int. ThrONE ROOM, CITY OF TRIELLES -- DAY
The Raven sits upon his throne, in even more advanced armor then before, a Raven crest upon it's breast, and two women lay sprawled upon the steps their throats torn out, pools of blood trickling down the stairs. The Raven's full compliment of elite guards line the walls, twelve in all. The Doctor rushes in through the double doors as if he had been summoned. He takes one look at the dead slave girls and sighs, pulling out a PDA and tapping on to it. He walks slowly towards the Raven who looks distraught as if he hadn't slept for days. He looks up at the Doctor with pleading eyes.
The RAVEN
It's the dream, over and over again, the dream. It haunts me Doctor. Animals, the animals relentlessly stalk me, hunt me, want to kill me, kill me. They want to stop me from attaining my Godhood, from fulfilling my fate!!! They won't!!!! I will not let them!!!! Do you hear me sister!!!!!! You will not stop me!!!!! The dream doctor, it consumes me.
The Doctor walks up and very haltingly and with much trepidation puts an arm on the Raven's shoulder who immediately collapses into the Doctor like a child which causes great shock within the Doctor's face who hesitantly and awkwardly pats his lord on the back.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
You won't let them get me, will you Doctor?
The Doctor has a nervous twitch.
Dr.IDRARI
Of course not my lord, your entire army as we speaks journeys to consumate their utter destruction. Their lives will be forfeit within the week and then your sleep shall be peace itself.
The Raven abruptly jerks back as he pushes the Doctor off him as if the change is immediate and he is back to the fearless dictator.
THE RAVEN
Of course my dear doctor. I sent my entire army, all of them, all of them indeed. I remember both you and the General argued against such, but so little faith, so little faith. Do you want to know a secret Doctor, why I had no qualms against sending all my soldiers and holding nothing back?
The Doctor looks as if he is contemplating what is the answer the Raven wants to hear.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
No need to answer my dear friend, I know you do. Follow me, follow me, follow me!
With that the Raven bounces off his throne and in his excitement kicks one of the dead girls and she flies colliding in a wet sound against the wall. The Doctor sighs and follows. Four of the elite guard follow with no noise.
Int. Hallway leading to titanium door -- city of trielles -- day
The Raven moves coming out of stairs down a long hallway towards a titanium door with a code console to the side of it. The door looks to be thick and heavily secured. The Raven motions for the doctor to follow him as two elite guard trail. The Raven stops in front of the door.
The raven
You do know where we are Doctor? (A smile stretched from ear to ear.)
The Doctor nods.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
Yes yes, where we met on that fateful day so long ago. Where my freedom was found and a dream born and a God took breath.
Dr.IDRARI
My lord, why did you bring me here? I thought you allowed noone within the labs.
The Raven smiles and pats the Doctor on the head like a dog.
THE RAVEN
Ahh but you are not just anyone. You are my faithful friend and servant are you not?
DR.IDRARI
Of course my lord, of course. I am ever your humble servant.
The Raven laughs a heavy hearty laugh.
THE RAVEN
Ok do not push it my dear Doctor.
The Raven's fingers fly on the code console and then sticks his eye to it which does a scan and then the door releases. The Raven stops before entering then motions the Doctor with a motion and a bow.
The RAVEN (CONT'D)
After you my faithful hound.
The Doctor nervous as all get out relents and walks through followed by the Raven laughing.
Int. Expansive lab in the city of trielles -- day
The Doctor walks into a new largely expanded lab from the years previous. The console room, triple the size, with white outfitted techs with black masks moving back and forth to a myriad of consoles, some reading reports, others inputting data with large data storage units. The Doctor can see through a glass frame the length of an entire room that the warehouses now goes back farther then the eye can see, full of incubators with what looks to be fully grown men. He is in awe. The Raven laughs a roaring laugh.
The raveN
I knew you would appreciate the sheer scope of my endeavors. Of course it has taken all my intellect and the work of my lovely techs, though I did have to kill the men that expanded the labs, no loose tongues can we have huh Doctor, and speaking of tongues, I had all my children here in the lab's removed, again no spoiling surprises, can't have a word whispered in the wrong ears.
Dr.IDRARI
But my Lord did not we not just receive a full battalion not three years hence that you sent out with the rest of the army? How is it that I already see three times that amount in front of me ready for release?
The Raven smiles like a giddy kid.
THE RAVEN
And there is the genius lying within my flesh dear Doctor. I not only have solved the issue of acceleration but with all the resources I have stripped from the conquered cities I have an army of 50,000 troops all cybernetically enhanced. This entire generation is the equivalent of my elite guard, well I speak too soon I think. I did have to take a couple short cuts, so they are not programmed with as an extensive combat skill set as my guard but they are twice as strong and as quick and as resilient as the old models. Now you can see why I sent my entire army to take Barrakus, to strip the flesh from my sister's bones and to fulfill my ascension to Godhood?!
The Doctor bows.
DR.IDRARI
Yes my lord, impressive as always. How anyone can think they could stand against your fate is an endeavor in futility.
The Raven smiles.
THE RAVEN
Yes yes Doctor, how true. Nothing and noone shall interfere with the stepping to my destiny, to a land of bones and graveyards lifting me up to the Heavens and beyond!
The Raven laughs like a devil in skin.
Ext. Wall of the fortress of barrakus -- late afternoon
The Hawk and Leo stand atop the wall of Barrakus looking at a massive army just out of range of the percussion cannons lining the wall, setting up their camp. At least a 120,000 troops line the desert. A large amount of sky sleds roam the sky over the army as well as hover tanks on the ground and a massive amount of other war machines. Soldiers move a distance down the wall in either direction, near the percussion cannons.
LeONARDO
That's a lot of future corpses. This might take a while. Looks like they don't want to cooperate and just lay down.
Hawk smiles.
The hAWK
Humor is a useful tool, one you will desperately need before the day bleeds itself to a conclusion.
Leo smirks.
LEONARDO
Somehow I think my humor will be waning very soon. And on cue here it goes, there's Tulari's long rifleman right now, surprisingly on time, not surprisingly he himself is nowhere to be found. Let us see if we can sting the beast into some mistakes.
They both look at a few thousand men coming out of the gates with extremely long barreled rifles moving to a few hundred yards out. They kneel and take aim. They see Tulari's overweight General Usine wave his arm forward. The crack of a few thousand rifles echo and the first mistake of the enemy as many of their soldiers pitch on the ground from the retort. The rifleman get off a few more volleys before the enemy retreats it's forces a few thousand feet further, leaving a couple thousand dead on the sand.
LeoNARDO (CONT'D)
Just a slight scratch to the size of that army, but a good start. I believe your brother forgot to take into account the forest city's range on their long rifles.
The haWK
And we counted on such High Lord, that they would be too preoccupied on your cannon. Though I doubt they will do what we want and charge before they are ready. Though my scout has a few more surprises she will deliver to keep them from becoming too comfortable in their current position.
Leo smiles.
LEONARDO
Your enigmatic scout, the same one I take it that delayed this army a couple days longer then we originally estimated and allowed us to set up your secret weapon.
The Hawk nods.
THE HAWK
The one and the same. And you are about to see more of her handiwork right about now.
Leo looks and sees nothing then looks over at the Hawk who is smirking.
The HAWK (CONT'D)
Wait for it.
Explosions ring within the camp of the enemy as small objects are dropping from the sky. They are more irritants then anything, but a few hundred of the enemy lay dead upon the sand. Leo laughs hard.
LeoNARDO
I demand to some day meet this scout of yours. I might need to hire her away from you.
THE HAWK
She is talented but I do not think you have enough money my Lord, she is also very loyal. Though this battle will have to do without her services. I have sent her on a blind man's bluff and hope it turns the card we need.
Leo looks at her quizzingly.
LEONARDO
Not quite sure what you just said but I hope it helps win this war because as I see it, the bones of fate are stacked against us.
Taleru's men cheer loudly but then Leo sees Loris down there having words with Usine who angrily concedes and he motions his men to silence and has them retreat back through the gates.
The hawk
We have greeted the enemy and first blood to us. I will see you on the battlefield High Lord. It is time we each get to our parts.
Leo turns to say something and the Hawk is already gone.
LeoNARDO
I was going to say you can call me Leo for the tenth time but oh well. (Smile)Always did like mysterious women.
He looks towards the inner courtyard and already sees Taleru's long rifleman making their way up to the wall to take their positions with the cannon. In the courtyard are his own percussion tracked tanks and mobile scout buggy's with percussion heavy rifles on side and top as well as the Hawk's more advanced hover tanks and sky sleds and a lot of soldiers running around.
LeoNARDO (CONT'D)
We are still outmanned 2 to 1, and outgunned, but I can't say this isn't going to be an interesting turning of the sun.
Ext. Inside courtyard of the city of barrakus -- early evening
Leo is fully armored with his helmet on but face plate open as he talks to his friend and commander, Loris, who is checking one of his pistols while conversing. Taleru stands with his men in the background, the remaining few thousand that aren't long rifleman, now in ornate expensive armor with one percussion pistol on his side conversing with Osine. The Entire courtyard is full of readied soldiers, the Hawk's better armed black armored soldiers mixed in with Leo's dark blue, dark purple colored soldiers, all war vehicles ready to roar out of the gate.
LeoNARDO
Did the Hawk and her group get out of the tunnel without a hitch?
CommANDER LORIS
Yes Leo. You are like a hen with her chicks. She has a job as we do. I have more faith in her job getting done then I do ours.
Leo smiles.
LEONARDO
Her job won't get done unless we do ours my friend. Their sky sleds worry me. We have only a quarter as many and ours will eventually be overwhelmed, then our cannons and Taleru's riflemen will be exposed.
COMMANDER LORIS
They have a platoon of our soldiers up there to help them as they can. Let's hope our sky sleds can keep the enemy occupied long enough for them to of overheated their weapons and be useless. Leo, it always comes down to the same thing my friend. The strength of our arms and blades. Both sides firearms will have burned their use within the first hour then we will be down to blood and guts as it should be.
LEONARDO
Alright alright. Are the troops ready?
COMMANDER LORIS
They've been ready for hours. You mean are me and you ready? Take your dress off Leo, it's time for us to bloody this beast of the west.
Loris looks at the gate Guards. The Commander hits his voice enhancer on his armor
CommANDER LORIS (CONT'D)
Open the gates, soldiers ready to move.
Taleru steps up to Leo and Loris with Osine in tow. The gates start opening.
LorD TALERU
Good road to you High Lord.
Leo growls.
LeoNARDO
Just make sure this gate stays secure for our retreat Taleru!!!
Taleru and Osine share a smile.
LORD TALERU
As you command My Lord.
Commander Loris spits on the ground and steps toward Taleru before Osine intervenes with hand on pistol. Leo stares down all of them
LEONARDO
I have left orders to make sure you follow your orders Taleru. Do not disappoint or you could find the day becoming finite quickly.
Taleru looks taken aback is if plans he had laid out are now gone as he shares a disappointed look with Osine. Loris and Leo jump on the sides of a desert war buggy.
Commander LORIS
Move out!!!!!
The entire army, with Loris and Leo in the lead, move out of the gates.
Ext. ouTSIDE THE GATES OF BARRAKUS -- early evening
The entire army pours out of the gates, the infantry taking the center, the vehicles splitting off to either side. The wall has flood lights projecting out far, almost to the enemy lines, and the vehicles have lights as well as lights on soldier's helmets. The soldier driving the war buggy Leo and Loris are on moves in front of the infantry.
CommANDER LORIS
Leo, did you leave orders as you told Taleru?
Leo smiles.
LeONARDO
Not at all but no need to tell the toad that. It's good to keep that one on his toes or we just might have a closed door when an open one might be what sees us to tomorrow.
Loris laughs.
COMMANDER LORIS
I knew the old Leo was hiding somewhere in the High Lord's title.
Leo looks at his childhood friend.
LEONARDO
Never a doubt my friend.
They both share a smile but suddenly look out at the horizon as the enemy starts moving. The entire face of the sand looks like a nest of insects have poured out of it as the entire strength of the enemy starts rolling down towards the awaiting army less then half it's size. As they come into range the Rulinarian rifleman start firing with their long rifles and demons fall, another hundred feet, the percussion cannon start taking their toll. Immediately the enemy launches all it's sky sleds to stifle that onslaught, and the sky sleds that the city has, immediately respond and move out to repel, though outnumbered three to one. The flight skills of the rebels far outweigh the enemy but numbers still prove too much. A large group break through and start towards the wall. Some of the vehicles on the ground fire up in the air, bringing a few down. Leo looks in concern up at the wall.
COMMANDER LORIS
Focus Leo, trust in your men.
LEONARDO
I know my friend. Ready the troops, almost our turn.
John looks over his troops.
COMMANDER LORIS
Troops ready to charge!!!!
Some sky sleds roll strafing runs at the ground troops but surely think better as they come into range of the small fire and several are shot out of the sky, flying into the wall. The Long rifles and platoon of soldiers left with them seem to be holding their own as the cannon are still firing at the oncoming army.
CommanDER LORIS (CONT'D)
I sure hope all that digging Lady Hawk had us doing was worth it.
Leo smiles.
LeONARDO
As she says, wait for it.
Right on cue the entire front lines of the enemy disintegrate as they hit a strip of mines, blowing all down, a mile wide.
LeoNARDO (CONT'D)
Now Commander!!!!
Loris hits his voice enhancer again.
CommANDER LORIS
Charge!!!!! For Barrakus!!! For Your city and Lord!!!! Send these demons back to the pits they came from!!!!!
The entire army rolls out with thunder as the foundering enemy is attempting to traverse the trench created by the mines.
Ext. Desert surrounding barrakus -- night
The Hawk, her three comrades and about 15,000 of her soldiers, all on foot, look down on the battle, a mile out of the hidden mountain route, south east of the enemy. The Battle rages, both sides engaged. Some of the enemy vehicles have moved past the defenders attacking the walls as the cannon have overheated and no longer fire.
Colonel tavaris
Looks like our boys might need a hand down there my little bird.
The Hawk scowls.
The hawK
I told you not to address me as such Tavaris and I have eyes that can see better then your own so please refrain from stating the obvious.
ColONEL KISERA
That's like asking the desert to not be hot.
ColONEL TAVARIS
Hey, I resemble that. (smile)
GenERAL BUSARI
Enough you two. What's the call Lady Hawk?
The Hawk rolls a strained ready look across her brow.
The haWK
As we planned General. You and Tavaris will take the troops and hit their south east flank while Kisera and I move around the far side and look to take the command tent. No time like the present gentleman. You know what to do so do it. And make sure you all come out of it alive. My life wouldn't be the same without you all to annoy me.
The General bows and Tavaris grins. Kisero says nothing but pulls his rifle off his back and looks ready to kill.
GENERAL BUSARI
As you command my lady.
CoLONEL TAVARIS
You two have fun and of course it will be me saving the day as usual. Such a responsibility being a hero.
Tavaris hits the side of his helmet and a face plate slides closed. Kisera walks up and grips forearms with Tavaris.
ColonEL KISERA
Knowing my luck you will survive and I will be forced to listen to you tell me about it for years to come.
COLONEL TAVARIS
I love you too poopsy.
Hawk smiles.
The haWK
Move out!
The Hawk and Kisera move to come around the back side of the enemy while Busari and Tavaris give hand signals and the troops move out.
Ext. outside of the city of barrakus -- night
The battle is waging heavy. Most everyone's weapons have over heated, though still some fired, here and there, but for the most part it was down to hand to hand, corpses strewn across the landscape. In the background, the walls of the city were hard pressed by the enemy that had gotten past Leo and his army, and scaling ladders had been placed. Most of the enemy sky sleds have landed either on top of the wall or inside it. Leo is hard pressed by two demon soldiers in their black and red field armor with closed visors and large two-handed swords. Leo is between them both, beating them off with quick flurries of his lighter blades, one in each hand. People are fighting all around him. He has lost sight of John. A soldier of his jumps on the back of one of his enemies distracting it long enough for him to focus. The other enemy attempts an over hand swing that Leo slips to the side of but again underestimates their speed and gets a shoulder slammed into his chest, which sends him flying to the ground, that he turns into a roll. A surprised demon who had followed, looking to finish him, instead got a Leo on his feet and leaping forward with a chest thrust and a neck thrust. He slid his blades out and turned in time to see the soldier, who had jumped on the other, having his neck snapped with one hand, the soldier a few feet off the ground. All these demons stood almost 7 feet in height. Leo rolls his neck and gets ready to tango when another demon comes up on his right, this one with a rifle that seemed to be still working.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
LeoNARDO
You have got to be kidding me.
Just as Leo was ready to attempt to leap clear, out of the melee surrounding his small pocket, an axe bites into the demon's thigh hamstringing it as another axe comes around and takes it in the face, the swing ripping through it's helmet and out as John swings around, facing the other, back pedaling towards Leo.
LeoNARDO (CONT'D)
Good save Commander.
CommANDER LORIS
These beasts are tough sons of bitches. They certainly ain't just lying down.
They both split and come at the demon at the same time. It focuses on the larger target, John and his axes, and so John obliges, charging with axes swinging. He swings over head with one axe which the demon just knocks away with ease as he swings the other at it's legs, but it is so fast it knocks that one as well then front kicks John which lifts him up and lands him several feet away hitting the ground hard. He manages to look up in time to see two blades emerge from it's chest then retreat back through. It collapses. Just to make sure Leo plants a sword through it's helmet. John gets to his feet as Leo joins him ready for the next batch as they see their army being destroyed.
CommANDER LORIS (CONT'D)
I might of been a little ahead of myself when I said we could win this Leo. They are too strong, too fast. Look, our men are fighting like beasts but they're also being slaughtered like beasts.
Leo sighs as two more demons obliterate two of their men and move out of the press. John spits, walks over and picks up the rifle of the demon and lets loose, shredding the two demons before the rifle locks up, the over heat light going off.
LeoNARDO
Call a retreat John. We need to fight from the walls. I wanted to keep the citizens safe but it looks like the choice is being taken from us.
John is ignoring him, looking off to the south, at the back lines of the enemy. Leo walks up to look but removes a pistol from his holster, firing off three shots, taking a demon that had been charging his friend. All three bullets hit it in the chest. It collapses and slides the rest of it's charge till it stops a few feet from John's feet. John looks back at Leo and down at his working pistol.
LeoNARDO (CONT'D)
What? You always told me to keep one in reserve. Now what has got you so captivated it almost cost you your life?
John smiles and points at a portion of the enemy peeling off and retreating back towards it's southeast line.
CommANDER LORIS
Looks like The Hawk and her friends got out of the tunnel and are causing problems. Don't know if it's going to be enough but will give our men a momentary breather.
LEONARDO
I am tired of swinging my swords. I need a break. What say we get inventive.
Leo motions towards an enemy's empty hover tank fifty yards south of their position and an empty area around it as the fighting has moved back towards the encroaching Hawk's army.
COMMANDER LORIS
Leo, what you thinking? I doubt those weapons are anything but heat locked.
Leo smiles.
LEONARDO
Using it's weapons is not what I have in mind old friend.
Ext. desert sURROUNDING BARRAKUS -- NIGHT
Tavaris and Busari are fighting, back to back, their army being demolished around them. Tavaris and Busari have a lull in the fighting. Tavaris leans back after shoving his electric rod into a still moving demon. The main battle for Barrakus is down slope from them, at least a half mile to the gates with lights of the wall illuminating the massive carnage, shots still echoing the night, an occasional percussion cannon shot and some return flechette fire at the wall.
ColONEL TAVARIS
We started off good now didn't we old man?
General Busari grunts catching his breath using his two war hammers to prop himself up.
GeneRAL BUSARI
When are you going to get some real weapons instead of those lizard prods?
Tavaris looks offended.
COLONEL TAVARIS
I am insulted. I jury rigged these myself to spit out 3 times as much voltage as the standard lizard prods. SO please when you refer to them again you will do so as elite lizard prods.(smile)
The General laughs.
GENERAL BUSARI
One of these days your cavalier attitude is gonna get us both killed, most likely today. These demons are just too strong, too fast, too many. We are going to lose this war for our Lady Hawk.
Tavaris laughs.
COLONEL TAVARIS
I never lose and I am too good looking to start now. So get yourself situated old man for here they come again and we need to give our boys some help.
A new rush of demons roll up onto their men, killing them like insects with large two handed swords, their soldiers with just a long blade and a dagger, a few on both sides still having unheated firearms and letting loose. Tavaris lets out a roar and attacks a demon who has a soldier lifted up in the air. Tavaris strikes it three times in the back with his prods and as it's muscles spasm and it jerks hard it releases the soldier and Tavaris shoves one prod into it's neck as it falls and the other into the face of it's helmet, blowing out it's face plate, and shoves both rods into the helmet until burning flesh smokes out and it convulses till still. Tavaris nods at the soldier getting up but then roars as the soldier's head disappears as a giant wolf envelops it's head and two more wolves appear next to the one finishing the head it has just ripped off. Behind the three beasts stands a demon larger then the rest, a giant spiked flail in each hand, swinging their chains. Tavaris and Busari looks at each other then at their men being overrun and unable to help.
GENERAL BUSARI
Ok Tavaris, take care of the pups while I handle the one with the swinging balls.
Tavaris smiles.
COLONEL TAVARIS
I think that's the closest I have ever seen you come to humor old man. Alrighty, let's sell our lives on the pricey side, what say you?
The General smiles, loosening the hammers with some wrist rolls.
GENERAL BUSARI
I say that's the first intelligent thing I have ever heard fall out of your mouth lad.
They both charge screaming.
Ext. OutSIDE THE GATES OF BARRAKUS -- night
A cohort of demons is devastating the city soldiers, slaughtering them like chafe. All of a sudden, over a dune, it's lights flaring, John leaning out and screaming, Leo driving, the Tank rolls right through the group of demons, sending many flying, crushing others as Leo then spins it, knocking the ones he missed tumbling into the sand. A demon with a still working rifle starts firing at the tank causing John and Leo to duck down until Leo spins it close to the demon and John leaps out, axes in hand, landing on the demon, knocking it over and planting both his axes into it's head. The tank collapses, it's engine broken. Leo steps out as soldiers move into them. More demons are rolling towards them. John just getting up looks and sees them and spits.
CommANDER LORIS
Is this night ever going to end?
LeoNARDO
One way or another my old friend, one way or another. I don't like our odds but we will go as the children of Barrakus always have, a war scream in our throats and steel in our hands.
Loris looks back at the wall.
COMMANDER LORIS
Looks like our fat noble is not going to be sitting this one out. They've gained the wall.
Leo grunts.
LEONARDO
He will have to earn his keep. We have our hands more then full here. We live or die in these bloody sands, the over indulgent noble will have to pick up a blade and sweat some of that excess he has spent years building and protect my damn citizens or I will take away his dessert and half dressed serving girls.
Commander roars a laugh.
CommANDER LORIS
Knew there was a reason I followed you besides your riches and fame, well mostly your riches and fame, and the women, and just to show my expansive generosity, I could keep his half dressed serving girls entertained.
Ext. inSIDE COURTYARD OF THE CITY OF BARRAKUS -- night
Battle is in full earnest upon the wall and the inner courtyard, a few of the enemy sky sleds crashed into buildings or landed on the wall and courtyard. Large wide scaling ladders are up against the wall that three men could climb at once and many demons are doing just that as the defenders furiously attempt to knock the ladders off or kill them, most of their rifles heat locked and several pockets of demons having gained the wall. More have made the inner courtyard and are in direct conflict with Taleru's soldiers. Osine stands in front of Taleru with his two handed sword, leaning in one hand, on the ground, as he shoots his percussion pistol with his other hand killing a demon that breaks through the line heading their way.
General osine
My Lord, our lines are going to break. Should we retreat to the fortress?
Taleru ponders, looking back to the massive looming fortress in longing, but then grits his teeth. He walks over to a servant holding a long ornate case. The servant bows and holds up the case that Taleru opens seeing a deadly looking, slightly curved blade.
LoRD TALERU
My father's sword. Something I would never of thought I would need nor my father thought I would have the courage to take up. We can always surprise ourselves and our fathers.
Osine walks up.
GeNERAL OSINE
Your orders sir?
Taleru pulls his pistol and lifts his father's blade.
LORD TALERU
As I said to Lord Sylvestri, even a fat coward knows when the only choice left is to fight. Let us show these demons what the sons of the Forest City can do shall we General.
Osine nods and holsters his pistol and grips his two handed sword. They both look at each other and scream, charging into the line of battle.
Ext. desert surrounding barrakus -- NIGHT
The Hawk and Kisera hide behind the lip of a dune overlooking the command tent. The command tent sits a half mile from the battle on the top of an upsloping dune. It has generators around it, satellite and camera above, and at least 15,000 soldiers held in reserve, standing in formation, unmoving. Lights attached to the tent light the area.
The hawk
Hmm, there are too many even for you and I. Our friends new and old alike need to fight hard enough for them to send those reserves into battle.
COLONEL KISERA
Tavaris might be many things, mostly an irritant, but the General and he will put some fear into these beasts. We need to give them time.
The Hawk looks deeply into his eyes.
THE HAWK
I believe our time is running very short my friend.
int. Command tent at the battle of barrakus-- NIGHT
General Zakar sits in a large ornate chair, with techs at a console, observing the battle on large vid screens with a communication center. Next to the General are Lt. Tibbs (Long blonde hair with twin pistols holstered under his arms, and two long knives sheathed at lower back) and Lt. Vikir (dark hair with a rifle strapped to his back and a long slender sword at his waist) who is looking over the shoulder of one of the techs at the console.
Lt. Vikir
General, we are not experiencing the overwhelming victory you projected. We are into our 3rd hour of battle.
The General's face takes a bothered look.
GeNERAL ZAKAR
It's a matter of time Lt. Vikir. I have to admit, the resistance has been greater then I thought it would be. Our Lord Raven will not be pleased. We need to wrap this up and find his sister before the sun again touches the sand.
LT. VIKIR
We should commit our reserves if that is the outcome you seek. Right now we have close to 37 percent casualties though the enemy has lost close to 60 percent by best estimates. But my observations and the numbers conclude the more they suffer the harder they fight and the higher are casualty ratio is rising.
GENERAL ZAKAR
That flanking maneuver did catch us unprepared in addition to whatever that line explosion was. Ok, do it. Send in the reserves. Keep 20 of the demons as perimeter guards on the command tent and send the rest with orders to flank the remaining portion of defenders just north and east of our present position. That should hammer what's left into the after life.
Lt. Vikir types in a command id into the console.
LT. VIKIR
The command programming has been sent to their head set receivers. They are on the way now. They should be able to mop up the remaining resistance.
Lt. Tibbs
Good, I am bored being a baby-sitter to these tin cans. It used to be men fought men, not these mindless mounds of muscle.
GeNERAL ZAKAR
Enough Tibbs. These beasts have won us the Waste. Our lives will be luxury and relaxation after they finish this city.
Lt, Vikir looks at the console.
Lt. VIKIR
One thing about these beasts, they aren't much for thinking but when you give them an order they do it and do it without a waste of movement. They are already about to engage the enemy.
A repeated sound of rifle shots are heard right outside of the tent followed by return fire. Everyone jerks their heads.
GeneRAL ZAKAR
Tibbs find out what that racket is about!
Lt. Tibbs smiles an evil grin pulling his two flechette pistols.
Lt. TIBBS
With pleasure! I finally might see some action in these bloody days, about time!
Ext. deSERT SURROUNDING BARRAKUS -- NIGHT
Hawk and Kisera see the reserve troops go from immobile statues to a sudden move at a monstrous pace towards the battle. 20 of them stay, moving to form a perimeter around the command tent.
The hawk
This is the slip of a chance we need. Kisera, your job is a monumental one, to coerce my brother's remaining demons to find a different occupation then guarding that tent.
Kisera nods his head.
CoLONEL KISERA
Your respect for my abilities is profound. Twenty of them, a good death.
Hawk grabs him close.
THE HAWK
Do not die if you can help it my friend, please.
COLONEL KISERA
The thought is warming but destiny's hand shall decide when the end of my travels comes not you or I.
He looks off into the vast desert behind them then at the 20 black and crimson armored killers on the sand beneath them.
COLONEL KISERA (CONT'D)
Alone is how my heart has beat all the steps of my life until you my little Hawk. You and you alone have made a killer into a hero, a beast into a man, into someone that understands what it is to have family, to be a part of something greater then one's self. Thank you. Know that I meet my fate light of heart and strong of purpose.
The Hawk touches his face.
THE HAWK
You are my herald, my honor and my courage. Having said that do not make me have to explain to Tavaris why you are not there for him to bother.
Hawk drifts a whisper.
The hAWK (CONT'D)
Please Suki, pull an ace out of your sleeve. And High Lord, survive long enough for this all to work.
Kisera gives a smile like he doesn't know how then slips into the night, his hands pulling his rifle off his back. The Hawk waits for a few minutes then sees Kisera let loose on the immovable guards mowing down 4 of them in as many seconds with his rifle then fading away into the desert as return fire strafes the sand he was at. The Hawk smiles then disappears into her camo tech.
Ext. DeSERT SURROUNDING BARRAKUS -- NIGHT
Leo looks up as Tavaris and Busari break through to join him and John with the soldiers they have left as they form a retreating line towards the fortress and the main gates, not more then a few hundred yards to it. Everyone is bloody, Busari is wounded, his arm lifeless, only one warhammer in his hand. Tavaris has lost his electric rods and has a normal soldier's long saber in his hand. Leo is with his two long blades and John still has his two axes. A motley beat up rag tag group of soldiers no more then fifteen thousand stand dog tired between the leaders and the enemy giving them time to breathe. They are engaged all along the line though by at least 40,000 troops.
LeONARDO
Thanks for joining the suare boys, appreciate it.
CoLONEL TAVARIS
Wouldn't miss it. (Breathing heavy) Had a hell of time getting here though. Your guests aren't too inviting.
John catches Busari as he almost falls, his dead arm dripping blood. The soldiers are disintegrating as Leo lifts his weapons up and motions for everyone to reengage when they all see a whole new battalion of enemy come over the rise fresh as fresh, already firing their un-heat locked weapons at the fringe of Leo's army.
LEONARDO
This is the end but we will give these demons the best of what a man can give!!!!!!!!! Charge my people!!!!! Charge and hold to your courage!!!!!!!!!
As they begin to charge, the gates open, and Leo and the rest look back and see Tulari and Osine, both bloody, and another five thousand troops charging out to join them as well as every man, woman and child old enough to hold a weapon with every weapon they could find, some with no weapons at all, another ten to twenty thousand streaming like a broken dam. Leo smiles, proud, then turns and races at the enemy. John motions for everyone.
CommaNDER LORIS
For your city!!!! For your Lord!!!!!
Ext. DesERT OF THE WASTE -- NIGHT
Tibbs exits the tent, seeing the four dead soldiers and the rest, all staring into the night, their weapons raised. Tibbs walks straight to the commander.
LT. TIBBS
What happened soldier?
He turns like an automate.
Lead soldier
One assailant striking then retreating, 4 casualties.
LT. TIBBS
I can see the casualties you imbecile. Why did you not pursue?!
LEAD SOLDIER
We were told to guard the perimeter of the command tent, to pursue would be in transgression of those orders.
Tibbs kicks sand on the soldier and stamps his foot.
LT. TIBBS
Ahh for the old days. Five of you stay here and guard the command tent, the rest of you with me. We are gonna play hunt the lizard, an old game, a good game.
Tibbs moves off with eleven of the guards.
Ext. DESERT SURROUNDING BARRAKUS -- NIGHT
Kisera finds ruins a mile out, his body heaving from the exertion. He looks at his rifle clip, only a third down on the heat lock meter. He sets up behind the broken down wall of cement, old support rods sticking out. He puts his rifle down long enough to take out his scimitars and lays them for easy reach on the next section of broken down cement, a few feet away.
CoLONEL KISERA
The end has been carved in the sand. May the killer now hero die with honor.
He takes a dagger out of a back waist sheath. He kisses it, then carves a line of blood down each cheek, twice, over old scars. He wipes the blade on his leathers and returns it, picking up his rifle just in time as a blonde human with two pistols and 11 of the bio-chem enhanced soldiers spread out in a wedge formation, all with their rifle lights on, illuminating themselves along with the area in front of them. Before they can react Kisera takes two out on the right, pivoting like the killer he is, and killing two on the left before they all hit the sand and return fire, tearing up the cement wall in big divots. He lays some suppressing fire, hitting one of the soldiers, who makes no noise, but not a kill. He moves to the other wall just as the wall he was at disintegrates under the fire. The blonde motions to the remaining 7 soldiers and without a thought to their life they get up and start charging, firing their weapons at full bore anywhere into the small piece of ruins, obliterating cement, some of it hitting the wall Kisera hides behind. He kisses two fingers, lifting them to the sky, then raises, firing short bursts, taking three more down. He then ducks down, flips the rifle, and with practiced moves strips the bottom casing, fiddling with some wiring till the heat lock shuts down, then takes a string out of a pouch at his waist using it to tie the rifle into full auto mode, aimed right into the wall, wedging it in some broken cement, firing unrelentlessly into the lonely cover. He grabs his scimitars and disappears into the ruins. The four remaining chem. soldiers, running headlong with no sense of self preservation, fire at the same wall, already disintegrating, which then releases the rifle fire free into the night. As they approach into the field of fire at a dead run, two are hit but not killed, one in the right shoulder, the other in the arm. The other two pull ahead but as they get close, they hear a whining sound. They circle out of the firing spread and close in on target. A rifle whines increasingly hot, then it explodes, throwing both soldiers at least ten feet, smoking burnt frames. One slowly gets up, the other is a corpse. Tibbs runs up, pistols out, with the lights attached to the pistols, on. He is fuming.
Lt. TIBBS
What is wrong with you?!!!!! It's one man and eight of you are corpses in the sand!!!!!!
One soldier steps up, the leader.
LeAD SOLDIER
Our deaths are irrelevant. You asked us to charge with no tactics involved, we died. Quarry is skilled, rigged his rifle to not heat lock, shows ingenuity. Further orders Lt.?
LT. TIBBS
Please shoot me now. (Sees weapons raising) No! Stand down! (Weapons lower) Why me?! Fan out and comb the ruins!!! Kill the enemy on sight!!!!
Three remaining soldiers turn and do as told, their rifles in one hand and them all removing their two handed swords in a prodigious test of strength with the other.. They disappear into the ruins as Tibbs keeps scanning with his pistols. Within a few seconds he hears rifle fire and sword strikes. Noone exits the ruins.
LT. TIBBS (CONT'D)
If you want something done..
Lt. Tibbs slowly enters into the ruins. He moves, the lights of his gun illuminating the night.
LT. TIBBS (CONT'D)
Come out you rebel dog!!!!! I am Lt. Thadius Tibbs, the Viper of Unari. I'm sure you've heard of me!!! Come out now and I'll make it quick and clean, a breath, then the dirt!!!! Make me hunt ya down, and I'll kill you in inches!
He moves around a corner and sees a dead soldier, head off it's shoulders.
ColoNEL KISERA
Oh yes, I've heard of you, The Viper, more a rat. You have a reputation stretching across the Waste. Killed Fedari Tenari while he was taking a shit. Brave man brave as brave gets!!!!
Lt. Tibbs starts worrying, jumping at shadows as he moves further into the ruins. He sees the burned soldier hanging from a rotted out wooden beam by a rusty chain, it's intestines hanging out it's gut. The soldier still breathes. Tibbs fires and kills it.
Lt. TIBBS
Who are you????!(Nervously) I like to know who I am going to gut.
Kisera's voice again comes across the night in a whisper.
COLONEL KISERA
I have many names whispered in graves, the beast of the sands, among others. Kisera though, was the name given in blood and birth. Personally, I always liked, killer of killers, or for you, now, Death.
Tibbs almost loses his grip on his pistol.
LT. TIBBS
Kisera, no no, it can't be. I heard you died. No. Your just a delusional rebel attempting to rattle me with that name, pretending to be a ghost.
A voice whispers almost in his ear.
COLONEL KISERA
I am no ghost.
Tibbs spins firing both weapons as a blade comes out of the night.
Int. COMMAND TENT AT THE BATTLE OF BARRAKUS-- NIGHT
The General is pacing back and forth while Lt. Vikir is still monitoring over a tech's shoulder.
Lt. VIKIR
My Lord, the resistance has almost crumbled. They are being overwhelmed, though the citizens of Barrakus joining the fight bolstered the defenders, superior numbers are still proving too much. The battle should be over within the hour.
The General stops and nods.
GenERAL ZAKAR
Good, good but where is Tibbs? What is taking him so long? Attempt to communicate with him again.
Lt. Vikir shakes his head.
LT. VIKIR
His communication line is dead sir. Last communication placed him a mile southwest of our position in some old world ruins. One assailant sir. I can't see him not being able to handle it with 11 soldiers at his back.
The General doesn't look convinced but then jerks his head as everyone else does when a loud thunder sounds from the entrance of the tent as Hawk is collapsed on the ground attempting to unsuccessfully get up, her nano camouflage slowly dissipating under an electric charge, two thin swords on the ground next to her. A strange device overhanging the entrance slowly goes dead with some lingering shock charges streaming to Hawk. The General smiles as Vikar pulls his rifle and two techs pull side arms, all approaching her. The Hawk still attempts to get up but her cybernetics and muscles seem to be freezing up on her.
GENERAL ZAKAR
Look what we have here (Laughter). So nice of you to join us. You must be the infamous sister of our Lord Raven, Hawk is it? No, don't get up on my account, though looks like you would have trouble doing so even if you were so obliged.
He walks around her and pats the now dead device.
GenERAL ZAKAR (CONT'D)
You can thank your brother for this beautiful gift. It's keyed into activating when anyone with cybernetic tech rolls under it's loving endearments. Only has one use in it but looks like it was sufficient.
Hawk through sheer determination starts to stand slowly, one hand slowly reaching for one of her swords. The General kicks her in the chest sending her falling through the entrance.
GENERAL ZAKAR (CONT'D)
We will have none of that.
The General unslings his war hammer in two hands and exits, followed by Lt. Vikir and the two techs.
Ext. DESERT SURROUNDING BARRAKUS -- NIGHT
The Hawk comes tumbling through, still slowly fading sparks of electricity coursing her frame. The General, warhammer in hands, comes striding through the flap with an evil grin on his face, followed by Vikir with rifle in hand and two techs with pistols. The five remaining guards seeing the threat move towards the Hawk with rifles pointed. The General smiles at the soldiers moving forward.
GenERAL ZAKAR
A lot of good you were. A little late on the draw. And you, my pretty lady have made what would of been an easy taking of the final prize into a costly venture, though all for naught in the end it seems. I think I will take my time removing your head from your shoulders for your brother.
A tech comes running out of the command tent, whispering into Lt. Vikir's ear.
Lt. VIKIR
My Lord, we have a problem.
GENERAL ZAKAR
What can possibly be wrong now?
LT. VIKIR
Well sir, we have a massive new army coming down out of the east. They look to be mutants sir and there are a lot of them.
The General swears.
GENERAL ZAKAR
Looks like I am going to have make this quick my infamous Hawk.
The General swings back his hammer over his head and starts to bring it down on the still struggling Hawk when a spinning double bladed axe hits him right in the chest, throwing him off his feet to land on his back, gurgling his last dying breaths. The Wolf comes over the lip of a dune in a full black, strangely white runed, body armor, two strange pistols firing before anyone has reacted, pulse energy licking off the barrels to put two holes through two of the soldiers, then moving, as if seeing Vikir firing on where he was, before Vikir's fingers itch a trigger, so when Vikir does fire he is long gone, his own pistol firing off another of the strange pulse energy, taking Vikir's head off, the other hand firing, taking another of the soldiers in the chest. Still three soldiers fire off their rifles as the Wolf tumbles ahead of their spray firing off two more shots taking one's side of his head and shoulder off and the other it's whole left leg and hip off. The last soldier however is about to fire dead center to the Wolf's chest, when out of the sky, a spear enters the top of it's head followed by a grown Suki slamming it's already dying body to the ground. She lands squat and looks up with a feral grin.
Suki
Ahh ma beautiful Wolf protector. Ya still not nothing without little Suki.
DieGO
This all I get, these weak things?!! Ya take all da fun.
Everyone turns to see Diego wiping his blades off the dead body of one of the techs, the other two already bleeding into the sands. Behind them on war lizards, a whole platoon seeing they were not needed, charges towards the now dwindling battle at the gates of Barrakus. The Wolf is grinning through an ornate open faced helm, pulling his axe from the General's body, placing it in a back sheath. He walks over and pulls up a now shaking but moving Hawk.
The WOLF
Sorry I was late my lady, spent the last year gathering friends, thought you might need them.
The Hawk shakes herself off.
The hAWK
Seems like you did some growing up since last I saw you, and improved your speech. Though not infallible I see. (Motioning towards Suki pulling her spear out of a corpse.) I take it your army is relieving the defenders?
The Wolf nods.
THE WOLF
As we speak. And my language did get some upgrades thanks to the Old Man, along with other attributes. I gathered a 100,000 mutants, every mutant of every tribe along the Burn.
Diego
And to watch the cub do it, good. Never been done before in all history of tribes.
The WOLF
Enough about my accomplishments. I didn't have time to ask since Suki was in such a hurry. Where is Toh?
Diego
Yes where ma son n law who elope with ma daughter an disappear in the night? I wa words with tha boy. (They eye his swords.) Wha, some hiding like a cave spider in tha tent.
Diego says this as he comes out of the tent wiping his blades with a piece of torn cloth, still in the same gear he was, though older, grizzlier, gray in his hair. Suki, wings folded back, light black leathers, similar to Hawk though no titanium reinforcements, with her war spear in one hand, pouch around her waist and a pistol on her hip steps up with a sad look on her face. The Hawk echoes her expression.
Suki
He dead an gone 2 years, a raid Papa and you would no say nothin, a better man I neve' find.
Diego bows his head and walks to hold Suki.
DIEGO
A ya say daughter. He was a good boy, loyal and fierce, a proud son of The Burn.
Out of the night comes Kisera cradling one arm which is bleeding heavily with a piece of cloth wrapped around it.
CoLONEL KISERA
What I miss?
The Hawk runs and hugs him, then collects herself, and pulls back, holding his arm.
The hawk
Nothing. You can join us and the fated Wolf and finish this.
The wolf
(Eyes Kisera's closeness to Hawk with irritation.) Yes, stupid of me. We have people dying. Diego let us be off and put down the remaining demons.
The Wolf whistles and a giant war lizard comes over the dune followed by another. Both mount, Wolf eyeing Hawk then scathingly appraising Kisera. They take off. The Hawk eyes Suki who nods and takes to the air. Kisera steps up next to Hawk.
ColONEL KISERA
Looks like your long lost pup has a crush.
The Hawk glares at him. (Shots of all the dead, women, children, soldiers, Usine in city, Busari on plains.)