THE SILVER SURFER
SOUL HUNTER: PART ONE
(Formerly SOUL MASTER: PART ONE)
(#2147-15)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
REV. PAGES 03/23/98
REV. PAGES 03/13/98
FINAL DRAFT
MARCH 5, 1998
THE SILVER SURFER
"SOUL HUNTER: PART ONE"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA
Hanging like a tiny jewel against the velvet blackness of
space.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Zenn-La! World of my birth...!
We TIGHTEN ON Zenn-La, racing toward it from such a great
distance that it enlarges only slowly, gradually, as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Planet of harmony, justice, and
peace...
We TIGHTEN MORE, SEEING an asteroid belt and various meteors
moving nearby.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
In my youth did I bemoan the lack
of adventure on gentle Zenn-La.
But in my exile, have I pined for
its wise ways...
Zenn-La looms larger, continents visible. It does indeed
look peaceful, serene.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Now, the great forces of Eternity
and Infinity have granted me my
deepest desire. Soon shall I be
re-united with all I hold dear.
(beat)
Soon shall I be reunited with --
Shalla Bal!
REVERSE ANGLE
With those words, the SILVER SURFER WARPS IN before US on his
board. Joyfully, he soars to:
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2.
THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA
FILLING CAMERA in all its glory. The Surfer arcs at it,
nearing the upper atmosphere, and we TIGHTEN TO:
THE SILVER SURFER'S BOARD
ENERGY CRACKLES before it, hitting the board's tip. We WIDEN
as, the CRACKLING ENERGY spreads outward, hitting the Surfer
as well. The Surfer CRIES OUT WORDLESSLY as both he and the
board SPARK IN A RAINBOW OF COLORS, and go flying backward,
heading for:
THE MOTHER OF ALL ASTEROIDS
An enormous piece of jagged rock, zooming through space
directly at:
THE SILVER SURFER
Upside-down on his board, he turns his head, sees the
asteroid bearing down on him. We WIDEN as, twisting his
body, the Surfer deftly levels himself and glides right past
the dangerous hunk of debris. He looks down at the planet.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(wonderingly)
This energy is like none I have
ever encountered! Can it surround
all of Zenn-La?
WIDER
The Surfer FIRES A BOLT OF THE POWER COSMIC -- not at the
planet but at the big asteroid, BLASTING it into fragments.
The whirling fragments shoot toward different parts of Zenn-
La -- but no matter where they go they hit the same CRACKLING
ENERGY. They too SPARK IN A RAINBOW OF COLORS -- and then
they vanish, VAPORIZED!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer flies closer to the planet.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
No!!! I have not endured all I
have endured, fought all I have
fought...
First his fists, then his eyes, then his entire body STARTS
TO GLOW MORE BRIGHTLY THAN EVER BEFORE!
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3.
Only Galactus has ever demonstrated this much power before,
as the Silver Surfer goes from frustration to fury:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
To allow anything to keep me from
my dream!!!
WIDER
A SERIES OF POWERFUL BOLTS shoot machinegun-like from the
Surfer's hands at the planet -- streaking to the invisible
ENERGY BARRIER, where they are met by the CRACKLING ENERGY.
The BOLTS EXPLODE -- and SHOOT BACKWARD at the Surfer,
BLASTING both him and his board! He CRASHES into the
remaining asteroids, bouncing from one to another, the
impacts pulverizing the asteroids in the process!
THE SILVER SURFER
Gaining control, skidding to a stop. Anguished, he looks
from Zenn-La to the far-away stars.
SILVER SURFER
(calling out)
Eternity! Infinity! Why do you
torment me this way?
(beat)
I am a man! With the love and the
pain of all men!
THE WATCHER (O.S.)
Silver Surfer...!
NEW ANGLE
As the outlined figure of THE WATCHER RIPPLES into view,
filling almost all of outer space we can SEE.
THE WATCHER
The great powers of the universe
cannot answer. They are
occupied -- with tasks too
grandiose for lesser beings ever
to understand.
SILVER SURFER
Watcher! I need you! You must
tell me what has happened to Zenn-
La!
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4.
THE WATCHER
(painfully)
Silver Surfer, it is I who have
need of you!
SILVER SURFER
Watcher, never before have I seen
you display such emotion!
THE WATCHER
Never before have you seen my
homeworld so threatened -- and
with it all that remains of my
race!
And, as the Surfer reacts to the Watcher's emotion, we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
PANNING ACROSS its ruined landscape -- like a giant
motherboard littered with broken chips the size of great
buildings.
THIRAN (O.S.)
Can our millennia-long quest be
over at last?
Flowing through the ravine-like circuits are various VIRALS,
the giant, amoeba-like creatures we first encountered in
#1875-06.
MORG (O.S.)
Most High, there can be no doubt.
Every probe cell in my body tells
me we have reached the Center of
Evil at last.
As they talk, we WIDEN TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - THE PLANET OF THE
WATCHERS
A black rectangular crystal, reflecting the light of its
bloated sun. Floating over it is a group of genuinely
bizarre beings -- male and female, thick-skinned, spiky-
textured, and flying freely through space, with no need for
ships or mechanical or technological devices of any kind!
These are the SARQ, intelligent beings whose natural habitat
is outer space itself. As more Sarq WARP IN, we FIND:
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5.
MORG AND THIRAN
The Sarq War Leader and High Priest, glaring down at the
Library Planet. Thiran raises his hand in a benediction.
THIRAN
All praise the Great Darkness!
Behind him, the other Sarq take up the cry:
MORG THE SARQ
All praise the Dark! All praise the Dark!
THIRAN
War Leader, we must perform the
Ritual of Purification at once!
WIDER
Morg smiles joyfully and brings down his arm up a command.
Then he and the other Sarq dive forward, shouting:
MORG
Destroy all Knowledge!
THE SARQ
Return the universe to the Dark!
We ANGLE WITH the Sarq Army as its warriors plunge down
toward the Library Planet. FIREBALLS BURST first from Morg's
outstretched hands, then from those of the others, and
SCYTHES OF NATURAL LIGHTNING whirl from the spikes of their
bodies as:
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
As the first of the FIREBALLS hit. A circuit building
topples, revealing a Viral, which desperately tries to get
away. Again we HEAR THE BATTLE CRY:
THE SARQ
Destroy all Knowledge!!!
More FIREBALLS RAIN DOWN, and we
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
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6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE OVER ZENN-LA - THE SILVER SURFER AND THE
WATCHER
As a RING OF BLUE PLASMA forms in space near where the Surfer
circles on his board. The PLASMA FLARES AND WHIRLS.
SILVER SURFER
A Plasma Jump! When last I
encountered one of those it took
me to your home star system.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Watcher speaks urgently, gesturing toward the RING OF
BLUE PLASMA:
THE WATCHER
In the days when my kind were more
numerous, we learned to harness
the power of the Jumps for that
purpose...
As he talks, the RING GROWS LARGER, like a huge, gaping mouth.
THE WATCHER
(continuing)
Now must it take both of us.
THE SILVER SURFER
Starts toward the RING. Its SIZE INCREASES again, and it
brushes against the invisible BARRIER surrounding Zenn-La.
ENERGY CRACKLES. The RING FADES AND THEN BRIGHTENS AGAIN.
WIDER
The Surfer stops, points down at his home.
SILVER SURFER
This is Zenn-La you are asking me
to leave, Watcher. I could not
bear to lose my home again.
THE WATCHER
Neither, Silver Surfer, could I
bear to lose mine.
(more)
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7.
THE WATCHER (cont'd)
(beat)
Even in its current state, the
Universal Library is a cosmic
treasure, all the knowledge of the
Watchers living on in the communal
mind of the Virals.
(beat)
Without it you will never be able
to reach Zenn-La's peaceful
surface!
The Surfer takes another longing look at Zenn-La, then turns
back to the Watcher.
SILVER SURFER
I do not know if you believe in
bargains, Watcher -- but one has
just been struck by us both!
Quickly, the Surfer and his board dive into the Plasma Jump.
We HOLD as the outline of the Watcher RIPPLES once more --
and shoots down, down, joining the Silver Surfer within:
INT. PLASMA JUMP
An unending tube of revolving RINGS OF ENERGY that go both
clockwise and counterclockwise, CLASHING together when they
meet.
Both the Surfer and the Watcher whirl around, shooting
through what looks like a never-ending tunnel. So far from
CAMERA are both beings, and so quickly are they moving, that
when they speak it is virtually OFF SHOT:)
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
I have questions, Watcher --
THE WATCHER (O.S.)
Even as I. For reasons unknown to
me, Eternity and Infinity have at
last revealed Zenn-La --
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
"Reasons unknown?" Can you truly
have you no idea what has happened
to the very Universe --
The Surfer never finishes the sentence, cutting himself off
as he remembers. We TIGHTEN ON his face and
SMASH CUT TO:
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8.
EXT. DEEP SPACE - AN ASTEROID (FLASHBACK FROM #1875-14 -
ALL NEW ANIMATION)
The Silver Surfer stands before Eternity and Infinity.
INFINITY
You have saved all of creation, my
champion!
ETERNITY
Only you are aware of what you
did, Silver Surfer. You and we...
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. PLASMA JUMP - THE SILVER SURFER - (END FLASHBACK)
PULLING BACK FROM his face as the ZOOMING JOURNEY of the
Surfer and the Watcher continues. For now, we are CLOSE
enough to SEE them speaking:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(realizing)
No, of course you have no idea...
He catches himself quickly, speaks out loud:
SILVER SURFER
Tell me then, what you do know.
We CONTINUE PULLING BACK IN A REVERSE ANGLE, MOVING AWAY from
the two figures, which keep whirling TOWARD CAMERA, while:
THE WATCHER
The reason not even Galactus knew
the location of your homeworld is
because another powerful force
moved it from our time and space
to another...
EXT. THE OTHER END OF THE PLASMA JUMP
Where another RING OF BLUE PLASMA hangs in space. Beyond it
are the myriad unliving Watcher Images we first SAW in #1875-
06.
THE WATCHER (O.S.)
There it remains, behind a barrier
penetrable only by --
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9.
The Watcher stops abruptly as he and the Surfer come
CASCADING out of the RING, the Watcher's outlined form
immediately expanding to cover the vastness of:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY
As the Watcher's outlined form looks down at the planet
below. His face contorts with anguish and his voice THUNDERS
through space.
THE WATCHER
No!!! We are too late!
We TIGHTEN ON what at first is just a speck beneath him: The
waiting Thiran, who reacts to the Watcher's SOUND like a
sailor almost swamped by a huge wave. He rocks forward, then
recovers, turning to see the Watcher dwarfing even the other
images above him:
THIRAN
Ah, Watcher! By all means look
on! See the end of your people's
evil!
Thiran gestures toward the Universal Library, and we ANGLE
DOWN PAST him as he speaks, SEEING EXPLOSIONS AND FIRES
RAGING on the surface below!
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY - MORG'S STRIKE FORCE
Using their natural LIGHTNING to BLAST one of the long avenue-
like circuits on the planet into a smouldering crater!
They're in a formation like living dive bombers, hurling
FIREBALLS and CHAIN LIGHTNING everywhere.
MORG
Destroy all knowledge! The Great
Darkness must prevail!
The other Sarq CHEER, AD LIB, joining in as Morg throws a
series of FIREBALLS at:
A VIRAL
KEENING as the FIREBALLS hit it. The Viral rears up, and
engulfs a straggling Sarq, which vanishes within it. Another
Sarq flies down to help -- and CRIES OUT, falling to the
ground and writhing -- as it TRANSFORMS into a Viral itself!
MORG AND THE OTHERS
Another Sarq TRANSFORMS, and Morg signals his troops.
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10.
MORG
Withdraw!
Morg and the others pull up and out of the atmosphere,
leaving smoking wreckage behind. We ANGLE PAST them TO the
new Virals, which are trying desperately to ooze away.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - THE SILVER SURFER
Looking out toward the still-distant Library Planet as he
soars upward to the Watcher.
SILVER SURFER
The Sarq! Well do I recall the
carnage I found in their wake
while serving Galactus, although
never did I know much about them!
THE WATCHER
They are space-dwelling barbarians
who believe the accumulation of
knowledge to be the cause of all
evil...
SILVER SURFER
(understanding)
Rendering the Universal Library
the greatest evil of all!
MORG AND THE OTHERS
Reaching Thiran, the two of them standing in space as:
MORG
Most High! This planet is proving
more dangerous than we expected.
It already lies in ruins. Why not
leave things as they are?
THIRAN
The total annihilation of the
Universal Library will be a lesson
for all beings. Have we not been
taught since time immemorial that
its fall will usher in the
Ultimate Dark Age?
MORG
Then we must replenish our
strength -- and continue the
attack regardless of the
consequences!
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11.
Morg spreads his arms like a man taking a sunbath, and the
others follow his lead. Around them, the darkness of space
starts to TWINKLE WITH ENERGY, FORMING LINES OF PURE POWER
that vanish into the spikes on the Sarqs bodies, as:
THE WATCHER (O.S.)
For eons, the Sarq have pillaged
galaxy after galaxy...
The bodies of the Sarq start to throb and expand, literally
growing stronger before OUR EYES, as:
THE WATCHER (O.S.)
(continuing)
Searching for the repository of
all that my people have learned.
(beat)
Now the day I have long dreaded
has finally arrived...
THE SILVER SURFER
He's seen enough, propelling himself headlong toward the
Library Planet! He calls out behind him:
SILVER SURFER
Watcher! This is not a time to
talk! Now must you break your vow
of non-interference and act along
with me!
As the Surfer soars, we ANGLE PAST HIM TO the Watcher, whose
great head turns from side to side in dismay. Around him,
the other images unthinkingly do the same.
THE WATCHER
Silver Surfer, it is true that as
the Watcher, I possess knowledge
beyond measure.
(a wrenched
confession)
But the power that would match it
is something I do not possess...!
WIDER
As the Surfer realizes what the Watcher is telling him. He
banks around to look back at the other being.
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12.
SILVER SURFER
I will stop the Sarq. For you and
all you have done for me.
(beat)
And for my return to Shalla Bal!
THE WATCHER
You must be careful, Silver
Surfer. With their ability to
absorb energy from space itself,
the Sarq are formidable foes!
But the Surfer is already speeding along the nearest COSMIC
WAVE to:
MORG AND THE OTHERS
The ENERGY LINES VANISH, and the spikes of the Sarq CRACKLE
WITH THEIR SCYTHELIKE LIGHTNING. But then something else
CRACKLES as well: A BOLT OF THE POWER COSMIC! We TIGHTEN ON
THE SURFER'S POWER BOLT as it hits Morg, sending him flying!
WIDER
The Surfer soars at the Sarq. Thiran smiles grimly.
THIRAN
The Silver Surfer?! Why does one
who has participated in the
destruction of millions of planets
defend this Center of Evil?
MORG
Around him, space TWINKLES WITH ENERGY, the ENERGY LINES
striking his spikes and revitalizing him as though nothing
had ever happened.
MORG
Perhaps he wishes to save it for
his master!
And, throwing his FIREBALLS, Morg charges back at:
THE SILVER SURFER AND THIRAN
The Surfer dodges one FIREBALL, another. Thiran laughs.
THIRAN
Allow me to present Morg, War
Leader of the Great Darkness.
(more)
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13.
THIRAN (cont'd)
I am Thiran, High Priest of the
True Way.
Morg flies at the Surfer, his SCYTHE LIGHTNING spinning from
his body and slicing through space. The Surfer BLASTS at it,
and their ENERGIES meet halfway between the two combatants,
EXPLODING!
SILVER SURFER
(turning back to
Thiran)
No longer do I serve Galactus. My
mission here is one of mercy.
THIRAN
Your emotion is misplaced...!
WIDER
Thiran nods to Morg, and all hell breaks loose as the rest of
the Sarq enter the fray. More SCYTHE LIGHTNING SLICES at the
Surfer, and he escapes it by slaloming between the spiked
Sarq until --
NEW ANGLE
Now the Surfer is bombarded by FIREBALLS. Again, he FIRES
HIS COSMIC BOLTS, EXPLODING the FIREBALLS before they can hit
him! The FIREBALLS keep coming, and so do the COSMIC BOLTS,
with neither side gaining a real advantage until:
THIRAN
Has been watching the battle. Now he flies to Morg, saying
something we can't hear over the SOUNDS OF THE FIGHT. Morg
signals for the others to stop fighting, as:
THIRAN
(calling out)
Silver Surfer...!
SILVER SURFER
Arcs over a last pair of FIREBALLS, and comes around to see
Thiran flying closer to him. The Surfer circles warily.
SILVER SURFER
I am listening, Thiran.
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14.
THIRAN
You are a mighty warrior. Is it
true that like us your strength
comes not from technology but from
within?
SILVER SURFER
(still wary)
I am the possessor of the power
cosmic, given me by Galactus
himself.
THIRAN
The power of the greatest
Destroyer of all!
(gesturing at the
Watcher)
You should be aiding not the
Watcher but us...
ANOTHER ANGLE - FAVORING MORG
As the Silver Surfer and Thiran talk, the war leader also
approaches the Surfer, flying to a point across space from
Thiran, at the Surfer's other side, as:
THIRAN
The knowledge he and his ilk value
causes nothing but misery and pain!
SILVER SURFER
You speak the language all tyrants
speak! I have grown up seeing how
knowledge improves life, Thiran.
THIRAN
The interstellar space in which I
grew up is dark, Silver Surfer.
Darkness is where we are intended
to live.
MORG
What is real lives in darkness.
Knowledge and technology give only
the illusion of light!
Morg slows to a stop. His spikes take in more ENERGY LINES
as he "re-charges," definitely up to something, although we
don't yet know what. Beyond him, the other Sarq do the same.
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15.
THE SILVER SURFER
Seeing what is happening and resuming his fighting stance.
SILVER SURFER
You dare ask me to forsake all I
have ever believed? That is
something the Silver Surfer can
never do!
THIRAN
Now his spikes start to GLOW! For the first time Thiran
attacks. Instead of fireballs or whirling lightning,
however, his spikes FLARE UP, and from them shoot ENERGY
LINES like those we've seen.
MORG
His spikes do the same, ENERGY LINES shooting out!
THE WATCHER
Looks on with alarm.
THE WATCHER
Silver Surfer, beware!
THE SILVER SURFER
Zooming to the side and dodging the two sets of forces --
only to run into:
WIDER
A third set of ENERGY LINES -- coming at him from the rest of
the Sarq. The Surfer bobs and weaves, FIRES another
intercepting BLAST, but although it takes out a few of the
incoming ENERGY LINES it can't stop all of them.
The LINES OF ENERGY converge on the Surfer from all
directions, and as they do so they begin COMBINING WITH EACH
OTHER, forming:
AN ENERGY NET
SIZZLING WITH POWER, the NET begins tightening around him.
THE SILVER SURFER
Enmeshed in the ENERGY NET and pulled off his board, which
goes whirling away.
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16.
The Surfer FIRES A COSMIC BOLT at the NET. But instead of
breaking apart, the NET grows thicker and stronger where it's
been hit, holding the Surfer even more tightly than before!
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
Not giving up. He continues to FIRE COSMIC BOLTS, but with
each hit the ENERGY NET becomes still thicker, tightening on
the Surfer more and more, and blocking all his BOLTS.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
This energy net absorbs my power!
Perhaps I can absorb the net!
He closes his eyes, concentrating -- but nothing happens at
all!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Nothing! But still do I have the
power to transmute...
From the Surfer's eyes comes his TRANSMUTATION BEAM. It hits
the NET before him -- and the ENERGY from the TRANSMUTATION
BEAM causes the LINES OF THE ENERGY NET to grow even
stronger, until the Surfer is bound so closely that he can no
longer move!
WIDER
As Thiran flies to the ENERGY NET, peering at his captive
closely.
THIRAN
You see, Silver Surfer? You are
going to aid us. By combining our
might with your power cosmic, we
will blow the Universal Library
apart with no risk to the Sarq.
(beat)
Unfortunately, all that will
remain of you is a burnt-out husk.
But you may take pride in the
glory you bring to our Way!
We TIGHTEN ON the Silver Surfer. He grabs at Thiran -- and
touches one of the ENERGY LINES.
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17.
It EXPLODES WITH ENERGY yet stays whole, causing the Surfer's
entire body to SIZZLE as well. We HOLD ON the writhing
Silver Surfer as he CRIES OUT WORDLESSLY and we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
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18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - A COMET
ZOOMING through space in all its fiery glory!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
All I have striven for, this long,
lonely time I have been the Silver
Surfer...
As the Surfer talks, we ANGLE WITH THE COMET TO SEE that it
is headed directly at:
THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA
The comet comes closer, closer to the planet's outer
atmosphere as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Has been to return to the world,
and the woman, I love. Yet no
matter how near I come, still does
my goal seem unattainable...
And, proving that fact, the comet hits the INVISIBLE BARRIER
OF CRACKLING ENERGY. For a beat, the entire comet SPARKS IN
A RAINBOW OF COLORS -- and then it is gone, VAPORIZED, as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
PANNING ACROSS the fresh destruction. We FIND a group of
Virals gathered around another of their kind, its stillness
showing that it has been injured.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I see now that vengeful Galactus
was right when he said the power
cosmic would be not a blessing but
a curse...
KEENING, the Virals join with each other, and with the
injured Viral as well, and then separate again -- with the
formerly still one of their kind now moving, vital and strong!
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19.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Soon will it destroy the Virals --
and all the knowledge they have
stored!
We ANGLE UPWARD, ZOOMING THROUGH THE SKY TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - THE WATCHER
Gazing down helplessly at:
THE SILVER SURFER
Tightly bound within the Sarq ENERGY NET. He grabs at one
the ENERGY LINES that makes it up, and the LINE EXPLODES with
ENERGY that causes the Surfer to writhe and CRY OUT once more!
SILVER SURFER
Thiran!
We WIDEN TO SEE Thiran beside the ENERGY NET. He regards the
Surfer calmly.
THIRAN
Resistance is futile, Silver
Surfer. The more you struggle,
the more energy you waste.
The Surfer lets go of the ENERGY NET, looks at Thiran.
SILVER SURFER
You would truly use me to destroy
the very world I have vowed to
defend?
THIRAN
How could we not? Look around
you, at the universal Dark. Did
you really believe enlightenment
and Knowledge could prevail?
Before the Surfer can reply, Morg flies to the High Priest.
He indicates the other Sarq.
MORG
All is in readiness, Most High.
THIRAN
Then let the Ceremony of
Obliteration begin!
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20.
WIDER
As from the Sarqs' spikes come more GLOWING ENERGY LINES.
THE SARQ
(chanting)
Destroy all Knowledge! Return the
universe to the Dark!
Over and over they repeat it as, like electrical wiring, the
LINES extend outward in space, all tying themselves into a
central source -- the top of the ENERGY NET in which the
Surfer now is imprisoned.
SILVER SURFER
(calling out)
Thiran! Morg! You are wrong...!
The Sarq continue their "Ceremony," and the ENERGY LINES that
surround the Surfer SHOOT ACROSS THE NET from top to bottom.
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
CRYING OUT WORDLESSLY as the COLOR of his own body starts to
change, alternately LIGHTENING and DARKENING as, forcing
himself to get out the words:
SILVER SURFER
Indeed are you gifted by what you
call the Dark...!
At the bottom of the ENERGY NET, a new, thickly BRAIDED LINE
OF FORCE emerges. We ANGLE WITH the BRAIDED LINE OF FORCE
as, PULSATING IN THE SAM RHYTHM as the body of the Surfer, it
plunges downward to:
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
Reaching the atmosphere, the BRAIDED LINE BURSTS OPEN, myriad
ENERGY TENDRILS ZOOMING OUT, entwining the entire surface of
the planet in the same kind of ENERGY NET that encases the
Surfer.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
But to worship ignorance condemns
both you and others to the most
violent and meaningless lives!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The surface of the planet vibrates and RUMBLES ominously.
KEENING Virals ooze desperately -- with nowhere to go!
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21.
Suddenly one large area of the ground EXPLODES! Then
another! A huge chunk of motherboard-like land breaks off
from the planet and streaks out toward:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - THE WATCHER
As the chunk of the Library Planet flies through his outlined
form. The Watcher reacts with fury:
THE WATCHER
The fools will not listen to you,
Silver Surfer.
(to the Sarq)
So long have you lived with your
ignorant beliefs that your minds
are shut tight!
The Sarqs' only response is to LAUGH, as:
THE SILVER SURFER
Shaking and vibrating like the world below, the LIGHTENING
AND DARKENING of his body intensifying to A POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE FLASH.
SILVER SURFER
Watcher! What is happening to me?
I feel as though a roaring volcano
has awakened within my being!
WIDER
INCLUDING not only the Surfer and the Watcher, but the Sarq,
their CHANTING GROWING LOUDER AND FASTER as, shouting to be
heard above it:
THE WATCHER
Your entire power cosmic is being
drained! Would that I could do
something! Would that I could
help...!
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
More chunks of the planet EXPLODE as:
THE WATCHER (O.S.)
Soon both the Silver Surfer and
the Universal Library will exist
no more!
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22.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - THE SILVER SURFER
FLASHING POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE. He gathers himself as:
SILVER SURFER
Watcher! Even if you do not know
how to stop this -- is it not
possible that, with their great
learning, the Virals do -- ?
The Surfer breaks off as he goes NEGATIVE for a long beat.
Then, as his positive form returns:
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
Speak to them! Now!!!
THE WATCHER
Does not look hopeful.
THE WATCHER
Never since I caused the fateful
alteration of my people into this
form have they communicated with
me -- but I will try!
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
As the Watcher RIPPLES into the sky.
THE WATCHER
My brothers and sisters! It is
Oatu...
We ANGLE ACROSS the blasted landscape, to various Virals.
They look upward, then ooze toward each other, and, KEENING,
begin to merge.
THE WATCHER
(continuing)
Quickly, before all is lost --
tell me...what must be done?
More Virals emerge from hiding, converging with the others to
make one great Viral, as:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - THE SILVER SURFER
Turning NEGATIVE for an even longer beat. He GROANS.
Suddenly, in SEPULCHRAL TONES:
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23.
MENTOR VIRAL (V.O.)
Silver Surfer, my friend...if you
would save us, there is a way!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
That voice in my brain -- well do
I know it! Mentor? Is that you?
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
And I as well!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Nebula?
WATCHER PRIME (V.O.)
(even more eerie)
All of us, Silver Surfer...
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY - THE HUGE VIRAL
Is sent sprawling across the planet's bucking terrain as:
WATCHER PRIME (V.O.)
The Virals of the Universal
Library, speaking as one.
(quickly)
To prevent the Sarq from accessing
your power cosmic, we must replace
it with our mental force by
connecting to you as well.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - THE SILVER SURFER
The NEGATIVE PERIODS ARE STILL GROWING LONGER, and we SEE
that the Surfer can barely move, even as more and more ENERGY
PULSES DOWN FROM THE ENERGY NET to the world below.
MENTOR VIRAL (V.O.)
But be warned -- when the two
meet, it may be more than you are
able to bear.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Whatever the consequence -- I am
prepared.
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY - THE HUGE VIRAL
From its head comes a PIERCING BEAM OF RED LIGHT. THE LIGHT
STRIKES THE NEAREST LINE OF FORCE AND WITH AMAZING SPEED IT
EXPANDS INTO ALL THE LINES OF ENERGY, FOLLOWING THEM UPWARD
TO THE BRAIDED LINE!
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24.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY
Like a visual version of audio feedback, the RED BEAM OF PURE
THOUGHT takes over all the rest of the ENERGY LINES that come
from the Sarq, WHOOSHING INTO:
THE ENERGY NET
The RED LIGHT ENVELOPS it -- and the Silver Surfer as well.
He arches his back, twisting as though being torn apart,
again CRYING OUT --
WIDER
The RED BEAM MOVES BEYOND THE NET TO ITS SOURCE -- THE SARQ.
Thiran, Morg, and the others FLASH RED, their CHANTING
TURNING TO SCREAMS, and they stagger backward in space. The
ENERGY LINES from their spikes ERUPT, vanishing as though
physically torn.
THE SILVER SURFER
The ENERGY NET VANISHES. The Surfer lies drifting in space.
Exhausted, he can barely get out the words:
SILVER SURFER
To me, my board!
THE SILVER SURFER'S BOARD
Soars to him from a point near the PLASMA JUMP. It glides
under his feet as:
THE SARQ
Fleeing as though for their lives. They fly as far from the
Library Planet as they can, and both Morg and Thiran turn
back, taking one last look at the Surfer, before
FORESHORTENING INTO WARP and leaving the system to:
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE WATCHER
Alone in space over the Library planet. No longer silver but
a dull gray, the Surfer forces himself to his feet.
SILVER SURFER
What -- happened...?
WATCHER PRIME (V.O.)
Through you, Silver Surfer, we
transmitted all our thoughts --
all the learning of the Library...
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25.
As the Viral "speaks," the Surfer turns toward:
THE BLOATED RED SUN
Where sunspots whirl and eddy.
MENTOR VIRAL (V.O.)
To beings who could never accept
it.
The sunspots break away, heading for:
THE SILVER SURFER
As the ENERGIZING sunspots move into him. We WIDEN TO
INCLUDE the Watcher as the Surfer looks up at him.
SILVER SURFER
So the Sarq had no choice but to
flee. They were overwhelmed by
the very essence of what they
abhorred --
He BRIGHTENS, his strength returning.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
Knowledge!
THE WATCHER
That is what the Virals have told
you?
SILVER SURFER
You did not hear?
The Watcher shakes his head unhappily.
THE WATCHER
Still am I punished. Still are
they closed to me.
(trying to recover)
But you must speak with them once
more. For it is the Virals -- and
only the Virals -- who can
complete your return to Zenn-La.
And, on this realization, we
DISSOLVE TO:
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26.
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE PLASMA JUMP
The RING OF BLUE PLASMA ERUPTS as the Silver Surfer soars out
of it. We ANGLE FROM HIM TO the planet of Zenn-La as:
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
So that's Zenn-La! It's not a
place I've ever been to before...
ANOTHER ANGLE
SEEING that beside the Surfer, encased in an ENERGY BUBBLE,
is the creature we will soon learn is the NEBULA VIRAL.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
After all, there didn't seem to be
much profit in stealing ideals.
SILVER SURFER
The profit, Nebula, would have
been to your spirit.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
That's not something a pirate has
much use for. And a pirate is
what I was, pure and simple.
SILVER SURFER
But now you are a being who is
going to aid me. Are you ready to
begin?
NEBULA VIRAL
(seriously)
Any time, Surfer. No matter the
distance, my mind remains linked
to those of my fellow Virals.
WIDER
The Surfer flies closer to the planet, and as he brushes the
invisible ENERGY BARRIER it CRACKLES and, quickly, he arcs
away.
SILVER SURFER
Will that link have the strength
to open a rift in the barrier?
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Just as it sent the Sarq scurrying
away like frightened Skrulls!
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27.
Suddenly, another VOICE comes out of the void:
WATCHER PRIME (V.O.)
If we are to repay you for your
help against our attackers, Silver
Surfer, it must be done quickly --
before our insatiable curiosity
turns us to other matters.
The Nebula Viral gets to work. KEENING, it rears back within
the ENERGY BUBBLE, raising its ungainly head.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY - THE GREAT VIRAL
It too KEENS, much like before, a BEAM OF BRIGHT LIGHT BURSTS
from its head. We ANGLE WITH THE BEAM OF MENTAL ENERGY as it
pierces upward, on its way to:
CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA - MATCHING
SHOT - THE BEAM OF BRIGHT LIGHT
Appearing in space before the ENERGY BUBBLE -- where it is
met by a similar, smaller BEAM from the head of the Nebula
Virus.
We ANGLE WITH THE TWIN BEAM as it strikes the ENERGY
BARRIER -- and is met by the CRACKLING ENERGY. The BEAM
draws back sharply --
THE SILVER SURFER
Watching intently, face growing more concerned. But then:
THE NEBULA VIRAL
As the BEAM re-enters its head. The Nebula Viral tosses back
its head again, then jerks it forward (like an Earthly bowler
using "body English" on his ball), sending out another BEAM.
Again we ANGLE WITH THE BEAM. Again it joins the other and
hits the BARRIER. And again the BARRIER CRACKLES! But this
time the CRACKLING ENERGY SPLITS in two -- a peaceful BLACK
OPENING appearing between the CRACKLING EDGES.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Surfer -- I don't know how long I
can hold it. Now's the time to
make your move!
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28.
WIDER
The Surfer starts forward, toward the rift -- then stops and
turns back to the Nebula Viral.
SILVER SURFER
Wait! I must send you through the
Plasma Jump, so you can return
home.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
I may still be in this hideous
body, Surfer -- but what makes you
think I would want to return?
The strange voice starts to LAUGH. Crouching low on his
board, the Surfer and his board shoot forward --
EXT. THE ADJACENT DIMENSION - REVERSE ANGLE - THE SILVER
SURFER
Zooming through the rift. On his face is a widening smile.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I am coming home...!
As he soars downward, toward the waiting planet, we HOLD ON
on the rift behind him. The BEAMS VANISH, the ENERGY BARRIER
re-closing, and beyond it, we can still SEE the Nebula
Viral -- as it continues its ominous LAUGH!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer soars toward the surface of Zenn-La. Beyond
him we can SEE new stellar objects we haven't SEEN before,
including distant planets -- and a bright yellow sun!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Home...!
EXT. PLANET OF ZENN-LA - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Swooping over rolling hills, and grazing animals.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Home...!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer soars over the rebuilt Academy. He circles it,
crying out:
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29.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal!
From within the Academy, various students stream out to the
courtyard -- all races, sexes, sizes, and shapes. They stare
up at the Surfer in wonder.
MALE STUDENT FEMALE STUDENT
Can it be? He has returned!
They wave and CHEER. The Surfer swoops down, looking all
around. Now his voice expresses concern:
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal!
And at last another figure emerges from the Academy, and yes,
it is SHALLA BAL! She too looks up at the Silver Surfer, in
great wonder.
SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd! But how -- ?
SILVER SURFER
Come with me, beloved, and I will
tell you all!
WIDER
As FULL A SHOT as we can do, so that we get the full majesty
of the moment as the Surfer zips to Shalla Bal and lifts her
up in his arms. The Surfer takes them back up into the sky!
VARIOUS ANGLES - SERIES OF SHOTS
(NOTE: This SEQUENCE should be pure animation, with the
MUSIC AND ART saying what words cannot, and everything as
realistic as possible so that we know we are dealing not with
fantasy but the miraculous reality of Zenn-La!)
Clinging to each other tightly, the Silver Surfer and Shalla
Bal soar over the countryside, SEEING:
LION-LIKE PREDATORS
Calmly walking and lying beside lamb-like beings that should
be prey.
A MAN AND A WOMAN
Seated beside each other in a grassy meadow, deep in lotus
position contemplation.
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30.
AN EAGLE-LIKE BIRD
Winging toward them so that we fear it is attacking -- and
then folding its wings and taking its place on Shalla Bal's
shoulder.
A CALM BLUE OCEAN
The Surfer skims along its surface -- and a school of dolphin-
like fish leap up, over both him and Shalla Bal.
A HIGH MOUNTAIN RANGE
The Surfer and Shalla Bal fly into a cleft between two
snowcapped mountains to a flowering meadow.
As the flowers try to reach them in greeting, stretching
upward like a living bouquet, we TIGHTEN ON the two long-
separated lovers and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ZENN-LA SCULPTURE GARDEN - DAY - THE ROCKET SCULPTURE
The same thing we first saw Norrin Radd looking at, back in
#1875-01.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Never did I expect to see
something like this!
We WIDEN TO SEE that beside the rocket sculpture is another
one -- of Norrin Radd!
SHALLA BAL
You performed the most heroic deed
in the history of our world,
Norrin Radd...
WIDENING MORE, we SEE the Surfer and Shalla Bal standing with
their arms around each other before the two works of art.
His board stands down the way from them, propped up against
another beautiful sculpture.
SHALLA BAL
(continuing)
I felt you deserved the honor.
SILVER SURFER
You felt? Would not such a
decision belong to the Master --
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31.
He breaks off sharply, interrupted by a familiar voice:
THANOS (O.S.)
Master!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As an imposing figure strides toward them: It's definitely
a being we've SEEN before -- THANOS!
Immediately, the Surfer steps in front of Shalla Bal. He
extends his arms, and his fists start to GLOW.
SILVER SURFER
Thanos?! You dare...?
Thanos stops. His demeanor is much different from what we've
known -- serious, sincere. Both he and Shalla Bal look
surprised.
THANOS
I do not understand. Thanos is my
name. But although I know of you,
Norrin Radd, I am not aware that
I have any claim to fame.
SHALLA BAL
(to the Surfer)
Thanos came here to study shortly
after you left.
The Surfer hesitates, shocked at what he hears. We TIGHTEN
ON his face and
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - AN ASTEROID (FLASHBACK FROM #1875-15 -
ALL NEW ANIMATION)
Where the Surfer stands before Eternity and Infinity as:
SILVER SURFER
So all has been returned as it was?
ETERNITY
Almost all. You will discover for
yourself how some things are
changed.
SMASH CUT TO:
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32.
EXT. ZENN-LA SCULPTURE GARDEN - DAY (END OF FLASHBACK)
The Surfer POWERS DOWN. He chooses his words carefully:
SILVER SURFER
I wish you peace here, Thanos.
And enlightenment.
(to Shalla Bal)
Did he call you "Master?"
THANOS
Of course! Shalla Bal is the
Master of Zenn-La!
SHALLA BAL
(to the Surfer)
All of us here felt the Master's
passing, and since you were not
among us --
SILVER SURFER
You, I am certain were the most
qualified!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer picks her up happily, swinging her around. Shalla
Bal LAUGHS, but then, very seriously:
THANOS
Master, I bring urgent news. The
Soul Hunter is coming to our world.
SILVER SURFER
The Soul Hunter?
SHALLA BAL
It is he who is responsible for
bringing us -- and many other
worlds -- into this, his home
dimension.
THANOS
The Soul Hunter saw how vulnerable
we were, and gave us eternal peace!
SHALLA BAL
He does not often honor us with
his presence, Norrin Radd. I am
sure he has come to do you honor!
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33.
NEW ANGLE
As the sky suddenly DARKENS. THUNDER RUMBLES. LIGHTNING
STRIKES before the Silver Surfer and the others, and in the
LIGHTNING appears:
THE SOUL HUNTER
A human-like figure in simple robes. He looks at the Silver
Surfer, and his expression hardens.
SOUL HUNTER
(angrily)
I did not bring you here!
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
Shalla Bal is surprised by the Soul Hunter's words. She
steps toward him, speaks gently:
SHALLA BAL
Great One...this is Norrin Radd --
WIDER
The Soul Hunter grows taller, wider. He is the size of a
mountain now, his voice a BOOMING, FURIOUS ROAR:
SOUL HUNTER
My boundaries have been violated!
My hospitality betrayed!
(even harder)
Norrin Radd -- begone!
THUNDER BOOMS, and before the Silver Surfer can react the
Soul God reaches out, taking him in one huge hand. In one
swift motion, the Soul Hunter throws the Surfer upward into
the sky!
We ANGLE WITH the shocked Surfer, flailing helplessly. He
spins higher, higher, far over the planet, as we
FADE OUT:
THE END
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