THE SILVER SURFER
RETURN TO ZENN-LA
(#1875-13)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
REV. PAGES
AUGUST 7, 1997
REV. PAGES *
AUGUST 12, 1997
FINAL DRAFT
AUGUST 1, 1997
THE SILVER SURFER
"RETURN TO ZENN-LA"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - A SKRULL WARSHIP
Struck amidships by an ENERGY BEAM. The ship careens wildly,
spinning and tumbling through space out of control, while
other ENERGY BEAMS BLAST at it!
A KREE WARSHIP
Is doing the BLASTING. But then it too is hit by another
BEAM that BLASTS a hole in the hull!
WIDER
SEEING that more than two ships are involved in this RAGING
space battle. What we have are two complete fleets, one with
the Kree emblem, the other with the Skrull, duking it out for
all they're worth.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The Kree and the Skrull! Wherever
they go, violence inevitably
follows...!
A group of shuttle craft take off from the disabled Kree
ship, dodging Skrull FIRE as they streak to the other Kree
vessels to be picked up. We ANGLE FROM the ships TO:
THE NEAREST STAR
Like a ROARING INFERNO. We PAN ACROSS it as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
What can be the reason for their
conflict here? Greed?
Territorial expansion? Or is it
that they know no other way?
We REACH the center of the sun, FINDING:
THE SILVER SURFER
On his board with arms outstretched, huge SOLAR FLARES
CRACKLING into him! He absorbs the ENERGY with ease.
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2.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
All I wished to do here was
nourish myself after my own
encounter with the Kree...
THE SPACE BATTLE
More FIRE is traded, and this time the hull of a Skrull ship
is breached. Shuttle craft head away as quickly as they can.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Instead, am I forced to witness
this inhumanity -- knowing that
even if I could stop this battle,
there would simply be more...!
THE SILVER SURFER
CRACKLING WITH ENERGY from the sun. He soars from the big
star, catching a COSMIC WAVE into space.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Still must I try! For only then
can I preserve the tranquil
precepts of lost Zenn-La -- !
He breaks off as, suddenly, a COMMUNICATIONS BEAM locks onto
him, and:
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)
Please! Someone help...!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
A communication beam? But where
is its source?
And he peers out at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE SPACE BATTLE
Continues RAGING, the COMMUNICATIONS BEAM covering the battle
zone as well as the Surfer.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Not only does it not originate
with the combatants, it is
contacting both sides...!
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)
Help! Please...!
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3.
The Surfer's gaze PANS AWAY from the battle, following the
BEAM out to space. There, our POV REFOCUSES TO THE SURFER'S
ENERGY SCAN, and we TIGHTEN ON AN A SCARLET IMAGE erratically
flaring and subsiding, over and over again.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
An entire planet at the edge of
this solar system, its energy sign
showing it is under attack...!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Surfing farther from the battle as he realizes:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
To be "rescued" by the Kree or the
Skrull may well be a worse fate
than whatever danger threatens...
The Surfer hesitates. Then, decision made:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
So engrossed are the two armadas
in their battle, they are ignoring
the plea.
(shooting forward)
I must do all I can to help. For
that too is the way of Zenn-La!
His speed increases, and as he FORESHORTENS INTO WARP, we
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE THREATENED PLANET
The planet itself is barely visible. It's engulfed by
clusters of identical pulsing RED CRYSTALS, like MANDLEBROT
FRACTALS. The Surfer WARPS IN, and:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Fractites...!
At his appearance, swarms of Fractites grow out at him.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Inanimate forces of nature, still
have they become the scourge of
seven galaxies, draining the
energy from any source they
encounter...!
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4.
WIDER
The nearest Fractites attach themselves to the Surfer's
board, and he wobbles, off-balance.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Now are they attempting to drain
not only this world -- but myself
as well!
The Surfer FIRES A COSMIC BLAST into the midst of the
Fractites, and those who are hit disintegrate -- only to be
replaced by others! These attach themselves to his hands,
feet -- even his body and head!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
The Fractites are even more
dangerous than I thought...!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Wherever the Fractites touch the Surfer, they begin to GLOW
and enlarge, breaking off into more of their kind! He BLASTS
at them again, but the new Fractites attach themselves to the
Surfer nevertheless. His arms disappear from VIEW, then his
legs as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I feel myself weakening...! So
numerous are my enemies -- can
this call have been an attempt to
entrap me?
But, as if in reply, the COMMUNICATION BEAM strikes out at
him again:
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)
Help us!
The Surfer FIRES another COSMIC BLAST, as:
SILVER SURFER
(calling out)
Do not despair -- !
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5.
But his last words are MUFFLED -- because the Surfer's
completely out of VIEW, his entire body covered by the
Fractites' inexorable SCARLET SWARM, completely immobilized
as we
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
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6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. A LARGER SECTOR OF SPACE
WIDE ON a sea of stars and nebulae. Part of this sea
COALESCES into an outline of a being we've seen before:
INFINITY. Within her trans-spatial body what can only be an
entire star system shudders and recoils, and Infinity's giant
body reacts with pain as:
INFINITY
(calling out)
Eternity! Brother! I have felt
the first blow!
Before her, another outline appears: ETERNITY.
ETERNITY
It has begun, then, as we knew it
would. The end of the universe --
of you and I, Infinity and
Eternity -- is nigh!
And then he too reels as within his trans-temporal outline
the same star system staggers.
INFINITY
(frightened)
We need our champion at the ready!
Only he has a chance of stopping
the catastrophe!
Eternity peers into another part of the body of Infinity.
ETERNITY
Like every other creature, mortal
or otherwise, he has his own
catastrophe to deal with just now.
(beat)
We must trust that the Silver
Surfer will prevail!
Following her brother's gaze, Infinity looks down at herself,
and we TIGHTEN through her TO:
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7.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE THREATENED PLANET - THE FRACTITES
In a huge, GLOWING mass, continuing to grow and divide,
increasing in strength and numbers. Although we can't see
the Silver Surfer, we hear:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
My cosmic blasts have only
strengthened the Fractites.
Resisting them is futile...
(beat)
I must follow the teachings of the
Master -- and give myself to them
instead!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Fractites around the Surfer start to GLOW more and more
brightly, and they multiply faster and faster. The GLOW
TURNS INCANDESCENT -- and the cluster of Fractites nearest to
the Surfer EXPLODES!
Now the Surfer is visible in the SMOKY MIST the Fractites
have left behind, and he looks on as the cluster adjoining
the first one also EXPLODES!
We ANGLE WITH what becomes a chain reaction, cluster after
cluster becoming INCANDESCENT and EXPLODING, clearing all of
space from the Surfer to:
THE PLANET
Where all the SCARLET Fractites BLOW UP, leaving a
dissipating smoke.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Brothers and sisters of this
planet, whoever you may be! You
are safe now...!
As the smoke becomes fainter and fainter we SEE that the
planet itself covered with SHIMMERING CLOUDS.
THE SILVER SURFER
Looks down at the world below.
SILVER SURFER
The power cosmic of the Silver
Surfer was too much for the
Fractites to absorb!
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8.
He turns on his board, starts surfing away --
THE PLANET
The SHIMMERING CLOUDS seem to shudder, their form and texture
changing as a COMMUNICATION BEAM stabs out from below:
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)
Silver Surfer...!
The Voice changes, softening, becoming one we've heard many
times before:
MYSTERIOUS VOICE/SHALLA BAL (O.S.)
Is it really you -- Norrin Radd?
THE SILVER SURFER
Reacts as though he were a human just hit by a truck.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
That voice! It knows my name, and
sounds so much like -- no, it
cannot be!
(starting away again)
My body has been weakened by my
exertions, and my mind must have
been affected as well --
SHALLA BAL (O.S.)
Norrin Radd! Please answer me?
Is that you?
Again the Surfer stops, whirls toward the planet.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal -- ?
He breaks off with a catch in his throat as he sees:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE THREATENED PLANET
Now the clouds are fleecy and soft, and we can SEE the ground
beneath them: Green with vegetation. (NOTE: The planet
looks exactly like Zenn-La as seen from this perspective in
#1875-01.)
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The planet -- now that the
Fractites are gone, it indeed
reminds me of Zenn-La!
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9.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Following the COMMUNICATIONS BEAM, he flies closer to the
planet, stops himself once more.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
This could well be a trap --
(starting downward)
Yet after all I have experienced
on my search for my home, dare I
leave any possibility unexplored?
EXT. THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE OF THE PLANET - DAY - THE
SILVER SURFER
Mind made up, he sweeps down along the COMM BEAM, flies over
a lush field where sheeplike animals graze peacefully near
obvious, lion-like predators.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
These fields, so familiar --
tranquil dwelling places where
predator and prey exist side by
side.
Continuing, the Surfer flies over a sculpture garden which
looks exactly like the one in which he spoke with Shalla Bal.
He circles the sculpture of a spacecraft.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
That sculpture! Like one I know
so well! Can this truly be Zenn-
La?
And, excitedly, the Surfer soars upward again zooms forward
to:
EXT. ZENN-LA ACADEMY - DAY
It's the source of the COMM BEAM, and looks as it did before
Galactus' attack. The only difference is that all that
remains of the huge tree in the courtyard is a stump. The
Surfer circles above it.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The Academy of the Master! It has
been restored -- !
SHALLA BAL (O.S.)
Norrin Radd!
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10.
We WIDEN as the COMM BEAM VANISHES and SHALLA BAL comes
running from the Academy, her arms outstretched. The Surfer
can't help himself. He dives down, taking her in his arms.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal!
SHALLA BAL
Oh, Norrin Radd -- it is really
you!
They cling to each other as the board spirals upward again.
Simultaneously:
SILVER SURFER SHALLA BAL
It seems too good to be You said you would
true! Can I have found you return -- and you have...!
at last?
The board dips and circles gracefully, as though the Surfer
and Shalla Bal are dancing with legs that never move.
SHALLA BAL
Mere moments ago it appeared the
Fractites would destroy us all,
and I would never see you again.
And now here you are...!
SILVER SURFER
But how does Zenn-La come to be at
this point in space?
As they talk, we TIGHTEN CLOSER on them. From O.S. comes a
STEADILY INCREASING SOUND OF VOICES (WALLA), as:
SHALLA BAL
One day Galactus appeared
overhead. He said you had broken
the compact the two of you had
made -- and now our world was
doomed to warp forever from sun to
sun.
SILVER SURFER
So we could never be together
because you were roaming the
spaceways even as I!
SHALLA BAL
But we are together now, my love...
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11.
WIDER
They're about to kiss when the WALLA ERUPTS into pure
PANDEMONIUM as students from myriad worlds come pouring out
of the Academy happily.
FIRST STUDENT SECOND STUDENT
Norrin Radd! Welcome home! Once more have you saved us!
An alien student, BORAD (the "worm guy" from #1875-01), calls
to the Surfer in HIGH-PITCHED VOICE:
BORAD
Norrin Radd, seeing you again
makes my segments tremble with joy!
The Surfer flies to the ground, taking Shalla Bal with him as
he leaps from his board.
SILVER SURFER
Had I such segments, Borad, my
friend, they would do the same!
They clasp each other's shoulders. A human student (also
seen in #1875-01), DARWEKK MIRL steps forward.
DARWEKK MIRL
Norrin Radd!
SILVER SURFER
Darwekk!
DARWEKK MIRL
(as they shake hands)
Are you here for good then, Norrin
Radd?
Darwekk's tone is eager -- maybe too eager. He and the
others wait for an answer. The Surfer looks to Shalla Bal's
shining face.
SILVER SURFER
I am home to stay!
The students CHEER. Shalla Bal smiles.
SHALLA BAL
Please, beloved, relax while we
prepare the Zenn-La celebration of
thanks.
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12.
DARWEKK MIRL
(indicating the
Academy)
Your old quarters await.
SILVER SURFER
You have kept them empty? All
this time?
SHALLA BAL
Just as you never gave up hope of
seeing us again, so did we too
keep the faith.
The Surfer is both astonished and pleased, and, with his
board under his arm, he heads for the entrance to the
Academy. We HOLD ON the others watching them go. Their
expressions are rapturous as we
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ZENN-LA ACADEMY - GATHERING ROOM - DAY - ALIEN
DANCERS
Like living streamers. We WIDEN TO SEE that the MUSIC
accompanying them comes from other beings like living
INSTRUMENTS.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Still is it difficult for me to
accept that I am back on Zenn-La...
WIDENING MORE, we SEE the Surfer reclining at a feast table
with Shalla Bal, Borad, Darwekk Mirl, and several others.
Although the Surfer, of course, doesn't eat or drink.
SHALLA BAL
Do you want to test us, Norrin
Radd, to make certain we are who
we seem?
(beat)
I can tell you every moment you
and I have spent together, since
we were twelve and met at the
Master's knee.
At the mention of the Master, the Surfer stiffens.
SILVER SURFER
Tell me, what do all of you know
of the fate of the Master?
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13.
BORAD
It is common knowledge throughout
the universe that he left Zenn-La
so he might return with greater
truth -- before our days of
wandering began.
SHALLA BAL
(to the Surfer)
Have you further news?
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer regards the students uncomfortably.
SILVER SURFER
The Master will not be returning.
(beat)
He is no more.
The MUSIC STOPS. So does the dancing.
BORAD
You bear sad tidings, Norrin Radd.
All of us loved the Master very
much.
The others MURMUR assent. They look around unhappily. Then
Darwekk Mirl smiles.
DARWEKK MIRL
Yet out of tragedy can come
triumph. Norrin Radd must be the
new Master! Was he not the chosen
successor?
At this, the students start to CHEER:
SECOND STUDENT FIRST STUDENT
Norrin Radd! Norrin Radd! The new Master! Norrin
Radd!
Both the MUSIC and the dancing RESUME, filled with
celebration, as though no bad news had ever been reported.
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
As he turns uneasily to Shalla Bal.
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14.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal, I realize this is an
honor, but such unquestioning
acceptance of fate greatly
disturbs me.
(realizing)
I am reminded now of everything
that made me feel an outsider in
my own home!
Shalla Bal looks stricken. She reaches out to him.
SHALLA BAL
Of course! It was not Zenn-La's
present you admired, but its past!
You wanted to live during a time
of adventure and conflict!
WIDER
Pleased by this realization, Shalla Bal turns toward the
others. As though at a signal, Darwekk Mirl pushes away the
cushion he leans against, rockets to his feet.
DARWEKK MIRL
You! Norrin Radd! You are not
fit to lead us!
With that, Darwekk swings his fist at the Surfer's jaw.
Unerringly, the Surfer reaches out, catches Darwekk's hand
before it can connect.
SILVER SURFER
Darwekk Mirl, what has happened to
your tranquility? Were you not my
advocate just moments ago?
DARWEKK MIRL
But now I have come to my senses!
How can we reward the one
responsible for Galactus casting
Zenn-La adrift?!
And Darwekk hurls himself forward in rage -- and bounces off
the Surfer's body, falling to the floor. Borad turns to the
Surfer.
BORAD
The bad blood between you two must
be settled!
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15.
DARWEKK MIRL
I demand my right to -- trial by
combat!
SILVER SURFER
Have you gone mad? It has been
centuries since such activities
were condoned here!
SHALLA BAL
You yourself have said many times,
Norrin Radd, that the ancients
were far wiser than many have
believed.
BORAD
It is time for their rituals to
return!
SILVER SURFER
(appalled)
Even were I to agree to such a
trial, as long as I possess the
power cosmic never could it be
fair.
Shalla Bal kisses him lightly.
SHALLA BAL
There is only one answer to that,
beloved. Come...
She takes the Surfer's hand. We TIGHTEN ON his face as,
leaving his board leaning against the wall of the room, he
goes with her to:
EXT. ZENN-LA ACADEMY - THE COURTYARD - DAY
As the Surfer emerges with Shalla Bal.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal! I want my homeworld
to be perfect, and to be part of
its perfection. But I feel so
confused --
SHALLA BAL
For you to live your life with us
to the fullest, you must once
again become the man you were, the
Norrin Radd I so admired...
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16.
She indicates the same large rock where Norrin Radd once
destroyed the weapons of the Kree and the Skrull.
SHALLA BAL
(continuing)
Here can we make that occur.
NORRIN RADD
You want me to give up my power?
SHALLA BAL
What has this precious power done
for you, Norrin Radd? No doubt
you have experienced many
wonderful things -- but how many
terrible ones as well?
As Shalla Bal speaks, we TIGHTEN ON the Surfer's face and
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - SERIES OF SCENES - (THE SILVER SURFER'S
MEMORIES)
IMAGE AFTER IMAGE FLASHES BEFORE US, QUICK CUTS OF THE SILVER
SURFER AND GALACTUS GOING FROM PLANET TO PLANET -- AND THE
DEVASTATION THAT FOLLOWED! GREENERY TURNS TO BLACKNESS, AND
POPULATIONS FLEE AS WE
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. ZENN-LA ACADEMY - THE COURTYARD - DAY
The Surfer staggers, catches himself. His expression becomes
determined.
SILVER SURFER
You are right. No longer do I
need the power cosmic. I shall
prove myself worthy of Zenn-La!
We TIGHTEN ON the Surfer as he takes his place on the stone.
The SOUND OF A GONG fills the air, and both the stone and
the Surfer's silvery skin RIPPLE AND SPARK, as though joined
in a giant CURRENT OF ELECTRICITY.
The Surfer FLARES UP, almost as though he's going to explode,
but then, as the GONG SOUND DIES DOWN, the RIPPLING AND
SPARKING STOP -- and where stood the Silver Surfer we now see
NORRIN RADD!
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17.
WIDER
Before Norrin Radd can react, Borad and the other students
come rushing outside -- and Darwekk Whirl is immediately upon
him!
DARWEKK MIRL
Let the combat begin!
Darwekk locks his arms and legs around Norrin Radd, trying to
wrestle him to his back. Norrin Radd kicks out of it,
springing to his feet.
NORRIN RADD
You fight before I am ready,
Darwekk Mirl...
Norrin Radd feints at one side of Darwekk, then comes in on
the other, using a body block to knock him to the ground.
NORRIN RADD
(continuing)
Yet if you believe that gives you
an advantage, you are mistaken.
I have defeated foes you cannot
even imagine!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Norrin Radd backs off to give Darwekk time to get to his
feet. Darwekk laughs.
DARWEKK MIRL
In your present state, Norrin
Radd, you will find me more
formidable than Galactus, or
Thanos -- !
Darwekk kicks at him, and Norrin Radd throws himself
backward, out of the way, but:
CLOSER ON NORRIN RADD
Beneath him, the ground shakes -- and the earth collapses,
exposing a sheer cliff!
WIDER
As Norrin Radd flails for balance, starts to fall. Darwekk
Mirl rushes forward to push him over the edge, and Norrin
Radd catches his arm, the two of them falling together!
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18.
SHALLA BAL
Moves quickly to the edge of the cliff with Borad and the
others. They peer down at:
THEIR POV - NORRIN RADD AND DARWEKK MIRL
Splashing into a raging river below. Swept along by its fast
current, they head straight at:
A CAVE
Through which the river rushes. Both Norrin Radd and Darwekk
Mirl are swept into it, lost in the cave's all-encompassing
DARKNESS, as we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
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19.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. UNDERGROUND CAVE - DAY - THE RIVER
The DARKNESS is so complete that we can SEE NOTHING, but only
hear the SOUND OF RUSHING WATER, along with FLAILING AND
KICKING, as:
NORRIN RADD (V.O.)
(anguished)
What can be happening on my world?
One moment we are a civilization
of peace...
TRACKING WITH the flow, we reach an area where LUMINOUS MOSS
lights the walls of the cave.
NORRIN RADD (V.O.)
(continuing)
The next, we are adopting the
violent ways of millennia ago!
In the eerie BLACKLIGHT of the moss we FIND Norrin Radd
fighting the current as his body bangs its way down a series
of rocky, underground cascades.
NORRIN RADD (V.O.)
(continuing)
Even I have been swept away by the
change -- as I am now being taken
by the current of a river I never
knew existed before!
NORRIN RADD'S POV - THE CAVERN AHEAD
About a hundred yards before us the cave narrows, and a shaft
of light about the circumference of a man's body shines down.
NORRIN RADD (V.O.)
Light! It can only be an opening
to the outside!
BACK TO NORRIN RADD
He careens off a rock -- and reaches the area beneath the
light. Arching his body upward, Norrin Radd reaches as high
as he can, to:
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20.
A ROCK SHELF
Projecting from the side of the cave. Norrin Radd's hands
grab onto it, and for a beat he seems secure.
But then, as though from great pressure, the shelf crumbles,
and he starts to fall!
WIDER
GRUNTING, Norrin Radd kicks out so that his feet jam against
one wall of the cave while his hands push against the other,
the pressure holding him up above the water -- and directly
below what we now SEE is in fact an opening to the surface
from the cave.
NORRIN RADD (V.O.)
I have gained a moment's respite!
(looking upward)
But it will take Norrin Radd more
effort to travel these few feet
than it would for the Silver
Surfer to go light years...
Carefully, he inches up the wall, sliding first each palm
than his feet. But he stops as, from O.S.:
DARWEKK MIRL
Norrin Radd! Help me!
Norrin Radd cranes his head, sees:
NORRIN RADD'S POV - DARWEKK MIRL
Upriver, clinging desperately to a rock that juts up from the
water. His grip slips, and he starts to slide down...
BACK TO NORRIN RADD
Hurling himself into the river, he splashes to Darwekk,
taking his foe in a lifeguard-style grip with one hand while
his other one takes the place of Darwekk's on the jutting
rock.
DARWEKK MIRL
(gasping)
Thank you, Norrin Radd. Your
conduct proves you are worthy to
be Master after all!
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21.
NORRIN RADD
"Worthiness" is the least of my
concerns just now. Still must we
extricate ourselves.
(musing)
Were the power cosmic still mine,
all I would need do is call out --
Norrin Radd looks up at the shaft. Darwekk Mirl follows his
gaze, and Darwekk's expression becomes even more desperate
as, simultaneously:
DARWEKK MIRL NORRIN RADD
No! Do not call -- "To me, my board!"
And, as they speak:
INT. ZENN-LA ACADEMY - GATHERING ROOM - DAY
TIGHTENING THROUGH THE EMPTY ROOM TO the Surfer's board as it
shakes itself once, then soars upward, toward:
EXT. ZENN-LA ACADEMY - DAY
Where, Shalla Bal, Borad, and the others look on in shock as
the board zooms out of the open doorway and flies past them.
SHALLA BAL
No...!
Without even looking at each other, they react as one,
rushing after the departing board as:
INT. UNDERGROUND CAVE - DAY - THE RIVER
As Norrin Radd's grip slips, and he and Darwekk Mirl both
start sliding into the water. The board darts in from the
open shaft, and Norrin Radd grabs it, pulling both himself
and Darwekk on as:
EXT. ZENN-LA COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Shalla Bal and the others are running along the grassy meadow
when, suddenly, the Silver Surfer's board comes flying up
perpendicularly from a sinkhole up the way. Clinging to the
board are Norrin Radd and Darwekk. The two men leap off, and
the board levels itself, circling above them.
SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd! Darwekk Mirl! You
have survived!
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22.
She throws herself into Norrin Radd's wet arms. He regards
her warily.
NORRIN RADD
Yes -- but in a way that is
simply --not possible.
(indicating the board)
That board belongs to the Silver
Surfer, not Norrin Radd. Without
the power cosmic, it should never
have come to my aid!
Norrin Radd looks around, as though daring someone to come up
with an explanation!
BORAD
The ways of a being like Galactus
are often unfathomable.
DARWEKK MIRL
Why not consider this a mystery to
occupy your restless mind?
SHALLA BAL
Yes! Another way of fulfilling
yourself here on Zenn-La.
FIRST STUDENT SECOND STUDENT
Yes! Yes! Fulfill Feel the completeness of
yourself! life here on Zenn-La!
All the voices betray great urgency, almost fear. Norrin
Radd regards everyone sharply.
NORRIN RADD
I know Zenn-La, and I know Shalla
Bal -- and I know all the rest of
you as well...
As Norrin Radd talks, we ANGLE FROM him and the others
students TO:
A PAIR OF NEARBY PONDS
Blue and limpid, almost like eyes.
NORRIN RADD (O.S.)
But it is as though you -- and
this whole world -- are no longer
yourselves...
TIGHTENING ON the pools, we MOVE DOWN, THROUGH THE WATER, as:
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23.
NORRIN RADD (O.S.)
(continuing)
But rather what you believe I
would like you to be!
We CONTINUE DOWNWARD, through the rocky crust of the planet
to:
INT. THE PLANETARY CORE
With its molten, fiery interior. We hear a RHYTHMIC
POUNDING, like a heartbeat, and, along with it, the same
Mysterious Voice that first sent out the distress call,
WHISPERING this time:
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)
He is too smart...
The flames of the interior flare up as though the planet
itself is upset as:
NORRIN RADD (O.S.)
There are other troubling aspects
as well.
(beat)
Shalla Bal said Galactus kept you
always moving, but I felt no trace
of the power cosmic on this
world...
The flames increase their flickering, and the HEARTBEAT GROWS
FASTER as well.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)
I have failed...
NORRIN RADD (O.S.)
And Darwekk Mirl spoke of Thanos
as my foe -- yet how would anyone
marooned on Zenn-La have known
that?
VOICE (O.S.)
He knows...!!!
No longer a WHISPER, THE SOUND IS A RAGING ROAR, the fires
soaring so that they're all we can SEE as:
EXT. ZENN-LA COUNTRYSIDE - DAY - NORRIN RADD
Looking down at himself as he begins to change, his skin and
form changing into that of -- the SILVER SURFER.
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24.
SILVER SURFER
What? Am I once more the Silver
Surfer?
(beat)
Or has this always been the truth,
and Norrin Radd but an illusion..?
We WIDEN as he looks to Shalla Bal and the others.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing; to
Darwekk)
Is that why you did not wish me to
summon my board?
We WIDEN as he looks to Shalla Bal and the others. Their
response is to point their fingers at the Surfer, and, in
tones exactly like that of the Mysterious Voice at the
planet's core:
EVERYONE
You know...!!!
And as they say it, the ground beneath everyone gives way
once more, the Surfer and the others plummeting down, down --
VARIOUS ANGLES
The Surfer's board dives down after the Surfer and the
students as they fall through the various geological layers
of the planet, from SURFACE to CRUST to MANTLE, accompanied
by the steadily nearing HEARTBEAT-LIKE SOUND.
As the board positions itself under the Surfer, and he
gracefully gets his balance as they reach:
INT. THE PLANETARY CORE
The flames lick up at the Surfer and the others, and he looks
around to see:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE STUDENTS OF ZENN-LA
VANISHING one by one as they IMPLODE, until only Shalla Bal
remains!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Soaring to the young woman, and taking her in his arms. He
gazes at her with despair:
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25.
SILVER SURFER
Either this is madness -- or the
trap I feared! No matter how much
I desire it -- this is not Zenn-La!
(beat)
And you are not my Shalla Bal!
SHALLA BAL
(unhappily)
It is not madness, Norrin Radd.
But no, I am not Shalla Bal...
She reaches out and touches his lips.
SHALLA BAL
(continuing)
But I could be. And this could be
your world...if you would but let
it...
The Surfer hesitates. He takes Shalla Bal's hand, leans
forward to kiss her -- and then pulls away!
SILVER SURFER
I cannot! Tempting though it is,
I have travelled too long and too
far to find peace in the arms of
a fraud!
SHALLA BAL
(nodding sadly)
Oh, my beloved...your refusal has
destroyed me!
ANOTHER ANGLE
And she vanishes, IMPLODING just like the others! In spite
of himself, the Surfer is stricken.
SILVER SURFER
(pure anguish)
Shalla Bal...!
He leans forward on his board, flying upward furiously.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
No! She was not Shalla Bal...!
With a RUMBLE, the ground above the Surfer closes, shutting
him in. He BLASTS at it, and the rock EXPLODES -- only to be
replaced immediately by new rock as:
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26.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Still -- to lose her...the pain is
almost unbearable!
The Surfer FIRES POWER BLAST AFTER POWER BLAST, but the
result is always the same: The ground EXPLODES and then
instantly re-forms, leaving him no way to bore through it.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Only one being I know of has the
power to alter and mold an entire
planet like this...!
He flies back down, toward the flames.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Only one being can create the
semblance of life...!
(beat)
Deceiver! Show yourself! EGO!!!
THE FLAMES - DOWNSHOT
Flare upward, and within them forms a face we have seen
before: That of EGO, THE LIVING PLANET! The huge mouth
opens as, in what we now recognize as the Mysterious Voice:
EGO
Ah, Silver Surfer, you have seen
through me. But in so doing, you
lose the peace you could have had!
THE SILVER SURFER - INTERCUTTING AS NEEDED
Dives down closer to the head.
SILVER SURFER
A false peace, Ego. A sham.
(beat)
Why would you do such a thing to
one who has saved you from Thanos
himself?
EGO
I wanted only your happiness,
Silver Surfer. To give you what
you most desire!
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27.
SILVER SURFER
And you sought to do so by
violating my hopes? My very
dreams?
(scoffing)
Again, Ego -- why?
CLOSER ON EGO
The great face frowns unhappily.
EGO
Know, Silver Surfer, that you
speak to the only being of my
kind...
As he talks, we TIGHTEN CLOSER and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE - A DISTANT GALAXY - SERIES OF SCENES
Where whirling space gases slow, cool, and harden into a
single planet, alone in space, as:
EGO
There is no race of living
planets...
The surface of the planet shudders and goes through a series
of changes, land masses forming and separating into
continents -- which arrange into the shape of Ego's face.
EGO
(continuing)
I am a cosmic accident, all
powerful within my sphere, yet
doomed to be forever alone...
Ego's planetary face looks around, vanishing to escape from
an attack by a Kree fleet, and reappearing in another part of
space.
EGO
(continuing)
For millennia, I have gone my own
way, evading every attack...
The Fractites appear, surrounding the planet.
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28.
EGO
(continuing)
But when the Fractites threatened,
their energy field prevented me
from transporting away...
Ego tries to vanish -- and merely reappears in the same place!
EGO
(continuing)
In my desperation, I sent out a
call for help -- and when you came
to my aid I remembered the
strength and nobility that had
impressed me when we met before...
The Surfer WARPS IN, fighting off the Fractites.
EGO
(continuing)
I realized that to be truly safe
I needed a defender to stay with
me for all time...
Once more, Ego reshapes itself -- this time into Zenn-La!
EGO
(continuing)
Combining the information I
received when Thanos entered your
mind with other knowledge gleaned
on my travels, I re-created myself
in the image of Zenn-La --
We TIGHTEN ON the planet as the Surfer flies down to it,
reacting with the joy we saw earlier, and
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE PLANETARY CORE
Where the Surfer is anything but joyful. He flies closer to
the face in the flames:
SILVER SURFER
So you could make me not a
defender but a prisoner?
(beat)
I will not remain with you Ego.
Not for another moment, let alone
"all time!"
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29.
And the Surfer soars through the face, then starts flying up
at the rock above as:
EGO
No, Silver Surfer, you shall not
leave! I will force you to stay!
ANOTHER ANGLE
With a ROARING WHOOSH, the flames at the core of the planet
FLARE into a solid mass of flame, completely engulfing the
Silver Surfer. For an instant he looks surprised. Then he
stretches out his arms.
SILVER SURFER
Ego! Can you truly believe that,
powerful as it is, your fiery core
will overmatch me -- the Silver
Surfer...?
And just as he was doing earlier, when he first heard Ego's
call, the Surfer starts to absorb all the energy, his body
attracting the flames and pulling them into him!
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
Who takes sustenance from the very
heart of a star?
The Surfer starts to GLOW, the GLOW INCREASING while the
flames around him WEAKEN AND DIM. They BECOME FAINTER, then
FAINTER still.
From above, we hear a CRACKING SOUND, and the Surfer looks up
at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE ROCK ABOVE HIM
Crumbling into tiny chips that fall downward at CAMERA. We
PUSH UPWARD, THROUGH them, TO:
EXT. EGO - DAY - REVERSE ANGLE
WIDENING to FIND the entire surface of the planet cracking
and opening as:
INT. THE PLANETARY CORE
The face in the fires is gone, and the flames are low and
dying. Crumbling rock falls on and around the Surfer. The
HEARTBEAT SOUND SLOWS AND BECOMES FAINT...
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30.
SILVER SURFER
(alarmed)
Ego...?
A mouth forms from one of the dying flames. It speaks weakly:
EGO
Ironic, is it not, Silver Surfer?
I have done my best, but you who
I hoped would protect me have
caused my destruction instead.
SILVER SURFER
That was not my intention, Ego.
I desired only to be free!
Ego tries to speak, but the mouth and the flame in which it
appeared dwindle and vanish as:
EXT. SPACE OVER EGO
The planet is breaking up into fragments. A chunk of it
whirls into space!
INT. THE PLANETARY CORE
Where Ego's HEARTBEAT can barely be heard. The Surfer gazes
into the core.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
What have I done? Ego is not
evil, merely misguided. I must
help the planet live -- even if it
means we combat each other again!
The Surfer gazes into the core, and from his eyes comes a
BEAM OF SILVER HEALING LIGHT. We HOLD as the LIGHT BATHES
the area all around him. For a beat, nothing happens. Then:
CLOSER ON THE HEALING LIGHT
WASHING OVER the embers of Ego's internal fires. At last,
the embers SPARK, and first one, then another, then more and
more of them FLARE UP WITH A WHOOSH!
WIDER
As the fires come alive again, the HEARTBEAT BECOMING LOUDER
AND STRONGER! The Surfer's healing LIGHT stops, and the
Surfer collapses, exhausted. Ego's huge face forms in the
flames before him.
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31.
EGO
(wonderingly)
You have healed me, Silver Surfer,
in spite of the fact that I tried
to imprison you...
SILVER SURFER
(still exhausted)
I could do nothing else.
EGO
(wryly)
So you have continued as my
protector, after all!
(beat)
There may come a time, Silver
Surfer, when you need me to help
you. Rest assured -- I will be
there.
As Ego speaks, the Surfer gets to his feet. He looks around
alertly, as though ready for an attack. Ego's huge face
smiles.
EGO
(continuing)
Until that time -- go! And may
you find the true Zenn-La!
Ego's internal flames lick higher, and the Surfer doesn't
waste any time. Gathering his strength, he leaps onto his
board, and we ANGLE WITH him as he soars upward from the
planetary core to:
EXT. SPACE OVER EGO - THE SILVER SURFER
Flying out of the atmosphere. Behind him, Ego is pulling
itself together, a whole planet once more.
We HOLD as continents drift, rearranging themselves -- into
the face and torso of a giant Shalla Bal. She gazes out to
space, at the Surfer, and lifts her hand to wave good-bye,
literal seas of tears coming from her eyes!
THE SILVER SURFER
Looks back at this strange world. Then he turns, soaring
off, and we WIDEN TO SEE:
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32.
INFINITY AND ETERNITY
With the Silver Surfer just another mote of light within
their great forms. They recoil, as though they've both been
struck a terrible blow.
ETERNITY
My sister! How do you fare?
INFINITY
I am in pain, brother. The fabric
of space and time is being twisted
and warped. Soon it will tear --
ETERNITY
We will survive, sister Infinity.
Do not give in to the devastation
which lies ahead...
(beat)
Do not give in to the chaos --
And, as he says that last word, we TIGHTEN ON the same
shuddering star system we SAW earlier and
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. A SMALL SOLAR SYSTEM
Consisting of three or four planets and a sun. A PURPLE BEAM
sweeps continuously over the system, casting an EERIE GLOW.
Within the field of the PURPLE BEAM, the planets and sun are
changing, evolving backward to their primal origins!
THANOS (O.S.)
(calling out)
Lady Chaos...!!!
We ANGLE TO the source of the PURPLE BEAM, FINDING:
THANOS' SHIP
A malignant biosphere that looks like a purple and black
skull.
THANOS (O.S.)
For century upon century you have
mocked me, accepting my tribute...
We TIGHTEN ON the ship, TO:
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33.
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT
THANOS' hulking form stands by the botanical control panel,
adjusting the size and power of the PURPLE BEAM. He looks at
a viewscreen showing the devolution of the system and smiles.
THANOS
While refusing to reveal yourself
to one who worships and adores
you...
Thanos turns from the viewscreen.
THANOS
(continuing)
I say, "No more!" At last, all my
efforts have reached fruition...!
EXT. A SMALL SOLAR SYSTEM
The planets are drawn back into the sun, which in turn starts
to evaporate into spinning gases, everything becoming
primitive and wild, as:
THANOS (O.S.)
By discovering a way to reverse
the flow of time itself, I have
created the ultimate weapon of
destruction...!
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT
Thanos stomps through his hideous garden.
THANOS
This solar system is devolving
back into the nothingness whence
it came. And after it, the entire
universe will follow!
He reaches his goal -- the statue of Lady Chaos. Thanos
reaches out, grabs the statue by the shoulders.
THANOS
(continuing)
Tell me, my cold one -- how can
you fail to love me, to take me
within your embrace, after I have
caused all of creation to
vanish -- into the ultimate chaos
of the Big Bang?!
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34.
And, as he shakes the statue violently:
EXT. A SMALL SOLAR SYSTEM
What is left of this now primeval solar system EXPLODES like
a Roman candle as we
FADE OUT:
THE END
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