INT. GAMMA EXPANSION BASE - MAIN BRIDGE (2007)
Bridge is a control tower structure jutting above the base with windows on all sides. The room is round and the only entrances are by elevator through the floor: one in the middle of the floor-accessible only to the General and another closest to the views of the rest of the base-towards the back of the POV.
2 of Vuaron's personal guard stand at ease on either side of the back elevator doors. Some windows show views of other exterior parts of the base and others show space.
Except for the back elevator entrance, all other spaces below the waist high windows are covered in control panels and screens. These are perpetually manned by a D staff of security and defense technicians researching various projects or monitoring status of the base, communications and functions. There is a subdued hum of activity and soft voices in the background.
In the space on the far side of the side elevator entrance, between the General's elevator and the far window are 3 3-D displays which are cylindrical computer screens about hip height bordered all around with controls of various kinds, that project images into the air above. The middle one shows' Huascar's approach towards the area around the moon that can be scanned. The other two show other areas of space.
General Vuaron and his 4 advisors are standing around the middle display observing the action.
HESPAR shakes his head.
HESPAR: We were fortunate. Our freighter blundered into the enemy without getting caught.
KAROSH points his R finger up.
KAROSH points his R finger up.
KAROSH: Our scanners are blocked by the Gorgle star's radioactive cloud. Their communications and activity is unknown. We might have been missed, or let go by the Federation.
FERRAN: This mission is too risky. The whole area could be a trap. General Vuaron, are you sure Huascar can handle this?
VUARON: We all know his record. I'm sure, he's thought of more possibilities than you can dream of.
FERRAN looks sour. While KAROSH and NEMERON chuckle.
FERRAN: But, you saw, he's wearing his dress uniform. He's crazy!
KAROSH: He's got a plan.
HESPAR: Costuming won't make a difference.
VUARON: We'll see. He's the best Battle Commander, and strongest candidate to replace me next month. Maybe he'll last as long as I have.
HESPAR: Then he'd have to be both lucky, and gifted.
NEMERON scoffs.
NEMERON: Or a fast learner.
VUARON grins knowingly at NEMERON.
FERRAN: I still think it's dangerous to send only one Commander on this mission. The Trials are making everyone mad. We can't afford more rash blunders.
VUARON points his scarred hand at FERRAN.
VUARON: Necessary sacrifices.
NEMERON: I would love to be in Huascar's place.
VUARON gestures towards NEMERON.
VUARON: You see, that's the sort of attitude required.
HESPAR: I agree with Ferran on this.
HESPAR meets FERRAN'S eye and nods.
HESPAR: We don't know which Federation members are there, or their numbers. Their defensive capabilities are vastly different.
FERRAN: And only the Neethrupi wizards, can build a base near a radioactive cloud. We all know their battle prowess, and if the Special Force is there...
VUARON holds up his L hand to cut off HESPAR and FERRAN.
VUARON: We are the Drostivarian Empire! And those interlopers are building a base in our territory! The Lordavin Moon is an important strategic resource, but even if it was a mud ball, nothing will stop us from retaliating for this outrage!
The display shows Huascar's squadron splitting into 3 parts. 10 wait on the nearest side of the moon, another 10 heads towards the R: the point which would most likely intersect the arrival of other Federation ships.
VUARON: Hold your tongues and observe.
The image of the ships going to the R is cut off as they travel into a blank space-the radioactive cloud. Huascar's ship and the remaining 9 ships head around the L side of the moon, until they also are cut off from view.
EXT. SPACE NEAR LORDAVIN MOON
Drostivari Command ship, closely followed by nine android piloted stingers approaches the Loradvin Moon from the L.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
Voice overs.
Huascar is 37, his face is harder, with more angles, he has some vertical creases between his eyebrows and his hair is shoulder length with some layers.
He is standing in the bridge with his chin braced in his L hand in front of the communications panel.
He looks on the rocky, cratered face of the moon on the R of the window as they pass.
In the upper R corner of a small screen in front of him an icon of the D signet which was solid and grey, flashes red then goes clear with only the outlines showing, indicating the Gamma base has lost visual of the whole fleet.
He pushes a button.
HUASCAR: Squad Captains, is the Gamma Base audio line operational?
VORTAN and ORLAVE'S faces come on two small separate screens.
VORTAN and ORLAVE: Yes, sir.
HUASCAR: Good. Report if that changes.
VORTAN and ORALVE: Yes, sir.
Screens off.
HUASCAR: Stinger Team A, wait here. You know the signal to rejoin.
VOICES OF 9 ANDROIDS: Yes, sir.
The Federation base comes into view. It consists of a few dome shaped and curved buildings, with various sensor spires. It clearly is not finished, but 15 gun turrets are ready for action.
INT. HUASCAR, VORTAN AND ORLAVE'S SHIPS - BRIDGES (SPLIT SCREEN)
SIMULTANIOUS:
A brown skinned, amber eyed Tytreki female' s face comes on Huascar's larger screen. She's in her late 40s.
In the background are glimpsed other brown, long haired Tytreki and tall, pale, and furred Koru crew members.
All look official and busy, but some make subtle sideways glances towards the screen.
HUASCAR stands with his hands clasped behind his back.
VORTAN and ORLAVE'S computers have the same picture of the Federation bridge on smaller screens.
VORTAN and ORLAVE (to all squadrons): Delta formation.
END SIMULT.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Greetings. Who am I addressing?
ZENTORIL: Commander Zentoril. At your service, Huascar.
HUASCAR: We shall see. May I ask, why your Neethrupi masters...
ZENTORIL scowls.
HUASCAR:... have ordered this base in our territory?
ZENTORIL: Why do you think?
HUASCAR: To spy on us.
ZENTORIL is silent for a beat.
HUASCAR: We both know, this is a hostile act, and can not be tolerated. But, I am feeling compassionate...
ZENTORIL: Compassion, coming from a planet wrecker?
HUASCAR: I give you an hour to evacuate the base, before it will be destroyed.
ZENTORIL laughs-a braying laugh which flares her nostrils.
ZENTORIL: You come in a single ship, to threaten us? Hard to believe.
HUASCAR smiles.
INT. VORTAN AND ORLAVE'S SHIPS - BRIDGES (SPLIT SCREEN)
VORTAN and ORLAVE watch Zentoril on their screens
VORTAN and ORLAVE: (to all squadrons) Federation sensors are blind.
ZENTORIL: What has happened to the feared Drostivarian forces? Is it a holiday? And why this decorous garb? Have you come for tea?
There is some smirking amongst the crew behind her.
SIMULTANEOUS:
VORTAN glares while ORLAVE gapes.
END SIMULT.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
He smiles faintly.
HUASCAR: I'm here to talk.
ZENTORIL laughs.
ZENTORIL: I doubt it.
HUASCAR: Building this base is an aggressive act. It breaks the Treaty of Territory we made with the Federation. That cost many lives to form.
ZENTORIL: Huh! That's your story? You're here, because of a fifty year old Treaty, that your own leaders broke after only two?
HUASCAR: Those traitors were punished by Emperor Octivan.
ZENTORIL: Were they? Then, why has your current Emperor been dismantling the Treaty with alarming speed?
HUASCAR: In response to increasing pressure from your side. This base will start a full scale war. Is that what you want? I'm offering a short, and long term boon. You and your crew escape with their lives, and we avoid further escalation. In exchange, I ask that the Federation stay out of our territory.
INT. FEDERATION LORDAVIN MOON BASE - BRIDGE
ZENTORIL: As soon as you stop trying to acquire new planets in our solar system! We can not tolerate the thought of another planet suffering that fate. Arrogance and ignorance have been the Drostivarian pattern. All offers to share our sustainable techniques, are answered with warfare.
HUASCAR: It's been decades since the last offer.
Several crew members towards the back of the room are having a whispered discussion, unseen by Huascar.
ZENTORIL: You can't pretend Zorbane would care now! Your Empire's increasing aggression shows your true intent. Greed and waste, at all costs! And you are one of our worst foes. Yet, here you are as emissary? This, I can not accept.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Stereotypes and reputation. I am a sufficient Commander, following orders.
She snorts.
ZENTORIL: Huascar the Black Hearted is beyond sufficient!
He grimaces.
ZENTORIL: The death of hundreds, clog your soul's path! If we operated like your reactionary Empire, there would be a huge bounty on your head. Yet, you profess to be reasonable, sitting amongst your androids! You have no honor. This ruse is a waste of time.
He takes a deep breath.
HUASCAR: This is no ruse. I'm the one with a grievance here, your insults can't alter that. The past is over! Is there anyone else I can speak with?
ZENTORIL: You dare imply...? Here is your answer!
ZENTORIL turns off the com line.
SIMULTANEOUS:
HUASCAR: Shields up!
EXT. SPACE - LEFT OF LORDAVIN MOON
Stinger team A turn on their cloaking and speed towards Huascar's ship while the other squadrons wait.
INT. FEDERATION LORDAVIN MOON BASE - BRIDGE
ZENTORIL: Fire all guns!
END SIMULT.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
All 15 turret laser guns fire at Huascar's ship. They bounce off the shields and jolt the ship.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Return fire! Evasive action!
HUASCAR sits in his chair and straps instantly secure him.
He frowns briefly, then shakes his head to focus.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
His ship zigzags towards the base firing back.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Destroy their guns.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
Huascar's ship fires at the turret guns with missiles. A couple are destroyed.
Stinger team A's 9 stingers simultaneously de-cloak around him and begin firing.
INT. FEDERATION LORDAVIN MOON BASE - BRIDGE
ZENTORIL pounds the console with her fist.
ZENTORIL: I knew it! First defense teams, launch!
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
The base begins to show explosions where the lasers hit. A stinger takes out a turret gun.
A defense of 8 Tytreki fighters launch from the R side of the base, while 6 Koru launch from the L, within range of Huascar's ship.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Stingers, mine spray those launches! Eliminate the Koru.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
SIMULT.:
2 Stingers which are nearest the launch areas spray out about 50 saucer shaped mines towards their targets. Some mines cause explosions on impact, while others linger in space in the path of future exits.
Huascar's ship fires 6 missiles at the Koru, who immediately take evasive action.
END SIMULT.
A couple of Koru fire quantum missiles at the D missiles. 2 Koru missiles hit their targets and instantly vaporize the D missiles into clouds of gas, one misses but vaporizes a passing stinger, leaving the android pilot helpless in mid space as it's ship's molecules change into gas. Then the android also dissolves.
One Koru fighter is clipped by a D missile, careens towards the base and explodes, taking out another turret gun. Another missile damages the launch where the Koru came from. The other 3 D missiles explode terrain of the moon near the launch.
INT. FEDERATION LORDAVIN MOON BASE - BASE
Red flashing lights and sounds of explosions. All crew intensely engaged at controls.
TYTREKI ON L: We've lost four turret guns.
ZENTORIL: Acknowledged. Focus fire on the Command ship!
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
3 of the base turret guns hit Huascar's ship in the midsection.
His ship fires back and destroys 2 of the 3 turret guns, then swoops to the R.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Keep at the Koru, don't let them link up! Avoid the quantum missiles!
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
Space on R side of the base is filled with Tytreki and D fighters attacking each other with laser fire.
2 Tytreki ships with 3 stingers firing on them from behind abruptly halt their forward motion and hover at 90 degrees above with a red laser web stretched between them and down into their previous location. This slices into 2 out of the 3 pursuing stingers, exploding them.
The last stinger evades the web but is damaged by crossfire from the base. It fires missiles at 3 Koru ships who were beginning to link up into an extra powerful ship. Then the stinger losses control and careens towards the launch on the L, and is blown up by D mines in the area.
The Koru ships shoot down the missiles and form a super fighter, which immediately sends 3 quantum missiles and a turbo laser blast at the D command ship.
The turbo laser hits Huascar's ship, causing the shields to falter and bigger damage. His ship sprays mines at the quantum missiles, while taking evasive action trying to avoid them.
The missiles hit the mines and dissolve them into blue fire. Another stinger is caught in the transformation into flames.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Destroy that super fighter now!
View from Huascar's window of the Koru super fighter on the R engaged by 2 stingers firing lasers from above causing some damage.
ANDROID ON HUASCAR'S L: Sir, our shields are at 45 percent capacity.
HUASCAR: Squad B, I need you! Squad C, take their place.
VORTAN'S face comes on screen.
VORTAN: Yes, sir!
Screen off.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
Huascar's ship gets hit from 3 Tytreki ships from below causing it to jolt.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR: Damn! Taking manual control!
He hits a button, and the ship's yoke projects itself from the floor in front of him, while his seat raises up a foot on a pole and footrests come out from the floor.
He grabs the yoke with both hands, and powerfully pushes it down.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
His ship surges upwards, while he fires the bottom magna beams at the Tytrekis.
It hits the one on the R, causing the ship on the L to be pulled towards it. They explode.
He fires four missiles at the Koru super fighter.
The Koru ship avoids 2 of the D missiles and destroys 1 with laser fire. The last missile is dodged, but destroys a Tytreki ship.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
ANDROID ON L: Sir, our shields are at 25 percent and only the aft missile launches are operational.
HUASCAR: Vortan, where are you?
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
SIMULTANEOUS:
Vortan's command ship decloaks underneath the Koru super fighter and fires on it, causing more damage.
The super fighter splits up into 3 separate Koru ships and arc around. 2 fire on Vortan's ship, while one fires lasers on Huascar's ship, hitting to the R of the bridge and causing more smoke and explosions.
9 squad B stingers decloak and attack the Koru and the remaining 5 Tytreki.
END SIMULT.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
The android farthest away from Huascar has been destroyed.
The one closest to him is only a stump with legs and a pelvis, the rest of it had exploded. Their consoles are in flames, before a mist rains down on them extinguishing the flames.
HUASCAR'S R side has some gashes from flying debris.
He had thrown his arm up, to protect his face from the blast. The damage reflects that position, and extends from his hand, forearm, upper arm, shoulder, neck and face. The worst is his cheek below the cheekbone, which has shrapnel lodged in the flesh. It's obviously a piece of an android.
Oblivious to his wounds, he steers his ship through complex evasive maneuvers.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
The base turret guns strike the bottom of the ship, destroying the magna guns.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
ANDROID ON L: Sir, we've lost the magna guns.
VORTAN'S face comes on screen.
VORTAN: Commander, what is your status?
HUASCAR pulls the shrapnel from his cheek and tosses it over his shoulder.
His cheek bleeds.
HUASCAR: Shields are...
ANDROID ON L: 10 percent, Sir.
HUASCAR: You heard. And extensive damage. Prepare to be boarded.
VORTAN grins.
VORTAN: Yes, Sir.
Vortan cuts off screen.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
3 Koru attempt to exit the R launch only to be severely damaged by the D mines.
5 Tytreki manage to dodge the mines on the L launch and enter the fray unharmed. They immediately destroy 2 stingers and fire upon Huascar's ship, causing larger fires and smoke.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
ANDROID: Sir, shields at 5 percent.
HUASCAR nods and pushes a button which releases his straps.
HUASCAR: Enable the escape ship. Head to the base full speed, and fire all remaining weapons.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
Vortan's ship destroys 3 Tytrekis with missiles, but takes some hits from 2 Koru lasers. 2 more stingers are destroyed while taking out two more base turret guns.
INT. HUASCAR'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR stands and salutes his crew. Then rushes out of the bridge.
EXT. SPACE OVER FEDERATION BASE
Huascar's ship barrels towards the base blasting missiles, mine sprays and lasers, which destroy 3 more Koru and 1 Tytreki on the way.
The base is riddled with explosions.
The Command Ship is very close to impact before Huascar's escape ship leaves.
The Command Ship plows into the base from the L and drags itself across almost the whole length of it with massive explosions surging in the line of impact.
2 more Tytreki ships are seen to exit the base from the R, avoiding the mines and the final explosions of it's destruction.
4 stingers cover Huascar, as his escape ship immediately boards Vortan's ship.
All remaining GF ships (8 Tytreki and 2 Koru) use warp speed to escape the scene.
INT. VORTAN'S SHIP - BRIDGE
HUASCAR runs in and stands on VORTAN'S L scanning the air space and seeing no more fighting, he sighs in relief.
The gash in his cheek has bloodied everything below it and his neck is riddled with small wounds and shrapnel.
VORTAN hands him a white cloth from an open first aid kit.
HUASCAR uses his R hand to press the cloth on his cheek and winces.
VORTAN: They've retreated. Warp trajectory...
HUASCAR: We will not pursue. Did more Federation ships exit, while I was boarding?
VORTAN: Two Tytrekis.
HUASCAR: I hope Zentoril escaped.
VORTAN turns to him with his L eyebrow cocked.
VORTAN: Why? She was outrageous.
HUASCAR takes the cloth away from his cheek and uses his L hand to swipe smaller shrapnel from the side of his neck and brush debris from his R arm.
Both stare at the wreckage for a couple of beats.
VORTAN: You did it, Sir. You didn't even use squad C!
HUASCAR: We did it. We were lucky, there was no Federation supply convoy after all.
VORTAN: But, we were prepared for that too.
HUASCAR: Depends. A squadron of nine stingers and one Command ship, against the Neethrupi? It could have been a disaster.
HUASCAR shakes his head, holds the cloth back on his cheek and watches the wreckage.
HUASCAR: The expense of this skirmish was too high.
VORTAN shrugs.
VORTAN: A few ships and androids...and some flesh wounds.
HUASCAR frowns and closes his eyes for a moment.
HUASCAR: How many lives?
A pause.
VORTAN: It wasn't a ruse.
HUASCAR opens his eyes and turns to him.
HUASCAR: Don't confine yourself to only following protocol, and the small picture, Captain. The Trial Period bypasses strategic consultations with superiors, but I would have made the case for my plan, otherwise. There are larger issues at play than removing this Federation base, or becoming General.
VORTAN: But they were in violation, and she was...
HUASCAR: True, but she was right, we are hardly blameless.
HUASCAR thinks: I am hardly blameless.
HUASCAR: There are decades of death, destruction and grievances on both sides. We are stuck.
HUASCAR sits tiredly in the command seat.
He lets his hand with the cloth drop to his lap.
VORTAN sits to Huascar's R, watching him.
HUASCAR: The ramifications of this so-called victory could take many forms, but the Federation does not forget. The conflicts will intensify. An even bigger cost.
He leans his forehead on his L hand.
HUASCAR thinks: And if I become General Huascar the Black Hearted, this sector will erupt with fresh hostilities. I'm trapped either way. Finding a new planet grows ever further...
He shakes his head.
VORTAN: Excuse me, Sir, but I disagree. This was a real victory. The Federation knew building the base was an act of war, so they hid in the radioactive cloud. They were lucky you didn't just ambush and kill them all, as many Battle Commanders would. Your attempt to diffuse the situation was far more nuanced and honorable. You even dressed the part! And if they didn't believe that, you allowed some to escape. More proof of your intentions. Maybe you de-escalated things after all.
HUASCAR: Perhaps.
VORTAN: Sir, I'm honored you chose me for this mission, and shared the motives beneath your plan. I too wish for a time of military restraint, so we can focus on more pressing matters. Zorbane's priorities are backwards!
HUASCAR smiles wryly.
His wound seeps a little blood.
17
HUASCAR: Vortan, do not freely air such sentiments. I'm a bad example. I wager everything on the chance that others are rational. Many, such as Zentoril, are not.
VORTAN: It payed off. I will gladly defend your actions here. I hope you become General, Sir.
HUASCAR sighs.
HUASCAR: Thank you. Now, let's leave this place. Retrieve all unused mines. Vuaron will have plenty to say before the night is over.
VORTAN: Yes Sir. At once.
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