Episode Eight

WAR

The White Alps of Cobere is at six degrees below zero. Winds blow little balls of snow against the lodging hotel Windermere. They, the party of thirty-five, hobnob carrying drinks grabbing appetizers and chatting along with each other. They track back and forth around the bar. The party room is adequately spacious with its marble floors which are immaculate. They run on two bi levels of flooring. First the entryway from the check in lobby which leads into the combo lounge-bar and large patio. The entryway bolsters a wide corridor with crown molding and oil paintings with tall metal sculptures. It also has on the wall as you look back down the hallway a modest sized circular metal plate of Etire. Its color is a golden orange. It shimmers in the light. Throw fur rugs are vicariously placed everywhere to prevent guest from slipping on the well-polished floors. Upon exiting the corridor, the party room is square with beveled corners. It gives the room a curvy feeling to it. Party guests can turn left and sit at a four seated table. There are four in total on the top bi-level. There are also three long comfy crème colored leather sofas sitting along the wall. Two side by side one corner piece and the third sofa at a ninety degree angle from the others. As guest continue forward from the entryway they descend three steps into the bar area off to the right. Straight ahead is the patio doors which are wide and open to the guest. Wind blows in cold air on to room and the vibrant party participants. The invisible membrane between each of the three sets of patio doors allows only so much cold air to enter. The President wants the room to wander between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. He has a wind shield blocking heavy wind away from his large long barbecue grille. The President has his left hand on top of his head holding on to his now flattened white chef’s hat. Both he and the First Lady wear white aprons over their party attire. In his right hand he uses a large barbecue fork to poke and flip the thick slabs of pork and steak. The First Lady is out there with him on his right in front of the barbecue pit. She layers sauce. They make their way down the line flipping meat, tending tenderizing and seasoning the meat for the guest. The reddish orange coals fight at the whistling air and gritty snow that whirls at and partially through the windshields around the barbecue pit and patio. A gust of wind burst within and past the membrane on to the guest that are inside of the lounge by the patio doors. Snapping up a see through hanging curtain on the right in the process. It brings with it favor of the barbecue. The hungry guest exclaim from the aroma.

VARIOUS PARTY GUEST:

Ooh yes!

OTHER GUEST:

Do you smell that meat!

STILL OTHER GUEST:

Oh that aroma! Where’s my steak?

——A man with a female companion next to the snapping curtain laughs at the sudden surprise. He grabs her around her waist pulling her off while snuggling his scotch. He sips it as he goes out of the camera shot.

NEW SHOT: Parallel and standing on the top bi level while facing the large patio windows stands The Captain in a dark blue suit and platinum watch. He stands alongside his wife Helena. She is wearing a long flowing, on to the floor, aqua colored gown made of one of the highest quality fabrics. She wears her pink pearl necklace and gold bracelets. They hold drinks. The Captain has a glassed in double bourbon on ice while Helena has a sparkling champagne. They sip and watch the guest while also focusing on ‘the Prez’ and the First Lady as they work their magic. On the Captain’s right side Lieutenant Faust stands near him with Lottie. They are both nicely suited for a party. Jody wears a fitted gradation 9 dark gray sports jacket. A thousand thread-hearty starched white shirt, dark horizontal striped tie with black trousers and polished shoes. Lottie wears a powder peach colored party dress with matching sling back Givatchy pointy toed synthetic leather shoes. Her accessories are a 24 carat gold neck choker and a five wound pearl wristband on her left wrist. They sip at their red wine.

A few groups pass by them going in various directions. Then Sandrift’s Chairman of the board Barney Sands walks up to them. Behind him but then stepping forward and along side of him is Janet Voss and Barney Sands jr.

BARNEY SANDS:

Captain Faust, Mrs. Faust.

——Barney Sands looks over to the Lieutenant and the lieutenant’s wife.

BARNEY SANDS:

Lieutenant Faust, I would like to extend my hand in friendship and submit in our most warmest regards to both you and your families. We welcome you. We welcome you back into the fold of greatness at Sandrift.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Spare us the theatrics. We, just like you, were ordered to be here. Let’s not add intrigue. I won’t forget all that has happened between us.

BARNEY SANDS II:

Nor shall we forget your actions. Actions of piracy.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Piracy?

More so breach of contract. On your part.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

My sentiments as well.

BARNEY SANDS II:

Captain, what you and the powers that be won’t come to terms with is this: One third of the monies we’ve received throughout the year is spent on acquiring raw materials to feed the intergalactic market. Whether those materials are sold outright at a high or low mark up is most often out of our control. In fact our most valued customer, the United Front, often rebates our hard labored materials close to at cost prices. They buy in bulk and they expect a high volume discount. That’s the U.S. for you.

It’s typically within their lines of demands that our clients receive low cost prices and that is what we at Sandrift have come to accept. This mode of thinking does not exclude the rest of the United Front. No, not by a long shot. This debauchery includes all the Americas, South, Central and North America. Then there is fancy- proper ‘Merry old England’, and Germany, Japan, China, and Russia. ‘And all other countries and continents. The entire planet Earth. The United Front in its entirety. All of them take advantage of us. They, without any concern of our ability to keep afloat, take and take and take us for granted. They are simply indifferent to the hazards and risk that we endure to get them the diamonds that they need, Etire or gold or even oil and coal. They don’t care about our hardships or what it took to get them the materials they need for tech or home and space travel. No one cares. Just gimme. It’s a thankless industry. Our clients treat our materials as if it was air. A God given right.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Right.

BARNEY SANDS II:

‘And then there’s you. The police. Hands deep within our pockets…

CAPTAIN FAUST:

‘And your bank account records.

32 zillion in your accounts J.R…

’Eighty-two trillion for the Secretariat.

‘And Three point two centillion for senior here. You guys are starving!

BARNEY SAND:

——(Abruptly.) Well it’s good to see you all. Ms. Voss, son? I see they are carting the meat. Shall we?

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Enjoy, and sorry for the little bump in road that our 72 trillion dollar a year security fee has cost you guys. That must have caused severe structural damage to your profit margins. Our 72 trillion dollars crippled your five centillion dollar a year business.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

60 trillion Captain. Sandrift is now only paying us 60 trillion for the year’s service. The President authorized a discount remember.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Lieutenant, you are right. You see things are looking up for you Mr. Sands. You even get away with massacring ten cops and three civilians, That along with the attempt on my cousin’s life and his family as well as leaving a lasting negative impact on a nice community. Let me ask you something.

Were your actions at cost?

Sir?

——Daggers shoot out of the Sands’ eyes as they walk away from the coupling. They regroup and make their way towards the dining hall.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Greedy mother fuckers!

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

That went better than I expected. I thought that I might lose it.

LOTTIE:

If I had my sub mech regen I might have lost it.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

You would have shot him baby?

LOTTIE:

You damn right. ( She grits her teeth while smiling.)

——Jody smiles while standing on the side of her.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

He ain’t worth it.

——The Fausts watch the Sands walking down the hallway towards the dining hall on the left.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Look at his fat wide ass! Fuckin’ long skinny ass legs. Look at those flappy ass cheap looking Polystyrene pants…and a barreled body. God, what a ‘spaz’! Look at his fat ass. It looks like someone jacked up his ass and placed it onto his back.

SPECIAL SHOT OF THE SANDS WALKING. CLOSING IN ON THE DINING HALL.

(Lottie laughs out loud.)

——The Sands walk with worldliness and confidence.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

‘And Mrs. Voss’ fat pudgy ass! I bet she just farted.

LOTTIE:

Jody!

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Fuckin’, Bony ass fucking J.R..

Fucking condescending cocksucker!

School us…Cheap mother fucka’!

——The Captain begins clapping.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Bravo! Bravo!

——The President is passing them pushing the closed Platinum-flake cart full of barbecue. He trails Secret Service Agents ahead of him also carting meat. The First Lady follows him pushing the grilled vegetable cart.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

It’s time to eat! You hungry honey.

HELENA:

Famished.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Alright. Let’s go.

——The Faust make their way down the hallway. They all dump their drinks on a passing cocktail waitress.

Exiting the shallow lit bar into the well illuminated hallway leading to the dining hall.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

I’ll tell you one thing the President knows how to throw a good shindig. ‘And he can cook.

LOTTIE FAUST:

I agree. I feel welcome around him. Them, he and the First Lady.

They most certainly are people persons.

——The Captain and his wife Helena walk along side the Lieutenant and his wife while listening.

LOTTIE FAUST:

Does anyone know if he’s personally invested in this establishment?

CAPTAIN FAUST:

It’s his. The entire mountain is as well.

All of Cobere is his.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

What isn’t?

HELENA FAUST:

We’re at a party. Let’s go lightly.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

People gossip darling…what better venue than a party. Let’s get it out.

HELENA FAUST:

I know just be careful.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

We are doomed in this relationship with Sandrift.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

I know what you’re thinking Jody. I don’t want or will no longer take their spoils to even out our losses.

You know, back in the day, when there was honor, when a General or some other protector of your community; your property and well-being was in the debtor’s presence, the debtor would gratefully show appreciation by filling the General’s wine glass every time it emptied. They welcomed him as a savior. Lavishing gifts upon him and kind words of gratitude. ‘Shameful how we cops get treated today. The public question our questions. They don’t see that it is a community effort that keeps the streets clean not just cops. ‘and in order for us cops to do our jobs successfully, we need their support and cooperation. They refuse to identify who they are when asked. They outright show hostility when we are conducting an inquiry. They bring up their rights and question if we even know the law. There are many laws. Hell, you have to have passed the Bar exam in order to conduct a stop and detain these days. What ever happened to ‘The Lawman is your friend’? They see us as the enemy and deny our authority…most often we receive threats of resistance from the public we are trying to serve. ‘Don’t ask us anything. Don’t expect us to cooperate either. ‘And I don’t have to identify who I am to you…general resentment. Oh, by the way did you catch the guy that robbed me last week?

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Huh.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Everyone hates us…they hate us until they need us. When they need us, when they are in a dire situation and are in desperate need of us, and we show up, they clasp their hands in prayer and praise God. ‘But until that time we are just pigs to them.

HELENA FAUST:

Chris I said that’s enough.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Not quite enough darling I am not finished yet.

HELENA FAUST:

Stop.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

You stop.

Jody, I knew that Sandrift was sideways when we took the hijacked Dimensions Placers back from the Rylaps merks. They didn’t even offer any compensation or reward even though we lost Bessie Fortress in the fight. To make matters worse when the end of the quarter came around they shortened our agreed upon payment.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

So we took one of the newly filled barges. I remember. I also remember the ‘Prez’ told us to do it.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

After the year is up I will be dropping this assignment. I don’t care if they offer us two hundred trillion. I am done with Sandrift.

The President, or Chief, or even the Commissioner can give it to whomever. Captain Montgomery, Captain Kevin Bolts whoever they select.

I’m done!

(Pause.)

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Where you go I go cousin.

(Pause.)

…but perhaps we should think it through. Sandrift is a meaty, cushy job. ‘ Not so easily replaced. We both know that we acquired most of our wealth through them.

Honestly, sir, it’s been a long time since I’ve survived off of my annual three point five million.

I venture to say the same about you and your five point five.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Something is telling me to get out.

NEW SHOT FROM BEHIND THE FAUSTS. DISTANT SHOT SHOWING THEM TURNING LEFT INTO THE DINING HALL.

White gold chandeliers with crystal bulbs catch the eye at first glance upon entering the dining hall. Even though they are on high. Groups are seated and also moving about throughout the airy wide room. They along with the food service staff go about their business. Party members walk along the full Persian carpet elevated by its thick foam padding. People move about joyously even though the pressure from the expensive carpet padding pushes back at their feet making them feel heavy.

Tables are dressed with white table clothes, plates, real silverware and napkins. Each wooden chair is painted black. They are adorned with petal carvings for the backrest and a comfy white fabric seat with floral patterns stitched within each of them.

Paintings of old historic moments in human existence decorate the walls of the dining hall: Our first manned exploration outside of the Solar System. Our loss of the giant moon hub known as Cuzin. Past and present government officials including but not limited to pictures of Presidents of the United States of America. The walls themselves are lightly stucco textured light colored beige sectioned off by synthetic cast frames that are twenty feet high by five feet wide. Fabric banners of gold color and platinum also drape the walls. There are silver sconces evenly spaced throughout the room as well. The lighting of the room seems to cast shadows and also strangely eliminates them as well. The ambient light seem to vibrate as if guess are eating during the dark ages by candlelight.

The President and First Lady sit at their table which is set upon a bandstand. The Secret Service sit right along with them. The President’s elongated table stretches nearly half the width of the room.

President Wright notices the Captain and Lieutenant and calls them over.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Captain, you come sit over here. Right next to me and the First Lady.

——The Captain nods and the Fausts reach the stairs of the stage and make their way up them. They turn right behind servers who are going down the line dishing out barbecued meat barbecue mashed potatoes and corn medley or asparagus. Another server ahead of the entree provider is dropping dinner rolls and leaving butter dishes. The servers ask quite quickly whether guess want steak chicken or ribs. What’s your side dish. ‘corn medley or asparagus or both. Guess pass their plate back over their shoulder. It is filled quickly and placed in front of the guess. The servers then move to the next person. The servers move past the President. President Wright stands to greet the Fausts. The First Lady stands along with a few secret service agents who were sitting. They also stand. Although ten agents stand around the back of the table and surrounding perimeter. There are over fifty official secret service members on the property. There are as well micro sized but actually bumblebee sized drones wizzing about in the air and some stick to the walls and ceiling. Other freeze drones, a larger better equipped for defensive tactical variants hovers on high. The Captain counted three red, five blue and three yellow. These are Primary colors. (red, blue and yellow.)

The Prez smiles at them as they truly smile back at him and the First Lady. The Fausts are nearly giggling (It’s the President after all.)

The President turns his head towards the servers making their way towards standing agents and the Sands and Voss party. This is near the other end of the President’s table.

The Prez whistle at the servers.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Hey you guys do a U-whee and feed the Fausts. They look hungry.

——He turns back towards the Fausts.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Sit down. Have a seat.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Gladly sir one second. Helena I’ll have the chicken. You and Lottie order our plates. Jody and I have something to discuss with the President.

May we?

——The Captain points to a secluded area where they could speak. The President sort of bites his lip. They quickly walk away and near the curtains of the stage.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Sir…I been hemmed around by you about all that you know of Augustine Freed’s death.

PRESIDENT STAYSON WRIGHT:

…And this conversation is going to change that?

——Jody wobbles but stands tight between the two.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Captain I suggest that you stay alert and be on guard at all times especially now. Our little getaway is being shortened to one night’s stay.

Wickedness has arisen on From. Wickedness in the form of a new leader. This leader has declared war on U.S..

You will never guess who this person is. It’s kind of funny to me because I have always suspected him as being too lucky at avoiding death. I mean as many times he has been in someone’s crosshairs and walked away… but sci-ops and intel always indicated otherwise…He’s kept death at bay for hundreds of years. I am telling you this from my own accounts because I have been around for those years.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

What? What are you saying ? Who are you talking about?

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Fid.

Things are happening very quickly. Already they have formed allegiances with Rylaps and Usee of the neighboring galaxies in Everfold, their sworn enemies. They took the outskirts of the Eastern Front over forty five minutes ago. They are blocking communications in that area and all commercial trans-placement units. No one gets in or out.

Furthermore they are most definitely receiving help from Zero. Who by the way has given an official statement of having no interest in this situation.

I suggest that you prioritize your thoughts. Both you and your cousin are to put down the liquor and the drugs and be on high alert. We will finish our meal, take a dip, then retire for the evening. I’m having the bar locked down at ten. No hanky panky. Everything and everyone is being secretly recorded. I don’t want another video of one of my party members shoving their wives pearls up their asses and using them for anal beads. Or putting coke on their dicks before mounting and pumping their wives. None of it.

——The Captain and his Lieutenant cringe from the statement.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

You’re embarrassed? I have to account for such action.

After you leave here, upon clearing and settling your families, you will both meet with me and our team at an undisclosed place for debriefing. That is all.

——The Fausts nod then look at each other then nods again. They slowly return to their seats. The Fausts reach their wives to let them know that they are back.

The President reaches the table and begins his formal address to his guests.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

The First Lady and I would like to thank you all for attending our weekend getaway. Please thank God and enjoy the food provided by his grace.

There has come a troubling change of events that causes us to end this pleasant gathering after only one evening. War has been declared on the United Front. A war of the highest magnitude. The people of From as well as their allies Usee and Rylaps are expanding their evil control into our settled territories right now as we speak. As your President I want you to be at ease and not lose your appetite. On the contrary you should be ravenous. We are going to win this war. Do you understand me? We are all in this together. Ravenous do you hear me? Cowardice will not do and it will not ever be accepted by me. The bar is closed at ten tonight. The hot springs as well will be closed at the same time. We are recording the entire area so I suggest that if it isn’t something that you would want your parents —- or more so God to see, then you should not be doing it.

We will be triumphant in this war. I promise you that. I promise you that we will be victorious in this war. This is because we are righteous. During our rising, no one was left subjugated and without hope. I cannot say the same about our enemies’ expansion. Key components: Be wise and ravenous. It’s U.S. against them. A team effort. Remember that. Enjoy your meal.

——The party participants looked stunned. They look around at each other to see if they all share the look of surprise. They try doing as instructed and nibble at their food while discussing quietly within their group.

EXPANDING SHOT OF FILLER-CAST:

Silverware clinks plates and after a long minute or two, people become louder and a bit more relaxed.

NEW SHOT: It is dark outside. Many trails of connecting lights mounted at the top of one inch in thickness and ten foot tall post align within and outside of the windshields. Inside of the curtains and canopy shields the temperature has melted the snow to warm water. The water mixes with the white porous sand grit that makes up a walkway to many slightly bubbling pools of water in the hot spring. Some springs are fully shielded from the snow storm while others are not.

The Captain walks up the hill away from the hot springs. He holds Helena’s hand pulling her along. Windshields keep most of the frigid breeze and snow whirls off of them. They as well as Jody and his wife are wearing swimwear. Jody and his wife are to the left of Christopher and Helena Faust and a bit away from them. The camera zooms out showing the side of the Windermere hotel. The Fausts separate and the captain and his wife get to their small patio on the corner of the building and go through its door. Jody and Lottie pass the corner out of view.

Other guest are in the background. Some are doing the same by making their way back to their rooms. Others are walking down the hill towards the springs.

NEW SHOT: The blue sky. The Captain’s Ford Focus Special Edition blocks out the sky as we look at a side view of the car going from left to right. -Loud booming noise as it goes by the camera shot. -The shot continues as the blue sky emerges after the Ford Focus passes the camera shot and we see a moving speck in the distance. The shot does a quick zoom in and fans of The Captain will recognize that it is Gertrude, Jody Faust’s GT 500 branching off in a V-shape/ 45 degree direction away from The Captain’s car known as Penny.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Shorty after you clear, confirm and coordinates will be sent to you on our group. Good luck and stay living.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Watch your ass cousin. Remember that I am not going to be there to bale you out! Got to see the guy. Gather my own intel. ‘Meet you at the rally point.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Got it.

——The GT 500 makes a ‘voomp’ sound and is gone.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Hold on babe. Ready for time mach.

——The inside of Penny’s cabin turns cobalt blue. They are viable within time and space.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

We’ll catch the ribbon and will be on Etire in moments.

HELENA:

How should I get in contact with you?

CAPTAIN FAUST:

The new stylus that I gave you. Just speak and I will respond. One of my paid guardsmen is going to shuttle you here to throw. A.I. calculated treks. I want you on the go. Grab what you can carry. Grab your mom and dad. Bounce the universe incognito. That’s the best advice A.I. came up with. It warned me of the high probability that our home world Etire will be bombed.

NEW SHOT: The side of The Captain’s house. The Captain stands in the long rolling grass of the patio area with Helena. Their home is placed in a far away secluded prairie region of the world that they own known as Etire. Penny is parked in the background on the driveway. Her stance is powerfully handsome. Guards are loading her trunk. Drones of various sizes and armaments hover zip and circulate the perimeter. Three armed troopers roam in the area by the Fausts.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

You keep Penny. Collette will drive her. Penny is the best Ford ever made. Crafted by the original Ford; Dodge and Ford. Which is why it has the word and emblem ’Dodge’ on her trunk but the Ford blue oval is the letter ‘O’ in Dodge. It’s historically the original Ford.

She is Etire down to every component. She is strengthens by it and gifted with armaments. She has speed and non traceable power in and output. She can’t be tracked or caught if you stick to her warnings and monitors. She also has active links into all six of my dimensions placers as well as a few governmental ones. They may lock out the governmental ones so watch out for this.

I want you to mind Collette. She’s a mercenary but still a commando.

——The Captain looks at his wife’s wide eyed expression. He walks over and hugs his short comfortable wife. Hunching down he grips her tight. She squeezes him. They break and look into each other’s eyes.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

I’m taking my Challenger. I’ll be dropping Sabine and the child off in Andromeda. Planet Justice. It’s the safest place that I can come up with at the moment. Justice is both civil and morally advanced. I’ve requested amnesty for her and warned the magistrate that a weathered fleet captain who is married is looking to end both her and the child’s life. He is the father of the child. The magistrate who is female wanted this weathered fleet officer’s name. I told her. I said he is Captain Montgomery. So as you would surmise I am now Captain Montgomery’s enemy. Hopefully with all that’s going on I doubt that Captain Montgomery will even consider locating her. His detail probably will be worst than mine.

——Pause

CAPTAIN FAUST:

I love you. Please be careful and listen to Collette.

We have got to go.

——The Captain walks away from Helena straight towards the driveway and garage.

NEW SHOT: In front of the Faust’s white, gray and black beamed supported post industrial modernist home. Camera shot containing ground level street, bottom of driveway, Penny sits mid driveway, she is backed into the driveway facing the road and away from the house. She has meaty tires.

Seated in Penny, Collette watches the Captain enter the garage in the background and at the right of Penny and guards around her. The Challenger roars to life. Four circular headlights turn on and the modified righting unit, which is an off-white slab of a ‘do-hicky’ lays fitted horizontally within the hood bay from the grill to the firewall. The righting unit registers and regulates universal energy and could draw directly from all elements of the universe. The Dodge levitates out of the garage. The intake grill is a long and beveled rectangular shape. Her eyes, the headlights sit on the edge of both sides of the grill. The grill is beautiful and tight. It lies and is overpowered in appearance by the car’s cupped wheel wells. The hood is bulging with its open nose flares that can also access even more power from universal righting. It hovers a foot above the driveway.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Let’s go Helena! Get in the car now so I can see you off!

Now!

——The Captain’s voice is on loudspeaker.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Where the hell is she?

——The Captain looks to the guards as they shrug their shoulders.

——Helena exits the front door of the house with the three guards who were previously standing with them on the patio. The front door is to the right of the garage. Helena carries a black rolled up full length fur coat while clutching a wooden jewelry box in front of it. She walks along the driver’s side window of the Dodge Challenger and stops. The black fur moves.

HELENA:

You forgot your dog.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Ah Balls! How are you pal? Moo moo moo shee.

HELENA:

His name is Neolithic. Only an idiot like yourself would name him Balls.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Give’m to me. You are not taking any more stumbling blocks during this shit storm. I want you and your parents moving at the drop of a hat. Besides that dog was deputized. Now that he is potty trained he goes with me.

——The Captain reaches for the dog and Helena swats his hand.

HELENA:

Get the hell out of here before we bite you.

——Helena growls. She smiles leans inside the open window and kisses her husband.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

I’m going after you are off. Stick with that car. Penny.

HELENA:

I will. I…

love you

——Helena walks away from the Challenger.

The Captain looks to his right and sees her enter the car with Collette. Penny lift off the driveway and is gone in two seconds.

——The Captain sighs and then calls Sabene.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Got your bags?

SABENE:

Yes.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Get to the docking port I’m on my way.

NEW SHOT: Freedom of Information Radio station. Transmitter of the Brice Calloway show. Lieutenant Faust is there to question Brison outside of the transmission box of the radio station. The Lieutenant is in his official black policeman uniform. He wears his cross strap holsters carrying his two Glock P.B. (pressure bolt) .38 Super combat handguns. His gun can fire both traditional rounds as well as short range pressure bolts.

BRICE CALLOWAY:

Lieutenant, my sources are protected under law.

You can’t just pop up and start the riot act with me. I have rights. Besides that, most of my stories and reports come from anonymous people. I have no way of tracking contributors to past broadcast.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Let’s narrow the scope again; I want all information on who told you that the barriers in the Eastern Front were sub-par to the Everfold dwellers? Then I want to know how you received the tapes that you transmitted during that show. Who is your go between? I want to meet them.

On April 20th of this year you did an expose with anonymous scientists and defense designers. They warned listeners that we could at anytime at any moment be invaded by an insurmountable alien armada. This is because of the inadequate security barrier at the borderline.

On that show you also had an individual who had received clemency from the Royal Lair in the Eastern Frontier … a refugee from the newly taken planet of Bancher. Bancher, is the last habitable planet in Everfold near the borderline of Everfold and the Eastern Front. I remember the event because that interview drew my attention…and emotions. I mean that man going from a composed person to someone barely coherent…crying, sniffling…and desperately requesting listeners for support in the liberation of his planet…He kept bleating about his family…his uncertainty that they are alive…his memories. He spoke of how even though all of our Righting Material can be found on his planet. It was now of no importance. Righting is now vexed.

The Usee just walked in on them. Knocked out the Righting equipment that we provided and without much effort took their planet… and they couldn’t do shit about it. They had no weapons or tech for defense that could stop them. Any weapon that they had was useless. They were without resistance. They were dated.

The people of Bancher’s technology was ill equipped to deal with the insurgents from Usee. He said that the Usee have immense power. One being the ability to stop Righting!

At the time I didn’t believe it. I felt that if this was true, better tech guys than myself will be on it. Apparently not.

Brison the From, Usee and Rylaps have taken the border of the Eastern Front. ‘And they won’t stop there.

BRISON:

I know…

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Don’t tell me about your rights at this time. I don’t want to hear about your rights. No banter or rebuttal. Time is a key factor. Don’t make me beat your ass!

Who are the scientists and designers? ‘And where is this guy that had a close display of our enemies’ power? If you don’t know, I at least need to know your go between. The person that advised you to present this subject matter on your show.

——Brison wide eyes stare at the lieutenant. (Pause shot.)

BRICE CALLOWAY:

Lieutenant, my producer has dropped my show. The station will be abandoned within the week.

I’m taking the high road out of here. I’m not looking back.

——Lieutenant Faust walks closer to him.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Their names and locations!

——Lieutenant Faust shoves Brison with his index and middle fingers. Brison wipes his face and sighs. He pulls out his phone.

BRISON:

Bad ass Lieutenant Faust gonna go into a war zone to recover leads. This is stupid!

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Never you mind about my logic!

——Lieutenant Jody Faust looks at his phone for the transfer of information. Light appears over his shoulder.

AUGUSTINE FREED:

He’s right lieutenant.

——Jody spins around with scared excitement. Instinctively switching his phone to his left hand while spinning. His left gun is snatched out of its holster and is clinched within his right fist. Upon focusing his eyes he is blinded by the light surrounding a familiar silhouette.

AUGUSTINE FREED:

Don’t shoot me Jody. We’re partners remember?

NEW SHOT: Frontal view of outer wall and office door frame, without door. The outer wall is the wall of the Freedom of Information radio station. Agent Augustine Freed and Lieutenant Faust walk through the doorway. Jody squints as he adjusts to the Eagle bay’s intense light. The radio station disappears after Jody’s feet hit the floor of Eagle station.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

I will tell you one thing, this is consistent with your behavior. You know you could have gave us heads up. They were gonna lynch my cousin. ‘Partially because of your murder. What do you have to say about that?

——They walk away from the tracks of the large generating bay.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

I’d love to hear your explanation.

AUGUSTINE FREED:

Your current location is reason enough wouldn’t you say? I am and have been for as long as our dealings with each other, a veteran Eagle commander. We at Eagle are not separate entities of the FBI, CIA and NSA. We are all of them combined. All that remains of those acronyms fights, pushes and exist through E.A.G.L.E..

I will touch base with your captain momentarily. This way lieutenant. I have food and refreshments. Try the ice-water cranberry mango beverage it’s rewarding.

——Augie directs Lieutenant Faust upstairs to Tier One.

AUGUSTINE FREED:

Make your way down the hallway. At the end of it turn right. Your room is second on the left.

LIEUTENANT FAUST:

Where are we Augie? I need answers!

AUGUSTINE FREED:

We are nowhere. We are zip transfer, bouncing from the United Front into Vale Province. We lie in the fourth dimension, coasting and linking into various places and situations. We are directed to rest stop in AI Phoenix territory once given the okay. Feed yourself and quench your thirst. I suggest you rest up before the fight. The big dogs are coming to discuss tactics; Strategy. Trust me there will be a fight before ‘the fight’.

——Augustine turns away and for a split second Jody sees that she resembles the Queen Mother.

He shakes it off and takes his journey down the hallway. Augustine makes a final comment that is very far away. Jody thinks about it then disregards it. Jody categorizes the comment to be the same warning he received and continues to his rest area.

AUGUSTINE FREED:

Your captain better be ready for his fight.

I like his style. I like watching him.

NEW SHOT: Planet Justice. New. York, New York City. Darkness in the city with dark clouds as rain pours down on the high rises and hovering automobiles and trucks. Captain Faust settled Sabene on the lake just outside the city. Her new home is a inconspicuous three story gated building.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Sabene let’s go over a few things. We are divorced but that child in your belly is mine. She is a Faust. ‘Not a Montgomery. I have transferred funds that will sustain both you and the child for some time. Your lease is paid throughout your first year. You can always contact me through your updated stylus. If you need anything do not hesitate to do so. Make little friends and trust no one. I have access to this apartment and will only enter unwarranted if and only if I am unable to get in contact with you. I have been guaranteed by local law enforcement agents of this city that no harm will come to you or the child. ‘But that doesn’t mean I want you firing flares off attracting attention. Are we clear?

SABENE:

Yes.

Two billion dollars is more than I can accept.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

…and you will accept it. It is all, the sum total of what I can give you. I have destroyed many lives. This is one thing that I am proud of. Give me a hug and I promise you that if I am able, I will see you again soon.

Love yourself and love the child.

——They embrace and the Captain quickly pushes away from her. He edges for the door.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Sometimes money is everything. In the spare of the moment I had this place furnished, the fridge filled and cable hooked up. They did it within hours. I told them that I would pay a substantial amount of money for doing so.

——The Captain turns back to Sabene for another quick look at her. He gives a half smile then slams the door behind himself.

Michele, the name of his powerful Challenger rises off the parking spot in front of Sabene’s apartment. It tracks through space then time machs towards planet Utopia. The second planet that the Captain owns. It also sits in Andromeda.

NEW SHOT: Inside the Captain’s Challenger. The shot is from behind the Captain. Viewers can see out the windshield.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

It’s a roundabout way Lee but the means justifies the end.

SERGEANT LEE:

The monies, corn stock and upgraded local militia will keep the people of Frayboast safe from the mob on Stanzia. They may want to build you a monument.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Not necessary. My investment in their world is gift enough. Although I wrote off most of the items I supplied them, I will make a profit on my corn refinement project. Flex fuel, plastics, weapon components and of course corn itself to help feed the planet. It’s the right direction.

Alright Lee.

SERGEANT LEE:

Very nice. You gave them supplies. Heavy machinery, tillers, course diggers the works. A nice boost. You also set yourself up as a manufacturer of well needed materials. Nice move. Well…I’m headed into 38 Special. Six regiments are lining up along the Eastern Front barriers. Two hundred ten battle ships one thousand thirty assault vessels. Let’s keep each other posted.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Count on it. That’s a lot of hardware. The meeting will be going on soon. Soon we’ll have our orders. Hopefully they won’t split our team.

SERGEANT LEE:

Yeah…Out.

——The Dodge Challenger is engulfed in flames which wipes away and the darkness of space is replaced by the vivid blue sky of Utopia.

NEW SHOT: Side view shot of The Captain’s Challenger nose pointing to the left of the screen. The car with its wheels retracted rolls to the right and dives towards land.

NEW SHOT: Stationary shot of building located at 2020 west Roosevelt road. Another property that he owns. Michele the Challenger descends into the frame of the shot. She lands. The car’ s stance is powerful. She goes into instant sentry mode.

MICHELE:

Sentry mode ground level.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Keep track of me. Free response mode activated.

MICHELE:

And linked. Recording.

——The Captain exits his vehicle walks in front of the car to the walkway that leads to the rundown building in the city of Dystopia. The city, which is a ghetto, wreaks of poverty and displacement. Many people have moved away from Dystopia. There are many abandoned buildings and homes and factories. He walks through the missing section of the wire steel gate. To the left, another section of the gate seems to have been stomped down to a 45• angle, possibly done by bad assed kids of the neighborhood. Moist mud and foot trails are prevalent throughout the grassy area of the courtyard. The Captain enters the building. The halls stink of urine and rotten food. 2020 West Roosevelt is an unpleasantly rancid ‘shithole’ of a place. A fat oily super rat runs away from the Captain as he enters the foyer. It hops- scurries down the hallway. The Captain looks down the hall towards his apartment on the left. He enters it. From inside he walks to the restroom and urinates. He flushes the toilet, washes his hands and enters his bedroom. (Camera does not follow actor. Just pan. Create distance.)

The ring is underneath a lamp that sits on top of his chest of drawers. He gets it and puts it on his middle finger. Then he goes to his closet and opens the folding doors. On the shelf the attack drone still sits in its box. He takes the box and sits on his queen sized bed. He takes the drone out of the box removes the styrofoam and plastic. He twist the circular pressure plate on the bottom. He flips it over and twists it on again. It livens to the universe. He releases it and it hovers.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Welcome to the world.

DRONE BIAS:

Glad to serve you.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

You are granted access to my phone book. My cars, texts, all data. Languages, jargon and such. ‘you understand? You will know who is my enemy and how I want you to deal with them.

DRONE BIAS:

From flesh wounds to kill, yes sir!

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Your name is Drone Bias. You are an equal opportunity hater. You give everyone the equal opportunity for you to hate their fuckin’ ass!

Got it!

DRONE BIAS:

Locked sir.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Bluetooth current connection to Michele. She’s a bad ass too. Use the window.

DRONE BIAS:

On it sir.

——The drone goes to the window and projects a pressure beam that wraps around the two handles at the base of the window and lifts it. Once outside it sends a pressure beam from behind it to the bottom of the frame of the window closing it. It flies out of sight of the Captain.

Captain Faust goes back to his closet and reaches around the shelf again. He pulls down three clips. A striped red and black clip. A orange clip and an aqua colored one. He puts them on top of the dresser. He goes back to his closet and grabs his dark gray tactical shirt and throws it over his black one. He buttons the bottom three buttons. He takes his 1911 and holster off of the wall hook in the closet and straps it on his left. His 44 Rightilage is on his right hip. He goes back to the dresser and puts the three clips into the slots of the tactical shirt along the right side of his rib cage. He grabs his conceal carry which is a Barretta Pico sitting snug in its holster out of the top drawer. He clips it to his back and flips the tail of his tactical shirt over it. He quickly tucks the shirt fabric between the holster and 44 Rightilage as well. The Captain pulls the 1911 removes the standard issue 45 ACP clip and puts it into the top drawer and closes it. He puts in the orange clip for pressure bolts.

NEW SHOT: Dark pause (3 seconds)

NEW SHOT: The Captain is close to the entrance door. He looks out the left side decorative glass pane.

NEW SHOT: Showing the walkway grassy courtyard and braided wire fence. Zoom in towards street past the gate to Michele the Dodge Challenger Select. The shot rises above the car’s roof to the dark building across the street. There doesn’t seem to be anyone there.

DRONE BIAS:

Warning! Warning! Suspicious activity. Ten characters with weapons.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Mark and trace then attack!

DRONE BIAS:

Shielded. Two armored vehicles tank grade. One in the alley facing directly at you. The second at the corner to your right.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Channel red open! Nemesis! This is your captain I need assistance now!

CORPORAL FRANZ HOUSER:

Captain! Tracking you…no transponder…

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Michele blind and get!

——The Challenger’s solar coating flashes painful white light that spreads from her to the other side of the street. The Captain turns his head back to look through the decorative glass pane and squints from the blinding light. He goes for it by flinging the door open and running through the courtyard towards Michele. Michele lifts out of her parking spot and hovers beyond the fence. She spins to driver’s side and lands into the courtyard.

DRONE BIAS:

Hovercraft three seconds. Rail gun counter measures.

——The Captain squat ducks but reaches the opened door. The disorienting flash is waning but present. Plastic bullets rain down on him. The roof, the top of the driver’s door, the Captain’s left forearm and left side of his face and neck are hit. He gasp from pain. His blood pours over the driver’s side window and spurts at the inside windshield. He forces the door closed when the hovercraft explodes and falls.

NEW SHOT:

Showing the frisbee sized drone of the Captain turning towards the direction of the falling hovercraft firing what looks like powder from its guns. In reality high pressured air thrust Super Wad Plastic Beebies into the cockpit and Righting compartment of the hovercraft causing it to crash. It goes past the gate and crashes into the bottom of an adjacent building. There is an even larger explosion and the building that it hit goes up in flames. Then there is a violent sound of metal impacting and twisting force. Michele lifts off and the armored vehicle crashes into the front door of building 2020 West Roosevelt. The Captain upchucks a plastic bullet. He has recovered from his injuries. The armored vehicle backs up taking the door frame and a large chunk of the building with it. The second armored vehicle sits in the middle of the street. There is a guy operating an outside covered mounted turret on the ATV. He’s firing at the hovering Challenger. The Challenger has a pressure bolt hub on both sides of its front quarter panels just like Cheryl the Black Panther Camaro. The Challenger deflects all of the metal bullets while sending back pressure bolts which rip open the protection cap and the guy firing the turret. Both vehicles instantaneously launch and speed to crash into Michele. They flatten, explode and fall.

The Nemesis uncloaks in front of Michele.

NEW SHOT:

Semi-close up: The Captain pressing the window button. The back window on the passenger’s side lowers and the drone slowly floats inside.

MICHELE:

Screen display…X-ray…switching to heat…. Switching to at life/ 4D vision.

Pursuit active…

CAPTAIN FAUST:

My hands are on the wheel Michele. Standby. Nemesis Devastate Razor’s bike I don’t want it to move and Brainscan the other guy in place. Also adjust the Barometric pressure and douse that flame.

CORPORAL FRANZ HOUSER:

Ten four.

——The Captain sighs. He floats Michele into the alleyway across the street from his ‘20/20’ building and lands the car. Thunder grumbles and it rains lightly then a quick downpour. The sound of rain droplets pelt the car. The Captain sighs again as he exits the vehicle. The bony Captain steady strides to the end of the drive and turns right down the gangway that runs down the back of the row of buildings. He moves towards Razor and his tweaking ally. Razor notices him and stops attempting to activate his hovercycle. He gets off the bike.

RAZOR:

Team three respond!

——The Captain edges closer and is now thirty five feet away from Razor. Only a few droplets of rain is hitting them.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

‘A’ game’s here!

They’re not coming.

You ready?

RAZOR:

I prefer hand to hand.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Sure.

——The Captain pulls his 1911 and with one hand shoots Razor’s henchman in the neck. He makes a ‘hick’ sound upon the impact of the pressure bolt. He falls off of his bike and the bike bounce hovers back in place. The Captain broken stride commences towards Razor. His gun is aimed at Razor. Razor winces.

RAZOR:

Mano a Mano!

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Sure.

——The Captain quickly cups the combat handgun with both hands now and sends five violent shots into Razor and his high tech armor.

( Direction note: Gun play, Special Effects, War elements and ships and cars must be of top believability. Yet awesome. Effect wise.) ( This shot is behind the Captain over his shoulder. Show slide and active parts of 1911 bucking violently while Razor’s chest plate jogs to the side. The clacking of the 1911 is loud and smooth but not annoying. )

Razor yelps as his falls. There’s a thud of wet weight and scraping armor composite. The Captain walks over to see the after effects.

CORPORAL FRANZ HOUSER:

He’s dead!

CAPTAIN FAUST:

You recorded it. Yeah I executed them. Their actions caused it. Fuck court! Fuck corrections!

He was dangerous. He ain’t getting another chance. Look at the after effects of their work. ‘Fucked up!

CORPORAL FRANZ HOUSER:

Well sir Razor reached the apex level. A lesson learned.

CAPTAIN FAUST:

A lesson learned fuckin’ with me. ‘Chalk it up to a fucked up miscalculation on his part.

AUGUSTINE FREED:

Very fucked up.

——The Captain jolts and spins…He gasps…

CAPTAIN FAUST:

Augie!

——Examinations Assessment Guidance League Essential base: Stationed in Artificial Intelligence Phoenix zone. The War Room. Primary drones are zipping and posting up. They record. The President sits at the large table in the outer course of the room with his generals on each wing. Seven rows of tables with representatives face himself each row slightly elevated by an inclined ramp raising each row of tables higher than the previous one in order for all to view its attendees. There are also representatives in the stands off to the sides and back of the room, who are waiting to respond and react.

From right it left, each camp is given a table and name plate. Command Essential: Chief Fanny Fram, Major Thomas Fontaine, Captain Kevin Bolts, Captain Roger Montgomery, and a missing Captain Faust,

Corrections: Commander Reginald Slasveig, Recorder Stanley Ward, Recorder Avery Stecker, Historian Holder Lum Funt.

E.A.G.L.E.: Director Leo Troy Vaccares, Special Agent Benjamin Ross

Secretary of Defense: Harold ‘Salty’ Pepperdine, Technology Specific: Walter West. Tactical Commander: Chauncey Loots.

Cosmic Consultant: Holly Forest.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Silence! Let’s settle down and start this meeting. Propagator? Are you there?

PROPAGATOR:

I am.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Ah, the prodigal son has returned.

PROPAGATOR:

Not quite sir but go on.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

We are in desperate need of your help. I am sure that you are aware of our current situation.

PROPAGATOR:

Yes I am aware of the encroachment by neighboring galaxy dwellers. What will be your next step.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

First and foremost, I intend on recruiting you into the fold.

PROPAGATOR:

Mmm. Puzzling.

——Pause.

Our agreement Mr. President by your own words and the written treaty that was signed February 8th 3025 stated that I, the Propagator and the United Frontier including all of the above properties and entities of such shall part as distance relatives. No necessary contact or conditions are needed or warranted between both parties. Furthermore, no encroachment is authorized or warranted between the two adjacent camps. No war will continue between the two with this no contact or dealing are authorized from this day forward.

All parties part amiably without property transverse within.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Cut the bullshit boy! I am one of your parents!

I helped write you, remember? You’re my child. I am your father. ‘Your dad. You would not exist if it were not for me. You are indebted to your creator for this reason. I, your father, need you. We are in desperate need of your help. Respond!

PROPAGATOR:

Our connection has been terminated.

____Then line goes dead and is replaced by an annoying dial tone.

——Long pause. The room filled with servicemen and women and Those on High are silently deflated.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE HAROLD PEPPERDINE:

Hostile teenager you’ve created there sir… We are dealing with a vengeful little stuck-up brat throwing a tantrum!

____The parties in the stands grown and grumble in agreement.

TACTICAL COMMANDER CHAUNCEY LOOTS:

This was a bad idea to begin with sir! We don’t need Frankenstein. Besides they…rather it, nearly puppeteered our asses out of existence several decades ago. We were damned lucky to negotiate our way away from them. Now let’s hand over the keys again?… to them? Frankly, I cannot understand your logic. Please try and make me understand.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

That would be impossible.

TACTICAL COMMANDER CHAUNCEY LOOTS:

Why sir?

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

It’s because you are an idiot! However, I will go against my better judgment and attempt to show you the light.

____The Tactical Commander stands in protest.

TACTICAL COMMANDER CHAUNCEY LOOTS:

Is it necessary for you to disparage me in front of our troops and the various factions amongst us? Your crass remark warrants an apology.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

Try getting one. ‘take your seat

TACTICAL COMMANDER CHAUNCEY LOOTS:

We are wasting time pursuing this allegiance with that double dealing backstabbing abomination that you and your hot shot tech buddies breast fed into existence. The time is now. Right now, as our ships are being pulverized all over the Eastern Fontier and systematically pushed closer to our borderlines! Sir, I need you to authorize the use of the Megla-ton Wave Valiant bomb.

PRESIDENT WRIGHT:

——Chauncey …I’ll kick your ass!

Sit down and shut up!