"The Decline and Fall" Part 1 by Rygar Additions by DJ Clawson First draft - 5/25/04 Second draft - 6/18/04 Final draft - 7/9/04 SCENE 1 - PSYCHIATRIC WARD, UCSF MEDICAL CENTER It's rather early in the morning. WILLY DUWITT sits lazily in his chair in an interview room of the psychiatric ward. He's no longer wearing the clothes he had on when he was rushed to the emergency room yesterday and is instead in a hospital gown. A knock on the door diverts Willy's attention from the wall. He looks up in time to see DR. JASON MATTHEWS, his psychiatrist, enter. MATTHEWS (smiling) Hi, Willy. How are you this morning? WILLY (without emotion) Fine. MATTHEWS (remaining standing) I just want to take a few minutes to talk to you, to see what's going on. WILLY I don't really want to talk. MATTHEWS It won't take too long. (beat) Are you feeling OK? WILLY Yeah. MATTHEWS Been thinking about what happened yesterday? WILLY (closes his eyes) Yeah. MATTHEWS Thinking about trying it again? WILLY (shaking his head) No. Definitely not. MATTHEWS Why'd you try it yesterday? WILLY I ... Willy lets out a long sigh and collects his thoughts. WILLY I was away from home for a long time, Doctor. I was finally going back, and all I wanted to do was see my parents. That was it. And when I got back, they weren't home. I guess they were at work or something, but I didn't think about that. I just panicked. (beat) I thought they'd left me. I thought they'd gone away because I'd gone away. I was afraid they didn't love me anymore, and all I wanted was for them to love me. I wanted them to be there for me. That's the main reason I went home. And when nobody was there, I just ... I ... (beat) It was stupid. It was really stupid. Willy gently scratches the bandage on his right hand. MATTHEWS Had you been thinking about suicide before you tried it? WILLY No. MATTHEWS Ever have any suicidal thoughts at all? WILLY No, not really. MATTHEWS Ever think about death a lot? Focus on it? WILLY No. I kinda got numb to it after ... MATTHEWS After what? Willy stops himself quickly. He doesn't want to mention the aniverse, because he knows Dr. Matthews won't believe him. WILLY Nothing. I never really thought about death. This was a one-time thing. MATTHEWS Had you taken anything? Any drugs or alcohol? WILLY No. I never really did any of that. MATTHEWS Now, did you think about how your parents would've reacted if you'd killed yourself? WILLY (cringing a bit) I didn't. I thought they'd left me. I didn't think they'd care. But I guess they ... (considering it) Oh, man ... MATTHEWS (smiling) Well, you don't need to worry about that right now. (beat) Do you feel guilty about anything? WILLY Guilty? (thinks) I guess I feel guilty about trying to kill myself. I really wish I hadn't. MATTHEWS Anything else? WILLY I feel guilty about betraying my friends. (quickly) No, I mean ... MATTHEWS Your friends as in, Captain O'Hare? WILLY (lying) No, no. I mean, my friends at school. MATTHEWS I thought you said you didn't have any friends at school. WILLY Well ... I guess there were a couple. MATTHEWS (seeing right through him) Mm-hmm. (beat) What are your plans for the future, Willy? WILLY I'm going to keep going to school, I guess. I want to go to a good technological institute. Eventually, I want to be a scientist, like my dad. MATTHEWS Where do you want to go after high school? WILLY Well, I'd love to study at Graham, but that'd probably be too difficult to work out. MATTHEWS Graham? Where's that? WILLY (covering up) Um ... it's in ... Norway. MATTHEWS (skeptical) You want to attend a technical college in Norway? WILLY Yeah. They sent me some brochures, and ... (shaking his head) I'll never get in. I'm also thinking about MIT. And maybe CalTech, if I want to stay near home. MATTHEWS You're shooting pretty high. WILLY (a little proudly) Yeah. My grades have almost always been really good. I think I can get in. MATTHEWS Well, it sounds like you have a great future ahead of you, Willy. WILLY I hope so. (nervously) Can I please go home, Doctor? MATTHEWS I'm afraid we can't let you go just yet, Willy. WILLY (calmly) Can I at least see my parents? MATTHEWS I was just going to suggest that, actually. Willy's face brightens for the first time this morning. WILLY (excited) Really? MATTHEWS I'm about to give them a call. I want to meet with them first, and then they can visit you. Willy is overjoyed at this, though he can't really find the words to express it. WILLY That's great. Thank you. MATTHEWS No problem. We're done for now. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to your room, where you'll be staying while you're here. Dr. Matthews leans over and opens the door. Willy, slowly but intently, stands up. He looks around the room very quickly, then steps through the door. The doctor follows right after him. SCENE 2 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE CHAIRMAN FRITZ WARNER is placing a file folder atop a few other sheets of paper on his desk, which for once looks rather neat and organized. FRITZ *Finally*. Taking a satisfied breath, Fritz opens the file and looks over the first document. After skimming it to his satisfaction, he pulls out his stamp and marks it. Right after he turns to the next sheet of paper, he hears a creaking noise behind him. He turns to see his bodyguard, KADAF WARNER, enter through his private entrance. The duck has enormous bags under his eyes and walks limply yet urgently. FRITZ Kadaf? What are you doing here? I told you to take the day off. KADAF (staring) He's here, Fritz. FRITZ What? Who's here? KADAF *He* is! He's *been* here! Why don't you believe me?! FRITZ (sighs) OK, Daffy, here is what we're going to do. You are going to go back to the mansion on Warren and get some rest. The next chance I get, I'll take a quick trip to Earth to talk to your old doctor. Remember him? I'll see if he has any advice. KADAF (clutching himself) He's coming closer, Fritz! You have to believe me! FRITZ I don't feel a thing, Kadaf. There is absolutely no way that ... Just then, Fritz's desk comm beeps. Stopping mid-sentence, Fritz pauses for a moment before answering it. Griff appears on the screen. GRIFF Chairman. It's Griff. Senator Nuras of Terra is here for his scheduled appointment. FRITZ I almost forgot about that. Send him in. Oh, and tell him I'm sorry I couldn't meet him earlier. GRIFF All right. We're just outside your office. FRITZ Tell Claire to let you pass. Griff nods and shuts off the comm. Fritz turns back around to Kadaf, only to find him shaking. FRITZ (closes his eyes) I can't believe I'm even offering this, but if you really need something to calm you down, I can get you ... Just then, the door to the office slides open, and VICE CHAIRMAN SANZER GRIFF and SENATOR NURAS step through, the guards close behind them. Fritz turns and smiles. Kadaf, on the other hand, shrieks and backs into the corner. FRITZ (trying not to eye Kadaf angrily) Senator Nuras. It's an honor to meet you. Fritz extends his paw to Nuras, who is nearly twice as wide as he is, though a few inches shorter. The senator accepts the shake. NURAS (standing up straight) Likewise, Chairman. (glancing over at Kadaf) I hate to be rude, but your friend seems to be ... KADAF Get away from me! Griff and the guards, who were already looking at Kadaf, exchange worried glances. FRITZ I'm very sorry. My bodyguard has been having trouble sleeping. He means you no disrespect. NURAS I understand. I hope he feels better. Perhaps a vacation would suit him? FRITZ That's what I had in mind. NURAS (grinning) Good that we agree on something. Perhaps we can agree on other things as well. (looking behind him) If you don't mind, though, I would like to meet with you in private. FRITZ Of course. (to Kadaf) Kadaf, go with Griff and the guards. (turning around) Griff, could you see to it that Kadaf makes it safely back to his apartment? GRIFF Yes, sir. KADAF Don't trust him, Fritz! He's here for us! FRITZ (still smiling) Senator, once again, I am deeply sorry for this. The guards slowly walk up to Kadaf, nervous because they know his reputation. Instead of resisting, however, the duck almost gladly accompanies them as they begin to leave the room. NURAS It doesn't bother me, Chairman. But do see to it that he gets some rest. (with a sly grin) He looks like death warmed over. Fritz's eyes grow wide at this. Kadaf hears it, too, and he spins around and casts Fritz a wild, urgent stare right before the door closes behind him. FRITZ What did you mean by that? NURAS Oh, it's just an expression I picked up. It means he's not in good shape. FRITZ (probing) I've never heard that phrase before. Where in the aniverse does it come from? NURAS Oh, it's not from the aniverse. But then, neither are you, so I'm sure you've heard it before. Fritz glances into Nuras's eyes as the senator smiles and inches a little closer to him. NURAS Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I was here. You know, keep you on your toes. I *do* hope our planets can see eye to eye. I don't foresee many problems, but you never know. Something in Nuras's eye, something about his tone of voice, deeply unnerves Fritz. The rabbit opens his mouth to speak, but he remains silent, just in case. A shiver runs down his back, galvanizing him to walk back over to his desk. FRITZ (diplomatically) Senator. I'm afraid I have matters to attend to at the moment and can't really afford to chat idly when so much work needs to be done. However, I'm sure tomorrow will be a very important day for the UAC. NURAS Don't be so caught up in tomorrow, Chairman. Your first concern should be today. (beat) Oh, good. I was hoping to meet her. FRITZ What? Fritz hears the same creak behind him again and turns as CAPTAIN MIMI LAFLEUR slips in through Kadaf's entrance. MIMI (boldly) Surprise! Kadaf's slipping. It was really easy to follow him and find ... (spotting Nuras) Oh. I'm sorry. NURAS (smiling sweetly) Not a problem, Captain LaFleur. MIMI I ... I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, sir. NURAS My name is Nuras. I'm Terra's representative to the UAC. I've heard all about you. You're quite the dashing war hero. Fritz tenses at hearing this but doesn't react, trying to be civil. MIMI (blushing, not immediately catching the reference) Why, thank you. NURAS (walking up to Mimi) My pleasure. Nuras takes Mimi's paw in his. Fritz uneasily watches as he lifts her paw, palm down, and leans over slightly to kiss it. Mimi appears a little off-put but doesn't say anything. NURAS And to what do we owe the honor of this visit? MIMI Oh. I, uh, just needed to talk to the Chairman about something. NURAS Well, by all means, don't let me stop you. MIMI (glancing at Fritz briefly) No, no. It can wait. NURAS (grabbing his stomach) You know what? I am *starving*! I could really go for a quick meal. There is a cafeteria in this building, yes? FRITZ (coldly) Yes. Two floors down. NURAS I think I'll grab a bite to eat. (to Mimi) Would you care to join me? MIMI I don't think ... FRITZ (protesting) No, she's ... NURAS (raising his paws) Sorry, sorry. I just wanted a breakfast companion. That's all. (grinning) After all, it's not like I'm moving in on your lady or anything, is it? FRITZ I ... NURAS I've always wanted to meet a war hero. Perhaps you could tell me more about S.P.A.C.E.? Terra is very interested in contributing funds to the UAC's military fleet. MIMI (smiling nervously) That's very nice, Senator, but I'm not really hun ... FRITZ Go with him. MIMI (turning to Fritz) What? FRITZ Go with him. (to Nuras, in a friendly tone) I'm sure Captain LaFleur would be delighted to discuss S.P.A.C.E. with you. Wouldn't you, Captain? MIMI (politely, but through clenched teeth) Of course. NURAS Wonderful! You've been most kind. Nuras puts his paw around Mimi's back to escort her to the door. NURAS Thank you again for your generosity, Frith. Fritz tries hard to maintain his composure, but this visibly disturbs him. Mimi, noticing, stops walking and turns to eye Nuras warily. NURAS (putting a paw up to his mouth) Sorry. Frit*z*. I have a bit of a lisp. Nuras smiles at Fritz as he leads Mimi out the door. Fritz collapses in his chair as soon as the door shuts. FRITZ (whispering) Kadaf was right. (beat) *Fuck*. SCENE 3 - THE DUWITT RESIDENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, EARTH It's been an uneasy morning. MRS. SUSAN DUWITT is talking on the phone in the kitchen, apparently relieved to be communicating with the person on the other side, while her husband, DR. DAVID DUWITT, sits patiently at the table, listening in. MRS. DUWITT Thank you, Doctor. We'll be right over. Mrs. DuWitt hangs up the phone and turns to look at her husband. MRS. DUWITT That was Dr. Matthews, in the psych ward. They're holding Willy, and he wants to talk with us privately before we can see Willy. DR. DUWITT Thank God they finally called. Did he say why he wanted to meet us? MRS. DUWITT (smiles very weakly) He says Willy's got some more problems, beyond what he did yesterday. DR. DUWITT What sort of problems? MRS. DUWITT Imagining things, possibly hallucinating. I think "concocting an elaborate fantasy world" was the phrase he used. DR. DUWITT (chuckles slightly) Normally, I'd agree with the Doctor's assessment ... (bites his lip) So, what do we tell Willy? MRS. DUWITT What do you mean? DR. DUWITT Do we admit to Willy that he was right, that his animal friends exist? Or do we go along with it and let the doctors treat him as a psychiatric patient? These questions astonish Mrs. DuWitt. MRS. DUWITT *What*? Why would we let our son think he's crazy?! DR. DUWITT (glumly) Because if we don't, our son might *do* something crazy. MRS. DUWITT (still angry) And what's that? DR. DUWITT He might go back. He might want to return to his alien buddies and get himself killed in this war that has absolutely nothing to do with him. Mrs. DuWitt is about to respond when the gravity of the situation hits her. DR. DUWITT And, to be perfectly honest, I don't want that, and I don't think you do, either. Mrs. DuWitt thinks, hesitating before she replies. MRS. DUWITT No. No, I don't. (beat) But it's Willy's choice. It always has been. He ... (frowning) He really might get himself killed. It's a miracle he hasn't yet. The DuWitts's eyes meet. MRS. DUWITT (worried) Do you really want to lie to our son like that? DR. DUWITT Of course not. That's the last thing I *want* to do. But for Willy, it might be the difference between life and death. (takes a breath) A happy, normal life with his parents, and a pointless death in a dimension he doesn't belong to. Mrs. DuWitt lingers around the phone before walking up to the table and picking up her purse, her hand shaking. MRS. DUWITT Let's go. We can talk about it on the way. Dr. DuWitt nods and stands up. He walks toward the kitchen door, Mrs. DuWitt a couple steps behind him. SCENE 4 - CAFETERIA, UAC HEADQUARTERS Nuras leads Mimi into the bland UAC cafeteria, which is overflowing with people. MIMI Senator, with all due respect ... NURAS I'm sure you can spare a moment, Captain LaFleur. Nuras's voice, no longer tinged with the edge it had in Fritz's office, now seems calm and soothing, relaxing Mimi instantly. The senator leads her over to a table, where they sit down. MIMI Shouldn't we at least get food? NURAS No time for that. I need to talk to you. MIMI (confused but still placated) All right. NURAS How are things going with Fritz? MIMI (trying to act natural) What do you mean? He's the Chairman of the UAC, and I'm an S.P.A.C.E. captain. We have a working professional relationship. NURAS And your private relationship? MIMI I don't know what you mean. NURAS There's no need to play innocent. I'm not a reporter, and I'm not a gossipmonger. MIMI Then why do you care? None of the other senators do. And I'd really rather not discuss this in public. NURAS (waves his paw around) Not to worry. They can't hear us. I've seen to that. Mimi looks around to convince herself that, indeed, no one seems to be paying any attention. MIMI (no longer soothed, getting upset) OK, buddy, what's your game? Nuras pauses, looking like he's considering his words carefully. NURAS What does the name Thoras Ignatius mean to you? Mimi regards him with a critical -- and growingly cautious -- eye. MIMI I met him on Nharnia. He died, I believe. There's more, but it's classified. (quickly) What does it mean to *you*? NURAS He was an acquaintance of mine. Not always, I'll admit, a friendly one. MIMI And you're looking for what happened to him? NURAS I *know* what happened to him. Word of that sort of thing ... gets around. MIMI (demandingly) Who was he? NURAS He was a member of a race that is now long gone. I believe he was the last, unless you count his brother-in-law, Quintis Aldin, who is very much alive. MIMI Who? NURAS Thoras's bodyguard. Quiet sort of fellow. Always wore black. *Much* more pleasant than his replacement. Mimi ponders this for a while, a frustrated look on her face. MIMI What does any of this have to with Fritz? Fritz was Thoras's apprentice ... (stops) That was classified. NURAS But I knew it already. Go on. MIMI Anyway, that's all I know. Fritz is a rabbit. He's from some planet in another dimension. It's not particularly common knowledge, but it's documented. I even watched a documentary on his planet while he was running for Chairman. My first mate is from that planet. Where is this going? They're not related. NURAS No more than a Nharnian master and his apprentice are related. They're members of the same field; they belong to the same company. If you asked me who Thoras was before he was apprenticed to Shakore, I couldn't really tell you. He was a fairly ordinary man, living in a primitive culture on Rigel I. MIMI Rigel I is a boar planet. NURAS Not thousands of years ago, it wasn't. MIMI (frowns) You're saying Thoras was thousands of years old? NURAS Yes. MIMI (warily) Where are you going with this? Senator, with all due respect, I could listen to your theories about a guy I only met twice and who died in front of my eyes all day, but I have a *job* to do -- which includes protecting your planet. NURAS Of course, of course. (with a very charming smile) So, we've returned to our original subject -- the one that concerns us. Fritz Warner. MIMI (cynically) Yes, let's get to that. NURAS What I'm going to suggest to you is that there are a group of creatures -- a long chain of them, from one generation to the next -- who have secretly or openly ruled this aniverse and every other one. There are dimensions where Thoras did it openly, or did it through one of his sons. Go to Nharnia some time, and ask them about their king. MIMI I've been to Nharnia. They don't have a king. NURAS Oh, yes, they do. Not publicly, of course. I'm not sure how the secular aniverse would respond to being ruled by a creature who calls himself a god. (beat) Nonetheless, it could perhaps be argued that Fritz does -- to some extent -- rule the aniverse? MIMI (staunchly) He's an elected official. NURAS Inconsequential. Whether he charms you or conquers you is irrelevant. He rules here, as Thoras ruled on Nharnia. If you defeat the toads, their home world will be just another UAC planet under his control. MIMI (irritated) You're an idiot. He's not some all-powerful ruler. I've seen this guy have bills vetoed. I've seen him swallow hours' worth of insults. NURAS And so I suppose, at the end of the day, that's all he is to you? A rabbit in a suit? MIMI No, of course ... (angrily) Look, what is your deal? You come to me obviously knowing way too much about my relationship with Fritz, and you want me to believe your crackpot conspiracy theories? Why don't you take this argument to his enemies? What are you trying to do? NURAS Captain LaFleur, you must understand. I see you as a colleague. We're both fighting evil empires. MIMI Fritz isn't evil! NURAS Ask him about Thoras Ignatius, and see if he gives you a straight answer. MIMI (standing up) I don't have to listen to any of this. NURAS You don't have to, no, but soon, you will thank me for telling you. MIMI (angrily) Fritz is my friend, and my ... my ... he's my friend! He's a friend to all of us, and a wonderful Chairman, and I can't believe you would say these things about him! NURAS Do friends desert their allies in time of greatest need? MIMI (confused again) What? NURAS (precise) Very soon, when you most need Fritz to lead you, he will be nowhere to be found. He will desert you when you need him most. MIMI I'm getting tired of all this cryptic bullshit, Senator. What's going to happen that we'll need him so much? NURAS (raises paws defensively) Ah, ah, but you don't believe me. Why should you believe me? After all, you've known Fritz far longer than you've known me. Nuras stands up and pushes his chair into the table. NURAS You may go tell Fritz what I just told you, if you wish. But why would you, if you don't believe me? Nuras leans over and looks directly into Mimi's eyes, speaking as seriously as he possibly can. NURAS And why would you tell him what I've just told you ... if I'm right? Nuras stands back up straight, straightens his suit, and begins to leave the cafeteria. NURAS I bid you good day, Captain LaFleur, and good luck. Be careful. Nuras leaves the room, leaving Mimi sitting at the table, utterly confused and more than a little afraid. SCENE 5 - COMMAND POST, TOAD HOMEWORLD Hundreds of stormtoads and scientists run around in the background, moving weapons and preparing equipment. Parked ships extend far into the distance -- mostly double bubbles, but at least three motherships as well. On a deck stands the AIR MARSHAL, giving orders. FRIX and FRAX lounge around behind him. As he barks to the other toads, a monitor descends from the ceiling, showing the face of KOMPLEX. KOMPLEX How do the preparations proceed, Air Marshal? AIR MARSHAL (saluting with a punch on the head) We've been perfectly on schedule for days, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. Everything will be ready within a few hours. KOMPLEX Excellent. The greatest day in the history of the Toad Empire is nearly upon us. (beat) The three other captains leading the assault would like to inspect their motherships. Are they ready? AIR MARSHAL Ready and waiting, KOMPLEX. A large hatch opens, and three toads walk through: TOADBORG, CAPTAIN SMATA, and COMMANDER CREELEVARD VALTJHOU. Toadborg flexes his fingers, eager to get back in action. Smata, dressed in flamboyant red garb, smiles as he overlooks the forces. Creelevard, wearing a white hat and a decorated blue uniform and sporting a patch over his right eye, does not speak. AIR MARSHAL (suddenly a bit nervous) Y-your motherships are all ready for primary inspection. TOADBORG I had best be pleased, Air Marshal. I do not wish the empire to suffer another defeat because of you. AIR MARSHAL What? It was your fault we failed the last time we tried this! Toadborg steps forward, towering over the Air Marshal. TOADBORG (leaning in menacingly) If that is the case, then let us hope it is not *your* fault this time. The Air Marshal gulps. Toadborg then walks away to inspect his mothership. Captain Smata walks up next, smirking. SMATA And how is everything, Amadeus? No recent foul-ups? AIR MARSHAL Of course not! All of my recent efforts have resulted in success and glory for KOMPLEX. SMATA Let's hope that streak continues, then. Where is my ship? AIR MARSHAL Dock three. And you are to address me as Air Marshal, Captain! Smata nods smarmily, then walks off. Creelevard steps up next. A chill runs down the Air Marshal's spine. CREELEVARD (neutrally) Air Marshal. AIR MARSHAL D-dock four. CREELEVARD (nodding once) Thank you. Creelevard strides off, carrying himself well. The Air Marshal breathes and wipes a little sweat from his brow. AIR MARSHAL I can't *stand* him. FRIX Why's that, Air Marshal? FRAX Yeah, Creelevard is so cool! I wish *I* had a sword like that! AIR MARSHAL It's his eye patch. He reminds me of my ... (catching himself) Stop asking me questions and get back to work! Surprised at this sudden outburst, Frix and Frax nearly trip over themselves as they scamper off. The Air Marshal takes a deep breath, then resumes bellowing orders. SCENE 6 - OUTSIDE CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE Nervously, Mimi slips through Kadaf's secret passageway leading to Fritz's office. She wants answers. Finally arriving at the door, she reaches to open it when she hears Fritz and Kadaf talking in the office. FRITZ (muffled through the door) You were right, Kadaf. I should have listened to you. KADAF (also muffled, his voice cracking) I told you! What should we do? FRITZ Nuras is too dangerous. We have to deal with him as quickly as possible, and we have to figure out how to do it privately. If the truth gets out, it'll just ... I don't even want to think about it. It just can't happen. KADAF Are you strong enough yet to kill him? FRITZ I think so. I hope it doesn't come to that, but I don't really know how else we can handle him. Mimi gasps softly to herself, then covers her mouth, hoping that Fritz and Kadaf didn't hear her. She slips away from the door, having heard enough. MIMI (thinking) A tear welling up in her eye, Mimi tries hard not to lose control as she silently slips away. Inside the office, Fritz and Kadaf continue talking. FRITZ Dammit! I should have been more prepared for this. I just didn't think it would actually happen -- at least, not this soon. (beat) We've got meet with the others to talk about this. Contact the Warners and tell them to be at the mansion tonight. Even Jonathan. KADAF Tonight? Why not right now? FRITZ Because I want to see what Nuras is up to -- what his plan is. We know he's here, but we don't know exactly what he wants. He may just want to expose us, or he may want to go ahead and kill us. I think I can get some answers, if I'm careful. (beat) So, call the Warners and tell them the situation. I've got some more business to take care of here first. KADAF Fritz, stop worrying about all your bureaucratic bullshit and focus on the real problem here! FRITZ No. I have a job to do, and I'm going to do it. (beat) Nuras has invested too much effort into things to spring his trap immediately. We'll have enough time. KADAF (yelling) He's going to kill us both! He's been fucking with my head for weeks! He's not going to sit around and wait for you to form a plan! FRITZ (rubbing his face) Be thankful Claire's on break, or she would have heard that. (sternly) I can handle this. Just give me time. Now, go home. Get away from Nuras. Take a break, and contact the Warners. All right? Kadaf crumbles under Fritz's authoritative stare. KADAF (softly) All right. SCENE 7 - WILLY'S ROOM, PSYCHIATRIC WARD, UCSF MEDICAL CENTER Willy is lying in bed, lazily staring at the ceiling. He's not particularly tired or depressed; he's just bored. Bored, and lonely. The television in the room is off, as he's not interested in watching it. All he can do is turn his thoughts around in his head, wondering whether the aniverse was real. WILLY (to no one in particular) I wish my parents were here. VOICE (to Willy's right, behind the curtain) At least you still have parents. This startles Willy, who didn't realize he had a roommate. No noise had come from behind the blank white curtain to his right, so he assumed he was alone. WILLY Hello? VOICE (chuckling) Hey, sorry. The person on the other side pulls the curtain out of the way, revealing himself. The teenager sitting in the bed across from Willy is a young blond man, looking roughly Willy's age. He's holding a book in one hand. SCOTT (smiling) My name's Scott. WILLY Uh, hi. Willy. SCOTT (nodding) Nice to meet you, roomie. WILLY Why didn't you say anything before? SCOTT (lifts the book) I was reading, and I didn't hear anything from you. Thought maybe you were asleep. WILLY Oh. (beat) What are you in here for? SCOTT (closes his eyes) Lots of stuff. Just got some mental problems. But it looks like my new meds are working out, so they might discharge me soon. You? WILLY (turns away, a little embarrassed) I ... SCOTT (realizing immediately) I gotcha. WILLY Huh? SCOTT Everyone who feels bad about doing it gets that look on their face. Not gonna do it again, I take it? WILLY No way. SCOTT That's good. (raises an eyebrow) But there's gotta be something else, or they'd have let you go by now. WILLY Maybe. I don't know. They ... they think I imagined some things. I was always pretty sure they were real, but now, I don't really know. SCOTT Like what? WILLY People. Places. Events. It's all a long story ... SCOTT And why do you suddenly think you were imagining it all? WILLY Well, I'd been ... you know, living with this stuff for three years. It became an everyday part of my life, and I just accepted it, no matter how ... absurd it seemed. SCOTT And now that you're in the psych ward, you're suddenly willing to assume that you were wrong and that you're crazy? WILLY (hesitates) I don't *think* I'm crazy. But I just don't know how much sense it makes ... SCOTT Willy, I've met dozens of people while I've been in here. Most of the ones that really are crazy -- well, you can tell after talking with them just for a bit. (beat) And I don't think you're crazy. There's something going on with you -- maybe some emotional issues or something, but you're probably not crazy. Just because the doctors don't understand you doesn't mean you're nuts. Willy thinks about this. WILLY I just need to get home. If I get home, then I can find out whether I made everything up or not. (beat) And I really want to see my parents. SCOTT (downcast) Yeah, so do I. WILLY Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. What happened? SCOTT (smiles a little) They abandoned me when I was twelve. Just left one day. I mean, who waits until their kid is twelve before they run off? (beat) They made me live with my aunt for a while, but I couldn't stop thinking about my parents. I kept hearing voices, kept wanting to do ... things. It didn't help that my aunt was hyper-religious. (beat) I did a couple things I'm not proud of -- and a couple things other people aren't proud of me for -- and I've been bouncing around psych wards and assisted living facilities and stuff for a while. Lucky for me, they just came out with this new drug that's really helped calm me down. They're talking with my aunt, seeing if she'll take me back. WILLY Well, at least things are looking better, right? SCOTT Yeah. But I have trouble living with my aunt. I still miss my parents. And my ... (shakes his head) Never mind. You're really lucky to still have folks who love you. Not everybody can say that. WILLY (smiling) I guess you're right. The topic having reached a natural stopping point, Scott picks up his book. SCOTT I was hoping to get finished with this one by tonight, so I'd better get going. (motioning to the stand by his bed) You want something to read? Willy looks and sees a small stack of books on the stand. WILLY (seeing a rescue from his boredom) Sure. Scott grabs the stack and passes it to Willy, who looks through it. He glances at all the covers, his gaze lingering on one book in particular. WILLY Harry Potter? What's this? Scott gives him a funny look. SCOTT Where have *you* been the past few years? WILLY (blushes a little) Either in another dimension, or trapped by my own imagination. SCOTT Well, if you've got an active imagination, then you'll enjoy that. Read it. It's good. WILLY OK. Thanks. Willy takes the book and hands the rest back to Scott. SCENE 8 - COMMAND POST, TOAD HOMEWORLD A few hours later, the Air Marshal stands proudly on deck, overlooking an enormous toad fleet. Toad motherships and double bubbles extend as far as his eyes can see. AIR MARSHAL Everything is ready -- and perfectly on schedule! KOMPLEX's monitor extends from the ceiling. KOMPLEX Well done, Air Marshal. Let us hope the rest of the mission proceeds as smoothly. Prepare the forces for departure, and contact Pigton so that he may fulfill his part of the bargain. AIR MARSHAL (saluting) Yes, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX! SCENE 9 - UNDERGROUND, GENUS Still asleep, PIGTON groans when the comm goes off at the desk in his chambers. Stumbling out of his bed, he walks up to the comm and answers it. PIGTON (grumpily, into comm) What is it? AIR MARSHAL (over comm) Don't take that tone of voice with me if you still want to be dictator of Genus, Pigton! PIGTON (waking up) Air Marshal! My apologies. Is everything ready? AIR MARSHAL Indeed it is. KOMPLEX has decreed that you are to fulfill your half of the bargain immediately. PIGTON (grinning broadly) Oh, I shall. AIR MARSHAL What guarantees do we have that your plan will work? PIGTON Your men did most of the preparatory brainwashing work, Air Marshal. Any fault would lie with them, not me. AIR MARSHAL This mission's success still rests on your shoulders. Our forces are embarking for Genus shortly. We will be in contact. Air Marshal out! The comm dies. Pigton, still in his pajamas, bursts out of his room, runs across the cavern, and enters a command room. BARNETT is working in front of a large machine and notices when his superior storms in. BARNETT Where's the fire, boss? PIGTON On the surface of Genus, very, very soon. Can you take care of our one possible obstacle? BARNETT Poisoned his coffee earlier this morning. I knew the toads had spent the past few days gearing up for something big, so I figured today was the day. We're set. PIGTON Then activate our remote command and order our spies to do their duty. BARNETT (smiling) With pleasure. Barnett begins fiddling with the machine, pressing buttons and pulling switches. He slowly turns a dial all the way around, and the machine hums, parts of it lighting up. PIGTON (his arms crossed triumphantly) A little Toad TV torture, a little brain work by Cravis, and now a few suggestions. Should work like a charm. SCENE 10 - MAIN BAY, THE SCREAMING MIMI The frigate is docked on Orwell Station. Mimi walks in, harried, to be greeted by GUNNER HARRY CALLAN and ENGINEER DILE O'CROCK. DILE (saluting) Good morning, Captain LaFleur! HARRY Hey, Mimi. Wow, you don't look so good. MIMI (rubbing her face) I don't want to talk about it. Where's Jonathan? HARRY I dunno. He hasn't shown up yet. MIMI (checks her watch) Huh. It's not like him to be running late. (shakes her head) I'll give him a few more minutes. We have a half-hour until patrol anyway. Dile, how's the ship? DILE Everything is in perfect working condition, Captain. I just have to make a few more minor modifications before we resume patrol. MIMI (friendly) Great job, Dile. Get on it. Dile turns around and begins to enter the engineering bay. Out of nowhere, a high-pitched squeal pierces Mimi's and Harry's brains, sending them into anguish. They groan and clutch their heads, their eyes shut tight. Suddenly, the pain stops. They open their eyes, which are now glassy and distant. DILE (alarmed, turning around) Captain? Harry? Are you all right? MIMI (in a monotone, raising her blaster) He has the access card. HARRY (in a monotone, pulling out his blaster as well) Let's fix that. DILE (stepping back, eyes wide) Captain? Emotionlessly, Mimi and Harry fire at Dile, hitting him in the chest. He falls over, his wounds smoldering. Mimi walks up to the sleazasaur's motionless body and stoops over to detach the access card on his belt. MIMI (standing back up) Easy enough. HARRY And now for our real task. Mimi and Harry determinedly stride out of the ship, leaving Dile's body lying on the floor. SCENE 11 - HALLWAY, UAC HEADQUARTERS, GENUS Mimi and Harry, having descended from Orwell Station to UAC Headquarters, walk slowly down a hallway, their blasters sheathed. After making a few turns, they arrive in front of a large metal door being guarded by two JACKALS. The guards wave as they see the two approach. JACKAL #1 Hey, Captain LaFleur. Harry. What's up? MIMI Not much. Without another word, the brainwashed Mimi and Harry draw their maser blasters and shoot at the jackals. The guards, not expecting an assault from their comrades, don't react in time and quickly fall, struck down. Mimi walks up to one guard and pulls a card from his belt. Harry approaches the other guard and pulls out a card as well. Mimi walks up to an access panel by the door and swipes the card through a small slot. With a ding, the door whooshes open, revealing the inside of an elevator. Mimi nods to Harry, who nods back and steps in the elevator. Mimi enters as well, and the doors shut. Inside the elevator, Harry swipes the card he took, then presses the button for the bottom floor. The elevator lets out a soft sigh as it glides to the sub-basement. The doors open, and Mimi and Harry step out into a dark, windowless underground room populated with control panels and scientists busily working at them. The scientists don't react to their arrival -- anyone in this room is always in there for a reason, on official business. Mimi and Harry walk forward and stop in front of a reinforced metal door. Mimi pulls out the access card she took from Dile and slides it into the slot by the door. The door grunts as it slides open, revealing a large, sleek computer. Just then, one of the scientists, a HARE, looks up from his panel and spots Mimi and Harry. HARE (calling) Hey! You guys aren't engineers! What are you doing with the ... Before the hare can finish his sentence, Mimi and Harry, still expressionless, pull out their blasters and fire off a volley of shots at the computer. They strike all over the equipment's surface, immediately blowing it up. The explosion knocks Mimi and Harry off their feet, sending them flying through the air and into the door of the elevator. A chain reaction propagates through the rest of the computers, which were hooked up to the one just destroyed. Most of the scientists duck for cover as their workstations explode, throwing the room into total chaos. SCENE 12 - SPACE ABOVE GENUS Commercial ships fly back and forth, both en route to Genus and leaving the thriving planet. Among them is a sleek black ship that has just leaped out of hyperspace and is now hovering right outside the range of Genus's top-notch security system. This ship, The Wraith, has three passengers -- VINCENT ROEDECKER, JOHN BLADE, and LANCE MAXWELL, all bounty hunters. Roedecker, the captain, smiles as his ship approaches the UAC's central planet. ROEDECKER All right, Lance, send the signal. MAXWELL You sure this'll work, boss? ROEDECKER I got it from the same guy who sold me Warner's private comm frequency. This'll take out a localized patch of the security system just long enough for us to slip through. (smirking) I'm sure the UAC will love to see us. This'll teach that rabbit not to pay us. Maxwell turns a dial, then presses a few buttons in a small sequence. Once he finishes, he waits for a few seconds, holding his breath. In the blink of an eye, lights dim all across Genus's security system as every defense satellite falls offline. BLADE (noticing) Whoa there. MAXWELL (surprised) Was that ... supposed to happen? ROEDECKER That's not what I was *told* would happen. (ponders for a moment) Doesn't matter. It worked. Take us in. BLADE Aye-aye. The Wraith zips through the dead security system and begins descending onto the surface of Genus. SCENE 13 - ENGINEERING BAY, THE VALKYRIE Bucky is slowly going through and organizing Willy's belongings, which were left in a mess yesterday by the DuWitts. As he sorts through the papers and other objects, he hears someone step into the bay. Turning around, he is greeted by ENGINEER MIKE MARISON, who looks sheepish. MIKE (saluting poorly) Good morning, Captain. BUCKY (in no mood to be snippy) Morning, Mike. At ease. You're a little early -- we don't go on patrol for another half-hour. MIKE I know. I, uh, I'm not here for patrol. BUCKY (sensing Mike's discomfort) What's the matter, then? MIKE I don't know how to say this -- I mean, I wasn't sure if I had to fill out any paperwork or anything -- but I, uh ... BUCKY (a tad impatient) Yes? MIKE (firmly) I'm quitting. Sir. BUCKY (caught off-guard) What? MIKE (trying to sound official) I hereby tender my resignation as engineer of The Valkyrie. BUCKY (dumbfounded) But ... why? You're doing a great job! MIKE (trying to put everything into words) I know, but I just don't ... fit in here, you know? You guys have all known each other for so long, and I feel like I don't belong, even though I've been onboard nearly two months. (beat) It's not just that. I'm not cut out for this. The running and the shooting and everything. You know what I'm talking about. I can't handle action. I'm not cut out for it. I just end up slowing you guys down, like on Narnox. (beat) And there's the whole issue of ... your first mate. I know I've been in the wrong there, but I just can't help it. You know how it is. (straightens himself) So I think it's best if I just quit. It'll make things easier for everybody. Bucky wants to counter Mike's arguments, but the feline engineer looks and sounds so pathetic and yet so genuine that Bucky can't bring himself to respond. He also still feels drained from yesterday and doesn't want to get into a verbal scuffle. BUCKY Well ... that's your decision, Mike, if you're that certain about it. I wish you'd reconsider, though. You've been a great asset to the team, and I don't know what we're going to do without you. MIKE (smiles) Thanks, Captain. I'm sure you'll find someone. A few of my old buddies from the Institute are still looking for work. I'll send 'em your way. BUCKY You do that. MIKE (saluting) Goodbye, Captain. Mike turns and exits. BUCKY (stunned) Goodbye. Bucky just stares at the hatch for almost a minute before regaining his senses. BUCKY Well, crap. Why the hell can't I keep an engineer? (beat) I guess I deserved it, but ... (frustrated) Can this week get any worse? SCENE 14 - DEFENSE SYSTEM CONTROL BASE, UAC HEADQUARTERS, GENUS In a room adjacent to the one Mimi and Harry trashed, a flurry of scientists are working frantically at various stations, trying to bring Genus's orbital defense systems back online. After a few minutes, one of the scientists, a RACCOON, calls to the others in frustration. RACCOON It's no use! The entire system is dead, and so's the backup. We're going to have to do some major hardware repair to fix this. The team manager, a BEAVER, comes up to the raccoon. BEAVER You're sure? RACCOON Completely. This thing is toast. I just hope we can get it back online before someone realizes we're defenseless. As the beaver and the raccoon talk, an eerie hush falls over the rest of the room. The two eventually notice and turn around. All the scientists are staring fearfully at a large radar screen near the center of the room. It's filled with ten large blips and a writhing sea of smaller ones. RACCOON (shocked) Is that ... the toads? BEAVER (sweating) That must be nearly their entire fleet! RACCOON And they're headed straight for Genus. TO BE CONTINUED