Rory, his wife and child who is now 4 years old, look out
across the landscape towards the rocket that is being
prepared.
INT. BOARDING SHAFT - DAY
Rory climbs through the shaft to enter the spaceship. George
is ahead of him. Behind him, he reaches for his wife Mary's
hand. They are excited.
INT. SECRET SPACE COMMAND CENTRE - DAY
Various screen terminals are arranged in rows, with control
panels.
GROUND CONTROLLER
(on the radio)
Launch preparations have reached
the final stage. T minus 30
minutes.
INT. APOLLO SPACESHIP - CONTINUOUS
GEORGE
Copy that.
INT. GEORGE'S PARENTS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
The television set shows a live broadcast of the rocket
about to launch. George's mother finishes making herself a
cup of tea in the kitchen.
GEORGE'S FATHER
I hope he has a safe journey.
The launch sequence is beginning.
GEORGE'S MOTHER
20 years or more... You know, we
may not be around to ever see him
again.
(she bursts into tears)
George's father goes over to comfort her.
GEORGE'S FATHER
He is one of the privileged few who
was selected for this mission. He
is the ambassador for the entire
world.
The rocket leaves the ground and begins its journey into the
sky. They are both proud of him.
INT. APOLLO SPACESHIP - ABOVE EARTH
GEORGE
Detaching second stage.
They feel the vibration through the ship as the module
detaches, and see it fall away out of their window.
They feel weighlessness. Rory's child, named Andrew, gets
out of his seat.
ANDREW
Wow! This is amazing!
MARY
(laughs)
Andrew get back in your seat.
INT./EXT. SPACE - APOLLO SPACESHIP - LATER
The spaceship begins to cross over to the dark side of the
moon.
GROUND CONTROLLER (V.O.)
(over radio)
This is it. Soon you will be beyond
the threshold from which we'll no
longer be able to communicate with
you. Over.
GEORGE
Copy that.
GROUND CONTROLLER (V.O.)
Good luck with your journey. This
is Houston signing out.
The radio went silent for the last time. George looked over
at Rory, both of them understanding the realisation that
this is the last time they would have contact with human
civilisation for a very, very long time.
Through the window, they see a dark object come into view.
The PPP spaceship. It seems creepy and foreboding.
They continue to drift further towards it, until they are
almost right up against it. They are worried they may
continue to drift past.
RORY
Do we have to do anything?
GEORGE
I don't know.
Then, they hear a CLUNK outside and the effect of the change
in velocity causes them to jolt forward in their seats.
After a brief moment, the hatch at the back opens, and
Livia, a PPP member, pops their head in.
LIVIA
Come in! We don't don't bite.
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP
George and his crew emerge into the main chamber of the
spaceship.
RORY
Wow, this place is much more
spacious than that tiny capsule
we'll have to spend the next 20
years in.
JANICE
22 years, approximately.
RORY
Right.
JANICE
The preparations will take about 30
hours or so. Feel free to make
yourself welcome until then.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Step into Deception
INT. FILM STUDIO SET - SECRET FACILITY, UNITED STATES
The studio lights illuminated a surface that had been
meticulously decorated with rocks and fine desert sand. The
colour didn't matter, for it would all be broadcast in black
and white anyway. In the background is a painted cardboard
scene, with a black curtain above it. This is all to portray
the illusion of the lunar surface.
A television camera captured the scene - focused on the
place where a man dressed in a heavy space suit stood.
NEIL ARMSTRONG
(over radio)
That's one small step for man, one
giant leap for mankind.
Behind the sound stage, CIA agents make preparations for the
depiction of further scenes. It is all going to plan.
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP
Airon, a PPP member, stares at George and his crew.
SALVALERO
Are you going to go over and speak
to them?
AIRON
Maybe. Yeah, sure. Why not.
He walks over to them.
AIRON
Do you know you're the first humans
to come aboard this ship?
GEORGE
What an honour.
Janice, along with Vince, Mary, Kurt and some PPP members
return.
JANICE
The modifications are complete.
KURT
We're good to go.
RORY
Yes Captain.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Tension in the Void
INT. APOLLO SPACESHIP
They have departed into the unknown. George looks back out
the window. He can no longer see the PPP spacecraft, or
Earth, or the moon, or the sun. He cannot see anything - it
is pitch black. They have been in hypertravel for a few
hours now.
Rory observes the navigational display.
RORY
We've passed through the Oort
cloud.
Suddenly, a warning indicator flashes on the control panel.
GEORGE
That's strange.
He flicks the switch to deactivate it.
GEORGE
(over the comms)
Vince, Mary, is everything alright
back there?
MARY (V.O.)
Yep. It's been nothing but smooth
sailing. The engine is operating
within expected parameters.
VINCE (V.O.)
Hypertravel status is normal.
INT. GEORGE'S PARENTS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
The television continues to receive the broadcast of the
supposed moon landing, displaying a picture of the lunar
surface with astronauts planting the American flag.
George's mother takes the cup of tea she had finished making
from the kitchen countertop. Suddenly, it slips from her
hand and crashes to floor, shattering. She has a sickening
feeling that something is horribly wrong with the mission.
But there's nothing she can do about the situation. There's
nothing anyone can do now.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Desperate Measures
INT. APOLLO SPACESHIP
Some time had passed, and the same warning indicator light
illuminates again. This time, the whole spaceship begins to
shudder as more alerts and indicators go off.
RORY
What's going on?!
George looks at the control panel with disbelief. The energy
matrix is destabilising. They are gripped with panic.
GEORGE
Engine failure!
The sense of impending dread washes over them, knowing that
if the engines fail, there would be no way for them to
return or proceed. They would be lost in space.
MARY (V.O.)
(over the comms)
We've been so stupid! Dark matter
microfissures have been
accumulating on the engine. It must
be due to a rare natural phenomenon
in this region of space.
VINCE (V.O.)
(over the comms)
I should have known. We were warned
about this! It's a danger with this
engine type due to its slow rate of
speed.
George begins to move the controls to increase thrust. It's
causing the energy matrix to destabilise even more,
increasing the intensity of vibrations in the spaceship.
RORY
What are you doing??
GEORGE
We need to get out of here as quick
as possible!
RORY
You'll destroy the whole ship!
There is a crackling noise over the comms, with the broken
sound of Mary's voice.
GEORGE
Vince, Mary, do you hear me? Eject
the main engine module! We'll have
to rely solely on the secondary
one.
RORY
Won't that mean --
GEORGE
There's no other choice, unless you
want us to be stranded here! We
can't allow the microfissures to
spread to both engines.
MARY (V.O.)
(crackle)
Vince!
(inaudible)
GEORGE
Hold on!
George continues to increase their rate of speed.
FADE TO WHITE
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Clinton's Alien Dilemma
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
CLOSE ON: The American flag flutters in the breeze atop the
White House.
SUPER:
23 years later
December, 1992
INT. WHITE HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
From above, President-elect Clinton is seen walking through
an archway with secret service agents following behind him.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
CIA AGENT
The Apollo mission should be
nearing completion soon. We expect
to hear from them some time in the
next year, according to our
estimates.
PRESIDENT-ELECT CLINTON
That's exciting. Do we know of
their current position?
CIA AGENT
No.
PRESIDENT-ELECT CLINTON
(confused)
Then how are we to know when
they've arrived?
CIA AGENT
We expect them to contact us.
PRESIDENT-ELECT CLINTON
And what if they don't?
CIA AGENT
Well, it will be up to you on what
to do for next steps.
PRESIDENT-ELECT CLINTON
Let's give it a year.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - EVENING
SUPER: 1 year later
PRESIDENT CLINTON
So you're telling me that we paid
these aliens all this gold bullion
over the years and they can't even
tell us where the spaceship is?
CIA AGENT
Apparently, it's a limitation of
the technology.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
I want to speak with them myself.
Set up a meeting.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Tensions in the Conference Room
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, SECRET FACILITY
Janice's face is visible on the large TV monitor. She hasn't
aged at all. President Clinton has a microphone in front of
him. He is together with CIA agents who are seated at a
large table.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
Let's get straight to the point.
You estimated they would arrive in
approximately 22 years. That time
has passed, and yet we still
haven't heard anything from them.
JANICE
Look, I don't believe it's any
cause for concern. Minor
fluctuations in engine speed could
result in variability of travel
time, especially for such a long
journey. You should give it another
3 or 4 years at least before
worrying about it.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
I want you to go and investigate to
see if anything went wrong.
JANICE
(exasperated)
Like I said, it would be futile. In
hypertravel they are undetectable.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
But if they're not in hypertravel,
then you will be able to detect
them?
JANICE
We wouldn't know exactly where to
find them.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
Then start looking!
JANICE
Look, it's dangerous. Poachers
could be waiting for the moment we
leave to strike. You'd be
defenceless.
One of the CIA agents scoffs from across the table.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
The Dilemma of Disclosure
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Migar sits across the desk from Janice who is reclined in
her chair, tapping her fingers on the surface of the table
and staring off into the distance.
MIGAR
The estimate I had calculated was
an upper bound. By my calculations,
they are at least a year late.
Don't you think that's concerning?
JANICE
Yes.
MIGAR
There isn't much variance in a
simplistic engine design like that,
and it has a high fault tolerance.
What could have gone wrong?
JANICE
I don't know.
MIGAR
Do you think it may have been an
issue with their structure? The
purity was slightly below the
minimum safe threshold. I didn't
think much of it at the time.
JANICE
Don't worry about it. There's
nothing we can do now. The question
is, should I tell them?
MIGAR
Let's ask the others.
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP
JANICE
(speaking to the crew)
I've called you all here as we have
a decision to make. You will know
by now that there has been some
kind of mishap with the Apollo
spacecraft. It hasn't arrived at
LG#57 within the designated time
frame. Migar has some theories on
what may have been the cause, and
I'm sure many of you have engaged
in speculation too. Should we let
the Earth government know the truth
of the matter?
PPP MEMBER #1 (AIRON)
(incredulous)
No? Of course not!
PPP MEMBER #2 (SALVALERO)
We can't let them know, or they
will stop supplying us with gold.
PPP MEMBER #3
Exactly. We need to maintain their
trust.
PPP MEMBER #7
If they become suspicious of us,
they might act rashly.
PPP MEMBER #3
We need to maintain the position
we're in as long as we can.
PPP MEMBER #8
(to Migar)
Are you even certain about what
happened?
MIGAR
No.
PPP MEMBER #3
Janice, please, just keep placating
them. We'll know when our time is
up here, then we can leave.
PPP MEMBER #1
Yeah, and let's take their root
telephone with us.
PPP MEMBER #3
It'll be discovered at the next
census!
PPP MEMBER #1
We can leave it on their moon or
somewhere. Just to prevent them
from reporting us.
Livia shakes her head.
PPP MEMBER #5
It's disgraceful. Where's our
honesty?
PPP MEMBER #4 (LIVIA)
We're certainly not doing that.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Tensions Over Gold Supplies
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, SECRET FACILITY - YEARS LATER
Like before, President Clinton is in a video call with
Janice.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
You said 3 or 4 years, and we've
waited. What now?
JANICE (V.O.)
Like I've said the past three
times, there's not much we can do.
There is still hope they might
still be in transit, just slightly
delayed.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
You don't really believe that, do
you? You haven't given us anything
to trust you. You haven't even
investigated it at all! Unless you
tell us what happened to that ship,
we'll stop supplying you with gold.
JANICE (V.O.)
That wouldn't be a wise idea.
He ends the transmission.
INT. FORT KNOX GOLD BULLION VAULT - RAINING
A CIA AGENT shines a flashlight into the dark room. Rows of
EMPTY SHELVES, except for one.
PRESIDENT CLINTON (V.O.)
What is the status of the gold
bullion in Fort Knox?
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
CIA AGENT
Like I reported last month, Mr
President, the stockpile has been
running low. But it remains
unchanged since then.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
If we are to take this drastic
action, we need to start making
preparations.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Desperate Summons
INT. BEN'S HOUSE - WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
Ben, now an elderly man, sits on his sofa. The clock on the
shelf ticks by. An old picture of him and Douglas is also on
the shelf, and further along, a picture of young Ben and his
wife and child.
He takes a swig of whiskey from his flask.
Suddenly, the phone rings.
Ben rises from his seat and goes over to answer it.
MALE VOICE (V.O.)
(over the phone)
Benjamin Horton?
BEN
Yes?
MALE VOICE (V.O.)
You're needed at the White House.
We'll come and pick you up in 15
minutes.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - HALLWAY - DAY
Ben sits at a chair outside the entrance to the briefing
room, waiting to be invited inside. A lot had changed since
he had last been here, but also a lot had remained the same.
The door opens.
CIA AGENT
Come in.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Ben walks into the briefing room and takes a seat.
AGENT SHELBY
Benjamin, it's good to have you
here.
Ben attempts a forced smile.
AGENT SHELBY
There is an unfortunate situation
progressing. We are facing a
crisis. You have had first hand
encounters with these aliens. We
need your knowledge of these
adversaries now more than ever.
Tell us, what weaknesses do they
have that can be exploited.
BEN
(confused)
I don't understand. Why --
AGENT SHELBY
You've heard of the Apollo mission
right? It was due to arrive 5 years
ago. We haven't heard anything, and
the aliens refuse to tell us what
happened.
BEN
(shaking his head)
They don't have any weaknesses.
There is no defeating them! It is a
folly. Don't try it!
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Nightmare of the Future
EXT. POST-APOCALYPTIC CITYSCAPE, UNITED STATES - DAY
President Clinton walks along the deserted street, the ruins
of tall buildings on either side. He has the eerie feeling
he is being watched, and he quickly turns around, but there
is no one there.
Then there is movement in the periphery of his vision - a
scurrying figure, but as he turns to focus upon it, there is
nothing there. Yet he knowns there are many of them here. He
begins to run, but there is nowhere for him to go - they are
everywhere.
They will catch him.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - PRESIDENT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
President Clinton jolts awake and sits up in his bed in a
cold sweat. It was just a dream. A nightmare.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
Compared to when he initially assumed office, President
Clinton has noticably aged. His hair is grey, and his face
worn and tired. But only eight years have passed since then.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
(to President-elect Bush)
I have grown wary and distrustful
of the PPP, as they call
themselves. Something went wrong
(MORE)
PRESIDENT CLINTON (cont'd)
with that mission. I feel like they
know what happened but are hiding
the truth from us. I'm at a loss.
What can I do? I very much tried to
avoid resorting to drastic
measures. I went along with what
they had said, to just keep
waiting. I kept supplying them with
gold, which I had very much wanted
to stop doing, if I didn't fear
their retribution. After all, they
could just take it by force if they
wanted to and we would be powerless
to stop them. We don't stand a
chance if it came to armed
conflict. Their technology is just
far too advanced.
PRESIDENT-ELECT BUSH
Relax. I've heard there are still
some options on the table.
PRESIDENT CLINTON
You're as naiive as I used to be.
I'm just glad I won't have to deal
with it anymore. But I fear for the
future.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, SECRET FACILITY
CIA AGENT
Mr President, are you sure you want
to go through with this?
PRESIDENT BUSH
Yes. Are we all in agreement here?
There are nods from around the room.
PRESIDENT BUSH
(to the communications
operator)
Call them.
The image of Janice flickers onto the screen.
PRESIDENT BUSH
(to Janice)
We are not going to put up with
this nonsense any longer. This is
our ultimatum: no more gold will be
supplied to your organisation until
you tell us what happened to the
Apollo.
JANICE (V.O.)
(on screen)
But --
PRESIDENT BUSH
It doesn't matter if you concealed
it before, we just want to know the
truth.
JANICE (V.O.)
We don't know what happened.
PRESIDENT BUSH
Then we expect full disclosure,
with a representitive from Earth
visitng your ship and taken along
the path of the Apollo's flight. If
you do not do this within 1 year,
you will be asked to leave Earth.
We will not hesistate to contact
Universal Telecom to ensure this is
enforced.
Janice is taken aback. She never thought they would become
serious about doing such a thing.
JANICE (V.O.)
(sigh)
There's no need for that.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
PRESIDENT BUSH
Well that went well. We're finally
getting some answers, and they've
agreed to take an observer aboard
their ship. Agent Horton, I'd like
you to go.
BEN
Me?
PRESIDENT BUSH
Yes. We can trust you, and you're
highly experienced in these
matters. I look forward to the
report when you get back.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Tensions in Transit
EXT. NEVADA DESERT - MORNING
Janice's small shuttlecraft touches down onto the surface.
Ben and other CIA agents had been waiting. She emerges from
it, and invites Ben to come inside. He walks over to it.
JANICE
Watch your step.
She closes the door behind him and they fly off.
INT. JANICE'S SPACESHIP
Ben walks into the large open main area. He eyes Airon and
Salvalero suspiciously. They are staring at him and talking
quietly amongst themselves.
Livia approaches him from the other side of the circular
room.
LIVIA
(cheerfully)
Welcome! Let me show you around.
Janice approaches from behind.
JANICE
The scout ship is ready. Livia, we
can do that afterwards.
(to Ben)
Let's go.
INT. SCOUT SHIP - OUTER SPACE
Ben looks out the window intently.
JANICE
This is the path the Apollo took.
I'm following the exact course that
was laid in on their flight plan.
Of course, don't expect to see
much. In hypertravel, at these
speeds, it's hard for us to detect
anything that would be travelling
much slower or is stationary.
LATER:
Some hours had passed, and Ben lay seated. He is exhausted
and about to doze off.
Janice slows down the spacecraft and brings it to a stop.
She prods Ben's arm to bring him to attention. He stands.
JANICE
As you can see, it's just as we
thought. There's no trace of it.
BEN
Is that the outpost?
He eyes the small structure floating in space some distance
ahead of them.
BEN (CONT'D)
Let's go in and enquire.
JANICE
Don't push your luck.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Hope Amidst Loss
INT. WHITE HOUSE - BRIEFING ROOM - DAY
BEN
It's time we faced the fact that
the Apollo is gone.
PRESIDENT BUSH
Lost?
BEN
They couldn't find it. I was there.
They showed me everything.
PRESIDENT BUSH
So you don't think the
circumstances were suspicious?
BEN
No.
PRESIDENT BUSH
I see.
BEN
There is one other thing. Since
they feel so guilty about this
whole ordeal, they are offering to
help build a new spaceship if we
want to run the mission again.
AGENT HARRISON
Seriously?
PRESIDENT BUSH
Hmm. I'll consider it.
BEN
They also said that there is still
hope. Even if Apollo had lost one
of the two engine modules, they
could still make it there. It would
just take twice as long.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Reflections in the Void
EXT. APOLLO SPACESHIP - OUTER SPACE
The spaceship floats in space, seemingly adrift, but in fact
moving at an incredible speed.
GEORGE (V.O.)
Against all odds, we had made it.
INT. APOLLO SPACESHIP - CONTINUOUS
George, Rory and Andrew, all considerably aged, reside in
the cabin.
GEORGE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
In the aftermath of the accident, I
learned Vince hadn't survived. He
had sacrified himself to eject the
primary engine module and save us.
We owe all our progress thus far to
him.
FLASHBACK - INT. APOLLO SPACESHIP
Kurt shares a meal with the crew.
GEORGE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Captain Kurt died of old age 2
years ago. Without him, I'm sure we
wouldn't have made it this far
either.
The frail, elderly man lies in bed. George and the others
are by his side.
BACK TO SCENE
GEORGE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
It's a shame he didn't live long
enough to see the completion of the
mission. He was so close.
George puts down his pen and notebook.
ANDREW
Dad! Come look and see!
Rory and George join him at the window. Together they see
the light of a star they had begun to approach. It is the
star system where the outpost was located.
GEORGE
Can you believe it's been 42
years... A far cry from the 22 we'd
thought when we began this journey.
RORY
Better late than never.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Desperate Negotiations at Outpost LG#57
EXT. OUTPOST LG#57
The Apollo spaceship closes the distance to the outpost, and
the outpost's automatic docking mechanism activates.
INT. OUTPOST LG#57
The weary travellers: George, followed by Rory, Andrew and
Mary, stumble through the small, dimly lit outpost. It
resembled a small strip in a shopping mall, with 4
shopfronts - 2 on either side. Three of them had either been
closed up a very long time ago, or had never been in use at
all. The only light - a bright white light - came from the
one at the far end on the left, where a woman stood at a
counter. Its opening is the width of a small booth, while
further towards the end, the main opening of that shop
itself still appeared to be closed, yet light emanated from
it.
The woman notices the strangers coming towards her.
Curiously, she leans out to get a better look at them.
OUTPOST MANAGER
We don't get many visitors 'round
these parts.
George reaches the counter.
OUTPOST MANAGER
Welcome to Postal Outpost LG#57.
How may I help you?
GEORGE
We're... We're from Earth, it's a
planet some distance away - for us,
anyway. We would like to request
the lifting of the primitiveness
restrictions. And we have come here
to trade.
He pulls out a solid bar of gold from his pocket and dumps
it on the counter. It's quite heavy. The outpost manager
looks at him strangely.
OUTPOST MANAGER
I'll see what I can do for you.
She sits down and accesses the computer next to her.
OUTPOST MANAGER
Earth... Yes, it is a primitive
world. No prior record of
hypertravel from your species. Are
you aware of the new regulation
that only civilisations eligible
for a seat at the Universal
Assembly are able to be
unclassified as primitive?
GEORGE
No. What are the requirements for
that?
OUTPOST MANAGER
It shouldn't be an issue. The
threshold is very low and always
met except in cases where the
civilisation had outside help in
developing their technology.
She pauses, having encountered a troubling revelation on the
computer.
OUTPOST MANAGER
The requirement is that the
civilisation must have a minimum of
about 4.3 billion inhabitants. Do
you realise that as of the last
census, Earth only had 2.7 billion?
I'm sorry, but that makes you
ineligible.
RORY
What!? You can't be serious!
OUTPOST MANAGER
Surely you must know that
fast-tracking the technological
progress of an otherwise small
civilisation is illegal activity.
Are you sure you haven't been
benefiting from such help?
GEORGE
No! Of course not!
RORY
We developed this technology
completely on our own!
They had come too far to give up now. Lying was their only
option.
The outpost manager eyed them suspiciously.
GEORGE
Please, isn't there something you
can do?
OUTPOST MANAGER
The rules are the rules.
RORY
We spent 42 years travelling here!
That's what we were told to do by
Universal Telecom. And you're
telling us it's all for nothing?
OUTPOST MANAGER
I don't make the rules. What do you
expect me to do?
GEORGE
When was the census done? How about
getting an updated population
count?
OUTPOST MANAGER
I'm not able to authorise that, or
even sure if it would be allowed.
GEORGE
Please, contact your supervisor.
She obliges them, taking pity on their predicament.
OUTPOST MANAGER
Alright. I'll call the Primitive
Worlds Institute. They should be
the relevant authority on such
matters.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
A New Ally in the Assembly
INT. DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - PRIMITIVE WORLDS INSTITUTE -
AFTERNOON
The Director of the Primitive Worlds Institute (PWI), who is
also the Narrator from the opening sequence, sits at a large
desk in a large office room with windows on all sides except
the one with the door.
PWI CLERK (V.O.)
(via video call)
Sorry to disturb you, director.
We've had a highly unusual request.
Emissaries from a small planet:
Earth in subsector 10 of the LG
sector 57, arrived at an outpost
and are demanding a population
recount because the census record
states they are not eligible for an
assembly seat.
PWI DIRECTOR
Hmm, that's quite a distance away.
PWI CLERK (V.O.)
Are they entitled to do that?
PWI DIRECTOR
You know my thoughts on these
remote regions. This is a golden
opportunity for us to expand our
reach out there, and gain another
valuable ally to vote with us in
the assembly.
PWI CLERK (V.O.)
I concur, director.
PWI DIRECTOR
Give them the recount. Besides, I
don't really believe in this new
restriction. They demonstrated
interstellar travel didn't they?
With a legitimate craft?
PWI CLERK (V.O.)
Yes.
PWI DIRECTOR
I'd rather not waste time sending a
probe out there. Get them to submit
a binding declaration verifying
their population count and we can
update it in the system.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
ID Cards and a Call Home
INT. OUTPOST LG#57
The outpost manager rolls up the shutter on the storefront.
OUTPOST MANAGER
Come in. I need to make your ID
cards.
George steps into the brightly illuminated room.
OUTPOST MANAGER
One at a time.
She rolls down the shutter.
LATER:
The outpost manager finished making the last card and tosses
it onto the countertop with the others.
CLOSE ON: The four newly-created ID cards lay on the
countertop. They are collected by their respective owners.
OUTPOST MANAGER
Don't lose them. They'll come in
handy whenever you need to make
payments and such.
GEORGE
Thanks.
She brings a paper form to the counter in front of George.
OUTPOST MANAGER
Here is the statutory declaration
form from the Primitive Worlds
Institute. State your amended
population count here and then
sign.
George skims through the document. He doesn't feel
comfortable entering just any random number above the
threshold. It should be accurate.
GEORGE
Can I use your telephone first?
He indicates to the device attached to the end wall on the
near side of the outpost, which he had noticed earlier. A
public payphone.
OUTPOST MANAGER
Sure.
(gesturing for his ID
card)
She takes the bar of gold still on the countertop and it
dematerialises in a machine to her right.
OUTPOST MANAGER
This is quite a lot. I'll transfer
some of it to all four of you.
They hand her back their cards, which she then enters into
the machine one by one.
OUTPOST MANAGER
There is another thing. To be
inaugurated into the assembly, you
need to go to Alpha Prime and
assume your seat. With the current
state of your technology, you
certainly wouldn't be able to make
it there. Luckily for you, there is
a transport supply ship that will
arrive here in a few months. You
should be able to secure passage on
that.
When she is finished with his card, George takes it and goes
over to the payphone. Its operation would have been a
mystery to him if he hadn't been briefed on it. He struggles
to remember what they had told him all those years ago. Yes,
it is a simple design. He places the card in the slot which
is obvious. Of course - the machine springs to life. Easy
enough. There is no need to remember anything more. He
observes the display. It is only a DIRECTORY - he still has
to enter the numbers in the keypad himself, in the same way
he had done so very long ago. But first he is going to call
home.
The directory entry for Earth is shown on the display, and
George begins to dial.
INT. PENTAGON - PHONE ROOM - DAY
SUPER: The Pentagon, Washington D.C., 2012
A small room somewhere in the Pentagon held a bunch of
telephones, used as hotlines from many nations around the
world. They used to serve an important purpose, but not so
much anymore in the digital age. In this room had been
placed the Universal Telecom ROOT TELEPHONE for it to be
continuously monitored.
It began to RING.
INT. PENTAGON COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE - CONTINUOUS
An ALERT flashes onto all of the screens in the room -
including the computer monitors, and large projector at the
front. The operations manager swings into action, walking
out of the room and across the hall, into another room and
then to the door of the storage room where the telephones
were kept.
INT. PENTAGON - STORAGE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
It was hidden away behind some shelves. Quickly clearing
away a box from the entrance, he swipes his access card and
opens the door.
INT. PENTAGON - PHONE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Listening for the phone which is ringing. It is in the
center, sat atop a table with a bunch of other telephones.
He answers it.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
A Call to the Future
INT. OUTPOST LG#57 - LATER
GEORGE
(on the phone)
Thank you, Mr. President. I won't
disappoint you.
He hangs up the phone, walking back to the counter.
GEORGE
Seven billion.
He writes the figure on the statutory declaration form. As
he is about to sign, the outpost manager interrupts him.
OUTPOST MANAGER
No no no - use this.
She takes his ID card from the countertop and places it face
down on the page. She shows him how he needs to press it
down with his hand. It leaves an imprint seal on the page.
After it's done, George takes his ID card and looks back
towards the payphone.
GEORGE
There's one more phone call I have
to make.
He walks back over to the payphone, removing a slip of paper
from his coat. It's Ava's phone number - the piece of paper
she had originally written for him. He begins to dial.
There is silence as he finishes dialing. Then, he can hear
ringing on the other end. After a couple of rings, Ava
answers the phone.
AVA (V.O.)
(unintelligible alien
language)
Hello? Who is this?
GEORGE
Ava? Is that you?
AVA (V.O.)
Who's speaking?
GEORGE
It's George, from Earth. I'm not
sure if you remember me.
AVA (V.O.)
Ah yes! Of course I remember. It's
good to hear from you. How have you
been?
GEORGE
Good!
AVA (V.O.)
I can see you're calling from
outpost LG57. Is everything
alright? Do you need me to give you
a lift from there?
GEORGE
How far away are you?
AVA (V.O.)
(laughs)
Quite far actually. It would take
me a year or two to arrive.
GEORGE
Don't worry about it. There is a
transport ship coming in only a few
months. I'm going to Alpha Prime to
be inaugurated as the
representative for Earth in the
Universal Assembly, maybe you can
meet me there?
AVA (V.O.)
Sure! I live near there. You can
stay over at my place.
GEORGE
Thanks so much! It was great
speaking with you again, after all
this time.
AVA (V.O.)
Likewise!
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Arrival at Alpha Prime
EXT. OUTPOST LG#57 - MONTHS LATER
The small transport supply ship arrives.
INT. TRANSPORT SPACESHIP - OUTPOST LG57 DOCKING BAY
The TWO CREWMEN are rough-cut individuals. Their eyes widen
at sight of the wealth present in George and his friends ID
cards.
CREWMAN #1
Boy, you lot have some fortune
here.
CREWMAN #2
We sure will be able to take you
back to Alpha Prime.
MARY
I was wondering... Would it be
possible for you to take a couple
of us to Earth? Or make a stopover
there along the way?
CREWMAN #1
Earth? Never heard of it.
ANDREW
It's where we're from.
CREWMAN #1
Sorry, we're not going off course
to a planet that could potentially
incur a violation of the
Primitiveness Law.
(wryly)
Once you get to Alpha and lift
those restrictions, you should be
able to find your way back.
INT./EXT. TRANSPORT SPACESHIP - ALPHA PRIME - DAY
The spacecraft approaches Alpha Prime. George's eyes light
up in wonder at the advanced civilisation.
EXT. MAIN DOCKING TERMINAL - ALPHA PRIME - DAY
Various spaceships are landing and departing. Goods are
loaded, unloaded and transported in large metallic prisms.
Crowds of people walk briskly on the causeway.
George and his friends are part of the crowd. They reach a
large building, the pace of the crowd slowing to a crawl.
INT. MAIN TERMINAL - ALPHA PRIME - DAY
George and the others scan their ID cards at the turnstyles
and enter the building.
He wonders around, searching, scanning the upper and lower
levels.
Where could she be?
Then he sees someone waving at him. That's her - Ava! She
hasn't seemed to age at all, still the appearance of a girl
in her twenties.
They move towards each other. George climbs the stairs to
the upper level, while she descends.
They embrace in a hug.
INT. AVA'S NEW RESIDENCE - DAY
GEORGE
So, did anyone ever find out about
your little excursion?
AVA
Yes, actually. My mother wasn't
very happy about it. But it's not
like she would report me to the
authorities.
GEORGE
Can I ask, how come you haven't
aged at all?
AVA
(laughs)
Well, you see, my people eliminated
ageing a long time ago. Nowadays,
they live until they decide they
are done with their life.
GEORGE
And that actually happens?
AVA
Yes - I suppose there's only so
much to see and do here.
GEORGE
Huh.
AVA
Everything just becomes the same
after a while.
Genres:
["Science Fiction","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A New Beginning at the Universal Assembly
EXT. UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLY TERMINAL - DAY
Ava's spaceship touches down on the raised platform high
above the city. The PWI Director is there waiting.
George and Ava emerge from the spacecraft and approach him.
PWI DIRECTOR
(to George)
Come. The delegates have assembled.
George looks back at Ava as he leaves to go into the
building with the Director. She smiles at him.
INT. UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLY HALL
Chatter fills the large auditorium - delegates talking
amongst themselves. A middle-aged man speaks with George.
DELEGATE
Alpha and Beta together control a
majority of the assembly. I don't
know why they even bother having us
around here.
GEORGE
What if they disagree?
DELEGATE
Then they turn to Gamma, Delta,
Epsilon and Zeta. They have the
next largest number of seats. Out
of the 1200 or so votes here,
neither yours nor mine will make
any difference.
GEORGE
Tell me, why are all the
civilisations here known by letters
and not names?
DELEGATE
Oh.
(chuckles)
That confused me too when I first
arrived here. It's a system devised
to not cause any offence to other
cultures by keeping the universal
translations agnostic.
GEORGE
How does that work?
DELEGATE
When you say 'Alpha civilisation'
in that context, the people from
that civilisation always hear the
name of it in their own language.
But to everyone else, it is just
the first in a sequence alphabet
used for ordering things. There's
also the added benefit you
immediately know what the relative
size is of the civilisation that is
being talked about.
GEORGE
What's the name of your
civilisation?
DELEGATE
Omega215.
GEORGE
Ah. So what number is Earth?
DELEGATE
When you hear me say 'Earth' what
I'm actually saying is the letter
that corresponds to your
civilisation. But you will always
hear it as 'Earth'. Just like when
you say Omega215, what I hear is
the name of my own civilisation in
my own language. So I'm not sure
how I can really convey that to
you.
GEORGE
(with a laugh)
Well, if I'm last, that probably
makes me Omega500 or something.
DELEGATE
(laughs)
The lights dim, and the crowd quietens.
GEORGE
It's time.
INT. UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLY HALL - PODIUM
George delivers his inaugural speech to the assembly on
behalf of Earth.
GEORGE
Through the many countless
constellations and galaxies, we
hope you will perceive Earth to be
more than just another speck of
dust. We hope to prove our worth as
a committed partner and ally - a
shining beacon of candour among the
darkness. Though the physical
distance between us may be vast,
our values are not so different. It
is this common purpose we share
that motivates us to continue to
strive for a better future,
together.
CUT TO BLACK
THE END