INCOGNITA EP. 01: Overture

written by

Patrick Kaufmann

2113 W. Grassy Creek Dr., Nampa, ID 83686(207)710-8710patrickkaufmann@u.boisestate.edu

1. EXT. A DESERT ON TERRIS NOIR. NIGHT.

Heavy breathing as SOLDIER 1 crouches over a computer console just outside a small pre-fabricated dome. He looks at the COMM-LINK on his arm and punches the console in frustration. Behind him burns the wreckage of a once sleek-looking spaceship.

SOLDIER 1LO-BID piece of junk. Work!

SOLDIER 2 and SOLDIER 3 run up to SOLDIER 1 and take cover behind the console. They point their weapons in opposite directions. Intermittent gunfire echoes through the night, and a loud, blood-curdling scream from somewhere not too distant.

SOLDIER 2That sounded like Drescherr. They got Drescherr!

SOLDIER 1Quiet, I gotta get this out or for sure we're kakked.

SOLDIER 3 fires his weapon, a long sustained stream of gunfire. Soldier 2 screams.

SOLDIER 2You crazy? Just gave away our position!

SOLDIER 3Didn't give away nothin'

Soldier 1 punches the console once more. A red light blinks, and then turns green.

SOLDIER 2Field fixed it. Now go.

Another scream, this time closer and sounding much less human.

SOLDIER 2 (CONT'D)He's right, they already know where we are. Get out of here and send it!

SOLDIER 1No tellin' when they'll get it. No chance they'll get it in time.

2.

Soldier 3 stands and fires another sustained stream. His weapon runs dry and clicks ineffectively. He drops to a knee and scrambles for another magazine before looking at Soldier 1.

SOLDIER 3Not for us. Maybe in time for everybody else. You get moving.

Soldier 3 locks his magazine in and peeks over the console. He drops down once more and nods to Soldier 1 and Soldier 2.

SOLDIER 3 (CONT'D)I said get moving!

Soldier 3 runs out of cover, leaving the others. Soldier 2 looks at Soldier 1 and slaps him on the shoulder.

SOLDIER 2You gotta. We're dead here. They gotta know.

A scream draws their attention. Soldier 2 grips his weapon and stares at Soldier 1.

SOLDIER 2 (CONT'D)Go.

Soldier 1 scowls, and then nods. He stands up and takes a few steps.

SOLDIER 2 (CONT'D)Drescherr?

(Stabbing sound, and then Soldier 2 gurgles in blood)

Soldier 1 turns to see Soldier 2 impaled by a long steel shaft attached to the remnants of an arm. The sleeve of a Republic uniform hangs in tatters around the bloody and ruined flesh.

FADE OUT.

TITLE CREDITS.

2. EXT. THE SAGIS HOME ON TERRIS ARBOREA, FRONT PORCH. DAY.

Front door opens onto a porch beneath a cloudy autumn sky. Mrs. Miriam (Mid-40s) waits in a chair while Kyle (11ish) races outside and jumps down the porch steps. Kyle keeps looking back at the front door with an impatient expression.

3.

KYLEWe're gonna be late!

MRS. MIRIAMNot helpful.

The front door slowly creaks open. Alex (11ish) stands in the shadows propping the door open with his arm.

ALEXI don't wanna be a bad guy.

KYLEHere we go.

MRS. MIRIAMThe part was randomly assigned to you dear.

Alex steps out onto the porch, wearing robes as part of a costume.

ALEXIt’s stupid. Why am I playing a corp lord anyway?

MRS. MIRIAMMr. Pellson tells me that you’re a natural fit.

Alex stomps down the porch steps, his robes dragging in the dust and on the ground.

MRS. MIRIAM (CONT'D)Because of your diligent manner.

KYLE (Speaking over Mrs. Miriam)

Cuz the way you trip over something any time you run more than six feet!

Kyle laughs, and Alex turns around and lunges at him. His robes catch on a bush and he nearly tumbles.

KYLE (CONT'D)See? You're perfect! Do that little stumble when your head gets chopped off, it’ll be brilliant!

MRS. MIRIAMThank you Kyle.

4.

Mrs. Miriam and the boys begin walking down a dirt path leading toward the forest. Kyle skips along the path, full of energy, while Alex walks slowly, almost reluctantly following.

KYLENever figured you running over every rock you find would come in so handy!

ALEXRolf’s been on all summer about his starring role. He don’t look a thing like Will Beckett, but every year the dust-head gets to pick his own part.

KYLEPicks his nose an awful lot though. True'n'all his mother coddles him like a newborn.

ALEXEven if he’s twice as big as the rest of class.

MRS. MIRIAMSounds more like Mrs. Vallensbee has more than one newborn on her hands. Sounds like maybe Rolf took the trouble to learn his lines.

(She looks at both boys)

MRS. MIRIAM (CONT'D)You have had all summer, you know.

KYLEBut there was that crew of spacers staying in town-

ALEXMr. Jessup needed help with his autonomics-

KYLEThe hauler that came in off course-

ALEXThere was all the bad weather last month-

KYLE & ALEX (CONT'D)And a gunfight in the forest-

5.

MRS. MIRIAMAnd none of it your concern. Town's buzzing with enough gossip about that already without you two adding to it

KYLEDid Uncle John really-

MRS. MIRIAMI won't say it again.

ALEXWill he come to the festival?

MRS. MIRIAMPromised he would.

KYLEUncle John doesn't do promises.

MRS. MIRIAM(Almost to herself)

He did this time.

ALEXHe's been gone a lot lately. Thought maybe he might've-

KYLE-Forgotten.

MRS. MIRIAM(Speaking softly, then getting worked up)

He's had his hands full lately, your uncle. It takes some doing, keeping the town safe, especially during harvest. Lumber guild never lays on enough hands, and crews end up with whatever idlers they can find. Ships flying in from all over the Republic, every one of them on a tight schedule. Fires here start well enough on their own without help from some addle-minded hauler jockey thinks they can jump into orbit and drop transports to blaze their own trail hither and yon.

Kyle and Alex share a look at Mrs. Miriam's tone. Kyle shrugs and keeps skipping, then turns back to Alex.

6.

KYLEBetcha some of ‘em haulers get pinched out in the deep. They say pirates lurk near about some of the older points.

ALEXNo such thing as pirates.

KYLEThere are. They run quiet in the Deep, sleeping all day, polishing their blades or patching up damage. But when they get hint of a ship passing by, maybe a freighter misjudged its entry, that's when they pounce!

ALEXSpacers in town tell you that?

KYLEWhat if they did?

ALEXTell you anything to shut you up, won’t they?

Alex begins laughing, and Kyle rushes him with mock outrage, trying to hold in his own laughter.

KYLELike you know anything, dust-brains!

ALEXI know a bit here and there. And just how many lines did Mr. Pellson give you, mercenary number four?

KYLEI'll thrash you!

ALEXGotta catch me first. Last one buys sweet cream!

Alex takes off running down the path. Kyle waits just a moment and then chases after him.

KYLE(Calls after Alex)

No you don't!

7.

MRS. MIRIAM(Shakes her head and smiles. She continues walking toward the woods up ahead)

Pirates.

FADE OUT

4. INT. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF GOODMOORE. DAY.

JOHN SAGIS sits and stares at MAYOR MATTHIAS EMMUNSON from across the desk. His left arm is bandaged, but John shows no sign of discomfort aside from looking vaguely impatient

JOHN SAGISNo.

MAYOR EMMUNSON

Confused and somewhat anxiousSorry, what?

JOHN SAGISI said no. I'm not listening to you.

John stares at a painting hanging on the wall- DAWN SURRENDER ON TERRIS PAVILIA

MAYOR EMMUNSON

Notices where John is staring, turns to look as wellI have the greatest respect for all of you who fought in the war. Our world was so far from all the action, it was always so exciting to hear the news. I would have served, of course...but my father...

John stares at Mayor Emmunson

MAYOR EMMUNSON (CONT'D)I know all about your exploits. And what came before.

John continues to stare at Mayor Emmunson.

JOHN SAGISUnlikely. There is truth and then there are the details. The one is as important as the other.

8.

MAYOR EMMUNSONTruth then. I had hoped for your discretion with the Collins' boys. Instead you've given me a dead harvester, and two live ones awaiting judgement in Los Tohmman. And a very angry shift leader who might not cut her quota before the next hauler comes down.

JOHN SAGISIs she angry because she might miss her quota or because I put an end to their side operation?

MAYOR EMMUNSONI imagine it's because you put two rounds into her nephew’s leg. And in the middle of harvest. You’ll remember we have a freighter due to orbit this week. I told you this was a complex situation. I needed to speak with the guild before you took any action.

John reaches into a shirt pocket and pulls out a small metal cylinder. He drops two small black pills into his hand and quickly swallows them. John then replaces the cylinder.

JOHN SAGISYou’ll remember that taking action is what I do. Speaking to people is what you do. In this case, I accomplished both when I contacted the guild.

MAYOR EMMUNSONYou. Contacted. The guild.

JOHN SAGISI spoke with the guildsmen, a pair of them from the accounting department who arrived with the advance team. They were auditing groundside operations and knew that the Collins were engaging in...unsanctioned commerce. They prioritized speed over discretion. An example ready for other employees considering work in the side.

9.

MAYOR EMMUNSONYou might have consulted with me. My predecessor warned me about you, how you like to operate autonomously from this office. Said it was how you ran things during the war, that it was something I’d have to get used to.

JOHN SAGISGuild involvement was inevitable. Their representatives agreed that your involvement would not be a factor when confronting the suspects.

Mayor Emmunson shakes his head and makes a frustrated groan

MAYOR EMMUNSONWell then. An off-world operator dead, and the Collins boys in custody. The guild will turn them over?

JOHN SAGISThey’ll stand before the magistrates. Hauler will take them up to the freighter before it breaks orbit and they'll be dropped off at the nearest confinement. The guild will likely leave some relief here and then your shift leader can make up her quotas before the next hauler comes down.

MAYOR EMMUNSONA happy day all around, I'm sure. Next time Sheriff, I would really appreciate forewarning of some sort.

JOHN SAGISAlso unlikely. Publicizing operational details is a poor strategy.

John stands.

JOHN SAGIS (CONT'D)Did you need something else?

MAYOR EMMUNSONNothing at all. Will you come to the festival?

10.

JOHN SAGISI will. Miriam insisted.

MAYOR EMMUNSONOh well then of course you'll be there. Your Mrs. Miriam’s sensibility is renowned. And her generosity, of course.

John turns away. He stops at the door and looks back at Mayor Emmunson.

JOHN SAGISIt's wrong. The painting.

MAYOR EMMUNSONWhat’s that?

Mayor Emmunson turns to look as well.

MAYOR EMMUNSON (CONT'D)You said it’s wrong?

JOHN SAGISThe Authority’s surrender. The end of the war. It wasn’t at dawn, under a rising sun and crowds all about. It was raining. And it was night. It was always night.

John turns and walks out the door, leaving Mayor Emmunson to shake his head.

FADE OUT.

4. INT. CARGO SHIP-HARPER'S EXPRESS, CORRIDOR. DAY.

Erajh pulls open hatch and stares into corridor. Kefan stands behind him and leans over to get a better look.

KEFANAin't a proper tale then.

Kefan and Erajh raise flashlights to pierce shadows.

Light plays over wet corridor walls, moisture dripping onto the deck. Halfway down the corridor is a small screen set into the wall, the ship's secondary climate control board. Its soft blue glow the only other illumination.

ERAJHIt's all she told me.

11.

KEFANYou gotta do better than that.

ERAJH(Shakes his head)

Year's a long time. Anyway what you care about it for?

(Looks back at Kefan)You stalling?

KEFANDon't like tight spaces.

ERAJH(Laughs)

Lots of tight spaces on a hauler.

KEFAN(Gives Erajh a dirty look)

Lots of smaller mates, too.

A speaker mounted on the bulkhead behind them crackles.

BRANDT(Over speaker)

You two waitin' on an invitation?

KEFAN(Still looking at Erajh)

Thought you might wanna join us down here, Brandt.

(Kefan turns and looks at the speaker)

We simple crew always welcome the first mate’s wisdom

ERAJHGoing in now, Brandt.

Erajh climbs through hatch and slowly moves through corridor, using his flashlight to avoid puddles. Kefan remains outside, arguing with Brandt.

ERAJH (CONT'D)

Erajh shakes his head and mutters in SinhaleseGahapan Athe Go jerk off

Kefan and Brandt continue arguing in the background

BRANDTI'd welcome you earning your pay for once and surpass my meager expectations.

(MORE)

12.

BRANDT (CONT'D)But tha’s ‘bout as likely as one o’ you two misfits making mate.

KEFANPromotion ain’t in my fortunes. But Captain likes Erajh

BRANDTShe’ll like him a lot more once he susses out our thermals.

KEFANMaybe you're not reading it right.

BRANDTWonderful! Instruction in Bridge ops from the engine rats, next you’ll recheck our navs, too?

Ignoring all of this, Erajh reaches the climate control console and begins typing in commands.

ERAJHI'm at the board.

Kefan's voice has faded but is still barely audible. Erajh continues typing on the console. After a moment he frowns and taps a COMMUNICATOR on his wrist.

ERAJH (CONT'D)Bridge, this is Engineer’s Mate Ranaweera in port coolant tube.

A small window appears on the screen. A woman's face covered by a blue CAPTAIN'S CAP smiles.

CAPTAINMr. Ranaweera, yes. I do hope you’ve got some good news for us. Rather warm up here but our helmsman claims we're venting coolant. And He's getting cranky.

ERAJHSorry Captain, just more mystery. Climate controls read in the green. Maybe something took a hit out on the sensor trunk. Hard to tell without going E.V.

CAPTAINOkay, we'll get a-

(Window collapses as video link is severed)

13.

ERAJHCaptain?

(Taps his COMMUNICATOR)Bridge, Ranaweera in Port coolant tube. Respond please.

Video window reappears.

ERAJH (CONT'D)Everything okay Captain? Looks like we had a bad-

(He realizes no one is listening and stares at the screen)

Video displays a view from the bridge, where several crew members stand in front of a partially obstructed view screen.

HELMSMAN (ON SCREEN)It's right off our trajectory, gonna swing past real close.

CAPTAINWhat the hell is it? How'd it get so close?

HELMSMANSensors are...something out there. Can't tell...geometries are all wrong.

BRIDGE CREW MEMBERI lost the ground link. No telemetry from the landers. Guild net, local orbitals, everything’s dark.

CAPTAINSet danger condition throughout the ship, and try to get a capture beam on-

Video cuts out once more, but this time the entire console goes dark. Erajh types in commands, but nothing happens.

KEFANGeneral quarters! They're calling everyone to emergency stations.

Erajh turns and scrambles back down the corridor. The deck begins shaking beneath him.

KEFAN (CONT'D)Hurry! This ain't no-

14.

An explosion in the compartment throws Kefan against the hatch and Erajh falls to the deck.

ERAJHLight save me!

Erajh looks up from the deck and sees Kefan's body set ablaze by the explosion. Fire rages in the compartment, and Erajh realizes he is trapped in the corridor. He turns to limp away as Kefan falls to the deck.

ERAJH (CONT'D)Fast falls the light. Fast falls the light. Fast falls the night. Save us from the long long night.

Another explosion drops Erajh to the deck. Sudden decompression sends air rushing past him into the vacuum of space. Erajh braces his hands and feet against the corridor walls as the world rotates around him.

Zoom out to see the corridor tumbles into space as the Harper's Express breaks up in orbit over the world of Terris Arborea. Wreckage flies off in different directions, striking the camera to spin away from the globe onto the dark of deep space.

5. EXT. FOREST FESTIVAL IN THE WOODS OUTSIDE GOODMOORE. DAY.

Kyle and Alex enter the meadow where the Stellatum Liberation Festival is in full swing. Ringing the meadow are booths offering a variety of both local and exotic off-world goods. A happy crowd fills the meadow with groups of people gathering near one end next to a stage that has been erected between the trees. The boys elbow their way through the crowd, with Mrs. Miriam following close behind.

MRS. MIRIAMNo sense rushing now, you're late already. Now take your time and steer clear of trouble.

KYLE(Grins)

Sometimes it's like you don't even know us.

MRS. MIRIAM(Smiles back at Kyle)

Sometimes I wonder how I do.

15.

Mrs. Miriam gestures to the stage, where a nervous MR. PELLSON is trying to contain a group of children all dressed in costumes for their performance.

ALEXDo you have to know us now?

MRS. MIRIAMYou'll be fine dear. Relax- and try to have some fun.

ALEXBut I'm a bad guy!

MRS. MIRIAMThe best sort of fun, just ask your brother.

KYLEC'mon Al, let's get over there before Rolf we can-

ALEXToo late!

Alex points to the far side of the stage, where ROLF VALLENSBEE sits with his friends.

MRS. MIRIAMJust remember your lines and don't bother with him.

Mrs. Miriam points Kyle and Alex to the stage and Mr. Pellson turns to meet them.

MR. PELLSONWe've no time! Into your costumes, quickly!

MR. PELLSON points backstage.

MR. PELLSON (CONT'D)Into your costumes, quickly! And remember, you’ll have glamours, but only if you stay in positions.

Music bursting from speakers above the stage startle him. A young girl with red curls plays with a sound console propped up against a tree.

MR. PELLSON (CONT'D)Not yet, Millecent!

16.

ALEXMr. Pellson I’m already in costume!

Alex raised his arms, and Mr. Pellson takes a look at his oversized cloak.

ALEX (CONT'D)I'm playing the Corp Lord in charge of the scientists

Mr. Pellson frowns at the cloak's dirty hem dragging across the ground.

MR. PELLSONEr, yes. Mrs- ah, Mrs. Miriam fashioned this?

Mrs. Miriam joins Kyle and Alex.

MRS. MIRIAMI did, Erland. Repurposed from some old garments I had lying about.

MR. PELLSONFine work, Mum.

Mr. Pellson shoos the boys backstage.

MR. PELLSON (CONT'D)Backstage, both of you. Find some props in the barrel; faux-blasters for the corp lords and wooden blades for all the mercenaries.

Kyle and Alex run backstage and begin rummaging through a barrel full of wooden prop weapons. Mr. Pellson turns to address Mrs. Miriam.

MR. PELLSON (CONT'D)My compliments to the Sheriff. I’ll be eager to learn what he thinks of our little production.

Mrs. Miriam nods, and then looks at the boys.

MRS. MIRIAMNow best of luck with your lines. And try to have some fun!

Mrs. Miriam turns and heads into the festival crowd. She waves at one familiar face, and raises an eyebrow when the town handyman favors her with a gracious and somewhat intoxicated bow.

17.

A trio of garishly dressed women approach her, and one of them, MS. HUMBLE, waves a handkerchief to get her attention.

MS. HUMBLEMiriam! Oh I had hoped to see you here earlier.

Mrs. Miriam smiles broadly, her body language changes to match the women.

MRS. MIRIAMMs. Humble. Of course, it’s not at all a celebration without your company. And you’ve brought Mrs. Vallensbee with you as well. Surely you’re eager to see your son once more take the lead on stage?

MRS. VALLENSBEE offers a half-smile.

MRS. VALLENSBEERolf has spoken of little else all summer.

Ms. Humble gestures dismissively at Mrs. Vallensbee as MRS. EMMUNSON, the Mayor's wife, smiles.

MRS. EMMUNSONWill the Sheriff attend? I’d hoped to have finally impressed him with this year’s celebration.

MRS. MIRIAMHe's all everyone asks after! Oh, I expect he’ll make an appearance as soon as he’s finished with your husband. I confess, I'm just as eager as anyone else to see his reaction. John views history with something of a singular perspective.

MS. HUMBLEIt’s just that sort of obstinate view we’re trying to overcome. So many worlds caught between the Corporate Authority and the Independents, whether they-

A large man in a checkered tunic bumps into Ms. Humble, catching her off guard.

MS. HUMBLE (CONT'D)Well excuse–hey

18.

The large man, a lumberman, ignores Ms. Humble and stares at Mrs. Miriam.

LUMBERMANHoy Tzay

(Rim-speak for Hello)

The LUMBERMAN drops his gaze, staring deferentially at Mrs. Miriam's feet. Mrs. Miriam rolls her eyes.

MRS. MIRIAMA Happy Liberation to you. Here, we speak the common.

Mrs. Miriam looks around and sees that others around her are noticing the exchange. She frowns.

LUMBERMANVhaaash Aaaahn Shaaay.

(Rim-speak for Together in light.)

LUMBERMAN (CONT'D)True and all, the lady so easily bears it? To not speak the holy tongue this day?

MRS. MIRIAMThe lady keeps the holy words in her heart. Where the faith abides-

LUMBERMANStrength does rise. Tzhes Jlluuc

(Rim-speak for Peace in your time.)

The Lumberman returns to his group. Mrs. Miriam shakes her head and then turns to address the other three women.

MS. HUMBLEAs I say, And as you can see, with such…diversity, and with such tensions between the Republic and the Kingdom, Mayor Emmunson suggested some amendments to Mr. Pellson to, um-

MRS. MIRIAMAppease?

MS. HUMBLEInclude, rather, all of the many views regarding the war.

(MORE)

19.

MS. HUMBLE (CONT'D)Appealing to those with fewer ties to the resistance and a-a smaller influence within the Republic seems better than antagonizing potential patrons, does it not?

MRS. MIRIAMIf you’re working up to asking me about last night’s arrests, I’m afraid I don’t know much. Sheriff Sagis rarely shares the details of his work. And in any case, I keep busy enough with a pair of boys to watch over.

MRS. EMMUNSONScandalous, all this talk of local guild workers peddling in drugs. Magistrates will run the guildsmen right off the planet, leave us all begging for Republic support. Already Matthias loses sleep wondering how to maintain Goodmoore's growth.

MRS. MIRIAMI know only what I hear. The Sheriff takes a dim view on illicit drugs. Both the magistrates and the Guild seem to agree.

Mrs. Miriam looks from Ms. Humble to Mrs. Emmunson.

MRS. MIRIAM (CONT'D)Many have noted how often and how odd, those hours the mayor keeps. Some wonder what business drives him to so many sleepless nights.

Ms. Humble blushes and Mrs. Emmunson flashes her an angry scowl. Mrs. Miriam turns away and stares at the stage, a hint of a smile at her lips.

MRS. MIRIAM (CONT'D)I wonder; will there be an orchestra this year? I love a well-coordinated string section.

Loudly played notes resound over the crowd, drawing Miriam’s attention as a holographic orchestra springs to existence just below the stage. Tree-mounted emitters project luminous holographic figures dressed in black and playing out a bombastic tune on artificial instruments.

20.

The spectral images produce rhythm that quickly catches on as the crowd claps in accompaniment.

Mr. Pelson steps out to center stage as the emitters project an image onto the curtain behind him of a charred and broken landscape dotted with holographic fires.

MR. PELLSON (His voice is amplified to reach across the crowded meadow)

It is a time of great conflict. War rages between the worlds of settled space as the Colonial Independents and liberated Houses of the Kingdom join forces to free the galaxy from the Union's domination. The Corporate Authority fleets have pulled back to the core worlds, pursued at every turn by the alliance. After a narrow victory at the Battle of the Rings, a band of alliance heroes led by the fearless William Beckett strike at Warlord Gaius Tyranik’s remaining army on the low plains of Terris Pavilia.

A spectacle begins as short armored figures charge across the stage and holographic explosions erupt overhead. The crowd ooh's and ah's its delight at the depiction, some of them laughing at the enthusiasm of the child actors. Kyle, costumed head to toe in the gray armor of a Corporate Authority mercenary, attacks an Independent with his wooden blade. A stirring crescendo booms from the speakers as the action on stage builds to a dramatic climax.

ROLF VALLENSBEE(Dressed as William Beckett)

Your hour comes, Tyranik. Surrender, and end this now!

SMALL GIRL(Dressed as Gaius Tyranik)

Never! You may have come this far, but you can’t hope to defeat my army of invincible bots! Even now, Union scientists work to complete our grand weapon. You and your pitiful alliance will soon be at our mercy, as thousands-

21.

MR. PELLSON(From off-stage)

Dozens!

SMALL GIRL-Dozens of worlds kneel before our might.

ROLF VALLENSBEEYou can’t stop the future, any more than you can stop the sun from rising.

The crowd applauds loudly at this, Will Beckett's famous line.

ALEX(In Corp Lord Costume)

Lord Tyranik, Our lines collapse, we must withdraw at once.

SMALL GIRL swings her blade and chops the head off Alex's costume. The head rolls away, out of sync with other holographic effects. Small Girl and Alex look at one another.

SMALL GIRLCow-Um, coward, heed the fate of desserts…deserters!

Alex drops to the stage and proceeds to "die" in an overly dramatic fashion. The other children laugh and the battle devolves into a free-for-all as Kyle trips and falls next to Alex.

MR. PELLSONChildren, please! This is not theater!

Mrs. Miriam raises an eyebrow at the chaos and the audience laughs as Mr. Pellson attempts to bring order to the stage. Ms. Humble and her entourage stomp furiously in protest at the crowd's laughter, drawing a smile from Mrs. Miriam.

John Sagis walks up behind her. He watches the action on stage.

JOHN SAGISSome details are off. It’s not entirely wrong, though.

MRS. MIRIAMMr. Pelson will be pleased. Your theatrical review is highly prized.

22.

JOHN SAGISWill wouldn’t like it.

MRS. MIRIAMYour meeting with the mayor ended shortly. Were you thoroughly dressed-down then?

JOHN SAGISHe talks like a Corporate. Last mayor never talked so much.

MRS. MIRIAMEmmunson’s been here less than six months. At least give him time to develop a genuine dislike for you.

John stares at the boys rolling around on stage.

JOHN SAGISNothing stays the same.

MRS. MIRIAMWhatever that means. Ah, here comes a theater critic now.

Mayor Emmunson is elbowing his way through the crowd, followed by one of John's deputies. The Mayor is shouting and gesturing wildly.

JOHN SAGISThat’s not a critic. Something's wrong.

John stares at the Mayor, and then raises his gaze to the overcast sky above. Clouds are rapidly shifting formation, they seem to be lit with some unseen source of illumination.

Pieces of the HARPER'S EXPRESS fly through the clouds as they fall to the ground, many of them aflame from their descent through the atmosphere. One fairly large chunk flies directly over the Festival grounds, blazing a fiery trail across the sky. It impacts the forest, just beyond the stage on which Kyle and Alex stand.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF EPISODE 01.