THE SILVER SURFER
SOUL HUNTER: PART TWO
(Formerly: SOUL MASTER: PART TWO)
(#2147-16)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
REV. FINAL DRAFT
MARCH 24, 1998
THE SILVER SURFER
SOUL HUNTER: PART TWO
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE WATCHER
Outlined against the blackness of space.
THE WATCHER
I am the Watcher...
As we HEAR the name, the Watcher RIPPLES out of existence,
and in his place we SEE the SILVER SURFER and his board
WARPING INTO space above the planet Zenn-La.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Since his creation, often has the
destiny of the Silver Surfer
seemed inextricably linked to my
own...
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer soars joyfully toward Zenn-La -- and is sent
reeling back by a RAINBOW OF ENERGY from an INVISIBLE BARRIER
in space before it.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
At no time has that conjunction
been more evident than when the
former Norrin Radd finally located
his long-sought homeworld...
The Surfer FIRES A SERIES OF COSMIC BOLTS at the barrier --
and they EXPLODE against it and then CAROM backward at him,
sending the Surfer CRASHING into an asteroid belt.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
And found that it had been placed
in another dimension of time and
space, inaccessible to him...
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
SEEING the various VIRALS oozing along their way.
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2.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Only with the aid of the Virals,
devolved remnants of my own once
noble race, could the Silver
Surfer pierce the barrier that
kept him from Zenn-La...
Suddenly, MORG and his SARQ troops come hurtling down,
destroying the landscape with their FIREBALLS AND WHIRLING
LIGHTNING!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
They, however, were under
attack -- by the Sarq, space-
faring barbarians dedicated to the
destruction of all knowledge...!
EXT. SPACE ABOVE THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY
Where the Surfer is trapped in the Sarq ENERGY NET, its LINES
OF FORCE STRETCHING DOWN to the Library Planet, while THIRAN
leads them in a ceremony of destruction.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Entrapped, the Silver Surfer
seemed helpless to prevent the
Sarq from using his own power to
annihilate the Universal Library...
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
Where the planet is being BLASTED BY THE LINES OF FORCE. The
Virals -- united as one -- SEND OUT A FORCE OF THEIR OWN.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Until he and the Virals joined
forces...
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the LINES OF FORCE BACKFIRE through the Surfer, BLASTING
the Sarq and forcing them to flee!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Their combined energies scattering
the Sarq to the universe's very
ends...!
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3.
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA
From its place within an ENERGY BUBBLE, the NEBULA VIRAL
EMITS A BEAM that opens a hole in the INVISIBLE BARRIER, the
Surfer plunging through it as:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Using the Viral once known as
Nebula as a focus, the Virals
enabled their ally to return to
his home...
EXT. ZENN-LA - THE SCULPTURE GARDEN - DAY
Where the Surfer and SHALLA BAL embrace.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
And his beloved, Shalla Bal! All
seemed serene...
ANOTHER ANGLE
The SOUL HUNTER appears out of the sky, approaching the
Surfer, Shalla Bal, and THANOS.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Until the Soul Hunter, master of
this dimension and the being
responsible for bringing Zenn-La
into it -- made his displeasure
known...!
The Soul Hunter grows taller, wider. Reaching out, he takes
the Surfer in one huge hand, throwing him upward, into the
sky! The Watcher RIPPLES INTO VIEW again as:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
I am the Watcher -- and once more
must my attention focus on the
Silver Surfer -- and the triumphs
and tragedies that signal his fate!
We ANGLE FROM THE WATCHER TO THE SILVER SURFER as we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - SPACE OVER ZENN-LA
Where the Silver Surfer is flailing helplessly as he falls
from the planet and into space.
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4.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Shalla Bal spoke of the Soul
Hunter as a benefactor...
ANOTHER ANGLE
Heading straight toward him is a meteor. Still whirling, out
of control, the now upside-down Surfer FIRES A COSMIC BLAST,
SHATTERING the meteor just before they collide.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(wryly)
If the Seeker means me well now,
how must he behave when he intends
harm?
The recoil from his own BLAST rights the Surfer but sends him
flying backward, down toward the planet below. Quickly, he
calls out:
SILVER SURFER
To me, my board!
EXT. ZENN-LA - THE SCULPTURE GARDEN - DAY
Where the three-story tall figure of the Soul Hunter towers
over Shalla Bal and Thanos. Shalla Bal calls up to him:
SHALLA BAL
Great one -- how can you do this?
I can feel your displeasure within
me -- but your attack on Norrin
Radd was unprovoked...!
As she speaks, we ANGLE TO:
THE SILVER SURFER'S BOARD
Resting against a sculpture at the other end of the garden.
We WIDEN as it lifts away, spiraling upward, Shalla Bal and
the others gazing at it in amazement as:
SOUL HUNTER
Can you not understand? Norrin
Radd is an interloper here...
The board streaks into the stratosphere, the Soul Hunter
flying after it.
SOUL HUNTER
(continuing)
My borders are violated -- !
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5.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA - THE SILVER
SURFER'S BOARD
Soars beneath the Surfer's feet just before he hits the
atmosphere, stopping his fall and turning it into a graceful
arc as:
SOUL HUNTER (O.S.)
By you!
We WIDEN TO SEE the Soul Hunter's huge body flying behind the
board, directly at the Silver Surfer! He grabs at the
Surfer, who dodges with his board and tries to understand:
SILVER SURFER
Seeker, whatever the cause of your
enmity, it need not be...
The Soul Hunter vanishes -- and reappears exactly where the
Surfer has been heading. Again the Surfer dodges on his
board, and the Soul Hunter's great hand snatches at
nothing -- barely.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
My desire is not to harm you but
to live the rest of my life on
Zenn-La -- in peace!
WIDER
Again the Soul Hunter vanishes and reappears -- and this time
his hand closes around the Surfer.
SOUL HUNTER
There can be no peace with a
trespasser in my realm! Look
around you, Norrin Radd...
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION
THROUGH THE SOUL HUNTER'S GRASP. We PAN ACROSS the solar
system in which Zenn-La now "resides," SEEING other planets,
and the yellow sun.
SOUL HUNTER (O.S.)
This dimension with its worlds --
its civilizations -- is my
creation...
An INTERSTELLAR SHIP moves by, too far away to be identified.
Beyond it are other planets, and stars...a whole universe...
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6.
SOUL HUNTER (O.S.)
(continuing)
A place where everything I have
chosen will be forever safe -- and
I have not chosen you!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND THE SOUL HUNTER
The Soul hunter brings the struggling Surfer closer to his
face.
SILVER SURFER
But why do you believe I am a
threat?
SOUL HUNTER
Look how we battle, almost evenly
matched. Your power is truly
awesome, Norrin Radd.
(harder)
How can the Dimension of the Soul
Hunter be a haven -- when I have
a rival such as you?!
And, as he says it, a BEAM OF ENERGY STABS OUT from the Soul
Hunter's forehead, hitting the Surfer -- and bouncing off his
silver body, its FULL FORCE striking:
THE SOUL HUNTER
SCREAMING, he stiffens, then collapses. The Soul Hunter
starts to literally DISSOLVE, getting smaller and smaller as
we
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
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7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. ZENN-LA - THE SCULPTURE GARDEN - DAY - THE SILVER
SURFER
Soaring down to it. In his arms he holds the still figure of
the Soul Hunter. We WIDEN TO SEE Shalla Bal and Thanos
rushing to them as the Surfer lands. Shalla Bal reaches out
to the Soul Hunter.
SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd! What have you done
to the Soul Hunter?
SILVER SURFER
Ask rather what he has done. I
have attempted merely to survive.
ANOTHER ANGLE - FAVORING THE SOUL HUNTER
Continuing to diminish in size as the Surfer lies him onto
the ground. Shalla Bal bends over the unmoving form, which
is now about the size of a normal man.
SHALLA BAL
Soul Hunter! Can you speak to me?
Tell me what to do!
WIDER
All the Soul Hunter can do is GROAN. Thanos glares at the
Surfer.
THANOS
The Great One took Zenn-La so that
never could the planet be menaced
again -- and this is how we have
thanked him!
Before the Surfer can respond, Shalla Bal turns to him as
well.
SHALLA BAL
Oh, Norrin Radd -- never would I
have thought that the joy of our
reunion would turn so dark --
She breaks off as other Zenn-Lavians hurry to see what has
happened. They speak up angrily:
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8.
FEMALE STUDENT MALE STUDENT
I felt the Great One's The Soul Hunter is dying!
disturbance within my very And it is all because of
soul! Norrin Radd!
The students press closer, like an angry mob.
THANOS
Norrin Radd, when first I came to
this world, I promised never to
use my destructive power again.
(meaningfully)
But if I had not...
Thanos lets it hang, and the Surfer -- like all of us -- is
struck by the irony of the situation. He takes an angry step
forward, then stops himself.
SILVER SURFER
I tell you, your "Great One" was
injured when his own beam of
energy struck him!
SHALLA BAL
(urgently)
That energy is beyond the ability
of even the Master of Zenn-La to
countermand. But we must do
something!
SILVER SURFER
Among the powers given me by
Galactus...
We TIGHTEN ON the Surfer as from his eyes comes his HEALING
BEAM. It EMANATES OUT at:
THE SOUL HUNTER
On the ground, continuing to get smaller. He is BATHED IN
THE HEALING BEAM as:
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Is that of healing...
The Soul Hunter stirs, his eyes opening, so that for a beat
we think that the Surfer is going to succeed. But then the
Great One's eyes close again, and he dwindles to
NOTHINGNESS...and is gone!
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9.
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
The Surfer slumps back, hardly able to believe what has
happened.
SILVER SURFER
Is this possible? How could I
have failed...?
The Zenn-Lavians CRY OUT, WALLAHING in anguish! Shalla Bal
addresses them as only their Master can:
SHALLA BAL
A great and wonderful being has
left our lives.
(to the Surfer;
bitterly)
Perhaps it would have been better
if you had never returned here,
Norrin Radd.
The Surfer reacts as though her very words have struck him.
When he turns to Shalla Bal, his eyes are filled with pain.
SILVER SURFER
You could say such a thing...?
After all I have endured --
He breaks off, as, in an AMPLIFIED VOICE:
R'ANDOM (O.S.)
Zenn-La!!!
From O.S. comes a ROARING SOUND. The Surfer and the others
look up at:
THEIR POV - ZENN-LA SKY
Where an ARMADA OF SKRULL SHIPS WARPS INTO VIEW. A
HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE of the Skrull called CAPTAIN R'ANDOM gazes
down at everyone.
SHALLA BAL (O.S.)
It is Commander R'andom!
R'ANDOM
We too have sensed the result of
the battle between our beloved
Soul Hunter and the Silver
Surfer...
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10.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
As the Surfer stares.
SILVER SURFER
Skrull planets are in this
dimension?
THANOS
No planet, but this fleet --
He stops, and they turn their attention back to:
THEIR POV - ZENN-LA SKY
Where the ships' ENERGY WEAPONS ARE ACTIVATING, starting to
GLOW.
R'ANDOM
The mental link we shared with the
Soul Hunter brought us a peace no
Skrull had ever felt before. But
the Silver Surfer has taken that
feeling away...!
The muzzles of the ships' ENERGY WEAPONS swivel so that they
all are trained downward -- at the Surfer! The IMAGE of
R'andom points to his ship:
R'ANDOM
(continuing)
Put yourself in our custody,
Silver Surfer -- or Zenn-La will
face more of this...!
The IMAGE VANISHES, and, as one, the ships FIRE! The BEAMS
from each one of them unite in a huge WAVE OF PURE
DESTRUCTIVE ENERGY!
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
As the Zenn-Lavians CRY OUT, AD LIB. The Surfer leaps onto
his board.
SILVER SURFER
No...!!!
WIDER
The Surfer soars toward the WAVE OF ENERGY.
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11.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
These Skrull have indeed reverted
to their warlike natures...
He FIRES TWIN COSMIC BOLTS into the WAVE OF ENERGY, and where
they meet they EXPLODE!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
With no regard for the
consequences to the innocents of
Zenn-La!
CLOSER ON THE ENERGY WAVE
For an instant it is interrupted -- but quickly it resumes!
THE SILVER SURFER
Slides out of the way of the ENERGY WAVE, which races past
him, toward the ground below.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
It would appear that I cannot stop
this wave of destruction! Instead
must I alter its form --
He lowers his extended arms, and from his eyes comes:
A TRANSMUTATION BEAM
ANGLING WITH it as the TRANSMUTATION BEAM sweeps down at the
Skrull ENERGY WAVE -- and hits it just before the WAVE
strikes the ground! The ENERGY WAVE VANISHES, replaced by:
A FLOCK OF BIRDS
Beautiful, dove-like creatures THE SAME COLOR AS THE WAVE.
The soar upward, swirling around the Surfer, who turns his
attention back up to the ships.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Still is my world in danger --
unless...
WIDER
Again the Surfer calls out:
SILVER SURFER
I am the one you seek to punish!
Work your will -- if you can!
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12.
He slaloms through the heart of the fleet -- and continuing
on, out to space! The ships follow, as:
SHALLA BAL AND THANOS
Watching all what the Surfer is doing. Shalla Bal turns to
Thanos.
SHALLA BAL
We must learn the truth about what
happened to the Great One!
THANOS
The Life Crystal may hold the
answer!
Together, they run to the Academy as we
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA - MATCHING SHOT -
THE SILVER SURFER
Catching a COSMIC WAVE and shooting out past the particles of
the destroyed moon.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I must lead the Skrull as far from
Zenn-La as possible...
He continues, away from the sun, toward the edge of the
system.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Having seen the horrors of the
Skrull nest world, well do I
understand the reason for their
combative nature...
WIDER
INCLUDING the Skrull armada. The lead ships FIRE, and this
time the ENERGY WAVE heads for the Surfer, whose thoughts are
concerned with the true mystery here:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
If the Soul Hunter could calm
them, his power must have been
both great and benevolent indeed...
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13.
The Surfer looks back, sees the ENERGY WAVE gaining. He
veers aside, and it misses him as he increases his speed.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Yet he attacked me without mercy,
his violence triggered by fear...
The Skrull FIRE again. The Surfer goes faster, faster --
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
There is more to this than what he
told me -- but what? What could
it be...?
And, pondering this, the Surfer FORESHORTENS INTO WARP and we
CUT TO:
INT. THE ACADEMY OF ZENN-LA - DAY - THE LIFE CRYSTAL
Shining as though from an inner light. Within it we SEE the
Soul Hunter's battle with the Surfer, the Soul Hunter's
deflected BEAM hitting him, as:
THANOS (O.S.)
The Life Crystal is re-creating
the battle between the Soul Hunter
and the Silver Surfer...
WIDENING, we SEE Shalla Bal and Thanos cross-legged on the
floor before the Crystal in an area that looks like a
laboratory -- if a laboratory were carved out of natural rock
and filled with live, growing flowers and plants. Shalla Bal
shakes her head.
SHALLA BAL
It was just as Norrin Radd said!
How could I have doubted him?
THANOS
We must have been influenced by
the disharmony we felt within the
Great One...
(beat)
What if he yet lives -- but has
continued to diminish in size?
SHALLA BAL
We must look closer -- into the
very fabric of this dimension!
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14.
She gestures at the Life Crystal, and the view within it
ZOOMS IN like that of a microscope. We TIGHTEN ON the
Crystal and the subatomic particles it presents as
CUT TO:
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE - A YOUNG STAR
BURNING BLUE HOT. We ANGLE PAST it to SEE the Silver Surfer
WARP INTO its system. He soars onward -- and the Skrull
armada WARPS IN nearby, continuing the chase. The Surfer
looks back at the ships.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Still are the Skrull with me...
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Skrull FIRE their ENERGY WAVE, and the Surfer streaks
away, toward a comet that arcs across his path. As he zooms
under it the comet shrinks -- and disappears!
THE SILVER SURFER
Comes around, distracted by what he's just seen. The Surfer
stares at the emptiness where the fiery astral body was mere
seconds before.
SILVER SURFER
How can this be? The comet -- it
vanished just as the Soul Hunter
did -- !
He stops as:
THE ENERGY WAVE
Hits him from behind. CRYING OUT WORDLESSLY, the Surfer and
his board FLARE UP WITH THE WAVE, as:
INT. SKRULL FLAGSHIP - THE BRIDGE - MATCHING SHOT - THE
SILVER SURFER
Tumbling within the ENERGY WAVE like a tree caught in a flow
of lava. We WIDEN TO SEE a pleased R'andom seated in the
command chair, surrounded by his crew.
R'ANDOM
The Silver Surfer was a worthy
adversary, but not even he can
escape this Skrull Mother's son!
(more)
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15.
R'ANDOM (cont'd)
(into communicator)
Move in...
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE
As the armada speeds at the struggling Surfer, bearing down
on him. We TIGHTEN PAST IT TO:
THE YOUNG STAR
Suddenly it too starts to shrink!
INT. SKRULL FLAGSHIP - THE BRIDGE
Rocks violently, sending R'andom and the others skidding
across the deck, CALLING OUT WORDLESSLY. The Commander is
about to crash into a bulkhead, stops himself by SHAPE-
SHIFTING into a Skrull-colored ball and bouncing off it
instead.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The ship continues to rock, R'andom SHAPE-SHIFTING back to
his normal form, looking incredulously at:
THE VIEWSCREEN
Where the nearby sun shrinks and VANISHES now!
R'ANDOM (O.S.)
What's happened to the sun...?!
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE - THE SILVER
SURFER
THE SILVER SURFER
Uses his TRANSMUTATION BEAM on the ENERGY WAVE, TRANSMUTING
it into tiny particles of space dust! Regaining his balance,
he arcs around, looking back at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE ARMADA
Not only the flagship, but all of the vessels are reeling and
whirling in the grip of an expanding WHIRLPOOL of alternating
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE FORCES originating from where the young
star used to be! The ship nearest the eye of the storm
CRACKS OPEN, its space-suited Skrull crew spilling out!
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16.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Transfixed by what he sees.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Some kind of energy vortex --
caused by the disappearance of the
star! Never could I have imagined
such a phenomenon!
WIDER
The Surfer moves in a tight circle, closer to the ENERGY
VORTEX as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
What is happening here?! During
the time I sought Zenn-La, I
believed that once I had returned
my problems would cease...
(beat)
Now I find new mysteries at every
turn...!
More ships are breaking up before the Surfer. He makes a
decision.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
These Skrull have returned to
their violent ways because I
entered this dimension.
(beat)
Never could I live with myself if
I abandoned them!
We ANGLE WITH the Surfer as he soars straight to:
INT. THE ENERGY VORTEX
Its POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE FORCES entwine the Surfer and his
board, yanking them around and around. The Surfer fights to
keep his balance, and we TIGHTEN ON him as, falling to his
knees, he holds onto the whirling board by his fingertips,
skidding helplessly into first one whirling Skrull ship, then
another, CRASHING and CRASHING, as we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
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17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY - DAY
Where, amid the ruins of the Library, the Virals merge and
split and merge again in different combinations. They are
definitely monstrous, as:
WATCHER PRIME (V.O.)
Nebula! No longer can we control
you, yet the minds of your brother
and sister Virals remain linked
with yours...
CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE PLASMA JUMP
Where we SEE the Nebula Viral, encased in an ENERGY BUBBLE
near the ENERGY BARRIER separating the rest of the universe
from the Soul hunter Dimension and Zenn-La. A chunk of space
debris hits the barrier and bounces off with a CRACKLE.
WATCHER PRIME (V.O.)
We know too well the crime you are
committing. Return to us!
The Nebula Viral shakes its ungainly head.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
No! Everything's been set into
motion. Soon you'll be my
"brothers and sisters" no more!
And, as the MENTAL NOISE of the KEENING VIRALS GROWS LOUDER,
O.S., we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE - THE ENERGY
VORTEX
Where both the Silver Surfer and the Skrull ships continue to
spin and CRASH uncontrollably. We TIGHTEN ON the eye of the
vortex as the space-suited Skrull crewmen we SAW earlier
reach it -- and start to VANISH as though moving into a
cavern when:
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18.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Still holding onto his spinning board with one hand, the
Surfer uses the other to FIRE A COSMIC BOLT into the center
of the VORTEX. The area EXPLODES, and the Skrull warriors
reappear, blown free by the BLAST!
INT. SKRULL FLAGSHIP - THE BRIDGE
The Skrull here CRY OUT WORDLESSLY, slipping into their
spacesuits and SHAPE-SHIFTING to elongate their limbs and
wrap them around various protrusions so they can hang on for
dear life.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Closing his suit, R'andom looks up at the viewscreen, where
the Surfer's deed flashes by.
R'ANDOM
The Silver Surfer -- saved them?
Then he's careening across the deck again, a large crack
opening in the hull of the ship as:
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE - THE SILVER
SURFER
Bending low on his board, fighting for balance. He looks all
around him.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The center of the vortex is
vulnerable. It is there must I
strike!
WIDER
The Surfer's board rocks, but the Surfer hangs. Pulling
himself to his feet, he soars from the whirling edge to the
relative calm in the center. Then he zooms in toward:
THE EYE OF THE VORTEX
The broken remnants of a Skrull ship VANISH into it -- and
then the Surfer is there, FIRING COSMIC BOLT AFTER COSMIC
BOLT! The eye of the VORTEX shudders and shakes --
WIDER
As the eye VANISHES and the VORTEX stops so suddenly it's as
though it never even existed!
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19.
The Surfer, the Skrull, and the Skrull ships go flying
outward, and the Surfer banks into a gentle circle -- around
what's left of the fleet, which now hangs in empty space.
SILVER SURFER
(calling out)
Commander R'andom! How do you
fare?
A HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE of R'andom APPEARS from his ship. All
signs of spit and polish are gone as:
R'ANDOM
We've survived. But if you expect
me to thank you --
NEW ANGLE
R'andom stops as another IMAGE appears between the Surfer and
R'andom: Shalla Bal, seemingly encased in the Life Crystal,
a look of great distress on her face.
SHALLA BAL
(urgently)
Norrin Radd! We need you! The
entire dimension of the Soul
Hunter needs you -- !
A BURST OF STATIC BLACKS OUT Shalla Bal's IMAGE.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal!
The IMAGE returns, weak and wavering.
SHALLA BAL
You must return to Zenn-La --
More STATIC ERUPTS -- and she is gone!
SILVER SURFER
(concerned)
I must go to her!
R'ANDOM
We'll accompany you in peace,
Silver Surfer -- for now!
R'andom's IMAGE vanishes, and the Surfer banks into a wide
turn, leading the armada and soaring away as we
CUT TO:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-16 REV. FINAL DRAFT 03/24/98
20.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA - A GROUP OF METEORS
Drifting near the planet.
SHALLA BAL (O.S.)
Thanos and I were investigating
the subatomic structure of this
dimension...
As she speaks, the meteors VANISH in the same way as the Soul
Hunter, the comet, and the star! We ANGLE PAST where they
were, TIGHTENING ON Zenn-La, as:
THANOS (O.S.)
And deep within it, we found
this --
INT. THE ACADEMY OF ZENN-LA - DAY
Where the Silver Surfer and R'andom have joined Shalla Bal
and Thanos around the Life Crystal. They peer into it at a
dim IMAGE of:
SILVER SURFER R'ANDOM
Soul Hunter! Great One!
CLOSE ON THE LIFE CRYSTAL
Where a small, weakened version of the Soul Hunter lies. He
turns his head, looking out at them.
SOUL HUNTER
All of you are in deadly danger --
and the fault is mine...!
As he speaks haltingly, we HOLD ON the Soul Hunter and
SUPERIMPOSE:
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE
Where a pair of stars collide! At first, all we SEE is a
flaming mass...but then out of it comes a fiery humanoid form.
SOUL HUNTER (O.S.)
I was created by chance, and fated
to be the only sentient creature
in this time and space...
The fiery form cools and solidifies -- into the Soul Hunter.
The "newborn" Soul Hunter From its forehead comes an ENERGY
BEAM...
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21.
SOUL HUNTER (O.S.)
(continuing)
Although gifted with great mental
power, I led the loneliest of
lives...
The ENERGY BEAM strikes a moon -- and makes it dance around.
The newborn Soul Hunter turns his head, and the BEAM sweeps
across space. This time, it opens a RIFT like the one
through which the Surfer entered the Soul Hunter Dimension.
Beyond the RIFT is a gleaming galaxy like the Milky Way.
SOUL HUNTER (O.S.)
(continuing)
Then, in my curiosity, I
discovered a neighboring dimension
teeming with intelligent life...
The BEAM recedes back toward the Soul Hunter's forehead --
and within it are whole planets, sucked in through the RIFT.
SOUL HUNTER (O.S.)
(continuing)
And brought various civilizations
and their environments here...
The SUPERIMPOSITION ENDS, and we are completely within:
INT. THE ACADEMY OF ZENN-LA - DAY
Where what is left of the Soul Hunter continues:
SOUL HUNTER
Through their company, my mind was
eased -- and I learned to
broadcast my tranquility back to
my "guests..."
We PAN ACROSS each of the Soul Hunter's listeners: The
Surfer - Shalla Bal - R'andom - Thanos...reacting as:
SOUL HUNTER
(continuing)
But then a strange creature from
your dimension contacted my
mind -- and told me I had been
invaded by a being who sought to
destroy me -- the Silver Surfer!
SILVER SURFER
What creature? Who told you this
lie?
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22.
CLOSER ON THE LIFE CRYSTAL
As another creature with which we're already familiar is
SUPERIMPOSED before the soul Hunter:
SOUL HUNTER
Nebula is the identity it gave...
WIDER
The Surfer is appalled. He leans closer to the Life Crystal.
SILVER SURFER
The Nebula Viral?!
Within the Crystal, the form of the Nebula Viral returns to
that of the Soul Hunter as:
SOUL HUNTER
That is why I attacked you. From
all I have perceived since then I
now know I was wrong.
SHALLA BAL
But how did your battle reduce you
to this subatomic state? What is
the danger to us all?
SOUL HUNTER
In attempting to reduce my
supposed enemy to literal
nothingness, I caused myself to
begin diminishing instead...
We TIGHTEN ON the Life Crystal as within it the Soul Hunter
again starts to get smaller.
SOUL HUNTER
(continuing)
As I dwindle, so will everything
I brought here. Unless you can
find a way to flee this dimension,
all of you are -- doomed...
With this, the Soul Hunter VANISHES once more as:
EXT. ZENN-LA - THE ACADEMY - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Soaring from within on his board.
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23.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The more answers I receive, the
more new questions I encounter.
(beat)
Why would the Nebula Viral betray
not only me but all the beings
brought to this dimension -- ?
ANOTHER ANGLE
Shalla Bal runs below the Surfer, calling out:
SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd! Wait! You must take
me with you -- !
Quickly, he spirals back down to her.
SILVER SURFER
But why would you seek out the
Nebula Viral?
SHALLA BAL
Because, in spite of what it has
done -- the Nebula Viral may be
our only hope!
The Surfer nods. Quickly, he creates an ENERGY BUBBLE around
her, and with the BUBBLE in tow he streaks upward, through
the atmosphere, to:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE PLASMA JUMP
Where the Nebula Viral laughs easily as:
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Silver Surfer, I've been expecting
you...
We WIDEN TO SEE the Surfer and Shalla Bal -- within the
ENERGY BUBBLE on the Surfer's board -- soaring toward the
Viral. The Viral's big head turns to take in Shalla Bal.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
(continuing)
You must be Shalla Bal...
The Surfer and Shalla Bal stop as, with a CRACKLE OF ENERGY,
the tip of the board reaches the BARRIER.
SILVER SURFER
Nebula -- !
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24.
The Surfer's voice is filled with anger. The Viral cuts him
off, continues to gaze at Shalla Bal.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
You've no idea how frustrating it
is for a girl to enter the
Surfer's mind and always find him
thinking of you --
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE - NEAR THE
PLASMA JUMP
Now it's the Surfer who cuts off the Nebula Viral.
SILVER SURFER
You told the Soul Hunter I was
evil -- a threat. What did you
hope to accomplish?
Now the Nebula Viral turns toward him -- and laughs again.
NEBULA VIRAL
(wryly)
What I wanted, dear Surfer, is
exactly what I got!
SHALLA BAL
(shocked)
This very crisis? But what could
you gain from it?
ANOTHER ANGLE
An artificial satellite from some unknown race within the
Soul Hunter Dimension drifts toward the Surfer and Shalla Bal
as:
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Why -- myself, of course...
Almost in spite of themselves, the Surfer, Shalla Bal, and
the Nebula Viral all watch the satellite, and we ANGLE WITH
the object as it continues past them.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
(continuing)
I want to be the woman I was
before I went to the Universal
Library...!
The satellite starts to shrink!
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25.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
(continuing)
And I needed something to insure
that the Silver Surfer would help
me.
The satellite VANISHES as:
NEW ANGLE
The Surfer, Shalla Bal, and the Nebula Viral react to what
has happened, the Surfer and Shalla Bal with involuntary
twinges, the Nebula Viral with a short laugh.
SILVER SURFER
You have put millions of beings in
jeopardy -- just to use them as
bargaining points?
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Got your attention, didn't I?
WIDER
In b.g., a spaceship flies toward them -- and VANISHES before
it can even get near!
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
When the Surfer alone tried to
help me, he failed. On the
Library I learned that it'll take
both his healing power and the
arcane skills of Zenn-La to cure
me of being a Viral.
SHALLA BAL
Nebula, if you do know a way to
save the civilizations within this
dimension, we will help you.
(beat)
But you must perform your part
first.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
That's a deal. Now open your
mind, Master of Zenn-La, and I'll
tell you how to proceed!
A THIN BEAM from the head of the Nebula Viral pierces the
BARRIER, and within it we SEE FAINT, TRANSPARENT IMAGES of
the Soul Hunter Dimension and its planets. The BEAM and its
IMAGES rush at the head of:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-16 REV. FINAL DRAFT 03/24/98
26.
SHALLA BAL
She stiffens as though attacked, then recovers, steadying
herself against the wall of the ENERGY BUBBLE. We WIDEN TO
INCLUDE the Surfer and the Nebula Viral as he looks from
Shalla Bal to the Viral.
SILVER SURFER
Nebula -- you are even more
contemptible than I thought.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
When you met me, Surfer, I was a
pirate -- not a saint.
Another satellite moves by them and VANISHES, punctuating
their plight. Swiftly, Shalla Bal's ENERGY BUBBLE moving
with him, the Surfer catches the nearest COSMIC WAVE, soaring
back toward Zenn-La.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ZENN-LA - THE MEADOW - DAY
Where various spaceships of all styles and sizes have landed.
Their occupants -- representatives of all the beings brought
to this time and space -- some humanoid, some totally
alien -- are welcomed by Thanos as:
SHALLA BAL (O.S.)
There is only one way we can
prevent ourselves and our worlds
from becoming nothing but
subatomic particles...
EXT. THE ACADEMY OF ZENN-LA - COURTYARD - DAY
Where the Surfer and Shalla Bal meet with Thanos, R'andom,
and the other representatives, laying out the plan.
SHALLA BAL
And that is by leaving this time
and space the same way Norrin Radd
entered --
THANOS
Through a rift in the barrier
between dimensions.
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27.
SILVER SURFER
The Virals of the Universal
Library will join with the Nebula
Viral and myself to open and widen
the rift...
SHALLA BAL
And the power generated by the
harmony of Zenn-La will then
propel your worlds --
(to R'andom)
And your vessels -- through it!
And, as they finish announcing the plan, we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - DEEP SPACE - NEAR THE
PLASMA JUMP
As the Surfer soars toward the Nebula Viral on his board, the
ENERGY BUBBLE-encased Shalla Bal at his side. In the BUBBLE
with her is the Life Crystal.
SILVER SURFER
Glad am I that you have come with
me, beloved. My mind will be at
ease knowing you are safely out of
this dimension.
On the other side of the BARRIER, the Nebula Viral laughs.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Why, Shalla Bal -- haven't you
told him?
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER AND SHALLA BAL
As the Surfer stops, looks at Shalla Bal.
SILVER SURFER
Told me what?
Shalla Bal hesitates a short beat. Then:
SHALLA BAL
Only the Master can focus the
power of Zenn-La. I must stay on
this side of the barrier -- and
guide the transfer from one time
and space to the other.
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28.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer looks stricken.
SILVER SURFER
But the risk! As long as you are
here, you can dwindle to a
subatomic particle at any moment!
SHALLA BAL
(turning away)
Do you remember the words spoken
to me by a certain young man?
(turning back to him)
"The price must be paid. And only
I, of all those on this world, can
pay it."
SILVER SURFER
I spoke those words...
His voice is hollow with sadness. He tries to embrace her
through the ENERGY BUBBLE and cannot -- just as she couldn't
embrace him back in #1875-01.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing; quickly)
I will come for you the very
instant the last planet is through.
SHALLA BAL
I could ask for no more.
She puts her hand to her lips, then places it against her
side of the ENERGY BUBBLE. The Surfer does the same, the two
of them sharing the moment, then breaking off as:
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Surfer! The Virals aren't happy
but it, but they're ready.
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE PLASMA JUMP
Reluctantly turning from Shalla Bal, the Surfer leaves her in
her ENERGY BUBBLE and comes closer to the BARRIER. The
Nebula Viral starts KEENING, and a BEAM OF BRIGHT LIGHT
appears before the ENERGY BUBBLE in which it is encased.
There, it is met by a similar, smaller BEAM from the head of
the Nebula Virus. The TWIN BEAMS strike the ENERGY BARRIER
and is met by CRACKLING ENERGY which splits in two -- a
peaceful BLACK OPENING appearing between the CRACKLING EDGES.
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-16 REV. FINAL DRAFT 03/24/98
29.
NEW ANGLE
Quickly, the Surfer flies through the rift.
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Now -- add your power cosmic to
our mental force!
The Surfer's hands GLOW. He BLASTS at the BLACK OPENING
through which he just came --
CLOSER ON THE RIFT
As COSMIC BOLT AFTER COSMIC BOLT hits it. The rift opens
wider -- wider, a gaping maw through which even a planet
could pass, as:
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Shalla Bal -- now it's all up to
you!
SHALLA BAL
Understands. She puts her palms on the Life Crystal and
within it COLORS FLASH...
EXT. THE SOUL HUNTER DIMENSION - SERIES OF SCENES -
INTERCUT WITH THE SILVER SURFER AND SHALLA BAL AS NEEDED
EXT. A DEEP BLUE STAR
The CHANT CONTINUES, OVER, as the star starts to move, slowly
at first, then faster and faster, toward:
THE RIFT
The CHANT CONTINUES as the star moves past Shalla Bal and
through the BLACK OPENING! We ANGLE WITH it as the star
passes the Surfer and the Nebula Viral, then starts to slow.
EXT. SPACE OVER AN ORANGE OCEAN PLANET
The orange ocean planet starts toward the rift, and we ANGLE
WITH it as the planet goes through the BLACK OPENING!
EXT. SPACE OVER A LARGE GAS GIANT PLANET
As it moves through the rift.
It starts toward the rift -- and VANISHES!
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30.
EXT. SPACE NEAR ZENN-LA - THE SKRULL ARMADA
Moves into the rift. The flagship and several others get
through -- but as we HOLD the rest all VANISH!
EXT. PLANET OF ZENN-LA
Now it moves into the rift -- and makes it through as we END
THE SERIES OF SCENES and
CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE SILVER SURFER
Outside the ENERGY BARRIER. Happily, he soars toward the
rift.
SILVER SURFER
It is over! Shalla Bal! You have
transported almost everything out!
From his hand comes a controlled COSMIC BOLT. We ANGLE WITH
it as the BOLT attaches to Shalla Bal's ENERGY BUBBLE and
starts reeling it toward him.
Within the BUBBLE, Shalla Bal is exhausted, slumped against
the Life Crystal. Suddenly, she looks panicked -- and both
she and the crystal start to shrink!
SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd! My body feels so --
strange...
THE NEBULA VIRAL
Its head turns toward Shalla Bal, and its strange voice hits
a note of panic:
NEBULA VIRAL
Hurry, Surfer! I need her -- !
THE SILVER SURFER
Soars to Shalla Bal.
SILVER SURFER
No one could need her more than I!
He reaches the BUBBLE and, continuing to Shalla Bal:
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31.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
You are safe now --
But even as the Surfer Surfer speaks, Shalla Bal and the Life
Crystal are getting smaller, smaller -- and suddenly they're
GONE! The ENERGY BUBBLE is empty.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing;
heartbroken)
Nooo!!!
Behind him, the BLACK OPENING starts to close.
THE NEBULA VIRAL
Its head turns from side to side frantically as:
NEBULA VIRAL (V.O.)
Surfer! I can't afford to lose
both of you!
THE SILVER SURFER
Clutches frantically at the empty ENERGY BUBBLE.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal...!
THE NEBULA VIRAL
Calls out:
NEBULA VIRAL
Surfer -- !
She jerks her head back, and:
THE SILVER SURFER
The twin BEAMS OF LIGHT hit him full force, yanking him back,
out of the Soul Hunter Dimension as:
ANOTHER ANGLE
The ENERGY BARRIER CLOSES, its CRACKLING EDGES rejoining!
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32.
THE SILVER SURFER
Is pulled back to where the Nebula Viral waits. As the LIGHT
BEAMS STOP, he falls to his knees on his board, hands doubled
into fists. As he pounds on the board in pure agony, we
WIDEN TO SEE a sight of pure splendor:
A NEW STAR SYSTEM
Comprised of all the saved planets, in orbit around the saved
star, the Skrull ships moving among them. We HOLD ON this
magnificent, victorious sight, the defeated voice of the
Silver Surfer continuing:
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Shalla Bal is gone...she is gone...
FADE OUT:
THE END
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-16 REV. FINAL DRAFT 03/24/98
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