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Blue Loco: Goodbye to the Spy

By
MK Swanson

Copyright 2010

Mary K Swanson
mikah257@gmail.com
(407) 687-5897
writingwench.blogspot.com

Page 1

Panel

Exile 14

Description

Dialog

Page 1

Panel
1.1

Exile 14

Description
INTERIOR. EXILE 14 LO-ORBIT
STATION.
The interior of the station
here is clean and polished.
The observation window is huge
and oval.
Through the window, we have
a panoramic view of EXILE
14. A dark blue river-ocean
flows in a spiral pattern
from the oversized polar cap,
dividing the tall, grey and
white mountains of the north
continent by a thousand miles
as it traveled southwest.
Just above the equator, the
river-ocean coiled around
the planet and then continued
through the many islands of
the south with their older,
broken mountains, its swirling
path easily seen from space.
Standard-sized waterways
flowed into the river-ocean
from the heart of the north
continent and many of the
south islands. Over the
islands which of the south,
small patches of prismatic
color appear. A few patches of
color appear in the semi-arid
North Continent, as well.
In the foreground stands
SENYA MERAYA, looking out
at the planet. She is a tall
woman with long reddish-blond
hair who appears about 25
years old. She is muscular,
but stands lightly. She
is dressed in loose-fitting
trousers and tunic. The
clothes look practical.
An ugly, old ship with stubby
wings and a pair of ram scoops
on either side, apparently
added later in the ships
lifespan, is flying toward
the station; the name on its
bow reads BLUE LOCO. The ship
has a large cargo hatch in
back and a personnel hatch
underneath. Three physical
ports appear in front and one
in back in the cargo hatch.

Dialog
Caption: In her first mission as a
Districts Agent, Senya is sent to
Exile 14 to discover how Dr. Hord
Rendihl, medical guru and traitor
to the Districts, had escaped
from the prison planet. The
information she had been provided
was scant and suspect, and her new
commanding officer despised her as
a genetically modified freak. Was
this a chance to prove herself? Or
did Stabilization have something
else in mind?
SENYA
Thats the Blue Loco? Its a
wonder the relic can even fly.
I wonder whether Karn will be as
decrepit as his ship?

Page 1

Panel

Exile 14

Description

1.2

We see the Blue Loco land in a


dark landing bay in which much
of the instrumentation seems
to be barely functional.
The bay door is just closing
behind. (SFX: SKRAAAAAK,
BOOM!)

1.3

Senya, carrying a duffel bag,


is walking down a passageway
that is lit sporadically.
It is much smaller than the
observation deck where she
stood to watch the Blue Loco
arrive.

Dialog

SENYA
I hope the environmentals are
better cared for than the
lighting! They might as well
disengage this part of the station
if they dont care to maintain it.

Page 2

Panel

The Blue Loco

Description

2.1

Senya arrives in the bay where


the Blue Loco is docked. The
main hatch is open underneath,
but there is no one in sight.
A metal/plastic alloy crate
with an inscription partly
visible is sitting out in
front of the ship. The whole
inscription reads Melanjo
Fresh.

2.2

Senya walks around the ship,


inspecting it.

Dialog

SENYA
What a death trap! And yet, the
transformation from skimmer to
lo-orbit flyer is no novice job.
SENYA
(Thought bubble)
This guys got to be the one, even
if he IS older than dirt!

2.3

Senya is now sitting on the


crate, looking bored. Her
duffel is beside her on the
deck. She is facing the ship.

2.4

A tall, fit man in his 30s,


DES KARN, with unkempt black
hair and black coveralls
walks up and scoops up the
duffel bag, at the same time
pulling the crate out from
under Senya.

2.5

Senya recovers her balance.


Des is stowing the crate
by lifting it overhead into
the hatchway. (Artists
Note: There is only one main
passageway in the ship. It
runs between the command deck
and the much larger cargo bay.
The main hatchway lowers from
that passageway.)

DES
Senya Meraya? Lets go! Why are
you still out here? I have to be
in CentPro in four hours. Ill
meet you in the cabin.

Page 2

Panel
2.6

The Blue Loco

Description
Senya hurries up the hatchway.
Des has just pulled himself
up into the passage, following
the duffel and crate, which
Senya can now see. Des is
looking down at her, but we
can only see a silhouette,
because hes backlit. The
hatch ramp leads up to a
well-lit interior passage.

Dialog
SENYA
Who are you? I was expecting Karn,
the guy whos been on Exile 14 for
75 years. Are you his son?
DES
Ha! Not so much. Im the original.

Page 3

Panel
3.1

Leaving the Station

Description
INTERIOR, BLUE LOCOs COMMAND
DECK. Des and Senya are seated
at the console, which is
covered in instrumentation,
dials, and screens. Above
are three thick ports through
which we can see the bay door
rising. Des is touching the
controls and looking ahead.

Dialog
DES
Terminal Autority? ETA, Melanjo,
one hour.
TERMINAL AUTHORITY
(RADIO BUBBLE)
Read you, Loco, Melanjo in one
hour.
SENYA
Melanjo? Wheres that? Dont we
have to go straight to CentPro?
DES
Not me. I have permission to stop
for product.

3.2

3.3

The lights are out in the


cabin. Through the ports, we
can now see Exile 14, below.
Part of it is in darkness,
in accordance with the sun.
Des looks at Senya, but we
can barely see his face by
the planets reflected light.
Senya is frowning.

SENYA
Thanks so much for thinking of me.

We can still see the planet


in two of the ports, but one
of them now shows a glittering
mass of diamond shaped panes,
behind which is the blackness
of space. Two slivers of moons
appear in the distance. Senya
looks surprised.

SENYA
Is that the station?

DES
Youll be fine. Its only us
exiles who have to worry.
SENYA
So you say, but Psych Wing isnt
much higher up on the Unified
Districts totem pole.

DES
The old part.
SENYA
Its beautiful. I cant believe
it was built by the Unified
Districts!
DES
It wasnt. Theyre primitive solar
arrays, designed to absorb light
for the station garden and deflect
harmful radiation.

Page 3

Panel
3.4

Leaving the Station

Description
Des is reaching forward to
turn off the displays while
Senya is turning toward him
and leaning forward slightly,
eager to ask questions.

Dialog
SENYA
Who did build them, then?
DES
According to the Districts,
nobody.
SENYA
What do you mean? Someone must
have-DES
(Cuts off Senya)
The station was here when the
Districts arrived, more than a
hundred years ago. Thats all they
know.

3.5

Perspective includes the whole


command deck, which is small.
Des is halfway to the passage
into the back. The screens are
dark and the cabin lights are
now on. Senya is half out of
the copilots chair.

DES
Stay here, relax. There wont be
anything to see until we come out
on the daylight side in about an
hour. Ill be in the cargo bay.
SENYA
I have tons of questions. Can I
walk back with you?
DES
No passengers in the cargo area,
Meraya. Those are the rules, even
on the Ex.

3.6

Des has disappeared, and Senya


is standing at the opening to
the passage, frustrated. She
calls out after him.

SENYA
The Ex?
DES
(From the passageway)
Just our pet name for the ball and
chain.

Page 4

Panel
4.1

4.2

Into the Rift

Description

Dialog

Transition... Later in the


flight. Same scene. Senya
is sitting with her feet
up in the pilots chair,
working on her Zed, a roll-up
computer/screen that she has
in her lap. Des is returning
to the command deck, and
pushes her feet out of his
chair.

DES
Time to strap in, Meraya. The
Loco doesnt enter atmosphere as
gracefully as youre used to!

Tight on Dess face. Cabin


lights are out, ports are
open, and the daylight side
of Exile 14 fills the screens,
under heavy cloud cover. Dess
face glows in the reflected
light. His eyes are like
mirrors: tiny images of the
planet are reflected there.

DES
With what? Im a prisoner--we get
whats been used up, if anything.
The Locos the only flyer on
the Ex that can go to lo-orbit.
Besides, shes younger than I am!

SENYA
Why dont you get rid of this old
tub and get a real ship?

SENYA
I dont get that--how can you be,
what 90? I thought only the Sylvan
gen mods could do that.
DES
No, Im not a Cat.
DES
(Break bubble)
I went through a time rift when
I was 20, came to 65 years in the
future.

4.3

Wider shot. The screens show a


distant harbor through heavy
mist with a river flowing down
from the mountains to it.

SENYA
How can that be? Theres no such
thing as time travel--Viclas
Razor and all that!
DES
Coming up on Melanjo.

Page 4

Panel
4.4

4.5

Into the Rift

Description

Dialog

Same shot, closer, but there


is a prism of color overlaying
the scene. Des is reacting,
tapping controls violently.
Senya has gripped the edge
of the console. There are a
cascade of beeps and warning
sounds. (SFX: BEEP! WHOOP!
Wheeep-wheep-whoooop! BEEEEP!)

DES
Hold on! Unfortunately, youre
about to fall off the edge of the
Razor.

Lower third of page. Dramatic


shot showing Des and Senya,
obviously in pain with eyes
closed and the outline of the
three screens visible through
a Hieronymus Bosch-like mass
of death and destruction with
a space-age twist, including
lasers, atomic bombs, and
space ships. Interspersed
are still-life scenes of
beautiful cities, quiet
groves, seas, and parks.
There is a metal-on-metal
screaming that may or may not
be physically audible. Des
is still flying the ship, but
Senya is covering her ears.

Caption: SFX: Screee-aaaa-eeeiii!

SENYA
What the...?

Page 5

Panel
5.1

Viclas Razor

Description
Transition...Still in the
cabin of the Blue Loco, but it
is no longer bright daylight
outside. Dawn is breaking.
Melanjo is visible, but closer
and the angle is different,
as if the ship is circling
the harbor. Des looks haggard,
washed out. Senya is waking
up; she has a nosebleed and
looks like death warmed over.

Dialog
Caption: On the other side of the
time rift, its dawn instead of
daylight. The question is, the
dawn of WHICH DAY?
DES
You alive?
SENYA
I think so. But I feel like Im
in hell. I saw... horrible things.
What was that?
DES
Thats what Vicla proved couldnt
exist. A time rift. A really small
one.

5.2

Des is in the same position,


tapping buttons. Senya appears
startled, looking at Des. She
is also wiping blood off her
nose.

SENYA
What does that mean? Are we in the
past?
DES
No, theres a block against going
backwards, unfortunately. Were in
the future, I guess youd say.
SENYA
How far?

Page 5

Panel
5.3

Viclas Razor

Description
They are now swooping in
for a landing. Melanjo is a
fishing village with houses
and businesses gathered around
the porth, where a river meets
the sea. A lot of dust is
being kicked up by the Loco.

Dialog
Caption: Melanjo, a fishing
village.
DES
Not bad. I told you it was small.
Just about 15 hours.
SENYA
Wont CentPro be looking for you?
And me?
DES
Ive checked in. My flight
recorder will prove it, if anybody
checks. This happens a lot, and
the Melanjo villagers probably saw
us disappear. As for you, I doubt
it.
SENYA
What?

5.4

They have landed. Villagers


are gathering outside, visible
through the ports. They are
carrying some crates that
say, Melanjo Fresh on them.
The crates are heavy. Des has
risen from his chair, heading
for the cargo bay.

DES
Work to do, Meraya. Come on back
if you need some fresh air, but
stay out of the way.

Page 5

Panel
5.5

5.6

Viclas Razor

Description

Dialog

Blue Locos cargo bay. The


door is open from the bottom
and villagers have lined
up with their crates. The
first person in line is a
young man, KEV, the only
young person visible. He
has a gravcart that lists a
bit. He is supporting that
corner with his knee. One
very large crate, big enough
for a person, is on top of
the gravcart. View is from
the passageway; we can also
see Des and some of Senya,
as if we are behind her. The
others, older men and women,
are hanging back and their
faces are suspicious.

KEV
Glad you made it, Captain Karn. We
kept everything on ice, hoping you
wouldnt be too far into the rift.

Des is gesturing to Senya, who


has stepped up with the two
men.

DES
Im sane, if thats what youre
asking. Cant speak for the live
weight Im carrying.

DES
Just a quick vacation.
KEV
Alls well?

KEV
Nice to meet you, maam. Im Kev.
SENYA
Senya. Nice to meet you, too. What
are you talking about, sane?
KEV
(To Des)
Shes not from here? Is she a new
Ex?

Page 6

Panel
6.1

Rare Birds

Description
Kev and Des are moving and
securing the big crate. In
view is the same beat up
crate as in the hangar bay,
up on the station. Dess paper
inventory is resting on it.
Senya is turning toward it to
sit down.

Dialog
DES
From Psych Wing, apparently. Here
to do the eval.
KEV
Whats that?
DES
Every 10 years, the Unified
Districts is supposed to
re-evaluate the efficacy of the
exiles--whether the inhabitants
are improving or whatever. An
empty exercise for a political
prison like Exile 14. Nobodys
ever leaving here.
KEV
Not even me.

6.2

Same scene. Kev is now


helping Des with the other
crates brought by the other
villagers. Senya is sitting on
the desk/crate, watching and
listening.

SENYA
what do you mean, even you?
KEV
Im not an exile. Im native born.
SENYA
That cant be! There are no native
borns. There was nobody here when
the Districts secured it, and
exiles arent allowed to have
children.
DES
You dont know much, Meraya, but
then, who was expecting you to?

Page 6

Panel
6.3

Rare Birds

Description
A villager is handing over
his small crate to Kev. Des
is working checking his list,
standing beside Senya. Senya
is listening to the villager.
He looks suspi

Dialog
OLD MELANJO FISHERMAN
Who says there was nobody here
when they secured the Ex? There
was sure some horrible monsters,
but the Districts routed em out!
KEV
Thats just an old wives tale.
OLD MELANJO FISHERMAN
So you say, but just you ask your
FRIEND the captain, there, he can
set you straight.
KEV

Page 7

Panel
7.1

CENTPRO

Description
Transition... Blue Loco
has traveled to CentPro,
the Central Processing
Facility for all inbound and
outbound traffic--prisoners
and security workers. The
facility is a jumble of old
shipping containers, grounded
ships, pre-fab buildings and
warehouses laid out next to
an a bunker-like facility
with an accretion of newer,
above-ground buildings around
it, put together out of local
materials. Some of these
buildings are pleasant,
Old South buildings, (think
Savannah), with big front
porches. These structures are
built against a cliff face.
The Loco lands at one end of
CentPro. A few skimmers are
parked outside. Most are ugly
and old.

Dialog
Caption: CentPro was the original
prison when Exile 14 was first
secured. It was built over the
remains of an ancient prison
located in one of the least
hospitable parts of the planet,
in a semi-arid region of the
North Continent. Most exiles
had moved away from CentPro,
living along the rivers and oceans
of the colder North Continent
and on the many small islands
that dotted the warm Southern
Hemisphere. Senya knew these
basic facts, but any details had
been officially buried, even from
her, as a Districts Agent. She
was going to have to find out the
rest, including the object of her
mission, on her own.
CENTPRO AUTHORITY
((Radio Bubble))
Youre cleared to land, Blue Loco.
Report immediately to Authority.
DES
Ive got fresh product to move,
CentPro. A time rift took 15 hours
out of my schedule!
CENTPRO AUTHORITY
(Radio Bubble)
Itll wait. Report to Authority.

Page 7

Panel
7.2

CENTPRO

Description
CentPro landing area
(Helicopter pads.) Exterior
The Loco has landed and is
taxiing toward an enclosed
hangar. The ugly, Frankenstein
skimmers are in view, as
well as one shiny and
elegant-looking one. Its
also bigger, the size of the
Loco. Dialog balloons come
from within the Loco.

Dialog
SENYA
I guess you werent kidding about
the kind of parts you have access
to on Ex 14. All the ships look
worse than yours, except that one.
DES
Why, thank you. The Loco will try
to take that as a compliment.
SENYA
And I thought it was hard to get
parts at home...
DES
Wheres home?

7.3

Inside the hangar, now. Bay


door has remained open. The
inside is cramped and dark.
A doorway is open to the rest
of the facility. Senya and Des
are walking down the Locos
hatchway ramp, Senya carrying
her duffel.

SENYA
MLani Colony. Always the last to
know, is our motto.
SENYA
((Break bubble))
Do I report to the Authority, as
well?
DES
Might as well. New security guards
usually come down in a lump on
a transport, I dont know what
theyll do with you.

Page 7

Panel
7.4

CENTPRO

Description
Inside CentPro.
Official-looking area,
desk, guards wearing rumpled
uniforms. The worst-dressed,
a Captain, is sitting with
his feet up on the desk.
Hes watching the two arrive.
The other guards are passing
handheld scanners over Des,
Senya and Senyas duffle.

Dialog
GUARD CAPTAIN
Karn. Heard from Melanjo you got
rifted. Blue locos didnt get you,
again, did they? Heh, youd think
a native born would be used to it,
by now.
DES
If you heard, why the official
patdown?
GUARD CAPTAIN
My job, Karn. Somebodys got to
do it. who did you bring with you?
Pick up a native in the village?
She looks a bit young for you.

7.5

Senya is now standing in


front of the desk. Des is
nearby. The captain looks
appreciative.

SENYA
Meraya, Captain. Im from Psych
Wing, taking the 10-year survey to
evaluate the exiles. My datacube
should have been here days ago.
GUARD CAPTAIN
Probably is. Psych Wing, huh?
Is that what theyre calling
Stabilization, these days?
SENYA
(Thought bubble))
Why would he mention
Stabilization? My datacube
shouldnt have had any information
about my real mission.
SENYA
Psych Wing isnt affiliated with
Stabilization, Captain. Except
that theyre both Districts
agencies.
GUARD CAPTAIN
Oh, well, I guess you can
understand where Id be confused.

Page 7

Panel
7.6

CENTPRO

Description
Des has turned around to
leave. Senya is waiting
impatiently.

Dialog
GUARD CAPTAIN
Report here every few days,
Meraya, just so we know you didnt
get swallowed up in a rift. Would
have to report that.
SENYA
Thank you, Captain. Ill check in.

7.7

Senya hurries to follow Des


back toward the Blue Loco.

Page 8

Panel
8.1

BLUE LOCOS

Description
Senya catches up with Des at
the door to the Blue Locos
hangar.

Dialog
SENYA
Karn... Des! Can I trade some work
for some information?
DES
If you dont mind lifting some
crates, sure.

8.2

In the Locos cargo bay


with the hatch open. Senya
and Des are moving crates
to the back of an open
gravtruck put together out
of spare parts. It works
well, though, and floats
evenly above the ground. (SFX:
Hmmm-oo-Hmmm-oo-Hmmm)

SENYA
First, what was the Guard Captain
talking about--he said something I
didnt understand about the Blue
Loco.
DES
He wasnt talking about my ship.
The Blue Loco was named after what
happens to some people after going
through a time rift, especially a
big one.
SENYA
I saw some dark things, but I
cant really remember.
DES
Be glad you cant remember. Being
able to remember sends people over
the edge. They call it the blue
locos.

8.3

Des has mounted the gravtruck.


Senya is standing near.

DES
Come on, Ill give you a ride
around to the main road.
SENYA
Thanks.

Page 8

Panel
8.4

BLUE LOCOS

Description
Exterior. In the gravtruck,
going to the front of the
CentPro facility.

Dialog
SENYA
Didnt the Captain imply that
youd had the blue locos?
DES
He did.
SENYA
So people get over it?
DES
Sometimes.

8.5

In the gravtruck, stopped.


A road leads away toward
a cliff. This is where the
porch-fronted buildings
are--they are visible in the
distance.

SENYA
Is there a place I can rent while
Im here? Do you know anybody?
DES
Check out the Hard Place. Theyre
just up the road. Two long-time
residents run it. Mostly locals,
but sometimes they rent out a room
to a Districts technician.
SENYA
Thanks. Ill let them know you
sent me.
DES
If you like.

Page 9

Panel
9.1

9.2

THE HARD PLACE

Description

Dialog

Transition... Senya is in
front of a large, worn, but
attractive house with a small
sign that reads "The Hard
Place" on the wall. The place
has lots of open windows.
Two women, over middle age,
are sitting in chairs on
the porch. FLISS is tall
and rangy, BABS is short and
rounded. The main part of the
house is built out of local
stone and is the same color
as the cliff. The porch is
wooden, somewhat patchwork.
Senya is making a low wave at
the two women.

SENYA
I heard you might have a room I
could rent?

Senya is on the porch and both


women are standing. Fliss has
opened the door.

BABS
You went through a rift?

BABS
We might have something. What are
you in for?
SENYA
Majoring in psychology. Ive come
to do the 10-year psych eval for
the Districts.
FLISS
How long you in for, then?
SENYA
Two or three weeks. I guess it
depends on how many time rifts I
go through.

SENYA
Before we even landed. Des Karn
brought me down from the station.
He told me about your place.
BABS
(Simultaneous Bubble)
How terrible! Are you all right?
FLISS
(Simultaneous Bubble)
Thats unusual. Des is usually
pretty good at avoiding
entanglements.

Page 9

Panel
9.3

THE HARD PLACE

Description
Inside the Hard Place. Theres
a bar on the left, a big
eating area on the right,
stairs at the other end and
a door underneath, through
which we can see a kitchen.
Babs heads to the kitchen,
Fliss toward the stairs.

Dialog
FLISS
Follow me, Ill show you to a
room.
BABS
Ill make you something to eat.
Theres got to be something in the
kitchen.
FLISS
Babs can make something out of
nothing, dont worry!
FLISS
((Break bubble))

9.4

The front rooms taken.


However, with the warm
weather, youll like being
near the cliff. Tends to keep
the room cool.

SENYA
Itll be fine, thank you.

9.5

Upstairs, at the end of the


hall, facing a big window
overlooking a courtyard. There
is a door to the right, and
Fliss is opening the door
across from it to the left.
Through the window, we can see
the cliff face on the left.
The room backs the cliff.

FLISS
Door doesnt lock from the
outside, but theres nothing to
worry about. Exile 14 is full up
with old political extremists,
mad bombers, and dissidents, but
theres practically no theft.
SENYA
I dont have anything worth
taking, Fliss, except my Zed, and
I keep it with me all the time.
FLISS
Theres a nice bath, lots of hot
water. Come down whenever youre
ready.
SENYA
Thanks, I will!

Page 9

Panel

THE HARD PLACE

Description

9.6

Inside Senyas room. Senya


has thrown her duffel on the
bed and is pulling her hair
loose and unwrapping her
clothes. Two windows on the
right side of the room are
heavily curtained.
Senya is disappearing into the
bathroom. We can see a ridge
of fur down her back and a
sleekly furred tail colored
lighter than her hair.

9.7

From the open door to the


bath, Senyas voice can be
heard.

Dialog

SENYA
Aaaaaaahhhhhh! Thank the Helix for
privacy and hot water.

Page 10

Panel
10.1

DOCTOR TO THE STARS

Description
Transition... Senya is sitting
with Fliss at a table in
the Hard Places kitchen.
There is a big table, and
a restaurant-sized sink and
stove. Babs is prepping food
for the dinner service while
Senya is eating a pleasants
looking salad and bread.

Dialog
FLISS
What exactly does a Psych Wing
Eval entail? Is it voluntary?
SENYA
I interview people, find out what
their concerns are. Yes, its
voluntary--I just ask as many
people as it takes.
FLISS
I dont think youll get a lot of
information. People will be too
afraid of how the information will
be used.
SENYA
I have admit, Im just doing my
post-doc internship, so I dont
know; but I havent been asked to
record names.

10.2

Babs is standing at the table.

BABS
I dont know, Fliss. Why wouldnt
they talk? This is supposed to be
the worst the Districts will do to
us.
FLISS
(SFX: SNORT!)
BABS
You can ask your questions, Senya.
But try not to scare away the
customers, OK?

10.3

Exterior. Senya is outside the


Hard Place looking back toward
CentPro facility.

SENYA
((Thought Bubble))
Need to get some transportation.
Was that a grav lot I passed or a
junk yard?

Page 10

DOCTOR TO THE STARS

Panel

Description

10.4

Exterior. At the grav lot.


Most of the vehicles are in
pieces. A few are intact.
There are also some wheeled
and tracked vehicles. An
old woman is showing Senya
a gravbike, like a hovering
motorcycle. Very small.

Dialog
GRAV LOT WOMAN
This is just what you want. Whatd
you do they didnt let you bring
something? Damn Districts are
getting meaner all the time.
SENYA
I just didnt have anything.
GRAV LOT WOMAN
Too bad. The pickings are getting
slim these days.

10.5

Senya riding the gravbike


toward a long building with
windows that appear just above
ground.

Caption: Hord Rendihls last known


address.

10.6

Senya inside a tiny


underground apartment with
two small windows high up. It
appears lived in, but neat,
and she is looking around.
Senya is looking around.

SENYA
((Thought Bubble))
Looks like hell be back any
minute. Maybe hes just been
swallowed up in a time rift.
((Bubble Break))
All the Districts money and my
first assignment for nothing. I
wonder what this is all about?

10.7

Senya is holding a small


figurine in her hand.
We can see the table
underneath--there is a
whittling knife and other
carving tools. The figurine
looks like a large dog with
short hair and rounded ears.

SENYA
Whats this carving? It looks
like a wolfhound, but the ears
are strange.

Page 11

Panel

SOUL WITCH TAG

Description

Dialog

11.1

Senya outside the apartment


building. A man and a woman
are walking toward the
building, carrying some bags.
Senya is speaking to them.

SENYA
Hey, do you know the guy in the
third apartment? Hord? Ive come
knocking on his door everyday for
a week, and he never answers.

11.2

Couple pause to talk. The


woman responds.

WOMAN
You didnt hear? He walked up into
the desert west of the city and
nobodys heard from him since. Too
bad, really, him being a doctor.
Dont have many here.
SENYA
What do you think happened to him?
WOMAN
Time rift, probably. Could have
been a pack of Ex-wolves, though.
Theyre pretty hungry this time of
the year.

11.3

The couple are walking away.


Senya calls out after them.

SENYA
X-wolves?
WOMAN
A wolf native to Ex 14. If
youre outside the city, be
careful--theyre mostly shy, but
even shy ones are dangerous when
cornered.

11.4

11.5

Senya is mounting her


gravbike. From where she is,
she can see a group of five
children playing a tag game
in a vacant area. Two children
are not moving and seem to be
holding poses.

CHILDREN
Dont look too deep or mother will
weep; your eyes will glaze, and
in that dark gaze, forever will
sleep."

One child is tagging another,


who is now frozen in place
with a comical expression.

CHILDREN
Soul witch got you!

SENYA
((Thought bubble))
What kind of spooky tag is that?

Page 11

Panel

SOUL WITCH TAG

Description

Dialog

11.6

The last child not tagged now


chases the original tagger.

NEW TAGGER CHILD


Now Im the soul witch!

11.7

The children who were frozen


now run away from the new
tagger. Senyas gravbike is
in the air, pulling away.

CHILDREN
Dont look too deep or mother will
weep...
SENYA
Time rifts, ex-wolves, children
playing--what--soul witch tag?
This place is creepy!

Page 12

Panel
12.1

12.2

12.3

Were All Exiles Here

Description

Dialog

The Bar at the Hard Place.


There are diners at the tables
and drinkers at the bar.
The scene is animated but
pleasant--no fights. People
are shabbily dressed, and
half are are older than 50.
There are a few young people,
even a child. Think British
local, 1970s, without the
smoke. Altogether, 50 people.
Senya is sitting at the bar
talking with the bartender.
(SFX: CLINK, CLINK, Ha-ha)

Caption: Dinner time at the Hard


Place.

At a table near the stairs


sits GENERAL SODO, a very old,
military-looking man holding
a walking stick in front of
him like a staff of office.
He watches the rest of the bar
like an eagle. The bartender
is gesturing toward the old
man.

BARTENDER
Talk to the General over there,
Sodo. Hes been an ex for
forty-fifty years.

Senya is standing at the


table, facing the old man.
Sodo is looking at her
squarely.

SENYA
General Sodo, Im Senya Meraya,
with Psych Wing. Im doing the
10-Year Evaluation of the exiles
morale--would you mind if I
interviewed you?

SENYA
Im trying to get a feel for the
mood of this place. Who would be a
good person to interview?

SENYA
Thanks.

GENERAL SODO
Why not? Everybody here has heard
my stories already, and I cant
get them to pretend anymore.
SENYA
Thank you, General. Your answers
will be anonymous.
GENERAL SODO
You write my name down, young
woman--this may be my only chance
to be remembered. My space battle
tactics are still a part of the
UD manuals, but they took my name
out.

Page 12

Panel
12.4

Were All Exiles Here

Description
Senya is sitting down, her
back to the bar and her Zed, a
computer in a super-flexible
thin substrate, laid out flat
on the table. She can see most
of the room but not the bar
behind her. Her hands are
resting on the surface of the
Zed. Sodo is staring off into
the distance.

Dialog
SENYA
You were in the Districts Corps?
GENERAL SODO
The youngest ever to make general.
I got my patch at Exile One, the
end of the Code Rebellion.
SENYA
You were there when the Exile was
destroyed?
GENERAL SODO
I gave the order. Creator forgive
me.

12.5

Behind Senya, a shadowy figure


has appeared behind the bar.
He has come from the kitchen.
The door is open a little way
behind him. We can barely
see that it is Des Karn. He
is standing still. In the
foreground, Senya is talking
to Sodo. Sodo is looking down
with a sad expression.

SENYA
You saved us from a horrible
scourge. The rebels were about to
let loose hundreds of thousands
of the most violent, vicious
criminals the Unified Districts
have ever exiled.
GENERAL SODO
To be accurate, I obliterated 5
million prisoners, 100 thousand
guards, and 5,000 rebels, all
because the Stabilization would
not tolerate dissent.
SENYA
But the history books...

12.6

Sodo is looking up now, and


striking his cane on the
ground. (SFX: CRACK!)

GENERAL SODO
Thats propaganda, not history!
Im not sure anyone knows the
truth anymore but me.

Page 13

The Code Rebellion

Panel

Description

Dialog

13.1

IN SPACE. An artificial
asteroid, ringed by dozens
of smaller asteroids, fills
half the scene. A large,
black ship, clearly damaged,
is spraying multiple blasts
at the asteroids and at a
variety of tiny ships trying
to escape.

GENERAL SODO
(Overlay bubble)
Driven by Stabilization Wing,
the UD ordered me to vent the
Exile and all her satellites. Even
though the rebels had asked for,
and been promised, the chance to
broadcast their grievances on the
CommNet. 70 years ago.

13.2

IN SPACE. A small, heavily


damaged ship being dragged
into the hold of a ship.

GENERAL SODO
(Overlay bubble)
The UD reported that there were no
survivors, which was ridiculous.
We captured hundreds of rebels,
even the Code Rebel herself.

13.3

INTERIOR of a Military ship. A


proud young woman is taken
in handcuffs past a much
younger Sodo. Other rebels
and soldiers are there, as
well.

SENYA
(Overlay bubble)
Code Rebel?

13.4

INTERIOR of CENTPRO, the same


room where Senya met the Guard
Captain. The young woman,
looking worn and tortured,
stands in chains. There are no
other rebels.

GENERAL SODO
(Overlay bubble)
The psychologist who cracked the
UD CommNet encryption on Exile
One. She alone "survived" and was
exiled. Stabilization thought she
might know more, she might be able
to lead them to the silent backers
of the Code Rebellion; if she did,
they never learned it from her.

13.5

The Hard Place. Senya is


leaning forward, mesmerized.
Sodo looks smaller than
before. Des, unseen by Senya
is still standing behind
the bar. We can see his
expression: he is heartbroken.

SENYA
She was on Exile 14? Is she still
here?
GENERAL SODO
She was tortured to death 50 years
ago, just before I was exiled.
SENYA
Who was she? What was her name?

Page 13

Panel
13.6

The Code Rebellion

Description
Behind Senya, we can see that
Des has gone back into the
kitchen. The door is closing
behind him. Sodo is looking
up again. His expression is
reserved, like hes hiding
something.

Dialog
GENERAL SODO
Who knows? The UD erased it from
the record, and at the time, I
didnt care. I thought I had done
the right thing.

Page 14

Panel
14.1

On Another Subject

Description
Same scene. Senya has pushed
aside her Zed. Sodo is calling
for a drink, one hand up,
looking toward the bar.

Dialog
SENYA
You were a Districts Military Wing
General. Why were you exiled?
GENERAL SODO
I found out that the Districts
had lied. They said the rebels
were about to set the murderers of
Exile One free, but they werent.
The rebels had been promised a
venue for their grievances, but
the Districts used me to silence
them forever.

14.2

The bartender is bringing the


drink. Senya is paying for it.

GENERAL SODO
It took years, but eventually I
pieced together what had happened.
I tried to go through channels,
complain officially, but they
ignored it. Finally, the day I
turned 40, they sent me here.
SENYA
So youve been here...
GENERAL SODO
Almost 60 years.

Page 14

Panel
14.3

On Another Subject

Description
Senya leans in a little. Sodo
is holding his drink.

Dialog
SENYA
Then youd know the story with Des
Karn, wouldnt you?
GENERAL SODO
Just what everyone does. He showed
up here five years ago.
SENYA
But I thought hed been on Exile
14 for 75 years. Whats going on?
GENERAL SODO
He was exiled when he was 15 years
old. At some point after that, he
disappeared. I never met him--he
lived in the South Islands. Then
he came through a time rift in
Dead Stop, dying of the Blue
Locos.

14.4

Senya is motioning with her


hand in the negative.

SENYA
Thats ridiculous. The Districts
dont exile children.
GENERAL SODO
Not usually, no.
SENYA
What did he do?
GENERAL SODO
It wasnt what he did as much
as who he was. Though trying to
escape from the Exile didnt help
him any.
SENYA
Are you saying he was born here?

Page 14

Panel
14.5

On Another Subject

Description
Sodo is pulling himself to his
feet. Senya, a well-brought up
woman, is half on her feet to
offer help.

Dialog
GENERAL SODO
I think Ill call it a night, now.
It was good to be heard by you.
SENYA
But I have so much to ask...
GENERAL SODO
I think thats enough secrets for
tonight, Senyala.

14.6

Sodo is hobbling out. Senya is


standing, watching him leave.

SENYA
(Thought bubble)
He called me by my Sylvan
diminutive, Senyala! He knows
what I am. Was that some kind of
threat?

Page 15

Panel
15.1

Going Native

Description
Hallway in front of Senyas
room. Early morning. Light is
coming through the window,
which faces north. Senya
has come out of her room and
Des has come out of the room
opposite.

Dialog
SENYA
Des! I didnt know you were
staying here.
DES
I often do.
SENYA
Where are you going today?
DES
Melanjo again, then Dead Stop.

15.2

The two are walking down


the hall, Senya following
slightly.

SENYA
Can I hitch a ride? I can pay.
DES
I dont mind, but Dead Stop is...
hostile. They might not talk to
you at all, especially showing up
with me.
SENYA
Why, especially?
DES
If you want to come, Im leaving
in ten minutes. Or you can meet me
at the terminal.

Page 15

Panel
15.3

Going Native

Description
On the gravtruck from previous
loading scene, only this
time its loaded with spare
parts and a variety of boxes.
A gravbike windscreen like
the one on Senyas bike is
visible.

Dialog
SENYA
Can I ask why you were exiled?
Ive never heard of an exiled 15
year old.
DES
The old man talks a lot, doesnt
he?
SENYA
Not really. He just told me to
explain why the record has you
here for 75 years, but youre
only --what? -- about 30. Were
you native born?
DES
Yes. Then, when I tried to escape,
I was exiled officially.

15.4

Inside the terminal, loading


items from the gravtruck into
the Blue Locos cargo bay.

SENYA
I am shocked at the number of
people who are native born on the
Ex. Officially, no one is allowed
to have children on the exiles.
DES
Officially.
SENYA
Ive met at least a dozen native
borns in the few days Ive been
here. While it makes this more of
a home for the exiles, it seems
unfair to the children.

Page 15

Panel
15.5

Going Native

Description
In the passageway toward the
command deck. Senya is in
the front; Des is tucking
something away over the cargo
bay door while she isnt
looking.

Dialog
Caption: The Districts agent
was getting comfortable. Too
comfortable.
DES
Most of them were in utero and
viable when their mothers arrived
here.
SENYA
I dont know which would be
worse--being taken from their
mothers, or being born into
imprisonment.

Page 16

Panel
16.1

16.2

16.3

Something Wicked

Description

Dialog

Blue Locos command deck. A


small, gray village is visible
through the ports, hunkered
at the base of a vertiginous
cliff wall. A few people are
gathering around a landing
pad. Its cold here, people
are wrapped up tightly; one
man, an athletic-looking,
very short man is wearing a
fur-lined hood that makes his
face hard to see. He stands
well back in the crowd. This
is HORD RENDIHL.

DES
Thats Dead Stop. I dont stay
longer than I have to, so dont
wander away.

Blue Locos cargo bay. Door


is open, Des is handing items
to the villagers who look glum
and less than clean. Senya is
walking out onto the landing
pad toward an old man in the
forefront of the crowd. Hord
Rendihl is sidling up toward
the cargo bay.

SENYA
Hello, Im Senya. Do you have a
minute for some questions?

Senya has stopped abruptly.


The old man is grinning.
Several others have gathered
around. Senya is gesturing
toward the nearest man, a
younger man who also looks
considerably cleaner. Hord
Rendihl is taking a small box
from Des.

SENYA
Not my job, old man. Get your boy,
there, to help you out. What I
want to know is how long youve
been a guest of the Districts?

SENYA
Not likely. I dont want to get
stranded out here.

DEAD STOP GUY


No. But Ive got a minute for you
to flap your gums!
DEAD STOP CROWD
HA HA HA! Share! Share!

Page 16

Something Wicked

Panel

Description

16.4

Dead Stop Guy is pointing at


Des, who is now doling out
other items.

Dialog
DEAD STOP GUY
Long enough to have seen your
bastard Soul Witch turn half of
Dead Stop into turnips. Wed a
killed him if that woman hadnt
flown him out of here.
SENYA
Soul Witch? Are you crazy?
DEAD STOP GUY
Me, crazy? He didnt get me,
bitch! I stayed out of range of
his soul-sucking face. Im smart,
thats what I am.

16.5

Wider View. Hord Rendihl is


fading back into the crowd.
Des is heading back into the
Loco and calling out.

DES
Lets go, Psych Wing. Ive got a
schedule.
DEAD STOP GUY
Psych Wing? Youre Districts?
Youre the only thing we hate
worse than a native witch! Get
out, before we find a rift for
you.
SENYA
(Mumble bubble)
Thanks a lot, Karn. I wont be
coming back here, again.

16.6

Des and Senya getting buckled


into the chair in the command
deck. Dead Stop Guy and
friends have come around to
throw rocks at the ports...

DES
Next stop, Melanjo.
SENYA
What was that about turning the
Dead Stoppians into turnips?
DES
Dont think it would take much,
myself.

Page 17

Panel
17.1

Stopover

Description
Command deck of the Loco. Des
is flying very fast and low
over between craggy mountains
overlooking a wide river. This
is the Melanjo River, and it
leads to the fishing village
previously described. The
cliff faces look very close.

Dialog
Caption: Senya was surprised at
the Blue Locos maneuverability.
She was beginning to think the
ancient ship was even faster than
she had yet seen.
SENYA
Seriously, what happened at Dead
Stop? Who was the woman? The old
crackpot called you a Soul Witch.
Is that some kind of Exile insult?
DES
Fifty-five years ago I flying
to Dead Stop. The Blue Loco was
just a skimmer, then, and not very
quick. A time rift drifted across
my path, and unlike the one we
brushed a few days ago, this one
was big. I arrived in Dead Stop 50
years later.

17.2

Senya is turned toward Des


now.

SENYA
You got the Blue Locos.
DES
Bad.
SENYA
But why would they think you made
them crazy? Did they fall into it,
too?
DES
Something like that.

Page 17

Stopover

Panel

Description

17.3

The two of them are walking


down the hatchway ramp.

Dialog
Caption: Melanjo.
SENYA
Where are we going?
DES
Lunch, Psych Wing. Everybody needs
lunch.
KEV
(Off-panel)
You brought a guest! Mom will love
it.

17.4

Walking through Melanjo, which


is approached by going over
the river on a small, old
bridge. The buildings look
very old, and are made of
stone, half built into the
cliffs. Unlike Dead Stop, this
village is pleasant-looking.
The people are still avoiding
Des.

KEV
My mother is a musician, Senya.
You might have heard of her,
before her exile. She played the
celestial harp. Her name is Koni.
SENYA
But Koni died in a FTL accident!
It was right after the time I
heard her when I was a child.
KEV
(SFX: Ha ha ha!) Not exactly! She
had just given a concert on some
exotic planet and they accused
her of spying. They blew up her
personal ship and sent her into
exile.

17.5

Senya is looking away from


Kev. He face looks startled.

SENYA
(Thought bubble)
Im giving myself away to these
people! What about this place is
making me so careless?

Page 17

Panel
17.6

Stopover

Description
Senya has turned back toward
Kev. Des has dropped behind
slightly. He is watching
Senya, a thoughtful expression
on his face.

Dialog
SENYA
I must have been wrong about the
timing. Nobody would describe my
home colony as exotic!
KEV
It was some nice place. She liked
the people. I think she probably
would have helped them if she
could. They were almost as exiled
as we are, she said. Genetically
modified, she said.
SENYA
It doesnt bother you, that your
mother is considered a traitor?
KEV
Why should it? I know my mother is
the gentlest woman in the world.
Whatever she did, she meant to do
the right thing.

Page 18

Panel
18.1

Des and the Ex-Wolf

Description
They have arrived at Kevs
house. A striking woman (KONI)
with long white hair, in her
fifties, is opening the door.
Beside her stands a giant
dog with rounded ears and a
wolfish look. He has the smile
of a golden retriever, though.

Dialog
KONI
Des! How wonderful. And who is
this?
SENYA
Senya. I should tell you, Im from
Psych Wing. If thats a problem, I
can meet Des back at the Loco.
KONI
Nonsense. We have no reason to
dislike Psych Wing, do we, Des? On
the contrary.

18.2

The wolf-dog has come


forward to greet Des, who is
enthusiastically petting him.
The others look on.

SENYA
What do you mean, on the contrary?
KONI
Thats not my story, thats Dess.
Hell have to tell you, if he
likes.
SENYA
Im hearing that a lot.
KONI
He has a lot of stories to tell,
my dear.

18.3

The three of them are walking


inside toward an inner
courtyard. Its sunny there.
Koni and Kev dont have coats
on--its much warmer here
in Melanjo. The wolf-dog
continues to cavort around
Des. Senya is looking more
closely at the dog.

SENYA
What kind of dog is that?
KEV
Hes an Exwolf. We found his
mother hurt when he was barely
a week old. We took care of her-KONI
Carefully!
KEV
--until she was better, months
later. When she left, he stayed.
His name is Quaff.

Page 18

Panel
18.4

Des and the Ex-Wolf

Description
In the courtyard. A table is
set up in the middle. An older
man is seated there, working
on a piece of electronics.

Dialog
KONI
Jim, put that away! We have
guests!
JIM
But Des will be interested in
this--oh, you mean a real guest!
And shes lovely, too!
KONI
Watch out for him, Senya, thats
just how he took me in. A musician
and an engineer are NOT the best
match in the universe.
JIM
She is so harsh! Just the other
day, I was able to repair the
pickups in her guitar.

18.5

Koni kisses Jim on the head


while he is gathering up his
project and moving it out of
sight.

KONI
I didnt say you werent very
USEFUL, my love, just that we
dont always see eye to eye on
aesthetics!
JIM
At least I didnt bring Quaff into
the house.
KONI
Quaff is beautiful! Dont you
think, Senya?

Page 18

Panel
18.6

Des and the Ex-Wolf

Description
Senya is now getting polite
attention from the exwolf, who
is leaning on her. He comes up
to her mid-chest.

Dialog
Caption: Quaff reminded Senya of
the little carving she had found
in Hord Rendihls apartment. That
was something she would keep to
herself.
SENYA
He is. He looks a little like an
Irishhound.
DES
Ive never seen one of those. Ive
wondered how the exwolf got here.
The other mammals were few and
small. The Districts have imported
some herd and game animals, which
have been a real boon for the
exwolves.
SENYA
I saw several cats at the Hard
Place. Were they here already?
DES
Not that I know of. I think they
are descended from ships cats.

Page 19

Panel
19.1

Spinning a Web

Description
Senya and Des are back in
CentPro Terminal. Senya is
loitering on the command deck
while Des heads back to the
cargo bay.

Dialog
SENYA
Need any help?
DES
Not really. Youre on your own
back to the Hard Place. I have a
couple of deliveries to make.
SENYA
No problem. Thanks for the ride.

19.2

Senya is fiddling out a small


piece of diaphonous material
pulled from her pocket. This
is Sylvan refractive fabric,
which will make the thing it
covers appear to disappear.

Caption: Senya plants a


tracking coin under her seat,
covering it with a piece of
genetically-engineered Sylvan
fabric.
SENYA
(Thought bubble)
Its just a hunch, but Hords
carving looked a lot like Quaff.

19.3

In the Blue Locos cargo bay,


Des is opening the cargo bay
door.

DES
(Thought bubble)
That woman is far too decent to be
a Stabilization spy. And yet, she
must be.

19.4

Senya is walking through


CentPro Terminal. She sees
the same modern skimmer as
before through a large window.
It is bright and fast-looking,
new. It is also apparently
unguarded, and in a less than
obvious place in the terminal.

SENYA
That looks ideal for the purpose.

19.5

Back at the Hard Place, that


night. Senya is sitting in the
bar talking to two middle-aged
men. Sodo is not in the bar.
Fliss is cleaning glasses
while Babs stands in the
kitchen door. Des is not
there, either.

Caption: The evening passed with


only one important event: The
tracking coin was activated. The
Blue Loco was leaving CentPro
again.

Page 20

Panel
20.1

Surasaw

Description
Senya is back in CentPro
Terminal, outside, stalking
the pretty skimmer. The lights
are low, most are out.

Dialog
Caption: It was easy to steal the
skimmer. Senya was determined to
follow the Blue Loco on its next
mission. It was already headed
toward the South Islands.
SENYA
This is a little too easy, I
think. Can the Guard Captain be
this lax? Really?

20.2

20.3

Senya is at the controls of


the skimmer, much smaller
than the Loco and very sleek.
One large port is in front.
A port behind may be visible.
The skimmer is already flying
over the desert of the North
Continent. Two thin slices of
moon appear in the sky, very
low. They have just risen.

Caption: Exile 14s moons, locally


called the Tears, rose as Senya
flew quickly away from CentPro,
staying low to avoid being seen
from the ground.

The skimmer is now flying low


over the ocean. Moonlight
reflects off the water. On
a screen projected from her
Zed, the position of her craft
relative to the Blue Loco is
shown.

Caption: The Blue Loco was landing


two hours ahead on a small island.
It showed on censors, but not on
the official Districts maps of
the planet, programmed into the
skimmer.

SENYA
I wonder why the moons are called
the Tears? Ill have to ask Babs
and Fliss, if tonight isnt the
end of this.

SENYA
Where the helix is he landing? Its
pretty big, but so far from the
other islands, I guess the mappers
just missed it.

20.4

Senya is flying the skimmer


in toward an island, heading
for a small canyon. Dawn is
breaking.

Caption: Surasaw Island, last


refuge for a lost people and the
birth place of a new rebellion.
SENYA
Where are you going, Des Karn?
Youve landed the Loco on the
mesa; with some luck, I can climb
up there in time to find out what
youre doing.

Page 20

Surasaw

Panel

Description

Dialog

20.5

Senya is climbing out of the


skimmer. The early morning
light shining over the mesa
above makes it difficult for
her to see.

SENYA
By the time I reach the cliff
top, the sun wont be against me
anymore.

20.6

Senya begins walking up the


gorge. A a set of crumbling
stone steps are barely
visible; they lead up the
cliff face. A rabbit like
creature has been surprised
into jumping away.

Caption: Vestiges of an extinct


civilization offer Senya an easy
path partway up.

Page 21

Panel

Proof

Description

Dialog

21.1

Senya is free-climbing the


last ten feet of what has
become a dangerous escarpment.
We can see her Sylvan tail,
which she is using for
balance, and a stripe of fur
that runs down her back where
her tunic has become twisted
up.

Caption: Senya is almost silent


as she climbs toward the mesa
where she expects to find the Blue
Loco. One toe almost slips. (SFX:
ssscip!) She also hopes to find
Dr. Rendihl, or at least evidence
that he has been taken off-planet.

21.2

Senya has drawn her eyes


over the cliff edge and
is surveying the scene. In
the shadow of a deep, tall
overhanging stone cave, we
can see the Blue Loco, as
well as five other similarly
engineered ships. Most are
even older than the Loco,
and some of the bear no
resemblance to Unified
Districts ships. Their
base design is graceful and
colorful.

SENYA
(Thought bubble)
Whose ships are those? I thought
I was pretty familiar with the
history of ships in the UD. They
look a little like Sylvan organic
ships.
DES
(In the distance)
Theyll be ready, Carver. I have a
few last items to tend to and Ill
call them done.
HORD
(Radio voice)
Its almost here, Flyer. (SFX:
skkakk! kkiickk!)

21.3

Des is walking out of sight,


into the deeper cave. Senya
begins to climb onto the mesa.

SENYA
(Thought Bubble)
Who is he talking to? And what
was that strange noise? No UD
communication unit makes that
sound.

21.4

Senya is hiding in a shallow


depression in the wall outside
the cave. The Blue Loco is
coming out of the cave, flying
just above the ground. (SFX:
Swoosh!)

SENYA
That was close!

Page 21

Panel

Proof

Description

Dialog

21.5

Senya is exploring the cave.


Five ships are inside, all
different, all with ram scoops
in various configurations.
A table is visible against
the cave wall with a homemade
radio sitting on it.

SENYA
What are these for? Is he building
them to sell?

21.6

Senya is inside the engine bay


of one of the ships. We can
only see her from the waist
down, her tail to one side and
curled up in an expression of
interest.

SENYA
Thats an FTL! He can use these
to escape Exile 14. But why five
of them? Or six! No doubt the Blue
Loco is similarly equipped.

Page 22

Panel

Curiousity

Description

Dialog

22.1

Senya is exploring deeper into


the cave. We are seeing her
from farther inside the cave,
with the sunlight behind her.
She hasnt lit a flashlight.
There is a jumble of large
stones on her left.

SENYA
I wonder where this goes.

22.2

From the opposite angle.


A pair of yellow eyes, set
far apart, are coming toward
Senya.

SENYA
What the...?

22.3

Senya has jumped to a stone


behind the jumble of rocks,
and the stone is tipping up.
Running past her, out of the
cave, is a large cat-like
creature, golden colored.

SENYA
Whoa! Oh-oh-oh....

22.4

The stone has completely


tipped up and Senya has
disappeared.

SENYA
(OFF PANEL BUBBLE)
Aaaaaiiiii!

22.5

Senya is sliding fast down


a very steep tunnel. (60
degrees?) There is 15 feet
of tunnel visible above her
to the cave above, which shows
sunlight. The tunnel in front
of her is very dark.

SENYA
Ouch! Ow!

22.6

Senya has fallen to the bottom


of the shaft. She is just
lying there, eyes closed. We
can see a bare shaft of light
from above, which illuminates
her face.

22.7

Same view, but now the angle


is wide enough we can see that
the light picks out a pile of
bones near her.

SENYA
(Thready Bubble)
Thats gonna leave a mark.

Page 23

Panel

Cave of Souls

Description

Dialog

23.1

Senya has risen and lit a


flashdisk, which she is
attaching to the front of her
shoulder.

SENYA
I wonder what Ive fallen into?

23.2

2. The flashdisk is
lighting up a long room of
human-looking bones, all laid
out neatly, about 100 people.
There is a path between them.
The bones vary in size; some
are children, babies.

SENYA
A tomb? These arent exiles.

23.3

Senya has stooped to examine


the bones of a woman and
child. Scorch marks still
show on them in a alternating
pattern. A blue opalescent
stone lays beside each left
hand.

SENYA
These people were killed with old
Unified Districts heat guns! I saw
these marks in pictures from the
Annexation War on Sylva.

23.4

Senya has turned to another


set of bones and picked up one
of the blue stones to examine
it.

SENYA
Everyone of them has one of these.
And the bodies are laid out with
respect. There must have been
someone left to care for the
dead. Does that mean some of them
survived?

23.5

Senya is replacing the stone


and shining her flashdisk
toward another chamber,
further in.

SENYA
More bones?

23.6

The room opens up in front


of Senya. There are broken,
dusty chairs, beds, musical
instruments. There is writing
in an unknown script on a box
and a sheaf of papers that
say, "Stabilization Wing" with
a double helix logo beneath.

SENYA
They must have retreated to this
island and then been caught in the
open and killed. Who was left to
bury them? And where did they go?

SENYA
(Broken Bubble)
Heat guns havent been used in a
hundred years... These people must
be the natives of Exile 14, the
ones who "werent here."

Page 23

Panel

Cave of Souls

Description

23.7

Senya has picked up the sheaf


of papers with UD on them, and
underneath finds a picture.
A young man who looks like
Des is standing with people
who might be his parents. All
three have a very strong gaze.

23.8

What did she find that can


later help Des in his search
for his father? His notes on
using time rifts? A cleared
desk area where Dess father
set up a work area, living
here before he met Dess
mother? Perhaps he sailed
north and met her because
he wanted to go where there
were more time rifts? To study
them? Senya carries out the
photo and the journal.

Dialog
SENYA
It cant be Des -- hes never
looked anyone in the eye since
Ive been here. Besides, the UD
started sending exiles here twenty
years before Des was born. But
maybe...

Page 24

Panel

Escape Velocity

Description

Dialog

24.1

Senya is climbing the shaft


back toward the cave above.
Her flashdisk is all but out,
and the climb is precarious
because there are few
handholds. the light from
above is more golden than
before, indicating later
afternoon.

SENYA
I hope I can get out before full
dark--that descent will be less
entertaining at night.

24.2

Senya is just about at the


top of the shaft when a voice
comes from the cave above. It
is Hord, though Senya doesnt
recognize his voice.

HORD
(Off Panel Bubble)
Sondara, youre with Clufim.
Banks, with me. I know its a
change from our roster, but after
the accident the other day, Id
rather have you in view.

24.3

Senya is looking over the


stones carefully. She can only
see the back of one man, a
small, muscular guy with a
bald head who is walking away
from the mouth of the cave
into the larger cavern. We
see from her viewpoint. We
can see the table that was in
the cavern--the radio is still
there.

SENYA
(Whisper Bubble)
Hord Rendihl!

No one is in view. A noise


of closing hatchways and
powering up engines is heard.
The noises are not loud,
but Senya recognizes them
and starts up over the edge
of the shaft opening. (SFX:
Claank! Sniiiick! Brrrooom,
hmmm, shhhh...)

SENYA
(Yelling Bubble)
NO!

24.4

BANKS
(Off Panel Bubble)
SFX: Grumble) I could handle it,
Carver. The rift barely brushed
me! Besides, I was ready for it.
HORD
Even with all our preparation,
no one can be completely ready,
Banks.

Page 24

Panel
24.5

Escape Velocity

Description

Dialog

Bigger panel. Senya rushes out


into the cavern, just in time
to see the ships slipping out
into the gathering twilight.
(SFX: Swoosh! swoosh!)

SENYA
(Whisper Bubble)
No...!

24.6

Senya looks toward the cave


where she had been going
when she fell. Her face is
doubtful, confused.

SENYA
No time for more. Besides, I have
enough to tell the Stabilization
Wing Commander Daronif.

24.7

Smaller panel. Close up on


Senyas face showing her
concern.

SENYA
(Broken Bubble)
Though I wonder, after what I saw
below, if she is the last person I
should be talking to.

SENYA
(Broken Bubble)
I come looking for one escapee and
I find a half a dozen. Or maybe
something else?

Page 25

Panel
25.1

Talking in Code

Description

Dialog
SENYA
Should I talk with the local
guard? No... theyre not cleared.
Ive got to get back to Lo-Orbit
Station to report.

Page 26

Panel

I Spy

Description

Dialog

26.1

Interior of the Blue Loco.


Des is flying toward the North
continent, which can be seen
in the three ports. It is
dark, and the two moons are
half full. Des has one hand
out touching a radio like the
one in the cavern.

DES
Carver? Is everything a go for our
meeting?

26.2

Exterior of five secret ships,


flying in a line toward a
slight disturbance in the
night sky--a time rift.

HORD
Were on target, Flyer, but I
need to tell -- (SFX: Kkkkek) -danger.
DES
(Off Panel Bubble)
What kind...?

26.3

Exterior of Blue Loco flying


low over the Blood Ocean.

HORD
(Off Panel Bubble)
Going out of range-- (SFX: Kkkkek,
kracck, sshhh) -- spy -- (SFX:
sshhh, Krack!)

26.4

Interior of the Blue Loco. Des


is leaning forward, tapping
the radio.

DES
Who? Where?
DES
(Broken Bubble)
At Surasaw, of course. Damn.

26.5

5. Des is flying back toward


Surasaw, over the Blood Ocean.
The glitter of the sea is
visible, reflected from the
moons. The shape of Senyas
stolen skimmer is visible
ahead and below.

DES
Thats the Guard Captains
skimmer! Hes never shown the
least interest in doing more
than duty. And he hasnt been the
worst. Maybe I can avoid killing
him...

Page 27

Panel

Dead to Rights

Description

Dialog

27.1

Interior of Senyas skimmer.


It is still night. She is
flying toward the North
Continent Coast. She sees
the Blue Loco far in the
distance, too far to identify.
She is seeing it after Des has
idd the skimmer as the guard
captains.

SENYA
I wish these things had scanners.
That could be anybodys skimmer
out there! And if I had scanners,
I could have followed Hord and his
ships.

27.2

Same. It is barely dawn,


Senya can see the plateau
overlooking the CentPro below
her. The Hard Place is right
below.

SENYA
Well, its too late to return my
borrowed skimmer. Ill leave her
here and find a way down to the
city.

27.3

Aerial view of CentPro, the


plateau, Senyas skimmer
landing and the Blue Loco far
behind.

27.4

Senya is freeclimbing down the


cliff face, her tail safely
hidden. She cant see or hear
the Loco flying in toward the
plateau to land nearby.

27.5

Des is following Senya down


the cliff face. She is far
below, and as yet, he cant
see her.

27.6

Des is still climbing. Senya


has come down near the garden
of the Hard Place and is
scaling the wall.

27.7

Senya comes to the top of the


wall. The dawn has broken and
her face and hair stand out in
the light. We are looking from
Des POV. He has identified
her. He looks bitter.

DES
Senya Meraya of Stabilization
Wing. I have to stop her before
she can get to a comm and report
what she saw.

Page 28

Panel
28.1

Dazed and Confessed

Description
Interior of the Hard Place.
Full sun is coming through
the windows. Senya has just
stepped out and Des is opening
his door, too. He has been
waiting for her.

Dialog
SENYA
Des! Good morning.
DES
More like afternoon. Big night?
SENYA
Big day. I went out for a walk a
got lost. Found my way back late
last night.
DES
You should be more careful. The
North Deserts no place to wander.
You could have ended up in a time
rift.

28.2

Interior of the Hard Place


dining room/bar. A few diners
are having lunch. Senya is
descending the stairs with Des
right behind her.

DES
Im headed to the South Islands
today. Why dont you come? It
will make up for lost Psych Survey
time.

28.3

Senya sits down at a table and


Des takes a chair, too.

SENYA
Isnt it a little late to start
out?
DES
The Blue Loco flies just as well
at night. Come on-- you can sleep
on the way, if you like.

28.4

Des has settled back in his


chair and is smiling. Hes
looking at Senya and his eyes
have changed color to purple.
Senya is gazing back at him in
a daze.

SENYA
(Spacey Bubble)
It couldnt hurt to get more
information...
SENYA
That sounds great. Ive heard that
the South Islands have a lot of
ancient ruins, too. Maybe you can
show me?
DES
Ill show you some things that
will really blow you away.

Page 28

Dazed and Confessed

Panel

Description

28.5

Fliss comes up carrying a


basket with sandwiches and
drinks. She is smiling,
but looking at Des a
little nervously. Senya is
oblivious, clearly in a kind
of mesmerized state.

Dialog
FLISS
Some food for your trip, Des.
DES
Thanks, Fliss. And dont worry-Ill take care of everything.
FLISS
I just cant believe...

28.6

Des smile is fixed. The scene


focuses on him, but we can
see Fliss looking worriedly at
Senya.

DES
Shhh. You might discourage her
from coming with me!

28.7

Des and Senya are leaving the


Hard Place on the gravtruck.
Senya is staring ahead. Behind
them, General Sodo is hobbling
up.

SODO
Wheres he taking her? Theres
something he needs to know!
FLISS
He already knows shes a spy.
Hell be fine, though I dont know
about her.
SODO
If he kills her, hell wish hed
killed himself. I should have told
him before.

Page 29

Into the Blue

Panel

Description

29.1

Senya and Des are both on


board the Blue Loco, which
Des had returned to CentPro
terminal. They are taking
off. Senya is tied to the
co-pilots chair.

Dialog
SENYA
What happened to me? Did you drug
me?
DES
Its all natural, "Psych Wing."
One of the perks of being half
Soul Witch.
SENYA
But your mother...?
DES
Was Misalen Karn, yes. She fell
in love with a native, a real one.
And it got her killed.

29.2

Senya tries to turn in her


seat, but she is tied tight.

SENYA
They killed her for having a
child? But then, why would they
let you live?
DES
Not for having me, no. For
not giving up my father to
Stabilization. Though she couldnt
have, anyway.
SENYA
I dont think you need to be
mysterious, now. Im sure Ill
be dead before I can tell anyone.

Page 29

Into the Blue

Panel

Description

29.3

Des is looking at Senya,


his eyes a normal blue. She
flinches.

Dialog
DES
Im not going to control you again
unless I have to. Its no more
pleasant for me than you.
SENYA
How come you havent just left?
With this power, you could be a
universe away, by now.
DES
I have work to do, here. And this
is my home. I want the Unified
Districts off it. Now, be quiet
for a while. I have to think.

29.4

The Blood Ocean is underneath,


roiling and crashing. The sky
has gone gray.

SENYA
Where are you taking me?
DES
Does it matter?
DES
(Broken Bubble)
Back to Surasaw, the island you
followed me to. But before that, I
have to check on a friend.

29.5

An island, densely forested


and small, has appeared in the
ports. The Loco is descending
toward it.

SENYA
Who is this friend?
DES
She is the woman who saved me from
being put down at Dead Stop. I
havent seen her in two years. She
thought it was safer that way.
SENYA
Why see her now?
DES
You should be glad--she might see
a way to let you live. I admit, I
cant find a way, myself.

Page 30

Panel

In the Still

Description

Dialog

30.1

The Loco has landed near


a small, charming house.
A generator made from an
old space ship drive sits
in front. Large art pieces
dominate the yard. Senya, arms
tied back, is being pushed
down the ramp in front of Des.

DES
(Yelling bubble)
Daronif! Its Des. Where are you?

30.2

Senya has pulled a little


away. Des glares at her.

DES
(Broken bubble)
Dont try to make it to the woods.
Ill be able to stop you, now that
Ive controlled you before, and
it would make the Blue Locos feel
like a spa.

30.3

The two of them have walked


around the cottage. A chair in
the garden in back is shining
with a huge pool of blood red
in the sunlight.

DES
(Yelling bubble)
Daronif!

30.4

Des runs, pushing Senya ahead


of him.

30.5

The two of them look at the


blood covered chair. In the
pool of blood is an elaborate
metal bracelet that bears a
resemblance to the art we saw
in the yard.

DES
Stablization did this, didnt
they?

Des has grabbed Senya by


the throat and is choking
her while his eyes have gone
purple again.

DES
You did this!

30.6

SENYA
What?

SENYA
(Spacy bubble)
No, I didnt even know about
her... besides, the Wing Commander
hates my kind, shed never
trust...

Page 30

Panel
30.7

In the Still

Description
(SFX: Thud-thut-thut, thock!)
A pressure rifle has put two
holes in Senya, one in the
side and one in the leg. Blood
pours out. One shot hits the
chair, spraying the congealing
blood there into the air.

Dialog

Page 31

Panel

Spy vs Spy

Description

31.1

Des is pulling Senya behind a


large piece of art. Senya is
stumbling.

31.2

They hide behind the art


piece, while divots of dirt
fly up all around them. (SFX:
Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!) Des
is holding Senya very close.

Dialog

DES
Stop struggling-- Im getting you
out of the line of fire!
SENYA
Why not just let me die? Youd
have done it yourself.
DES
If they want you dead, its a
sure sign I could use you alive.
Exactly who are you?
SENYA
Are you sure this is the best time
to ask?

31.3

While Des is looking around.


Senya makes a run for the back
side of the cottage, away from
the shooters line of sight.
We can see her wound oozing
blood.

SENYA
Come on! He cant be a very good
shot if he hasnt hit us yet.

31.4

Des follows, ducking a shot


that hits the art piece. (SFX:
Thock!)

DES
(Mumbling bubble)
She doesnt even know shes been
hit.

31.5

Des and Senya head for the


Locos hatchway.

31.6

Des catches up with Senya, who


has stopped at the bottom of
the hatchway. Senyas eyes are
closing, and she is starting
to pass out.

Page 31

Panel
31.7

Spy vs Spy

Description
Senya has fallen, and Des has
caught her and is picking her
up to take into the Loco. It
is an effort, even though she
looks slender. His face shows
a surprised effort.

Dialog
DES
She weighs a ton! Where are you
from, psych wing? Some asteroid
with cheap gravity inverters?
SENYA
(Thready bubble)
No! no.... Mlani...
DES
Wherever that is.

Page 32

Going Crazy

Panel

Description

Dialog

32.1

Des has left Senya lying


on the floor. The Loco is
lifting off. A large flyer
is approacing from far away.

DES
Damn! I guess it wasnt you,
personally, psych wing. Though for
all I know, you sent them here.
But how would you have known?

32.2

The Loco is flying away at a


wild angle. Des is holding
on to the console, Senya
is thrown against the back
bulkhead. (SFX: THWACk!)

SENYA
(Thready bubble)
Ahhh!

32.3

Des glances back. Senya is


facedown, blood is pooling on
the deck beside her.

DES
Sorry, psych wing. You better hope
youre tough, cause I dont have
time to secure you.

32.4

Des flies very fast toward the


south, maneuvering under the
other flyer.

DES
Theres no way to escape this
ship. The Loco is fast, but
theyll catch her eventually.
And youll die before then. Where
is it? I can feel its here,
someplace.

32.5

We see a glitter in the air,


a disturbance, like a heat
shimmer.

DES
There it is!

32.6

We see through Dess eyes.


This is a big time rift. He
sees a rainbow-like effect,
but only the blue/purple/red
part of the spectrum. The Loco
is going in.

DES
Sorry, Senya, this isnt going to
be good for you. It may even kill
you.

Page 32

Panel
32.7

Going Crazy

Description
We see the two of them, the
command deck of the Loco
hazy, and in front of it,
bloody scenes of murder and
horror. All of the victims
have tails, like Senya. We
are seeing her nightmare of
Sylvas Annexation, 200 years
in the past. Des is gripping
the console, teeth gritted but
eyes open.

Dialog
SENYA
(Sobbing Bubble)
I dont want to see...!

Page 33

Panel

Secrets

Description

Dialog

33.1

In a deep
light far
is there,
Senya out

cavern. We can see


away. The Blue Loco
and Des is carrying
of the cargo door.

33.2

Des carries Senya into a room


built inside a cave. Maps,
tools, and a few comforts like
a chair and a heater are in
it.

33.3

He puts her down on the rug


in front of the heater. She is
out cold. Hes pulling out a
knife

DES
Got to get those wounds closed up.

33.4

He tries to cut her clothes,


but is having trouble. The
clothes hug more tightly
around her and avoid the
knife.

DES
What? Is this fabric alive?

33.5

Des has out down the knife and


plucks gently at the cloth.
The pants leg unfurls...

33.6

...and reveals her bloodied


leg and tail.

33.7

Des has taken off the rest


of her clothes, which hug his
right hand in a lively way.
Her body is turned now, so we
can see the stripe of fur down
her spine. Dess interested
reaction is visible on his
face. He is touching the fur
stripe with his left hand.

DES
Shes a Sylvan! What in the
world is she doing working for
Stabilization?

Page 34

Panel
34.1

History Lessons

Description
Transition... Time has passed.
Senya is on a pallet and
covered with a blanket. Des
is reading a book that has
script like we saw before in
the Cave of Souls. Light is
coming from one lamp and the
heater. Senya is thin, pale,
and restless.

Dialog
SENYA
(Thready Bubble)
Please, please, dont kill them.
They didnt have anything to do
with it!
DES
Its been five days, psych wing,
and youre not getting any better.
I was hoping it was just fever.
DES
(Broken bubble)
And now I know youre the
granddaughter of Torana and Loden
Fen. The Locos made sure you got
to see them die, just like I did.

34.2

Senya is sitting bolt upright,


staring into space. Des is
half out of his chair.

SENYA
NO! Not my son, no. He wasnt any
danger to you.
DES
But this is the rift. Nine months!
It must have twisted when we went
through.

34.3

Des is soothing Senya. She is


lying back down and holding
on to his knee where he is
sitting beside her.

DES
I dont know why Im doing it,
psych wing. And it might not work.
You might be lost forever, or I
might. But for Torana, Ill try.

34.4

Des is sitting down beside


her, holding her upright. We
can see Des face, His eyes
are purple again, but his
expression is soothing and
intense.

DES
Look at me! A Soul Witch can be
good for something, too.

Page 34

Panel
34.5

History Lessons

Description
Senyas eyes are open.

Dialog
DES
Where are you, in there, Senyala?
That would be your nickname, on
Sylva, if I remember right. Torana
and Loden, executed, right in
front of a 12 year old half-breed
they were trying to rescue.
DES
(Broken Bubble)
Youve got to come back, Senyala.
The past is over. We cant change
it. Where are you?

34.6

Transition... into a dream


state. Senya is standing at
the edge of cliff. Shes naked
and soaking wet from ocean
spray. Her tail is lying on
the ground. Its dark, lit by
lightning. We can see rocks
and ocean. She looks ready
to throw herself in. On the
opposite shore, images from
her nightmare are playing out.

DES
(Off-panel Bubble)
Where are you? Senyala?

Page 35

Panel
35.1

Emotion Ocean

Description
Still in the dream state.
Senya is falling into the
water, but reaching out toward
Des, whom we can now see
running toward her.

35.2

Des dives over the dream cliff


in pursuit.

35.3

We see the water, waves


crashing, and no Des or Senya.

35.4

We see Dess head break the


surface.

35.5

Des pulls Senya up.

35.6

Des holds Senya so he can see


her face.

35.7

Senyas head has sunk down.

35.8

Des holds her in his arms and


whispers in her ear.

Dialog
SENYA
Des?
DES
No!

DES
Come back. I cant be the
cause of death of Torana Fens
granddaughter.

DES
I want you to come back, Senyala.
Please, come back with me!

Page 36

Panel

Tempted

Description

Dialog

36.1

Back in the cave. Des is


leaning against the chair,
asleep. Senya is lying with
her head in his lap. She has
just woken up, and is looking
at him with amazement.

SENYA
What in helix?

36.2

Des is awake. He looks


startled, but is smiling.

DES
Youre awake!
SENYA
I think I might still be dreaming.
The last I remember, we were
enemies!

36.3

Senya is sitting up, holding


the blanket over her chest
with one hand and tucking her
tail under the blanket with
the other. Des is amused, He
doesnt move.

DES
Probably still are. But you
needed help, and youre Toranas
granddaughter. We can work out the
details.
SENYA
Details like, youre building
ships to escape the Ex, and Im
a UD agent sent to find Hord
Rendihl?
DES
Yes, and like, youre a
Stabilization spy and Im trying
to bring down the government. Yes,
those details!

36.4

Senya looks at Des, amazed. He


smiles back at her.

Page 36

Tempted

Panel

Description

36.5

Same scene, only now Senya


speaks and Des is getting on
his feet.

Dialog
SENYA
What happened to me? I remember
the pressure rifle going off...
DES
You got hit. It made you look a
little less guilty, so I brought
you along.
SENYA
But I remember these
horrible nightmares. About
Sylvas annexation by the
Unified Districts. They were
horrible--worse than Ive ever
heard.
DES
The Blue Locos. It brings back
a kind of ancestral memory.
Unfortunately, Annexation gave
yours a lot of color.

36.6

Senya is sitting up with


her arms crossed over her
knees, comfortable now. Des
is gathering some food and
drink from a table.

SENYA
But you were there. You brought me
out of it. I guess I just dreamed
that.
DES
I was there, in a way.
SENYA
Thank you. I didnt think I would
come back. I didnt want to.
DES
Dont thank me too soon. YOu may
not like the side effects of a
soul retrieval.

Page 36

Panel
36.7

Tempted

Description
Senya is accepting a cup from
Des and looking up at him
suspiciously. He looks down
at her as if he has known her
for her whole life.

Dialog
SENYA
What side effects? Are you
controlling me, now?
DES
No, and I wont do it again, if I
can help it. Its too tempting.
SENYA
(Yelling bubble)
Tempting?!

Page 37

Panel
37.1

37.2

Best Laid Plans

Description

Dialog

Interior of a Black Ship, on


the bridge. This is similar
to the Black Ship from Sodos
memory, but more modern and
larger. DARONIF is the Wing
Commander of Stabilization,
the highest rank. She is a
very well-kept woman of 40 or
so, beautifully dressed in a
close-fitting blood red suit
that suggests a uniform, but
has no insignia. Those around
her are wearing uniforms with
the same color piped on, but
in varying amounts. Most of
their suits are tan. A man
is walking onto the bridge.
Hes in a hurry. This is Jacs,
the Wing Sub-commander. He
has more red piping than the
others.

Caption: Daronif, Wing Commander


of Stabilization, travels toward
Exile 14 in her command Black
Ship. Her sub-commander has
rendevoused with her ship.

Jacs is standing close to


Daronif. She is smiling at
him. He looks very pleased
with himself.

DARONIF
It was well-done. Locking down
the whole planet, keeping the
genmod Merayas busy with their
clanswomans disappearance--

JACS
Why the change in the timetable,
Commander?
DARONIF
The Unified Districts is too
involved with Sylvas "problems"
to tend to a small affair on
Exile 14. I arranged to resolve
it for them. I want Des Karn in
our control.
JACS
Problems I was able to exacerbate!

JACS
Causing the Sylvans to distrust
the Unified Districts and making
the UD question their plans to
withdraw Stabilization laws. My
plan worked perfectly.

37.3

Daronif has withdrawn and


is now frowning. She isnt
looking at Jacs now. Jacs
looks nervous.

DARONIF
My plan, Jacs. Dont forget.
JACS
Certainly, Wing Commander!
DARONIF
(Whisper Bubble)
Its close, Jacs. By the end of
the year, we should have control
of the Districts--permanently.

Page 37

Panel
37.4

Best Laid Plans

Description
Daronif has stepped forward
to touch some controls below
a screen. A photo of Senya in
her UD uniform has appeared.

Dialog
DARONIF
This genmod girl I sent to Exile
14 to distract Karn may not be
dead. Its a small concern, but I
dont like it.
JACS
What about Karn himself?
DARONIF
Hes used his ability, no doubt.
Hell be back. We just have to
watch for him.

Page 38

Panel
38.1

38.2

Book and Candle

Description

Dialog

Transition... Next day. Senya


is sitting in the rooms one
chair. She is dressed in her
Sylvan fabric clothes again.
She looks healthier, but still
thin. Des is holding out a
hand to Senya to help her on
her feet.

DES
You need a walk. Come on, Ill
show you the library.

The two of them are walking


down a dimly lit passage,
rough cut out of the rock.
A cavern, almost in darkness,
can be perceived ahead, filled
with the cream of the Desin
civilization. A massive mobile
hangs in the middle, over all,
designed like the moving cu

DES
Its a family thing. When the
UD came, the Desin believed
they could win the war. My
great-grandfather thought they
were wrong, so he created a secret
library here under Surasaw Island
where he stored records, art,
books, technology--anything he
thought the Desin should remember.

SENYA
The library? Collecting books
while you plot the overthrow of
the planet?

SENYA
What happened to your
great-grandfather?

38.3

They arrive in the cavern. Des


is touching a light switch.
The room is filled in a
semi-organized way. Books are
stored in tall shelves near
the opening.

DES
He died while trying to rescue
the medical library--and its
caretakers, who had refused to
use their psychic abilities to
harm others --from destruction.
SENYA
And you have been caring for it
since your father...?

Page 38

Book and Candle

Panel
38.4

Description
Des is pulling a book from the
shelves. Senya is staring out
into the cavern.

Dialog
DES
Disappeared. He tried to take my
mother and me into a time rift, to
save us--we appeared a year later,
he never did.
SENYA
He went into a time rift on
purpose?!?
DES
So did I, to save us.

38.5

Des is
pulled
at it,
on her

displaying the book he


down. Senya is looking
a look of recognition
face.

SENYA
Ive seen a book like this! In the
Cave of Souls.
DES
What are you talking about? Where
is that?
SENYA
You know, beneath the cavern where
you docked the escape ships. The
tomb.

38.6

DES is heading toward the


entrance, lookng back excited
at Senya.

DES
Show me! We can get to it from
here--but youre not strong enough
yet. Just tell me where it is.
SENYA
You need climbing gear. I found
it by falling down a shaft, and it
wasnt easy to get out.

Page 38

Book and Candle

Panel

Description

38.7

They are back in the


room/cave. Des is gathering
a bundle of tools. Senya is
sitting, exhausted, in the
chair.

Dialog
SENYA
You trust me here alone?
DES
I cant believe the granddaughter
of Torana would betray me.
SENYA
But Im a spy!
DES
Well, the Blue Loco also has
a password. You wont be going
anywhere!

Page 39

Alone?

Panel

Description

Dialog

39.1

Des is in the Cave of Souls


tomb chamber. He stands with
his eyes closed.

DES
My ancestors, I wish you peace.
Your world will be free again,
even if not for you.

39.2

Des is holding a handwritten


book that Senya saw in the
Cave of Souls. SHE DIDNT TAKE
the book, because it was a
tomb.

DES
My fathers final journal! He knew
of this place? Did he write how he
thought to use the rifts to travel
through space, as well as time?

39.3

Des covering the entrance to


the Cave of Souls.

DES
In case they find this place...

39.4

Des sitting in the chair while


Senya sleeps. He is reading
the journal.

39.5

Senya waking. Des is coming


in from the outer cave where
he hid the Blue Loco, looking
very purposeful.

SENYA
Are we leaving?
DES
Hord will have returned by now.
We calculated a nine-month rift
jump. I have a new strategy for
the fight.
SENYA
But whos fighting?
DES
By now, everyone. Hords departure
with the Rift Ships was meant to
ignite a war.

Page 39

Panel
39.6

Alone?

Description
Senya is standing now, but her
face is sad.

Dialog
SENYA
But how can a planet full of
exiles win against the UD?
DES
For one thing, thats 500,000
people, many of them exiled for
violent opposition--for another,
the UD is far away. Its just the
guards and the Lo-Orbit station.
SENYA
But the UD will send troops!

39.7

Des looks triumphant.

39.8

Senya looks astonished. Des is


walking out, carrying the last
of the supplies.

DES
Not with Sylva in rebellion!

Page 40

Panel
40.1

Trust

Description
Des and Senya on board the
Blue Loco. He has a radio
out on the console and he is
operating it. Senya is sitting
in the co-pilots chair.

Dialog
DES
Carver, are you there?
SENYA
Shouldnt he be answering?
DES
Time rift travel isnt a perfect
science--yet. He should be here,
but it could be in a few hours.
Well keep going toward the
rendevous.

40.2

Two large flyers has appeared


in the ports. Des and Senya
look shocked.

DES
Bad luck--the battles were to be
kept far away from here. They must
have waited for us to return from
the rift. That seems odd.
SENYA
No one knows you can calculate the
time rifts?
DES
No one but you, Hord and his
flyers. Daronif knew, but shes
dead.

40.3

Des is pushing Senya into the


passage to the cargo bay and
putting the radio into her
hands.

DES
You have to hide. I cant outrun
them, the Loco is good, but not
that good.
SENYA
What are you going to do?
DES
Some footwork. You get the radio
to Jim and Koni, tell them what
happened. Jim will know what to
do. Also--

Page 40

Panel
40.4

Trust

Description
Both are in the cargo bay.
Des hands her his fathers
journal. Senya is accepting
these things, but she is also
confused.

Dialog
DES
Give this to him, too. Tell him
the answer traveling through space
is in there.
SENYA
Why are you trusting me? I was
your enemy a week ago. You would
have killed me if someone else
hadnt tried to.
DES
I know. That would have been the
worst act of my life--and likely
the last, when I realized who you
are.
SENYA
Torana meant that much to you?

40.5

Des is helping Senya up into a


secret bolthole over the cargo
door to the passageway. She is
still weak.

DES
I loved her with the devotion that
only a 12 year old can bring. If I
had been older, your grandfather
would have had a fight on his
hands!
SENYA
She was devoted to him. And
she must have been 75 years old
already when you knew her! Sylvans
look young a long time. I could be
a hundred, for all you know.
DES
I didnt care. And I dont care
about how old you are, either.
This time, Im getting the girl.

40.6

Senya is looking down at him


from her hideaway. He looks at
her lovingly.

SENYA
You think well make it out of
this?
DES
As my favorite hero from Old Earth
would say, "We still live!"

Page 41

Panel
41.1

41.2

In the Dark

Description

Dialog

Senya is inside the bolthole


with the radio and Dess
fathers journal. It is
completely black in the first
panel, which should be shaped
like the bolthole itself.
The off-panel bubbles come
from the direction of the
bolthole cover. The sound
is the opening of the cargo
door. (SFX: Craaank, tsssss.)
The sense here should be of
being cut off from vision,
claustrophobia.

DES
(Off Panel Bubble)
Daronif? Youre alive?

2. The bolthole is shades of


gray and black, showing light
around the edges of the panel.
We can see an outline of
Senyas face. She is shifting
as if to open the bolthole.
The sound is the sound of
a stun gun set to maximum,
which is lethal, and then the
crumpling of a body to the
ground. (SFX: MeeeeEEEEP!...
WHUMP.)

SENYA
(Thought bubble)
Des? What that a kill-set stun?
No!

DARONIF
(Off Panel Bubble)
Of course I am, FLYER. But my
correct title is Stabilization
Wing Commander.
DARONIF
(Broken Bubble)
Shoot him.

DARONIF
(Off Panel Bubble)
Clean that up, Gentrick, and put
it on my flyer. And then you two
destroy this junk pile. He wont
need it anymore! Ha, ha, ha!
SENYA
(Sobby bubble)
No...
DARONIF
(Off Panel Bubble)
He must have let that genmod
Sylvan die. Thats one of them
taken care of. Gentrick, finish
your assignment, then report to me
when you return to the Black Ship.

Page 41

Panel
41.3

In the Dark

Description
The bolthole is shades of
gray. We can see Senya leaning
back, looking dejected. (SFX:
Scraaaape, scraaaape)

Dialog
GENTRICK
(Off Panel Bubble)
Come on, Nial. Put your back into
it!
NIAL
(Off Panel Bubble)
Why did she do that? I thought she
was in love with him...
GENTRICK
(Off Panel Bubble)
HA! Not her. Anyway, hes an
effing genmod, just like the
Sylvan monkeys, even if you cant
see it.
NIAL
Off Panel Bubble)
... (unreadable grumble)...

41.4

Same view, but Senya is poised


to open the panel.

41.5

Panel is cracked open.


Soldiers are not in sight.

41.6

Panel is wide open. Senya


is poised over the doorway,
leaving the radio and journal
behind her in the bolthole. We
see her framed by the bolthole
entrance.

SENYA
(Thought bubble)
I can do this. Being from a heavy
grav world has got to be good for
something.

Page 41

Panel
41.7

In the Dark

Description
Senya is swinging down into
the cargo bay feet first,
to kick the first person
out of the passage. We see
from the cargo area that she
makes good contact with the
chest of Gentrick who falls
back into Nial while she is
pulling her stunner. Gentrick
is middle-aged, has more red
piping on his uniform. Nials
uniform is almost bare of red
piping. She is 17 and very
small. (SFX: Thunk!)

Dialog
GENTRICK
Oof!
NIAL
Ack!

Page 42

Panel

Kill Shot

Description

Dialog

42.1

We can see Senyas side and


leg are bleeding. Meanwhile
Gentrick, a big guy, is
pulling his stunner and
getting off the floor. (SFX:
Scuffle, scrape, clunk.) Senya
is between Gentrick and Nial,
but she is kicking Gentricks
stunner hand.

GENTRICK
Where the hell did you come from,
bitch?

42.2

The scene is turned around,


now, facing the cargo bay
door, which is still open.
One flyer is gone, but a
smaller, utilitarian flyrer
is visible. Gentricks stunner
is flying across the cargo
bay. Senya is vaulting over
him, taking advantage of her
heavy planet muscles. Nial is
going for Gentricks weapon.
(SFX: skitter, scrape)

GENTRICK
You got some spring in you. But
this wont last long, with all
that blood.

42.3

Senya is grappling with


Gentrick from behind. She
has her arm around his neck.
Nial is grabbing Gentricks
stunner.

GENTRICK
Whats goin--ekk!

Senya has brought Gentrick


down and is stumbling toward
Nial, getting weaker. Gentrick
is conscious, but down. Senya
is directly between Nial and
Gentrick.

GENTRICK
Shoot her, you nit! Shoot her!

42.4

NIAL
Let him go! Ive got you!

NIAL
But...
GENTRICK
Now!

42.5

Senya dives out of the way


and toward Nial. Nial shoots,
hitting Gentrick in the chest.
Stunner blast is visible.
(SFX: MeeeeeEEEEP!)

GENTRICK
Ahhh!

Page 42

Panel

Kill Shot

Description

Dialog

42.6

Nials stunner hand has fallen


to her side. Senya is sidling
up to her.

NIAL
Was that set on max? Gentrick!

42.7

Senya pushes Nial backward


into the bulkhead, knocking
her out.

SENYA
Sorry, little one, I think he is.
But at least you wont be.

Page 43

Panel
43.1

A Girls Gotta Do

Description
Transition... Senya and Nial
are on the Blue Locos command
deck. Nial is tied firmly to
the co-pilots chair. They
have lifted off a little bit.
The other flyer is visible
through the ports. Nial is
waking up, groggily, and
looking around.

43.2

The ports light up with a


massive explosion. Most of
the Blue Loco is bathed in the
light. We can barely see the
console or the girls. (SFX:
BOOM!)

43.3

Nial looks shocked,


temporarily blinded. Senya
is tapping the console. The
radio is on the console again.

Dialog
SENYA
Brace yourself and close your
eyes.
NIAL
What are we doing here? The bomb
is set to go off!

SENYA
Barely got away in time. Des
forgot to tell me the Locos
password.
NIAL
You put the bomb on our flyer?
SENYA
Along with your friend, there. A
Viking funeral.
NIAL
You murdered him!

43.4

Senya looks at Nial, a bit


concerned, but calm. Nial
looks afraid and angry.

SENYA
No, he was already dead. He left
his stupid stunner on max. If I
hadnt jumped out of the way, Id
have been the dead one.
NIAL
Were not supposed to have them on
the kill setting, for safety. Mine
was on low.
SENYA
I know. I found it in here.

Page 43

Panel
43.5

43.6

A Girls Gotta Do

Description

Dialog

Senya waves the stunner in


the air with her left hand. It
was sitting out of view on the
console. Nial has turned very
pale and is putting her head
between her knees.

SENYA
Sorry, its probably a concussion
from the whack to your head.

Senya sits silently. Nial is


crying. The radio activates.
(SFX: Crackle, crackle)

NIAL
Sob, sob, Sniff.

NIAL
I never killed anyone before...

HORD
Come in, Flyer!
REBEL 1
Barf-huac-huac
HORD
Flyer, were topside. Sickness,
but no locos! Thank the creator.

43.7

Senya stares at the radio, a


look of sudden awareness on
her face. Nial is looking at
the radio, amazed. The only
communication for the UD is
the official and restricted
commnet.

NIAL
Thats not the commnet! How are
you doing that?
SENYA
(Thought bubble)
What the helix am I going to say
to the man?

Page 44

Panel
44.1

Join Em

Description
Senya taps the radio. Nial is
staring at the radio. It is
dark outside, with a full moon
just rising.

Dialog
HORD
Flyer? I got your signal--Im at
the rendevous.
SENYA
Carver, this is the spy. o
HORD
Holy %$@#$$%, what the %$@#$$%!
What have you done to him?
SENYA
Youre not going to believe me.
But he gave me a something for
you.
HORD
Youre just going to have to keep
it, then, spy.

44.2

In the ports, we can vaguely


see a heavily forested island
with five ships sheltered
under the trees, invisible
from above. Senya is flying
very low with no external
lights.

HORD
You wont be able to trace this.
Its not like commnet.
SENYA
I wont have to. He told me where
the rendevous is, and Ill be
landing in a couple of seconds.
Dont shoot me.
HORD
What?!?

44.3

Senya prepares to land on the


beach. Nial looks scared.

NIAL
Who are they? What are you going
to do to me?
SENYA
Im not going to do anything
to you, and I hope they wont,
either. Ive just switched sides,
but I dont know if theyre going
to believe me.

Page 44

Panel
44.4

Join Em

Description
The Blue Loco has landed
and Senya is walking down
the hatchway ramp. Hord and
four other men and women are
waiting, holding guns that
look different from those
weve seen of the UD. These
are old Desin tech. One of the
men is Kev, from Melanjo.

Dialog
HORD
Why shouldnt I just shoot you
now?
SENYA
If you were going to, you would
have already. And Im betting on
your physicians oath.
KEV
Senya! What are you doing here?
What happened to Des?

44.5

Senya is bleeding heavily, so


falls down. Kev is kneeling
beside her. Two of the people
are stepping up into the Loco,
guns first.

KEV
Hord, shes bleeding!
HORD
Maybe he got her, too. Good for
him!
KEV
Shes holding a book, I think. The
letters are all squiggly.

44.6

Hord is holding the book. We


cant see the two who boarded
the flyer. Kev is cradling
Senyas head in his lap.

HORD
Its in Desin. Dess native
language. It looks like someones
notebook--I think those are
mathmatical calculations.
KEV
I think shes dying!
HORD
Good.
REBEL 1
(Off Panel Bubble)
Theres a Stabilization soldier
up here, Hord! Just a tiny one,
though. Shes tied up.

Page 44

Join Em

Panel

Description

44.7

Hord has switched to looking


at Senya wounds. Kev is
looking on, concerned.

Dialog
HORD
Dammit, shes right--do no harm,
and succor the wounded.
KEV
What happened to her?
HORD
These bandages use native
material, which means Des
them. And the wounds look
pressure rifle blasts, at
week old.

plant
applied
like
least a

SENYA
(Thready Bubble)
Nine months and eight days.

Page 45

Panel
45.1

Young Love

Description
Transition... Hord and Kev are
sitting with Nial at a table
set up inside the cargo bay of
the Blue Loco. Nials wrists
are tied, but she has been
given fresh clothes, food and
drink. She is nervous-looking.

Dialog
Caption: With Senya unconscious,
Kev and Hord talk to the only
person who can corroborate Senyas
story. But believing her might be
a little difficult.
NIAL
... I dont know who she is.
We didnt even know she was on
board, and neither did the Wing
Commander...
HORD
Wing Commander Opora?
NIAL
Yes. Anyway, the woman, she was
like an acrobat. She jumped right
over Gentricks head!
HORD
Shes a heavy worlder.

45.2

Nial is nodding. Kev is


leaning forward, obviously
liking Nial.

NIAL
That explains it...
HORD
Why did you join Stabilization
when you signed up?
NIAL
I didnt get a choice.
Stabilization is taking all the
new inductees. And there arent
any jobs. The commnets been
saying theres a recession on
my world, but the inner colonies
seemed to be doing fine.
KEV
But what about your parents?
Didnt they take care of you?

Page 45

Young Love

Panel

Description

45.3

Hord is looking at Kev with


irritation.

Dialog
HORD
Were here to learn what happened
to Des, Kev.
KEV
Sorry, Hord.
NIAL
That woman--I thought she was the
same kind as that guy, but isnt
he from here?

45.4

Kev goes to stand behind Hord.


From now, well be able to
see him making encouraging
gestures to Nial.

HORD
What guy?
NIAL
The Wing Commanders exile
boyfriend--though I guess Gentrick
was right, and she was lying
to him. I dont think her first
names Daronif.
HORD
(Yelling Bubble)
Daronif??

45.5

Nial is leaning away from


Hord and looking at Kev for
reassurance. Hes gesturing,
palms down, for calm.

NIAL
Yes, thats what he called her
right before she had Gentrick
shoot him on max.
HORD
Did you think he was dead?
NIAL
Hed just about have to be.
Gentrick was, after I shot him.

Page 45

Panel
45.6

Young Love

Description
Kev is standing near Nial,
looking upset. Nial is
starting to cry.

Dialog
KEV
You killed somebody?
NIAL
I didnt mean to! He left his
stunner set to max and told me
I had to shoot that woman! She
moved out of the way. I tried to
tell him she would...

Page 46

Panel
46.1

What I Want is What You Got

Description
Transition... On the Black
Ship with Wing Commander
Opara, Jacs and Des. Des is
beaten-looking and naked.
He is strapped with metal
straps to a metal table. Jacs
is standing watching Opara
admiringly. Opara is standing
next to Des looking pleased.

Dialog
Caption: On the Stabilization
flagship. Opara, whom Des knew
as his friend and savior, Daronif.
He has been handled roughly by her
older Stabilization crew, who were
hand-picked for their hatred of
all things genmod.
OPARA/DARONIF
If you want to rejoin the living,
Des Karn, I would recommend that
you give me whatI ask for.
DES
The ability to read time rifts?
Its genetic. Without becoming a
Desin, you fail at the outset.

46.2

Opara spits on Dess face.

OPARA/DARONIF
Soul Witch! You will teach me to
see or you will spend the rest of
a very long life being my eyes.
DES
Otherwise, youll kill me quickly?
I dont think that I choose to die
just yet. Ill take your bargain.
OPARA/DARONIF
Stupid witch! No one said that you
would enjoy the life you keep.
DES
Youre like every evil character
rolled into one! Next, youll
monologue until my rescuers
arrive. Keep going! This is just
getting good.

Page 46

Panel
46.3

What I Want is What You Got

Description
Des is laughing, painfully.
Jacs is frowning and is
stepping forward to strike
him. Opara blocks his strike.

Dialog
OPARA/DARONIF
He is stronger than a real human,
Jacs, but he could actually die
from the stunner blast, even
now. And that would disappoint
me greatly.
JACS
But you allowed him to be beaten
by the men...
OPARA/DARONIF
I was weak. I enjoyed it. But now
I remember my plan. Let us leave,
until he is stronger.

46.4

Opara and Jacs walking down


a long, straight, narrow
passage. Soldiers with various
amounts of red piping pass at
a respectful distance.

JACS
You said he can control minds. Why
does he not use his ability?
OPARA/DARONIF
It is a violation of his own mind
as much as it is of the other. He
cannot control more than one other
at a time. Its useless. I do not
know why the Soul Witches wanted
the ability.
JACS
But his time rift skill is
desirable?

46.5

Opara is entering a luxurious


room while Jacs stands
respectfully, hopefully, in
the doorway.

OPARA/DARONIF
Very. To be first into the future
is to win. We will need every
advantage if we are to take over
the Unified Districts, even after
all our groundwork.
JACS
You would like my company?
OPARA/DARONIF
No. You may go.

Page 46

What I Want is What You Got

Panel

Description

46.6

In the passageway, one young


soldier is watching Jacs
as he leaves Oparas rooms,
dejected.

46.7

The young soldier slips into


Oparas stateroom. We see his
knuckles on the doorpost,
bloody from punching Des.
Through the doorway, we see
Oparas naked back.

Dialog

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