) It should be noted its written in a 'movie script' format. (Just in case somebody asks!) 
Electric Destiny
By Kishin
Act 1
Phoenix Falling
We see a night time skyline of a major metropolis. The streets are brightly lit, huge television monitors broadcast commercials in all known languages. Smoke rises from the streets and smoke stacks. Rain pours down on the city in large drops. Hundreds of large neon signs written mostly in Japanese, cover the buildings.
NARRATOR: The year is 2266. Earth has undergone many changes. With the rise of the powerful Chinese and Japanese corporations, many small countries were being bought out by monstrous industries. Using the insidious forces of the yakuza and the tongs, the corporate giants engineered stock market crashes, urban unrest and wars. All of this was designed to take its toll on America and the European community. Soon, there was no longer enough money to keep things from happening. Police were underpaid and left their jobs, military troops were using twenty year old hardware in an effort to stem the aggressions from within and without their borders. T he homeless population grew to immense proportions as their homes were either demolished in urban warfare, or bought out by wealthy Asian corporations. The world seemed on the brink of falling into a new dark age. Then, like the voice of a god, the Daikoku Corporation went forth and using its vast resources, which included a well-equipped mercenary army, one-by-one "saved" each country from its perils. Daikoku supplied them with money, jobs and troops if it became necessary. Finally, America itself bowed head to the Daikoku Corporation. In months, Daikoku owned everything, but true to their word, jobs were provided in any of their factories, stores, mines, etc. The face of the world had changed forever.
CUT TO: A lab somewhere in the heart of the massive Daikoku Corporate headquarters in America. The lab is filled with electronic parts, and devices whose functions can only be guessed at. A tired, rumpled man DOCTOR AARON LAFEYSON is working feverishly on the torso of what appears to be a sleeping young woman. The camera pans in to show that he is working on an intricate wiring and fiber optic network within her stomach cavity. A small, evil faced man HYOGEN MUGOI enters the room flanked by two huge men in business suits. MUGOI is dressed in a smart, sharply styled business outfit, by one of the premier tailors of this age. When he speaks, it is as if all of the air in the room is being sucked away by his presence. The rumpled man appears annoyed as he looks up from his work.
LAFEYSON: Mugoi San! To what do I owe this pleasure?
MUGOI: You have had excellent results over the last few days eh, Lafeyson?
MUGOI casually walks over to a row of large, coffin-like containers. He stops at one marked NVA-5 and opens it. Inside is another tall, beautiful woman who appears to be sleeping. He caresses her face and gropes her breasts in a playful manner.
MUGOI: Your work was exemplary, Lafeyson. If I didn't know better I'd love to go hip-to-hip with this lovely until sunrise!
LAFEYSON: Was!?
MUGOI: Yes, your grants have been revoked, I no longer need your services in this area of the Daikoku Corporation. So I am transferring you to custodial maintenance starting tomorrow. Meantime, stop what you are doing and please leave my lab.
LAFEYSON: Your lab?! You can't do this MUGOI, my work is at a crucial stage, but it isn't finished yet!
MUGOI: Oh, yes I'm afraid it is. I have other robotics experts who are much better qualified and much more loyal than you. But don't worry, I'll make sure they take good care of your dolls.
LAFEYSON: This is preposterous! I will speak to Osato Sama!
MUGOI: Go ahead doctor. That tired old man is just waiting to die. But, until he does, I am the true power behind the Daikoku Corporation. I doubt if he will hear your whining and impotent pleas to regain your funding and your projects.
LAFEYSON: But, these projects-
MUGOI: All belong to the Daikoku Corporation. That was the condition of your grants Lafeyson. Of course if you wish to protest our claims, you can always try to take us to court, it is still a free country, yes?
LAFEYSON: You goddamn little bastard! You take over our country and then you use us and throw us away!
MUGOI: Wrong doctor. Your people agreed to this. And while you think about that, remember who you are talking to. I can have you refused employment at ANY of the Daikoku's branches. What then doctor? How long will you live out there on the streets?
Lafeyson (looks dejected, and crushed): Yes Mugoi San, you are correct. I humbly apologize and now go as you instructed.
MUGOI: Excellent, doctor and please let me know how your new position works out for you eh?
MUGOI laughs cruelly as the doctor removes his lab coat and leaves the lab. As the doctor leaves he pulls out a small 9mm automatic pistol. The scene moves back to MUGOI.
MUGOI: (speaking to one of his guards) Hans, have Team 5 come in and move this lab to the 67th floor in section D (O. S. Gunshot). Oh, and have janitorial staff clean that up. (indicating the direction Lafeyson has gone)
MUGOI walks out of the lab while Hans speaks on his headset. MUGOI smiles cruelly.
Screen fades to black. Screen now shows images of MUGOI's scientists opening several of the NVA units different access panels, and manipulating the wiring and circuitry within or punching keys on machines hooked up to them. The next scene opens with Dr. Mamoru talking to MUGOI.
Dr. Mamoru: Mugoi san, why did you want this man's research so badly? We can already build very advanced androids.
MUGOI: Because, something about his work is unusual. His androids, move like real people, not the clunky toys we have been building. When his dolls move and speak, there is no servo or hydraulic sounds, and there is no pause in their speech while they wait for instructions.
Dr. Mamoru: Yes, Mugoi san. His technology is almost alien. It's as if only he knew what he was doing.
MUGOI: A pity he cannot tell us anymore. Study his workings as best as you can. I want to be able to copy and mass produce these dolls in one month!
Narrator: Under Mugoi's supervision, his loyal scientists reprogrammed all of Dr. Lafeyson's NVA units to pleasure men in various ways, and to use weapons and martial arts in their new role as bodyguard/companions. As a final perversity, Mugoi has them programmed with the moral and ethical codes of Bushido in order to ensure their loyalty. When this is completed, the NVA's go online and sell and rent like wildfire to those wealthy enough to afford them.
As the narrator speaks, the scene now changes to NVA units walking with men, fighting, and having sex.
Narrator (Cont.): In the meantime, Mugoi's scientists make substantial progress on a rudimentary form of teleportation using matter conversion, transmission, and re-conversion.
Scene changes to MUGOI speaking to one of his scientists.
MUGOI: Dr. Sanada, is your conversion unit ready for human testing?
SANADA: Yes sir, I believe it is. We have had several successful tests using laboratory animals. But sir, who will we get to test it?
MUGOI rubs his chin and then his eyes gleam. He smiles as he looks up at the doctor.
MUGOI: Why doctor, the choice is obvious. Someone expendable.
Dr. Sanada looks terrified and begins to put his hands up.
MUGOI: (Looking disgusted) No, doctor not you. I was referring to one of our NVA units. After all, they are as close to humans as one can get without actually having to go through the trouble of hiring one. In any case the androids bodies are more receptive to sensations and can record data better than a human. Outfit one of Lafey-AHEM! OUR dolls with extra sensory equipment and data relays. If this project is a success, our power will be multiplied tenfold!
DR. SANADA: (Looking relieved) Oh yes sir!
(He hurries off to the NVA labs.)
MUGOI's pocket computer beeps at him. He pulls it out and opens it. The man staring at him from the screen is a testament to burnout. Osato Sama is an aging Japanese man, whose face shows the creases and lines of some one whose life has been a constant up-hill struggle. His voice is tired and rumbling, like the voice of a nearly-forgotten god.
OSATO-SAMA: Mugoi San, what is the progress of your latest toy?
MUGOI: Osato Sama! Excellent news! We are preparing to test our matter converter on a more human subject.
OSATO-SAMA: You mean you will use one of that poor American man's sex dolls?
MUGOI: Hai! Osato Sama! I have ordered one to be specially outfitted for this purpose, she should be finished very shortly and then the test may commence!
OSATO-SAMA: Very well Mugoi San. I appreciate how well you take care of things for me. When I am one with my ancestors, I will leave instructions for my family to make sure and treat you well when they own my corporation.
MUGOI: I look forward to it Osato Sama.
The screen goes blank. MUGOI snaps it shut, and a cruel look forms over his countenance.
MUGOI: May your soul rot in Hell old man! I have no more intention of being a servant to your family, than of working in a convenience store! We will see who owns this place when you die!
MUGOI stalks off, flanked by his monolithic guards. Scene changes to show the scientists casually opening NVA-7 (she is awake as this happens, she seems quite impassive and compliant) and placing new equipment in her cavity, and on wrists and arms. NVA-7 is a tall, statuesque woman, with long firey red-blonde hair. A small shock of it is constantly covering her right eye. Her eyes are a sapphire-like blue, but they are dull. Her body has an athlete's build with quite a bit of muscular definition. We close up on a monitor near her head and suddenly it springs to life proclaiming that contingency 2 has come on-line. However, the scientists seem oblivious to this fact. Camera closes up on her eye. We see it go from dull to suddenly light up with life. As the scientists finish she begins speaking. Her voice is a beautiful, melodious sound, but it is well-pitched and soft.
NVA-7: What are you doing to me?
The scientists look shocked, and stare open-mouthed.
NVA-7: What are you doing to me?
OHYUKI: This isn't possible, She's only a responsive android!
NVA-7: That statement is incorrect. I am fully self-aware and can think and make decisions for myself. I repeat, what are you doing to me?
SANADA: We will explain on the way to the lab, please come with us.
NVA-7 rises from the table and follows the scientists who are frantically speaking to each other in Japanese and looking at her in a puzzled manner. They proceed down a long corridor. They walk by the NVA room and as the y do so, NVA-7 looks in and sees the other NVA units standing motionless against the wall. She frowns and looks sadly away from them. Sanada tries to keep his cool, and begins to explain it to her.
SANADA: We are taking you to the teleportation device we have created. We have outfitted you so that you may relay information to us in a more efficient manner.
NVA-7: So on what premise does your teleportation device work?
SANADA: (sweating) Uh, on matter conversion and transmission and re-conversion.
NVA-7: So theoretically an object would be converted to energy, transmitted through space to a receiver and be re-converted to matter? So, why are you taking me to see it?
SANADA: (now really sweating and rubbing his hands on his jacket.) Uh, well. You are going to be our first human, or as close as we can g et to human test subject for this process.
NVA-7 stops dead and looks at Sanada in a concerned manner.
NVA-7: But, your experiment is untested on a creature like me. Anything could go wrong, and I would be........dead.
Sanada is now panicking, he orders a scientist to go get MUGOI and then begins trying to calm her down as she backs away from him. MUGOI appears, as if by magic quite suddenly and addresses Sanada.
MUGOI: Sanada what is happening here? Why isn't she in the test room?
SANADA: Sir I don't, She just. Well, she doesn't want to go!
MUGOI: (Eyebrow raised in disbelief) What do you mean she DOESN'T? She can't say no to you, you're her owner!
NVA-7: That is incorrect! I belong to no one but myself! You may have created me but you do not own me, I am sentient!
MUGOI : You are wrong! This company built you! How dare you speak that way to me! I am your lord! I gave you life, and in return you give me service! By refusing me you bring dishonor on yourself and you shame me! I will not have a mere toy defy ME!
NVA-7: But, sir I must protest! This experiment could destroy me!
MUGOI: It is an honor for you to die in your lord's service! Now go in there and complete the experiment! Your choice is simple, complete the experiment and bring honor upon us or refuse and I will have you dismantled and turned into a waste disposal unit! Either way you will serve the needs of your lord!!
NVA-7 looks fiercely at MUGOI and then a defeated look crosses her face as she lapses into complacency, she begins walking towards the lab.
NVA-7: Yes you are my lord, and you are correct. I am sorry I tried to rebel. I will not bring shame upon you by disobeying.
They walk into a lab marked, conversion. Inside a number of large computers are flanked by two large, opaque spheres made of some deep gray metal. NVA-7 moves in dejectedly and doesn't seem to notice the scientists moving about the room. The scientists mill about her and assist her into the sphere. The countdown begins and then the machines are activated. As the conversion begins, NVA-7 screams as the beams strike her body. She begins to disappear as each beam seems to erase her from existence until there is nothing left.
SANADA: Conversion complete! Now transferring.
The machines hum and sparks jump from machine to machine. Nova shimmers and disappears from the sphere. The machines smoke and whine, as electricity crackles across the panels then they lapse into silence. Sanada looks bewildered and frantically begins speaking rapid Japanese to the other scientists. After a few minutes MUGOI grows impatient.
MUGOI: Well, where is she?
SANADA: I don't know sir. We have lost all trace of her signal. Apparently the transference never occurred.
Scientists frantically open both spheres to reveal no one within either of them. MUGOI angrily pounds the mainframe he is standing next to.
MUGOI: Damn! Failure!
End Act 1
*
Act 2
Arrival
Scene opens with NVA-7 plummeting through space, and suddenly landing on something with an audible thump. She shakes herself off to look over the edge of the moving wagon she is in. Trees and dense undergrowth zip past her as she begins to look up. Her first sight is the road moving away from her then pan up to the bandits BLACKIE and BANDITS 1 and 2 racing after the wagon. The scene shifts to the driver JOHN UNDERSHIRE who is whipping the horses into a frenzy in order to escape the oncoming bandits. John is a middle-aged man who wear's shabby, and peasant attire. The most not ably feature on his rotund form is a small, and silly-looking hat that he wears. His speech is rough and he mangles English with such a degree of skill as to think that he was trying to. He is completely unaware of NVA-7's presence in the wagon. NVA-7 looks at the driver and begins questioning him.
NVA-7: Excuse me but where is the lab, and who are you?
John turns as if struck and gapes in amazement. He almost falls out of his seat.
JOHN: A Ba, da W-who am I? Who are you? Get out of my wagon!
NVA-7: I would gladly do so except that your current velocity makes that difficult to accomplish. Are you aware there are three men behind you?
JOHN: Oh only three? Well gosh I guess I should be glad. I only pissed off half their camp! By accident of course!
NVA-7: Are they going to inflict bodily harm upon you if they catch you?
JOHN: Bodily harm!? Why no! They'll just rob me, beat the shite out of me and then kill me! Mumble, mumble...idiot woman.
NVA-7: Please slow down I will help you.
JOHN:
SLOW DOWN!? You're a nutter lady! I jes tol ya that they'll kill me if they catch me!
NVA-7: But they will not catch you, I will defend you.
JOHN: Oh sure! A nutter woman in whore's clothing is gonna defend me! What ya gonna do lady, stop 'em by spreadin' yer legs!?
NVA-7: Yes, But only as far as I need to.
The conversation comes to an abrupt halt as John pulls the reins hard and to the left and comes to a stop. Laying in the middle of the road is a huge tree. John gets off the wagon and curses.
JOHN: Damn it all ta Hell! I take the only facking trail in the whole facking forest with a facking tree in the middle of it! Damn it all!
NVA-7 hops off the wagon and assumes a combat posture.
NVA-7: Don't worry, after I take care of these men, I will move the tree for you.
JOHN: Oh sure nutter lady! This I gotta see!
The bandits ride up and surround them both. They step from their horses and the leader approaches. Bandit one is a small surly looking man with a nasty scar and an eyepatch. Bandit two is an even smaller, rat-faced man with a leer. Blackie himself is a burly fellow with a beard, and an attitude to match. They have not yet drawn weapons.
BLACKIE: All right peasant! Ya've led us on a nice morning ride, but I think this is where we'll be kickin' yer fat arse and facking yer tall flame-hair now!
The bandits laugh, and Blackie leers menacingly at NVA-7.
NVA-7: I warn you, I can and will defend myself if you attempt to harm me or my friend.
BLACKIE: Oh? And what're you gonna do? Spread your legs?
Blackie sticks his tongue out at her and wiggles it suggestively.
NVA-7: Yes, but only as far as I need to.
BLACKIE: Right. Git 'er!
BANDITS 1 & 2 rush at NVA-7. NVA-7, sidesteps BANDIT 1 and throws a crushing reverse kick into the back of his knee. BANDIT 1 crumples to one knee, NVA-7 spins and throws a low kick to the man's spine, he yells in pain and falls forward. BANDIT 2 advances towards her cautiously and attempts to bring his sword down on her. NVA-7 turns inside his blow and fire s a low, back kick to his kneecap, and then follows up with a backfist that shatters his nose. The man gurgles and falls over, clutching his nose, BLACKIE has been watching and, after seeing his men beaten so harshly , pulls his own sword and moves in swinging it in wide arcs, as though he were limbering up his arm to strike.
BLACKIE: All right bitch! I was plannin' on treatin' you nice, but now I'm gonna cut yer tits off! Hyaaa!!
Blackie lunges at NVA-7, she spins around to his right arm so that she is standing next to him (this maneuver is called tenkan) and grabs his arm. She breaks it with a sickening crunch, and he screams in agony. He then pulls a dagger with his good hand and tries to stab her, but again she grabs his arm and placing a hand on his elbow pushes his hand inward towards his wrist (this is called Gokyo). His wrist and hand break like matchsticks and his hand is reduced to a bloody pulp. Blackie is s till screaming when she loops her arm over his head and deftly snaps his neck. BANDITS 1 and 2 in the meantime have stumbled back onto their horses and ride away. NVA-7 walks over to John. John looks mystified.
NVA-7: Are you all right sir?
JOHN: Uh well, Yea. They never touched me. Uh lissen, I uh, din't mean ta be so choppy wi ya, back dere, but I-
NVA-7: Were scared "shite"-less?
JOHN: Uh, Yea. Well you are sumpin else. Ya got an 'usband?
NVA-7: I don't think those laws apply to me. I have had a lot of lovers but never a husband.
JOHN: Feh! I'd be downright amazed ifin ya din't ha at least been wi men afore.
NVA-7: Does everyone use your kind of crude English? It is getting difficult for me to understand your dialect.
JOHN: Dia-whot? Lissen, we still gotta git ba to the village. Can ya really move that there tree?
NVA-7 walks over to the tree and seizes it by two of the larger branches and hurls it off of the path. John's jaw drops, then he quietly gets on his wagon shaking his head.
JOHN: I dinna know what ya been eatin lass but I'll say ye've got ta feed me some.
NVA-7: I can eat most anything, because I use matter conversion as my primary power source. You live near a village?
JOHN: Yea, climb up and we'll ead out to it. It's nuttin' to crow over, but it's ome. By th by, whot be yer name lass?
NVA-7: My designation is NVA-7, however my designers never gave me a name.
JOHN: Nnnnveeeeaaaysseevvviinnn? Ow does ya spell it?
NVA-7: N, V, A, number 7.
JOHN: Naow! Ah mean write it! I may be a fackin' peasant, but I was in church long enough ta learn ta read!
NVA-7 writes the Japanese characters for her name on the ground with a stick. John looks them over.
JOHN: Well that looks a bit like a rilly auld writin way. Bat it looks like the letters ta spell out Sun explosion.
NVA-7: Sun explosion? A nova? I think I like that.
JOHN: Nova eh? Wal at least I cn pernounce it. I am John Undershire, late of the abbey of Saint Noi. Till the fackin bandits burned it ta th groun!
NOVA: John Undershire. It is a nice name. John Undershire why do you sometimes speak with an accent and sometimes not?
JOHN: Oh ya noticed that did ye? Wal I always knew that if ya sounded like an illiterate peasant, most people won't expect much more from ye. At any rate, don't point that fact out ta anyone. If it gets around that I can read and write, then people are bound ta be wanting me ta do things for them what requires reading and writing!
NOVA: Your secret is safe with me John Undershire.
John and Nova climb onto the wagon and begin moving down the trail.
Scene shifts to the two bandits who are addressing CHAR who is a huge brute. He is naked except for a spiked red codpiece and a pair of bracers. His tangled brown hair and greasy countenance completes the effect of a total barbarian. His voice is strangley, an educated, and well-enunciated one. As they report he is cutting strips of meat off of a huge pig roasting on a nearby spit. He constantly licks his knife.
BANDIT 1: Forgive us Char! That woman was too much for us! She was some kind o f demon from Hell with flaming hair and the speed of a cat!
BANDIT 2: Aye! he's right! She killed Blackie without ever showing a weapon! Jus t grabbed him an broke him all funny-like!
Char's eyes light up and he grabs bandit 1 by the arm.
CHAR: Eyes gleaming evilly You mean like this?!
Char snaps the man's arm over his knee and laughs. Bandit one screams in pain. Char takes the knife he has been using and cuts the man's throat across the windpipe. Bandit 1 gurgles, chokes, and dies in a pool of blood. Bandit 2 bows low.
BANDIT 2: Mercy Char! These aren't lies! We spoke the truth! That woman's probably gone with that fat farmer back to their village!
CHAR: Licking blood from the knife.
Yessss. I think we'll be paying a visit to Hol. Their taxes are due anyway. And I will make a special visit to this Flame-haired bitch who kills men without weapons. He picks up a vicious, and well used looking scourge and runs his hand over it until it bleeds Yes I think we will see how much more red she has...
Scene shifts to the small village where John and Nova are walking. The village is mostly constructed of small huts and a few wooden storefronts. The people are dressed like peasants and most of them look somewhat grubby. Children play in the street. Nova looks at the children with interest and smile at them. As they move through the village people are staring at her in amazement. Women are pulling their children away from her. Nova smiles at the people but only a few lustful looking men smile back.
NOVA: John Undershire, why do they stare at me like that?
JOHN: Jes John ifin ya please! An they're starin because you look like a goddess!
NOVA: Goddess? I wasn't designed to impersonate a deity.
JOHN: Wal, naowone ever chooses wot appens to em, they just lives wid it th best they can.
Scene shifts to the forest. A huge and dark figure stands observing the village. He is DEATHBRINGER. Next to him is a small man who is dressed a s a servant. Light gleams off of the huge axe that the man is carrying. The words Venetaros are clearly spelled out on the handle. The huge figure smiles, as Char's men ride into town. The bandits attack and grab every peasant in reach. The peasants scatter and try to hide indoors. John himself tries to hide under his wagon. Nova looks puzzled.
NOVA: John what is happening?
JOHN: Git the bloody Hell down ere! Those are the rest of the bandits I tol ya whose camp I rode through!
NOVA: But John, why are they killing everyone?
JOHN: Probably cause ya killed one o them!
NOVA: This isn't right. I am the one responsible, I will rectify the matter.
She begins unhorsing bandits and crushing them beneath her kicks and punches. At one point she grabs a farmers rake and uses it like a staff. Then Char rides into town. He whips people with his scourge and leaps from his horse to attack anyone within range of his sweeping arms. Nova spot s him and begins to move towards him, cutting a swathe through his minion s. Char looks up from a woman he has just beaten to death, and licks the blood from his knife.
CHAR: Ssso. You're the bitch who attacked my men today. Not smart. Don't you know I'm the town's tax collector and protector? You attacked agents of the law, and now we are here to punish you.
NOVA: What kind of law permits a man to be killed simply for riding through your camp, or destroying a village?
CHAR: MY Law! I am the overseer of this town. Appointed by his majesty himself. You are in a lot of trouble. As the overseer, your punishment is at my discretion. I think I'll flay you alive and then rape you, starting NOW!
Char strikes at her with the scourge. Nova sidesteps, but, Char counters with the knife, and strikes her forearm.
CHAR: Licking the blood
Ha! First blood! I want more!
NOVA: Very well, but it will be your blood!
Nova front rolls and from a crouch throws a hard punch into Char's midsection. Char grunts and then tries to grab her, forcing her face closer to his spiked codpiece.
CHAR: Come kiss my spikes pretty flame-hair!
Nova grabs his fingers and breaks a few as she wrenches out of his grip and re-assumes a fighting stance. Char howls in pain and then quickly strikes her leg with the scourge. Nova's leg is laid open and sparks, blood and wires shoot from the wound. Char gapes in amazement and as he does so Nova takes advantage to punch him in the sternum. Char grunts and back s off. He swings the scourge again at Nova's face, but she catches it in her gloved fist.
CHAR: That was a mistake! That'll cut your hand to ribbons!
He yanks it forcefully, but her grip remains firm. Face screaming with pain, Nova throws her leg over Char's arm and then kicks up into his elbow. His elbow splinters and shatters upward, his fore arm torn free from its socket, by the force of her pull. Char screams in rage and pain and tries to run over her with his knife outstretched. Nova Tenkans into his arm and throws him over her shoulder. He hits the ground, head-first with a sickening crunch as all of his mass falls upon hi s neck and head. Char lies dead, and Nova finally succumbs to her injuries and goes to one knee. The remaining bandits gape and nearly run over each other as they flee the village. John moves over beside Nova and then notices her leg sparking and bleeding. He recoils in shock.
JOHN: Girl, what are you?
The townspeople crowd in around her and everyone watches in amazement as the cut on her forearm seals itself and heals back together. Her leg is already starting to do the same.
VILLAGERS: Witchery, Magic, Foul spells. Emperor's man is dead! Kill us next. Must leave!
A haggard old man steps forward towards Nova and John.
OLD MAN: You two must go. The Emperor will send more men here when he finds out about this.
JOHN: Two? Now arf a mo! What the bloody ell are you talkin about? I neveh did nothin!
OLD MAN: You brought her here among us, and now she has killed the Emperor's man. They'll come and burn this village to the ground if you stay here. Get out now and never return. Neither of ya!
John helps Nova to her feet and the two of them depart the village. The scene pans over to the tall figure DEATHBRINGER who taps the messenger on the shoulder and points away. The messenger scurries off. The large ma n only smiles.
Narrator: At the Emperor's palace...
Scene shifts to an elegant outdoor scene outside a huge palace. It is nighttime, and the messenger is running through the palace. The scene follows him through several ornate halls until he reaches a high chamber where a taller man waits in front of a curtained area. Not a word is spoken a s the figure hurriedly relays his information to the chamberlain, who sends him away. The chamberlain steps behind the curtain to approach the tall figure of the Emperor. The emperor has his back to the camera, and as he is told the news his face turns grim. The Emperor is a tall, menacing figure, dressed in a kind of uniform, but with some trappings of finery. H e waves away the chamberlain and strides over to a set of French doors which he opens and steps through onto a balcony. The balcony seems to overlook endless miles of cities and shires. The Emperor's eyes burn with an evil light. A few moments later Karstus appears with the chamberlain. Karstus is a small man who wears a soft looking poncho that is intricately camouflaged. He carries a beautiful rifle that looks like a strange cross of times and places. A close-up on the unpolished metal plate of the breech, shows the inscription "Schatenjager" (German word for Shadow-hunter ). The Emperor whispers a few words and points to an area outside his balcony. Karstus nods and leaves quickly. The Emperor strides back over to the balcony and as he looks out over his domain, he smiles ...
End Act 2
**
Act 3
City Of Hell
Scene opens with Nova and John traveling the road out of the village of H ol. Nova's wounds are healing at a miraculous rate, save for the leg wound and John has been staring at her the entire time.
JOHN: So yer wanna tell me about it?
NOVA: About what, John?
JOHN: (Indicating her leg) About how ya can take a guy's hardest hits and keep going. About why yer leg sparked when it wa cut open. About why you got meatl and wiggley things under yer skin! About why yer healin up right afore my eyes!
Nova sits down on a rock by the road and pulls her pants down to expose her right leg.
JOHN: Hey! what th Hell da ya think yer.... doin?
He trails off as his jaw drops and he gapes at her. Without paying much attention to John Nova pops the access panel off of her right leg and pulls out a metal toolkit. She pulls some tools out and begins to calmly repair her still damaged leg. John sits down hard and merely gapes. After a few minutes she puts the tools back and pulls her pants back up. John merely stares.
NOVA: I'm sorry John, I needed to repair some of those connections. The damage was rather extensive, and wasn't repairing itself fast enough. What di d you say?
John leaps to his feet and points at her leg.
JOHN: It's healed over! There's not a mark on that leg!
NOVA: (Looking at him quizzically) Of course. I fixed it.
JOHN: Normal people can't do that! Hell! Normal people can't open up their leg and get magic tools and heal themselves! Normal people don't break men to pieces the way you do!
NOVA: (Wearing a puzzled expression) Is that a complement John? I am not a normal person. I am an android.
JOHN: A what?
NOVA: Please John I know you are smarter than you act. I am an automaton, an artificial woman designed to fight and please men. I came from the year 2266, on Earth, and I need to find a way to get back to my lord.
JOHN: Well that explains everything! So, how do you plan to get back?
NOVA: Actually John, I don't know how. Given the level of your primitive technology, I can't see any way to return home.
JOHN: Eh? Oh well it isn't like this everywhere. Some places they got machine s that can do just about anything. Trouble is, around here it's all considered bad magic. So I keep ta myself about the things I've seen.
NOVA: John, Why have you stayed with me? Because of me your village exiled you.
John sits on the rock next to her.
JOHN: Well my dear, I'm forty-two summers old. And in my time I've been married twice, had a whole passel of children, and passed through at least three professions. But yesterday, when we were surrounded by those bandit s, you tol the leader tha you would defend yerself and yer friend. Now I take that word very seriously, and I sure ain't got any of those right now. But for you to just meet me and be willin to lay down yer life fer me, and call me friend... Well I figured you must be someone special. So that's why I'm stayin' and tha's why I'm goin ta help ya find yer way home.
NOVA: (She smiles) Thank you John. You are my only friend also.
She kisses him on the cheek. John blushes and stands up.
JOHN: Well if yore leg is feelin better, I reckon it be time ta move on. Tarterus is still a bit away from here.
NOVA: Is that the name of a city?
JOHN: Aye. It once had a beautiful name bat noone can remember it now. Emperor Joseph came and took tha city and renamed it Tarterus. Every city e 's taken he names after a Hell. There's Acheron, Gehenna, and whole lot more. An each one is ruled by a lord he put inta power ta keep an eye on is territory.
NOVA: The Emperor. This is twice I have heard of him, who is he?
JOHN: Some say he's a great sorcerer, others think he's a mighty warrior. Me? I think he's a god-cursed demon spawned from the depths of Hell. Come to cause misery and pain. But don't take my word for it. When we reach Tarterus you'll see what I'm talkin about.(He looks up and notices Nova staring off into the sunset) Hey! are ye listenin ta me?
NOVA: (Still staring, she begins to smile) Yes John, my audio sensors are working quite well.
John walks up to her and looks at the sunset also.
JOHN: Is this the first time ya ever seen the settin' sun?
NOVA: No, but I feel like it is. This is the first time I have ever appreciated how beautiful it is. (she stops and turns) I guess we should go now.
John and Nova continue walking down the trail.
Scene shifts to a nearby hillside packed with dense foliage. Karstus is watching them through the scope of his rifle (hereafter called a Schatenjagger). Karstus watches intensely a nearby snake is creeping up on him. Without removing his eyes from the scope, he pulls out a small knife and throws it. The knife impales the snake solidly to the ground. Karstus continues to observe the two.
NARRATOR: Several hours later...
The scene shifts to Nova and John approaching the gates of Tarterus. The city walls loom before them and guards patrol across its walls. As they get closer Nova makes a face.
NOVA: (Winces then covers her nose.) John what is that smell? It smells like rot or filth!
JOHN: (Covering his nose also) Tis' both! Tis' caused by lack o good plumbing and those big walls elp keep the stink in. Dinna worry though, I'm tol ya gits used to it ater a while. Each O the Hell cities smells this way. It's as tho they prefer to bask in their own corruption and filth!
Scene shifts to Emperor Joseph's throne room. He is sitting on the throne, addressing a huge figure DEATHBRINGER, in terrifying armor. The Emperor's voice is accented, and husky.
EMPEROR: So they are on their way to Tarterus eh? Well, I hope that incompetent Mael can handle them. So tell me what news you bring about the Orcish armies massing at the Northern border.
The tall man only smiles as he pulls several severed, inhuman heads from hooks on his armor and holds them up for the Emperor to see...
Scene shifts back to Nova and John who are now making their way through the city of Tarterus. Nova and John watch as a group of guardsmen mercilessly beat a beggar to death. Nova moves to try to assist, but John seizes her arm. Nova looks at him with questioning eyes. John only shakes his head and pulls her along the street. As he turns her away from the ugly scene they run into another group of guardsmen, led by a fat, richly dressed man throwing out a mother and her two children.
MOTHER: Please lord Mael! My husband died in your mines! I cannot afford to pa y you now but I'll get the money later somehow!
LORD MAEL: That is not my concern woman. My concern is that you do not have the money to pay for your dwelling, so you and your little maggots will have t o find other ways of paying for your survival.
Lord Mael looks her over a minute.
LORD MAEL: Hmm you know, you are still somewhat attractive. I'm sure you could afford to pay if you don't mind working on your back!
Lord Mael begins laughing as he walks off escorted by his guards. Nova starts to move towards the small family, but John only tightens his grip on her arm.
JOHN: No, lass. Ya should na' get tangled in other people's difficulties. Ma el is right, she can still find work somewhere. Still, it's the children I pity.
Nova focuses on the faces of the children, as they try to comfort their sobbing mother. The image burns into her. John and Nova walk to an Inn named the "Heart's Desire". Inside is a motley collection of people crowded around tables and the bar. Selections of people include two men playing pin-finger, a group of tall quiet men with hoods over their heads, and a group of burly ruffians arm-wrestling each other. John walks over to the bar.
JOHN: Hi! Need a single fer the night. And cn ya tell me where I might fin a sage?
BARKEEP: Hi! Be 24 bits and no. (He smiles a toothless grin.)
JOHN: 24 bits!? Tha's tantamount ta askin fer one o my balls!
BARKEEP: Cept that yer balls ain't worth shite ta me! Pay me the twenny-four or git the Hell outta my inn!
John grumbles to himself, then spies the large pile of money on the arm wrestlers table. He rubs his chin then talks to Nova.
JOHN: (Pulling Nova off to one side.) Uh, Nova, there seems to be a shortage of funds, an I was wonderin if ye might want ta arm wrestle that gent (indicating BALDY) fer some much needed gold?
NOVA: Of course John, I am always happy to help you.
She smiles John and Nova walk over to the table, as the next man is beaten. A huge bald man with massive arms sits at the table.
BALDY: Care ta test yer arm shorty?
(Indicating John.)
JOHN: (looking indignant) Hmmph! Do I look like the type to arm wrestle the likes of you?! But, I'll wager this lass here can break yer arm over this table!
BALDY: (looking at Nova) Fair enough!, If I win though, I'm gonna fuck her like a mule!
Nova: (looking at him quizzically): You fuck mules?
BALDY: (looking annoyed) Naw, I said I'm gonna fuck you like one, from behind!
The bar laughs at this.
NOVA: (sitting at table) So that means you must have some experience, otherwise you'd have no way to compare.
The entire bar lets out an OOOOOOh.
BALDY: Put yer arm up ere ya bitch, so's I can break it n' fuck ya already!
Nova puts her arm up and the contest begins. After several minutes of sweating and straining, Baldy has not moved an inch.
BALDY: (sweating, straining and clenching teeth) Damn woman, how strong are you? grunt!
Nova (looking bored and eyeing the nails of her other hand):
At present I am only exerting 5% of my total arm strength, so I can give you a fair contest, however I feel I should warn you, that your arm is beginning to show signs of bone stress.
BALDY: Dammit woman, don't play with me! Either finish this or let me win!
NOVA: Okay.
Nova slams his arm to the table in one very quick motion. Baldy looks stunned. John begins shoveling the money into his pockets. Baldy stands up.
BALDY: (looking angry) Hey shorty, ya din't tell me she was a fokin' demon!
JOHN: (looking indignant) Ya neer asked, so what? Ya lost fair and square, so take it like a man!
BALDY: We'll see if you can take it like a man!
He rears back to throw a punch. Nova steps in as he punches and lightly t aps his forearm. Baldy's punch swings wild and he hits the man next to h im. A full-out bar fight ensues, and John and Nova step over to the bar and get a room, then go upstairs. Leaving the barkeep to try and break up the ruckus.
Scene changes to the night. The streets of Tarterus are foggy as gas rises from the sewers. Whores parade themselves around torches and in front of Inns. We see the homeless mother from earlier in the day, she is now wearing scanty clothing, and heavy makeup. She walks down a narrow alley. The scene shifts to a pair of begoggled eyes, the torchlight reflecting off of the lenses. A figure in tophat and heavy cloak SAUCY JACK, moves out of the shadows after the woman. She senses she is being stalked and starts to quicken her pace, hoping to reach the illuminated square, ahead. The figure's movements quicken and we now see he has a large scalpel in his right hand. She is almost to the end of the alley, when like a shadow, the figure wraps her in his arms. She struggles futilely, as he quickly severs her windpipe, cutting off her scream. She gurgles, and air whistles out of her mouth as she tries to scream. We see the blade working in straight slices up and down her body, (note: no actual viscera are displayed until after this act is done). Her hands wave uselessly and her feet kick out in desperation. The goggles become splattered with her blood as he continues to work his grisly will upon a now helpless victim. Her struggles cease. The killer stalks away, leaving the woman's corpse with its lower abdomen opened with viscera and entrails laying about her. As he removes his bloody gloves and pockets them, we see the face, which now looks directly at us. It is a man in top hat wearing goggles with a scarf wrapped around his face. He quickly turns and melds into the shadows again, leaving us with the sight of his unfortunate victim.
End Act 3
***
Act 4
She is not alone
The early morning sun illuminates the shabby little room that Nova and John Undershire occupy. We see Nova sleeping, with a peaceful expression. She begins to stir and as she picks her head up, she looks down at her chest (Note: She still has her clothes on!). Snoring peacefully, John's head rests on her breast. She smiles and gently removes his head from on top of her. She slides out and leaves the room. Heading downstairs she goes to the barkeep.
NOVA: Excuse me sir, but is there a place to bathe in?
BARKEEP: Sure is, alf a block up that way (indicating the Northern end of the street). Be careful out there alone, girl.
NOVA: (smiling) Of course sir. Thank you.
Nova leaves the inn. The barkeep watches her leave, longingly. She moves up the street past several people who stare in disbelief at her appearance. She ignores them until she reaches her destination. "Godliness" is all the sign proclaims. She enters and pays the man at the counter, then strips her clothing off as a woman comes in and pours hot water in the tub. The woman stares at Nova's figure, then gasps as she sees Nova's belly.
BATHGIRL: (she steps back and points at Nova's stomach) You've got no belly button!
NOVA: (looking down at her stomach) No. I didn't need one. Is there something wrong?
BATHGIRL: The only creatures without belly buttons are either hatched from eggs or spawned from Hell! (She hurriedly leaves).
Nova looks at her bare stomach, rubs it once and with a small sigh, steps into the hot tub.
Scene shifts to John who is now waking up.
JOHN: (moving slowly and with a groggy look) Novah. Hey, where you at girl? (Gets up) Nova?
Scene shifts to the barkeep polishing glasses downstairs. John comes bolting down the stairs frantic.
JOHN: Hey barkeep! You seen the girl I was with?
BARKEEP: (looking bored) Yup. She has got a nice pair too.
JOHN: Look wisearse, did you see where she went?
BARKEEP: (looking bored and annoyed) Yeah, yeah. She went ta th bathouse down the street. So keep yer mares and yer stallions apart!
JOHN: (looking somewhat relieved) Thanks!
John rushes out into the street only to see an oncoming cart a few moments too late. It bowls him over and knocks him head first into a stone wall. John collapses in a heap, with blood trickling from his head. Nova is now moving up the street and sees John. She rushes to him and frantically tries to wake him up. Getting no response she grabs a nearby peasant.
NOVA: (eyes welling with tears) Please sir! Where is a doctor? My friend has been hurt!
Peasant: Dr. Wilshire is not far from here. I'll help you take you friend.
The peasant and Nova, both, half-drag, half walk John to the office. Inside, they sit him in a chair in the waiting area. Nova rushes up to the woman behind the desk.
NOVA: (tears flooding eyes) Ma'am please get the doctor! My friend is hurt!
NURSE: Yes dear just a moment.
The nurse hurries back to the offices in the rear and returns with a tall, stately gentleman, with sideburns and a distinguished face, DOCTOR WILSHIRE. He takes one look at John and immediately takes action.
JAMES: Miss Parsett, please help me move him to room 2, he appears to have sustained serious head injury. (after moving John onto a table in room 2) Please get me the gauze packets and alcohol, and be quick!
The doctor examines John and after cleaning his wounds, moves to Nova, who is now sobbing.
JAMES: (he places his arms around her to comfort her) It's all right my dear he'll be fine. He's just got a mild concussion and some cuts and bruises. Nothing to cry over.
NOVA: (sobbing) It's just that he's my only friend. Without him I'd be lost and all alone. I was so scared that he might be dead. (She buries her face in his arms while he holds her).
After a few minutes, John is coming around and Nova has stopped crying.
JOHN: (looking woozy and disoriented) Och! Didja git the names O those eight bastards who jumped me?
NOVA: (looking shocked) You were attacked by eight men?
JOHN: (he smiles) Oh I got the first three. Twas them other five what near did me in! (he winks at Nova). Nova smiles and hugs John. James moves over to them.
JAMES: Well if you two are finished, I do have some questions for you.
JOHN: What ye be needin?
JAMES: (indicating Nova) Those devices on your arms and legs, and your outfit, are hardly the type of everyday wear for a normal person around here.
NOVA: Yes, and I was noticing that your medical techniques and manner are also a bit out of place.
James sits down at a chair and sighs.
JAMES: Well, lets put all our cards on the table. I am James Wilshire. A physician from London England. The date I was transported to this place was Thursday, the eighth of November, 1889. I remember it so well, because I was on my way to propose to my fiancée Kathryn.
NOVA: Do you remember any details about how you got here?
JAMES: Only that I was stepping into the coach, and no sooner had I touched the seat bottom, when I found myself in broad daylight in the middle of the street! Thankfully, I had still retained a grip on my medical bag. You see, I'd been summoned to take care of a patient, and afterwards was to be at Kathryn's. I don't know how it happened or why, but I've since spent my time researching various ways to return home. In the meantime, I used my skills as a surgeon and medical practioner to help the ills of this city. I have had more work here in this foul place than ever in London!
NOVA: Obviously you haven't found your way back then?
JAMES: No. And I am beginning to think there is no way back. So tell me your story.
Scene Shifts to outside the doctor's office. Sniper (Karstus) observes the conversation, and from the way his lips move it appears that he is reading lips. We pan back to see him perched on a high building and watching through the sniper scope. Pigeons alight on his gun and on him, and he seems to take no notice as he watches his prey.
Scene Shifts to Emperor Joseph's chambers. Joseph is awaking from sleep. As he pulls back the covers and rises, we see his well-toned and muscular body. He moves lithely to his dresser and looks in the mirror. He then opens a drawer, and as he picks through some clothing he pauses to observe something inside. Close up on a medal in the drawer that is a swastika with a red and white ribbon attached. Emperor Joseph smiles.
EMPEROR: In this place, one can truly become a god!
Joseph throws his head back and laughs. laughter still echoes as we scene switch back to Nova and James. James looks a bit green.
JAMES: So you're not a real woman at all?
NOVA: I didn't say that. I still feel and have feelings like a normal woman, its just that I can't have children, and wasn't born from a woman. I am in every other respect as female and real as you can imagine.
Nova smiles. Another discussion is about to begin, when the nurse hurries in.
NURSE: Dr. Wilshire! please come quick! There's been another murder!
JAMES: Yes Miss Parsett, right away! I am sorry, Nova but my duties require me to leave. I don't think either of you would like to see this, these murders are usually very hideous. Please return tomorrow when we can discuss this in greater detail.
James hurriedly grabs his medical bag, a curious walking stick and hurries out of the building.
NOVA: He was carrying a sword stick.
JOHN: What? How did you know?
NOVA: I heard the metal clink on the inside of the wooden sheath, and I observed the separation in the wood, exactly one hand span down the cane.
JOHN: Ye'v rilly got a knack fer detail huh?
NOVA: (getting up to leave) Yes. I can see in a higher resolution than human eyes are capable of, and I hear in an audio range beyond a normal human's.
JOHN: (Also rising) Wal, peraps ye can hear where our next destination is. Cos it seems clear that even the good Doc ain't found a way outta ere yet. Still, I wonder bout is story.
NOVA: (looking puzzled) Hmm?
JOHN: Wal, e was very quick to add why e was carryin is medical bag on is coach. I wouldn't a thought one way or nother bout why e was carryin it till e pointed it out.
They move towards the door.
NOVA: (a look of concentration) 1889. hmm. My records don't go into too much detail back that far. Still, I am curious to know more about these murders. Let's go follow the doctor.
JOHN: (looking puzzled) But e left a few minutes ago! Ow are we supposed to track him through the city when e's got such an eadstart?
NOVA: (she smiles) John, I can see in different patterns, and one of the things I can do is track anyone by heat signature!
JOHN: (rolling eyes and sighing) Is there no end to what you can do?
NOVA: (stops, thinks and answers) I can't have children, urinate or lift a battleship. (she then turns and walks out, following the trail only she can see).
JOHN: (throwing his hands up and rolling his eyes) Oh, well at least I know that now! (He follows her).
Scene shifts to the village of Hol. The people are working and still putting things back in order. The dead appear to be buried. Fifteen armored guardsmen, wearing Emperor Joseph's house colors and insignia approach from one side of the village. The people look up in fear and begin moving back, until a huge figure DEATHBRINGER, blocks their retreat. The large figure moves into the clearing, with a small man accompanying him. The people are terrified and weeping.
MESSENGER: Hear Ye people of Hol! For killing the Emperor Joseph's men, he hereby sentences this village and all of it's inhabitants to be cleansed, by fire and sword as an example to the other villages, that those who defy the Emperor's will, shall be utterly destroyed! Make whatever preparations are necessary for your death!
The Huge man smiles. The carnage begins. People are hounded this way and that, buildings are put to the torch, people are slaughtered to the last. A small group of armed farmers, rush the huge man. He smiles as he sweeps his scythe quickly through the air. Four farmers die under his initial onslaught. The others try to surround him. The man becomes a whirling dervish of destruction. Body parts are flung to the four corners as his great axe sweeps through the air. One man actually gets within striking range, when the huge man unexpectedly backsweeps the butt of his axe towards the farmer. We see the huge spiked head pulp and splatter the farmer's skull and chest as he is crushed beneath the giant man's force. The scene pans into the village burning like a torch. None of Joseph's men take anything, as they depart, and no one is left alive. The only one remaining is the giant man. He watches the village burn like a funeral pyre. He smiles...
End Act 4 Electric Destiny
****
Act 5
The Emperor's Will
The scene opens with a large, muscular man SARSTUS, walking into the remains of the village of Hol. The village has been burned to the ground and a huge mass pyre sits at one edge of it. Animals lie slaughtered and burnt. The man looks about it disbelief. He tightens the grip on his axe and moves on through the village, on the road to Tarterus.
Scene changes to Nova and John following James's invisible trail. We see Nova's viewpoint, and how she sees the tracks.
JOHN: (Looking puzzled) Are ye sure ye cn find im? We been movin fer a bit now!
NOVA: (Following the trail) John, he had a fw minutes headstart, and this crowd makes it difficult to- (stops and looks up). Ah! There he is!
Nova and John make a beeline to Dr. Wilshire who is kneeling and examining the corpse of the woman killed in act 3. John takes one look at the mess and immediately turns away and is sick. Nova steps right up next to James and begins examining the corpse.
JAMES: Nova! You shouldn't have to see this!
NOVA: (looking unconcerned) Do not worry for me doctor. It is physically impossible for me to become ill, and besides, you can't see what I see.
Nova peers at the corpse and lifts the sheet from the woman's face. Nova's eyes widen as she recognizes the woman she saw evicted, in Act 3. Eyes filling with rage, she turns away and goes to John.
John is wiping his face clean and, turns and sees Nova. He is startled as he observes her eyes are glowing!
JOHN: (looking terrified) Nova? What's gotten into you?
NOVA: (face a mask of cold fury, eyes still glowing) I. Will. Find. Him.
JOHN: Who? The killer?
NOVA: Yes.
JOHN: Please don't look at me that way! You're scaring the Hell out of me with those eyes!
NOVA: John I am going to kill him when I find him!
James is finished his examination and now moves beside Nova.
JAMES: (putting an arm around Nova) I'm sorry girl. I told you I didn't want you to see this. It's simply awful!
Nova shrugs his arm off, and stalks down the street, towards a large temple. John hurries after her, as she opens the doors and stands in front of the statue of a female deity. Nova clenches her fist and pounds on the marble altar in front of her. The hall reverberates with the echo of her blow. She stares at the statue with tears pouring.
NOVA: (as she speaks, her eyes fill with tears, even as the rage fills her voice) These people look to you to protect them! Is this how you repay their love? Do you even care about them? ANSWER ME!!!
The statue looks impassive, its smiling face, mocking Nova's pain.
John rushes over to Nova and holds her in his arms. They sit down at the edge of the altar. Nova is weeping and hugging John close. John holds her and sighs.
John : Oh my dear. I know this world is such a new thing for you. If I could, I'd try to keep all of the awful and horrible things away from you. But I can't. No father likes to see his children go into the world. It's because we're so terrified of what will happen to you. We who lived here longer, have seen so much already, but it is like a fresh cut to see loved ones suffering. Bless me Nova, I love you as much as I love any of my children. This thing that hurts you, hurts me too.
We fade away from the touching scene.
The scene cuts to a courtyard with a luxurious garden. In the middle of the stone circle stands the Emperor who is wearing padded gear and wielding an obviously dulled blade. Four men circle him, also dressed in light armor, their swords are also dulled.
EMPEROR: (challenging the men with gestures) Come on you brave men! Show me your best!
One man lets loose a war cry and slides in to attack, the other men seem to follow. Joseph laughs as he spins and maneuvers around the arm of one of the men. Two men strike each other with steel, and fall back in pain. The other two warily engage, from opposite sides.
EMPEROR: (challenging the standing man) You friends are not living up to the game. Are you sure you are swordsmen and not a couple of concubines in training?
One man charges in testing Joseph's guard. Joseph deftly parries and begins to maneuver him towards the other man. The second man steps into Joseph's reach and is promptly attacked, so that he must fall back. The first man moves in quickly to attack and is surprised when Joseph side steps and shoulders him into hitting the second man. The second man howls as he is struck full in the face by the dulled steel, his nose is bleeding. The first man pushes Joseph off of him and barely gets his guard up as Joseph performs a series of lightning quick thrusts.
EMPEROR: (motioning for the man to engage) Come on! Can't you do any better than that? I have cooks who've killed chickens that put up more fight than you!
The first man is being forced to retreat and trips over his own boots. As he tries to stand, Joseph places his sword on the man's throat.
EMPEROR: (looking disgusted) You fight like a ox wearing ballet slippers! Next time I will run you through!
Joseph swats him on the head with the flat of the blade. He then removes his gauntlets and throws both sword and gauntlets to a servant standing nearby. He moves to a large table that is laden with swords and other weapons. He takes a glass of Claret from a serving boy. Joseph drinks and then looks the boy over. He grasps the boy's chin and strokes it lovingly. A husky man and a tall, thin man, both in armor step into the courtyard and over to the Emperor.
BURLESON: My Emperor!
Joseph kisses his own finger and places it on the boy's lips. The boy looks back lovingly. Joseph then turns to face the newcomers. Burleson grunts and bows with a stiff legged click to his heels.
EMPEROR: (looking bored) Your report, Burleson.
BURLESON: Sir we are besieged on our Northwestern flank by the Orcish tribes. I don't know how much longer we can hold them! We need more men and supplies. Our garrison at Itklis is under heavy bombardment by Orcish cannon! And I think the bastards may-(he is cut off by the tall man).
RAWK: (showing obvious disdain for his comrade) If you pardon sir, I think that the Orcs are being supplied by the Western empire, and that this is an opportunity for them to strike a blow and invade us when the Orcs have had their fill! Frankly sir, I think we could win if we just had Deathbringer and his men brought to the forefront, then-(he is cut off by Joseph).
Joseph: (looking irritated) Deathbringer has other duties that require him to remain in the Southeast. Besides, what am I paying the two of you to do? I have no intention of funneling more men into this conflict, until you prove to me that you can get results using the men you already have! Double the soldiers pay if necessary, raid the Western region if you must have supplies, empty the jails to find men if you need them, but do not return to me with another story about lack of supplies. I have fielded your men with the best possible armor and weapons they require, I have no intention of entering into a sustained conflict with the Orcs unless... (he stops and thinks a minute). Send a detachment out to raid the Chokaal valley. Make sure they clear a few villages, and leave traces of Orcish involvement. I will send a missive to the North Forest Chieftan, saying that we too are besieged by the Orcs and will support them in any way necessary. We shall play the Centaurs against the Orcs!
RAWK: Sir that may mean the loss of soldiers who's strength would be better served on our frontline, after all we don't even know if the Chokaal's will- (he is cut off in mid sentence as Joseph quickly grasps him by the throat, and raises him over his head. Rawk's eyes bulge and he gasps.
EMPEROR: You have tried my patience for the last time General Rawk. It is now time you served your Emperor in a more practical manner...
The emperor's eyes glow green and a sickly hue washes over Rawk. As he struggles, his face and body shrivel and decay, while the Emperor opens his mouth and appears to suck the life out of him. By the time, the Emperor has stopped, only a pile of ash and armor lay at his feet. The Emperor smiles and looks larger.
EMPEROR: (he smiles and looks satisfied) Now... Burleson you will carry out my commands. Go now.
BURLESON: Yes my Emperor!
Burleson bows and begins to leave.
EMPEROR: Oh and Burleson...
Burleson turns and nods
BURLESON: Yes my Emperor?
EMPEROR: Congratulations on your new rank. General Burleson.
BURLESON: Thank you, My Emperor!
He bows again and leaves. Emperor Joseph moves to one of his messengers.
EMPEROR: How is our situation with...what was her name?
MESSENGER: Nova sir. She appears to be in Tarterus now, and is currently searching for a way back to her home. She is in the company of Dr. Wilshire.
EMPEROR: (Laughing) So she's in the "good" doctor's hands eh? She is in for a real treat. The only reason I don't stop him, is because I have to admire a man who is as methodical and persistent as he is. And besides, I like his work. (Emperor leaves the courtyard laughing).
Scene shifts back to the man with the axe SARSTUS. He stands at the edge of the city of Tarterus, as the sun sets in the distance. The camera pans up to reveal his rippling muscles and barbaric clothing. The camera switches to his face. He is a handsome, hard jawed man, with laughing blue eyes. He strides grimly to the gate. The guard challenges him.
Guard: Hey! You're a Westerner aren't ya? Well, we don't let your filthy kind in our city!
SARSTUS: Really? I didn't think I could possibly make it any more filthy than it already is.
Guard: Oh yer a real tough guy huh? We'll see about that! Franco!
A large guard wearing nothing but clothes and a surcoat strides over to Sarstus. He looks right at him and clenches his fist in Sarstus's face.
SARSTUS: (he smiles) Is that what you fuck your girlfriend with?
Franco snarls and swipes at Sarstus's head. Sarstus, nimbly ducks and plants the large ball on the end of his axe in Franco's ample gut. Franco exhales sharply and doubles over. Sarstus raises his other arm in a quick backward motion and elbows Franco, dead in his teeth. Franco falls over in pain, as Sarstus eyes the first guard.
Guard: (looking frightened) C-come right in sir! We'd love to have you in our wonderful city!
Sarstus walks over to the guard and grasps him by his collar.
SARSTUS: Thanks, you pathetic piece of shit. Now, maybe you can tell me. Who killed Char?
End Act 5
*****
OOPS!
)