THE VOICE OF ATON "JUDGEMENT" by GORDON D WENN CAST LIST --------- ZIMMERMAN ALIEN SET LIST -------- INTERIORS --------- JUDGEMENT CHAMBER Copyright (c) 2004 - All rights reserved - KitsWriter@Yahoo.com # 1. ACT ONE FADE IN: INT. - JUDGEMENT CHAMBER Initially, we see darkness. Then a brightening oval begins to define a floor. From the edges, a thin curtain of energy begins to form opaque walls around the oval. Inside, a dark blue circle appears in the centre, then rises up as a cylinder of hard light. It drops away suddenly, revealing a man wearing a bathrobe, who we will come to know as ZIMMERMAN. Oddly, he seems more surprised than confused. ZIMMERMAN (looks around) This is interesting.... He peers into the darkness that surrounds him, trying to find an answer to his situation. Then he notices the thin curtain of energy that separates him from the outside. He reaches out and touches it, only to get a heavy electrical shock. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (jumps back) SON OF A.... He moves quickly away from the edge, shaking his hand in pain. He speaks into the darkness, not really sure if anyone is there. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (angry) Was that really necessary?... The pain subsides. His anger dissipates into impatience. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (loud) Can we get on with this?... I haven't got all day!... Silence. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (thinks) Well, perhaps I do. (pause) Although, if this were a standard Alien abduction, you'd have already started the anal probing. # 2. A spot of light appears outside the oval, to his left. He moves over opposite it. The light moves back, illuminating a raised platform console, with a triangular faced ALIEN sitting behind it. ZIMMERMAN stares at him with a certain curiosity, before speaking. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (serious) You're not planning on eating me, are you? The ALIEN ignores his statement. ALIEN (bluntly) I am your Advocate. ZIMMERMAN Or sucking out my brain? ALIEN (terse) Such things are foolish and do not apply. ZIMMERMAN (shrugs) I just thought I'd ask. I've never actually done this before. Although, our popular culture has prepared us for a number of different scenarios. Being eaten by some creature from outer space, is usually at the top of the list. The ALIENS' tone becomes slightly less ridged. ALIEN Then you know where you are? ZIMMERMAN Of course. You're an Alien, this is your spaceship and you've abducted me.... When does the probing begin? ALIEN How can you be so sure? ZIMMERMAN takes a moment. # 3. ZIMMERMAN (bounces) Well, the gravity is a bit different. And the air has a rather unique quality to it. (sniffs) Then, a moment ago, I was at home and about to go to bed. And now I'm here. You obviously have a superior technology. ALIEN Do you know why I've brought you here? Oddly, ZIMMERMAN may not be on the same page as the ALIEN. ZIMMERMAN Could I get a definite answer with regards to that "eating" issue? The ALIEN continues undeterred. ALIEN You are to be Judged. ZIMMERMAN Really? What have I done? ALIEN (correction) Your Race is to be Judged. ZIMMERMAN My Race? What could we have possibly done to you? ALIEN Our primary concern is for your rather large potential for destruction. ZIMMERMAN questions his credibility. ZIMMERMAN Really? Perhaps, you're main concern is that our potential might be directed at you. ALIEN Such statements would call for a directed verdict. # 4. ZIMMERMAN And what happens then? ALIEN (flatly) We cleanse your Planet. ZIMMERMAN (surprised) That's a bit rude isn't it? ALIEN The Universe does not stand on etiquette. With his hands grasped behind his back, ZIMMERMAN looks away from the ALIEN and towards nothing in particular. Then he rocks forward on the balls of feet, gazing upwards to an imaginary ceiling. He seems to take his time, sucking his teeth slightly, before replying. ZIMMERMAN I think you've already made up your mind about us. ALIEN Are you questioning this court? ZIMMERMAN (loud) Court! What court? This is all a joke. We both know there's something else going on here. ALIEN What would that be? ZIMMERMAN (disbelief) Something other than what you've told me. Which isn't that much. There are things that have been left unsaid. ALIEN That's all very interesting. However, your acceptance of this situation is necessary. ZIMMERMAN (lost) Why? # 5. ALIEN There is evidence that implicates you personally. ZIMMERMAN (puzzled) What sort of evidence? The ALIEN looks behind ZIMMERMAN, who turns and sees a large video screen forming at eye level, in the centre of the oval. ALIEN Do you recognize this transmission? On the screen we see ZIMMERMAN wearing a suit and tie. The letters: HG ZIMMERMAN, appear underneath him. ZIMMERMAN (nods) Yes, it's that interview I did last week. ALIEN (gestures) Then I submit your own words as evidence. The ALIEN nods at the screen, the interview plays. ZIMMERMAN(on screen) (serious) .... I disagree. Although, I'm not an actual expert in the field and everything I say is, of course, mere speculation. But I have been known to manage the odd, well educated guess. (smiles) Space, as I see it, is probably empty.... No pun intended.... However, given the current state of Cosmology and what we actually know about Planetary formation. I'd say that Planets fall into three categories. (raises thumb) One. Gas Balls. Where life never existed and the atmosphere is still in it's original state. Thick and toxic. # 6. Briefly, we see ZIMMERMAN reacting to his on-screen self. ZIMMERMAN(on screen)(CON'T) (raises second finger) Two. Goo Balls. Where life exists, but only as bacteria, and has reduced the atmosphere somewhat. (raises third finger) Three. None of the above. Where life is both abundant and unique. A Planet so rare, that it defies the odds that it should exist. (pause) The first two Planets, fit into the current theoretical models. The last however, is an absolute certainty. As we are currently standing on one. (smiles) As for your general speculation regarding the existence of other intelligence's in the Universe. And what procedures or protocols we would follow if we ever happen meet any of them. (pause) Well, I do like Dogs, but only when they're served with lots of BBQ sauce. We see ZIMMERMAN smiling at the camera and hear some reserved laughter in the background. Our view moves back to ZIMMERMAN in his bathrobe, who turns to rebut the ALIEN. ZIMMERMAN Your point being? ALIEN Evidence. ZIMMERMAN (loud) What evidence? It's entertainment. We talk endlessly about absolutely nothing. It's media filler, for the masses. # 7. ALIEN Evidence. ZIMMERMAN You're insane! ALIEN The facts speak for themselves. We see a passing thought in ZIMMERMANS' eyes. ZIMMERMAN (angry) How many other people have you abducted? ALIEN You are the first. ZIMMERMAN (terse) Should I feel honoured? ALIEN Many others will follow. ZIMMERMAN suddenly realizes a certain truth. ZIMMERMAN (loud) So that's your game! ALIEN These are serious matters, you should be more concerned for your own fate. ZIMMERMAN (loudly) What? So it's not just march the guilty bastard in and give him his choice of execution. ALIEN (threat) Your attitude may require some adjustment. ZIMMERMAN (disapproval) You're just a Bully, aren't you? ALIEN This interview has ended. # 8. ZIMMERMAN (indignant) Over? No. Check your script. I think you're experiencing some major problems with your third act. The ALIEN makes a rather rude noise. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (lecturing) You just haven't put the effort into it. You could have at least offered to save my soul, in the name of the one true faith. (pause) Show Trials are a true art form. Done properly, they take on a personality all their own. It's high drama, set against all the fears that a society can muster. (pause) It's good and evil, standing centre stage. Served up to us with a generous course of moral indignation. (pause) Later, we ignore that after taste, that hidden agenda. For the State is all wise, all powerful and has only our best interests at heart. (pause) After all, we wouldn't want anyone making an example of us, would we? ALIEN Your life is done. ZIMMERMAN (loud) Really? May the condemned asked one last question? ALIEN Ask your question. ZIMMERMAN Why are you really doing this? # 9. ALIEN Because we can. ZIMMERMAN So, if my technology is superior to yours, do I get to push you around? ALIEN Yes. The ALIEN turns to one side of his console and presses a button. The inside of the oval is suddenly filled with red light. ZIMMERMAN looks up at it, becoming slightly self-conscious. Then he remembers something. ZIMMERMAN (smiles) Oh, right! The ALIEN looks up at ZIMMERMAN, he seems quite surprised. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) I know, I should be dead. But it's not your equipment, it's me. You see, you can't actually kill me. Then ZIMMERMAN walks through the thin curtain of energy, completely unaffected. He stops, looking down at his wardrobe. He raises his arms up slightly, smiles thoughtfully at the ALIEN, then his clothing morphs into the suit and tie we'd seen earlier in his interview. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) I get caught up in the role sometimes. I tend to forget this isn't a one-man show. The ALIEN seems perturbed, he begins pressing more buttons. ZIMMERMAN makes a casual glance back at the energy curtain surrounding the oval. Then makes a helpful comment. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (gestures) You know, you've got the power turned up a little high on that barrier. Anyone other that me, would have been incinerated. # 10. ZIMMERMAN waves his right hand in a small circle. The barrier collapses back into the floor. He moves forward toward the console. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) Well, down to the business at hand. ALIEN The situation remains unchanged. Your world will be destroyed. ZIMMERMAN takes a short moment to reflect. ZIMMERMAN You're an idiot, aren't you? ALIEN Pointless name calling will not resolve your ultimate fate. ZIMMERMAN (perplexed) You do realize that you've been had, don't you? (pause) None of this is real, it's all been an elaborate ruse. ALIEN (disbelief) For what purpose? ZIMMERMAN Your Race is the one that is being Judged. The ALIEN stares a him, frozen in thought. Perhaps not. ALIEN (chant) We are superior, we will prevail. ZIMMERMAN rolls his eyes at the ALIENS' stupidity. ZIMMERMAN (loud) Superior? Most of this stuff is useless. It's all stage decoration. Props in our play. # 11. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (points) That translator, for example. It doesn't work. We've been speaking your language the entire time. Understand?... Yours, not mine. (shrugs) How is that possible? The ALIEN is silent. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (gestures) Well then, perhaps a short history lesson is necessary. ZIMMERMAN holds up a finger. The video screen appears in front of them. On it we see a blue/green Planet. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (points) This is the Planet Mother Dirt, as it was when Homo Sapiens first ventured into Space. (pause) Of course, that was forty-seven million years ago. They've been gone now, for quite some time. (pause) But not forgotten. The ALIEN remains motionless. ZIMMERMAN continues. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) This Planet is referred to as a Primary. As life began here independently. Forming simple single celled organisms at first. Then exploding into a multitude of diverse species. (pause) All of them, flowing forward, adapting and changing. Partnered in that never-ending evolutionary dance, we call life. # 12. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (pause) The first intelligence on this world, appeared approximately one hundred and fifteen million years ago. They originated from a group of reptiles, who were later referred to as Dinosaurs. (pause) Their ancestors had very tiny brains. But then, some of them developed the ability see in the seasonal darkness of this Planets Polar Regions. This increased the size of their optic nerve, allowing them to become much better predators. ZIMMERMAN quickens the pace of the lecture. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) Unfortunately, geological time has ground down any evidence of their civilization. What traces remained, were discovered on other nearby Planets. By the second intelligence this world had to offer. An unsuccessful Hominid derivation, known as Yorick. As all that remained of them were their skulls. ZIMMERMAN glances over at the ALIEN. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (snide) I'm not putting you to sleep, am I? (pause) Or is there some problem with your superior technology? Oddly, up until now, the ALIEN has remained rather rigid and unemotional. ZIMMERMANS' inquiry, seems to have drawn a very disgusted glare. He continues nonetheless. # 13. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (nods) Then came Humanity. An unending Horde. Who hacked, slashed and chewed their way across this Galaxy. He stops for a moment, smiling. Thinking of times long ago. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) They destroyed countless civilizations. Killing everything in their path. (gestures) But with a certain rather compelling style. (pause) But as expert as they were in Death. They could still find reasons to protect life. (pause) For they understood the Universe for what it was, what it is and what it will become. His expression changes, he seems rather prophetic. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (adamant) They saw into the very soul of the Cosmos. Finding reason amid chaos. Happy, just to exist within the grand scheme of creation. (pause) A proud, yet humble people. He stops, smiling again. Remembering something interesting. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (frowns) They called it the Great Evil. A noncorporeal intelligence that had existed for twelve million years. A huge, ancient mind that controlled, then destroyed thousands of Races. All in the name of its own unknown agenda. # 14. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (gestures) It basically sucked out your brain. Leaving you a mindless living corpse. (pause) However, within a millennia of its discovery by Humanity, it and its' minions were gone. Discarded on the trashheap of history. Something my people should have taken to heart. But we didn't. We had to learn our lesson the hard way. The ALIEN interjects a comment with a slight edge to it. ALIEN (snide) What lesson was that? ZIMMERMAN (flatly) Never underestimate the ability of someone with a pointed stick. The ALIEN isn't amused. ALIEN (snarky) Is there some underlying point to this monologue? ZIMMERMAN (nods) Yes there is. ZIMMERMAN gestures back to the video screen. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (points) This is the Planet your ships systems have been analyzing. Of course, it was recorded quite some time ago. I hid the real information from you and fed this simulation into your main computer. # 15. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) It's actually an historical record of this Planets Geology. Watch, I'll adjust the image and move the time frame forward. The image of the blue/green Planet on the video screen flattens out slightly, showing some very familiar continents. Which then begin to move slowly along their plate boundaries. The ALIEN makes another interesting comment. ALIEN (bored) It's all very fascinating. Isn't there something else we could be doing? ZIMMERMAN (shakes head) No, not really. (points at screen) The rate has now increased to fifty thousand years per second. We've moved forward several million years past the age of Humanity. Watch carefully, the next intelligence is about to make its mark. The healthy image of the Planet suddenly becomes obscured by darkness. Then replaced slowly by deeper brown hues. Which finally erupts into a green tide of vegetation, claiming the Planet. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (points) There! (turns to alien) Did you see it? That brief dark spot covering the Biosphere. (looks at alien) That was Pongo Sapiens. Overall, rather nonviolent. But not very thoughtful. They never quite got past their own Age of Pollution. So, they just ended up as a small stain in the Geological record. # 16. ZIMMERMAN stops, then waits for the ALIEN to comment. ALIEN (snappy) Yes, yes, of course. Please continue. ZIMMERMAN turns back to the screen. ZIMMERMAN (upbeat) As you can see the Planet recovered. Life progressed onwards, adapting and adjusting to everything the Universe could throw at it. (pause) Then fifteen million years ago, the fifth intelligence emerged onto the scene. ALIEN (droll) Five of them. That's amazing. This is a very prolific Planet. What happened to them? ZIMMERMAN smiles at him, with a just a hint of fatherly guidance. ZIMMERMAN (gestures) You know, your attitude may require some adjustment. ALIEN (shrugs) I really don't care. ZIMMERMAN (gestures) You should, we haven't come to the good part yet. ALIEN (sarcastic) So, there's more. ZIMMERMAN nods a reserved understanding. The ALIEN waves his disinterest. # 17. ZIMMERMAN They were Borba Sapiens, another Hominid derivation. An extremely successful Race. They followed along the same route Humanity took through this galaxy. Filled with the same unknown desire for discovery and understanding. (pause) They did, however, find their inheritance among the stars. Millions of Biospheres teaming with life. Then a philosophy developed, based on a series of rational arguments and observations, that tried to explain what they had found. (pause) Some of it was exceptionally brilliant. But mostly, it just gave them an excuse to eat continuously for several days. The ALIEN voices his opinion, by making a rather rude noise. ZIMMERMAN moves slightly closer to make a personal comment. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (goading) You know, ten million years ago, your Race started out as their Pets. The ALIENS' crude reserve shatters. He leaps forward, intent on disemboweling ZIMMERMAN with a large curved blade. His ferocity however, is misspent, as he just passes right through ZIMMERMAN. As if he weren't there. The ALIEN continues forward, landing hard on the deck. ZIMMERMAN moves toward him. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) The truth be told, I really can't fault you on your game. Convincing other Races to capitulate without any real show of force, is probably the route I would have taken. It is extremely cost-effective. # 18. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) Unfortunately, this particular game, wasn't for your benefit. You see, all this technology was presented to you, rather conveniently I might add, for one single purpose. That you would actually represent a definable and credible threat.... A clear and present danger. ZIMMERMAN sees some blood coming from beneath the ALIEN. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) You appear to be injured. He crouches down with another personal message. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (flatly) They're not coming. The ALIEN glares hate at him. ZIMMERMAN rises back up. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) You, your fleet, your entire population, are soon to become casualties of war. (rises back up) And since we have the time, I'll explain to you why. ZIMMERMAN looks at the image on the video screen. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) It's an amazing Planet, don't you think. Considering that most of the life forms in this galaxy, originated from this one spot. (pause) Including your own. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) (pause) The latest intelligence is reptilian in origin. They have the drive, the skills and a certain tenacity that comes from having quite a few very sharp teeth. # 19. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) Of course, it just wouldn't have worked without you. They just needed a nudge in the right direction. And you get to put the face on a living, breathing enemy. Someone to conquer in a life and death struggle. It's that sense of High Drama again. ZIMMERMAN stares at the Planets image, reminiscing. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T) You know, they dug up all the others, called them Demons. They even created a mythology to explain them all. It's a very moving poetic saga. The ALIEN, very painfully, pulls the blade he intended for ZIMMERMAN, from beneath his body. It's covered with his blood. Holding the wound in his right side very tightly, he rolls onto his back. He gives ZIMMERMAN a very pale, questioning look. ALIEN (laboured) Who?... What are you? ZIMMERMAN Znarp. ALIEN (confused) What? ZIMMERMAN A word we use to describe my current condition. The closest definition in your language, would be defeated or dishonoured. The ALIEN understands. ALIEN (surprise) You were a minion of that Great Evil! # 20. ZIMMERMAN (nods) We were the Progenitors. Invincible, unstoppable. Destroying everything, sparing no one. (somber) Then Humanity cut us down before we even knew they were a threat. (reflects) A merciless, yet noble enemy. (pause) We were humbled by our own Arrogance. ALIEN (puzzled) You were there? ZIMMERMAN (stoic) I was given a parole. (pause) Then chosen as guardian of this Planet. A task I've sworn to uphold. ALIEN (confused) But that's impossible! ZIMMERMAN (gestures) Only if you're made of flesh and blood. (pause) Some of us are made from other things. The corporeal form of ZIMMERMAN collapses into a bright blue ball of light, hovering above the deck. The ALIENS' eyes widen with surprise. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T)(VO) (as ball of light) I was spawned fifty million years ago. (pause) The end product of an evolutionary journey, that spanned a billion years. (abrupt) Which ended in an instant. # 21. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T)(VO) (as ball of light) We squandered our inheritance on momentary thrills and cheap vices. Discarding our sense of morality for service in the ranks of Evil. (pause) I am the last of my kind. Tethered to this world by a debt, that I can never fully repay. The bright blue ball of light that was ZIMMERMAN, drifts over to the ALIENS' console. Beams of soft light play out over the control surfaces, activating several systems. ZIMMERMAN(CON'T)(VO) (as ball of light) There's once last thing I think you should know about your latest Enemy. (pause) You cannot stop them. They are a primal force that will only end with your total destruction. (pause) They're fast, smart and.... (pause) They will eat you. ZIMMERMAN fades away. Then at ground level and from a short distance away, we see THE CAMERA moving quickly towards the prone ALIEN. It mimics the motion of something running. CAMERA CLOSES IN ON the ALIEN. His eyes wide in panic as something rushes toward him. Then we hear a short predatory scream. FADE OUT. THE END #