Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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
1.3
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
Description
2.1
2.2
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
2.4
2.5
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
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
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
SENYA
Thanks so much for thinking of me.
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
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
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
SENYA
The Ex?
DES
(From the passageway)
Just our pet name for the ball and
chain.
Page 4
Panel
4.1
4.2
Description
Dialog
DES
Time to strap in, Meraya. The
Loco doesnt enter atmosphere as
gracefully as youre used to!
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
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
Description
Dialog
DES
Hold on! Unfortunately, youre
about to fall off the edge of the
Razor.
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
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
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
KEV
Glad you made it, Captain Karn. We
kept everything on ice, hoping you
wouldnt be too far into the rift.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
SENYA
Itll be fine, thank you.
9.5
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
Description
9.6
9.7
Dialog
SENYA
Aaaaaaahhhhhh! Thank the Helix for
privacy and hot water.
Page 10
Panel
10.1
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
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
SENYA
((Thought Bubble))
Need to get some transportation.
Was that a grav lot I passed or a
junk yard?
Page 10
Panel
Description
10.4
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
10.6
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
Whats this carving? It looks
like a wolfhound, but the ears
are strange.
Page 11
Panel
Description
Dialog
11.1
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
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
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
CHILDREN
Dont look too deep or mother will
weep; your eyes will glaze, and
in that dark gaze, forever will
sleep."
CHILDREN
Soul witch got you!
SENYA
((Thought bubble))
What kind of spooky tag is that?
Page 11
Panel
Description
Dialog
11.6
11.7
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
Description
Dialog
BARTENDER
Talk to the General over there,
Sodo. Hes been an ex for
forty-fifty years.
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
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
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
GENERAL SODO
Thats propaganda, not history!
Im not sure anyone knows the
truth anymore but me.
Page 13
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
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
SENYA
(Overlay bubble)
Code Rebel?
13.4
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
DES
Thats Dead Stop. I dont stay
longer than I have to, so dont
wander away.
SENYA
Hello, Im Senya. Do you have a
minute for some questions?
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.
Page 16
Something Wicked
Panel
Description
16.4
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
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
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
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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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
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
19.3
DES
(Thought bubble)
That woman is far too decent to be
a Stabilization spy. And yet, she
must be.
19.4
SENYA
That looks ideal for the purpose.
19.5
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
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
Page 20
Surasaw
Panel
Description
Dialog
20.5
SENYA
By the time I reach the cliff
top, the sun wont be against me
anymore.
20.6
Page 21
Panel
Proof
Description
Dialog
21.1
21.2
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
SENYA
(Thought Bubble)
Who is he talking to? And what
was that strange noise? No UD
communication unit makes that
sound.
21.4
SENYA
That was close!
Page 21
Panel
Proof
Description
Dialog
21.5
SENYA
What are these for? Is he building
them to sell?
21.6
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
I wonder where this goes.
22.2
SENYA
What the...?
22.3
SENYA
Whoa! Oh-oh-oh....
22.4
SENYA
(OFF PANEL BUBBLE)
Aaaaaiiiii!
22.5
SENYA
Ouch! Ow!
22.6
22.7
SENYA
(Thready Bubble)
Thats gonna leave a mark.
Page 23
Panel
Cave of Souls
Description
Dialog
23.1
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
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
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
More bones?
23.6
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
23.8
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
I hope I can get out before full
dark--that descent will be less
entertaining at night.
24.2
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
(Whisper Bubble)
Hord Rendihl!
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
SENYA
(Whisper Bubble)
No...!
24.6
SENYA
No time for more. Besides, I have
enough to tell the Stabilization
Wing Commander Daronif.
24.7
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
DES
Carver? Is everything a go for our
meeting?
26.2
HORD
Were on target, Flyer, but I
need to tell -- (SFX: Kkkkek) -danger.
DES
(Off Panel Bubble)
What kind...?
26.3
HORD
(Off Panel Bubble)
Going out of range-- (SFX: Kkkkek,
kracck, sshhh) -- spy -- (SFX:
sshhh, Krack!)
26.4
DES
Who? Where?
DES
(Broken Bubble)
At Surasaw, of course. Damn.
26.5
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
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
SENYA
Well, its too late to return my
borrowed skimmer. Ill leave her
here and find a way down to the
city.
27.3
27.4
27.5
27.6
27.7
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
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
DES
Im headed to the South Islands
today. Why dont you come? It
will make up for lost Psych Survey
time.
28.3
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
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
Panel
Description
28.5
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
Shhh. You might discourage her
from coming with me!
28.7
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
Panel
Description
29.1
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
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
Panel
Description
29.3
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
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
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
DES
(Yelling bubble)
Daronif! Its Des. Where are you?
30.2
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
DES
(Yelling bubble)
Daronif!
30.4
30.5
DES
Stablization did this, didnt
they?
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
31.2
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
SENYA
Come on! He cant be a very good
shot if he hasnt hit us yet.
31.4
DES
(Mumbling bubble)
She doesnt even know shes been
hit.
31.5
31.6
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
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
SENYA
(Thready bubble)
Ahhh!
32.3
DES
Sorry, psych wing. You better hope
youre tough, cause I dont have
time to secure you.
32.4
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
DES
There it is!
32.6
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
33.2
33.3
DES
Got to get those wounds closed up.
33.4
DES
What? Is this fabric alive?
33.5
33.6
33.7
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
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
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
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
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
35.3
35.4
35.5
35.6
35.7
35.8
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
SENYA
What in helix?
36.2
DES
Youre awake!
SENYA
I think I might still be dreaming.
The last I remember, we were
enemies!
36.3
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
Page 36
Tempted
Panel
Description
36.5
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
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
Description
Dialog
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
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
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
Description
Dialog
DES
You need a walk. Come on, Ill
show you the library.
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
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
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
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
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
Panel
Description
38.7
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
My ancestors, I wish you peace.
Your world will be free again,
even if not for you.
39.2
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
In case they find this place...
39.4
39.5
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
39.8
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
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
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
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
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
DES
(Off Panel Bubble)
Daronif? Youre alive?
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
41.5
41.6
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
GENTRICK
Where the hell did you come from,
bitch?
42.2
GENTRICK
You got some spring in you. But
this wont last long, with all
that blood.
42.3
GENTRICK
Whats goin--ekk!
GENTRICK
Shoot her, you nit! Shoot her!
42.4
NIAL
Let him go! Ive got you!
NIAL
But...
GENTRICK
Now!
42.5
GENTRICK
Ahhh!
Page 42
Panel
Kill Shot
Description
Dialog
42.6
NIAL
Was that set on max? Gentrick!
42.7
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
43.3
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
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
Sorry, its probably a concussion
from the whack to your head.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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/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
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
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/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
Panel
Description
46.6
46.7
Dialog