Earth's Last Great Hope
By Scott Nestel
Page 1
Panel 1]
Wide shot. A vast spaceship, classic type, cruising through deep space cutting the vacuum apart.
NARRATOR: They said we were earth's last great hope.
2]
Interior shot of craft. A fairly small dark room. The landing bay hold, consisting of soldiers sitting in close quarters. They are marines, supplied with the latest state of the art military equipment. They are like the marines out of the film Aliens. The room should give the impression it is shaking. Artist should convey this. Marines look pensive.
3]
Close up on one marine. A fairly clean cut recruit. He is called marine 21. His number and other military insignia is displayed on his futuristic battle uniform. He is the narrator (as above in panel 1). Note: He is narrating his thoughts, not speaking them.
Marine 21: They had tried every alternative but to no avail. The enemy was too strong.
4]
Wider shot of craft approaching a large red planet. Its surface erupting like giant sun spots.
5]
Like panel 3, different angle.
Marine 21: The conflict had lasted for years. God knows how long. Vast continents, cities, souls taken by the foul interloper.
6]
Wide shot. A montage of images. A planet, maybe like earth but devastated by war. Show images of cities destroyed by alien spacecraft, children orphaned, bodies on the streets. A horrific image.
The Marine's line should be at the bottom of the panel.
Marine 21: So they our superiors, our defenders of the faith, sanctioned in their wisdom one final assault into the enemy's motherland. Us.
Page 2
1]
Medium shot. Ship is entering the planet's atmosphere, buckling under the violent cloud cover.
2]
Inside landing bay. Marines clutch their weapons. On the bay wall is am intercom device. A light is flashing green. A voice is heard:
Intercom: Planetfall 10 minutes. Prep for landing.
3]
Closer on Marine 21. Fear on his face.
Marine 21: So here we are falling to certain death. They reckon sheer numbers will turn the tide in our favour. Statistics they call it. Send enough grunts into the aliens nest and at least one is bound to succeed.
4]
Craft landing on the planet's deep dark scorched soil. A huge roar is heard as the engines power down.
Marine 21: Am I that one?
5]
Landing bay door is open. From behind, show marines leaving the bay. The intercom on the wall speaks:
Intercom: Dismount. Night procedure.
Page 3
1]
Marines including 21 marching across the uncharted terrain. There are buildings of unusual alien design in the background. The area is devoid of alien life however.
Marine 21: We follow the plan to the letter. Every contingency has been prepared, every possibility studied. The mission is absolute.
2]
Marines in a gun fight with the aliens outside an alien military base. Appearance of aliens up to artist. They should look ferocious and ugly! Dead marines cover the ground. Visuals of base up to artist.
FX( of weapons): Thadapp! Thadapp!
Marine 21: We hold their base. Minimal casualties. Fortunately for us, the enemy have left us some of their own.
3]
Inside base. An operating table. On it, is a dissected alien being studied by some military surgeons.
Marine 21: The alien's anatomy is said to be fascinating. I don't care.
4]
The marines sitting in a large room looking at a huge virtual display in front of them. On the screen is a detailed map of/and infrastructure of the aliens nest. Standing next to the screen is a superior officer in different attire. He is pointing to the screen, debriefing the soldiers.
Marine 21: Our superiors expect, no demand success. That is why we are here. To die for our world. You cannot afford sanctimony.
5]
Marines inside the aliens nest. Appearance of nest up to artist. Yet it should look both horrific and futuristic.
Marine 21: And so the final assault begins.
6]
Close up on an alien eye in the shadows.
Page 4
1]
Aliens attack the marines.
A marine: Incoming enemy. Return fire!
2 and 3]
These two panel show the brutal fire fight against the aliens. Both alien and human are killed.
FX of Weapons: Thadapp! Thadapp!
Marines: Arrrgh!
Aliens: Raaachk!
Marine 21: This is hell. This is my world.
4]
Wide shot. All the marines and aliens are dead. A bloody scene.
5]
Similar shot to 4 but closer. On marine 21, his eyes open. He is still alive.
Marine 21: See it's all to do with statistics.
6]
Marine 21 stands near to a long glass covered chamber. He is cut on the face and he has wounds to his body. He is holding a small black globe in his hand. Inside the chamber is a hideous worm like creature. It is in gestation.
Marine 21: This is how it ends. My life for my planet. Buy hey, don't mourn my passing. I've seen enough grieving for the dead to last me a lifetime.
Page 5
1]
Close up of marine placing globe to the glass chamber. It sticks to the glass. On the globe, the words - Nuclear Armament Class D. Next to the globe is a small white card attached to the glass with cellotape.
2]
Marine 21 takes hold of the card.
Marine 21 (thinking): What's this?
3]
Close up on card. It reads-
From Nest Mother,
Sorry but I had to pop out for a few days. Visit the relatives, you know. Haven't seen them in ages. And you know what they are like.
4]
Close up on Marine 21, incredulous.
Marine 21: Eh?
5]
Close on letter again. It carries on from previous line.
Oh yes, before I forget...don't forget to feed the cat.
6]
Close up on a whimpering white cat rubbing itself against the marine's leg.
Cat: Meeaaaww!
The End!
