THE VOICE OF ATON "ILLEGAL ALIEN" by GORDON D WENN CAST LIST --------- SHERIFF(DAVE) JUDGE (EARL) DEPUTY (MIKE) BAILIFF (KARL) RAY NADINE (COURT REPORTER) PRIME (ALIEN) DANIEL (DEFENCE COUNCIL) SECOND (ALIEN) FRED (PROSECUTOR) SET LIST -------- INTERIORS EXTERIORS --------- --------- COURT ROOM TEXAS TOWN - STREETS JUDGES CHAMBERS TEXAS TOWN - PARK SMALL TOWN COURTHOUSE Copyright (c) 2003 - All rights reserved - KitsWriter@Yahoo.com # 1. ACT ONE FADE IN: EXT. - TEXAS TOWN - STREETS - DAY We see a late model Police car, driving slowly down the well manicured streets of a small town. As it slows for a stop sign, we see the logo on the side of the car. SHERIFF, HOBART, TEXAS. Then we see the man driving the vehicle, we will come to know him as SHERIFF Dave. He's wearing a blue shirt with police insignia, his badge pinned to the left pocket. Beside him on the seat, a white stetson half covers a gun belt and pistol. He sits at the stop sign for a while. His left arm resting on the open window. He doesn't appear to be in that much of a hurry. Then from his right, a man darts past his car. Running quickly down the street to his left. He recognizes him. SHERIFF (interested) Ray?... A short moment passes, then two other large people dash past him. Only, they don't appear to be Human. They're dressed in identical dark uniforms with several straps and belts holding unknown objects in odd-looking pouches. They have a blue tint to their skin, with a patch of darker blue hair, tufted on the back of their bald blue heads. They're holding, what he assumes to be weapons, in large meaty hands. All this occurs very quickly. He stares forward, not entirely sure what to do. Then his DEPUTY drives by, in hot pursuit. SHERIFF(CON'T) (surprised) What he Hell?... He puts the vehicle into gear, steps on the gas, then turns hard left, following the parade. SHERIFF(CON'T) (out loud) I sure hope this isn't just some advertising stunt. He eventually arrives at the Town Park. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. - TEXAS TOWN - PARK - CONTINUOUS We see a green space, dotted with trees. # 2. An asphalt path leads up from the street, to a small pond. An idyllic location, complete with small islands of flowers. The SHERIFF sees his DEPUTYS' tire tracks cutting through several of them. He pulls off the road following the tracks. Which lead him to the farside side of the Park and the Baseball Diamond. As he gets closer, something very odd begins to loom up in front of him. A dome shaped structure, which just shouldn't be there. Then he sees the rest of it. An Alien Spacecraft. He skids to a halt, just short of second base. We see a large disc shaped Spacecraft occupying the infield. He gets out of his car, staring up at the absurd strangeness of the event. SHERIFF(CON'T) (wide eyed) This can't be real? He just stands for a moment, staring at it. Then he hears his DEPUTY screaming orders at someone. DEPUTY (loud) Down on the Ground. Now! His focus returns to ground level. The DEPUTY is standing behind the drivers' door of his Police Car, weapon drawn. The vehicle is facing forward, in front of the ramp leading into the Spacecraft, stopping the two Blue Aliens from entering. The SHERIFF sees that one of the Aliens is holding someone prisoner. It's RAY. The SHERIFF moves towards the group, stopping only when a strange weapon is pointed at him. He raises his hands, trying to calm things down. SHERIFF (calmly) Hold on, I'm not armed. Let's talk about this. The DEPUTY screams another order, pointing his weapon at them. DEPUTY (loud) Release that Man!... Down on the Ground!... Now!... The SHERIFF yells back at the DEPUTY, as nonaggressivley as he can. # 3. SHERIFF (loud) Mike, just put the Gun down. I don't want anybody getting hurt. Let me talk to them. This really isn't a good time to do anything stupid. The DEPUTY holds his ground. DEPUTY (loud) Dave, just get out of the way and let me handle this. The SHERIFF also holds his ground. Then something odd occurs to him. He looks at everything very carefully. Especially the way, the one Alien is covering RAY. As if he were protecting him from the DEPUTY. It all suddenly becomes very clear and familiar. SHERIFF (discovery) Hold it!... You don't understand! I think their Cops! They're arresting Ray! The DEPUTY relaxes slightly. DEPUTY What?... You're kidding? They're arresting Ray? SHERIFF (to aliens) You are Police Officers, right? You are arresting Ray, right? The Aliens also relax slightly. There is a brief calm moment, then RAY somehow gets up and starts screaming. RAY (louder) SHOOT'EM! SHOOT'EM! SHERIFF (to Ray) Not now! The SHERIFF moves forward quickly, grabbing RAY. He puts him onto the ground, pinning him with his knee. Then, we see the Alien weapon up against the SHERIFFS' head. He doesn't move, he keeps looking down at RAY, while he addresses the Alien with the weapon. # 4. SHERIFF(CON'T) (to alien) Can we talk?... You know, cop to cop. The SECOND Alien moves in and retrieves RAY. Binding him with straps from one of the pouches on his belt. Then they both back away from the SHERIFF, pointing their weapons towards the DEPUTY. SHERIFF(CON'T) (inquiry) Can you understand me? Do you speak my language? The SHERIFF gets a good look at the Aliens. They're about a foot taller than his six feet. Heavy and thick, but quite quick. He addresses the Alien not holding RAY. SHERIFF(CON'T) Are you the one in charge? The Alien speaks something unintelligible. But then a small box on a strap across his chest, begins to translate his language. Eventually the translation is all that we hear, everything blending together. PRIME I am Prime. This is my Second. We must board our vehicle. Please move away. SHERIFF I can't let you do that. You're not taking this Man. Regardless of whatever you think he's done. The PRIME Alien points his weapon at the SHERIFF, giving him an order. PRIME Move away!... Move away, now! Oddly, the SHERIFF becomes extremely Territorial. SHERIFF Listen, friend. This is my Turf. I'm the head honcho around here. I call the shots. Nobody gets arrested in My Town, unless I say so. Understand! # 5. The Aliens seem a little confused at the SHERIFFS' outburst. Then RAY starts laughing. SHERIFF(CON'T) (to Ray) Ray, shut up, this is not the time. Smiling, RAY nods towards the PRIME Aliens' chest. We see multiple small red dots from targeting lasers. Then an equal number suddenly appear on the SECOND Aliens' back. RAY (snarky) Welcome to Texas! The SHERIFF looks around. He sees several armed men surrounding their position. He raises his arms in the air, cautioning everyone. SHERIFF (loud) Lower your weapons! Don't shoot!... Everything's under control! He signals his DEPUTY. SHERIFF(CON'T) (cautious) Mike, put your weapon away. Slowly. Then move towards me. The SHERIFF moves towards the PRIME Alien. Then he stands in front of him. Blocking the people behind him. The DEPUTY reholsters his pistol, then walks over to the group, standing behind the SECOND Alien. PRIME (confused) What are you doing? SHERIFF I can't allow you to take this Man. SECOND (interjects) He is not a Man! SHERIFF (confused) What do you mean, not a Man? I know him. He's lived here for years. His name's Ray. # 6. PRIME He is one of our people. He has concealed this from you. Let us board our vehicle. This will end. We will be gone. The SHERIFF thinks for a moment. SHERIFF Can you prove any of that? PRIME The proof is in our vehicle. The DEPUTY puts in his two cents. DEPUTY (skeptical) Right. You go inside and we never see him again. We didn't just fall off some Turnip Truck. The Aliens seem to be resolved to their course of action. Everything seems to have stopped. Nobody moving. The SHERIFF decides to play the only card he has. SHERIFF You don't have any jurisdiction here. The SECOND Alien makes a scoffing sound. Then the PRIME Alien makes a scolding noise back at him. The SHERIFF moves closer to the PRIME Alien, trying to personalize his argument. Although, not that close, as the Alien is a foot taller. SHERIFF(CON'T) Your society obviously has Laws. You know, Codes of Conduct, Statutes, By-laws, your basic Commandments, all that good stuff. (shrugs) Otherwise, you'd have just killed Ray and not made your presence known to us. Just leaving behind some big mystery, that nobody would really have given a second thought about. # 7. SHERIFF(CON'T) We have Laws, lots of Laws. Some people say there are just too many. And then there's the people, who make their living trying to bend the Law. Break it. Really pervert the system. Change the rules for their own personal profit. The SHERIFF stops for a moment, studying their reaction. SHERIFF(CON'T) We call them Lawyers.... Perhaps you've evolved beyond the need for them. Unfortunately we haven't. The Aliens look a little confused. SHERIFF(CON'T) Wouldn't you just hate it, if some tricky Lawyer got Ray off, because you guys made an illegal arrest. PRIME That will not happen. SHERIFF (shrugs) So, it's just march the guilty bastard in, give him a fair trial and his choice of execution. It's hard to tell, but the PRIME Alien looks a bit concerned. PRIME No. There is a process. SHERIFF (rebuttal) Which could be thrown out because of some procedural irregularities! SECOND What do you mean? The SHERIFF begins to form his response. SHERIFF You guys have come a long way. # 8. He looks at the Spacecraft. SHERIFF(CON'T) (gestures) Ray here, must be pretty important too you. (gestures) I mean, really important. (gestures) To have come all this way. The PRIME Alien looks impatient. PRIME (annoyed) Say, what you have to say. The SHERIFF quickens the pace of his argument. SHERIFF (gestures) Fine, other than the question of jurisdiction, did you read him his rights? Does he have any? Do you have a warrant? What exactly is the charge? Was the evidence against him collected legally? Does he have the right to council? (pause) Also, how do you know it's him? Not just some poor sap, who got in the way. I can't let you take him, until you can provide some proof of his identity. PRIME What would you suggest? SHERIFF An Extradition Hearing. The PRIME Alien looks shocked. His posture slightly stiffer. PRIME You're not serious? SHERIFF Very serious. You don't have any legal standing here. I'm giving you an option. Besides.... The SHERIFF moves slightly to his left, the red dots appear on the PRIME Aliens chest again. # 9. SHERIFF(CON'T) It could become the basis of any further relations that we might have. PRIME We do not intend to have any relations with you. SHERIFF Maybe not now, but who knows what will happen in the future? PRIME This will not happen. There is no purpose to this argument. You will move away and let us board our vehicle. The SHERIFF looks around at the armed men surrounding them. SHERIFF (adamant) Understand this. Those men will shoot you. You will die. SECOND (interjects) Many of your people as well! SHERIFF True. But you'll be dead and we will have your vehicle. Then we'll take it apart and build our own version. (pause) Of course, more of your people will come looking for you. And very quickly, it will escalate into something that can only end with the total destruction of this Planet. (pause) Including quite a few of your people. The Aliens look at each other, trying to gain some insight. SHERIFF(CON'T) So, is Ray worth all of that? # 10. PRIME No, he is not. SHERIFF Do you have another proposal? The PRIME Alien seems to draw a blank. SHERIFF(CON'T) Then, why don't we just wander over to the Courthouse and have the Judge listen to your argument. Make everything all nice and Legal. The SECOND Alien makes his concerns known. SECOND We do not trust you. DEPUTY (interjects) Like we trust you! SHERIFF (to Deputy) Mike, do you mind. I'm trying to negotiate a peaceful solution to this problem. I don't want anybody getting killed right now. DEPUTY (to Sheriff) Well why don't you just tell him we'll railroad Ray. Rubber-stamp all the legal niceties and end this stupidity. The DEPUTYS' comment seems to intrigue the Aliens. They come to a consensus, nodding at each other. PRIME (to Sheriff) We find that, that solution would work for us. SHERIFF I can't guarantee anything. DEPUTY (smiles) Sure you can, we'll have you in and out, in no time. # 11. They all seem to ignore the DEPUTYS' comment. Although no one seems to have corrected his premise. Then, for a moment, we see RAY, sizing up the situation. Not entirely happy. PRIME (to Sheriff) No matter. Any legal effort on your part can only add extra weight to the case. A negative outcome would have no consequence. You have no standing in Our Court. SHERIFF So, a win win situation. PRIME (nods) Yes. The DEPUTY signals the armed party surrounding them. The red dots vanish. CAMERA MOVES IN ON RAY, who suddenly becomes very vocal. RAY (frothy) It's all a trick. They'll turn you over to their Government. Then you'll both be dissected and end up on display, in large specimen jars. Nobody seems to really care about RAYS' ranting. However, the SHERIFF seems puzzled about his comments. SHERIFF (to Ray) What do you mean "Their" Government? Don't you mean "Our" Government? You're beginning to worry me Ray. Maybe they've got the right guy after all. RAY ignores the SHERIFF and continues to rant. RAY These people know about you! They'll tell the Authorities! Then they'll come after you! They're all lying to you! You can't trust them! They want your technology! # 12. The SHERIFF furrows a look at RAY. SHERIFF (gestures) Well, nobody is going to believe us. They'll just think we're all crazy. It'll all be put in some Tabloid, complete with pictures of the entire town wearing tin foil hats. Babbling about Aliens and Spaceships. The Aliens seem more interested in the SHERIFFS' rant, than RAYS'. The SHERIFF continues. SHERIFF(CON'T) (smiles) Complete with Conspiracy Theories about Secret Toxins in the water supply, created by Black Ops Agencies, who are out to control the Worlds Mustard Supply. DEPUTY (to Sheriff) Oh yeah, I read that issue. Did you know that those scratch and sniff Ads, are impregnated with a drug, that causes your chest hair to fall out. It was put there by a secret society of Hair Dressers. The SHERIFF looks at the Aliens, who appear more entertained than confused. SHERIFF (to Prime) You don't believe any of that, do you? The PRIME Alien seems resolved to certain course of action. He hands the SECOND Alien, a small dark cube from one of the pouches on his belt. The SECOND Alien joins it with a similar cube of his own. We see the two cubes in his hand, glowing. As the glow brightens, it floats up and out of his hand. Then it shoots straight up, leaving a brightly lit trail, as it ascends into the sky. PRIME (to Sheriff) Just a precaution. # 13. The glowing cube, suddenly erupts above them. Creating a cascading shower of light. Which seems to ooze downwards, forming a shell of charged particles, around the town. The sunlight changes, becoming slightly darker, as the barrier solidifies. SHERIFF (looking up) What is that? What's going on? The PRIME Alien calms the SHERIFF. PRIME We have just shielded your town. SHERIFF Why? PRIME So we will not be disturbed. SHERIFF (observant) And your prisoner will not escape custody. PRIME That is correct. The PRIME Alien nods to his SECOND. He hands RAY over to the DEPUTY. Who then adds a set of handcuffs to RAYS' unhappy demeanour. The PRIME Alien then addresses the SHERIFF. PRIME(CON'T) Please, take us to your Courthouse. We may have some business for them. The SHERIFF then shows them the way. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. - SMALL TOWN COURTHOUSE - MOMENTS LATER - ESTABLISH We see the exterior of a two story, red brick Courthouse, complete with the State Flag of Texas, flapping in a light breeze. Several leafy trees, flank granite steps leading up to an impressive entrance, where above the main doors, we see a representation of the Statue of Blind Justice. DISSOLVE TO: INT. - COURT HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER We see the interior of a standard courtroom. A visitors gallery in the rear, partitioned by a low-railed fence. # 14. Two tables on either side of the gate, provide space for the Prosecution and Defence Councils. We see the JUDGES' Bench, flanked by Flags, at the back of the room. The witness box sits on one side and the Court Reporter on the other. The room is decorated with old paintings, along with several cases of law books. We see the BAILIFF, a man we will come to know as Karl, looking out one of the small windows, above the Jury Box. He seems interested in the odd change to the sunlight outside the Courthouse. We also see four other people in the room, they appear to be waiting for Karls' assessment on the situation. The JUDGE(Earl) sits at his Bench, the Court Reporter(NADINE) at her station, the Prosecutor(FRED) and the Defence Council(DANIEL) at their proper tables. They sit, waiting, slightly bored. The outside activities seem to have interrupted the days' legal proceedings. The JUDGE queries the BAILIFF. JUDGE Well Karl, what do you see? BAILIFF I'm not sure, Earl. It's like looking through some sort of purple candy. The Defence Council interrupts. DANIEL (to Judge) Your Honour, is all this necessary? It's probably just some strange cloud. JUDGE (to Defence Council) Daniel, we've spent most of the day talking about cows. They're not going anywhere. Are you in some sort of hurry? DANIEL (to Judge) Well, it's Thursday. We do the cow stuff on Thursday. Next week we.... He's cut off in mid sentence as the SHERIFF enters the courtroom. Followed by the PRIME Alien, RAY, the DEPUTY, and the SECOND Alien. They all turn and look, not saying a word. There is however, a rather long moment, as they all just stare, not really believing the scene presented before them. The JUDGE regains his composure. # 15. JUDGE (to Sheriff) Is there something that I can do for you Dave? The SHERIFF looks rather hesitantly at the JUDGE. SHERIFF (to Judge) Well, Earl, I've got this problem. I mean, we have.... Sorry, your Honour.... I'll try to explain. The SHERIFF turns and introduces the Aliens. SHERIFF(CON'T) (explains) These people are Police Officers, and they've just arrested Ray. They're pretty far out of their jurisdiction and would like to petition the Court for an Extradition Hearing. The JUDGE looks hesitantly at the Aliens. Not really knowing how to proceed. He slowly overcomes his fear. JUDGE (hesitantly) Well, I guess we can accommodate them. (to Defence Council) Daniel, you'll be representing Ray. (to Prosecutor) Fred, you have the States position. The Prosecutor just nods, not really sure of the situation. The Defence Council also appears to be on the verge of running away very rapidly. But manages to speak. DANIEL (nervous) Sure, your Honour. Not at all.... If I could take a short moment and confer with my client. JUDGE (nods) Of course, take as much time as you need. # 16. At this point, it should be noted that nobody has actually moved. Two of them have engaged in a certain amount of conversation, but none of them have actually changed their positions. They all seem fixed, rigid, their fight/flight reactions on standby. The SHERIFF is the first one to move things along. He opens the gate in the gallery partition, waving the PRIME Alien over to the Prosecutors' table, on the JUDGES' left. He them points the DEPUTY, RAY and the SECOND Alien over to the Defence Councils' table, on the JUDGES' right. They all stand for a moment, then sit down. DANIEL, the Defence Council sits next to the SECOND Alien, looking very curiously at his height. For security purposes, the SECOND Alien sits next to RAY. With the DEPUTY flanking him on the outside. The JUDGE watches everyone settle in to their positions, then becomes interested in the Aliens' odd looking weapons. JUDGE (put off) I do not allow weapons in my Courtroom.... Bailiff, confiscate them, if you would. The BAILIFF moves slowly away from the window and out of the Jury Box, towards the JUDGES' Bench. His eyes riveted on the Aliens. He turns slowly to the JUDGE, getting close enough to whisper his misgivings. BAILIFF (quietly) Earl, they'll kill me. The JUDGE covers his microphone. Whispers to the BAILIFF. JUDGE Karl, just ask them nicely. The BAILIFF smiles oddly, then turns slowly to the PRIME Alien. Trying not to startle him. BAILIFF (politely) The Judge does not allow unauthorized weapons in his courtroom. You'll have to give them to me. PRIME That is not possible. JUDGE (interjects) They'll be returned to you later. # 17. PRIME You do not understand. Our prisoner is extremely dangerous. He will try to escape. Your lives are of no consequence to him. We must protect you from any hostile acts that he may commit. Everyone in the room, turns and looks at RAY, rather oddly. Apparently, wondering if the things the PRIME Alien has said, could be true. RAY appears pleasant, smiling back at them all. Then very casually, he rises up and addresses the JUDGE. RAY Not guilty. JUDGE And what are you not guilty of? RAY (annoyed) Whatever insane thing they're trying to pin on me! JUDGE (to Ray) Could you be more specific? RAY nods at the Aliens. RAY (shrugs) Ask them. They dragged me in here. I haven't done anything wrong. So I plead not guilty, to whatever they can come up with. RAY sits back down. The JUDGE turns to the Prosecutor. JUDGE Fred, what is Ray actually being charged with? The Prosecutor looks up at the JUDGE, trying not to look too stupid. Then he defers his gaze to the PRIME Alien. FRED (to Prime) What is the charge? The PRIME Alien takes his cue from the Prosecutor, he stands, then speaks to the JUDGE. # 18. PRIME Section Nine. The JUDGE seems to need more information. JUDGE Section Nine? PRIME Yes. JUDGE What sort of crime is that? PRIME I don't understand. JUDGE Is it a felony or a misdemeanour? PRIME (puzzled) Your meaning eludes me. JUDGE Well, what is the penalty for transgressing Section Nine? PRIME (flatly) Death. JUDGE Then this would be a Capital Offense? PRIME Yes. The JUDGE continues his search for more information. JUDGE How many Sections are there? PRIME Seventeen. JUDGE Do they all come with the Death Penalty? PRIME No. Only three of them. JUDGE Are these Sections written down? # 19. PRIME Yes, but you would not be able to read them. JUDGE Could you provide a translation? PRIME It would be meaningless to you. JUDGE I'm having difficulty in understanding just what it is that you want?... If you wish this court to help you, you must help me. I require an understanding of the charge and evidence to the guilt of the accused. Do you understand? The PRIME Alien looks briefly at the SHERIFF. PRIME (to Judge) Your Sheriff has asked me if my Race has Laws. Codes of Conduct, By-laws, Statutes, or your basic Commandments. I say for the record, that we do. The PRIME Alien turns and looks directly at RAY. PRIME(CON'T) (explains) The accused has illegally departed our territory and entered yours. He has not admitted his guilt or petitioned any of us for punishment. He has hidden himself on your Planet, disguising his true self, from the fabric of the Universe. He corrupts our society with this perverse denial. The PRIME Alien sits, leaving the JUDGE with another question. JUDGE Nothing personal, but is this offense of a religious nature? # 20. PRIME No. We do not believe as you do. But we understand. JUDGE Are politics involved? PRIME No. We have no form of government that you would recognize. The JUDGE thinks for moment. Then recaps the proceedings. JUDGE I take it then, that the accused, has violated your peoples personal code of conduct. Something that you hold to be the basic core of your society. PRIME Yes. JUDGE And that his offense, is specifically covered, under Section Nine of this code. PRIME Yes. JUDGE And in addition, that you are a sworn officer of the Law, and have arrested the accused, under that section. PRIME Yes. The PRIME Alien seems happy with the JUDGES' comments. The JUDGE looks over at the Court Reporter. JUDGE Nadine, did you get all that? NADINE (looks up) Sure did, Earl. JUDGE So let it be noted in the record. The JUDGE bangs his gavel. # 21. JUDGE(CON'T) (loud) Mister Prosecutor, please present your case. The Prosecutor doesn't appear to be ready, he looks at the JUDGE hoping for a reprieve. Luckily, the Defence Council provides him with one. DANIEL (stands) Point of order, your Honour. The JUDGE turns to the Defence Council. JUDGE What point would that be, Daniel? DANIEL I'm not sure if this court is able to judge this case. There aren't any legal precedences that would allow for a local county courthouse to try an offense, that is clearly within the jurisdiction of a much higher authority. JUDGE (snide) I take it, that you'd like a change of venue and defer this case to the Supreme Court. DANIEL I'm just looking out for my clients interests, Your Honour. The Prosecutor interrupts the proceedings. FRED Your Honour, if I might.... The JUDGE looks over at the Prosecutor, the BAILIFF is whispering something in his ear. FRED(CON'T) (nods) I have just been informed that the phones are out. JUDGE (unhappy) Do I need to know that? # 22. FRED (stands) Your Honour, that barrier out there, has isolated the entire town. We are basically cut off from the rest of the world. JUDGE (impatient) Your point, Fred? The Prosecutor holds up a large book. FRED This is the Federal Emergency Management Agencies official rule book. It gives you full authority to declare a state of emergency. You can try any case you like. Appoint people or draft them into any service. You could, in fact, confiscate the entire town. The JUDGE tries not to look too drunk with power. JUDGE So ordered! He bangs his gavel. The Prosecutor sits down. JUDGE(CON'T) Is there anything else? The BAILIFF makes his presence known. BAILIFF (to Judge) Your Honour, could you make these two fellas, officers of the court. I don't think it would be wise to confiscate their weapons right now. The JUDGE looks directly at the two Aliens. JUDGE Do you swear to uphold the laws of the State of Texas and obey the orders given you by this court. PRIME Yes. # 23. SECOND Yes. JUDGE (official) I hereby appoint you both Deputy Marshals in and for the county of Hobart, Texas. He bangs his gavel. The Aliens look very pleased. The Defence Council doesn't. DANIEL (stands) Objection, Your Honour! (pause) You can't appoint them to this court. These people caused this situation. They should be defendants! The Prosecutor stands. FRED (folksy) You Honour, I am reminded of the man, who used a windmill to power a generator, while he and his family hid from a Tornado, that powered the generator, that protected his family, from that Tornado. The Defence Council looks very oddly at the Prosecutor. FRED(CON'T) (gestures) Nobody tried to arrest the Tornado. JUDGE Objection overruled! He bangs his gavel, everyone sits back down. JUDGE(CON'T) (directly) Mister Prosecutor, you seem to have gained some confidence in this case, are you ready to proceed? FRED I am Your Honour, as soon as I can get Rays' records. # 24. The Prosecutor points to the computer, at the BAILIFFS' station, on the JUDGES' right. The JUDGE turns and looks at it, then over at the BAILIFF. Who appears slightly self conscious and not too computer literate. The JUDGE gives him a rather suspicious look. BAILIFF (shrugs) Sorry Earl, all I can do is find that fly fishing stuff, you wanted. The SHERIFF volunteers. JUDGE (nods) Thanks Dave. The SHERIFF, who has been sitting in the public gallery, stands, opens the partition gate, then walks over to the BAILIFFS' station. He sits, turns the computer on, then begins typing in some instructions. The Defence Council throws out a comment. DANIEL I thought all the phones were out? NADINE (interjects) Oh, he's just using our local data base. The JUDGE looks over at her. JUDGE Thank you, Nadine. NADINE (smiles) Oh, no problem, Earl. A brief moment of inactivity passes, while everyone waits for the SHERIFF to finish. Eventually the printer disgorges several pieces of paper. The Prosecutor takes a quick read, before handing them back to the SHERIFF. Who is then pointed towards the witness box, by the JUDGE. JUDGE (directly) Let's move things along. Everyone seems to agree. Except RAY. Whose gaze seems to be locked forward at NADINE. Which means he's either deep in thought, or just being very rude to NADINE. The SHERIFF sits in the witness box, the Prosecutor moves forward, opening with a request to the bench. # 25. FRED (inquiry) Your Honour, with respect to our guests, do you mind if we dispense with any formal oath. Excluding the accused, everyone here is an officer of the court. The JUDGE instructs the SHERIFF. JUDGE (nods) You're under oath, Dave. SHERIFF (to Judge) Yes sir. The Prosecutor begins his case. FRED (to Sheriff) Do you know the accused? SHERIFF (to Prosecutor) I couldn't actually say that I know him. I've seen him around town. FRED (calmly) How long have you lived here in Hobart? SHERIFF Eight years. FRED And how long have you been the Sheriff? SHERIFF The entire eight years. I moved here, after I got the job. FRED And what were you doing before you moved here and became the Sheriff? SHERIFF I spent six years with the Dallas Police Department. # 26. FRED And before that? SHERIFF Twelve years in the United States Army. The last ten years with the Provost Marshals' Office. Army Criminal Investigation Division. FRED So, twenty six years in total. That would make you a very qualified Peace Officer. SHERIFF I suppose it does. FRED Have you ever arrested Ray, for anything? SHERIFF No. No I haven't. The Prosecutor points at the computer print outs the SHERIFF is holding. FRED What do those records tell you about Ray? The SHERIFF looks at the pages. SHERIFF (reading) Well, he owns a house and some property. He pays his taxes on time. There's no criminal record. FRED So just the tax records. SHERIFF The first two pages are, the last page is an FBI bulletin. FRED Why would the FBI interested in Ray? SHERIFF It's probably an error, they want him for draft evasion. # 27. FRED Really? When was that? SHERIFF (reads) October, nineteen sixty nine. FRED Really? What do you make of that? SHERIFF It's a mistake, probably his father. FRED Why do you say that? SHERIFF Well, the Raymond Edgar Weaver, named here, was born in August nineteen fifty one. Ray doesn't look like he's over fifty.... I'd say he's in his mid twenties. Everyone turns and looks at RAY. The Defence Council rises for an objection. DANIEL Objection, Your Honour, the witness is not qualified to give testimony as to how old anyone appears. JUDGE Sustained. The JUDGE bangs his gavel, the Defence Council sits down. FRED Sheriff, how old are you? SHERIFF I'll be forty five in March. The Prosecutor nods, takes the pages from the SHERIFF. FRED Have you ever met Rays' father? SHERIFF No, I haven't. FRED Any other members of his family? SHERIFF No. # 28. FRED Are there any more of Rays' records on file? SHERIFF No. That's all there was. FRED So, if we just go by these three pages, Ray pays his taxes, owns some property, a house and is wanted by the FBI, thirty years ago for draft evasion. SHERIFF (nods) I suppose. FRED Does that seem like a full life? SHERIFF No, it doesn't. The Prosecutor brings one of the pages closer to the SHERIFF. He points to a particular section on the page. FRED Sheriff, would you mind reading this part, here? SHERIFF (reads) Presumed, to be in Mexico. The Prosecutor nods, then walks over to the Defence Council, and hands him the pages. The Defence Council leans slightly left, glancing oddly at RAY. The Prosecutor continues. FRED Sheriff, what happened this morning? SHERIFF Well, I was stopped at Pinetree and Cactus Butte, when Ray goes running past my car, with the other two officers, after him. Then Mike, my Deputy, drove by, in hot pursuit of everyone. So, I just followed them. FRED And where did everybody go? # 29. SHERIFF (gestures) To the Town Park. There's this Flying Saucer sitting in the infield, right now. FRED What happened then? SHERIFF Well, Mike was stopping them from taking Ray. I jumped in and tried to defuse everything. FRED Are you a qualified Hostage Negotiator? SHERIFF Yes, I am. FRED How did you discover that Ray was being arrested. SHERIFF It was just the way they were protecting him. It was so familiar. Their positions, body language, everything just said Cop. I've been in that exact same situation, dozens of times. FRED Did the other Officers say anything to you about Ray? The Defence Council interrupts the proceedings. DANIEL (to Judge) Hearsay, Your Honour! The Prosecutor defends his case. FRED (to Judge) They're sitting right here, Your Honour. They can confirm the Sheriffs' testimony. The JUDGE looks very briefly at both of the legal combatants. Then dismisses the objection. # 30. JUDGE (to Defence Council) Overruled. (to Sheriff) You may answer the question. SHERIFF (to Prosecutor) They said that Ray was one of their people. And that he had concealed this from us. FRED (curious) Concealed? Did they elaborate on how that was possible? SHERIFF (nods) No. No they didn't. The Prosecutor steps closer to the witness box. FRED (concerned) What about Ray? Did he do or say anything, while you were negotiating with the other Officers? SHERIFF He was a little belligerent. He screamed at me to shoot them. Later he tried to play, what I call, the Paranoia card. He told the Aliens that they'd end up in large specimen jars. FRED (shrugs) Anything else? SHERIFF (concerned) I remember he used the words, Their Government, instead of Our Government. Which, at the time, I thought was a bit odd. FRED (gestures) Sheriff, as a Peace Officer, with two decades of service, what sort of conclusions have you come to, regarding the actions of the accused? # 31. SHERIFF This is a very quiet town. Crime does exist, but it's not Big City crime. There's a lot of cow related things going on, around here. The Defence Council seems to perk up at mention of cows. SHERIFF(CON'T) However, the perpetrators, no matter where they are, always go through the same distinct phases. There's denial, anger, manipulation, remorse and acceptance. The same thing people go through, when they find out that they're going to die. I'd say, he'd done something. The Prosecutor steps back from the witness box. FRED Something? Do you have any idea of what that something might be? The SHERIFF looks directly at the PRIME Alien. SHERIFF Probably, Section Nine. Everyone turns and looks at RAY, again. Who still seems to be staring at NADINE. The Prosecutor continues. FRED Sheriff, how do you that man sitting there is actually Ray? SHERIFF (confused) Pardon. FRED You said that you've only seen him around town. That you didn't really know him that well. So, how do you know, that he's Ray? SHERIFF (thinks) Well, the last Sheriff pointed him out to me. # 32. FRED That would be Sheriff Parks? SHERIFF Right, Bob Parks. I think he's in Wyoming, now. FRED And he just pointed Ray out to You? SHERIFF Yes, he did. FRED Did he give you a reason? SHERIFF Not that I remember. FRED Did he point out anyone else? SHERIFF No. No he didn't. FRED So, eight years ago, the last Sheriff, went out of his way and pointed out Ray to you. Making sure you knew who he was. (pause) Is it possible, he was trying to tell you something? SHERIFF Well, considering this mornings events, I suppose he was. The Defence Council stands. DANIEL (loud) Is there a point to this line of questioning, Your Honour? The JUDGE gives the Prosecutor his full attention. JUDGE What is your point, Mister Prosecutor? # 33. FRED (put off) I was saving that for my summation, Your Honour. JUDGE Fine, let's hear it. FRED Now, Judge? JUDGE Now, Fred. The Prosecutor moves to an open spot, just to the left of the JUDGE. He addresses the Court. FRED The purpose of these proceedings is to establish if there is any basis for extradition. To parties that have no standing in this court and for a crime that can not be upheld in this jurisdiction. (pause) But, I say that there is another crime, that is supported by the evidence given here today and is well within the purview of this court. One that has been omitted. The Prosecutor retrieves the pages from the Defence Council. FRED(CON'T) I put it to the court, that Raymond Edgar Weaver, the individual named here in this FBI bulletin, did in fact, evade the draft by fleeing to Mexico in nineteen sixty nine. (pause) Where he met the accused, who then, by some unknown process, assumed his identity. The Prosecutor gives the pages back to the Defence Council. FRED(CON'T) As for evidence. I submit this bulletin. # 34. FRED(CON'T) Which, I point out, is still on file. The previous Sheriff had some reason for keeping it. A reason he didn't understand or couldn't really prove. It's not a conclusion that is easily reached. (pause) But, he knew that Ray wasn't who he said he was. So he left us this message and pointed him out to our current Sheriff. (pause) A minimum amount of very circumstantial evidence, I grant you. But, combined with the arrival of these other Officers, the evidence becomes less circumstantial. (pause) So, I submit, with no pun intended, that the accused is fact an Illegal Alien. And that this court has the authority to transfer custody to any Immigration Official it so chooses. The Prosecutor returns to his side of the room and sits down. The JUDGE silently absorbs the summation. Then queries the Defence Council. JUDGE Daniel, does the Defence have anything to add? The Defence Council doesn't get a chance to speak, as his attention is drawn to RAY. Who begins to growl. A low sound, with a menacing, predatory quality to it. This bothers Mike, the DEPUTY, sitting on RAYS' left. As he attempts to rise, his chair squeaks on the floor. RAY turns to him suddenly. Pushing him away with a force that sends him across the room. Mike hits the wall, unconscious. RAY has everybodys' attention. We see his hands, palms flat on the surface of the Defence table. As he rises up from his chair, he pushes down on the table. It breaks, crashing down, trapping the Defence Council and the SECOND Alien underneath. # 35. A blue light surrounds RAY, he begins to change. Painfully. A hard, inhuman scream fills the courtroom. The light reaches its final blinding limits, then begins to fade, revealing another large blue Alien. He half turns towards the PRIME Alien, making threatening untranslatable noises. Then he stops suddenly, as two small shiny darts, hit him in the left side. We follow the wires from the darts back to small device in the Court Reporters' hands. A Taser. One Hundred thousand volts sends him quickly to the floor. He jerks violently for a few moments, then stops, motionless. The courtroom becomes very silent. The JUDGE peers down at the Court Reporter, rather impressed. JUDGE(CON'T) Thank you, Nadine. NADINE (smiles) Oh, no problem, Earl. The JUDGE finds the BAILIFF. He points at the two people under the broken table. JUDGE Karl, help those fellas up. We see the SHERIFF leaving the witness box, he helps the BAILIFF sort through the debris. Then he directs first aid procedures to his unconscious DEPUTY. The PRIME Alien stands back slightly, looking down at what used to be RAY. The Prosecutor asks him a question. FRED Is he dead? PRIME No. This rather terse answer, draws The Prosecutor closer to the PRIME Alien. FRED Did you want us to kill him? You know, save yourself any moral dilemma. The PRIME Alien takes a moment to answer. PRIME The thought had crossed my mind. It has been a considerable amount of time, since we executed anyone. # 36. The Defence Council steps over, dusting himself off. FRED (concerned) Are you okay, Daniel? Any broken bones? DANIEL (dusty) No, I'm Okay. Although, Mike's still unconscious. The Sheriff's moved him into another room. An ambulance is coming, just in case. He looks knowingly at the Prosecutor for a moment. DANIEL(CON'T) (insightful) Maybe we should rap this up, before they arrive? FRED (understands) Oh, right! (to Judge) Your Honour, in view of this new evidence, and basically because we'd all like these fellas to leave before anyone else sees them, I call for for a directed verdict. The JUDGE queries the Defence Council. JUDGE Daniel, did you have anything to add? DANIEL (shrugs) My client pleads Nolo Contendere, Your Honour. JUDGE Then, I find the accused, guilty as charged. The JUDGE bangs his gavel. JUDGE(CON'T) He is remanded to the custody of the Marshals appointed by this court. (to Prime) Please remove your prisoner. # 37. PRIME (nods) We thank you for your cooperation. The Defence Council adds a final point. DANIEL (to Judge) The Sheriff's not here right now, but I understand that he did express an intent to try and form some sort of relationship with our guests. PRIME (to Defence Council) We do not wish to have a relationship with you. DANIEL (to Prime) Well, we do still have to go by Rays' house and pick up anything of a personal nature. I was hoping we could include some general cultural material. JUDGE (to Defence Council) What did you have in mind, Daniel? DANIEL (to Judge) Oh, books, magazines, the top ten. A cross section of consumer items. (to Prime) Once, we sent a Probe into Space, with some classical music on it. We're a very hopeful People. The JUDGE and Defence Council wait for PRIMES' answer. PRIME (nods) Very well. But do not think that this will end with any formal agreement. Although we will need transport back to our vehicle. # 38. DANIEL No problem. Just grab your friend there, I've got a truck out the back. They all nod in silent agreement. Then depart with their prisoner. The BAILIFF remains, cleaning up the debris. He speaks to the JUDGE, who hasn't moved from his bench. BAILIFF Are you okay, Earl? JUDGE Sure, I'm just waiting for the light outside to change. The state of emergency is still in effect. BAILIFF (thinks) Oh, right! (pause) Say, are you coming by for dinner, later? JUDGE Is my Sister, doing the cooking? BAILIFF Not tonight, I'm doing Italian. JUDGE Then you just might see me. (pause) I don't know why you married her Karl, she just can't cook. BAILIFF (smiles) There are other things, Earl. They both nod at one another. The BAILIFF leaves. The JUDGE relaxes, as we follow his gaze to the view outside the courthouse. The light eventually returns to normal, signifying the departure of the Aliens. The JUDGE bangs his gavel in the empty room. He stands, placing his chair under the bench. Then he turns to his right and exits the courtroom. DISSOLVE TO: INT. - JUDGES CHAMBERS - MOMENTS LATER The JUDGE enters his chambers. A room, whose walls appear to be made of bookshelves. # 39. At the back of the room, three floor length windows, with a very impressive view, frame a large oak desk, covered with files. We see several sets of leather chairs and tables, giving the room an earthy texture. There is a sense of history here, a permanence spanning both the past and the future. The JUDGE walks across a well-kept ornate carpet, to a coat rack on the right of his desk, where he removes and hangs up his robes. He does notice, but doesn't speak to, the two people sitting in the chairs on the left side of his desk. The JUDGE, however, knows both of them. It's NADINE, the Court Reporter, and DANIEL the Defence Council. Although, now they're both dressed as Army Officers. NADINE, with the rank of Brigadier General and DANIEL with the rank of Major. The JUDGE finishes changing and sits down at his desk. DANIEL looks at him with a question. DANIEL So, did Karl spill the beans? JUDGE No, he just told Fred what was in the files. NADINE Fred's really not that good. We thought he might have had some extra help. JUDGE (shrugs) He has his moments. They both nod rather noncommittally at the JUDGE. The JUDGE moves to another topic. JUDGE(CON'T) (to Nadine) So, any last minute headaches with the Aliens? Any complications? NADINE (nods) No, everything's fine. JUDGE(CON'T) (to Daniel) Did you get everything tidied up, over at Rays. DANIEL (also nods) Yes we did. # 40. JUDGE (to Daniel) Any problems with that gift basket? DANIEL (nods) No, it got delivered okay. The JUDGE takes a moment, looking very casual. JUDGE (to both) So, what kind of Bomb, was it? There is a brief moment of silence, then DANIEL and NADINE exchange understanding looks. As the ranking officer, NADINE spills the beans. NADINE (flatly) It's what we call a Photo Fusion Device. The JUDGE looks a bit lost. JUDGE Pardon? DANIEL (elaborates) During the Cold War, there were several people who thought that we were spending far too much on Defense. They wanted everything to be cheaper. More cost effective. (pause) Budget cuts weren't actually mentioned, but the message was understood. So, several of the back room guys were assigned to cut the fat on some of the more costly technical programs. (pause) Of course, nobody really thought that they'd actually come up with anything. DANIEL defers to NADINE, who continues the explanation. # 41. NADINE You see Earl, your normal Nuclear Weapon, uses explosives to push radioactive materials like Uranium or Plutonium together, at very high speeds. Creating Critical Mass and of course, a very large explosion. (pause) The cheaper device uses a magnetic field to accelerate Radon gas, at almost the speed of light, into a Polonium core. Which also creates Critical Mass. (pause) But, with a much much larger yield. JUDGE How big is the explosion? DANIEL Around two and a half light seconds. JUDGE (lost) Pardon? NADINE (points up) Well Earl, the Moon is around one and a third light seconds away. If a Photo Fusion Device were detonated anywhere on the Earth, the Moon would be toast as well. The JUDGE, this time however, appears overwhelmed. JUDGE How many of these things were built? DANIEL Oh, just the One. JUDGE I suppose that's all you really needed. NADINE That's true. # 42. JUDGE So, now the Aliens have it. DANIEL Right, it'll either explode, destroying their entire planet, or they'll just disassemble it. NADINE A win win situation. The JUDGE appears to understand, but in his heart, doesn't really agree. He moves the conversation along. JUDGE Any more of those fellas around? NADINE There's one up in Colorado. DANIEL We think the Chinese have another one. NADINE Don't worry Earl, we're not closing the town. It's the perfect cover. A nice normal place, where they can feel at home. Relax. Live their lives. DANIEL But with total round the clock surveillance. The JUDGE finds a small flaw in DANIELS' scenario. JUDGE Really? Then why are there still so many crimes against cattle? DANIEL smiles knowingly at the JUDGE. Then stands. He adjusts his uniform, puts on his cap, then salutes NADINE. She nods crisply back at him. He exits the room, with one last comment to the JUDGE. DANIEL See you Thursday, Earl. NADINE notices that Earl seems lost in thought. NADINE Something bothering you Earl? JUDGE You could have told me about the Bomb! # 43. NADINE It was on a need to know basis and you didn't need to know. (pause) Besides, downstairs is off limits to non-military personnel. (pause) And basically, because it didn't really matter. What would you have done if I had told you? There was nowhere to hide from the damn thing. JUDGE Why didn't you just take it apart? NADINE (shrugs) We couldn't. It was built extremely well and had several self-detonating features. So beating it to death with a hammer wouldn't really have helped. Then Earl nods at her, knowingly. JUDGE So, I guess we were pretty lucky those Aliens came by, like they did. NADINE smiles back at him, as innocently as possible. NADINE Yeah. Pretty lucky. NADINES' expression changes to something more serious. She leans forward slightly, personalizing her next question. NADINE(CON'T) Are we okay Earl? Is this a problem? JUDGE (smiles) Nothing I can't live with. They both visibly relax, then Earl moves things along. JUDGE(CON'T) What about Karls' for dinner? # 44. NADINE Is your Sister cooking? JUDGE No, Karl's doing Italian. NADINE Well, then there's no problem, Earl. Earl smiles at her, then they both get up and leave. FADE OUT. THE END #