Hellbound Screenplay by Paul Stephen-Davis PRODUCTION DRAFT May, 2007 INT - DROPSHIP - DAY Six marines are crowded into a corporate scout dropship. Confidence is high, this is a just another routine scout mission. SARGE Listen up! this is a routine scout operation. So follow procedure. SOLDIER You worry too much Sarge, ain't nothing on this rock. SARGE That especially means you DENKINS. SOLDIER Ain't nothing I can't handle. SOLDIER2 'Cept strawberry alice back on LV-22. The other marines laugh at some private joke. SOLDIER Your a real comedian JOHNSON. SARGE Alright cut it out, we're hitting approach. The men pipe down and buckle in. The dropship hits some small turbulence. SOLDIER So why'd they wanna colonise this rock anyhow? SARGE We have our orders, check the area for hostiles, see if the planet is viable. SOLDIER2 Any life-forms sarge? SARGE Intel was negative, but they've been wrong before. SOLDIER Just a walk in the park. The dropship goes through the cloud cover, into a desert wasteland. An enormous sandstorm hits them full-blast. Alarms go off. PILOT We've hit some sorta storm sir. SARGE Start the emergency landing. PILOT Where sir? shit I can't get a visual. SARGE Anywheres better than here. Violent turbulence rocks the dropship. The pilot wrestles with the dropship. As he attempts a landing something large flies past. PILOT What the...? EXT - SANDSTORM - DAY The dropship careens off course crashing past rocks on the desert landscape before skidding to a halt in the desert sand. INT - WRECKED DROPSHIP - DAY SARGE picks himself up from the rubble, he is bleeding profusely. SARGE Alpha team...report in.. There's no response. SARGE ROGERS!...DENKINS!... Something stirs in the corner. SOLDIER2 Did we make it sarge...? SARGE helps SOLDIER2 sit up, he's been speared by a broken strut, he's obviously dieing. SARGE Lie easy JOHNSON, you're gonna make it. SOLDIER2 Don't leave me sir, not here... SARGE I'm not leaving you JOHNSON, I'm gonna check outside, see if I can't get a signal. EXT - SANDSTORM - DAY SARGE kicks open the hatch door, out into the sandstorm...He fights against the wind checking his equipment for a signal...as he turns to the right, we see large shadowy figures massing around him, he screams. INT - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT A large crowd masses around a central blood-stained ring eager for more blood. A large fat man PROMOTER jeers them on to fever-pitch for the next bout to the death. PROMOTER ARE YOU READY FOR MORE! CROWD YEAH! YEAH! PROMOTER Because have I got a treat lined up for you. In our next gruelling bout. CROWD BRING IT ON! PROMOTER In our right corner, 200lbs of prime killing machine, undefeated, I introduce to you, the mighty...CRUSHER... CROWD CRUSHER! CRUSHER! WE LOVE YOU! PROMOTER And in our left corner, veteran of the colony wars, five star medal winner, captain ZEKE JOHNSON... CROWD YEAH! The promoter looks worriedly around, the captain isn't there... PROMOTER Captain ZEKE JOHNSON... CROWD BOO! PROMOTER (Where is he?) INT - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT We now see captain ZEKE JOHNSON once a great war-hero now a broken man. He morosely swigs from a bottle, plastered. PROMOTER What the hell do you think your doing? ZEKE Good to see you to JACK. PROMOTER If you want to drink yourself to death, do it on your own time. I've got a show to run. ZEKE Is that what you're calling it now? PROMOTER Now get out there, this is your last fight, you're fired. The PROMOTER hurriedly leaves, ZEKE swaggers after him. INT - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT The CROWD boo ZEKE as he walks up and into the ring CROWD CRUSHERS gonna break your bones, you bum. CROWD Where's your army now soldier boy? CROWD When did the military ever help us? ZEKE staggers into the ring and drunkenly mock poses for the crowd, only inciting them more. PROMOTER Captain ZEKE JOHNSON! CROWD GET ON WITH IT! CROWD KILL HIM CRUSHER! PROMOTER sees he's losing the crowd, CRUSHER steps forward. CRUSHER ( to ZEKE ) DON'T WORRY, IT'LL BE OVER SOON. The fight begins... INT - ARENA - NIGHT During the fight a sole figure stands aloof at the back of the crowd he watches with mild amusement, he doesn't join in with the cheering. CRUSHER moves in and starts to hammer ZEKE. CROWD GET HIM CRUSHER! KILL THE BASTARD! ZEKE lies bloody and beaten on the ground, CRUSHER'S EGO gets the better of him and he pauses to gloat to the crowd. ZEKE unnoticed launches a devastating counter-attack, he has CRUSHER pinned in three moves. CROWD WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS! BOO! COMON CRUSHER! CRUSHER attempts a feeble attack, but ZEKE easily dodges it. CRUSHER is left swaying on his feet. The CROWD is silenced, then a steady chant takes over. CROWD KILL! KILL! KILL! FINISH HIM! ZEKE prepares the deathblow, but pauses in mid-flight. He stares out and sees the bloodlust of the CROWD. He pulls back his punch, CRUSHER collapses to the ground. The CROWD are enraged. CROWD BOO! GET HIM OFF THE STAGE! ZEKE leaves the arena, a maddened PROMOTER tries to stop him. PROMOTER What the hell do you think you're doing! You can't do this to me! ZEKE Just watch me... ZEKE pushes past the enraged PROMOTER. PROMOTER Get back in there and finish what you started.. ZEKE walks on.. PROMOTER YOU HEAR ME... PROMOTER (Still thinks he's a fucking hero) EXT - WAREHOUSE BACKDOOR - NIGHT The CROWD has left, ZEKE carrying his bag, exits the warehouse. He's drinks from a half-empty bottle. A man appears hidden in the shadows. MAN You took your time in there. ZEKE sees the man but remains calm. ZEKE If you came for an autograph your out of luck. ZEKE swigs from the bottle. MAN I remember when you would have pinned him in three. ZEKE What do you want mister? MAN I see your still a no good son of a bitch. ZEKE stands up approaching the man. The MAN steps out of the shadows, they square up, ready to fight, when they unexpectedly embrace instead. ZEKE I thought you were dead! MAN You know me, it'd take more than LV-24 to take me out. ZEKE Still as stubborn. What the hell you doing here? MAN I was looking for you, got us a job. ZEKE The last job almost got us killed. MAN This jobs what we were born for. ZEKE I'm outta the corps now, you know that. MAN Well unless you want a career in the arena. ZEKE takes a swig from the bottle. ZEKE I'm listening. MAN Just listen to what they gotta say. Haven't I got your back before. ZEKE As I remember it was me saving your ass. The MAN laughs. MAN Comon. The MAN leads ZEKE down the alley into the light. INT - CORPS COMPOUND - NIGHT MARINES lead ZEKE and the MAN into the compound. Hundreds of combat ready MARINES parade before an assembled high council. RIVAL greets ZEKE as he approaches. RIVAL ZEKE, good to see you again. ZEKE I wish I could say the same. RIVAL Please this way. They approach the group of officials. RIVAL Counseler, captain ZEKE JOHNSON. COUNSELER So good of you to join us captain. ZEKE Counseler. COUNSELER I've heard alot about you captain. Five star winner, and hero of the colony wars. ZEKE What do you want with me? COUNSELER This is the seventh corps, glorious aren't they? He points to the parading regiments. ZEKE Impressive. COUNSELER Our only problem is our lack of experienced officers, officers such as yourself. ZEKE You want me to lead these men? COUNSELER Under my command of course. ZEKE To do what? COUNSELER Colonise, captain, our planets are over-populated. The corporation must expand. ZEKE And destroy other races? COUNSELER We seek only to co-exist with these other life-forms, in peace. This is the peace-force to ensure that. ZEKE I've seen your peace before. COUNSELER Of course, we will be paying 5000 dinar a month. ZEKE pauses at this, it is a huge sum. ZEKE 5000? COUNSELER Unless you wish to continue street-fighting? ZEKE 6000, for both of us. The COUNSELER pauses. COUNSELER I hope your as shrewd on the field as you are with money, captain. COUNSELER Very well, RIVAL here will escort you to the ship. RIVAL leads ZEKE and the MAN off. EXT - MOTHERSHIP - NIGHT A Huge mothership leaves the orbit of the colony world and heads into deep space. INT - MOTHERSHIP - NIGHT ZEKE lies in his cabin drinking. He's reflecting on the past. RIVAL enters. RIVAL I see you're settling in captain. ZEKE You're blocking my light. RIVAL I want to make sure we understand eachother. ZEKE We'll never understand eachother, I'm not like you. RIVAL Let's leave the past behind us. ZEKE Like those races we helped destroy? RIVAL I was following orders, this mission could be our toughest yet, I need to know you can still hack it. ZEKE I can hack it, killings all i'm good at, but remember this, i'd happily kill you for free. RIVAL ... RIVAL leaves, BUDDY enters. BUDDY What was that all about? ZEKE Things never change, do they? BUDDY We're stuck in the middle of it captain, but we've been through worse. ZEKE Yet another race to surpress. Was it always like this? I can't remember. ZEKE takes a swig from the bottle. BUDDY We'll pull through like we always do... INT - MOTHERSHIP - NIGHT ZEKE lies in the cabin, FLASHBACK SEQUENCE of (killings start) here, RIVAL enters, he looks at ZEKE in disgust. RIVAL You're a mess. Are you drunk? ZEKE What do you want? RIVAL The unit's assembling, pull yourself together captain. RIVAL leaves shaking his head. ZEKE looks back to the ceiling. INT - DOCKING BAY - NIGHT The whole unit of over two hundred men is assembled in full battle gear and ready as they'll ever be. The GENERAL presides over them, giving them the last speech. COUNSELLER Planet CHAR. He points behind him to the huge blood red desert planet. COUNSELLER A hostile fiery environment, peopled with a demonic hateful race. It is our duty and honor to bring peace and harmony to this hostile planet. You are those chosen few. He pauses for full effect. COUNSELLER We've pinpointed the hostiles, you'll be moving in hard and fast. The enemy is equiped with B-class weapons, so consider him armed and dangerous. COUNSELLER May god be with you all. The COUNSELLER leaves, RIVAL takes the podium. RIVAL Alright you heard the COUNSELLER, let's MOVE OUT! EXT - PLANET SURFACE - NIGHT The swarm of dropships descend from the skies, hidden in the night. Hundreds of MARINES flood out forming assembly lines. ZEKE and MAN form up their platoon. ZEKE ALRIGHT TROOPS! IN FORMATION. SOLDIER I don't see 'em? SOLDIER2 Looks like they ran off. ZEKE I don't like it. RIVAL enters the group, RIVAL Captain, ready your men, we're moving out. ZEKE We should send out scouts first. RIVAL Nonsense, you over-estimate their abilities. ZEKE I'm not going to run my men into an ambush. RIVAL You have your orders captain. I expect you to follow them. Rival addresses the division. RIVAL ALRIGHT MEN, MOVE OUT! The MARINES march into the darkness. The DROPSHIPS return back into the heavens. There's no returning now. EXT - PLANET SURFACE - NIGHT The MARINES march on into the night across the barren desert landscape. SOLDIER Why don't they show themselves? SOLDIER2 You think they're waiting sir? ZEKE You'll be fine. Suddenly something larges jumps out at them in a flash. The MARINES open fire. SOLDIER Fuck, Did you get it? A MARINE walks over and pokes the smoking remains. SOLDIER It's just a bird, just a fucking bird. Suddenly the MARINE goes down, gunfire errupts from the shadows, all hell breaks loose. SOLDIER ENEMY ATTACK! ZEKE HOLD THE LINE! HOLD THE LINE! The MARINES take formation and fire blindly into the dark. RIVAL approaches ducking from the fire. RIVAL ALL OFFICERS BACK TO THE REAR! ZEKE I'M NOT LEAVING MY MEN. RIVAL looks at him like he's insane. He runs off retreating. RIVAL FALL BACK! FULL RETREAT. Some of the other platoons start retreating. ZEKE intercedes. ZEKE HOLD THE LINE DAMMIT! He stands up shooting down some of the attackers. ZEKE WE CAN DO THIS! The remaining MARINES seeing ZEKE'S lead cheer. SOLDIER LET'S GIVE 'EM HELL SIR. ZEKE FIRE AT WILL! ZEKE and the remaining men, fight for their lives. EXT - PLANET SURFACE - NIGHT The men are pinned down, they're badly outnumbered and ammo's running low. SOLDIER LOOKS LIKE THEY DON'T WANNA SURRENDER SIR! ZEKE IF THEY WON'T ATTACK US, THEN WE'LL HAVE TO ATTACK THEM! MAN I'M WITH YOU ALL THE WAY ZEKE! ZEKE addresses the others. ZEKE YOU WITH ME! The remaining MARINES cheer. ZEKE LET'S GIVE 'EM HELL. ZEKE closely followed by the MAN, charge the enemy with the remaining men. The enemy surprised by this sudden attack is taken off guard. When the smoke clears the enemy are clearly seen running, the attack has succeeded. SOLDIER WE DID IT! THEY'RE ON THE RUN SIR. ZEKE turns to the MAN. ZEKE Another fine mess you got me into. The MAN is dead, the realisation slowly hits ZEKE, he drops his weapon. ZEKE HOLD ON BUDDY, YOU'RE GONNA MAKE IT. ZEKE cradles his bullet-riden body. SOLDIER He's gone sir. The remaining men surround ZEKE paying homage. EXT - BATTLEFIELD - MORNING ZEKE stands over an open grave, the MARINES are burying their dead. RIVAL and the reinforcements have just arrived. RIVAL That was a hell of a manouever CAPTAIN. ZEKE ... RIVAL You know I'm recommending you for the silver star, the COUNSELER'S very impressed. ZEKE We're burying the dead, you should show some respect. RIVAL He was a good man, and a good soldier. ZEKE Get to your point major. RIVAL We're pressing our attack, we've got them on the run now, thanks to you. ZEKE You left these men to die. RIVAL An officer belongs at the rear, you should know that. ZEKE Just make sure you keep out of my sights. RIVAL ... RIVAL addresses the men. RIVAL PLATOON FORM UP, WE'RE MOVING OUT. RIVAL leaves. EXT - DESERTED VILLAGE - MORNING The MARINES enter the deserted village in formation, a lone demon looking dog wanders around. There's no sign of life. SOLDIER Place is deserted. SOLDIER2 Hell, this war will be over in no time. SOLDIER3 I'm gonna get me some of those bastards for yesterday. SOLDIER4 Yeah, Payback. ZEKE Watch those houses. SOLDIER YES SIR. They continue their search into the town. RIVAL CAPTAIN check those houses. RIVAL is gunning for him now. ZEKE Alpha team, on me. They approach one of the houses, ZEKE signals a MARINE he kicks the door down, they burst in. ZEKE HOLD YOUR FIRE! The room is full of civilians, women and children. The MARINES look to ZEKE. RIVAL WHAT DID YOU FIND? ZEKE ONLY CIVILIANS. RIVAL THEY LOOK LIKE HOSTILES TO ME CAPTAIN. ZEKE sees this coming. RIVAL enters the room. ZEKE These people had nothing to do with the attack. RIVAL I have my orders, all hostiles must be eliminated. ZEKE I won't kill these people. RIVAL Are you refusing a direct order captain? The MARINES watch in confusion. ZEKE Our orders are to maintain peace, not genocide. RIVAL Orders change captain, the counseler told me himself. ZEKE I won't do it. ZEKE throws away his gun in defiance. The MARINES step back. RIVAL Stand aside or we will open fire. ZEKE spits at RIVAL. RIVAL Then I'll see you in hell. ZEKE stands his ground. RIVAL approaches, he aims his weapon at him. The women and children flee, the MARINES look on in shock. RIVAL fires, a body slumps. RIVAL CLEAR THE AREA, IF IT MOVES SHOOT IT. The MARINES leave the building. ACT 2 - SPECIAL WORLD -------------------------------------------------- INT - VILLAGE - DAY The girl moves cautiously toward ZEKE'S body, he's still barely alive. ZEKE I'm..done..for, save yourself. GIRL Can you walk? ZEKE I doubt it. The girl helps ZEKE to his feet, he groans in pain. EXT - DESERT - DAY Struggling the girl carries ZEKE, across the barren landscape. INT - VILLAGE - NIGHT ZEKE lies on a table in a dimly lit room, he's riddled with bullet-holes but is still breathing. LEADER stands over him. GIRL Please tell me he'll make it? LEADER I still don't understand. Why you brought the enemy to us? GIRL He's not like the others...he saved my life, I owe it to him. LEADER And you know the consequences? GIRL I'll take full responsibility. Please save him... LEADER We'll do what we can, but it's in gods hands now. INT - VILLAGE - DAY ZEKE lies bandaged in the bed, it's still dimly lit. The girl enters. GIRL I know you can't hear me, but please get better soon. GIRL If you die, I'll never forgive myself. INT - VILLAGE - DAY The GIRL enters the room, the DOCTOR is helping up ZEKE. Two soldiers post guard. GIRL Is he awake? DOCTOR Yes, but we can't be sure of the effects. GIRL Effects? DOCTOR Our medicine has altered his body... GIRL Please tell me he's ok. ZEKE wakes up. ZEKE Where am I? DOCTOR Rest easy son, you're in good hands. They take off his bandages. He's physically transformed, much stronger with green hair and red eyes. ZEKE What have you done to me? DOCTOR Our medicine has altered your genetics, you were dieing, it was the only way. ZEKE I'm like you now, aren't I? DOCTOR In a way, yes, you should thank this young girl, she saved your life. ZEKE Now I'm truely damned...You know who I am, and you would still help me? GIRL I know that you are good. ZEKE You don't know the things I've done... DOCTOR You must rest now. INT - CELL - DAY ZEKE is lying recovering in the cell. HENCHMAN watches from the door. LEADER enters. LEADER You&re looking much better. ZEKE You&re human? LEADER Does that surprise you? ZEKE When can I leave. LEADER You know we can't let you go. ZEKE So i&m your prisoner. LEADER You&ll be safe here, we&ll talk again. ZEKE watches as LEADER leaves. The barred door closes behind him. INT - CELL - NIGHT ZEKE is awoken by the sound of his cell door opening. A shadowy figure enters. ZEKE Who&s there? ZEKE It&s a little late for an interrogation. The shadowy figure enters. ZEKE sits up in bed preparing for the worst. The figure enters the cell. FIGURE I&m here to rescue you. But you must be quick. ZEKE Who are you. FIGURE It doesn't matter. ZEKE grabs the figure and the hood falls it's the girl. ZEKE Your making a habit of saving me. GIRL Please you must hurry. ZEKE Comon let's go. GIRL I can't abandon my people. ZEKE I understand. GIRL Go now. ZEKE hurries out of the cell. INT - PRISON - NIGHT ZEKE sneaks past a sleeping guard. He's almost through when suddenly he awakens. GUARD PRISONER ESCAPE! ZEKE runs for the exit but is confronted by a looming figure, It is henchman. HENCHMAN YOU WILL RETURN TO YOUR CELL IMMEDIATELY. ZEKE You know I can't do that. ZEKE and HENCHMAN fight, it's a close match but ZEKE has the upper-hand he wins and escapes. HENCHMAN lies recovering his pride is wounded. A guard helps him up. HENCHMAN DON'T LET HIM ESCAPE, SEAL OFF ALL EXITS GUARD He won't get far. ZEKE escapes from the village EXT - VILLAGE - NIGHT HENCHMAN approaches LEADER along with the guards. HENCHMAN Forgive me lord, but the prisoner has escaped. LEADER How did this happen? HENCHMAN We don't know, but we spotted him leaving to the east. LEADER Are you sure? HENCHMAN I saw it myself. LEADER That's B'Kor territory. He's in great danger. HENCHMAN Now he can't warn the enemy. LEADER I won't let him die out there. HENCHMAN But Lord? LEADER Round up a search party immediately. HENCHMAN Yes my lord. EXT - DESERT - MORNING ZEKE is wandering through the desert when he comes across a dead body, it's a corps soldier. He checks it. ZEKE Dead, ripped apart, what could have done this. He looks around there's no-one in sight. He continues on. EXT - DESERT - MORNING ZEKE looks out in horror at a total massacre, a whole corps division lies in pieces. ZEKE I've got a bad feeling about this. He walks over to a still alive marine. SOLDIER Get out while you still can... ZEKE I think you may be right. He turns around only to be confronted by the B'KOR, a huge carnivore, it's jaws dripping, in one hand it holds a dead marine which it throws away, it comes at ZEKE. ZEKE How did I get talked into this. ZEKE fights with the B'KOR but it looks hopeless, the B'KOR swipes him to the ground, he lies there watching helplessly as the B'KOR moves in for the kill. Just as it raises it's bloody maw, gunfire errupts. LEADER Get him out of there, I'll hold it. HENCHMAN Yes lord. HENCHMAN runs over to ZEKE and helps him away. LEADER remains the B'KOR moves in on him. HENCHMAN Lord? LEADER Go get out of here. HENCHMAN and ZEKE run to safety. EXT - DESERT - MORNING ZEKE regains his strength as HENCHMAN prepares to go back. HENCHMAN I'm taking you back to the village. ZEKE Your LEADER, he can't hold out for much longer. HENCHMAN I can't help him alone. ZEKE Together we can save him. HENCHMAN Why would you want to help us. ZEKE You saved my life, besides you have no choice. HENCHMAN ponders this. HENCHMAN Agreed but afterwards you go back to the prison. ZEKE If that's what it takes, comon. HENCHMAN gives ZEKE a gun, they head back to save LEADER. EXT - DESERT - MORNING LEADER is cornered by the B'KOR, it doesn't look good. ZEKE and HENCHMAN fire off a volley. LEADER I thought I told you to go. ZEKE I was never very good at following orders. LEADER smiles, with all three firing the B'KOR decides it's had enough and leaves. ZEKE You fight like a marine. LEADER That's cause I was a marine. ZEKE You were on the first scout mission sent here, weren't you. LEADER That was a long time ago. HENCHMAN You must hand over the weapon now. ZEKE reluctantly gives him his gun. LEADER We must head back, this area isn't safe. ZEKE is lead away by HENCHMAN and LEADER. INT - CELL - DAY ZEKE is back in the cell as promised. LEADER enters opening the door. LEADER I'm sorry to be the bringer of bad news. ZEKE I'm used to it. What is it? LEADER I'm letting you go, you&re free. ZEKE What if I want to stay, I'm getting used to this cell. LEADER I appreciate your offer but this isn't your fight anymore. ZEKE This is the first place I've felt at home. LEADER You already saved my life once, I can't ask anymore. ZEKE If that's the way you want it. LEADER There are some corps dropships to the south. You should be able to hijack one. ZEKE Good luck with the rebellion. LEADER And to you. EXT - VILLAGE - DAY ZEKE is ready to depart. The GIRL approaches. GIRL I've been looking for you. ZEKE I'm leaving. GIRL But these people need you. ZEKE They do? GIRL I need you. ZEKE I guess some people can't change. GIRL If that's what you believe. The GIRL turns away. ZEKE I...take care of yourself. ZEKE leaves into the desert. INT - HOUSE - DAWN ZEKE packs a backpack and straps it on. EXT - PLAIN - DAY ZEKE wanders the plain, aimlessly lost. ZEKE Great plan ZEKE, I'm not lost. He walks alittle further. HELLHOUND comes bounding up to him. ZEKE NO, You can't come. HELLHOUND whimpers. ZEKE GO ON! GO HOME! ZEKE picks up a rock and throws it at HELLHOUND. HELLHOUND turns around with his tail between his legs he looks back. ZEKE GO ON!, I know what I'm doing. HELLHOUND returns towards the village. EXT - ROCKY PASS - DAY ZEKE enters through the canyon. It's an eerie and deathly quiet. ZEKE feels something watching him, he turns to look. ZEKE Must be my imagination. Suddenly a huge BESERKER jumps infront of him snarling. He turns around another one blocks his exit. He turns and shoots the first, it goes down in a bloody heap. But the second one is upon him, he tries to fight it off. But it's not looking good. As the BESERKER raises it's giant jaws for the kill something hits it hard from the side, it's HELLHOUND which fights valiantly against it, ZEKE crawls for his weapon, turns and aims at the fighting mass. He shoots, the BESERKER falls dead. HELLHOUND comes up and licks his face. ZEKE OK, I'm sorry, alright. Comon. They head up over the ridge. Below they see hundreds of BESERKERS camped. ZEKE Shit, they're headed for the village. HELLHOUND whimpers. ZEKE I've got to warn them. EXT - VILLAGE - DAY ZEKE enters the village with HELLHOUND. The GIRL rushes to meet him, she's worried. GIRL You came back? ZEKE No time to explain. Where's LEADER. GIRL I'll take you to him. EXT - VILLAGE - NIGHT The BESERKERS enter the village. It's deserted. They paw angrily, searching the buildings, tearing things apart. When suddenly one of the huge beasts goes down, gunfire erupts from the buildings. The men rush out and attack. ZEKE is amongst them. He gets into a fight with one, HENCHMAN blows it away, ZEKE nods his thanks. Eventually the BESERKERS leave defeated. The townspeople cheer. GIRL I knew you'd pull through. HENCHMAN gruffly admits. HENCHMAN You did alright. HELLHOUND bounds over and starts to lick ZEKE. ZEKE It's good to see you too Mutt. The GIRL laughs. LEADER pulls ZEKE to his feet. LEADER On your feet soldier! They head off. ACT 3 - BAD GUYS CLOSE IN ----------------------------------------------------------- INT - MOTHERSHIP - NIGHT RIVAL approaches the COUNSELER who stands on the bridge, CHAR silhouttes the background. RIVAL We're finding it hard to locate them sir, due to the storms. COUNSELER Don't bother me with details captain, I want the planet cleared. RIVAL I'll send out the probes right away. COUNSELER And captain JOHNSON? RIVAL Killed in action, sir. COUNSELER Most regretable, prepare the reserves for combat. RIVAL Yes, sir! RIVAL walks off, the COUNSELER stares at the planet with hungry eyes. EXT - FIELD - DAY ZEKE walks up to LEADER as he surveys the valley. HENCHMAN stands close-by. ZEKE This is a beautiful place. LEADER Your home isn't? ZEKE First time I haven't needed a drink. LEADER The colonies were hard places at the best of times. ZEKE So just how did you get here? LEADER My ship crashed here, over twenty years ago. ZEKE You were space corps to? LEADER Scout divison. ZEKE My father was assigned to this system maybe you knew him? LEADER I don't recall, but I'm sure he was a brave man. ZEKE I wouldn't know, I never met him. LEADER You have to face your past sooner or later. They walk on through the long grass. EXT - TOWN - DAY The men are assembled, LEADER briefs them. LEADER One of our men spotted a small droid off to the south my lord. ZEKE Probes... LEADER Could be, either way we must check it out. HENCHMAN Let me go master. LEADER Very well, but take ZEKE with you. HENCHMAN looks upset. HENCHMAN But lord... ZEKE I've got your back. ZEKE and HENCHMAN head off. EXT - TOWN EDGE - DAY HENCHMAN and ZEKE overlook a ledge down into a canyon. The probe droid is circling there, it's seen the town. ZEKE Shit it could be too late. ZEKE HENCHMAN? He's already gone. ZEKE follows him down into the canyon. They take out the first droid, another flies by, they take chase. As they clamber the rockface, ZEKE steps on HENCHMAN. HENCHMAN HEY! ZEKE COMON! They clamber to the top, but the droid has already reported back. They shoot it down, where it explodes. ZEKE SHIT! They've got our location. HENCHMAN Are you certain? ZEKE Comon. They head back to the village. EXT - TOWN - DAY The TOWN is in turmoil, the people are evacuating, LEADER directs orders. ZEKE approaches LEADER. ZEKE You can't fight them. LEADER I know, we're retreating to the mountains where it's safe. GIRL approaches in tears. GIRL Hellhound, I can't find him anywhere. LEADER We don't have time, he'll find us don't worry. GIRL But he could be killed! ZEKE intervenes for the first time. ZEKE I'll find him. LEADER You'll have to catch us up. We're leaving now. ZEKE I'll be quick. LEADER considers, LEADER Ok...but we can't wait for long. GIRL Thank you, ZEKE. ZEKE heads off. EXT - CANYON - DAY ZEKE follows HELLHOUNDS tracks. ZEKE runs down a canyon path. ZEKE Stupid Dog, where did you go? EXT - TOWN - DAY LEADER waits for ZEKE, the people are ready to leave. HENCHMAN My lord, we must go! LEADER He needs more time. EXT - CANYON - DAY ZEKE frantically calls for the dog. He turns around the corner, into a full MARINE convoy. They open fire, ZEKE is caught in the open. SARGEANT HOLD YOUR FIRE! HOLD YOUR FIRE! The MARINES surround him at gunpoint, there is no escape this time. SARGEANT CAPTAIN! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? ZEKE ... A MARINE kicks him, MARINE ANSWER THE SARGEANT! SARGEANT Leave him be, I'm afraid you're under arrest for desertion. MARINE Let's shoot him now sarge! ZEKE Do what you have to do. SARGEANT If you could you can help us track down the rebels. ZEKE I'd rather die first. MARINE Let's kill the traitor sarge! SARGEANT NO! He'll have a proper court-marshall, forgive me captain. ZEKE Just obeying orders...right? SARGEANT ... The MARINES bind him. EXT - VILLAGE - DAY The people are ready to LEAVE. LEADER looks into the distance for ZEKE. He's not coming. GRUNT My lord, we must leave now. LEADER He's not coming, prepare the evacuation. GIRL I'll go for him. LEADER It's too dangerous. HENCHMAN looks confused, he's going through an internal conflict. HENCHMEN I'll go. LEADER looks at him in a new light. LEADER Take your best man, be swift. HENCHMAN and GRUNT head off into the valley. EXT - ALL IS LOST - DAY ZEKE has been herded onto a transport. The MARINES look at him in open disgust. MARINE GET IN THERE! He's pushed into the transport. MARINE YOU'RE A DISGRACE TO THE UNIFORM. SARGEANT Leave him be. MARINE Their gonna courtmarshal your ass. You know what that means. ZEKE ... MARINE You know what happens to marines like you. He beats ZEKE to the ground. SARGEANT I said knock it off. Hellhound appears on the horizon looking for ZEKE. MARINE What the hell is that? MARINE Target practice that's what it is. The MARINES start shooting at hellhound. HELLHOUND goes down, we're not sure if he's dead. MARINE I think I got it. ZEKE leaps to life, knocking the MARINE down. MARINE Why you bastard. He beats ZEKE unconscious. EXT - RIDGE - DAY HENCHMAN and GRUNT look out at the transport. EXT - RIDGE - DAY In the transport. ZEKE Water... MARINE SHUT UP! He hits ZEKE. MARINE Why'd the hell they send us to this shit-hole? SARGEANT I won't warn you again trooper. The transport comes across a block in the road. SARGEANT What is that? CLEAR THE ROUTE. MARINE Now what? Some of the MARINES pile out to unblock the road. Suddenly the underbrush errupts with fire, several MARINES go down. SARGEANT AMBUSH! GRUNT moves in from the rear. ZEKE beats down one of the MARINES. The remaining MARINES run off in fear. GRUNT mows them down. ZEKE You came for me? HENCHMAN You thought we'd leave you here? HENCHMAN spots the SARGEANT fleeing. HENCHMEN I'll get him. ZEKE holds his arm. ZEKE No, let him go. HENCHMAN grunts. ZEKE Let's get out of here. The three head off, the transport explodes in the distance. ACT 4 - FINAL FIGHT ----------------------------------------------------------------- EXT - MOUNTAINS - NIGHT ZEKE is sat around a fire with LEADER and HENCHMAN ZEKE You know they won't stop, don't you? LEADER I lied when I said I didn't know your father. ZEKE You knew him? LEADER He was under my command when we crashed here. I tried to save him, but he died shortly after. These people saved me...they took me in. ZEKE What would he have done? LEADER He'd have fought to the last man. ZEKE We should fight them, here. LEADER Like on LV-22, what happened? ZEKE Dead to the last man. LEADER Then they'll come and we will fight them. LEADER stands to address the group. LEADER PREPARE THE MEN! EXT - MOUNTAINS - NIGHT The GIRL approaches ZEKE as he watches the sunrise. GIRL I want to fight with you tomorrow. ZEKE I won't let you. GIRL I don't want to lose the ones I love again. ZEKE But I must fight for what I love. GIRL Then you won't go? ZEKE I have to go. GIRL Aren't you scared? ZEKE I've always been scared, but now I have something worth fighting for. GIRL Hold me ZEKE. ZEKE It'll be alright. ZEKE holds the GIRL, they watch the two rising suns. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY The command survey the valley. LEADER We'll make our stand here. They will come from the north and we will meet them. The command cheers. LEADER I'm glad you found us ZEKE. I could never forgive myself for your fathers death. ZEKE He was honoured to serve you. Let's give those corps bastards a fight they'll never forget. LEADER and ZEKE grab hands the pact is set. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS NORTH - DAY The CORPS are lined up, looking devastating, huge battle tanks and thousands of MARINES prepare for the onslaught. They are confidence. COUNSELER They're a beautiful sight aren't they major. RIVAL Best of the corps sir. After this the planet is ours. COUNSELER And the resistance? RIVAL We have superior firepower and the best division in the colonies. COUNSELER This day will go down as the greatest triumph of the space corps. COUNSELER Move in the first wave! RIVAL Shouldn't we send in scouts first? COUNSELER Nonsense, you over-estimate their chances. RIVAL First wave move in! RIVAL launches the first attack wave. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS SOUTH - DAY The first wave of MARINES approaches. ZEKE and men lie in wait. ZEKE Hold your fire. They wait until the MARINES are really close. ZEKE FIRE AT WILL! The men leap out and attack the unsuspecting MARINES. They defeat them they turn and flee. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS NORTH - DAY The COUNSELER and RIVAL watch through micro-binoculars. COUNSELER is outraged. COUNSELER WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! ARE THEY RETREATING! RIVAL I DON'T BELIEVE IT. COUNSELER SEND IN THE ARMOURED DIVISION, NOW! RIVAL But COUNSELER! COUNSELER SEND THEM IN! The armoured division is sent in. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS SOUTH - DAY LEADER and ZEKE watch the tanks roll in. ZEKE They're sending in the heavy armour. LEADER Any suggestions? ZEKE We need to get close enough for explosives. HENCHMAN Let my men distract them. LEADER Alright, we'll be counting on you. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY The tanks roll over, crushing dead MARINES as they slowly advance. They are huge. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY HENCHMAN and GRUNTS launch an attack on the Tanks, which take the bait. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY ZEKE and men, await out of sight as the tanks roll by. ZEKE OK, you know what to do, get close enough to plant the charges. The MEN are nervous but refuse to show it, they attack. Many MEN are shot right away by the tanks gunners. ZEKE launches himself ontop of one, struggling to stay on. Other men can be seen doing the same in the background. EXT - ONTOP OF BATTLE-TANK - DAY The tank lurches trying to knock off the attackers. ZEKE is thrown to one side dangling on with one hand, he loses his charge. A hatch opens, ZEKE punches and throws the MARINE out and clambers to the top. Another hatch opens a MARINE fires, ZEKE rolls over and smacks him with his rifle, a fellow GRUNT throws him a charge he slams it down the hatch. ZEKE FIRE IN THE HOLE! The men jump off, ZEKE is thrown off as the TANK jolts to a halt. The treads approach him as he lies helpless. At the last minute the charge goes off destroying the tanks interior, The treads stop an inch from ZEKES face. He Lets out a sigh of relief. Other TANKS blow up in the background, the attack has been stopped. HENCHMAN approaches and helps ZEKE to his feet. HENCHMAN You fought well. ZEKE It's not over yet! EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS SOUTH - DAY The command prepare for tommorow they know their chances are slim to nothing. ZEKE We should make a tactical retreat. LEADER You know we can't stop now, we must finish what we started. HENCHMAN What are our chances? ZEKE They've still got one division, and the heavy guns. LEADER Then lets make it count. HENCHMAN PREPARE TO ATTACK! The men cheer, HENCHMAN readys the men. ZEKE This is the first time, I've had a reason to fight. LEADER To die for? ZEKE To the end. LEADER You're father would be proud. ZEKE We'll teach the corps a lesson they'll never forget. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY The remaining men line up, battle ready. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS NORTH - DAY The MARINE command observes them. COUNSELER He's attacking? RIVAL The man must be mad. COUNSELER KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL! RIVAL I'll see to it personally. EXT - MOUTAIN PASS - DAY The MARINES form a line, RIVAL leads them. EXT - MOUTAIN PASS - DAY LEADER raises his weapon. LEADER FOR CHAR! MEN FOR CHAR! The men rush towards the marine line. Artillery fire bombards them, but they still come. RIVAL shoots LEADER in the arm. The forces meet. ZEKE fights RIVAL, he kills him. MARINES and men fight in hand to hand combat, The men break through the line. HENCHMAN goes down saving ZEKE. ZEKE You're gonna make it. HENCHMAN GO GET 'EM... HENCHMAN dies. ZEKE with renewed anger rushes towards the MARINE command. ZEKE CHARGE! EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY COUNSELER is getting scared now, the onrushing men are more than close. COUNSELER BRING OUT THE DECIMATORS! SARGEANT looks at him questioningly. COUNSELER BRING THEM OUT, NOW! The COUNSELER is hysterical, SARGEANT obeys. SARGEANT BRING OUT THE DECIMATORS! The decimators are brought forward. EXT - MOUNTAIN PASS - DAY The men rush forward but are suddenly stopped by the decimators. High powered laser beam cannons annihilate the men. Whole arms and torsos are vaporised. One after another they fall. ZEKE and LEADER lay dieing on the field. The sargeant is touched by their courage. SARGEANT CEASE FIRE! COUNSELER KEEP FIRING, KEEP FIRING! SARGEANT CEASE FIRE! The COUNSELER is over-ruled, the decimators stop. EXT - BATTLE FIELD - DAY ZEKE crawls over to LEADER, who's entire arm has been vapourised. LEADER Did...we..show them? ZEKE We sure did. Rest now. LEADER I did only bad things in the corps, I hope we can learn from our mistakes. ZEKE To protect and not destroy. LEADER I'll tell your father how brave you were he will be proud. ZEKE holds LEADERS dead body, he bows down crying. EXT - BATTLE FIELD - DAY The remaining MARINES approach lead by SARGEANT. He salutes ZEKE and the dead men. The other MARINES follow his lead. ZEKE watches them in disbelief. INT - HOUSE - DAY BUDDY sits next to a fire with his two children, they are listening to him tell a story. CHILD And what happened then father? BUDDY The COUNSELER was discharged from the corporation...Planet CHAR was eventually colonised, and no-one knows what happened to the captain. CHILD What do you think Daddy? BUDDY I think he found what he was looking for, he's still out there, somewhere. BUDDY looks up to the sky. INT - DROPSHIP - DAY The GIRL helps a wounded ZEKE onto a dropship, EXT - BASE - DAY The dropship takes off. INT - DROPSHIP - DAY STILL of the GIRL embracing ZEKE as the dropship enters space. CREDITS THE END.